Page 10 of Grounded By Love
But he was thankful she was helping him, whatever her reason. He would’ve been dead by now, if he’d been left out in the woods. Kaeldar also wondered at her strength, both body and mind. She must have struggled with bringing him to her cottage.
What a feat for a female with such a small frame. He knew her horse had dragged him up the hill, and he’d been conscious long enough to know the work she’d put into him. He wished there was a way for him to thank her. Other than verbally, he had nothing to offer in payment.
There was still a nagging darkness in the back of his mind, he could feel it calling to him. Kaeldar pushed the shadows away. He wanted, no, he needed to be awake.
Opening his eyes, he looked up into green pools. Never before had he seen such piercing eyes. Every rock giant had coal black eyes.
The human female gave a gasp, when she noticed he’d awoken. Then promptly dropped his head onto the pillow, as she got up from the bed backing away with the bowl of soup in her hand.
Letting out a groan he grimaced in her direction, so much for her taking care of him. She’d just given him whiplash.
Her small hand came up to cover her mouth, as she uttered something that sounded like an apology.
Now he had a ringing in his head to add to all his other symptoms.
But he did feel better, and he wondered if his wound was still all that bad or if he would be well enough to leave. He was sure he was making her life more difficult by being around. After all she had done for him, he didn't want to over stay his welcome any more than he had to.
Claira stared, as the rock giant groaned. She was sure she’d hurt him by dropping his head so quickly, but he startled her. The thought never crossed her mind, he would wake, while she was so close to him.
She should have expected it though. She hadn't given him another dose of the tea, and by now it's effects should’ve worn off. If anything she should rejoice from this positive sign.
Mumbling an apology, she tried to get her heart rate down with some deep breathing.
Now that he was awake she wasn't sure she wanted him to stay that way. She saved his life, but she didn't know whom this rock giant was. There was no telling if he’d randomly decide to kill her.
Hoping to find out she ventured, “I hope you can understand me, but we need to get you out of here, when you are able to ride.” Claira looked at him hopefully, but he didn't respond. He only kept his steely gaze pinned on her.
Clearing her throat, she continued on. “The villagers know about you.” She frowned. “Someone I thought I could trust has given you, my secret, away. They will come, and they will want to torture you. We can both be sure of that.”
He continued to just stare at her blankly.
Putting her hands on her hips she continued on. “I personally would like to help you, but I’ll need you to assist me or to at least understand what I’m saying to you. After all I have done, I don’t want to see you burned at the stake.”
Finally, she got a response from him as he nodded and demanded, “More soup.” His voice was gravelly and harsh.
Smiling she hastened to grab some more soup for him. He hadn't actually answered her, but it was a start. Maybe after she fed him, he would be willing to talk to her some more.
Claira needed to know if he felt well enough to ride. After he spoke in her language the first time, she figured he would know more.
After filling the bowl with soup she added some chunks of meat. The rock giant would need the extra protein. As she came over to the edge of the bed, she stretched her hand out. Now that he was awake she was going keep her distance, just in case. She still didn't know who he was, or what he would do with her if he were able to grab her.
Instead of taking the bowl of soup from her hand, he attempted to sit up. Unfortunately, his arm buckled under him, and he landed right back where he’d started.
“Oh my! Let me help you!” Claira stepped up to the bed to offer him an arm. The rock giant said nothing, but accepted her help as she assisted him into a sitting position.
Now that he was settled against the headboard, she handed the soup bowl over to him. He nodded, which she took to be a thank you. Smiling she leaned against the wall of the cottage and watched him from a slight distance. Claira shouldn’t have rushed over to help him, but he hadn’t harmed her. Maybe she could trust him.
She found herself delighted he had an appetite. She’d never doubt her skill at healing ever again. Here was her proof that she could do anything she put her mind to.
Within minutes, he finished the bowl. After refilling it, she sat back down to watch him.
His top half was exposed, and Claira couldn't help but take her fill of the sight before her. He might be a rock giant, but he was sculpted like a god. Watching the muscles in his arms flex made her feel so womanly and perhaps a little heated. Her cheeks flushed.
Never would she have guessed she would like the sight of a well-muscled rock giant. Not only was he giant, but he was a warrior. He took lives, while she saved them.
Mentally, she gave herself a shake. There was no possible way he would have any interest in her. She was only feeling this way about him because of the bond of patient and healer. Once he was out of her cottage, everything would return back to normal. Or so she hoped.
Perhaps she was nervous about letting him go because she didn't want to be alone again. The only villager who wanted anything to do with her was Robert, but Claira couldn’t bring herself to marry him. He was a friend, not a lover.
