PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 80: Rest My Fiancée

After finishing washing Carina's body, Maya drained the tub and helped her fiancée out, wrapping her in a fluffy towel. She then proceeded to dry Carina's hair with a separate towel, her touch gentle and loving.
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Once Carina was dry, Maya quickly dressed her in comfortable, warm clothes, making sure she was covered up properly to keep her body warm.

Maya took a few moments to dry and dress herself as well, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Carina, who was now sitting on the edge of the bathtub, still shivering slightly.

Once they were both dressed, Maya led Carina to the bedroom, guiding her towards the bed. She pulled the covers back and helped Carina get into bed, tucking the blankets around her body to keep her warm.

As Carina settled into the bed, Maya perched on the edge, gently brushing back a strand of hair that had fallen across her forehead. She studied her beloved fiancée, taking in her flushed cheeks and weary eyes.

After a few minutes, Ben and Travis entered the bedroom, carrying two warm and delicious-smelling bowls of soup. They approached the bedside, their faces filled with concern.

Ben spoke up, his voice filled with gentle authority. "We brought food for both of you."

Travis nodded in agreement, adding his own words. "Yeah, we didn't know what you'd want, so we made some chicken noodle soup. Figured it would be easy on Carina's stomach."

Maya smiled at her friends, grateful for their thoughtfulness. "Thank you, both of you. This is perfect."

Meanwhile, Megan followed close behind, holding the fluffy unicorn in her hands. Her eyes darted to Carina, a worried expression on her face as she approached the bed.

Megan carefully approached the bed, the unicorn still clutched in her hand. She could see how weak Carina looked, still exhausted from her illness. Her mind was filled with worry, but she tried to stay positive.

Megan smiled softly at Carina, meeting her gaze. "Hey, future sister-in-law. How are you feeling?"

Carina smiled weakly, her voice raspy from the illness. "Like a steaming pile of garbage."

Maya chuckled softly at Carina's response, knowing her fiancée was always one to speak her mind.

Travis couldn't help but chime in, a grin on his face. "Well, you may feel like garbage, but at least you look adorable with that unicorn."

Carina managed a soft chuckle, her hand slowly reaching out to touch the unicorn. "This little guy has been the only comfort I've had all day."

Travis teased her further, his tone light. "Hey, what about your superstar firefighter fiancée? I thought she was doing a pretty decent job of being a personal heater and nurse."

Carina laughed again, her eyes shifting to Maya, who was seated beside her on the bed. "Oh, she's the best heater and nurse a girl could ask for. But the unicorn just has that extra special something, you know?"

Travis feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "Extra special, huh? That's cold."

Ben chuckled, shaking his head at their banter. "You're both special in your own ways. But right now, let's focus on getting Carina better, shall we?"

Mason, the estranged older brother, stood outside the apartment, a mix of emotions on his face. He knew his presence wouldn't be welcomed, especially by Maya and Megan.

Megan opened the door, her surprise quickly giving way to wariness. She hadn't seen her brother in years, and their past interactions had been far from pleasant.