Chapter 4

Cassidy's POV

Tristan kissed me aggressively, with no technique at all.

I was pinned against the passenger seat backrest, nearly suffocating.

Just when I thought he was going to have sex with me right there in the car, he suddenly stopped.

Tristan abruptly released me and collapsed heavily back into the driver's seat.

He was gasping for air, chest heaving violently, veins bulging on the back of his hands, as if desperately restraining some out-of-control impulse.

His body was shaking, worse than that time in the study.

"Buckle up." After a long moment, he forced those words from his throat.

I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, looking at him. "Tristan, what's wrong with you?"

"Don't ask."

He didn't look at me, slamming his foot on the gas pedal. The car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.

On the way back to the villa, he drove terrifyingly fast.

Tristan kept his face tense the entire time, not saying a word.

The moment we arrived home, before the car had fully stopped, he pushed the door open and got out.

His steps were somewhat unsteady, but he walked quickly, heading straight for the second floor.

I unbuckled my seatbelt and chased after him.

"Tristan!"

He completely ignored me, taking the stairs two at a time, rushing into the study and slamming the door.

I stood outside the door, hearing the sound of rummaging inside.

I raised my hand and pounded on the door. "Tristan, open the door! You can't take those pills randomly! Dr. Morgan said those are powerful sedatives. Taking too many will cause problems!"

"Get lost!"

A suppressed roar came from inside, accompanied by the sound of a glass breaking.

"Don't worry about me, Cassidy. Stay away from me!"

The voice was laced with pained groans.

My hand froze mid-air.

Just from one kiss, he had such a reaction?

Had he really reached this pathological state?

But why?