CHAPTERFIVE
MARCUS
I gatheredher limp body against mine. Her heart was still beating too fast, but she was breathing easily and her skin was regaining color.
"Marcus, bring her in here."
Ava's voice brought things back into focus. I looked over at Harrison. "She said someone was following her."
He nodded and headed toward the door. I was torn. I wanted to go with him and tear apart the man that frightened Merry, but I also didn't want to leave her.
I wished Callum was here, but he'd taken surveillance duty on Dumont.
I bent and swept one hand behind her legs, lifting her into my arms. Ava opened the swinging doors that led to the back for me and I followed her to her office. I hesitated in front of her couch, thinking of the table incident a couple of weeks ago, and she rolled her eyes.
"What she doesn't know won't hurt her," she muttered.
She arranged a couple of throw pillows on one end and gestured for me to place Merry on the couch. Then, she shooed me back so she could rest a hip on the sofa and lean over the woman I'd been dreaming about for months.
Including an incredible sexy dream last night. One that left me aching when I woke up.
"Is she hurt?"
Ava held a hand over Merry's head, not quite touching, her palm emitting a warm, golden glow. She slowly moved her hand down toward Merry's chest, closing her eyes as she focused her power.
"Ava, is she hurt?" I repeated.
"Zip it," she murmured. "I'm trying to concentrate."
I waited in impatient silence as she finished her scan of Merry's body. Finally, the light from her hand died and she straightened.
"She's fine. I think she fainted from the stress of the situation. Her body is worn out as though she hasn't been sleeping or eating very well."
I frowned as I looked down at Merry's still form. Her brow was puckered as though she could hear what we were saying. I shifted my gaze to Ava. "She's been afraid for a long time."
Ava's indigo eyes were fathomless as she looked back at me. "I'm sure you're right."
"What should we do?"
"Let her rest. Comfort her when she wakes up. And keep her safe."
I wanted to do all those things, but I remembered what Merry said in her dream last night. That she was afraid. Not of me, but of what I made her feel.
"Maybe it's best if you wait with her," I said, taking a step back toward the door.
Ava's eyes narrowed, as though she knew exactly what I was thinking. "Are you sure that's what you want?"
Hell, no, it wasn't what I wanted. I wanted to sit next to Merry and study her face as she slept. To hold her hand when she woke and tell her that everything would be okay, that I would protect her.
"I think it would be best," I finally answered.
Ava's mouth curved in the barest hint of a smile. "I don't agree, but we'll do it your way for now."
I nodded and left the office. Harrison was waiting for me in the back room when I came out.
"Is she all right?" he asked.
"Ava said she's not injured, but she's still unconscious. Did you see anyone?"
