Byron sensed Maeve's resistance. He tightened his arm around her waist, holding her securely. Maeve knew she couldn't match his strength, so she stopped struggling. Exhausted, she closed her eyes and said, "Can you let go? I'm not used to being held while I sleep."

"Liar," Byron whispered in her ear, his voice low and hoarse. "Last night, you slept soundly in my arms."

Maeve's eyes snapped open. "Last night, you placed a heat pack on my back! It was so hot I could barely stand it. It was particularly hard and uncomfortable, even while I was asleep. Why would you use a heat pack on someone with a fever?"

Byron fell silent, his deep-set eyes narrowing. "Did you see a heat pack on the bed this morning?"

She searched her memory but couldn't recall seeing one. "Then what was that—"

Before Maeve could finish, Byron leaned in, murmuring something in her ear. Her ears flushed red. He laughed softly, his husky voice sending shivers down her spine.

"Y-you…" Maeve stammered, her limbs flailing as she tried to free herself.

Her efforts were futile. Her resistance only fueled Byron's desire, making him tighten his grip.

"Move again, and you'll face the consequences," Byron warned, his voice both intimidating and alluring. Maeve shrank into his embrace, shivering. "Are you serious? Tim still sick, and you're acting like this…"

Byron chuckled, stroking her hand. "No matter how fragile you might be, you're still my woman. Why can't I?"

"Who's your woman?" Maeve bit her lip. "If you want a woman, go to Karen. Stop harassing me."

Her jealousy was palpable, and Byron's eyes softened. "Maeve, are you jealous?"

Maeve retorted, "Why would I be?"

"You're jealous of Karen," Byron said teasingly, turning her to face him.

Maeve blushed slightly. She pushed him away. "Who's jealous of Karen? Stop making things up!"

Byron gently pinched her chin. "This morning, when you said I was seeing another woman, were you referring to Karen?" He'd thought she was just talking nonsense. Maeve met his gaze. "Even Alex thought you two were a couple, Mr. McDaniel. You should reflect on that."

Byron's eyes darkened. "Then what's going on between you and that pretty boy? Aren't you two getting too close? Do you even consider how I feel?"

"Aren't you overthinking this?" Maeve countered, feeling aggrieved. "Isn't it more outrageous that you forced me to take care of Karen?"

Byron was speechless. After a moment, he said seriously, "I see Karen as a friend. It's not what you think."

How could I believe that? Maeve thought, feeling hurt. We were both kidnapped, but he only cared about Karen! Her eyes dimmed. "You don't need to explain. We're about to divorce anyway. I have no interest in your private affairs."

Byron narrowed his eyes. "Haven't I warned you not to mention that word again?" After all the explanations, she's still jealous! Is she seriously bringing up divorce again! he thought. Maeve said calmly, "I've thought it over. I can give up this apartment, and we really can't be—"

Before she could finish, Byron silenced her with a fierce kiss. His chest burned with rage, and Maeve's mention of divorce fueled it. His lips pressed against hers with an intensity that felt threatening.

"You provoked me; I'll decide when it's over," he uttered, his voice raspy. Maeve's lashes fluttered, but he pressed her down, forcing her to accept his kiss.

She felt completely at his mercy, unable to fend off his advances. Although she struggled internally, her body softened under his touch, making her resistance seem feeble.

"Byron," Maeve cried out, glaring at him with reddened eyes. "This isn't part of the agreement!"

Byron showered her face with soft kisses. "Words are meaningless. Show me the proof."

Maeve's eyes widened in shock.

Seeing her incredulous expression, Byron's tension eased. He rested his forehead against hers, calming his breathing. "Get a hold of yourself. You're still sick. I'm not going to take this any further." Maeve breathed a sigh of relief, but her hand was still held tightly. She looked up and met his intense gaze.

"However, to teach you a lesson, I'll be collecting some interest," he said teasingly.

Maeve narrowed her eyes. "What?"

Byron, with a satisfied expression, sat beside her. "Haven't you had a relationship before? Why do you seem so clueless about everything?"