Chapter 140

Liam Sullivan’s deep, intense gaze remained fixed on her.

He suddenly leaned down and gently kissed her lips.

Pulling her into his embrace, he drew the covers over their naked bodies.

“I heard this is the most effective way to reduce a fever,” he murmured, his voice low and husky against her ear.

Vivian Bennett stared at him in disbelief.

Was he only planning to hold her like this?

Just to help her fever break?

“Sleep. You’ll feel better tomorrow,” he said, his tone uncharacteristically gentle as he tried to soothe her.

With a soft click, the light went out, plunging the room into darkness.

The sensation of skin against skin was strikingly vivid.

His scent enveloped her completely.

“You…?” she whispered, still unable to believe it.

Since when did Liam Sullivan show such restraint?

“Didn’t I tell you to call me if anything happened?” His hand tightened around her waist, his voice edged with displeasure.

She had been sick with a fever, yet she hadn’t told him.

If he hadn’t decided to check on her after working late, he wouldn’t have known how seriously ill she was.

“It wasn’t a big deal,” she mumbled softly.

It was just a fever.

When she was a child, her stepmother had often neglected her even during severe, recurring high fevers.

Why was he making such a fuss now?

“Vivian Bennett!” He punished her with a sharp nip on her earlobe.

At the same time, she felt a distinct change in his body.

She immediately froze, not daring to move another inch.

Was he really only trying to help her fever break?

“I understand,” she replied obediently.

“From now on, you must tell me whenever you’re sick,” he commanded sternly.

His arms tightened around her, pulling her even closer.

Vivian fell silent.

All she felt in that moment was an overwhelming warmth.

Pressed skin to skin, she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Each beat seemed to pulse just for her.

The sound of his heart was like a lullaby.

Slowly, drowsiness began to claim her.

As the night deepened, they clung to each other like two small creatures seeking comfort in the dark.

If dawn never came, if sunlight never returned, would this be enough to bring solace?

The room was quiet and peaceful.

Vivian didn’t know when she finally drifted off to sleep.

She only felt an profound sense of safety, as though she had finally found her true home.

There was nothing to worry about anymore. All she needed to do was surrender to deep, restful sleep.

After some time, the discomfort in her body faded, and her breathing gradually evened out.

Then, she began to dream.

In her dream, a dog kept licking her ears and cheeks.

She tried to avoid it instinctively, but she couldn’t escape.

The dog persisted, refusing to leave her alone.

Annoyed, Vivian waved her hand. “Go away.”

A sharp smack echoed, and the dog finally retreated.

She turned over and settled back into sleep.

But before long, her lips were sealed once again.