Page 33 of The Beast Of Gloomenthrall

“You appear determined to paint me the scoundrel. Have I wronged you somehow, Healer Perri?”

“Not at all, Lord De’Luca, you’re my patient. It’s my job to heal you and your job to get better as fast as possible, so that someone more deserving may make use of your bed.”

“Your work ethic is admirable.”

“You have a unique gift whereby every statement you utter sounds like you are mocking me.”

“That is very far from the truth.”

“Ahem.” They both ceased talking, Brandth recognising that voice, the ancient Master Healer Mary. “Is there a problem here that I need to be made aware of?”

“I was having a… nightmare, an unforgivably lashed out at Healer Perri.”

“Is that so?” The tone was dry yet tinged with amusement. “For a moment I thought we were experiencing a blanket shortage and Perri had taken it upon herself to keep you warm.”

An embarrassed choking sound was issued, followed by Perri desperately trying to wriggle free.

“Gently. Gently.” Brandth pleaded, as she attempted to slide off of him in a huffy speedy manner.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to disentangle yourselves.”

Interesting, Perri didn’t appear to be making much progress. Was she enjoying their little unexpected intimate moment perhaps? “Are you having separation anxiety already? Trust me. I don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.”

“Let go of me, you oaf!”

Oh, he still had hold of Perri’s wrist. Oops, his bad. He hadn’t even realised he’d been absently stroking the velvet soft skin across the back of her hand with his thumb until Perri pointed it out. Abruptly Brandth released his hold. Now Perri’s struggles to get to her feet began to bear fruit. Thankful that she appeared to be extra careful of his broken leg as she levered herself away, which meant she was forced to move slower and wriggle more to get the right angle.

Determinedly Brandth clamped his teeth together, he didn’t think a remark about how much he was enjoying Perri’s awkward dismount would be well received. Perhaps though, the smug smile that clung to his lips told a story of its own. Because he was damn sure there was no reason for Perri’s knee to come down so hard between his legs as she, with one last heave, managed to lever herself from the bed.

“Orrf.” Okay, this pain Brandth was horribly familiar with.

“Oh, I’m dreadfully sorry.” She didn’t sound one bit sorry. “Here, I’ll get something to help.” Her footsteps retreating and then hurrying back. The block of ice she placed a little more forcefully than necessary between his legs had Brandth issuing another hissing gasp of pain. Why that spiteful little hellcat.

Breathing through gritted teeth until finally the pain receded, Brandth lifted the block of ice away, dropping it to the floor where it smashed. “And I’m sorry about the mess. I thought there was a table there.”

“No bother, it will only melt.”

“Thank you for your time and gentle attention, Healer Perri.”

“You’re very welcome, Lord De’Luca. Now, if there’s nothing else, I have other patients to-”

“Now that you ask, I am a little peckish. And your way of feeding me breakfast still evokes fond memories, would you be so kind as to provide me with lunch?”

“Yes.” Her tone tighter than a string on a bow. “Of course. I’ll be right back.”

Lying back, staring at nothing but the darkness created by his closed eyes and accompanying blindfold, Brandth fought the urge to laugh. There was just something so very satisfying about getting under Perri’s skin… soft, sensitive skin. He recalled the feel of the back of her hand under the caress of his thumb.

And every time she dropped that carefully modulated melodic way she had of speaking to be a little sharp with him, or smugly point out his flaws, Brandth felt like he’d scored a point by exposing the real Perri. Revealing no one could be that good and sweet all the time… well, he supposed they could, but not Perri.

He shouldn’t take such delight in poking at her, except her little moments of arched annoyance and quick cutting responses were the most fun he’d had in ages. She had claws, did Perri, although thanks to all his eavesdropping he thought very few here at the Lair were aware of that fact.

More confusing, excepting for Master Healer Mary, who ordered Perri about like all underlings in the infirmary, everyone else treated Perri… carefully. There was no other word for it.

It reminded Brandth of how you dealt with small, scared animals; gentling your tone, hovering over them in case they crumpled or fell.

It seemed madness to him. Perri had a spine made of steel and a tongue just as sharp. He’d never met anyone who needed coddling less. Although, given his lack of eyesight and knowledge of all the players, perhaps he was misreading the situation. Perhaps Perri was in charge of paying everyone’s weekly wages. And to get on her wrong side saw one’s name go to the bottom of the payee list.

His train of thought interrupted by the familiar tread of heels striking cobblestones. Disappointingly no wafts of meat pie or stew assailed Brandth’s nose. Only Perri’s familiar perfume as he listened to the rustle of her clothes as she seated herself beside him, a tray landing on the nearby table with a faint clatter. His stomach rumbled in anticipation, although perhaps more surprising, his cock stirred.

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