The Sway and Slide of Love

Chapter 101

When Hendrix set his fork down, Noelle followed suit..

"You can leave now," she said bluntly, not bothering to hide her irritation.

Hendrix glanced around the small apartment before asking, "Why don't you stay at Percy Gardens?" "Because it's not my place," Noelle replied curtly.

Hendrix studied her for a moment, then said, "I could sign the property over to you."

"No need. I like it here just fine."

Her answer left Hendrix momentarily speechless, though his brows furrowed in obvious displeasure.

"Is there something else you want?" Noelle pressed.

Instead of answering, Hendrix stood and said, "Get me a clean towel."

Before she could react, he headed toward the bathroom.

"What are you doing? This is my house!" Noelle exclaimed, rushing to block his way.

"Percy Gardens is mine, and you've showered and stayed there before," Hendrix shot back.

Noelle didn't know what else to say.

By then, Hendrix had already opened the bathroom door. His expression tightened at the sight.

He had expected that there wasn't a bathtub, but there wasn't even a proper shower stall. It was just a curtain separating the toilet, sink, and showerhead. This was a stark contrast to what he was used to. "Mr. Freeman, someone like you doesn't belong here," Noelle said, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Hendrix turned to look at her and found her staring back at him with a mocking smile. Her expression only deepened the crease in his brow.

But then, to her surprise, he let out a short laugh. "It's not ideal, I'll admit. But with the right company, it might not be so bad."

"What are you..."

Before Noelle could finish, Hendrix grabbed her and pulled her into the tiny bathroom..

He quickly turned on the shower so she couldn't escape. Cold water poured down on them, soaking Noelle's hair and clothes in seconds.

"What are you doing?" Noelle shrieked.

Hendrix ignored her protests, adjusting the showerhead to the side as he reached for her clothes. Flashes of the previous night's events surged back into Nodle's mind. She still remembered the look on his face. It was emotionless and devoid of any warmth. He was like a machine built for release and nothing else.

She'd genuinely believed she might die under him that night. Even now, her body ached faintly from the ordeal. So, as Hendrix's hands moved toward her again, she instinctively recoiled, her voice trembling. "Stop it, Hendrix, please. I.."

Her plea was cut off by loud banging on the wall from the apartment next door.

hapter 101

"What the hell are you doing over there? It's the middle of the night! Take your filthy business to a hotel, you shameless dogs!" the neighbor shouted, each insult nastier than the last.

Hendrix froze, the sharp edge of his temper flashing across his face. Whatever faint amusement he'd felt moments ago was gone.

He turned to look at Noelle.

She didn't say a word, just turned and tried to leave the bathroom.

But Hendrix caught her wrist, pulling her back.

"You're going out there like this? You'll catch a cold," he said, his voice low as he peeled off her clothes. Noelle didn't dare to speak, though her hands instinctively tried to push him away.

To her surprise, Hendrix didn't go any further. He simply took a shower.

They'd showered together before, but this was different. For the first time, Hendrix did nothing but took a bath.

Afterward, he picked her up and carried her out of the bathroom. Sitting her down, he gently dried her hair with a

towel.