The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 434

She pressed her ear against his chest, listening to the strong, steady thrumming in his heart.

He gently stroked her hair. "Hear anything?"

"All I hear is 'I love Nicole,'" she teased.

A small smile played on Jasper's lips. "There's something else. Listen closer."

"Oh, I hear it now," she whispered. "It's saying: 'Nicole, when can I finally marry you?'"

"Well, when?" he asked suddenly.

Nicole froze for a second. "We already agreed, didn't we? Graduation day is our wedding day."

"Nicole, I don't think I can wait that long."

In one fluid motion, he flipped them over, pinning her beneath him and trapping her in his embrace.

"You..."

Caught in the heat of his gaze, Nicole felt her breath hitch. When Jasper pulled off his shirt, her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open. "You... you don't want the ice bath anymore?"

"Do I have to?" he murmured.

Nicole's face flushed a deep crimson, her breathing turning shallow.

She used to think he was a bit shy, but now that things were getting serious, she realized she was the one feeling timid.

His gaze was so predatory that every time their eyes met, she felt like she might stop breathing altogether.

She tilted her head, her eyes catching on his arm, and she sat up with a start. The sudden movement caught Jasper off guard, and their foreheads collided with a dull thud.

"Are you okay?" Jasper asked instantly, his voice full of concern as he gently rubbed her forehead and pressed a soft kiss to the spot.

Nicole ignored the ache in her head, her eyes fixed worriedly on his arm. "What happened? You're hurt! Jasper, why didn't you tell me?"

"It's nothing," he insisted. "Just a scratch."

"That does not look like 'nothing' to me." She glared at him, her cheeks puffing out like a pink balloon ready to pop.

"Nicole..."

"The truth, Jasper. Now."

He hesitated. "Last night... someone tried to take advantage of me."

Nicole's eyes widened in shock.

"I used a piece of a broken vase to cut myself," he explained. "I had to stay conscious."

Nicole threw her arms around him, holding him tight. "Who was it?"

"Amber."

Nicole pulled back, stunned. "So she really does have feelings for you."

"That's her problem, not mine," Jasper said flatly.

"But you're living under the same roof! Jasper, it's too dangerous."

"Nicole, she isn't my biological sister."

The revelation left her speechless. "Then who is she?"

"I don't know yet, but I intend to find out."

"Oh, Jasper... you've been through so much." She cupped his face in her hands, her heart aching for him.

"In that case, don't you think you should comfort me?"

"I'll go start the ice water for you," she teased.

She could be so cruel when she wanted to be.

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