Chapter 4

Francesca

I heard retching.

But for a change—it wasn't me. I couldn't count the number of times I was up and down to the bathroom in the night.

Each time Stefan helped. He even brought me a big silver mixing bowl because he said that's what Giselle and Eve used with the kids.

But this was definitely not me in the bathroom. I was lying in a sweaty puddle in the bed. My fever still hadn't broken. Even with the pills Stefan gave me. Nothing was helping.

A moment later, I heard the toilet flush. Then Stefan walked out of the bathroom, sweat running down his handsome face.

“Oh, no. It got you, too?” I said over my sore, dry throat.

“Yeah. But I'm okay.” He got into bed but stayed on his side.

I rolled over even though my head was still spinning. My hand touched his forehead. “You're fevered.” I informed him.

Stefan let out a sarcastic laugh. “I know.”

Something inside me spiraled. I sat up and said, “I'll get you some pills. And a water.”

Stefan's hand grabbed my arm, not letting me get out of bed. “I'm fine,” he stated and pulled me to him. “You need to rest. Come here.”

I had no choice in the matter. Even sick and fevered, Stefan was still stronger than I was.

“But you're sick.” I sighed, unable to do much more than that.

“I'm fine. Go to sleep.”

And so—I did.

If ads affect your reading experience, click here to remove ads on this page.