Page 86 of The Moonstone Pirate
Suddenly, his cousin snapped out of her crying bout. “Oh, yes. Imogen, that is an excellent idea.” She was still taking deep breaths and sniffling, but her sobs were nothing as dramatic as before. “I am much better now. Yes, it is more important that you help Draco.”
Imogen left her in the care of Mrs. Halsey’s daughter and returned to him.
He arched an eyebrow. “That worked like magic. What did you say to her?”
Imogen winced. “I told her I would remain by your bedside and personally nurse you back to health.”
“Ah, my own little helper?” He cast her a seductive smile.
She nodded. “And then I pointed out the obvious.”
“What is that?”
“How are you to fall in love with me if I am busy tending to her instead?”
He chuckled. “No wonder she’s happy.”
Deandra must have seen his smile and heard his laugh. “Isn’t Imogen an angel? She is just what you need, Draco. Haven’t I always said so? See how well she takes care of you?”
Draco withheld a sigh. “Yes, she’s a marvel.”
Imogen blushed. “Thank you for shielding me, by the way.”
“Always,” he said with raw feeling, wishing he was free to tell her just how remarkable she was and how deeply he cared for her.
Imogen cleared her throat, and then turned away and began issuing orders. She instructed two men, who had been seated with their wives and having tea, to help her get him into Mr. Halsey’s wagon, which had now drawn up in front of the tea shop.
Draco had noticed these men hovering close and staring at him. Perhaps they were merely hoping to be helpful, but theirgazes were intense, and they were exchanging looks with each other, as though silently communicating.
What the hell was that about?
Imogen directed them to pick him up. “Be careful. Don’t hurt him.”
Draco did not want these strangers putting their hands on him. His scowl was fierce enough to have them back away. “See to the ladies. I can climb into a bloody wagon by myself. I don’t need nursemaids.”
The men stared at each other, then scurried away.
Imogen planted her hands on her hips and huffed in frustration. “Will you listen to yourself? Are you going to scowl at me when I try to nurse you? I did promise Deandra I would stay by your side.”
“I would be delighted to haveyourhands on me, tucking me in or feeling my heated brow. I just don’t want anyoneelse’shands on me.” He awkwardly climbed into the wagon on his own and heaved himself onto the aged wooden bench.
“Oh,elegantlydone,” Imogen said.
“But done on my own.” He had no doubt he’d aggravated his injury but was never going to admit it to her. “See, I did not require anyone’s help after all.”
Imogen rolled her eyes. “I am going to hit you over the head with one of Mrs. Halsey’s baking spoons if you utter another ridiculous word. Stubborn man.”
Shetskedat him, then turned to assist Deandra, who must have decided she still had tears to shed and was going to shed them all the way to the hospital. “Blast it, Deandra,” Draco said. “I am not dying, but I might if you do not stop howling in my ear.”
Wrong thing to say to the already overset girl.
She cried harder. “You mustn’t die! What will Papa and I do without you?”
“I am not going anywhere. Calm down, Deandra. Get in the wagon already or I will bleed to death right here.” He wasn’t sure which was worse, the injury or having to endure Deandra’s histrionics.
Imogen helped Deandra in, and then settled by his side. “Muttonhead,” she mumbled. “She’s already scared out of her wits, and you had to mentiondeath.”
Well, he’d said it, and it was too late to take it back.
