Chapter 4: Fever Dreams and Missed Chances

That very night, I came down with a fever. My skin burned, sweat sticking my hair to my forehead, and the sheets felt like sandpaper.

The door creaked open. Jake, fresh from the shower and smelling of mint, hovered at the edge of the bed, the scent almost drowning me.

I frowned and pushed him away. “I don’t need you to take care of me.”

His body tensed. “Then who should take care of you?” His voice was deep, forcibly patient as he coaxed, “Come on, take your medicine and you’ll feel better.”

His cool fingertip brushed my lips, and the hand at his side clenched tight. Staring at my red lips, his breathing grew heavier, but I didn’t notice. Uncomfortable in his arms, I turned my head and lay back on the bed.

“All right, you can leave now.”

Half-asleep, I heard the shower running in the bathroom. Jake seemed to be taking another shower.

...

When I woke again, I was being held in Jake’s arms. There was a clear abnormality at my thigh.

His warm breath brushed my ear. Jake had just woken up too, groggily feeling my forehead. “Still a bit warm. Looks like the fever hasn’t completely gone.”

I snapped awake. That’s because you made it hotter.

I bent my elbow to push him away, but he caught my waist with perfect accuracy. His rough fingertip grazed my skin, sending tingles through my body. I couldn’t help but let out a muffled moan.

“Rachel.” Jake’s voice was deep and hoarse, full of magnetic longing. “Should we give it a try?”

Normally, I would have welcomed it, but after last night, I was already put off. To me, this move of his was like giving me a slap and then a sweet treat—charity.

Still drained from being sick, I turned him down with a cold face. “I can’t handle it.”

He instantly turned pale, his breath shaky. Jake barely pulled away. He said nothing.

When I turned over, I saw him staring at me, a bitter smile at the corner of his mouth. “It’s my problem. I don’t blame you.”

I snorted. At least he had some self-awareness.

“But in the future, don’t get so carried away, okay? It’s not good for your body to have a fever.”

Jake lowered his eyes, hiding his true feelings. He didn’t wait for my reaction—just got up and fetched clothes from the wardrobe for me.

He usually wore silk robes, but today he only had a towel wrapped around his waist. His toned muscles and v-line were on full display.

My gaze swept over his slender waist and perky butt, my heart beating a little faster. But that was all. If it were any other attractive man standing there, my heart would race too.

Jake handed me the clothes. I changed right in front of him, not caring. As expected, he quickly turned his head, his eyes not lingering on me at all.

But what I didn’t know was—as soon as I left the room, Jake went into my bathroom.