Chapter 35: Acupuncture Treatment
Jared’s response was immediate, his entire being stirred by an electrifying surge. His gaze locked onto Julia with an intensity that seemed to set ablaze every cell and vein in his body.
They say that a woman’s words can be deceiving, but when she insists she’s not interested, the truth may lie in her underlying affection. The realization seemed to flicker across Jared’s mind, a knowing curve tugging at the corner of his mouth.
In a swift motion, he unbuttoned his shirt and undid his belt, then reclined onto the bed. The pounding of his heart seemed to echo audibly, his pulse racing like an untamed stallion.
At this moment, the illustrious head of the Brook family, typically the model of composure, felt an unusual surge of nerves. Even during his early experiences representing the company at international conferences at the age of eighteen, he had never felt this level of anticipation or anxiety. His demeanor was recognized for its coolness, but now it was fraying around the edges.
As Jared awaited Julia’s next move with sincere anticipation, she finally made her move, reaching out to spread his shirt aside.
Observing the restlessness in his chest, Julia reassured him, “I’m not as inexperienced as you might think. No need to be so tense.”
Jared’s brow furrowed at her words.
“Experienced, are you?” His voice carried a hint of skepticism. After all, wasn’t she involved with Carter? How could she make such a claim?
Initially, Julia had intended to maintain a modest and unassuming facade, but her words had inadvertently portrayed a different image due to Jared’s palpable
nervousness.
“Don’t let my young age deceive you; I’ve gained ample experience. I’ve faced numerous challenges and can confidently say I’ve seen it all,” Julia declared.
As Julia spoke, she noticed the intensity of Jared’s gaze, a look that seemed as if it could pierce through her with countless invisible blades. Did he doubt her words? Determined to prove her capabilities, she retrieved a silver needle and expertly punctured the acupoints on his body swiftly and accurately.
“Are you feeling any pain? Relax, I have plenty of experience,” Julia reassured, her focus on the task at hand.
Jared stared at the silver needle on his body, realizing that her claim of having good skills referred to acupuncture. He had misunderstood her intentions earlier.
As Julia continued to work on Jared’s upper body, she moved closer to a sensitive area. Hesitating for a moment, she looked at him and cautioned, “This might be a bit uncomfortable. Please bear with it.
35 Acupuncture Treatment
Jared’s expression remained serious, his lips tightly pressed together. He exuded an air of control akin to his demeanor during serious discussions of national matters.
However, Julia’s next words seemed to provoke a different reaction. “Are you feeling shy? I’ve treated many patients before, both men and women. There’s no need to be embarrassed.”
Jared responded, his voice cold and cuttingly, “Have you treated other men? How many? Tell me.”
His words hung in the air, and an awkward tension filled the room. Julia couldn’t help but wonder if Jared’s mysophobia was at play was he uncomfortable knowing that she had treated other men before?
Amused by the thought, Julia couldn’t help but imagine the plight of Jared’s future. wife, should he react this way to any interaction with other men.
Pushing aside her musings, Julia focused on her task, preparing to work on the lower part of Jared’s body. She discreetly admired his physique, noting his well–defined chest and impressive abdominal muscles. Her thoughts briefly wandered to the unfortunate future wife once more.
After about twenty minutes, Julia concluded the treatment. Wiping her forehead, she observed Jared sleeping soundly. His stabilized condition was a promising sign, and she let out a sigh of relief.
Gingerly, Julia stood up and placed a hand on her waist, supporting herself. She had been hunched over, focused on administering the needles to Jared, which had taken a toll on her back and waist.
Feeling the strain in her muscles, she decided to step out of the room for a moment to stretch and exercise.
As Julia opened the door and stepped outside, she spotted Shiloh glancing at her, his gaze lingering on her waist. The look in his eyes seemed impure, giving her an uncomfortable feeling.
Gently closing the door behind her, Julia faced Shiloh, who was still regarding her with that strange expression. She let out a sigh and massaged her aching waist.
“Don’t get any wrong ideas. Your brother and I were just focused on treatment inside. It was purely professional,” Julia clarified, her voice tinged with a hint of
annoyance.
However, Shiloh‘ s gaze remained fixed on her, seemingly unconvinced by her explanation. Julia decided it wasn’t worth further clarification.
Soothing her sore waist, Julia descended the stairs. Shiloh’s voice reached her ears just as she was taking a few steps down.
“When my legs are better, I’m willing to offer any conditions to ensure that you don’t disturb my brother again.”
Julia paused and turned to face Shiloh, raising an eyebrow. “Any conditions? Are you
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Acupuncture Treatment
certain?”
Shiloh s determination surprised her, and she couldn’t help but wonder about his motivations. Yet, his offer intrigued her.
“As long as your wishes align with moral and legal boundaries, I will fulfill them. Remember, I won’t go back on my word,” Shiloh declared, his expression shrewd. Julia nodded. She sensed that Shiloh s offer might prove valuable at some point in the future, so it was wise to keep it in mind.
With a final glance at the closed door, Shiloh’s uneasiness remained as he contemplated the events that had just unfolded.
After contemplating for a while, Shiloh finally decided to step inside and assess the situation for himself.
As he approached the room, Shiloh’s mental image of its condition was chaotic, and he braced himself for what he might see inside. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he pushed the door open, only to be met with a surprising sight.
His brother’s appearance was nothing short of shocking. It seemed as though Jared had been transformed into a human pincushion. Shiloh’s bewilderment grew; had Julia really not harassed his brother, as she claimed?
The more Shiloh thought about it, the more it made sense. In the face of his brothers ailment, could it be that Julia had chosen to prioritize his well–being over any personal inclinations? Perhaps she recognized that attempting any intimate gestures would only worsen his condition.
“That must be it,” Shiloh concluded, nodding to himself. He marveled at the complexity of Julia’s mind and resolved to be more cautious around her in the future.
Meanwhile, Julia had returned to the room, having realized that it was time to remove the needles from Jared’s body. As she went about her task, she let out a weary yawn, feeling the fatigue from the ordeal.
With the needles finally removed, Julia clapped her hands together, signaling the completion of the treatment. She was ready to retreat to her room and get some well–deserved rest.
But just as she was about to leave, her hand was unexpectedly seized, and before she could react, she found herself being pulled onto the bed. In a swift motion, Jared embraced her tightly, his grip unyielding.
The abruptness of the action left Julia momentarily stunned, her heart racing as she tried to make sense of what was happening.
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