Chapter 83 Be a Little Nicer to Me
"Mr. Winston, I owe you big time, and I'll find a way to pay you back," she said, yanking her arm free from his grip. Taking advantage of his momentary shock, she slipped away again. She quickly dialed Aidan's number on her phone. "Aidan, where are you?"
On the other end, Aidan's heart warmed at the sound of her soft voice. But for Jack, that same voice was like a dagger.
"Aidan, I hurt my leg. I'll head back as soon as I can get a cab. Wait for me, okay? I want to see you before I sleep."
Though he couldn't hear Aidan's response, the gentle smile on Alison's face was enough to make Jack's heart ache.
He hated the changes she made for Aidan.
He didn't know why, but he just did.
Seeing her tattered pants and disheveled appearance, he didn't even have the courage to forcefully keep her there anymore.
No matter who this woman was, he had hurt her, and it was all because of another woman.
After hanging up, she continued to stagger forward, her frail figure stretching long under the streetlights. In that moment, watching her retreating form, Jack felt a sudden urge to run over and hold her close...
Reason told him she was his brother's woman, and he shouldn't have any inappropriate thoughts about her, let alone fall for her. Especially with that face of hers, it was a constant reminder that he shouldn't like her. But he still turned back to his car, not leaving immediately, but silently following her to ensure her safety. This foolish woman, why did she always try to escape from him, only to end up in trouble again? Couldn't she just stay out of harm's way?
Alison knew Jack's car was trailing behind her, but she didn't want to stop or get into his car. Every time she thought about jumping out of his car, it felt like a nightmare she couldn't shake off. Finally, she managed to hail a cab and happily got in. Jack's Lamborghini remained within her sight the entire time.
They arrived at their place one after the other. Though the carpet muffled their footsteps, Alison knew Jack was right behind her. She reached Aidan's door, intending to knock, but changed her mind and tried the handle instead. To her surprise, it opened. "Aidan, I'm back," she chirped, flying into the room like a bird, as if she and Aidan were very close.
"Alison, what happened to your pants? And your leg? Jack only said you were having drinks with Mr. Bates. What really happened?" Aidan wheeled himself over to her.
"Oh, I just took a little tumble. Aidan, do you have any ointment for external injuries?" She guessed he would, given his own leg injury.
"Yeah, I've got some. But you should clean the wound first before applying the ointment."
Alison took the ointment. "I'll take a shower now and apply it afterward. Aidan, I'm fine, it's just a scratch," she said sweetly, aware that someone was eavesdropping outside. She had seen a thin shadow through the door crack—Jack had followed her for so long, she had to give him something to listen to, so she spoke intimately to satisfy his curiosity.
"I'll help you with the ointment later," Aidan offered, concerned.
"No need, I'm tired. I'll just shower and go to bed. Goodnight, Aidan. See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, see you tomorrow," Aidan said, watching her with a hint of reluctance. Despite her disheveled appearance, she still exuded an indescribable charm that made him look at her a little longer. Tonight seemed like a good start; it was the first time she had been so close to him since that morning he found her in his bed. It was a good sign.
As Alison walked to the door, she left it slightly ajar, catching a glimpse of a shadow slipping away. Jack had already left. She quickly opened the door, but the hallway was empty. That guy sure could move fast. Thinking of Jack as a "peeping Tom" oddly lightened her mood.
Back in her room, Alison slowly undressed. Earlier, the cab driver had asked about her disheveled state, and she had laughed it off, saying she lost a bet and had to jump out of a car, which left her in this mess. She didn't know when she had started using lies to cover up her pain. Shaking her head in self-mockery, she realized she wasn't as well-behaved as she used to be.
She carefully splashed water on her knee, gritting her teeth against the pain. Jack, that big jerk! Though she cursed him in her heart, she couldn't bring herself to truly hate him. He was like her nemesis.
She washed slowly, afraid that soaking her injured leg too long would hinder its healing. As she scrubbed, she wondered if the wound would leave a scar, another painful reminder in her life, all because of Jack.
Wrapped in a towel, Alison dried her hair as she walked out of the bathroom. The fresh scent of her shower made her feel refreshed, and as she reflected on the day's events, it all felt like a dream. Why did she always encounter so much trouble? Who was she really? She kept asking herself.
After drying her hair, she tossed the towel onto the bedside table and picked up the remote to turn on the TV. Sitting on the bed, she grabbed the ointment, ready to apply it while watching TV. Just as she picked up a cotton swab, the phone on the table rang.
"Aidan, is that you?" she answered casually.
"Yeah, did you finish your shower?"
"Yes, I'm about to apply the ointment."
"Make sure the wound is clean and dry before you apply it. Be careful, it might sting," Aidan's voice was full of concern. She had smiled at him today, so Aidan was happy.
"I know, I'll blow it dry before applying the ointment, okay?"
"Alright, then get some rest and have a good night's sleep."
"I will." Her mood lifted, and she spoke with a smile.
She was like a carefree girl, one moment immersed in sadness, the next feeling light and free.
As long as she wasn't wronged, she had to be careful and protect herself, so she could take care of her two precious ones.
Alison picked up the cotton swab again and opened the ointment bottle, the pungent smell filling the room instantly. She wrinkled her nose and waved her hand, trying to dispel the strong odor.
Just as she was about to dip the cotton swab into the ointment, a hand snatched it away. Before she could react, a gentle male voice spoke beside her ear, "Let me do it, or you'll hurt yourself."
"How did you get in here?" Alison stared at Jack in surprise, forgetting to grab the cotton swab back. Her mind was racing with thoughts of how he could enter her room, wondering if it was still safe.
Jack ignored her, his eyes fixed on her wound. "I have a spare key, given by the front desk," he said matter-of-factly, as if entering her room was perfectly normal.
"Hey, you can't just barge into a girl's room!" Alison was relieved she was wrapped in a towel, though most of her body was exposed, the important parts were covered.
"You're not just a girl right now," Jack said.
"What do you mean I'm not a girl? What am I then?" Alison glared at him, wanting to hit him if he wasn't applying ointment to her wound.
"A patient," Jack replied gently, unfazed by her anger.
"This little scratch doesn't make me a patient. Just finish and leave!" His presence made her heart race like a deer.
"I'm not leaving," Jack said.
"Aren't you afraid I'll tell Aimée?" Alison threatened.
"Not at all," Jack replied. Marrying Aimée was his mother's idea, and he could still choose to ignore it.
"Then I'll tell your brother!" Alison said, reaching for the phone.
Jack's hand trembled, almost dropping the cotton swab, but he didn't grab the phone. Instead, he quickly unplugged the phone line and continued tending to her wound. "Don't move, or it'll hurt more, and I won't be responsible."
Alison angrily put down the phone. She really didn't know what to do with Jack.