Page 9 of Restored

The prince of Westray stands, unbothered, forest green eyes glued on me. Tourniquets, tweezers, needles, and shears are at his feet. He doesn’t even spare Sandor a glace as he speaks. “My apologies your Grace, how very clumsy of me.” He kneels to retrieve the supplies, and I intervene before Sandor can think too much of it.

“I must also apologize my King,” I exclaim, drawing his scrutiny. “I forgot to eat this morning.” Sandor’s gaze moves back to me, and he makes a noise of displeasure before leveling Maddox with an expectant look.

I don’t dare glance over at Maddox as his hand lingers on the small of my back before he drops it, moving to stand by King Sandor’s side once again.

I grip the end of the bed, my knuckles white as I fight to form some semblance of control over my body. Sky scramblesover to Ledger to grab the tray from him. He is still staring at me, studying me, like I am the answer to all his problems. Maddox seems to notice as well, his eyes narrowed and his jaw tight as he stares the man down.

“Incredible,” King Sandor’s attention shifts to the sentry I just healed. “He looks to be the picture of health.” He marvels, as his lips spread, gaping. The guard’s skin is no longer pale; it is flushed with color. His cheeks are rosy, and the skin of his shoulder a fresh pink.

“What do you think? Isn’t she marvelous?” He turns to the green-eyed man and his party. “It is not every day you get to see something like that.”

“Indeed,” Ledger replies, glancing at the sentry. His deep voice makes goosebumps erupt on my arm. I frown as I look down to see them pebble my skin.

“Wonderful! Layla, back to work, these people aren’t going to heal themselves, and for God’s sake, eat something,” King Sandor says lazily, snapping me out of my daze.

A snarky response sits readily on my tongue, and I fight to keep it inside. My gaze flicks to Maddox, who wears a warning look.

“Tell me, Ledger, has Callum had more luck at keeping Archie in line than I did?” the King asks, and the blonde man tenses.

Ledger’s jaw feathers as he follows King Sandor out of the room.

“Of course not, what fun would that be?” I hear Archie respond as the doors swing closed. I frown at the interaction before refocusing.

The sentry I just healed starts to come to, letting out a groan and attempting to sit up.

“Whoa, take it slow.” I rush over to his side placing my hands on his upper back to assist him. “You’ve lost a lot of blood. How do you feel?” I take in his handsome face and hazel eyes for the first time.

“I feel…” He pauses, his eyes straying to his mended shoulder and then back to me. “Alive, thanks to you.” He flexes his fingers and rolls out his arm. “You have quite the power.”

“It certainly has its uses.” I run my fingers over the pink raised skin of his shoulder pressing gently. “Does that hurt?”

“No.” His breath brushes the side of my face, and I’m instantly aware of how close we are. He studies me and smiles softly when I finally look up. “You have soft hands, a gentle touch.”

I stand, clearing my throat, and busy myself pouring him a glass of water. “Here, you need to stay hydrated.”

He accepts the glass, intentionally brushing his fingers against mine. “Your name is Layla, right?”

My response is a small nod.

“I’m Jonah.”

“Nice to meet you. I have a few more patients, so if you’re alright, I really should tend to them.” I motion overmy shoulder, where I can sense Sky eavesdropping. “Take all the time you need, but when you feel ready, help yourself out.” I begin to turn away hoping to dissuade what I know is coming.

“I’d love to repay you in some way, perhaps dinner?”

I wince before turning back to him and answering, “That is unnecessary.” My shoulders stiffen as I take a step back.

“I insist.”

“It would look poorly on me to be seen at dinner with a patient, so as much as I appreciate it, I must decline.”

He tilts his head, an amused smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Alright, well if you change your mind, the offer stands.” He hesitates giving me one last look, as if expecting me to take back my words before continuing. “Thank you, ladies.”

I let out a breath as he disappears behind the doors.

“What was wrong with that one?” Sky asks, stripping the bloodied sheet off the bed.

“Nothing waswrongwith him. I simply do not entertain patients, you know that.”

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