Chapter 252

Although her tone was seductive, a glazed, lost look in her eyes betrayed her. Joe had an epiphany. He removed the red bracelet from his wrist and tried to fasten it on Skylar's. Skylar, however, squirmed against the sheets, actively resisting him. She was attempting to seduce him, but Joe, being stronger, simply gripped her wrist and secured the bracelet.

The moment the bracelet touched her wrist, Skylar stopped moving. Her dull eyes brightened, focusing on the shirtless Joe looming over her. A bead of sweat rolled from his forehead and onto her chest. The chill surprised her, widening her eyes.

"You—" she began, but Joe cut her off. "You nearly forced yourself on me," he said, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "Actually, you had quite a nice time fondling me. Is your thirst for my body quenched, or do you need more?" His eyes glinted dangerously. He then covered Skylar with a towel, concealing her. The desire within him, however, only intensified.

Skylar was shocked. Her brain replayed the events, causing her cheeks to flush crimson. Under the warm light, her eyes seemed strangely enchanting as she stammered, "I was affected by that dress! I wasn't myself!"

The dress's original owner, a famous hostess, had commissioned it to attract customers. However, it was likely the seamstress, working under duress, had sewn a curse into the dress, leading to the hostess's tragic death. Skylar likely succumbed to the dress's influence when Viola had her place the red bracelet on Joe after Frank burned the dress.

Tears welled in Skylar's eyes as she stared at the bracelet. She remembered everything vividly—fondling Joe, allowing him to see her naked, the tenderness of their kiss, and the shared kiss.

"See this?" Joe pointed to his shoulder, revealing bruises marked with teeth marks.

Skylar gasped at the undeniable evidence but feigned ignorance. "I'll get the first-aid kit. When did you get hurt?" She intended to escape.

Joe, however, held her hand against his shoulder, a teasing smile on his lips. "Oh, an adorable yet fierce puppy bit me. Do you think I need a rabies shot?"

Skylar's fingers stiffened against the marks. Who did he just call a puppy? she thought. He's the animal here!

"Look," Joe said, pressing closer and pointing to his lip, "I got bitten here too."

Despite her guilt, Skylar wouldn't back down. "Fine, I did it. I accept full responsibility." She yanked her hand away, clutched her bathrobe, and fled.

Joe watched the open door, silent for a moment before rising and going to the bathroom. The mirror reflected the marks on his skin and the small cut on his lip.