Chapter 039

Renee broke into a cold sweat, gasping out, "My... my hand..."

Carl paused suddenly, taking a few deep breaths as the veins in his neck pulsed. He lifted himself slightly and gently took her hand.

But before he could do anything else, Renee swiftly rolled over and wrapped herself tightly in the blanket.

A manipulative move.

Carl paused for a moment, but instead of getting angry, he simply lay down beside the "cocoon" she had made of herself, wrapping both her and the blanket tightly in his arms. He propped his head on one hand and leaned close to her ear, his voice hoarse and teasing, "How long do you think you can keep this up?"

Renee wanted to retort, but her body betrayed her—she had used the last of her strength in that brief escape. Now, as Carl's voice seemed to drift farther and farther away, she slipped into unconsciousness, sinking into darkness.

Later that night, Renee's fever spiked again, leaving her in a dazed, feverish state. If Carl had intended to do anything, she