Trevor had suspected Kylie of faking a wobble just to get into his arms, but complexion and the of sweat on her forehead told a different story. She was clearly the weather. not murmured, her voice shaky, “Could you take me back to Starlit don’t want to worry Noreen, and hate to give her cold. With a nonchalant nod, Trevor shed his jacket and wrapped it around her. He then steered her toward the exit, his pace brisk and his hand comforting presence shoulder. and Mel had a tough the crowd, only to themselves short of reaching Trevor as whisked Kylie away. They made a move to follow, but were halted by staff. Walters has already left through VIP route, they were told, a mix politeness and finality their tone. The Lampard was an awkward their faces a picture of embarrassment. Kylie was half–asleep in the hearing Trevor’s arrangement about everything, her head tilted against the window, the city’s lights blurring outside. Trevor, beside quiet rolling down cheek, expression a mix of sadness and else he couldn’t place. She so small in that a stark to the confident woman earlier. Trevor’s curiosity was piqued. What had upset her? maybe? The idea she might have said yes to him out of spite or hurt nagged at him. didn’t voice though. he turned to the driver and urged. “Step on it, would you?” His tone was firm, a clear signal that he in the for delays. After a quick check–up at Starlit Villa, doctor confirmed Kylie a common cold and handed her some meds to the fever. As the doc headed out, Trevor, his tie, over to Kylie’s bed. He the thermometer at forehead- wow, she up. “Kylie, your medicine is ready. ” Trevor said, his voice gentle. Kylie was out it, only half–listening. triggered a flashback and Melanie had once slipped her when they were all over each other, and it had been pure hell. The heat, the helplessness, mental hit like a of bricks. can’t,” she whispered, voice rough as sandpaper. Her eyes shut tight, and tears were silent down her cheeks. Trevor’s mouth tightened at the sight. He was about to her take the meds when his grandma called. “How’s my girl better be looking right, scolded through the phone. “Kylie’s family now, need to treat her like gold, especially when she’s under the weather. his grandma’s stern voice, expression turned even more serious. “She’s got fever, but taking care of her. There a sharp intake of breath on the other end “A fever? That doesn’t good. You wrap up call and get my girl. hung up phone, his eyes meeting Kylie’s. curled tight, her face with fever, tears silently trailing down her cheeks. It was a sight that tugged at the heartstrings. He adjusted tie, tone firm. “Kylie, your fever’s spiking. really need to some meds it. word “meds” seemed to hit a nerve. Kylie’s teeth clenched, and she muttered through teeth, “Craig, I hate you!” The mention of Craig’s name, the face, Trevor all he needed to know was going on. Chapter 20 lip was bitten hard was the verge of breaking. Trevor’s brow furrowed, his voice stern. “Kylie, pull yourself together. The pain her lip seemed to snap her of it, she was still clearly in head throbbing, her weak. met Trevor’s, the of her feverish state lifting. Kylie’s voice trembled as she reached out. Thanks, is the medicine? it over. With a concerned look, Trevor passed her the pills and glass of water. After taking the medicine, Kylie murmured her thanks. “Once off this I’ll be good new. You should get some rest, Mr. Walters” Trevor’s voice was a mix of concern and command. “You you don’t need help?” Kylie nodded, a playing on her lips. “Positive. a cold, nothing I can’t handle. Seeing Kylie’s determination, Trevor back vulnerability. Was she trying to her strength him? that in mind, and his motives, Trevor gave a brief nod and exited Kylie’s room, leaving her to rest. Kylie lay back down after departure, but sandman having it. That dream had been so real, like a flashback past now was wide awake. it was the meds; either way, she weak but not as as before. Her phone buzzed, Ethan’s she answered, Ethan. “Kylie, you wiped out. Are sick?” Ethan’s carried a of worry. He’d seen her through every sniffle and Sneeze since she was little. eyes were a bit red, likely from her illness. She family something fierce. “It’s just a be fine after some sleep. “Where are you staying? I’m I can take care of you, Ethan offered, not the idea of Kylie alone in some rental. “I’ve got a roommate who’s out for me. You don’t to worry,” she reassured him, still unsure how to news. about her sudden marriage. Ethan relaxed a “Alright, but if you need just say the word. Oh, this about you and Craig?” “I ended things him. Did he out Kylie’s lips were dry from the fever, and the from her dream seemed resurface. “He called, wanting to know where you were. I never trusted him. Something him has been lately, Ethan said. Kylie couldn’t believe even her brother had seen through Craig when been so blind. She replied with a touch of irony, “Yeah, guess so. “Ethan, check out. paper looks just a voice in the background interrupted. concern was “Ethan, is everything okay?”