Dead at Heart (Ariel and Jayson) novel Chapter 771

Ariel could tell that Jayson was doing this on purpose. He had deliberately interrupted her meeting just now.

She got up and walked over to the bed, deciding to overlook Jayson's "mischievous" behavior. Bending forward, she tugged at his collar to check the area where he had been injured.

There was nothing unusual. They no longer needed to change his dressings frequently; Ariel just had to remind him to apply the scar-preventing ointment regularly.

"Didn't you say you wanted to take a bath? Aren't you getting up?" Ariel's tone remained calm, her expression composed.

Jayson narrowed his eyes. "Are you really going to help me with that?"

"Weren't you the one who said you wanted me to?"

Jayson pressed his tongue lightly against his lower gum and leaned comfortably against the pillow. "Did you really think I'm so shameless that I'd make someone who just had major surgery help me bathe? I was only trying to remind you that even though you're feeling better, you still need to rest. You shouldn't stay up so late because of work."

His words sounded sincere, and Ariel could tell he meant them from the bottom of his heart.

She glanced at the clock, then tilted her chin toward him. "Then why don't you go back and sleep in your room?"

Jayson set the book aside and lay down. "I know you mean well, but it's fine. I don't mind sharing the bed with you."

Ariel could hardly believe how shameless he was. It was clear Jayson had no intention of leaving. She also realized that no matter which room she went to, he would follow.

She never knew Jayson could be so clingy and troublesome.

Frankly, she was already feeling sleepy, but the air between them carried an awkward tension.

While Ariel was lost in thought, Jayson grabbed her wrist and gave it a gentle tug, pulling her toward the bed.

She tried to steady herself to avoid falling on him, but it was too late—she bumped into his shoulder.

"Jayson Larkin! Do you not realize you're still injured?" Ariel exclaimed, exasperated, trying to climb off the bed.

Jayson winced, as the wound on his back had taken some pressure when she fell on him. Still, he quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Looking down, he met her glare with raised brows.

"You've become quite feisty lately, Ms. Walker."

Jayson must have sensed her gaze. With his eyes still closed, the corners of his lips curved upward. He patted her back lightly. "Go to sleep. I'll show you our daughter's photo tomorrow."

Those were the very words Ariel had been dying to hear. Her eyes lit up, and her heart was racing. Ariel suddenly felt completely energized.

Jayson knew exactly how to coax and tempt her.

"I want to see it now."

"No."

"Why?"

"It's my trump card to make you follow my orders."

Ariel shut her mouth. Jayson was clearly using the photo to make her stay in his arms obediently.

Even though she was restless and excited, she knew there was no way she could get the photo out of him tonight.