บท 119: Unexpected Tenderness    

[EVE]

Cole nodded, leaning forward slightly. "Yeah. You had a pretty bad fever, so I gave you some medication and got you comfortable. I even called a doctor to set up the IV. You should be feeling better soon."

A sudden warmth bloomed in my chest, but I forced it down, clamping it tight. I couldn't let myself be moved by every fleeting gesture, every hint of tenderness he showed—it was dangerous to let my heart sway so easily.

I blinked, surprised. The idea of him here, looking after me all that time, felt oddly . . . strange.

I never imagined seeing this side of Cole. Of all people, he was the last person I expected—and wanted—to be by my side at my most vulnerable.

Yet here he was, catching me in a moment I could barely face myself, peeling back my defenses when I had nowhere left to hide.