Tempted by Temptations

Episode Thirty One

Khadija's POV

I remember where I slept last night - in my mini coach. So why am I now waking up in bed? I wonder, confused. Suddenly, the comforter shakes, jolting me awake.

I sit up and place my hand on Lucian Max's forehead. He still has a fever and is shivering. "Lucian Max, why are you like this?" I ask, worried. His shaking gets worse and I panic, "Should I call an ambulance? It's 5 in the morning.

"No, this is just a mild one, like I told you!" he insisted.

"But you don't look okay. What do you expect me to do, just watch you? " I said, feeling hysterical and unsure of what to do.

"Just give me those damn medicines!" he finally relented.

I immediately retrieved the medications from the cabinet, poured a glass of water, and handed them to him.

Lucian Max looked frail and unwell as he lay in bed. I noticed that he needed his medication and water, so I reached out to give it to him. He sat up slightly from the bed, looking pale and weak, to receive them before lying back down.

I could see that he needed something more to make him feel better, so I decided to go to the kitchen to get some ice cubes. The house was quiet and peaceful at this early hour, with everyone else still asleep. As I made my way to the kitchen, I moved slowly and softly as not to disturb anyone.

Once I reached the kitchen, I started to brew some coffee and milk. The rich aroma filled the air, and I knew it would help to lift Lucian Max's spirits. I thought it might be a good idea to bring a loaf of bread as well, just in case he was hungry.

I carefully arranged everything on a tray and made my way back to the room. As I entered, I could see that Lucian Max was still asleep. I approached him and gently shook his shoulder to wake him up. "Would you like some coffee or milk?" I asked, hoping that it would help fill his stomach..

Lucian Max looked into my eyes with his pale yet meaningful gaze and said, "Can I have a cup of coffee, please? And, by the way, thank you for taking care of me!" I could sense his gratitude in his voice, and it made me feel good.

I couldn't help but tease him a little. "Enough with those puppy eyes, Lucian Max!" I joked, pretending to be overwhelmed.

But he was serious. "I'm serious, Khadija!" His voice was husky and dark, adding to his already handsome appearance. "Do you need anything in return?"

I was taken aback, wondering what he meant by that. "What do you mean?" I asked, sounding sarcastic. I couldn't help but feel curious about what he had to offer in return for my help.

Lucian Max's expression changed from playful to serious. His eyes were fixed on me as he asked, "Do I need to ask it again?"

I took a deep breath and responded in a firm tone, "Lucian Max, I helped you because you needed it, and I don't expect anything in return. I'm here to assist you in any way I can." I held his gaze, wanting him to understand the sincerity of my words.

Lucian Max's eyes widened with amazement as he scrutinized me from head to toe. I could feel his gaze exploring every inch of me, and despite feeling a tad self-conscious, I was determined to maintain eye contact with him. The room was filled with a tense silence as he examined me, and I could sense that he was trying to make sense of something.

After a few moments of silence, he spoke again, his voice carrying a note of disbelief. "You sound just like my mom!" His words took me aback, but I couldn't help but break into a genuine smile.

"Really? Your mom has always been so kind to me!" I exclaimed, excitedly about to share my observations. As I looked at him, I saw a smile slowly spread across his face, and I felt a sense of happiness in my heart.