Chapter 24
Bradley didn’t even look up. His eyes were glued to his computer screen as his fingers flew across the keyboard. “Mm,” was all he said,
Taking that as a dismissal, Melissa nodded and turned to leave. “Alright, I’ll let you get back to work.”
Just as she reached the door, his voice stopped her. “Wait. Come here.”
Melissa froze, then turned back, confused. “What’s wrong?”
Bradley opened a drawer and tossed her a box. “Here. Take it”
She caught it and looked down. It was a brand–new phone, still sealed in its packaging.
Her old phone had been ruined after falling into the water, and buying a new one wasn’t in her budget. Refusing would seem hypocritical–plus, she had no doubt Bradley would mock her for trying to turn it down.
So, after a moment, she smiled faintly and accepted it. “Thanks”
Bradley’s voice stayed cold and indifferent. “I only did it so my son wouldn’t’annoy me when he can’t get hold of you.”
Melissa smiled, her gaze steady as if she could see right through him. “You know, you’re actually a decent person. You just like putting on that tough
guy mask all the time.”
Bradley’s brow furrowed, his tone even icier. “Everything I do is for my son. Don’t read too much into it.”
Melissa shrugged, unfazed. “Me saying you’re a decent person doesn’t mean I’m interested in you. It’s just a fact.”
Her calm words made Bradley freeze for half a second, a hint of awkwardness creeping in before he coughed and snapped. “Get out”
Melissa chuckled lightly, holding up the phone she’d just received. “By the way, Eve started job hunting”
Bradley shot her a warning look. “And why would I care!
Ignoring his frosty attitude, she continued, “When I get my paycheck, I’ll pay you back for the phone”
His patience finally snapped. ‘Melisa, get out
Laughing, she threw up her hands. “Fine, fine. I’m going!” She left the room, her amusement lingering long after.
Melissa didn’t know how much time had passed when the unbearable heat and cold waves started. Her body felt heavy, her head throbbing, and her throat scratchy.
She groaned softly, realizing the fever was her fault–she’d stayed in wet clothes too long earlier and hadn’t taken care of herself.
She tried to sit up but found her body weak and unsteady. Bracing against the wall for support, she slowly made her way downstairs, every step a struggle. She just needed to find some medicine, something to help her feel human again,
The faint sound of her unsteady footsteps caught the housekeeper’s attention. Rushing out to check, the woman froze at the sight of Melissa slumped on the staircase, pale and barely conscious.
“Ms. Bush! Oh my god, you’re burning up the housekeeper gasped, taking a step back in panic.
The commotion was enough to draw Bradley out of his room. His door swung open, and he stepped into the hallway, irritation etched into his face. “What the hell is all this noise in the middle of the night?”
The housekeeper turned to him in a fluster. “Sir, Ms. Bush. she’s burning up with a fever
Bradley’s sharp eyes locked onto Melissa’s fragile figure. Her head drooped, and she clung to the railing like it was the only thing keeping her upright. His jaw tightened as he strode over and placed a hand on her forehead. The heat against his palm was startling,
Without hesitation, he scooped her up into his arp, his voice low and commanding as he turned back to the housekeeper. “Call the doctor. Now
Even through her clothes, he could feel the heat radiating from her body. She stirred in his arms, her fever–clouded mind instinctively reaching for the nearest source of relief.
Her hand gripped his shirt, and her check pressed against his chest, nuzzling slightly as though his cool touch was the only thing bringing her
comfort.
“Melissa, behave yourself, Bradley growled under his breath, glancing down at her flushed face. His tone was sharp, but there was a faint edge of
concern.
Chapter 24
But Melissa, lost in her fever, couldn’t bear him. The soothing coolness of his touch was all she could focus on, and she unconsciously leaned closer, seeking more.
Bradley let out a long sigh, his steps quickening as he carried her to her room
Once there, he laid her down gently on the bed. But when he tried to pull his hand away, he found her grip still tight on his wrist. His voice turned ser “Let go, Melissa”
Instead of releasing him, her fingers curled tighter, and she pressed her face against his hand like it was the only relief she could find.
Bradley’s frown deepened, irritation flashing across his face, “She’s impossible.
Ashe tried again to free himself, her other hand moved restlessly. Her fevered frustration nude her tug at the loose neckline of her pajamas, the fabric slipping to reveal glimpses of flushed skin.
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