But I’m not scared. I’m relieved. Luc being here with me is so much better than hanging from the frozen Cliffs of Insanity. Even if my teeth are still chattering.
Luc’s hands cup my cheeks.“Dios mío,your fever has spiked.”
I groan. Every muscle, bone, and joint in my body has rebelled. Words seem out of reach.
Until Luc switches on my bedside lamp.
“Aah!What are you doing?!” I cover my eyes, but spears of light have already skewered them.
“Shh...You’ll wake the kids. I’m getting you some medicine.”
You’ll wake the kids.
I unravel his words as I hear the snap of a bottle cap and the rattle of pills.
“What time is it?” I manage to whisper this time.
“A little after two.”
“In the morning?” I ask, incredulous.
Luc’s hushed chuckle brushes over me. “Yes,boba.Put out your hand.”
I keep my hands to my eyes. “Turn out the light first.”
Click.
I peel one hand away, and Luc catches it in his.
“Can’t see a friggin’ thing,” he mutters, but I feel him press two tablets onto my palm, and then he closes my fingers over them, cupping my hand in both of his. “Take those. I’ll hand you the water.”
I obey and grope until the bottle meets my hand. Then Luc’s arm slides behind my neck as he helps me to sit up. Swallowing is fresh agony, and the water sets my teeth chattering again.
“Is the h-heater broken?”
He lays me back on the pillow, cradling the back of my head. “No,linda,it’s the fever.” The side of the bed depresses with his weight. “Are you hungry? Do you need anything?”
A shiver runs through me. “I’m so cold.”
His hand closes around my arm. “You’re shaking. Where are extra blankets?” Luc starts to rise, but I grasp his wrist. He stills. The darkness makes everything unreal. Like a continuation of my dream. But I know I’m awake. I know, despite all logic, that Luc really is in my room. And I know that no matter the reasons I shouldn’t be, I’m so glad he is.
My throat is on fire. My body aches like I’ve been knocked to the ground and kicked. Medicine and blankets are okay. But I remember what it felt like to be in Luc’s arms, and all I want is for him to hold me. I just can’t ask for that. Not after I pushed him away. Not ever.
I let go of his wrist.
“Millie,” Luc whispers. He still hasn’t moved. “Tell me what you need.”
He’s talking about medicine and blankets, right?
I turn on my side, facing him, and draw my knees up to get warm. I try not to shiver. “I’ll be okay as soon as the fever breaks.”
“Millie.” He’s still whispering, but I hear an edge of impatience. “Tell me what you need.”
He must be crazy if he thinks I’ll tell him I need him to climb into this bed and hold me. Besides, I don’tneedthat. Sure, I want itreally, reallybad. But we all know how that song goes.
“Just sleep,” I say. And, okay, fine. I sound about as convincing as a used car salesman, but I’m running a fever after all.
Luc grunts a sigh.“Mujer obstinada,”he growls, and the bed dips again. “Move over.”
