The Dragon Lady

9. The Dragon's Heat

I looked at the picture one last time and set it on the table. I felt my every senses come to life, just like how they did when I was in the military before a battle.

"Is this M-"

"No, it's not Marcus. And if it was him, he must be under threat. That man would rather die than betray me." Merrylia said with determination.

"I know. But we can not take risks. We're not even sure if it's him. The man in the picture have a scar on his face but Marcus isn't the only one who has it." I stood straighter and looked into her eyes.

"We should keep an eye on him."

"I already ordered my men to do so. But I am certain that if it is him, he's not doing anything against me." She said it with so much surety in her voice.

She knows something I don't.

"I saw him this morning. He seemed a little off." Merrylia raised her brows and her eyes narrowed.

"He already saw it?" She muttered.

"Saw what?" I asked. Her eyes drifted to me with uncertainty on its depths that quickly vanished and regained its fiery glow.

"Nothing, Mr. Loward. Let's get back to the office." She said and took the coat on the chair beside her and started to walk to the door. I noticed the slight tremble on her legs as she walked and confusion built up inside me.

Is she alright?

I caught up to her and closed the door behind me. She was about halfway to her desk when she stumbled. I ran to her and held her upright, a second later and she would have fell.

Only then did I notice the slight paleness of her complexion and her ragged breathing. Her skin felt warm against me and her lips were dry despite of the red lipstick she was wearing.

"Are you alright, Ma'am?"

She tried to stand up with a determined look on her face, her stubbornness seeping through her slumped features. She straightened her legs only to slump back into my arms. My skin tingled and I felt warmth all over me. I tilted my head and dismissed the feeling.

"I-I'm alright. You can let go of m-me." Despite of what she said, I didn't loosen my grip and placed my left hand on her forehead.

"You're burning up!"

I exclaimed when I felt the heat on my palm. There were beads of sweat on her forehead and her breathing was slow and deep. I took her to my arms and started to walk to the door.

"Where are you taking me? Put me down, Mr. Loward!"

She said frowning.

"I am sorry, Ma'am. But I must take you to a doctor and I don't think you can walk right now." I said and adjusted her position, placing her head against my chest so she would feel comfortable.

She lifted her head to say something but a wave of dizziness overcame her and she laid her head back to my chest.

"If you really must take me, can you use the fire exit?" She said softly, even managing to show an expression of shame in her state. A smile crept to my lips. She wanted to use the fire exit so the employees won't see her like this and to remain indestructible in their eyes.

This woman.

I thought with a chuckle.

"Of course, Ma'am." I went down the fire exit with her in my arms, making sure to take careful steps. When we reached the parking lot, the mountainous figure of Fred greeted me and I called him.