Maeve, never lost her composure, felt a surge of anger boiling up inside her. Why does helping always come back to bite me? just a mistake?’ thought, her eyes burning with frustration. All could feel was the sting on her lips. moment Byron away from that degrading her hand flew up. instinctively ready to slap him. But caught her wrist effortlessly, a mocking grin spreading across his face as he met her gaze. “What? Want another kiss?” cheeks bright red she her hand away. You do people like you even exist? time I try to you turn it into shit!” voice shook with rage, barely keeping her frustration in check. Byron straightened up, his eyes cold as stared her down. “If you know I’m just gonna let you down, then stay the hell of my way. Don’t think I see through little games. She was furious she could get out; her anger was reaching a boiling point. should been so soft-hearted he dropped dead from that fever, wouldn’t have problem. “Fine! I ever give a damn about you again, I’ll be the biggest fool on earth!” Maeve her face tight with anger as she stormed our of the room. That night, Maeve would have gladly the couch rather share a bed with Byron. But with the chilly autumn and the unheated living room, wasn’t a real option. probably with a cold by if she stayed out it got closer to eleven, and Byron was to Maeve slipped back into bedroom. Wait a is my place. Why am I around?’ With that thought, she the straight to the closet a blanket. she rummaged the closet, faint groan of pain caught her ear. She bit her trying to it, grabbing blanket heading for the door. But just as she was about to leave, the dim light from bedside lamp highlighted Byron’s face, in pain. lay there his usually features into an expression of discomfort. His lips were red, his face pale and his furrowed tightly. There wasn’t a hint of on his face. ‘Is running a fever? wondered, torn between checking on him remembering past rotten behavior. it’s best to just leave him be. I’d be asking for trouble otherwise. bit lower lip, the blanket tightly as quietly slipped out of the room. Less than five minutes later, unable shake off the worry gnawing at Maeve returned with her face a of concern determination. told herself it was just her good deed for day. If he tried anything funny again, she’d make sure fight back without hesitation But didn’t move an as Maeve took his temperature. He didn’t flinch or even bat an eyelid, as if he was completely of it. Maeve checked the thermometer-it read nearly 102 Fahrenheit. With fever that high, definitely need a hospital. But she remembered how hated hospitals, there was no could drag him there on Chapter 11 she some fever reducers at home. After him to the medicine, basin with water and began wiping his body down help lower his temperature You better not blame me you wake up, she muttered, taking advantage of unconscious state speak her mind. “I didn’t to touch you, but if I don’t do you might end up with damage turn into a vegetable. Then I’d be screwed… Maybe was the medicine, but an hour later, Maeve checked Byron’s temperature saw it a bit. To stay on top of she an to wake herself every two another check. She kept this up until morning. when sheer exhaustion finally claimed her, and she off to sleep. Not long after, Byron to a dull ache temples and eyes. The throbbing was still it wasn’t as fierce as it had been night before. He noticed his abdominal wound had been re-dressed, and it felt much better, with real discomfort. He rubbed temple and turned his head to see Maeve the bed, resting the edge. His expression softened little. Here was the same woman who had vowed to caring about him, yet she had the entire night tending to him. Byron’s face betrayed a of conflicted emotion. ‘If this is just an act, then she’s a damn good actress, thought. When Maeve woke Byron was already gone. She thought, He’s just gotten over a and his barely healed, and he’s off to work? Now that’s dedication. honestly, it’s for the best. Running into him would’ve been really awkward. of last night’s kiss flashed mind, making her head pound During her lunch break, gathered her things and caught a taxi home. had taken the off just to be there. when she arrived. “You’re back? Your mom filled me in the details. So, is whole thing g asked, his with a nonchalant air. Jeff’s skin?” Scott knew they take her word for it, she’d come prepared with her license. She pulled it from bag and flipped it for her father see. “I’m not just trying anyone’s skin. I’m really married The stamp on the marriage license caught Scott’s instantly. His face went from calm to thundercloud a heartbeat. With furious motion, he the coffee onto the floor, sending shards scattering at Maeve’s feet. “What Scott bellowed, face bright with anger as he rose from his seat. “Who the hell permission to marry our say-so? Do you even the you’ve just made for us and the Graves