Allyson's POV
My entire body shuddered, waves of heat and cold crashing through me like opposing tides in my bloodstream.
Michael's voice pierced through the haze, raw with concern.
"Allyson... can you hear me? Open your eyes... please."
His hands found me then, gathering me up, drawing me against his chest, carefully removing the damp fabric clinging to my skin...
The memory flickered like candlelight. Warm water cascading over me. His strong arms cradling me as he washed away the fever, treating me like precious glass, like I still mattered to him.
He clothed me with tender precision, settled me between clean sheets, pulled the covers up to my chin, then brushed his lips across my forehead.
As he moved to leave, my fingers found his, holding tight. I heard myself whisper those dangerous words.
"I love you."
A voice called from somewhere far away, dragging me back from the warmth.
"Allyson... Allyson..."
