He was grateful he had insisted on following her, allowing him to get her to the hospital in time.


    The IV drip was making her arm cold. Ian reached out and gently took her hand in his. It was like ice.


    He cupped it between his palms, trying to transfer some of his own warmth to her. Gavin waited outside, not daring to disturb them.


    Time ticked by. The sound of the rain outside only amplified the silence in the


    room.


    After she left,n pressed a cotton ball to the injection site until the bleeding stopped. He felt Eleanor''s forehead again; the fever had gone down slightly, but it hadn''t brokenpletely.


    Her hand was still cold, so he held it again, warming it in his own before tucking it back under the covers.


    Eleanor slept deeply, as if she hadn''t had a proper rest in ages, her features peaceful and content.


    Without the cool, distant walls she usually put up around him, she seemed exceptionally fragile and quiet.


    The hours crept by. Around four in the morning, Eleanor''s longshes fluttered. She slowly opened her eyes, the fog of the fever having lifted considerably.


    She blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling for a few seconds, confused.


    Was she... in a hospital?


    Her eyes widened as the memories returned. She had copsed in the elevator, andn had been there.


    Eleanor instinctively sat up and looked toward the chair.


    In the dim light, she could make outn''s form, resting with his eyes closed.


    It really was him.


    Her heart sank, aplicated mix of embarrassment, annoyance, and a reluctant acknowledgment of the truth washing over her.


    He had brought her to the hospital and stayed with her all night.


    Her first instinct was to flee. She carefully pushed back the covers, trying not to wake him.


    But the slight movement was


    enough to stir the light-sleepingn. His eyes snapped open his sharp gaze instantly locking onto her back as she tried to slip out of bed.


    "You''re awake?" he asked, his voice raspy with sleep.


    Eleanor froze. With her back still to him, she said in a cool voice, "I''m fine now. Thank you for bringing me here After a pause, she added, " transfer you the money for the medical bills."


    Annoyed, Eleanor realized her shoes were on his side of the bed. She shifted to get out on the other side.


    "That won''t be necessary. I know own body" Eleanor said, sitting on the edge of the bed to put on her shoes. But as her feet touched the floor, her legs felt like jelly, and she nearly stumbled.


    flinched away as if burned. "Don''t touch me."


    Her voice was sharp with frustration. "I can manage."


    she was; forcing the issue would only make her more resentful.