A Gem's Investment (JadeXFemReader)

Chapter 19: Hot And Cold

[Y/n's PoV]

The following weeks passed swiftly. Though my abilities had undoubtedly grown stronger, Jade had become increasingly demanding and strict to ensure that I fully harnessed the blessings of IX. The pressure was relentless, leaving little room for me to rest.

Since that night, neither Jade nor I had brought up the topic of our intimate encounter. It was a silent understanding— a secret that remained unmentioned between us.

"Again." she said coldly as I missed my mark that caused the dummies to reset once more.

"Focus and steady your aim. I will not tolerate such sloppiness."

She continued to stand at a distance to observe my every move. There was a hint of satisfaction in her expression as she watched me struggle to meet her rigorous standards. As I was engaged with the dummies, one managed to slip past my defenses and strike me with enough force to send me toppling backwards with a thud.

"Well, aren't you just a picture of perfection. I do love seeing you sprawled on the ground like a helpless rabbit."

Rather than lending a helping hand, Jade chose to taunt me further by pressing her foot against my stomach.

"Look at you. Defeated by a simple training dummy. How... pathetic."

Fuck it.

With every ounce of my energy spent, I lay on the ground, utterly exhausted from the relentless training. The fatigue from the fifteen hours of training every day had worn me down completely, leaving me unable to push Jade away nor even stand up.

Soon enough, she stepped away her foot and leaned down. Her face was shadowed by the darkness cast by her hat as though to conceal any indication of what emotion might have played upon her expression.

Almost imperceptibly, a chuckle escaped her lips and her hand lift my chin gently. In that moment, her intentions seemed to lean towards a kiss. However, her gaze shifted, and she paused when she sensed the heat radiating from my body.

"You're burning up... How long has this been going on?"

"...A few days ago..." I mumbled my words.

Her gaze then hardened as she scoffed and her playful demeanor was no longer to be seen.

"Why didn't you say anything sooner?" she demanded.

"You should have informed me the moment you felt unwell."

I sighed, "I'm fine, my body is used to this. It'll just take a couple more days before I feel better."

"Used to it, hmm?" she repeated as if realizing the hidden message from my words.

"Perhaps you have become too accustomed to enduring pain that you forget when to seek help."

She placed her palm gently against my forehead only to find the heat emanating from my body was almost scalding.

"How come I didn't notice this sooner..." She whispered almost to herself.

"...Maybe because I didn't allow you to make physical contact with me a few days back due to my body being full of sweat?"

"Or maybe your stubbornness is to blame." she retorted as she sighed. "You didn't allow me to make physical contact and it left me oblivious to your rising temperature."

"...It's fine..."

"No, it's not. Look at you— your body is overheating and your cheeks are flushed too like a tomato."