Soon, Roger and the doctor left the room, leaving Gideon alone with Ashley.
Without wasting another second, he carefully scooped her into his arms. The moment she felt his warmth, Ashley instinctively clung to him. Her trembling hands wrapped around him as she buried her face against his neck, pressing restless kisses against his skin while unconsciously seeking comfort from the unbearable heat consuming her.
Gideon forced himself not to react.
Ignoring every instinct urging him otherwise, he carried her straight into the bathroom. He gently lowered her into the bathtub before turning on the cold water, hoping it would bring down her dangerously high body temperature.
While the tub slowly filled, Gideon slipped off his shoes and removed his shirt, intending to wash away the lingering herbal scent clinging to his body.
