Page 26 of The Highlander's Pirate Bride

He pondered this, understanding at once that should they make love, she would bear the brunt of Sutherland’s wrath should he discover it.

“I would pay the price fer ye, lass, nae matter how harsh. Me wanting ye is fierce and strong and would wash over me like a high tide that I cannae resist. Yet I’ll abide by yer wishes Aileen, fer I dinnae wish tae place ye in jeopardy where ye may fear fer yer life.”

She sucked in a breath. “I’ll think of ye in the barracks this night wi’ the drunkards snoring around ye.”

After a long pause they both rose. “I’ll escort ye tae yer room. There are enough drunken reprobates abroad here that might accost ye under cover of darkness.”

As they moved toward the entrance, one of the sleepers who had been slumped across a table by the door, half woke, flinging his arms wide. A blade he’d been holding in a loose grip flew out of his hand, its pointed edge steering directly for Maxwell’s throat.

One of the serving-women screamed loudly.

In one swift move Aileen threw up her arm, deflecting the dirk. Maxwell was spared but the knife inflicted a deep cut on her own wrist.

Blood welled up and ran freely from the cut and down her arm. She gasped, reaching for her sleeve to staunch the blood. Maxwell grabbed her arm and ripped a strip of linen from his shirt quickly binding her wrist. “Hold it tight lass, tae stop the blood-flow.”

Tam appeared by the stairs with a lamp, looking around. “I heard a scream. Is someone hurt?”

The lass who had cried out pointed to Aileen and Tam rushed over as Maxwell was escorting her to the stairs.

“Are ye hurt, lass?” He raised he lantern shining light on the spreading bloodstain on her clothing. “By the holy saints,” he exclaimed, “Take her tae her room and I’ll bring clean water and cloth so she can be tended.”

He snapped his fingers at one of the lads who was standing by, gawping. “Make yerself useful, lad. Go to the kitchen and find me good wife. Tell her we require her ministrations tae treat a wound.” The boy stood, mouth ajar. “Hop tae it lad.” The young man jumped into action, disappearing through a door leading to the kitchen.

“Thank ye, Tam.” Aileen mumbled. Maxwell registered a quiver in her normally firm tone. Her face was ashen and her hands were trembling. It had all happened so quickly, even he was still gathering his wits.

Once they reached the room Maxwell piled up the pillows on the bed so she could recline, her back against the headboard. He stood, planning to open the door for Jennie, but Aileen held on to his hand.

“Stay. I’m enjoying yer company.”

“I wasnae intending tae leave ye.” His heart beat a little faster at her soft grasp of his hand. “I’ll be beside ye as long as ye wish it.”

She managed a smile with a hint of mischief. “Well, I wish it now.”

Moments later Jennie hurried in carrying a bowl of fresh water, several strips of linen for a bandage and a jar of healing tincture.

“Thank ye, Jennie. Can ye please leave those on the table. I prefer tae tend me own wound.”

Jennie frowned. “Are ye sure, lass? I’m well used tae tending tae cuts and bruises.” She chuckled. “I see enough of them when the sailors are in.”

“’Tis kind of ye, but I’ll be all right.”

Once the door had closed behind Jennie, Aileen released Maxwell’s hand. “Ye must leave me tae me healing practice.”

He looked at her askance. Blood was still oozing from the bandage and she was gritting her teeth against the pain.

“Ye cannae tend yerself wi’ only one hand. ‘The wound is deep, and blood still flows. “

She shook her head, causing her hair to fly in all directions. He reached out, smoothing it down, tucking it behind her ears.

“Nay. I’ll manage.”

It occurred to him that she wanted him gone so she could attempt to remove her gloves. Rather than reveal what lay beneath the kidskin she was prepared to risk causing further injury to herself.

He took the bowl and crouched beside the bed, taking her wounded arm in his strong grasp.

“Ye saved me life. And in doing so, ye could have well lost yer own. Even if I didnae care fer ye, ‘tis me duty now tae look out fer ye; tae dae whatever is in me power to keep ye safe.”

She shook her head. “I did what anyone would dae.”

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