As Jasperâs good friend, Landon felt obliged to help his bro.
Moving a nearly six-foot-tall man to the bedroom proved to be a huge challenge. Thankfully, the villa was equipped with an elevator.
Alyssa managed to drag Jasper to the bedroom, feeling as though she was lugging a lifeless body.
Upon settling him in bed, she realized that their sweat had mingled, leaving her shirt soaked.
âYouâre incredibly heavy! Count yourself lucky that I didnât have to dismember you.â Alyssa panted.
Then, she hurried to the bathroom to retrieve a wet towel. She gently applied it to Jasperâs skin to alleviate his fever.
Exhausted, she slumped beside the bed and complained, âIâm so speechless. Why did you push yourself so hard when youâre already sick? Youâre a handful.â
She shot the unconscious man an irritated look. Despite her harsh remarks, a sense of guilt gnawed at her, knowing she was partially responsible for his illness.
âLyseâ¦â Jasper mumbled with his eyes closed. His lashes fluttered as he unknowingly professed his love for her in his dreams.
âThatâs enough. Are you trying to cast a spell on me? Iâm right here,â she grumbled to herself.
âIf I had known I would be dealing with this mess, I would have sent Sean instead. I didnât sign up for this.
Just rest and stay still.â
Then, she tried to get up and look for some Ibuprofen in the villa.
Suddenly, Jasperâs bloodshot eyes popped open, and he seized her wrist.
Her expression crumbled as she struggled to free herself. She questioned, âWhen did you wake up? Or were you conscious the whole time? Youâre lying to me, arenât you?â
âIâve never lied to youâ¦â he rasped between labored breaths. Anxious that she might escape, he clung to her wrist.
Just stay with âI heard that you were planning to leave, so I forced myself to wake up. Please, donât go. Just me, even for a little while His eyes, normally devoid of emotion, shone with warmth and deep affection. Her heart skipped a beat.
Still, she remained sharp-tongued. âIâve already contacted Xavier, and heâll be here any minute. Iâve given you medication and helped you into bed.
Iâve done everything I can, but it wouldnât be appropriate for me to stay with you after our divorce. Mr.
Beckett, please donât put me in a difficult position.â
As she leaned forward to get up, Jasper tugged at her wrist, causing her to tumble into his warm embrace. She gasped, âJasp Following that, she felt lightheaded and immediately exclaimed in surprise. Jasper had shifted on top of her.
Fearing that he might crush her with his weight, he braced himself with his arms on the bed. The contours of his muscular arms were visible beneath his pajamas.
Their breathing grew uneven and intermingled. She gazed up into his seductive eyes, which resembled a starry night.
âI thought you promised not to force me against my will,â she said aloud, feeling herself blush. An electrifying feeling coursed through her.
A bead of hot sweat landed on her cheek, stirring her heart. She continued accusing him, âI canât trust a word from you! Youâve gone back on your word right away!â
âItâs your fault for visiting me at the wrong time,â he replied, enveloping her with the warmth of his body.
He stared deep into her soul, captivated by her beauty. âMs. Alyssa, youâre toying with the life of a sick man.â
She blushed and attempted to retort angrily, but he didnât give her the chance.