Chapter 284

Evelyn's voice trembled as she whispered, "Liam, please be alright. Stay with me." She bit down on her lower lip until she tasted blood. Hot tears streamed down her face, dripping onto the sheets below.

The salty tang of her tears snapped her back to reality. With shaky hands, Evelyn wiped her face roughly, smearing the moisture across her cheeks.

She sprang from the bed with sudden urgency. In the bathroom, she grabbed a washcloth and ran it under cool water. Liam's fever had broken, leaving his body drenched in sweat. Every few minutes, she'd press her palm to his forehead, then wipe away the perspiration.

Thirty minutes later, his clothes were completely soaked through. His temperature had finally stabilized, but now he risked catching a chill.

Evelyn paced the room, phone clutched in her sweaty palm. She kept checking Ryan's contact information, then glancing at the antique clock on the wall. 5:07 AM.

Dawn hadn't yet broken over Wright Manor, but the staff would already be stirring. If Ryan came now, he'd be seen immediately.

Making a decision, Evelyn climbed back onto the bed. Her fingers trembled as she pulled back the covers and began unbuttoning Liam's shirt.

"Forgive me," she murmured. "Your clothes are drenched. I have to get you dry or you'll get sick again. That's all this is, I promise." The words were as much for herself as for him.

Liam's sculpted chest came into view, each defined muscle glistening with sweat. Even unconscious, his body radiated raw power and masculine perfection.

Evelyn had seen him shirtless before, but never like this. Never when she had to touch him. Her hands shook as she struggled with the damp fabric, finally wrestling it off with a frustrated huff.

Then her gaze dropped lower.

Her pulse skyrocketed. Heat flooded her cheeks and ears. His pants were just as soaked. Should she...?

"What's wrong with me?" She pressed her burning face into her hands. "He's sick. This is medical care, not... whatever my imagination is suggesting."

Steeling herself, she reached for his belt buckle. But no matter how she tugged, the wet fabric clung stubbornly to his hips.

In her struggle, her fingers brushed against something firm and unmistakable beneath the fabric. She squeezed her eyes shut, mortified. The prominent bulge made her want to vanish into thin air.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn swung one leg over his thigh for better leverage. She gripped his waistband tightly, preparing for another attempt.

A hoarse voice shattered the silence. "Evelyn... what exactly are you doing?"

She froze. Her wide eyes met Liam's half-lidded gaze. Fire raced across her skin as she realized their compromising position. If the ground opened up and swallowed her whole at that moment, it would be too kind.