Chapter 5

Jenna Frost POV

I don't know when I fell asleep. When I woke, Peyton was leaning against the hospital room door, his eyes gazing out the window.

"Get up when you're awake."

His tone was still cold.

I frowned, collected myself, got out of bed, and followed in his footsteps.

I don't like car air fresheners-they make me carsick.

In the past, before I got in the car, Peyton would always have someone remove all the interior accessories to ensure the car was completely scent-free.

But now, this familiar Bentley was filled with a sickeningly sweet fragrance. Even the cross I'd sought from afar for him had been replaced with cartoon toys.

Everything in the car had been replaced, including me.

I couldn't hold back-my nose stung. I quickly turned my head, directing my gaze out the window so Peyton wouldn't notice.

The car entered a private villa courtyard. Before it had fully stopped, I heard piercing screams from inside.

"Let go of me! You psycho! Help!"

It was Carmen's voice.

Peyton's expression changed. He shoved the car door open and rushed inside. I followed close behind.

Inside, Wade's eyes were red as he pinned Carmen to the ground, his hands around her throat.

Carmen's lips were turning purple, her feet kicking wildly.

"Wade!"

I cried out.

Almost simultaneously, Peyton strode forward and kicked Wade hard in the waist.

Wade let out a muffled groan and collapsed to the side, unconscious.

Carmen immediately threw herself into Peyton's arms, sobbing hysterically.

"He tried to kill me. I was so scared..."

Peyton held her, barking orders.

"Someone, tie him up and teach him a lesson!"

At this, two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, grabbing Wade by the feet to drag him away.

"No!"

I rushed over trying to stop them, but Peyton grabbed me with one hand.

Seeing Wade about to be dragged away, my eyes caught sight of a fruit knife on the table. I broke free from Peyton and grabbed it, pressing it to my own throat.

"Let him go!"

I gripped the knife tightly, my voice trembling.

"Peyton, have your people release him, or today you'll be collecting my corpse!"

"Stop!"

He shouted.

"Jenna Frost."

Peyton's voice tightened involuntarily, carrying a trace of panic.

"Think carefully. You really want to threaten me with yourself?"

I glanced at my unconscious brother, then met Peyton's gaze.

"I'll say it one more time, Peyton. Let my brother go."

Peyton's eyes grew increasingly cold.

"Jenna Frost, I told you. I hate most when people threaten me using you."

Before I could react, Peyton suddenly stepped forward and kicked, breaking Wade's leg.

Wade's agonized screams echoed throughout the living room. Cold sweat poured down my body, tears flooding from my eyes.

"I'll say it one more time. Put down that knife. Every second you delay, I'll break another of his legs. And if you dare die, I'll make him wish he were dead!"

I didn't dare move. I knew Peyton meant what he said.

After a long standoff, I released the knife and fell to my knees, grabbing Peyton's pant leg in supplication.

"Peyton, please, spare my brother. Please."

Only then did Peyton raise his hand, signaling the bodyguards to release their hold. Wade went limp on the floor, temporarily safe.

"Jenna, wouldn't it have been better to do this from the start?"

Peyton crouched down, reaching out to grip my chin, forcing me to look up.

"I told you, once this period passes, I'll release him. Why do you insist on opposing me?"

"Apologize to Carmen. Now."

I raised my eyes to meet his gaze.

Peyton abruptly released my chin and turned away.

I looked at my brother's condition, froze for a moment, then stood and bowed deeply to Carmen.

"I'm sorry."