Clearing the fog from his head, Colin stared once again at the most striking-looking woman he had ever beheld. The fantastic mass of curls he remembered from before as being dark auburn looked the color of burnt cinnamon in this light. The ugly, pea-colored coat was gone. She wore a long-sleeved, western-cut shirt with blue and red stripes, tucked into dark-blue jeans.
He focused on her face, his gaze skimming across clear golden skin and a soft, full mouth. But it was the eyes that drew him in. Still startling. Still the vivid green of an Irish mist. Just looking at them produced a surprising and unwelcome reaction in his groin.
I have a few questions for you.
She had questions? Since Colins brain had begun working past the pain, a million blasted questions sat unasked on his tongue.
But I need to finish working on your leg first, she added.
How did I get here? He couldnt let her get ahead of him. His control was shaky, but he didnt trust her enough to close his eyes again.
You and I sort of limped over here on the bus, after we got out of that room one step ahead of the fire-fighter first responders. You were a little shocked and dizzy, but we made it.
He gave her a disbelieving look, but she seemed undeterred.
The shot that hit you only nicked the fleshy part of your thigh. No bullet fragments were left behind, I checked. Youve got a couple of cuts on your forehead, but none of them are deep. She paused. I was afraid to stick around and wait for the cops or the paramedics. Someone must want you dead pretty badly.
Yes, it does seem that way. But was she in on it? Hed been waiting in that room all day, and the shooting had started only after shed arrived. Never mind. Where are my pants, love?
I had to cut them off you to get to the wound. But you packed another pair. I brought your duffel with us as I dragged you out of the fire. Thankfully, your leather jacket was only singed in a few spots, but it should be
You dragged me out of the room? By yourself?
She gave him a sharp smirk before turning her back to dig into his duffel. Im tougher than I look.
Yeah, he would bet she was quite a lot of things underneath those exotic looks. Grace, strength and a sort of magical beauty must have been bestowed upon her at birth by the fairies. But something sinister seemed to lurk about her as well.
Hed already made up his mind to find out everything. She would tell him first whether she had been sent to do him harm, and then she would complete her tale about his brother. The truth. Every bit of it.
It mattered little that her appearance affected him like no other womans. With everything theyd been through, he couldnt imagine why his body kept betraying him with primal, sexual reactions. But he swore to set all that aside.
What are you up to, Maggie Ryan? How did you know where to find me?
Maggie winced inwardly, not sure how to explain. Ill tell you everything as best I can. But let me work on your leg at the same time.
He didnt bat an eyelash, just continued staring her down.
Please. I swear I can help you. Let me.
Something must have gotten to him, either her words or the way she stood up to him, because he relented at last. What are you planning then? Shall we cut off the blasted leg entirely?
The words had been said without so much as a smile, but they made her chuckle. Heavens no. I have someumlotions that Ill make into a poultice. Itll relieve the
pain, I promise. And I can put a couple of sutures in, too, if need be.
Maggie bent to paw through the denim backpack containing her medicines. Can you lie back again, please?
She took her bag into the bathroom and mixed up her healing concoctions. Back at his side, Maggie went straight to work, splashing blanquillo, a clear liquid, over his leg.
Ready now to apply the poultice shed made, Maggie gazed into his eyes. This shouldnt hurt. Try not to move.
He stopped her by holding up his hand. Tell me whats in the poultice first.
Impatiently, Maggie shook her head. Look, I have training as a curanderaa healerin Texas and Mexico. I can take away your suffering.
When he continued to stare at her, she sighed and went on, The poultice contains herbs and dried plants, nothing harmful. Let me
Which herbs and plants?
Gritting her teeth, she told him. Its a basic mixture of basil, rosemary and rue, the holy trinity for Mexican witchcraft. When he didnt flinch at the word witchcraft, she went on. To those Ive added three specially dried plants. Mexican arnica
Camphor weed. Yes, I can smell the astringent. What else?
Surprised, she went on. Spikenard for open sores and silk tassel for the pain reliever.
I recognize the name silk tassel, its called quinine bush in some places. But the other
Its rare. Also called elk clover, and found only in a few mountain areas in the Southwestern United States and Mexico.
He nodded his head and lay back against the pillows. Okay, go ahead. But I want your story at the same time. Id wager youre the kind of witch that can do at least two things at one time.