Page 9 of Desire

“It was barely a poke,” Liam said.

“Where are they? Do they still breathe?” I insisted.

“Though it would be safer if they did not, they still live,” Edmund said.

CHAPTER TWO

I dippedthe cloth into the bucket of cold water and set it against Liam’s eye.

“Hold it there,” I said, already taking a second cloth and wetting it.

Darian grinned at me as I came up behind Brandle, who was checking his nose.

“It’s broken,” Brandle said a moment before he wrenched it. Darian cursed a storm as his eyes watered profusely.

I brushed Brandle aside and gently placed the cold cloth over the bridge of Darian’s nose.

“Your brother only sought to protect your handsome visage,” I said, running my fingers through Darian’s hair to soothe him. He groaned, stole the cloth from my grasp, and tipped his head forward to rest it against my chest.

“I’ll brew some tea for the pain,” I said.

His arms banded around my waist.

“I’d rather have this,” he mumbled.

Brandle chuckled as he moved off to check on Liam.

“If you allow me to leave, you can hold me again once the tea is done.”

Darian released me but captured my chin and darted in for a quick kiss.

“Your nose is already broken,” I said when he pulled back to wink at me.

“Which is why I know you won’t hit it.”

Foolish men and their need for affection,I silently grumbled. Yet, I enjoyed grudgingly giving it.

Why?

“Brandle, I believe it still looks a little crooked. You might want to fix it again.”

Darian’s eyes rounded, and he held up a hand in surrender as he held the cool cloth to his nose once more. The others laughed.

I started for the cottage and called over my shoulder, “Eadric, I want your pants off by the time I return so I can see why you’re limping.”

Inside, I climbed down into the cold storage and lit the candle to check the herbs for one that would help with swelling and pain. Henry had been thorough in his labeling. I didn’t see how Eadric had mistakenly confused them enough to accidentally poison his brothers.

Lost in thought, I yelped when the nearby candle suddenly went out.

I wasn’t alone.

“Brandle, now is not the time for your games.”

A hand cupped my cheek.

“How did you know it was me?” he asked.

I paused.

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