Page 193 of King of Sin
A few moments later, after composing himself, Cassian walked over to her bedside. The teasing warmth in her eyes faded slightly as he reached out and gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her forehead. Bending down, he rested his hand lightly against her head, his expression softening with concern.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked quietly.
Juliet didn’t answer right away.
Her body tightened almost imperceptibly under Cassian’s gaze, like his voice had pressed against something still sore beneath her skin. She turned her face slightly away, lashes lowering as if she could hide the weight in her eyes, and muttered under her breath, “I’m fine.”
Cassian exhaled, soft but already resigned, and reached for the medicine on the bedside table without breaking his focus on her.
“Take your meds,” he said, voice low.
He picked up the glass of water and the tablets, then closed the small distance between them in one smooth step. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he slipped one arm beneath her shoulders, steadying her with controlled care. “Sit up,” he added, guiding her as he tried to lift her gently.
But Juliet resisted immediately.
Her hand came up weakly, pressing against his forearm with stubborn refusal, pushing away his support as her head fell back into the pillow again. A faint frown creased her face, irritation flashing through exhaustion as she turned away from him.
“I don’t want to. I’m fine,” she repeated, sharper this time.
Her arms folded tightly across her chest, protective, refusing even the comfort of his presence as she avoided his eyes completely.
Cassian studied her in silence for a brief moment, his expression unreadable, his hand still hovering near her as if deciding how far she would be allowed to refuse. Then, without warning, he slipped a tablet between her lips.
Juliet froze.
The bitter taste spread instantly, her eyes widening as she instinctively tried to pull back. But Cassian was already there, one hand supporting the back of her head, lifting her just enough to stop her resistance from turning into struggle.
“Drink,” he said quietly.
He brought the glass to her lips.
Juliet’s expression twisted in protest, but her body, drained and unsteady, betrayed her stubbornness. She swallowed reluctantly as the water washed down the bitterness, her throat tightening before she finally sank back against the pillows.
Only then did Cassian ease his grip.
The moment she could move freely, Juliet turned her head sharply toward him, shooting him a glare that was both offended and exhausted.
Cassian didn’t react at all.
He simply set the remaining medicine back on the table with calm precision, as if her anger didn’t register as anything worth responding to. His attention shifted back to her.
He immediately closed the distance between them, leaving no space between their bodies as he leaned down withouthesitation. His fingers brushed gently over her cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear before he lowered his head and captured her lips in a soft, lingering kiss.
But the moment their lips touched, Juliet turned her face away and pulled back. Folding her arms tightly across her chest, she scooted a few inches away from him, her cheeks puffing slightly as she glared at him with stubborn indignation.
"I'm still angry about yesterday," she huffed, deliberately turning her head to the side so she wouldn't have to look at him. "And don't try to kiss me."
Cassian remained silent for a moment, studying her sulking expression. Then, without a word, he climbed onto the bed beside her. The mattress dipped beneath his weight as he shifted closer, and before she could move away, he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her firmly against his chest.
Juliet immediately began to struggle.
"Let me go."
She pushed against his chest, twisting in his arms as she tried to free herself, but Cassian refused to budge. Instead, he tightened his hold, his arm locking securely around her waist while his other hand slid to the back of her head, gently but firmly pressing her against him as though he couldn't bear even the smallest distance between them.
"No," he said simply, his deep voice leaving no room for argument.
Juliet lifted her head and glared up at him, only to find that he looked just as unhappy. His brows were tightly furrowed, his jaw clenched, and there was a storm brewing behind his dark eyes.
