The blanket had barely been pulled down when Ruhani's eyes widened in shock. For a brief moment she simply stared at Sahmeer, caught in the middle of her dramatic complaints, hair scattered around her face and cheeks warm with embarrassment.

Sahmeer remained standing beside the bed, his gaze resting quietly on her face. The irritation he had expected was there, but it was softened by something else-fatigue, discomfort, and a strange sensitivity she herself seemed unable to control.