Page 85 of My Brave Highlander

The two men left and the healer examined the gash on Dirk's forehead. "It has stopped bleeding. We'll wash the blood away and see if the wound needs stitching. I'll fetch the necessary herbs for a tea." She disappeared out the door.

Dirk's skin retained the unhealthy bluish pallor and powerful shivers racked his body. He needed warmth immediately and the heat from the small fireplace would not reach the bed for a long while.

Isobel unclasped her belt and lowered her arisaid to the floor. Removing everything excerpt her thin linen smock, she crawled beneath the blankets and lay on top of him. Heavens, his whole body was like a solid block of ice.

He sucked in a sharp breath and his cold hands clasped her waist, giving her a chill. He mumbled words Isobel couldn't decipher. His breath smelled of whisky. Perhaps one of the men had given him some to help warm his veins.

"Shh. Just rest. I'll get you warm again." She kissed his neck, thankful he had returned to her. His skin was so cold she worried he might have frostbite.

His body quaked with another severe bout of shivers. Hopefully he was gradually warming, for he had not even been shivering when he'd first arrived at the castle.

"Oh, Lady Isobel! What are you doing?" Jessie asked in a surprised whisper.

Isobel glanced toward her, just inside the door, hands covering her eyes. "I'm getting him warm with my own body heat. If I hadn't, he might have died."

"Oh." Jessie uncovered her eyes and rushed forward. "How is he?"

"Gradually warming, I think."

The healer returned, approaching the bed with wide eyes and a faint smile. "Let's see if he'll wake enough to drink some whisky."

"I think he already had some," Isobel said.

"I'll steep some herbal tea then." After shuffling to the fireplace, she sprinkled some leaves in a wooden cup and poured hot water on it.

"I'll guard the door, Isobel, lest word get out you're in bed with my brother." Jessie headed toward the door, but before she could reach it, Rebbie entered.

"How is he?" His brows shot up. "Having much more fun than I am, I see."

Burning heat rushed over Isobel. "Don't be silly, Laird Rebbinglen! I'm warming him with my body heat."

"Lucky bastard," he muttered.

Jessie proceeded into the corridor and pulled the door closed behind her.

"'Tis not a jest. He could've died."

"Hmph. Wish I'd almost died instead."

"Go to hell, Rebbie," Dirk mumbled.

Isobel drew in a sharp breath, but was glad he acted more alert.

Rebbie chuckled. "You see, he's perfectly lucid. Rugged as the Highlands, that one."

That's when she noticed something hard prodding her leg as she lay on top of Dirk. Oh heavens, was that…? Was he aroused? Staying beneath the covers, she rolled off Dirk and laid her hand along the side of his chilled face. "Are you feeling better?"

"Aye."

"I wager he feels better than… better," Rebbie muttered. "Do you not?"

"Aye," Dirk said in a monotone that revealed nothing, his eyes still closed.

"Could I have a moment of privacy, if you please?" Isobel asked.

"Of course." Rebbie bowed and backed toward the corridor.

"Nay, you cannot go in there, Haldane!" Jessie ordered from outside the door.