Third person's POV
By the time Derek rushed back to the warship, Tabitha was already delirious from the fever. Her body as as hot as scorching, yet she kept muttering that she was cold.
The military doctor, his face tense, reported, "Sir, I've administered medication to Ms. Hartley. But given her unique condition, it's dangerous if the fever persists."
Fortunately, the warship was well-equipped with medical resources. Derek stayed by the side of Tabitha, waiting for the fever to subside on its own.
The sky was still dark, the grayness outside matched only by the roaring of the sea, clearly audible.
Derek lay down next to Tabitha. His eyes were filled with heartache as he looked at her ailing appearance.
Although they had been in close proximity, he had to pretend to be someone else, not even daring to look at her directly, which had raised her suspicions more than once.
His strong mental resilience allowed him to deceive Tabitha.
Gently, he reached out to touch Tabitha's tranquil sleeping face. Her skin was still soft, but her body temperature was still scorching.
Seeing the fine, downy hair on her head, Derek blamed himself even more.
He whispered, "Tabitha..."
Tabitha, as if having a dream, frowned tightly and mumbled some words.
Derek carefully held her in his arms, patting her back to soothe her.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here."
Tabitha indeed had a nightmare. In the dream, she returned to the year she traveled the world with Gloria.
They were young and spirited, vowing to see all the beautiful sights and taste all the delicious foods the world had to offer.
That night, the sea was rough. With a storm causing their luxury cruise ship to wreck, they ended up in the sea.
Tabitha screamed for help in terror, and then a man in camouflage appeared out of nowhere.
He said in her ear, "Don't be afraid. I'm here."
His arm was strong and tightly gripped her waist.
She clung to his neck in panic, floating with him.
A complete stranger gave her an overwhelming sense of security.
At that time, she was innocent and kind. She only thought that the man's body was incredibly strong, making her blush.
In her dream, Tabitha's hands wrapped around Derek's waist. Even though it was an unconscious act in her dream, it still ignited a fire in Derek's heart.
Since the cold war with Tabitha, he had abstained from such desires, with the only exception being a time when they were both delirious with fever.
Years of suppressed desire were gradually awakened by Tabitha.
Her thin body pressed tightly against Derek. Derek could clearly feel the contours of Tabitha's body.
Although Tabitha had lost weight, her bust size had not decreased much. Instead, her waist and legs had become much slimmer.
Her lips were right by his ear, mumbling words he couldn't understand.
Her breath hit Derek's skin, raising his body temperature bit by bit.
He stared at her face, which was only inches away. Tabitha's features were delicate to begin with, and now her small face was even more touching.
Even with her eyes closed, she looked like an angel tempting one to sin.
Derek slowly pressed his lips to Tabitha's.
It was still the same soft texture as he once remembered.
He didn't dare to make any sudden moves because he feared that he may fully wake Tabitha up.
Derek, like a lost traveler who had finally found an oasis, cautiously savored this hard-won moment like a treasure.
He looked at Tabitha's face carefully, wanting to engrave her delicate looks in his memory forever.