Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 44

"Jarred." Sienna cut him off without a shred of mercy. "Spit it out, and stop wasting my time with your excuses."

The apology on Jarred's face faltered. Seeing her brimming with such hostility, he wasn't angry; instead, a helpless smile tugged at his lips.

He lowered his voice, much like coaxing a pouting child. "I know I messed up. Let my punishment be staying here to take good care of you until you're discharged. How about that?"

"You think I'm angry because you haven't been taking care of me these past few days?" Sienna looked as if she had just heard the funniest joke in the world. "Jarred, are you really that full of yourself?"

The smile on Jarred's face faded.

He paused, attempting to explain with practiced patience. "I didn't stay away on purpose. It was complete chaos at the banquet. I just heard someone scream that there was a fall, and my first instinct was that it was you.

But when I rushed down, I saw it was Celeste. She was badly hurt and crying uncontrollably.

I originally wanted to come find you, but Jonathan had already scooped you up, so I..."

"Enough! Jarred, who you choose and who you save first doesn't matter to me anymore."

Sienna squeezed her eyes shut. "If that's all you wanted to say, then please get out."

Jarred stared at the naked rejection and apathy in her eyes, feeling an inexplicable tightness in his chest.

He had never expected Sienna's attitude toward him to turn this utterly glacial.

His gaze lingered on the wound on her forehead and her slightly haggard face. In the end, he simply couldn't bear to make her angry again.

Taking a deep breath, he shifted gears, asking in a slightly teasing tone, "What's wrong? You've already made her suffer so much. Are you still mad?"

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