A/N- I'm definitely back now! Another update is here!

Courage is one step ahead of fear.
-Coleman Young.

"You shouldn't have spent so much time on the deck." I squeezed the water out of the hand towel, as I tried to bring down Jason's ever-rising temperature.

"I'll be fine once you stop fussing over me, Mia." He complained about the hundredth time this morning. Not that I was actually even listening to whatever he was saying. He is very stubborn and refused treatment whatsoever. So I had to resort to this.

I noticed his temperature earlier this morning when I went to get water in the refrigerator. I came back to the room, immediately I got into the bed Jason being the cuddler he is hugged me from behind; and that was when I noticed.
"Holy sh*t Jason." I withdrew quickly from him like he was contaminated.
"What's wrong?... Did I do something wrong?... I'm sorry if you don't like cuddling anymore, I'm just so used to it." Jason said with worry so evident in his face.

"No stupid... I love cuddling with you, but not with a hundred-degree celsius Jason. You're really burning up Jason, what in the world happened to you." I asked while getting the thermometer from the top drawer.
I put the thermometer in his mouth and after a minute removed it to check the reading.

"Oh my gosh!... Your reading is 46°c. We need to go to the hospital right now." I tried prying Jason off the bed but ended up toppling over him.
"If you stay like this the next one hour, I'll definitely get better." He said while bringing me closer to his body, that I felt his hard length poke my stomach. A normal thing for guys in the morning, but not good for me as I felt my insides warm up. While Jason lay there unaffected by our close proximity, my body felt hot and bothered.

I quickly stood up from Jason's body as I huffed to rid any embarrassment I felt. My cheeks felt really hot, and I'm definitely sure that I was blushing really hard. Thank goodness that it was still a bit dark since only the table lamp was on, else Jason wouldn't have stopped teasing me.

I cleared my throat to ensure my voice remains steady, to rid any evidence of my arousal.

"This is not the time to perv Jason. I'm really serious, we need to get you to the hospital. Or if you're worried about the press, call your family doctor which I'm certain you have." I tried reasoning with him.

"I'm fine Mia. It's just a little fever, besides my doctor is on vacation." He shrugged lazily.

I really felt like wringing his neck.

"Your temperature is really scaring me. I don't know why you're being so cool about it." I couldn't help the fear that was seeping into my voice slowly.
"I'm really fine Mia, just come over and let's go back to bed." He patted my space beside him.

I didn't have any choice but to crawl back into the bed with him. Jason brought me closer to his chest as he held my waist firmly like he felt I'll run away. As soon as his hold on me limped a bit, and I felt his breathing become slow and rhythmic. I turned and faced him, staring at him and not caring that if he woke up I'll look like a creep.

When some of his hair got into his face, I couldn't help but brush his hair off his face. I didn't know when I came really close and kissed his lips lightly. He didn't even stir and I was really happy about that, 'cause I wouldn't want our friendship to be ruined because he didn't feel the same way. It's better he's in my life as a friend than not being in it at all.

As I felt Jason's neck again to see if his temperature has calmed down a bit, it felt like it had become worse.
Tears rolled down my cheeks as I placed my palm on my mouth to prevent any sound from escaping, thereby alerting Jason that I was crying.

I don't know how Jason found out that I was crying, but I suddenly felt his large hand clean the tears that stained my cheeks.

"What's wrong Mia?... Why are you crying?" He asked worry laced in his voice.
"Everything was so good yesterday, but today I'm not so sure anymore." I sniffed.

"I'm fine Mia. Don't let my silly temperature ruin your post-birthday happiness. Besides it's just my body not able to handle such happiness since it has been quite an age I have been that happy." He chuckled trying to make a joke about it but stopped when he saw I wasn't laughing.

"I'm scared Jason," I muttered.
"Of what?" He quipped curiously.

"Of losing you, Jason. I can't bear losing you, Jason. I don't know what I'll do without you in my life," I like you a lot I muttered it under my breath.

"You're not losing me, Mia. I'm not going anywhere, I'll stay so close that you'll be begging me to leave." He placed feathery kisses on my face lingering for long at the corner of the lip. Like he was considering it but later changed his mind.

Thank goodness I wasn't the only one feeling the urge to kiss. Except he didn't do it, but I did it while he was asleep.

"Can I use cold water and a hand towel to try to bring your temperature down?" I asked hoping he would say yes.

"Yes but only because I hope it would make you feel more at ease." He shrugged.

So here I am now after thirty bowls of changed cold water, three bowls of chicken soup and fourteen hours. Jason's temperature was still up. It was then I realized that something doesn't add up, and I should have asked this question first if I were a professional.

"Are you allergic to something Jason?"
"Yes... Mustard and Mushrooms. Why?" He said quickly without even thinking.

I remembered that I ordered mushroom soup as our first course for my birthday. I also remembered how he hesitated before eating the soup. So that was the reason why.

As soon as he realized what he said, his eye widened as mine narrowed angrily at him.

"Why would you be stupid enough to eat something you know you are allergic to?... Have you lost your marbles? I looked at him sternly.
" It's because it was your birthday." He muttered weakly.

I suddenly felt bad because if his temperature was this high, I wonder how horrible he'll feel on the inside.

"How do you feel?"
"So bad that I feel horrible will be a nice way to put it." He could no longer hide it anymore.

"You're a good actor Jason. You even ate the mushroom soup like you were really enjoying it. Also, you didn't even show any signs of fatigue on the cruise." I was really curious to know how come.

"Seeing you happy was enough happiness for me. Besides, it was your birthday, so you're supposed to call the shots." He smiled.
"Stop being sappy right now," I said even though his words warmed my heart. "You're supposed to have a birthday re-orientation that for the fact is my birthday doesn't mean you should die for me."

"Well, you're worth it so..." He trailed wordlessly.

"Stop talking about death in your current condition. You're creeping me out. I'm going to the drug store to get you some medicine, I don't belong." I put on my coat on my top and trousers that I managed to put own while I was nursing Jason.

"Shouldn't Ma'am Pagnole go Mia?... I don't feel too good about you alone. Besides, it's late already." He said agitatedly.

"Relax Jason, it's like someone can kidnap me just ten minutes away from the house. Just say you're scared of drugs. Don't worry I won't tell." I whispered in his ears and laughed.
"I'll soon be back Jason. Take care." I kissed his forehead and went out of the room.

As soon as I got to the drugstore, I was immediately attended to. The woman knew her stuff so she wasn't looking lost as soon as I mentioned his allergy.

As soon as I got outside the drugstore everywhere felt eerily quiet and creepy. I suddenly felt goosebumps creep up my arms.

I shook it off as nothing but me being paranoid because of how Jason was reluctant to let me go.
I suddenly felt someone watching me as soon as I turned I saw a cat, but because of the fear I already had, I yelped in fear before realizing it was a cat.

"See the way I yelped like a little girl, but see how I was talking bravely to Jason." I chuckled at my cowardice.

No sooner had I finished my statement, did I feel a handkerchief pressed tightly to my nose. I didn't even have the time to struggle before I felt like the sun aligned with the moon. Making me sink into darkness.

         * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

My hesitance towards Mia going out was soon confirmed.
I rang with M&M showing on the screen, Mia's contact name on my phone.

Before I could even utter a word, the caller spoke before I could utter a word, and it was definitely not Mia.

"You better co-operate if you want her alive."

A/N

Was this a cliffhanger?

Nah... I don't think so.😂

While we're nearing the end of "30 days ultimatum", another book is brewing up. I'll let you know as soon as we're done here. So you'll know where to find me as soon as we are done here. Thanks to yory91 LnDscripts  JayRose97 Victoria_Blackthorn ScarlettBlackDaisy(for her amazing review and feedback.) heartfairy83 (for the amazing comments on each chapter), E.t.c.
This is just to mention but a few. My readers both the silent ones and the well-known readers are really amazing. I couldn't ask for more amazing ones.
Thanks for believing in my work and in me despite my inexperience as a writer. I can't love you all less.😘😘

Till the next update... Adiós👋