Chapter 36. Deep in the Heart

He put back the ice pack bag to her forehead. And as he crouched again, Rafaella tugged at his collar. 

"But I feel fine except for the fever..." she said.

He intended to restrain himself as he went in for a short kiss. He failed to succeed. He intensified the kiss and poured his heart into it, claiming her as his when her soft mouth clung to his. He had to stop playing the part. After nearly losing her, no.

In return, she clung to his shoulders and kissed him equally passionately. He let out a sigh as he gradually released her from his grip. He kissed her fingers when she reached out for him again, hoping she would understand what he was trying to express before letting go. And he was not supposed to kiss her when she had a fever, but he could not stop himself. He felt anxious.

When an icy cold invaded her bones, she shook with chills. Then a delicious warmth enveloped her. He tugged his shirt around her, and she sighed in contentment that didn't last l