79. Searing Kiss

The house was unnervingly quiet after Valerie left with the kids, leaving Riley alone with River’s guards silently watching her every move. She looked at one of the guards and flashed them a smile. “Are you intending to follow me everywhere?” “That’s the order,” the man said gruffly. Riley shrugged and headed toward the room where River was lying. She paused outside his door, hesitating. What if he was awake? Will he bark at her and order his guards to lock her up again? Or will he be more appreciative that she agreed to stay and take care of him? Hah…Riley didn’t see River as someone who’d be appreciative. Taking a deep breath, Riley pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the heavy curtains blocking out most of the afternoon light. River lay on the bed, his chest rising and falling in a shallow, uneven rhythm. His face was flushed with fever, beads of sweat clinging to his brow. Riley frowned. Why was it taking so long for his fever to get better? He wasn’t g