Chapter 938

Claudio eyed Skylar hungrily, like a hunter assessing his prey. From the moment he’d seen her with Joe, he’d been consumed by a desire for her. The idea of making Joe jealous amused him; besides, Skylar was undeniably gorgeous.

Skylar was revolted. She mocked him, “Someone told me that people who use foul language also have bad breath. I didn’t believe it then, but I do now.”

“You! I was paying you a compliment! How dare you insult me!” Claudio raged. Never before had a woman dared to mock him so.

The elevator doors opened. Skylar started to leave, but Claudio blocked her exit.

“Believe it or not, I’ll have sex with you in this elevator!” he snarled, his anger boundless. His location no longer mattered. He was accustomed to female adoration; this was the first time a woman had claimed he had bad breath.

He enjoyed feisty women; the more elusive they were, the more he desired them. This was precisely the type of woman he’d expected Joe to marry and protect—a woman with backbone. Claudio decided to see how long she lasted.

He lunged toward Skylar.

“Get yourself checked!” Skylar exclaimed, disgusted. She sprayed him with pepper spray.

“Ouch!” Claudio cried out in pain, completely unprepared for her retaliation.

Skylar shoved him away and exited the elevator. Even after the doors closed, she could still hear his swearing and groans. They shared a surname, yet how utterly different they were.

A few minutes later, Skylar returned to Joe's room. She had turned off the lights before leaving. Initially, she assumed Joe was asleep, but as soon as she entered, he said, “You’re back.”

The room wasn't completely dark; she could see Joe, though not his facial expression.

She approached him and asked, “Yeah. Are you thirsty? Would you like some water?”

“I need the washroom,” Joe replied after a pause.

Skylar hesitated, momentarily stunned. “The washroom?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“I’ll turn the lights on and help you.” Skylar snapped to attention and immediately switched on the lights.

Joe still had mobility problems due to a stitched-up shoulder wound. He'd also lost considerable blood and couldn’t support himself while getting up. Despite her strength, Joe was much taller, and he leaned his full weight on her as they rose from the bed, making the task strenuous.

Reaching the washroom, Skylar’s face flushed. She realized she would have to help him undress.

Joe watched as Skylar's hands paused over his trousers. He said, “What part of me haven’t you seen before?”

Skylar looked up. His ears were pink; she recognized his stubbornness. He was being deliberately provocative, but Skylar refused to stoop to his level.