“I don’t want to clean it up, and I don’t want to be tended to. Go away.”

She merely reached into the box and took out a covered plate. “Mrs. Williamson sent you food. I asked her to let me come instead. She’s worried about you.”

“Nothing to worry about.” He studied his hands. “I’ve had worse.”

“I’ve no doubt, but you’ll sit down and let me clean those cuts.” She set a basin, bottles, bandages on the counter.

“I can take care of myself.” He lifted the glass, peered at the level of whiskey. “I’ve already made a start.”

In her no-nonsense style, Ann came around the counter and shoved him into a chair. “Sit when you’re told.”

“Shit.” He rubbed his shoulder where she’d pushed. It burned like fire.

“And keep a civil tongue in your head.” She busied herself filling the basin with hot water. “Got infection brewing already, I’ve no doubt. The sense of a bean is what you’ve got.” She snatched one of his hands and got to work.

“If you’re going to play Nurse Nancy, at least—goddamn, that hurts.”

“I imagine. Don’t you swear at me, Michael Fury.” Her eyes stung when she saw just how badly he’d damaged his hands, but her movements remained brisk and not particularly sympathetic. “This’ll bite some.”

The burn of the antiseptic that she generously poured over open wounds made his eyes cross and filled the air with wild blue curses.

“You’ve a raw Irish tongue. Reminds me of my Uncle Shamus. What part does your family come from?”

“Galway. Goddamn it, why don’t you just use battery acid and be done with it?”

“Big, strong man like you, whining over a little peroxide and alcohol. Take another drink, then, as I haven’t a bullet for you to bite on.”

It scored his pride, as she’d meant it to. Michael tipped back the glass and scowled at her. He decided to brood while she wrapped gauze over his hands.

“Done?” he demanded.

“With those, for the time being. You’ll want to keep the bandages dry and they’ll need to be changed regular since I assume you’ll be as stubborn as Miss Laura about a doctor.”

“Don’t need a doctor.” He jerked his shoulder but regretted it when it throbbed. “She’ll be fine, too. She’s got enough people hovering over her.”

“She inspires love and loyalty because she’s generous with giving both.” Rising, Ann emptied the basin, refilled it. “Take off what’s left of your shirt.”

He cocked a brow. “Well, Annie, I’m a little impaired, but if I’d known you had an urge to—Ow!” He gaped, shocked speechless as she gave his ear a hard twist.

“I’ll twist more than your ear if you behave like a baboon. Take that shirt off, boy.”