Chapter 89

The air between them was thick, and Jim seemed especially affected by Alicia.

He said, “There’s something to figure out. The three of you grew up together. They were childhood friends. I’ll second that, besides Jonathan and Alicia, Jim also harbored some complicated feelings for Alicia.”

Alicia’s expression shifted slightly in the dim light, “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

Jim’s expression hardened. “I'm not worried. What good would that do? You’d just stubbornly go your way anyway.”

Alicia stayed silent, turning her head away.

When Jonathan came back in, I wasn’t sure if he noticed the subtle tension between Jim and Alicia, but he acted like he didn’t see it. He said to me, “The doctor’s over there. Let’s go get you examined.”

I really did want to, so I didn’t argue.

An older male doctor tended to my wound. As he dressed my arm, I instinctively hid my left hand, not wanting him to see the scars on my wrist. I feared what he’d think.

The doctor left the room once he was done.

It was just Jonathan and me sitting in silence. Neither spoke first, but I could feel his gaze fixed on me the whole time.

I don’t know how long it had passed before he suddenly stood up. “So, what’s going on this time?”

There was that condescending tone again, as if I’d always been a child in his eyes, throwing a tantrum over nonsense that was not worth taking seriously.

I shut my eyes, too tired to deal with him, exhaling slowly in a lazy act of defiance. That flickered a spark of anger in his eyes.

He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up. “If you’re not seriously hurt, then answer me properly.”

“What if I don’t want to answer?” I stared at him, frustration welling up all over my face.

“Elise, what exactly are you thinking?”

He pinned me against the sofa behind me, my back hitting the cushion, trapping me with nowhere to run.

I met his gaze head-on. “What I think is none of your business. Do you want to control my thoughts, too?”

His expression darkened. “You called me before, didn’t you? It was about Arla, wasn’t it?”

I said nothing.

He released my chin, sat on the sofa, and pulled me onto his lap. He parted my legs, forcing me to straddle him, leaving me completely exposed and held in place.

I struggled briefly, but he pressed down on my waist, pulling us closer.

The pressure overwhelmed me at this distance, making it impossible to avoid his gaze.

He studied me like a judge inspecting a criminal. “Why would you block me after calling me for help?”

There was a barely perceptible threat in his gaze. “Is it because Frederick can help you?”

He asked casually, but it felt like he’d snap my neck if I nodded.

I took a steady breath, my voice calm. “It’s because Arla is Frederick’s sister. Only he would help me wholeheartedly.”

Jonathan narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing in them. “So, you’re turning your back on me and blocked my number because you think Frederick can help you?”