Chapter 24: Fevered Kisses

The cold raindrops soaked to my skin as they landed on me. My clothes were quickly drenched, but I didn't care anymore. A sigh came from behind me. Then, I was wrapped in someone's arms. The familiar scent made me raise my head in surprise. "Edmond!" Edmond buried his head in my neck. He seemed to be burning up with a fever. The temperature of his face was very hot. I shivered slightly in worry. "Edmond, come on. Let's talk inside." I tried to stand up, but he was hugging me so tightly that I couldn't move at all. I could only gently press my elbow against his chest, indicating that he should let go first. He seemed to think for a moment before lifting me up into his arms. After I stabilized myself, he grabbed my shoulder and turned me to face him. Before I could react, he pulled me back into his arms again. "No... Don't go. I was wrong. I shouldn't have been so rough with you. I thought... I thought you were really going to leave me. You seemed so resolute. I was really w