[This chapter is dedicated to Chloe_Hughes_6663. Thank you for picking up this story. Hope you're having a good time reading.]

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"Let's head to bed." Although you may be feeling better now, your body still needs rest," he gently stroked her arm, held her shoulder to turn her around, and gently nudged her to walk forward—out of the library.

Jess wanted to protest but Noah was insistent and what he said was true. She could feel her body still needed some rest. But she doesn't want to tell him that because for sure, he and Ellise would freak out again and make a big deal of it.

She let Noah lead her out of the library. As they walked silently back to her bedroom, she remembered that the members of the team were also staying at the villa. They would have difficulty explaining if Noah's arm were draped over her shoulder when they met someone.

She gently shook her shoulder to remove Noah's arm but he pulled her closer to his side and crossed his arm around her chest.

"Let go. People can see us," she said in a quiet tone, pushing his arm away.

Noah clicked his tongue and let go of her shoulder. She thought that was it but he bent down and before she knew what's happening, his arms were behind her knees and her back, picking her up off her feet.

Jess hit Noah's shoulder but he just walked the long hallway to her bedroom as if she weighed nothing.

"Noah put me down!" she said, gritting her teeth.

"You don't want me to put my arm around you, now I'm carrying you in my arms," he grinned at her. "You don't want me to carry you in my arms?" he asked but a threat was clear in his voice. If Jess would ask to be put down, he would do something worse than carrying her in his arms.

Jess shuddered with the thought of something worse than being carried in Noah's arms like a princess. She closed her eyes and leaned her cheek against his firm chest. She was thinking that if someone would see them, she could pretend she was sick and Noah was just being a good samaritan carrying her back to her room.

They found Aadir waiting in front of her room when they reached her room. He has a silver trolley next to him with an inviting smell. The smell of the food is familiar. Jess opened one of her eyes and took a peek. But she couldn't see it because it was covered with a stainless food cover.

Aadir quickly opened Jess's door and Jess's brows knitted. Why does Aadir have a key to her room?

"Noah, please put me down."

Noah didn't answer her, just went directly to her bed and laid her carefully.

"Bring the food here," he asked Aadir who was quick on his feet to do his command.

Aadir pushed the trolley next to Jess's bed and when she took a whiff of the familiar chicken soup that Aadir prepared for her before. Her stomach grumbled which made Noah chuckle and reached for her cheek. Gently brushing his knuckles on it.

Aadir bent down and pulled a wooden bed tray that Noah took from him for he wanted to be the one to serve Jess. He put the bowl of chicken soup on the tray and picked up the spoon.

"Give it to me. I don't want you to feed me," Jess said before Noah could do what he has in mind.

Noah gave her a disappointed look, but she didn't give him much attention and started eating. When she had her first sip of the soup, she closed her eyes, relishing its amazing flavors.

"This is the best chicken soup," she smiled. She took a spoon and offered it to Noah, "say ahh."

Noah was like an eager child that got a candy, eagerly opened his mouth, and nodded. It is indeed a very delicious chicken soup.

"Delicious, right?" she smiled.

Noah nodded. "Yes, eat some more. You need to regain your energy." He picked up the cloth napkin next to the bowl and gently wiped the corner of Jess's mouth. She was the one eating, but he was also feeling full just by watching her eat.

He glanced at Aadir who was standing still a few steps away from Jess' bed. Waiting for any request from them. "Aadir, would you mind drawing a bath for Miss Zimmerman?"

Aadir quickly nodded and turned on his heels to head to the bathroom to draw a bath for Miss Zimmerman.

When the bathroom door closed behind Aadir, Jess put down her spoon and glanced at Noah. "Thank you for coming."

"You don't have to thank me and the way you thank me sounded too cold and too formal," he sulked.

"How do I say thank you then?" She laughed softly, seeing Noah acting cute. It always comes as a surprise to her every time Noah would act like a petulant child. Imagine a powerful man of a huge company, stoic to his employees and a scary and demanding boss to Antonio, but then, once in a while, he would act like he was acting right now.

She smiled and her hand raised on its own, to ruffle his soft hair "Tell me how do you want me to thank you."

"Damn it, Jess. Don't tempt me." He heaved a heavy breath and grabbed her hand to kiss the inside of her palm. There are many things I want you to do to 'thank me' but right now, you must get better. So, please, get well soon."

Jess felt her face heat up when she met Noah's smoldering gaze full of all the lustfulness of the world. He didn't even try to hide them. He looked proud to let her know that he wanted her. And that is just too damn sexy! Jess grinned and her naughty side was awakened and wanted to tease Noah more!