Chapter 5: A Silent Sacrifice

By Roxanne Rene

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Jewel

Jewel Marino had three primary coping mechanisms for dealing with stress:

1. Sarcasm
2. More sarcasm
3. Dramatic levels of avoidance

Unfortunately, as she stared at Camilla Voss, who was batting her expensive eyelash extensions like some kind of villainous Disney princess, none of those would help her.

“You want me to do what?” Jewel asked flatly.

Camilla’s red-lacquered nails tapped against the hospital room’s sterile white counter, her expression the picture of casual confidence. “Help me win Griffin’s heart.”

Jewel’s reaction was a sequence of disbelief. She blinked, then snorted, and finally burst into laughter. The idea that Camilla, of all people, needed help seducing a man was simply too ridiculous to comprehend.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she said, voice dripping in false sympathy. “You actually think you need help seducing a man? That’s adorable.”

Camilla’s smile never faltered. “Oh, I don’t need help. I need you to stay out of my way.”

Jewel’s laughter died instantly.

It was a familiar feeling, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. Jewel knew there was more to this meeting than Camilla’s supposed need for help.

“Let me get this straight,” Jewel said, crossing her arms. “You want me to play the dutiful wingwoman so you can throw yourself at Griffin without any pesky interruptions?”

Camilla tilted her head, all slow calculation. “Think of it as an opportunity.”

Jewel arched a brow. “To do what? Test my patience?”

Camilla sighed, tapping a manicured finger against her cheek. “You’re missing the point, Marino.” She leaned in, voice lowering. “If you agree, I’ll convince my father to publish your next book.”

Jewel went completely still, her mind racing as she processed the weight of Camilla’s offer.

Her next book.

On her own terms.

No co-author. No Griffin Royce overshadowing her name on the cover.

It was tempting. So damn tempting.

But it also made her skin crawl.

It was denying herself the truth, and that was a price she wasn’t sure she was willing to pay.

It was denying herself the truth. That she wanted him, and that was a truth she couldn’t deny, even to herself. That he wasn’t just her rival anymore. That he made her pulse trip over itself with just a look.

She swallowed hard, forcing a smirk. “Let’s say I agree. What’s in it for you?”

Camilla’s eyes gleamed. “Griffin. Obviously.”

Jewel resisted the urge to roll her eyes so hard she sprained something.

“Sure,” she drawled. “But here’s a fun fact, Voss—Griffin’s a grown-ass man. If he wanted you, you wouldn’t need my help.”

For the first time, Camilla’s smile slipped—just a fraction. A tiny crack in the mask.

Jewel leaned in slightly, voice dropping to something mockingly sweet.

“So tell me… why does it feel like you’re nervous?”

Camilla’s eyes flashed, but she recovered quickly. “I’m giving you a chance to do something smart, Marino. Don’t waste it.”

Jewel exhaled through her nose.

She should say no.

She should walk away.

Instead—

She extended her hand.

Camilla took it, her grip like cold steel. Deal with a devil, struck. Jewel had just made her biggest mistake yet.

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Later That Night – Griffin’s Hospital Room

Jewel had no idea why she was here.

She’d done her part—Camilla was all over Griffin, playing the part of the concerned savior, and Jewel had successfully distanced herself. She should leave. Instead, she stood in the doorway of Griffin Royce’s private hospital room, staring at him while he slept.

And worse? Jewel felt something stupidly soft at the sight of him.

Griffin looked different like this—less infuriating, more… vulnerable. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by something uncharacteristically unguarded.

Jewel hesitated, then stepped closer, her fingers itching to brush away the stray lock of dark hair falling over his forehead.

She was so screwed. She reached out… only for Griffin’s gravelly voice to break the silence.

“If you wanted to watch me sleep, you could’ve just asked.”

Jewel jerked back so fast, she nearly tripped over her own feet.

“Jesus—” she hissed, pressing a hand over her racing heart. “Are you

always this obnoxious, or is it a side effect of near-death experiences?”

Griffin’s mouth twitched. “Obnoxious is my natural state.”

Jewel scowled, trying to ignore the way her stomach fluttered when his voice turned lower, rougher.

“Didn’t think you cared,” Griffin added, watching her too closely.

Jewel crossed her arms, aiming for casual. “I don’t. I was just making sure you were still breathing. My work here is done.”

She turned to leave—

“Jewel.”

Her name in his stupid, husky voice stopped her cold. She hesitated. Then turned back slowly.

Griffin’s expression softened just a fraction. “You okay?”

Jewel blinked. “Am I okay?”

“Yeah,” he murmured, his blue eyes darker than usual. “You look… off.”

Jewel did not like that. Because Griffin Royce wasn’t supposed to notice things like that.

She scoffed, masking the tightness in her chest with a smirk. “I’m fine, Royce. But thanks for the concern. It’s almost cute.”

Griffin’s smile was slow, teasing. “Careful, Marino. If you start thinking I’m cute, you’ll never recover.”

Jewel rolled her eyes so hard she nearly saw another dimension.

“I’ll take my chances,” she muttered, turning on her heel and stalking toward the door.

But before she could leave, she heard Griffin’s low chuckle behind her.

What’s worse? Jewel was smiling as she walked away.

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Return to Chapter 4 <— —> Continue to Chapter 6 on March 19