The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2260

"I'll try to keep it down." Elara whispered.

Balfour had no objections to the physical check-up. His brow furrowed with concern as he accompanied Elara to the bedside of Ivy, who was just beginning to rouse from her sleep, rubbing her eyes wearily.

"Ugh," she murmured.

"Ah, Mrs. Howard, you're awake. Perfect timing, we need to draw some blood. Once I'm done, you can snuggle back under the covers with Mr. Howard for a bit more shut-eye," Elara said with a soft chuckle.

Ivy, slightly embarrassed, nodded without making eye contact with Balfour, who was standing like a sentinel by her bed. She couldn't believe she had spent the last half hour just watching him sleep.

As Elara prepared to draw Ivy's blood, Balfour watched intently, concern etched on his face. At the slightest furrowing of Ivy's brow, he couldn't help but interject, "Can't you be more gentle?"

Ivy glanced at him, surprised, and then exchanged a look with Elara. Elara was being as gentle as possible, but a needle piercing skin was bound to cause some sensation.

Noticing Balfour's pallor, Ivy quickly reassured him, "I'm fine, really. It doesn't hurt much. Elara's got a good hand – quick and smooth."

Elara didn't take offense. She understood that family members could get anxious. After pressing a cotton ball to the draw site, she excused herself to give them some privacy.

When they were alone, Balfour sat down beside Ivy and held the cotton in place, his hand gently stroking hers.

That's when Ivy noticed something was troubling him. He seemed lost in thought, staring at the small puncture wound. She whispered, "It might look painful, but it's really just like a mosquito bite."

"No way it's the same. Don't lie to me. Promise you'll tell me right away if you're ever hurt," he said firmly.

Ivy nodded silently, then asked, "Did something happen last night?"

He met her gaze, then looked away as if debating whether to tell her the truth.