ISABELLA’S POV
“Not really…” I managed to say, my voice still hoarse and frail, barely louder than a breath.
I could feel the sweat coating my palms as my heart pounded furiously in my chest. The realization hit me all at once, and nervousness surged through me like a rising tide. Avoiding Xavier’s gaze, I stared down at my lap, trying to calm the erratic rhythm of my breathing.
I was still lying on the bed, feeling weak, almost paralyzed by the weight of everything that had happened. My limbs refused to cooperate as I tried to push myself up, but then I felt strong arms gently lifting me. Sparks shot through my skin at his touch, and my body instinctively reacted with different sensations that started surging through me again as I realized just how close he was. I could feel the heat
