The Drug

When Gideon returned to the villa, he saw the servants standing outside Kira’s bedroom. The door was locked from the inside. Concerned, he used his spare key to open the door. Kira was bracing a hand against the far wall, walking. Her forehead was covered in sweat and her face was scrunched up in pain and concentration. She turned and saw him in the open doorway. ‘I didn’t say you could come in! I—ah!’ She lost her balance. Gideon crossed the length of the room in two quick strides and grabbed hold of her. She tried to push him away, but her arms were weak from overexertion. She raised a hand to slap him. Her wrist was caught mid-air. Gideon carried her into the wheelchair, staring down at her flushed face. She looked away. He caressed her cheek. ‘You really don’t love me, do you?’ ‘Not even if all the other men in the world are dead!’ Gideon pressed his lips into a thin, tight line. He left the room. In his own bedroom, Gideon took out the small phial. General Saetang swore by its eff