His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

On the ride to the Welton family estate, Eliza's slender frame stayed pressed against the car door.

Casper tapped the seat next to him. "Scoot over a bit."

Her lashes, heavy with the mist of tears, lifted slowly as she looked at him, shaking her head. There was an inherent sense of vulnerability about her when she cried, especially in bed. He often found himself lost, utterly captivated by it.

He withdrew his lingering gaze from her face. "You should really drop that 'woe-is-me' look. Anyone who doesn't know us might think I've done something terrible to you."

"Have you not?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

Casper shot her a cold look, a sneer in his voice. "Are you calling what happens between us mistreatment? Or is it your attempt to kill me that's the real issue?"

Anything she resisted was labeled as mistreatment, whether in bed or out. Clearly, Casper didn't get it.

Eliza gently pressed her cheek against the car window, looking so alone and desolate. The car slowly rolled to a stop in front of the Welton estate.

Once out of the car, Casper extended his hand toward Eliza. She reflexively hid her hands behind her back. Noticing the slight change in Casper's expression, she then placed her hand in his. Her hand was cold. His was warm and dry. But it wasn't the warmth she needed.

into the mansion's courtyard, Eliza spotted Caroline

"Eliza."

smile that

shot a displeased look at her brother. "Did you mess

I

head to look at Eliza, clearly seeing she had cried. "Eliza,

want Caroline to focus all her attention on

afternoon and immediately called you over for dinner tonight." Caroline took Eliza's hand,

hands in his pockets. The

welcome Caroline, the

ever. Only Jeffrey seemed different from usual, even indulging in

I'm back?" Caroline teased with a

and you here, I can rest

we feel at ease because we have you," Caroline said, placing a piece of lobster meat into her grandfather's bowl. "Grandpa, you need to