Page 23 of Saved By the Cruel Highlander

“Easy, lass,” he said softly. “We dinnae want ye takin’ another spill and crackin’ the other side of yer head.”

She shot him a disgruntled look which was ruined by the blood covering half her face and the bruising spreading across her forehead.

“Please, let me own,” she whispered. “I should make sure that I can stand by meself.”

Elias looked at her, making sure she was able to do so, and he saw something in her eyes. She asked to be put down, but her gaze said otherwise.

Do ye want me to put ye down because ye are embarrassed about Cassandra seein’ ye in me arms?

Elias lowered her slowly, keeping one arm around her waist to steady her.

“‘Twould be best if she rested for the rest of the day,” Cassandra remarked.

Elias nodded in agreement.

“Fetch me her clothes, Elias,” Cassandra commanded next, and he hurriedly did as asked.

Holly’s eyes widened as she watched him quickly gather her things and bring them back.

“Now, hold onto her while I dress her,” Cassandra instructed before she shot him another disapproving glare.

It wasn’t easy getting Holly into her clothing while holding onto her so that she didn’t get dizzy and fall, but they managed to do it, with her help, in just a few minutes.

“I’m takin’ her to her chamber now,” Cassandra told Elias. “Could ye have some hot broth sent up?”

Elias nodded and strolled over to the door, yanking it open.

“Guard!” he bellowed.

Almost immediately, a guard appeared at the end of the hallway and ran over to them.

“Fetch some broth!” Elias ordered. “Take it to Miss Taylor’s chamber.”

“Aye,” the guard said, before running off the way he had come.

“Did ye have to shout so loudly?” Cassandra chastised. “The poor lass’s head is already poundin’ somethin’ fierce—she doesnae need yer loud boomin’ addin’ to it.”

Elias winced, feeling instantly guilty. He hadn’t been thinking about being quiet. He’d only been focused on getting the broth to Holly’s room.

“Sorry, lass,” he said, his voice low and sufficiently apologetic.

Holly’s eyebrows rose in surprise at his apology. “Ye were a wee bit loud,” she finally said.

Cassandra and Holly slowly walked toward the door, where Elias still stood, holding it open.

“Try to keep yer distance from Holly for the day, or at least a few hours,” Cassandra said wryly.

“I’ll do what is necessary for her to heal,” he promised.

Just as they reached the door, Holly stopped, forcing Cassandra to stop, too.

“Ollie,” she said. “Where is Ollie?”

“Who is Ollie?” Cassandra asked.

“Her gray beastie,” Elias answered.

“I cannae leave him unattended in an unfamiliar place,” Holly protested.