?strongChapter 66:/strong

Her soft skin pressed against him.

As she tried to push him back, her soft hands brushed against him, causing a sharp increase in his intensity.

Kristopher’s breathing became heavier and his hand slid under her shirt.

Her previously cold skin had be feverish.

She had a fever?

Realizing her condition, his conscience stirred and stopped his actions despite the surge of desire.

Frustrated and gruff, he gave her a light p on the bottom. “You asked for it! You made yourself sick.

Are you satisfied now?”

Flushed with embarrassment and seething with anger, Carrie raised her hand and delivered a sharp p across Kristopher’s face.

The impact was light, but it reverberated with a sting that cut deep to his core.

As his features twisted in anger, Kristopher’s grip on her wrist became vice-like, his expression darkening ominously.

His voice came out as a venomous hiss through clenched teeth. “Carrie!”  Lately, Carrie had been pping him for the slightest thing, challenging his temper.

For decades, Kristopher hadmanded respect and instilled fear throughout the corporatendscape.

Yet here he was, reduced to a mere pawn in Carrie’s hands.

Her wrist reddened under the pressure of his grip, and she replied with fierce defiance, “What now? Are you going to hit me? Isn’t ignoring me satisfying enough that you have to resort to physical threats?”

“Do you doubt I would?” Kristopher growled, releasing her wrist only to wrap his hand around her throat, tightening his grip.

Gasping for air, Carrie could no longer speak, but her gaze was deadly – full of undiminished defiance.

Herplexion seemed pale and lifeless, the redness clinging stubbornly to her tired eyes.

A tear escaped, searing his skin as it traced a path down her face.

Kristopher was abruptly brought back to the present, acutely aware of how far he had allowed himself to be carried away.

How could he, a man known for his unppable nature in dangerous situations, have been so thoroughly unsettled by Carrie’s mere words?

Abruptly releasing her, he slid up the partition of the car with a sharp motion and gave Oliver a brisk order, his voice tinged with iciness. “Go to the Bayview Vi. ‘

Oliver, his forehead beaded with sweat from the palpable tension, was stunned by his apparent misstep, but responded promptly, “Yes, sir.” He then set the vehicle in motion.

Carrie, gasping for air, managed to pull herself upright and leaned heavily against the car door, creating as much space as she could between herself and Kristopher. Her eyes darted around, filled with suspicion and caution. Kristopher deliberately ignored her presence, turning his attention to the rain-streaked window. He found a strange sce in the rhythmic patter against the ss, which seemed to soothe his rattled nerves.

Upon their arrival at the vi, Kristopher discovered Carrie had sumbed to a feverish slumber. Her forehead was rmingly hot to the touch. She was lost in the throes of a nightmare, whispering fretfully, her tears mingling with the dried ones already on her cheeks.

With a grim expression, Kristopher hoisted her into his arms without a hint of gentleness. His movements were brusque, reflecting his inner turmoil. Carrie, ufortable and disoriented in his hold, shifted slightly. This minor movement reignited a spark of desire he thought he had controlled, tightening his grip on her as if fearing she might slip away.

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