“Drink,” she urged and pressed the flask to his lips more firmly. “I am Honoria, your healer.”
Another snort from Hugh, this time accompanied by a slap and a grunt.
“That is Isla and Hugh,” Honoria said dryly, her eyes never leaving the stranger. “In these parts, Hugh is the showpiece of Scotland’s gloomy skies and Isla the breath of fresh air.”
“Kill me,” Hugh muttered.
The stranger said nothing, but his eyes never left her face as he swallowed the offered water. When he pulled away, Honoria retreated to allow him space.
“Do you have a name?” she asked, just above a whisper, but already his lashes drifted shut, and he was unconscious again.
Honoria blinked down at him, her pulse racing. Heavens! One glimpse at his piercing gaze had been enough to set her heart aflutter.
Who was this man with the mistrustful green eyes?
More than ever, Honoria was certain he would never permit to be set upon by bounders. Plus, she could not imagine who, in their right mind, would dare cross such a formidable man. He seemed larger than life, as though with one look, he could crush legions of his enemies. Whoever hurt him must have been someone he had known. A friend turned foe? Jealous lover? Or merely arrogance? Honoria was beside herself with curiosity.
“Now that he has opened his eyes send him to the village.”
“What then, Hugh?” Honoria challenged. “He has no belongings, no money. Do we leave him at the mercy of the villagers?”
“The man is not our responsibility,” Hugh insisted.
“I disagree, he was found onourgrounds,” Honoria countered.
“I agree with Honoria,” Isla said.
“You have both lost your minds,” Hugh said, scratching his head.
Honoria lifted her chin. “Nevertheless, he remains in our care until he regains his strength.”
“Then he leaves.” Hugh’s sudden flinty voice left little room for argument.
“Aye.” And Honoria would leave with him.
A bold thought, indeed, but one she was determined to set into motion. She had always felt slighted that she’d been born in a world where men ruled. The timely arrival of this stranger, whoever he was, must be a sign. They weremeantto cross paths. Honoria was sure of it. She had been meant to save him.
And she refused to be boxed in by Hugh, or any one of her brothers. She was ready to be swept up by adventure.
This one, he wastheone to do just that.
And she was certain, since she saved his life, he would welcome the opportunity to sweep her off on an adventure.
“Do not get too attached to this man, lass,” Hugh warned before he stalked from the room. “He leaves once he is strong enough to walk.”
Hugh needn’t have bothered with his warning. Honoria was already attached. But not the way he might think. Not by romantic ideals such as true love and soul mates. She wasn’t about to trade nine browbeating brothers for another means of confinement. Though if she thought about it . . . One man was more manageable than nine. Nay, she was attached to the idea of escape.
“I can see your brain working on mischief, Honoria,” Isla muttered. “Please don’t include me in any of your mad scheming.”
“I did not plan to include you.” Honoria flashed her teeth. “And just because I’m thinking, does not mean I’m scheming.”
“Och, you are scheming, I can tell.”
Honoria grinned. “I promise I shall not drag you into my schemes.”
“Thank you. I will, however, aid you in healing the man, if only to ensure he does not perish on our watch.”
Honoria scoffed. “He will not die. He is a fighter, this one, I can sense it.”
“He would have to be,” Isla said, stretching out her arms. “Especially if our brothers return and he still inhabits Callum’s bed.”
Honoria raked a glance over the man’s powerful arms and shoulders. “I reckon it won’t be a fair fight.”
