Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 163

He applied a bit more pressure to his wrist, locking her hand even tighter in his grip.

The clear warmth of his thumb pressed against the back of her hand, carrying a dominating force that left no room for refusal.

Sienna's heart tightened. She was just about to try and shake him off again.

Instead, Jarred suddenly leaned down, his thin lips hovering right next to her ear, brushing against her senses like a feather lightly sweeping across her heart.

"The driver works for Grandpa too, and he's got sharp ears. If you keep making a scene and he reports back to the old man, what do you think Grandpa will do?"

Sienna froze for a second.

Watching her beautiful face instantly stiffen, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk curved Jarred's lips.

His lips brushed past the reddened tip of her ear, intentionally slowing his movements.

His fingertips gently caressed her palm, the touch outrageously soft.

The next second, he leaned in slightly, positioning himself as if he were about to kiss the corner of her mouth. The distance was so agonizingly short that he could almost taste her.

Sienna's pupils dilated rapidly as a wave of intense, physical revulsion washed over her.

Somehow, the moment Jarred got close to her, a distinct scent of gardenias—Celeste's signature perfume—mixed with his familiar cool cologne and swirled madly at the tip of her nose.

Images of the two of them together flashed uncontrollably through her mind.

Sienna violently wrenched her head away. A nauseating churn rose in her throat, and she reflexively gagged, turning her head aside.

"Ugh—"

That sound instantly shattered the heavy tension inside the car.

Jarred's movements froze completely.

His lips were scarcely an inch away from her cheek.

He could clearly feel the tremors running through her body, as well as her undisguised repulsion.

Ultimately, he forced all his emotions down and said in a low, tight voice, "Fasten your seatbelt."

The car drove smoothly toward Sterling Manor, but the air inside the cabin felt suffocatingly dense.

The vehicle rolled to a gentle stop at the estate.

Arthur Sterling was resting on an adjustable bed, soaking up the sun on the balcony with the family doctor by his side.

His complexion was still pale and his frame gaunt, but he looked far more spirited than he had a few days ago.

"Grandpa," Jarred greeted as he walked in first, his tone noticeably more restrained than usual. "Sienna is here."

Arthur turned his head. Upon seeing Sienna walking in behind Jarred, a radiant spark lit up his frail, weathered face.

"Sienna is here? Come here, come here. Grandpa has been waiting for you."

Sienna hurried forward, stepping up to the bed to gently hold his cold hand. "Grandpa, how are you feeling today?"