“It took him months to recover from his initial injuries. I was too much of a coward to do more than bring him his daily meal,” I confessed to the tea’s surface. “After his escape attempt, he was chained to the wall, and I knew he would bleed to death. My father wanted him alive, so I did what was necessary to keep him that way…”
“And is that the only reason ye did so, lassie?” Nan asked gently.
I glanced at her then flicked my gaze toward Kragorn, only to find him watching me again. Ducking my chin once more, I confessed in a whisper.
“Nay.”
The noise Nan made sounded almost approving. The way she touched my shoulderdefinitelyfelt that way, and I struggled to keep from leaning into that touch.
When was the last time someone hadtouchedme that way?
Kragorn did, that night in the forest.
I swallowed.
“Now, lassie, tell me what kenning ye have of healing?—”
“Very little,” I interrupted, finally lifting my gaze to her. I didn’t want Nan to think I was somehow her equal. “I am the youngest of my father’s daughters, and I learned what I could from my mother. But…” I freed one hand to reach down and lift my heavy skirt to reveal my twisted foot. “Over the years, I picked up some knowledge here and there.”
Nan hummed thoughtfully as she tapped her chin and studied my foot. “’Tis permanent?”
“Aye, many years now. But it does not pain me much. Just…”
Limits me.
“I can make ye a tea—” she began, but ‘twas interrupted by a growl from the bed.
“Enough, Nan!” Kragorn’s eyes were closed. “Stop trying to fix Lillian. She’s perfect the way she is.”
I couldn’t help my gasp, or the way my gaze snapped to him as I fumbled to place the mug on the table. I heard Nan’s dry chuckle, then heard her move toward the door, but I couldn’t drag my eyes away from the male lying half-naked beneath the blanket.
He thought me…perfect?
Mayhap I was just perfect for his uses right now?
“Go away, Nan,” Kragorn murmured, eyes still closed. “Lillian, come here.”
Dimly, I heard the door open and close, felt the rush of cold wind before the cozy warmth from the hearthbanished it once more, but I didn’t turn around. Nay, I was too busy obeying his commands, limping closer to the bed.
“What is it? Do ye need the chamber pot again?” I murmured.
One corner of his lips curled ruefully, but he didn’t speak. Instead, he reached up. One of his large hands closed around my wrist and he tugged me toward him.
I could claim I lost my balance and fell atop him, but in truth, I didn’t fight it at all. If Kragorn wanted me plastered against his chest, then that’s where I would be.
I was his, after all.
“I need ye, Lillian.”
“Aught,” I whispered, my gaze searching his face.
His grin turned wicked, and I felt my pulse speed, my cheeks darken. And between my legs…
“Alas,” he sighed, shifting me so I rolled off his chest and ended up tucked against his side. “I am no’ quite strong enough yet to fulfilthatneed.” He wrapped his unbroken arm around me, pulling me up against him. “But I need ye here.”
I held myself stiffly, awkwardly. Where was I supposed to put my hands? It feltwrongto be lying in bed with my boots still on, my hair still pinned up. But he seemed to be waiting for something, so I slowly exhaled.
“What…do you need me to do?”
