Ste realized she might have overreacted just now.


    "...It''s nothing."


    She knew Joshua wasn''t making any advances, but she still wasn''t used to being this close to a man.


    Joshua reached out, gently pressing his hand to her forehead.


    Her skin was still hot, though less so thanst night. The fever had gone down a bit, but notpletely. She''d need at least another day of rest.


    Her voice sounded less hoarse, but she was still weak, barely above a whisper.


    "Has my fever broken?"


    Joshua shook his head. "Not yet."


    She fell silent for a moment. "Have you called anyone toe find us?"


    "My phone-" He hesitated. "I lost it somewhere when we ran. What about yours? Is it gone too?"


    Ste nodded, sighing. “This forest is huge. If we try to hike out, it could take hours."


    And right now, she could barely stand. Whether she could even make it out, or when, was still a question mark.


    If Joshua wanted to leave her behind, he could walk out any time.


    Joshua said calmly, "Don''t worry. I''ll find us a way out."


    "When do you think we can leave?" she asked.


    "That depends on your fever."


    Ste nced at the sky outside, hesitating. "Maybe this afternoon?"


    Joshua''s dark eyes reflected her face.


    "Is there someone or something-waiting for you out there? Is that why you''re so anxious to leave?"


    She shook her head. "No. I''m just worried the hitmen might still be searching for us. In my condition, I''ll only slow you down."


    She''d been missing for over a day, but she was sure the Williams family wouldn''t bother looking for her.


    She wanted to leave as soon as possible, but her body refused to cooperate.


    Outside, the sky was still gray, and she wondered if it might rain again.


    Her head was foggy, every thought sluggish.


    Joshua noticed how exhausted she looked. "Get some rest. I''ll look for dry firewood nearby."


    Ste forced her eyes open. "Are we...spending another night here?"


    "With the way you are right now, we won''t get far."


    She offered a weak smile, apologetic. "Sorry. I''m holding you back."


    Joshua regarded her, his voice smooth and steady, like water flowing over stones.


    "Star, this is my job. I''m your bodyguard-I get paid for this.


    If it weren''t me with you right now, it would be someone else on the payroll.


    Protecting you, saving you that''s what I''m here for.


    You hired me at a ridiculous sry to keep you safe. Otherwise, are you paying me to sit around and look pretty?  s


    I remember you once said, ''I don''t have to help anyone, but if I choose Wontexpect anything in return.<fn0768> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find?Novel</fn0768>


    s


    I''m the same.


    I could have refused this job. But since I took it, I''m going to do it right. Even if I die saving you, that''s my responsibility. You don''t owe me a thing.


    I joke about being your friend, but at the end of the day, you''re my boss.


    You will never be a burden to me."


    Ste''s heart gave a little jolt, a storm of emotion tumbling through her eyes.


    "Joshua..."


    He held her gaze and added,


    "Honest


    the sry you offered t


    at the top of the market for bodyguards  s


    And you always hand out bonuses after every close call."