The Healer by Allison Butler Read Free Book Online Page A

from her as fast as possible, but his conscience and the censorious stare creasing Donald’s brow had him turning about and reaching for the healer. He cursed beneath his breath. He needed time to quell the urges tightening his body. But first he needed to help her dismount.
    Spanning the healer’s waist with ease, ignoring her fingers biting into his forearms, he lifted the woman to the ground. Her legs buckled, forcing him to continue holding her. God above, he doubted even a few days of constant eating would be enough to put some meat on her slender bones. He was surprised she hadn’t snapped in two both times it had been necessary for him to put his roughened hands on her.
    ‘Can you stand?’
    ‘I...I don’t know,’ she said with a slight shake of her bowed head. ‘I can’t feel my legs.’
    Will peered down at the cloak concealing her lower limbs, but the memory of slim calves and the white flesh above her knees lingered all too clearly in his mind.
    ‘Believe me, they’re still there. Give them a moment to adjust to your weight.’
    Her face tilted upward and he stared into shimmering, sapphire eyes. They reminded him of the loch surrounding Closeburn Castle on a bright summer’s day. Alluring, yet dangerous to any who dared risk breaking the surface without knowing what lay beneath the treacherous depths.
    Just like Jinny, the Kirkpatricks’ wrinkled, sweet-faced healer who’d promised miracles with her herbs and simples and had delivered heartache instead.
    Will straightened, abruptly releasing his hold on the woman who stood too closely before him, her eyes too wide, too innocent.
    ‘Donald will see to you.’ He broke free of her white-knuckled grasp, spun on his heel and strode to where Donald crouched by the litter.
    ‘Donald, I’ll take charge of Edan. You see to the healer.’
    William hunkered down. ‘How do you fare?’ He laid a hand on his brother’s brow. Cool. Thank God.
    Edan brushed his hand aside.
    ‘Don’t worry yourself over me, Will. I’m fine. But you look as if you lost a sword fight with one of the village lasses.’
    Will scowled at his brother’s teasing smile and snatched the water-flask from Edan’s hand. He took a long swallow and while the water soothed his dry throat, Edan’s attempt at humour eased his brotherly concern.
    ‘Watch yourself, lad,’ he said, offering the vessel back. ‘Remember who has to carry you about when you need privacy.’
    Edan’s smile slipped as comprehension dawned. The lad hated being coddled.
    ‘Hungry?’ William asked, pretending he hadn’t noticed Donald escorting the healer into the trees to his right.
    ‘Nae. But when Lynelle returns, I would appreciate your help in finding somewhere to relieve myself.’
    Hearing the healer’s name slip naturally from Edan’s lips stunned Will. It sounded too familiar, as if his brother knew her well, trusted her.
    ‘The woman is here to tend your wounds, Edan. Do not let her bonny face sway you. Once we reach Closeburn, she will be returned home.’
    From his reclining position, Edan’s grey-eyed gaze fixed on him. William knew he’d sounded harsh, but his warning was necessary.
    For the last year, many of Closeburn’s women had done their best to fill the gaping hole left by the deaths of their mother and sister. William feared Edan was easy prey for any woman fair of face.
    ‘So, you think Lynelle is bonny?’ Edan said.
    ‘I think you must have knocked your head when you fell off your horse,’ William said, turning away from his brother’s perceptive gaze.
    Donald and the healer emerged from the trees. The pair closed the distance with slow, measured steps, Donald halving his natural stride to keep pace with the awkward gait of the woman he escorted.
    Aye, she is bonny, he admitted to himself. But there was something other than her outward beauty that intrigued him, called to him. Her allure was new to him, sharpened his senses. Part of him hungered to explore his fascination