Page 31 of Love Beyond Wanting
He gave one curt nod.“Aye, I know.Would ye rather a brief moment of pain now or longer moments of pain for the rest of yer life?”
I frowned and hesitantly offered him my arm.“I don’t see how pinching it is going to do anything.”
He grabbed onto the damaged skin once again.Although he didn’t let go, his eyes did soften when he saw that I was stifling a groan.
Eventually, the pain turned to warmth, and by the time he released my arm, it no longer ached at all.
I wanted to rub the spot, but since my lack of another hand prevented me from doing that, I simply twisted the arm around.I could feel nothing.It felt entirely normal.
“What did you do?”
He shook his head in another non-answer.
“I must go.I’ve already stayed longer than I said I would.Ye will live, lass.I see no more sickness inside ye, but ye shall be weak for a few days still.Ye shouldna spend much time out of doors for the next fortnight, or ye could risk falling ill again.’Twas a pleasure to meet ye.”
I twisted my head in confusion as he neared the door.
“Did we actually meet?I don’t remember telling you my name.”
Just as his hand reached for the door, he twisted back and gave me a shy smile.
“Ye dinna, Kate.Good day to ye.”
He left without another word.
Chapter 19
Myla wasn’t pleased with their plan, but Maddock could tell by the look of resignation in her eyes that she agreed it was the only thing to do under the circumstances.Even though Kate was much improved, four more days of riding through rain and mud in freezing temperatures would do nothing to help with her recovery.
“Fine.I know that David and I can’t keep up with the speed that Kate needs us to be moving.But Maddock, I swear to you, if she dies on the way to the castle while under your care, I will kill you myself.”
He believed her.The woman had a fire in her eyes that sent a chill down his spine.
“I swear to ye that I will see her safely to the Isle.By the time the rest of ye arrive, she shall be rested and fully recovered.Ye have my word.”
“I will keep you to it.When will you leave?”
He’d readied his horse and gathered food from the village while Brachan had examined Kate this morning.
“As soon as ye’ve said goodbye to her, I shall collect her and carry her downstairs.”
While Myla and David spoke with Kate, Maddock went to see to one last thing he hoped would make the hard ride a little easier.Earlier that morning while gathering bread and dried fish for their trip, he’d noticed a small wooden box that was just the perfect size for Kate’s beloved cat, out in front of the inn.The old man—just like he’d been the night before—was sitting by the fire.
“Thank ye for telling me of the healer.The lass is much improved.”
The man turned toward him with a smile.“I told ye.All in this village stay fine and well because of that lad and his mother.Will ye be leaving today?”
“Aye, sir.Might I ask ye…do ye have any attachment to the wee wooden box just outside?”
The innkeeper’s thick, wiry brows pulled together.“I doona even know which box ye speak of.If ye need it, ’tis yers.”
Stepping outside, Maddock gathered the box and hurried to the small stable where they’d boarded their horses.There was a brief break in the rain, and he hoped to leave with Kate before it began to pour once more.
“Stella, lass.”He stroked his beloved horse gently.“Ye must ride hard and fast for us this day and part of the next.And please doona buck off this wee box I mean to strap to ye.’Twouldn’t do for us to allow harm to come to Kate’s cat.”He leaned in to nuzzle into her neck.“If ye behave, I shall give ye a bushel of apples when we arrive home.”
The horse neighed.Assuming he had permission, he took straps of leather from his satchel and stabilized the box just behind Stella’s saddle.Once it was secure, he took some hay from around Stella’s feet and placed it in the box to form a bed.
Maddock laughed as Stella turned her head as if she meant to look back and see what he’d done to her.“Just one last touch, lass, and I shall have to go get the wee beastie ye shall carry along with us.”
