Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 998

Though he had slimmed down a bit, the definition in his eight-pack was still strikingly visible. His physique could easily rival that of any runway model strutting down the catwalks of Milan or Paris.

Agnes, lost in thought, couldn't help but let her gaze linger longer than she intended. But Jared had already made his way over and plopped down right beside her on the couch. Without a second thought, he laid his head in her lap.

Taken aback, Agnes gave his shoulder a nudge, "Jared, I agreed to stay, but not for you to get fresh with me."

Jared spoke up, his voice betraying a deep exhaustion, "I'm beat. Could you dry my hair for me?"

Reluctantly, Agnes didn't refuse. She grabbed the hairdryer and started to work on his hair. Jared lay there like a child, his head in her lap. His hair was coarse, recently cropped much shorter than she remembered. Her fingers weaved through his hair, relishing the odd but comforting sensation. And there it was – that distinct, clean, crisp scent that was so uniquely Jared. Agnes had always been fond of it; it was both refreshing and reassuring.

She focused on her task, drying his hair meticulously. But Jared wasn't content to just lie still; his arms encircled Agnes's waist. Agnes frowned, her voice cold, "Jared, if you keep this up, I'm out of here."

"I'm just holding you, not doing anything else," Jared protested with the wounded tone of a child. And when he looked up at her, those eyes were filled with such a plaintive look that she was spellbound. Somehow, she didn't push him away.

She continued drying his hair, but it wasn't long before Jared was up to his antics again. His hand crept under her shirt, wandering along her waistline. This time, Agnes's patience snapped. She stood up abruptly, "Jared, don't push your luck."

Pushed away by Agnes, Jared looked dejected, muttering an apology. By then, his hair was mostly dry. Agnes commanded, "Bed, now. Sleep."

Like a child who knew he'd been naughty, Jared obediently climbed into bed, pulled the covers over himself, and lay down. From a short distance, Agnes instructed, "Close your eyes."

Jared complied, his eyelids fluttering shut. Despite the coldness and the hint of anger in her voice, Agnes couldn't help but feel a chuckle bubbling inside her at the sight of him now, like a kindergartner being scolded.

She turned off the lights and settled back on the couch. The room's window was closed, and in the darkness, visibility was nil. Agnes sat, lost in her thoughts, feeling drowsy herself. She wasn't sure if Jared had fallen asleep yet.

After a while, when she thought he must be asleep, she prepared to leave, exhausted and ready for bed herself. Just as she got up, Jared's voice, still awake, cut through the darkness, "I haven't fallen asleep yet."

Startled into alertness, Agnes sat back down, "Then hurry up and sleep."

Jared hummed in acknowledgment. Agnes remained seated for a while, her own eyelids growing heavy, nearly dozing off on the couch. As she began to drift off, she jolted awake, remembering she intended to leave.

"I'm still not asleep," Jared's voice reached her again. Worn out and weary, Agnes complained, "Why can't you just fall asleep already?"