Part 23 (1/2)
His voice was suddenly gruff. He recognized the shock and fatigue that was beginning to overcome her.
”You are indeed a fine woman. But you are far from recovered. You will sleep now.”
He pulled the bed linens over her and added a fur on top of them, smoothing it until she was warm and snug.
Meredith caught his hand.
”You will stay with me? You will not send someone else to guard me?”
”If you wish.”
”Aye.” She clung to his hand.
”I wish.”
He stared down at the small hand upon his. At this moment he would move heaven and earth if she but asked it.
”I will be right beside you.”
”All night?”
”And late into the morning if you desire.”
He pulled a chair beside the bed and dropped a fur across his knees.
While the fire burned to embers he watched her as she slept.
Thin morning sunlight filtered through the windows, sweeping away the night shadows. Beneath the covers Meredith lay very still, replaying in her mind the events of the previous night.
She recalled clearly the attack by Holden and the tender way Brice had carried her to his bed. Less clear in her mind were the dreams that plagued her as she slept. Several times she had cried out.
And each time Brice had been there beside her, soothing, holding. The last time she had sobbed as though her heart would break and it had been Brice who held her in his arms, rocking her as tenderly as if she were a wee bairn.
Brice. She opened her eyes and stared at the chaise drawn up beside the bed. It was empty. She felt a swift stab of disappointment. He had broken his word and left her.
A movement beside her in the bed startled her. Turning she found herself face-to-face with Brice.
Without a word he touched a hand to her cheek. The sweetness of the gesture brought a lump to her throat.
She studied the stubble of beard that darkened his chin, and had to clench her hands into fists to keep from reaching out to him. The nearness of the man did strange things to her. Her throat was dry.
Her heartbeat was wildly erratic. And she was suddenly far too warm.
As she sat up and swung her feet to the floor he closed a hand around her wrist.
”You should stay abed, my lady.”
”Nay. I have a need to be up and about.”
He watched as she crossed the room toward the basin and pitcher.