CHAPTER 84
Their eyes met, and in that instant, a flood of unspoken emotions passed between them.
Arianna was equally taken aback. Had she been dreaming?
She blinked repeatedly, hoping to confirm what she had just witnessed, but Xander's expression returned to its usual demeanor. It was as if the fleeting moment of gentleness she had glimpsed was nothing more than a figment of her imagination.
Arianna felt a slight pang of disappointment in her chest. She cleared her throat softly, straightened up, and inquired, "You're awake. How are you feeling?"
Instead of responding, Xander fixed his gaze on her and smirked mischievously. "What message are you trying to convey by dressing like this, Arianna?"
'Dressing like this?'
Arianna blinked in confusion at Xander's remark. How was she dressed?
Glancing down, she realized that her bathrobe sash had come undone, likely from tossing and turning in her sleep, revealing the alluring nightdress underneath. She felt suddenly exposed in Xander's eyes...
Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she quickly pulled the bathrobe around herself, struggling nervously to tie the sash securely in place. The more flustered she became, the more difficult it seemed to tie the robe.
Xander maintained his composure despite his amusement and continued to tease her. "Well, it might be inconvenient for me right now, but if you're really keen, I can make the effort to accommodate you!"
Arianna finally managed to secure the bathrobe's knot firmly. Blushing, she explained, "Ronald bought this for me. I... I wore it because I didn't have any other clothes to change into. I certainly didn't intend anything else!"
Her embarrassment deepened as she spoke the last few words and couldn't resist admonishing him, "Stop with those inappropriate thoughts!"
Xander found immense satisfaction seeing Arianna blush and fidget nervously. He preferred her lively reactions far more than her usual aloofness and irritation.
Trying not to push her too far, Xander cleared his throat lightly. "I could use something to drink."
Arianna clearly wanted to change the subject, so she turned away and left the room to fetch a glass of water.
Returning with a warm glass, she offered it to him and said, "Here you go."
Xander remained still, his intense gaze fixed on Arianna. There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice as he spoke. "I can't manage to get up. Could you lend me a hand?"
Arianna couldn't shake off the memory of his mischievous teasing moments ago. Why was he suddenly acting so weak? Was it just an act?
Despite her internal skepticism, Arianna observed the lines of discomfort etched on Xander's face. After a brief hesitation, she extended her hand, firmly grasped his arm, and exerted enough strength to help him sit upright.
As she supported him, Arianna couldn't ignore the concern that tugged at her heart. She wondered if there was more to his vulnerability than met the eye.
However, Xander was only halfway upright when he winced and fell back onto the bed, clearly in pain from his wound. In the same moment, Arianna lost her balance and was pulled down with him.
Before she could react, her upper body landed awkwardly on his, and her lips unintentionally brushed against his. Their eyes locked in a brief, intense gaze, reflecting a mix of surprise and confusion.
Arianna's mind went momentarily blank. She quickly scrambled off him, cheeks burning bright red in embarrassment. Her heart raced with a flurry of thoughts, unsure of what to say or do next.
Xander teasingly touched his own lips where Arianna's warmth had left an impression. He raised an eyebrow, his voice slightly hoarse as he remarked,
"And here you insisted you didn't want this, Arianna."
She felt a pang of frustration realizing how easily she had fallen for his act of vulnerability. It was always the ones trying to deceive who were the quickest to cry foul!
Arianna placed the water glass firmly on the bedside table and spoke icily, "It's up to you whether you want to get up or drink."
Xander remained calm and asked instead, "Is this your idea of caring for me, Arianna? When you were ill that night, I let you cling to me however you needed just to ensure your safety. I stayed awake the whole night to look after you."
Arianna's anger gradually dissipated upon hearing his words.
Xander was correct... He had once been there for her...
Arianna took a few deep breaths to steady herself. She reached out once more, gripping Xander's shoulders firmly and applying enough force to assist him in sitting upright. Xander cooperated this time, leveraging her support to settle against the headboard.
He tilted his head slightly and gestured toward the glass. "Could you bring it to my lips?"
Arianna furrowed her brow. "Your injury is in your leg, Xander, not your hands! You can manage to drink it yourself!"
Xander responded calmly, "I'm feeling weak all over, especially in my hands."
Arianna clenched her teeth. 'You were strong enough to pull me just now! But fine, I'm not that ungrateful!'
She repeated those words silently to herself before picking up the glass of water. Bending over slightly, she approached Xander and held the glass to his lips, helping him take a sip.
Afterward, she forced a smile and inquired, "Are you feeling better now, Mr. King?"
Xander's eyes sparkled mischievously as he glanced at her. "It's acceptable. Just barely."
How dare he criticize her like that!
