Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington's momentary stiffness didn't escape Lizetta's notice.

Lizetta chuckled lightly, "Let go, will you?"

But Remington held Lizetta tighter, nuzzling his face against her neck, his voice husky and plaintive.

"No! It's your scent, Liz. I can't be mistaken. You can't fool me."

If it weren't for the sight of the man's short, neatly trimmed hair, Lizetta might have mistaken him for someone else, perhaps a Joseph, not Remington.

She was infuriated yet somewhat helpless, disdainfully turning her head away.

"Mr. Taylor, you've been caught. Can you stop the bad acting already?"

He was clearly lucid, pretending to be the big bad wolf.

Remington, with his eyes closed, shook his head while hugging her, his head slowly sliding down to her chest.

"Liz, you're so fierce..."

His actions and words were like those of a child throwing a tantrum.

Lizetta had never seen him like this. For a moment, she was taken aback, forgetting to resist, her heart filling with a bittersweet sensation.

But he was indeed very hot, feeling to Lizetta like a burning coal against her.

"Did you even take any fever medicine?" she frowned.

didn't answer, instead burrowing closer within her embrace, his face flushed as he inhaled her scent, his heart

Just holding her like this felt

knows how many nights over these past two

to fall asleep, only to wake up from

of nights ago, he had sneaked into her

wanted to hold her tight, to meld into her being, but he was afraid of waking her

dared to gently hold her hand, to stroke her hair, to massage her when

him and turned icy cold

current shamelessness allowed him to hold her a

you!" Lizetta pushed

murmuring, "Liz, brother feels bad, I just need to sleep

with a rough beard, prickly as needles,

stubble grazed her sensitive skin, stirring a mix of heat and breath, sparking a thrill

evoked

annoyance, forcefully patting

let go of me now, I'll get

didn't seem to take her threats seriously, slightly pulling away to look

careful, or

my senses from this fever,

then I'll have to

for

life!"

pale yet dry, making the lines on