Rachel lay sprawled on the bed. Her black dress had somehow slipped down to her waist. Her pale skin gleamed under the warm glow of the bedside lamp, and her long hair fanned out in an almost picturesque way. Her cheeks were flushed red, and she kept tugging at her clothes while mumbling, “It’s so hot…”

Tyler’s gaze darkened as he approached. When the warmth of his fingertips brushed her arm, Rachel shivered. He frowned instinctively. Something wasn’t right. If this were just drunkenness, she shouldn’t be reacting like this. He walked to the balcony, picked up the half-empty wine bottle, and lifted it to his nose. His expression hardened instantly.

There was something wrong with the wine. Turning back, he touched the back of his hand to Rachel’s skin. She was burning up. He’d noticed earlier his own mouth felt dry, but he hadn’t thought much of it. Before he could piece it together, Rachel suddenly clung to his arm like it was a lifeline. Her flushed face rubbed against him. Tyler gathered her into his arms and held her firmly. He said her name softly.

“Rachel…”

Through the haze, she seemed to hear him. Her eyes blinked open, and when she saw his flawless face, she smiled. “Tyler, you’re finally back. I feel so dizzy. I can’t lull you to sleep.”

Tyler let out a chuckle of disbelief. “Even now, you’re still worried about putting me to bed?”

Her gaze was unfocused, and her words slurred like a drunk’s. “It’s fine. It’s my job. We signed a contract, but I think it expires in a week. So until then, I’ll do my duty properly.”

At that, Tyler tilted her chin up. Her flushed face and pouting lips were so unlike her usual coolness. Something in him snapped. He leaned forward and kissed her.

“We’ll talk about that later.”

Rachel didn’t catch on. The moment his lips met hers, her mind exploded in a rush of heat she could no longer suppress. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hooked her legs around his waist. Tyler’s breath hitched sharply. He bent lower, his hot breath brushing her throat, tasting faintly of wine and something far heavier. Their eyes met.

“Easy. You don’t have much strength left. Let me handle it.”

He pressed her down, thumb brushing across her reddened cheek and tracing her damp lips. Rachel tilted her chin stubbornly and nipped at his chin. Her words came muffled.

“Who says I don’t have strength? I’ve got plenty!”

“Then I’ll let you prove it later.”

He started kissing her passionately.

The next morning, Rachel woke to sunlight streaming across the room. It was already ten. Her head felt heavy. She groaned and rubbed her temples.

“Ugh…”

“Awake?” Tyler’s voice came from beside her. He held out a steaming bowl. “Here, drink Wanda’s hangover soup. You’ll feel better soon.”

Rachel massaged her temple and frowned. “What happened to me?”

Tyler sat up, slipped an arm around her waist, and drew her into him. “You don’t remember anything from last night? Think carefully, especially about why we’re lying here like this.”