A sour taste clung to Elodie''s throat, but she couldn''t bring herself to throw up. Her stomach twisted in painful spasms, and even the arm braced against the curb trembled uncontrobly.


    Jarrod was out of the car in a sh, his long strides eating up the distance. His normally refined features had hardened with concern. He reached Elodie''s side even before Esmeralda, crouching next to her and gently patting her back. "What''s wrong? Where does it hurt?"


    Elodie felt miserable, a sharp pain gnawing at her abdomen. She didn''t even have the energy to react to his touch.


    Esmeralda rushed over, voice trembling. "Did you eat something bad?"


    Jarrod''s eyes narrowed on Elodie, a crease forming between his brows. "Let''s get you to a hospital."


    "No." The word came out as soon as Elodie managed to catch her breath. She practically stopped Jarrod mid-motion as he reached to help her up.


    Turning her head, she saw the unusual heaviness in his eyes, his brows drawn tight-an emotion he almost never showed.


    Shrugging off Jarrod''s hand, she managed to say to Esmeralda, "Just carsick."


    She knew perfectly well it was something else—a reaction to all the medication she''d been takingtely. Some of it hit hard, making her nauseous, sometimes even causing that sour burn in her throat. But she''d never let anyone see her like this before.


    Jarrod''s frown deepened as he looked at her pale, mmy face. "I''ve never seen you get carsick before. You really should see a doctor."


    Elodie gripped Esmeralda''s hand for support as she stood. Her eyes were cool, clear. "Thanks for your concern, but I can handle it."


    She made it obvious she had no intention of talking further with Jarrod, turning briskly and climbing back into the car. She didn''t give him a chance to argue, much less drag her to a hospital.


    Jarrod lingered by the passenger door for a moment, then seemed to relent. He nced at Esmeralda. "Do you mind if I drive? I''ll take it slow, so she won''t feel worse."


    Esmeralda wanted to refuse, but then wondered if Elodie''s nausea was her fault for not driving smoothly. She bit her lip. "Fine, but if she gets sicker, I''m ming you."


    “Deal.” Jarrod slipped into the driver''s seat without missing a beat.


    Esmeralda climbed into the back.


    When Jarrod started the engine, Elodie couldn''t help but scowl. "Mr. Silverstein, enjoying your new gig as a chauffeur?"


    Without missing a beat, Jarrod replied, "Should I charge you for the ride?"


    Elodie rolled her eyes and ignored him. Thankfully, her nausea didn''t return.


    From the backseat, Esmeralda''s gaze flickered between the two of them. Something felt... off. She


    couldn''t quite put her finger on met


    She shrugged it off and started chattering away to Elodie about anything and everything, most of it pure nonsense.


    Elodie yed along, responding to every topic, no matter how trivial.


    While driving, Jarrod nced at Elodie''s pale profile. He knew her well enough to see through herposure. Elodie had always been good at loving-she had a rare gift for giving her whole heart to the people she cared about.


    When Jarrod asked for Esmeralda''s address, he pressed the gas and took her home first. Esmeralda was reluctant to leave Elodie alone with him, but Elodie caught her hesitation and reassured her, "It''s fine. Ul fill you inter."


    Esmeralda finally left, turning back every few steps until she disappeared inside.


    The car fell into silence again.


    Elodie stared out the window, her tone t. "I''m not going to the hospital. Just


    head straight home-I need to rest."


    She''d guessed Jarrod''s n the moment he dropped Esmeralda off.


    He nced over at her, but her stubbornness was clear. He knew from experience that once Elodie made up her mind, there was no changing it. He tightened his grip on the wheel and turned the car toward her apartmentplex. Neither of them spoke again. He could tell by now that she was feeling better.


    Since it was Elodie''s car, the gate opened automatically as they pulled up.


    In the garage, Jarrod rested a hand on the wheel and looked at her. "We''re here, ma''am."


    Elodie immediately opened the door and stepped out. Jarrod unbuckled and followed.


    Her expression wasposed. "Thank you. Drive safe."


    Polite, almost distant.


    Jarrod leaned against the car, watching her small face in the cold, blue light. He didn''t say a word.


    Elodie realized he still had her keys. He made no move to return them. She shot him a frosty look. "Is there something else?"


    After everything that happenedst night, she had no patience left for him.


    Jarrod just watched her, silent.