Page 11

A wave of icy fear swept from her waist, up her sides, and streaked out across her shoulders and arms, raising her flesh.

I heard him ride away, she shakily reassured herself.

Yes, but how far?

For how long?

Even now, might he be reloading his pistol?

Might he come back to finish the job?

She slid from Pandora’s back then looped her reins through his Sheik’s girth straps and tied them off. The sheath he’d given her wouldn’t fit in her pocket, so she slid it inside her boot before offering him the piece of her petticoat.

“Here. This should help stop the bleedin’.”

He accepted the cloth and added it to their handkerchiefs then pressed his scarlet hand firmly to his stained cloak. Leading the gelding to a fallen log, Kendra clambered into the saddle behind him. She must put distance between Broden and his would-be assassin.

If the man should return…

Or if Broden lost too much blood…

Nae. Dinna think on, either.

“What do ye think ye’re doin’, lass?” His words were slightly slurred, his light-brown eyes framed by lush lashes, unfocused as he peered at her over his hard-as-marble shoulder.

She had to hurry and pray she was strong enough to keep him before her as they rode to Eytone Hall.

“Savin’ yer worthless life, ye big oaf.”