Chapter 34:

Jake’s distinct aroma filled Kallie’s senses, making her legs tremble as he pressed her more firmly against him. His broad hand ripped through Kallie’s shirt, slipping beneath her bra.

Kallie was upset. What was Jake thinking? She had defied him by visiting the studio after he had explicitly told her not to. She had questioned his intentions and his view of her, and now he was trying to get intimate as if that would solve everything.

Feeling mistreated, Kallie tried to push Jake away with all her might, but it was no use. His hands quickly restrained hers above her head, his voice hauntingly close to her ear. “Be a good girl and do as I say,” he commanded.

Defiance flared in Kallie. Why should she? As Jake leaned in for another kiss, she bit down fiercely.

The taste of blood mingled between their mouths, and Jake groaned, immediately letting her go.

Kallie stepped back quickly, clutching her torn clothes, and eyed Jake like a cornered animal.

“You bit me?” Jake looked at her in disbelief.

Kallie stood her ground, making it clear she refused to comply with his demands. Through sign language, she asked what he really thought of her.

Jake’s expression darkened, his gaze inscrutable, like an abyss she couldn’t fathom.

Needing clarity, Kallie signed, asking if he treated Sarah the same way, wondering if he would ever treat Sarah like this.

Jake’s face hardened, a storm brewing within his eyes.

Expecting the worst, Kallie shut her eyes, bracing for a blow.

Yet, to her astonishment, Jake simply grabbed his jacket and left, his steps quick and resolute.

door slammed behind him with a

nerves still on edge. When she dared to look out the window, she saw the taillights of Jake’s black

Kallie felt detached from the thought of him with Sarah. It seemed irrelevant now. Her mind was focused on

arrived early at Hayden’s studio, fueled by the reflections of the previous night and a new sense of resolve. She exchanged brief greetings with her colleagues before settling into her

escape is on g

examined the remaining fragments. A few pieces of metal puzzled her, leaving her unsure whether they were part of the bracelet or added to mislead her. If they were integral to

entire morning analyzing the fragments, deep in thought, until Gregory interrupted her focus

announced, holding a bag of takeout. He didn’t place it on her cluttered table. “Looks like you forgot to eat.

nearby sofa. She motioned toward the

it a peace offering for being harsh yesterday. Don’t worry

gratefully and joked through gestures that he had given her

was interrupted by sudden footsteps at the

up, and her smile froze. There stood

a sleek, dark suit, he radiated authority

feet, her

reception area is on the ground floor,” Gregory said, stepping forward with a

at home and immediately recognized Jake. Still, he pretended ignorance, his voice carrying a

never leaving Kallie

to intercept

look, and

Kallie. “Do you

That wasn’t it at

work here?” Jake’s

the studio brought her joy—something she hadn’t felt since

reminding

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