Chapter 248

This time, the Sinclairs encountered someone intractable. Thaddeus immediately called Orion. "Just found out—they're Susanna's bodyguards. They have a grievance with Lemon, which explains why she was drugged."

"Got it. Take care of them."

Since the bodyguards had seen him, Orion knew he couldn't let them go.

After hanging up, Orion turned to the girl lying on the hotel bed, his gaze unfathomable. Lemira's hands clutched the sheets, sweat beading on her forehead. Orion's icy gaze shifted to the family doctor. "What's the situation? Can't you see she's suffering?"

"The lady was exposed to a novel substance at the bar," Mr. Everhart explained. "I've administered an antidote, but I can't guarantee its effectiveness. The drug acted quickly because it was inhaled, and we've already lost considerable time."

Orion's lips pressed into a thin line. "Will it have any lasting health effects?"

"Once the drug wears off, she'll be fine. But until then, someone should monitor her."

"Leave us. And remember, nobody learns of your visit today."

The doctor nodded hastily, gathered his medical kit, and left.

Orion approached Lemira and touched her forehead, feeling the warmth. His Adam's apple bobbed. "Want some water?" Lemira snuggled closer to his hand. In a daze, she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Your body's so cool."

Orion, watching her draw closer, felt his gaze darken. He gently pried her hands away. "I'll get you some water." He fetched a glass of ice water. Returning to the bedside, he noticed Lemira's bare arms outside the blanket; her dress lay discarded on the floor.

This sight deepened his gaze. He approached her. "Come on, drink some water."

But Lemira's body was limp. Orion had no choice but to hold her, struggling to keep the blanket from slipping. Agitation tinged his face. "Stop moving!"

He secured her in his arms, unscrewed the bottle cap, and helped her sip the water.

After a few gulps, Lemira choked, pulling at the blanket irritably. "It's so hot."

A vein throbbed in Orion's temple. He held her hand still. His voice was hoarse. "Stop moving, or you'll reveal too much!"

"But I'm really hot. Feel it if you don't believe me." Lemira grabbed his hand and placed it on her chest, looking up at him with bright eyes.

Orion froze, sweat beading on his nose. Her skin burned to the touch. Her heart raced.

Looking down at her, his voice husky, he said, "Lemira, do you know what you're doing?"

They were so close, his gaze intense. His mouth went dry—a familiar sensation. He was a man, after all. Lemira wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his. Her technique was clumsy, almost nibbling. Orion held her chin, his gaze profound and dangerous. "Lemira, snap out of it. Look clearly at who I am!"

"I know who you are!" Lemira held his face earnestly. "If I have to choose, I'd rather it be you." Orion felt as if something inside him had snapped. His rationality seemed to crumble.