“I must thank you, Keeley. I don’t remember much about the day I was injured, only that I knew I would die if I didn’t seek aid immediately. When I opened my eyes and saw you, I knew that God had sent me an angel.”

“Sorry to disappoint you,” she said lightly. “Angel I’m not. I’m merely an ordinary woman who is skilled in the healing arts. ’Tis nothing more than knowledge gleaned from other women who’ve come before me.”

“Nay,” he denied. He reached up and caught her hand when she moved closer, bringing her fingers to his lips.

Tingles shot up her arm and her chest tightened in pleasure. It was hard not to smile at the handsome warrior who wielded pretty words as surely as he did a broadsword.

She caught his wrist and gently pushed until his arm was over his head at an angle. Then she leaned in to survey his newly stitched wound. It pleased her to see the redness had abated and that it no longer looked quite so raw and angry.

“What’s the verdict? Will I live?” he asked in amusement.

“Aye, warrior. You’ll live a long, healthy life. You’re fit, which will aid you in a complete recovery.”

“Glad to hear it.”

When she allowed him to lay his arm back down, he rubbed at his belly and grimaced.

“Hungry?”

“Aye. Fair to starving.”

“ ’Tis a good sign,” she said with an approving nod. “I’ll ask for a trencher to be brought up.”

“You don’t leave.”

She raised her brow because it wasn’t a request. The command in his voice was evident.

“Please.”

At the lowering of his voice, she all but melted again.

“Aye. I’ll stay.”

He gifted her with a smile even as his eyelids lowered. He blinked, fighting the urge to sleep. She laid her hand over his forehead. “Rest, warrior. I’ll have your food to you in a moment.”

She rose from the bed and smoothed her skirts, wishing she didn’t look so bloody awful. She’d made it to the door and was about to open it when it swung open. She scowled at the intruder, letting him know his bursting in wasn’t welcome.

Caelen scowled back, letting her know he wasn’t impressed with her ire.

“How is he?” he demanded.

She swept her hand toward the bed. “See for yourself. He was awake a few moments ago. He’s hungry.”

Caelen strode past her and she made a face at his back. When she turned around to exit, she nearly ran into Ewan.

“I don’t suppose you’ll forget you saw that,” she muttered.

Ewan’s lips twisted in amusement. “Saw what?”

Keeley nodded her approval and then walked past, not really knowing where she was going, but she could definitely use some air. She could still feel Alaric’s mouth on hers. She could still taste him.