I jolted awake. "Edward," I gasped. I hugged the pillow closer to myself, trying not to think about the dream. Only the pillow wasn't soft; it was hard and cold.

I opened my eyes just as a gentle voice whispered, "Yes, Bella?" I gasped out loud again, and found myself wrapped around Edward. He lay flat on his back, one arm resting under his head, the other I held tight against my chest, where the pillow had once been. My legs were curled up beneath me, and Edward's hand rested on my knee. I had kicked all the blankets to the floor.

"What is it Bella? Are you alright?" Edward asked quietly, his voice soothing. I nodded, and pulled his arm tight against my chest. "You seem warmer than usual," he added.

"I just had a bad dream, that's all," I said, my voice the quietest whisper. He removed his hand from behind his head, and turned to rub my back through the flannel of my pajamas. I continued to clutch his arm, not wanting to lose him like had in the dream.

"Do you want to tell me about it?" he asked. I shook my head, nuzzling my face against the faded tee shirt he wore.

"I just – I always have bad dreams when you're not with me," I admitted, blushing. Edward, with ease, removed his arm from my grip, and pulled me onto his chest. He held me tightly, securely. He lifted his head and put his cheek up against mine.

"You must know that I will always come back for you. Wherever you are, that's where I'll be," he whispered, his lips tickling my ear.

"I'm sorry," I said quietly; it was becoming increasingly difficult to talk. "I'm just overreacting.

"Quite all right, Bella," he chuckled, but seemed to be thinking of something else. "What's wrong with your voice?" he asked.

I tried to voice my surprise that he had noticed, but couldn't make a sound. I tried to swallow, and felt my throat burn. I clutched my throat, trying to mime that I couldn't speak. Great, strep throat was just what I needed.

"I guess I'm sick," I managed to choke out. Edward rolled over, placing me lightly on my back. He hovered over me, placing his hands on my cheeks, my forehead, and pushing my damp hair away from my face.

"You're very warm, Bella," he said, concerned.

I noticed that I did seem to be burning up. Sweat beaded at the nape of my neck and I had already pushed my flannel long sleeves up as far as they would go. I unbuttoned the top few buttons, letting the air cool my chest.

"Just stay close to me, Edward," I whispered.

"Of course," Edward mumbled. He kissed my forehead, my throat, the length of my collarbones, leaving cool patches on my overheated skin. To my surprise, he undid the next button of my pajama top, and continued kisses down my chest. My heart fluttered, and Edward lay his head on my chest, cool arms secure around me. I reached up to stroke his hair lightly, and pressed my bare legs up against his, trying to cool off.

Edward ran his fingers up and down my arms, causing me to shiver despite my temperature. Once my breathing slowed, he contented himself with remaining still, his head resting softly on my chest.

Bella's sick! tell me what you thought of this chapter. i will update as soon as i can!