The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 256

His face was inches from hers.

"I'm staying here tonight."

A wave of pure revulsion washed over her.

"That's totally inappropriate."

"There's nothing inappropriate about it. Until the ink is dry on those divorce papers, we are still legally married. It's perfectly normal for a husband and wife to share a bed."

Jocelyn shoved at his chest with all her might, but he wouldn't budge.

"Adrian, what the hell is wrong with you?!"

His next words made her blood run cold.

"I want you."

She stopped fighting his hold, just pressing herself as far back into the seat as physically possible to avoid his mouth.

"Stop acting crazy. We had a deal. We have dinner, and then we go our separate ways forever."

He pressed closer, completely ignoring her.

"That's starting tomorrow. But right now, tonight... I suddenly realized I don't want to let you go."

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply.

"You know, Jo... before, when we slept together, it was just scratching an itch. But now..."

"Now I need more than just your body. I want you to stay with me. Just like before. I want you to be there for me, to put up with me."

Jocelyn let out a harsh, incredulous scoff.

"Keep dreaming."

"I swear to you, I'll never treat you the way I used to," he pleaded desperately. "As long as you behave and listen to me, I'll give you anything you could ever ask for."

She looked at him like he was possessed.

"You'll give me anything I ask for? Are you absolutely sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Great," she spat coldly. "Then are you willing to completely cut out every single thing I despise, just for me?"

He stared hungrily at her flawless complexion, looking like he wanted to devour her right then and there.

"Hmm?"

Every muscle in her body went rigid.

"You bring zero commercial value to the Lowell family! At least Audrey beats you by a mile in that department."

"The only reason I'm offering to keep you around is so you can enjoy a life of luxury and status. You have absolutely nothing to offer me, but I can give you endless wealth and comfort. You should be on your knees thanking me for that!"

He grabbed her chin, his fingers digging in painfully, forcing her to look at him.

"Wake up, Jo! If you walk away from me, you're going to regret it for the rest of your life."

She fought back her rising panic, her voice laced with absolute venom.

"I will never, ever regret leaving you!"

His eyes darkened dangerously. He pinned both her wrists down with one hand and crushed his mouth against hers.

Jocelyn violently wrenched her head to the side.

His lips landed hard on her cheek instead.

Even just the feeling of his mouth on her skin made her want to vomit.

When you truly despise someone, the revulsion becomes entirely physical.

She couldn't stand being near him, couldn't stand him touching her, she just wanted to get as far away from him as humanly possible.

She silently cursed herself. She was such an idiot.