Page 38 of Bound By Fate
“Take some sips of this,” he ordered, but I just wanted to lay down and sleep again.
Somehow, my mouth and throat worked, and I was able to get a little down with him holding the broth to my lips.
“Come on, Wild Kat, I need you to take some more.”
I let out a huge groan but did as asked. Or at least tried too. He was right, though, the soup did feel warm. That part of this I liked.
“Good. That’s good,” he said, setting the bowl down and then laying me back. As soon as he did the shivers returned in full force.
“Why is it so cold in here?” The question came through chattered teeth as I pulled the covers tighter to my body.
“Because you have a fever, and we need to get it broken. Take some more meds, and then you can go back to sleep.”
“Sleep sounds good,” I groaned, just wanting the feeling to stop. I’d never been this sick before. Ever. And at the time I didn’t think about the fact that Dryerson of all people was the one taking care of me.
Dryerson left the room, and I closed my eyes as sleep tried to grab me and pull me under. All too quickly he was back, making my aching body sit up once more to take the meds.
I felt it warm down my throat. “Is that booze?” I asked as he laid me back and covered me up.
“NyQuil.”
“It’s gross, and I’m cold.”
“Hang on, Wild Kat.”
The bed dipped behind me, and I could feel Dryerson’s heat warming me as he wrapped me up in his arms. It only took moments, and I was fast asleep.
The next time I woke it was to Ensley standing beside me, her hand on my forehead.
“Hey,” I croaked out. My throat was raw.
“Hey yourself. You’re a mess,” Ensley said on a smile.
My lip tipped. “What every woman wants to hear…”
“Your fever broke. Dryerson thought he’d have to take you to the hospital.” I didn’t realize I was that bad.
“How long have I been sick?” Suddenly I was burning up and tossed all the blankets off me. Sweat covered me from head to toe.
“Three days. Dryerson’s been hogging you.”
This confused me. “What?”
“Tried to come over yesterday, but he’s like a pit-bull and wouldn’t let me come. Me being me started on my way anyway, and Micah called—I’m a sucker and went back home.”
“Pitbull huh?” This made me smile.
“Yeah.”
“I really need a shower. I’m gross.” Lifting up, I swung my legs over the side and realized I had no strength. I needed strength.
I stood, wobbled on my feet, and then quickly sat on the bed.
“Hang on,” Ensley said, leaving the room only to come back seconds later with Dryerson following her.
“Hey to you,” I greeted him.
“She lives,” he teased, and secretly I loved it. Even gross and disgustingly sweaty, he made my heart skip a beat.
