Barlow's heart skipped a beat.

"Were you set up?”

“Barlow, I feel terrible." Karina's shaky voice came through the phone, laden with distress.

Gripping his phone tighter, Barlow broke into a brisk walk.

"Hold on,

I'm coming. Which room are you in?"

“Just ask the receptionist when you get here," Karina replied, hanging up abruptly.

Exiting the restaurant, Barlow located the nearby hotel. He hurried inside and asked the receptionist for Karina's room number.

With a quick word of thanks, Barlow headed to the third floor.

“Karina, open the door."

After a brief moment, the door swung open to reveal Karina, her clothes and hair disheveled.

“Karina, are you all right?" Barlow asked anxiously.

In response, Karina wrapped her arms around his neck and rose on her tiptoes to kiss him.

Her skin felt unusually warm against his, and she sighed as if in relief.

Her hand found its way under his shirt.

Fighting to control his own burgeoning desire, Barlow gently but firmly grasped her hand and pulled away.

"We need to get you to the hospital,” he said, his voice tinged with worry.

“I don't want to go to the hospital," Karina murmured, her eyes still glazed as she Leaned in to kiss him again.

Dodging her advance, Barlow swiftly picked her up and carried her into the bathroom. He turned on the shower, letting the cold water cascade over them both.

Karina gasped as the chill set in, her arms wrapping around herself instinctively.

The cold shower seemed to jolt some clarity back into her.

His breath became heavier by the minute, albeit slightly.