Page 17 of To Win a Highlander’s Heart

“That is good to hear.” Relief coloured the healer’s tone.

Orrick sat up to hold a mug before her. “You gave us quite a scare.”

She accepted the mug and brought the cool liquid to her lips, drinking slowly. When she was done, she handed the mug back to him, and pulled back, out of his arms. He shifted off the bed, returning to the chair. It was then she noticed how tired he looked.

“How long have I been asleep?”

“Two days.”

“You’ve been here the whole time?”

He shrugged. “One of us had to stay with you. Besides, I promised I would.”

“I did not mean to cause you any trouble.”

He smiled.

The soft warmth of his gaze spiralled through her, warming her in a way that had nothing to do with a fever.

“Do you remember anything from the past two days?”

“Some of it.” She couldn’t keep the chagrin she felt from showing on her face as she massaged her wrists. “If I was violent, I apologise.”

“You were deep in the throes of a fever. It was your nightmares that concerned me more than your thrashing.”

Her eyes widened. “Did I cry out?”

“Who is the lieutenant?”

She groaned, burying her face in her hands and wishing this was all a bad dream.

Lottie stood. “I’ll leave the two of you to talk,” she said and stepped through the door, closing it softly behind her.

“Can you tell me what happened? Why you were adamant that some lieutenant stay away from you?”

The lieutenant was in her past. If she were careful, she would never have to see him again. Just as important was keeping the English officer from harming anyone else she cared for. Lieutenant Collins would punish Orrick, and the other MacLeods, if he discovered her at Dunvegan. Was she morally obligated to tell Orrick and the rest of his kin of that danger? What her brother would do to them if he learned she was there was nothing compared to what the English army would do.

She would tell him just enough to warn him. “The English took me captive.” She forced the words past her dry lips.

He frowned. “I am sure there is more to the story than that.”

“There is, but I’m not ready to tell all of it yet.”

He nodded, remaining silent, waiting for her to say more.

“The English are trying to determine who amongst us supports the return of Charles Edward Stuart to the throne of Scotland or if we support the English king and will pledge our allegiance to him.”

“How did they intend for you to discern that information? By using your skill with a bow and arrow?”

“That I would not have minded.” She felt heat rise to her cheeks. “They trained me as a spy.”

He sat very still, but she could see the anger dancing in the depths of his dark eyes. “That is a dangerous game.”

Shame dropped into her stomach. “I quickly discovered that.”

His mouth tightened and his eyes blazed. “How long were you held captive? Did these men abuse you? How long were you forced to spy? Was anyone nearby to support you?”

She stiffened. This interrogation was not what she’d intended. She shifted away, trying to push back the uncontrollable panic his words sent rushing over her. She held up her hand, cutting off the questions, and floundered for words that would satisfy him. There were some things it was better if he never knew. “I am not ready to talk about all of what happened. It was difficult, but I found a way to survive. And, as soon as I was able, to escape. That’s why I was in the wilderness. I could not go back to my brother, or anywhere else. Now, your clan is in danger for harbouring me.”