If He's Dangerous by Hannah Howell Read Free Book Online

moved to get him a tankard of cider, adding a little honey to soothe his throat and a few herbs to help him sleep. “My father knows quite a lot as well. It does appear that your family is of great interest to those who study such matters.”
    â€œThat is not welcome news. When someone takes an interest in us it usually ends with us running for our lives. Lost many an ancestor to such interest.”
    â€œSuch deadly persecution ended many years ago, although I know the fear of such gifts does linger. One can still see people make the sign to ward off the devil and some women are still whispered about, called witches, and shunned. We are a more enlightened people these days, however, and most of us have cast aside such foolishness.” She returned to the side of the bed and held out the tankard. “Do you think you can drink this on your own, or will you need my help?”
    Argus stared at the drink as he slowly eased himself up into a seated position, ignoring the painful protest of his body. “You have put something in it.”
    â€œJust something to strengthen your blood and help you sleep.” She held up her hand to halt the objection he started to make. “Rest is the best healer. The pain you are in makes getting that much-needed rest difficult without such aid.”
    There was no arguing the truth and Argus reluctantly took the tankard from her. He used both hands to hold it as he drank, not wishing to embarrass himself by tipping the brew all over himself and the bed. It was not an unpleasant potion despite the hint of bitterness.
    â€œThat is the last time,” he said as he handed her back the empty tankard.
    â€œOnce more. When we move you to Sundunmoor. It will make the journey easier.”
    Knowing the herbs would soon do their work, he started to lower himself down onto his back. Argus could not fully smother a hiss of pain that brought Lorelei closer. Her small hands gripped him with a surprising strength as she helped him lie down. He breathed deeply of her delicate scent, a touch of roses and clean skin.
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    She was just tucking him in, in a way that made him want to smile, when the door opened. Lorelei was startled, stumbling a little, and Argus wrapped his arm around her small waist to steady her. He fought the urge to cover the hand she had placed on his chest to stop herself from falling on top of him with his own and hold it there. Not that he would mind such a tumble into his arms if he were not such a mass of pain and bruises.
    â€œMy lady!” A plump maid rushed toward the bed, her attire marking her as an upper servant. “What is he doing to you?!”
    â€œNothing, Vale,” said Lorelei as she straightened, the abrupt loss of Argus’s touch causing her a pang that greatly troubled her. The man was wreaking havoc on her senses. “I was but aiding him in lying down and stumbled. What are you doing here?”
    â€œYou should not be in here, all alone, with a strange man.”
    â€œHe may be strange, but he is also badly injured, and needs constant watching, Vale. At least for another night or two. I am in no danger.”
    â€œYour fine reputation would be utterly destroyed if this was discovered. You must get one of the maids to tend to him.”
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    It was astonishing how many things would utterly destroy her fine reputation, Lorelei thought. “We are attempting to keep his presence here as secret as possible, Vale. If I drag a maid into this, it will not be long before most everyone for miles around will know there is a wounded man here at Dunn Manor.”
    â€œVale, look at me.”
    Lorelei frowned at the tone of command in Argus’s deep voice. She was not surprised when Vale immediately obeyed, but was disconcerted by how she also felt a fleeting urge to heed that order. The way Vale was rooted to the spot, her wide gaze locked with Sir Argus’s, made Lorelei uneasy, however. She knew she was about to see