Thread: Au-delà du Temps: Beyond Time (LeatrixSage x SacrlettRose)

Who's penicillin? Oh, but Addie was going to be laughing about that one for days. The friend said little else, particularly after she had mentioned Murat. God, put these big strong men in a board room and she could have murdered them, taken them for everything they were worth, and they would never see it coming. They broadcasted every emotion and thought as surely as if they had announced it all the world out loud. A tightening about the eyes as they narrowed made it clear the friend of Roarke did not trust her, not even as far as he could throw her. Which, Addie was betting would be surprisingly far. He had questions, likely as many as Roarke had for her, but he did not ask them. It was only when he got up to leave that she realized shed taken the man by surprise. Of course you dont, Monsieur, Addie sighed as she struggled to keep Roarkes head balanced on her lap while she dunked the flannel into the bucket of cold water again. That is why you are going to leave now, because you dont know anything, and I didnt just make you very uncomfortable for asking. It was only after she had opened her mouth that Adelaide considered the fact that she really needed to learn when to keep her mouth shut. But then, at this rate, she wasnt long for this world anyway, she might as well speak her mind. Particularly when the big brute decided to leave a guard to watch her. And, not just any guard, oh no, the man had to be the most foul-smelling creature she had ever met in her life. He kept a respectful distance, but his eyes never left her while she tended to Roarke. The quiet was uncomfortable, and she wished she had someone to talk to, and then she smiled down at Roarke. Youre such an ass, she laughed as she whispered to him in French. What kind of a man scares a woman so needlessly? You are so stupid to have let yourself get shot. Arent you some big, bad spy or something? You should be better than that. She was talking nonsense, but it made her feel better. The ache in her chest eased, but as the pain faded, the tears she had been holding back began to escape. Im a fool, she murmured as she wiped the sweat from his skin. I think I might love you. How stupid is that? I dont even know you. Addie smiled at her own stupidity, and then settled into her task. Her calm lasted for a few hours before the outbursts started. Nothing tested her nerves worse than watching Roarke thrash weakly while he yelled at ghosts. If you love me then why are you leaving me Prudence?! he shouted with such heartache that it chilled her to the bone. Love isnt enough? The question was so terrible and rending, Addie couldnt fathom the woman that had heard them and still walked away from him. It must have been long before his days as a rake that slipped under every willing skirt that flicked his direction. First loves were always hell, but, the pain in his voice sounded like he was still suffering. He quieted for a time, but her nerves were already shot. When the poor man that was sent to check on her came in, she flung so many curses and slanders against the man that he left the room blushing. Her guard had a good long laugh about it, and so did she. But, Roarke was fitful. For a long time, his breathing was labored and heavy, and sometimes she could barely feel his pulse, and then he would roar to life again. At one point, he muttered that someone would want for nothing, that she would have his name, and no one would call her a bastard to her face. Addies mind went right back to the little package with the pink bow, and the note made out to the prettiest girl in all of England. He had a daughter to go home to, someone to love, someone history had forgotten after he died, because she was a girl, and a child born outside of wedlock. But, despite those things, Roarkes voice was fearsome. He was still weak from the fever, but she had never heard a man so passionate about protecting anything in his life. Come to think of it, the last Marquess of Wessex was the most passionate person Adelaide had ever known. He felt deeply, and he carried a need to protect what was his, no matter what the cost seemed to be. She frowned as she thought about it, remembering his order that if someone wanted to know where he was, she was to tell them. At the time, she hadnt had the presence of mind to think about it. Had he been afraid for her? She was his prisoner, and as far as he knew, his enemy. It didnt make any sense, and she had no choice but to put it all out of her mind when the friend came back. For another night and day, Addie hadnt slept, and yet when Roarke opened his eyes her heart absolutely sang. She was exhausted beyond measure, but she refused to leave his side, fever broken or not. There was always the chance something could go wrong, and no one, not even the bearded bear, could make her leave his side. Youre almost home, she whispered to him, her lips brushing against his ear much as he so enjoyed doing to her. Just a little more now. You girl is waiting for you. You have to hold on for her, she needs you. I need you! her heart cried out to him, but she couldnt say the words out loud.