Chapter 929

After retrieving the ointment, Lily gently dabbed some onto her fingers and applied it to the reddened area. To Alexander, the minor injury was insignificant, but the coolness of her fingers against his skin was undeniably pleasant. A cool sensation penetrated his skin; he almost protested, but found himself enjoying it. He stretched, tilted his head back, and allowed her small hand to glide across his abdomen. However, alongside the soothing coolness, a strange, almost fiery feeling rose from his lower abdomen, leaving his mouth dry.

Lily focused intently on the burn. Though shocked, she was deeply moved by his impulsive intervention. His grandmother and aunt, regardless of their strained relationship, were still his family. Yet, he'd shielded her, defended her, defying them all. She'd often heard people speak of a sense of security; its elusive nature was difficult to define, yet in that moment, Lily felt utterly safe.

After applying the ointment, Lily closed the first-aid kit and set it aside. She turned to assess the burn, considering whether gauze was necessary, when he reached out, almost pulling her down onto him. "Watch out for your injury!" she exclaimed, bracing herself to avoid pressing against his burn.

"It doesn't matter. It's a minor injury, and besides, you're the cure," he countered, shifting his body to allow her to lie beside him.

Aware of his intentions, Lily resisted, refusing to lie down. "Just admit you're hurt!"

"So, I can be dishonest without consequence?" he teased, smiling.

Lily remained silent; her meaning was clearly not that. Alexander was always teasing her.

"I don't think it's serious. You should rest. I'll go back to the room!" she stated, rising, a touch of annoyance in her voice.

Alexander swiftly grasped her wrist. "Don't stop. I'm seriously injured! Look, I'm about to blister!" He groaned dramatically.

Lily, concerned, leaned closer, but he pulled her against him, encircling her waist. "The blister isn't there yet, but if you leave, it might magically appear!"

"How sly!" she muttered, irritated but unable to escape. Then she coughed. She'd been feeling unwell, taking medicine before forcing herself downstairs. The earlier confrontation had left her weakened. Despite escaping the scalding water unharmed, she felt dizzy and faint.

"What's wrong?" Alexander asked, noticing her discomfort. He touched her forehead. "Do you have a fever?"

Slightly dizzy, Lily didn't pull away, allowing his hand to remain on her forehead. She had a fever earlier and taken medicine, but residual warmth lingered. "I'm fine. A cold, maybe. I'll rest."

She closed her eyes, feeling exhausted. Fortunately, her workload was light, allowing for rest. A couple of days' rest should improve her condition.

"What do you mean? You have a fever! Why didn't you say anything?" Alexander's face paled, sensing the alarming heat of her forehead.

"I'll take you to the hospital!"

"Relax. I'll take some medicine. No need for the hospital," she said, coughing again.