Jamie tossed a log on the fire, then staredinto the flames, deep in thought.Even the hound seemed to sensethe lass’s defenselessness.The wounds to Lindsey’s body were notserious, but the damage done to her peace of mind was far worse.Each time she slept, she battled demons, waking with a cry, readyto fight the enemy that still stalked her in her dreams.
His musings were interrupted by the soft moanthat broke from her lips.He hurried to her side.Her eyes werewide, frightened.As he knelt beside her she lunged at him and hewas again surprised at the strength it took to subdue her.
“Easy, lass.You are safe now,” he murmured,as he had each time she awoke.
“Jamie?”His voice pierced her consciousness,rousing her.“Is it you?”
“Aye.”
“That man.Argus.He is...”
“Gone, my lady.Neal and Robbie have takenhim and the others to our camp.”
“My father?”
“One of your brothers was dispatched tonotify him that you are safe.”
Safe.She repeated the word several times inher mind to reassure herself.Then, as if a great weight had beenlifted from her, she released a long sigh and let go of theterrible tension that had held her in its grips for the pasthours.
Jamie’s gaze trailed to the bruises on herflesh.A string of curses rose to his throat before he swallowedthem back.Quickly he stood and forced himself to walk to thefire.
“I have made some broth, my lady.”
He returned to her side.Keeping his tone asgentle as possible he said, “You need to restore your strength,Lindsey.Drink.”
She accepted the tankard from his hand.Asshe drank, she felt the warmth returning, and her spirits seemedrestored.
She glanced down at her raw, torn hands,covered with strips of moist cloth.“What is this?”
“A balm for your wounds.”
“Where did you learn the art of healing?”
“I was man-at-arms to Lady Megan MacAlpin.She is well versed in the art of healing.”
Lindsey heard the note of affection in histone and experienced an immediate twinge of feeling that startledher.Jealousy?Impossible.She cared not how many beautiful womenthis Highlander had known.
Lady Megan.Jamie thought about their briefreunion at Brice Campbell’s fortress.Megan and her Irish husbandhad presented for his admiration their first-born son, Sean.Thehappy couple seemed content.Content.The thought made him smile.It had been a discontented Megan who had warned that she wouldnever give her heart.Yet there she was, happily married and aproud mother.
In many ways, the lady was much like Megan,wild, headstrong, well versed in the art of weapons and battle, yetuncomfortable with feminine wiles.But there the similarity ended.Megan had never known fear.While Lindsey, though fearless inbattle, seemed troubled by very real fears that, though burieddeeply, surfaced when she slept.
“Drink it.All of it,” Jamie commanded,walking closer.Though it was not in her nature to accept suchterse commands, especially from one such as Jamie MacDonald,Lindsey found herself obeying.When the tankard was empty, Jamiegave a satisfied nod.
“There is fresh venison when you feel strongenough to eat.”
He started to turn away.Instantly she caughthis sleeve.“Where do you go?”
He saw the fear leap into her eyes and saidsoothingly, “I merely intended to throw another log on the fire.Iwill not leave you, my lady.”
“You may leave if you please.I am not afraidto be alone.”
He saw the way she lifted her chin.With ahalf smile, he turned away.He could feel her gaze burning into himas he walked to the fire.When he had fed the flames, he brushedhis hands on his breeches and returned to her.
“You should rest now, my lady.”He kneltbeside her and drew the cloak around her to ward off the chill.“There is much healing power in sleep.”
She placed her hand over his to still hismovements.“I do not ask you to stay, Jamie MacDonald.If dutycalls you, or if you would return to my father’s camp, I will resteasily alone.”
He felt a rush of heat at her touch andfought to ignore it.The lass did not know what her simplest touchdid to him “Nay, my lady.I gave my word that I would stay withyou.We will return to camp together when you are strong enough toride.”
