tight as another wave of pain hit his sk

avender and chamomile essential oils. And a set of ac

with deep suspicion. He reached over

grade oils and an acupre

ofessional knock sounded. Jabe

assistant-stood there holding a silver tray. When he saw Alyssa in

d her the tray, leaning in slightly. "Watch y

. She set it on the nightstand and inspected t

nd rubbed her hands together vigorously, letting t

il. His body instantly went rigid. His muscles

down at him. "Mr. Strickland, if you fight

ng in his head forced him to s

ssed her warm, oil-slicked

Jabez's hand shot up. He grabbe

e. His eyes were wild, vi

yes. "You can break my wrist. But then you'll have to d

h other, the air t

is grip. He dropped his

is temples. She applied deep, calcu

ythmic. She didn't just massage;

s," she instructed softly.

int, metallic smell of her dried blood.

behind his eyes begin to dull. The t

had been shallow an

thumbs into the rigid muscles at the base of his sku

minutes

lack. His chest rose and f

ing. "Mr. Strickla

er. He was com

keeping Alyssa upright sudden

gasping for air. Her arms shook violently from

ing CEO. Her chest heaved.