Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 762

Opportunities like this didn't come often.

Samson's face darkened as he stood outside Ariel's ward. He still couldn't stomach the fact that she had ruined his plans yet again.

He was not a patient man by nature, and certainly not kind. Seeing his carefully laid plans collapse time after time because of the same woman filled him with bitter resentment.

By the time he reached Ariel's door, Samson snapped out of his thoughts and frowned slightly. Even he wasn't sure what he was thinking.

He pushed the door open. The room was empty for Ariel.

Samson walked over, his eyes cold as he looked down at her peaceful face. Memories of the past few months flashed through his mind—Ariel sabotaging his plans, interfering with his schemes, and ultimately becoming the reason Cecilia was arrested and detained.

He had every reason to hate Ariel.

Lying there, she looked frail and defenseless.

His gaze trailed slowly from her face to her nose and lips, then down to her neck.

His hand lifted almost of its own accord, reaching toward her slender throat. All it would take was one squeeze—just a bit of force—and he could make her suffer.

But the instant his fingertips brushed her skin, Samson's brows knit together. His lips pressed into a tight line as he stared at Ariel with a conflicted look in his eyes.

His hand slowly moved upward, tracing the air near her cheek and the corner of her lips.

Then he froze.

Realizing what he was about to do, Samson abruptly drew his hand back. He could sense the peculiar emotions that had somehow surfaced within him. What was wrong with him? He even found his own behavior bafflingly strange.

He backed away, his eyes locked firmly on Ariel's face, reflecting a tangle of indistinct emotions.

No matter how angry she'd been with her before, she had never wished such suffering on her.

"You can head back now. Don't disturb Ari's rest." Jayson wasn't going to spare any of his time or energy in looking after Renee as well.

Renee wasn't offended. She was used to her brother's sharp tongue. She decided to just ignore him.

"I just think Ariel's pretty pitiful. And honestly, there must be something wrong with you…" She trailed off when she realized what she had said. "Why did you act like you didn't care when you liked her so much? I truly believed you hated her."

Jayson cast her a sidelong glance.

Renee shrank back, but then a thought emboldened her. She lifted her chin and straightened her spine. "Quit glaring at me. I came to tell you this. Mom said you won't be able to have kids after this.

"You owe me a thank you. Before I marry, I'm going to convince my husband and his family to let you and Ariel adopt and raise our firstborn child. How's that? Aren't you touched by my suggestion?"