Chapter Ten

Lucia descended the stairs, the oversized t-shirt and lounge pants hanging loosely on her slender frame. Her damp hair clung to her neck, droplets of water glistening on her skin. As she reached the bottom, Declan's gaze immediately sought her out, his ice-blue eyes filled with concern.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Lucia offered him a small, grateful smile. "Uncomfortable," she admitted, the word barely above a whisper. Despite the twins' efforts to care for her, the heat coursing through her body was a persistent ache, a constant reminder of her vulnerability.

Declan's brow furrowed, and he moved closer, his fingers brushing her arm in a featherlight caress. "I wish we had more time to help you through this." His words were laced with regret. "But we'll do what we can to make you as comfortable as possible."

Declan retrieved a glass of ice water and a gel pack from the freezer, his movements efficient and practised. Lucia accepted them gratefully, pressi