Chapter 44: Lingering Confusion

After clearing away the untouched food and wine from the dining table, Claire turned off the lights and made her way to the second-floor bedroom.

Lucas lay on the bed, turned away from her, his broad, muscular back exposed above the thin silk sheet that rested low on his waist. The sight of him, of the way his shoulders and back muscles subtly shifted with each breath, made her pause and swallow hard, a flush creeping up her face as flashes of what had happened between them replayed in her mind.

*Get a grip, Claire!* she scolded herself, feeling embarrassed by her reaction. *Staring at his back and imagining... that? Seriously?*

She took a deep breath, calming herself as she approached the bed and quietly grabbed a spare blanket from the side. Just as she was about to turn and head to the couch, a low, strained groan escaped from Lucas.

Frowning, Claire climbed onto the bed, kneeling beside him. Even without touching him, she could feel the intense heat radiating from his body, a warmth that seemed far beyond normal. Concerned, she gently placed her cool hand on his forehead, and a flash of worry crossed her face—he was burning up.

*How could he be running such a high fever?* Just a short while ago, he'd seemed fine.

She tapped her forehead, steadying her thoughts, and remembered the fever medicine she'd seen in his drawer a few days earlier while tidying up his room. Quickly getting up, she retrieved the medicine and a small cup of lukewarm water, helping him take it before pulling two blankets over him, hoping they'd help break his fever.

Only when she felt his body temperature drop slightly did she finally relax, lying down next to him on the bed.

Maybe it was the warmth from her own body that drew him in; whatever it was, as soon as Claire started to drift off, he turned and wrapped his arms tightly around her, pulling her close. She stiffened at the sudden contact, every muscle tensing as his arm tightened around her waist and his leg slid possessively over hers, pinning her in place.

Claire held her breath, unable to move. His hot, unsteady breath brushed against the side of her neck, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.

*Is he still asleep?* she wondered, her heart pounding. *It must be the fever making him seek warmth.*

Forcing herself to ignore the wild, inappropriate thoughts swirling in her mind, she let out a small sigh and pulled the blanket over them, trying to settle herself. But, as much as she wanted to sleep, her mind refused to quiet down. A jumble of questions and conflicted feelings kept her awake, and she had to resist the urge to scream just to release the pent-up frustration.

*Why did he stop earlier?* she wondered for what felt like the hundredth time. *He always says he's indifferent toward all women, but he'd kissed her so passionately, only to pull away just as suddenly.*

*Could it be… ED?* she thought, her mind drifting to the only explanation that seemed plausible, even if it made her feel guilty for considering it.

Then, much to her own surprise, she realized a hollow feeling had formed in her chest. Was she disappointed that he'd pulled back? That deep down, she'd actually wanted him to touch her?

*No, no, no!* Claire groaned internally, overwhelmed by the thought. *I can't think like this! Just sleep!*

After what felt like endless attempts at self-consolation and mind-clearing, she finally relaxed into his warm embrace and drifted into an uneasy sleep, her head filled with conflicting emotions she didn't quite understand.