Page 2 of A Virgin for the Duke of Scars
Suddenly, she felt a strange warmth blooming in her body, radiating from her core all the way to her toes and fingertips. Even her scalp tingled with an unfamiliar heat.
Unbidden, her eyes followed the line of his shoulders, the broad back that tapered into narrow hips as they disappeared into the water. Good heavens, even his forearms were corded with muscle!
Andinjured.
Theresa sucked in a deep breath. Just a slight intake of air, really, but it was enough to draw his attention.
His head immediately whipped around, the movement agile and bristling with barely restrained power.
“Who goes there?” He called out, his voice a low, dangerous growl.
Her heart thudded in her chest, so loud that she wondered if he could hear it, too. A silver mask covered half of his face. Yet, it could not hide the startling silver of his eyes.
Or the sensuous curve of his lips.
“No one,” she called out meekly as she stepped away from the foliage. “I mean, it is just me.”
“A girl.” His voice seemed to rumble in his chest, stirring something strange and new within her. “What is a girl like you doing all alone in a forest?”
Theresa pushed those feelings aside. “I live near here and have used this route many times,” she replied. “Besides, I am not the one in need of help.”
“Oh?” His voice dripped with sarcasm. “And, pray tell, who is in dire need of assistance?”
“You, of course.”
She could hardly believe how calm he could be despite his injury. His arms were covered in blood. He should be screaming in agony, not debating with her about who needed help.
“Me?” His lips curled into a cold smile. “Now, there’s a thought.”
Maybe the pain has addled his brain.These things are known to happen, after all.
“Do you mind telling me what happened?” She asked him kindly.
Sister Edith told her that people responded better to kindness, although Theresa regrettably needed to remind herself of that more.
She saw his dark eyebrows snap together in a frown above his mask.
“That is none of your business!” He snapped.
“But your injuries…” Theresa tamped down her frustration. “You are not safe running around in your condition. The longer you leave it unattended?—”
“Between the both of us, it is not I who is in danger right now,” he cut in smoothly. “You should leave, and be quick about it. You do not want to be spending time with beasts, do you?”
She felt her cheeks grow warm.
Did he perhaps know that she initially mistook him for a wild animal? Of course, he would be greatly offended at the comparison.
“I… I apologize for the intrusion,” she mumbled, hanging her head. “I shall do as you say and leave, but please…” She raised her eyes to his and pleaded once more. “You should at least seek help for your injuries. You must not let your wounds fester, or you might lose an arm. Maybe two.”
She caught the dark glare he shot her and immediately paused her rambling.
“I shall be going now,” she said quickly. “Good day to you, Sir.”
She hastily turned around and dragged a recalcitrant Pippin behind her. She had already done her best to encourage the man to seek help for his wounds, but he was as obstinate as a mule.
“I suppose one cannot bring a horse to water,” she mumbled to herself. “Except for you, perhaps,” she told her horse affectionately. “You run to every stream, rivulet, and spring with nary a care for the consequences.”
Pippin let out what seemed to be an indignant snort, but thankfully, he made no further argument as Theresa mounted him once more.
