Chapter 252
chapter252
Although her tone was seductive, there was no hiding the dazed and lost look in her eyes. Joe had a sudden realization. He immediately removed the red bracelet from his own wrist and tried to clasp it onto Skylar’s.
Skylar, still caught in a restless haze, shifted against the sheets, inadvertently making it difficult for him to reach her. Regardless of her resistance, the disparity in their strength was clear. Joe firmly gripped her wrist and slid the bracelet into place.
The moment the red bracelet touched her skin, Skylar’s frantic movements ceased. A few heartbeats later, her dimmed eyes began to clear, focusing on the shirtless Joe looming over her. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead, landing on her skin—the chilled sensation finally snapping her back to full consciousness.
“You—”
“You nearly lost control,” Joe said, cutting her off. His lips curled into a teasing smirk, his eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity. “You seemed quite fond of me just a moment ago. Is your curiosity satisfied now, or do you still need more?”
He pulled a towel over her, covering the tempting sight and attempting to douse the fire burning within himself. Skylar was beyond shocked as her brain replayed the fragmented scenes from moments ago. Her fair cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
“It was that dress!” she defended herself hastily. “I wasn’t thinking straight!”
She remembered the history Viola had mentioned—the dress had a dark past, woven with a sinister intent that had led its original owner to a tragic end. It seemed the "machinations" of the garment had taken hold of her until the protection of the red bracelet was restored.
Skylar felt like she was on the verge of tears as the vivid details returned to her. She hadn’t realized she could be so bold. Not only had she been completely vulnerable before him, but her lips still felt tender from their shared kiss.
“See this?” Joe pointed to his shoulder. Dark marks were blooming against his skin—unmistakable evidence of her earlier lack of restraint. “And here,” he added, pointing to a small cut on his lip.
Skylar inhaled sharply. In a desperate attempt to escape the embarrassment, she decided to play dumb. “I’ll get the first aid kit. When did you get hurt?”
She tried to bolt, but Joe grabbed her hand, placing her fingers right against the marks she had left. “An adorable yet fierce little creature bit me,” he teased, his voice low. “Do you think I should get a rabies shot?”
Skylar’s fingers stiffened against the warm ridges of his skin. Who is he calling a creature? she thought indignantly. He’s the one acting like a predator here!
“Fine, I did it,” she admitted, her guilt finally outweighing her denial. “ I accept full responsibility.”
Without wasting another second, she tugged her hand away, clutched her bathrobe tightly against her chest, and dashed out of the room. Joe watched the open door, falling silent for a long moment before walking into the bathroom. The mirror reflected the marks on his skin—proof of a night that had changed the tension between them forever.