“You needn’t go yet.” Once they left, it would just be the pain again. He’d rather suffer this position a little longer, with their company.

“Nonsense. You’re exhausted.” She leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek. “But don’t worry, we’ll be back tomorrow. And every day, after work.”

We? He darted a glance at Margot De Wilde and her dark eyes. She made no correction, but then, she wouldn’t, would she? Not now. She just wouldn’t come back if she didn’t want to.

Dot was already on her feet, chasing after an as-yet-nameless nurse who was passing by the door. “Nurse! Excuse me!”

Drake dug his fingers in again in the effort to keep his face clear of pain for Margot De Wilde’s sake.

She shifted, and for a moment he thought she’d get up and chase after Dot. But no. She slid over to Dot’s chair and leaned down. Actually leaned down, closer to him, until the scent of lemons met his nose.

Then she said, “You’re an idiot, Drake Elton.”

He was too tired to so much as lift his head from the pillow it had fallen back against. “Am I?” She could well be on to something. Surely only an idiot would be more concerned with how he appeared to a veritable stranger than with his actual condition.

“You told the admiral that your sister is emotionally fragile.”

His eyes had drooped, but he forced them fully open now. “I don’t believe I ever used those exact words.”

“They were the ones he used with me, and I daresay they got at the heart of whatever your exact words were. And if you think that about her, you’re an idiot.”

Her eyes positively burned. Her cheeks had a pretty flush to them. But somehow he had a feeling that if he said so, she’d slap him. And he wasn’t exactly in prime condition for such a response. So he settled for a tight-lipped smile that she probably interpreted as condescending. “I appreciate that you feel the need to champion her. But I’ve known my sister a fair bit longer than you have.”

“I think she doesn’t need a champion. Going out every day when it’s so difficult—that is bravery, Lieutenant. That is strength.” Now she stood. No emotion clouded her face—she probably kept it off with ratios and proportions and rates and angles—but those eyes still snapped beautifully. “You of all people should know that.” Pushing the chairs back to make room, she stalked into the aisle and out the door.

Drake let his eyes slide closed and tried not to smile.

A moment later, Dot’s step sounded, along with a second set. And Dot’s voice hissed in his ear. “What did you say to her? She was upset.”