Chapter 7

The headache was maddening, and she tried to rummage through his bathroom cabinet before he returned home.

She did not doubt that the migraine had been brought on by the stress she was experiencing and had been triggered no doubt by the people coming into her store and exclaiming how lucky she was to be married into the Blackwood family.

By the time she was ready to close, she felt like screaming and telling them it was the last thing she wanted, and she certainly did not feel lucky.

She felt trapped. She had arrived at the manor after six and rushed upstairs to make herself presentable for dinner, relieved that her husband was not there. The atmosphere in the room was more pleasant and less tension-filled.

But she had felt the headache brewing and getting worse. Her migraine had not resurfaced for years, so she had no medication, of course. Now, she desperately needed one. She had endured it for an hour, but it progressively worsened.

Taking a quick look around the very masculine bathroom with its tan and gold décor, she dug through several cupboards before she found some painkillers.

She was so absorbed in trying to get the cap off that she failed to notice that he was in the room until he spoke, his deep voice jolting through her and making her spill the contents of the bottle.

"May I help you with something?"

"Look what you made me do!" Sinking on her knees, she started to scoop the pills up when the sharp jolt of pain sliced through her head like a scalpel. Dropping the pills, she let out a startled scream, sinking onto the floor and clutching her head.

"Hey." Galvanized into action, Harvey rushed forward and hunkered in front of her. "What is it?"

"Nothing- "A whimper escaped her as the tremors raked her body.

"What the hell is it?" Grabbing her arms in alarm, he hauled her against him.

"Migraine," she finally whispered, somehow finding solace in his arms and his chest. "It's bad."

"Let me get you- "He was completely caught off guard when she shoved him hard enough to escape his hold. Before he could react, she was bent over the toilet and retching her guts out.

Sliding forward, Harvey instinctively went behind her, pulling her slender body against his chest. His heart lurched slightly when she curled into him like a lost child.

"Better?" he asked softly.

"No." She whispered hoarsely. Her fingers curled into his sweater hard enough to dig into his chest, and she trembled. "I need something- "Her cry was muffled by his chest as another pain lanced through her with the precision of a sharp object.

"I am getting Silas." Scooping her into his arms, he took her back to her room when he decided his bed would do. When he started to put her down, she threw her arms around his neck and clung to him.

"Kendra, I need to get help. I don't know what to do." Sitting on the edge of the bed, he held her on his lap, a helpless expression on his face.

"Pills and some tea, please."

"All right. I will just put you down for a little bit so that I can see to those things."

"Please don't bother anyone else." Sinking into the pillows, she curled up into a ball.

Rising, he stood there for a few seconds and stared at her before moving towards the bathroom to retrieve the pills she had spilled. Fetching a glass from his bar, he filled it with water and returned to the bedroom.

"Here." Sliding a hand beneath her head, he eased her up gently and put the glass to her lips before giving her the pills. "Swallow. That's it." He put the glass away and laid her back down, ensuring she had. "How is it?"

"Still bad." Her fingers were clutching the sheets, her lips tightened. "If I could get a cup of tea- "

"Of course." He started to turn away but wondered if leaving her was a good idea.

"I will be fine." She tried to assure him. "I just need something warm."

Nodding, he turned and strode out of the room. It was late because he deliberately stayed away from the manor until his specific dinner was over and the family had retired for the night. He did not want to see or speak to anyone, and that was the way he decided to deal with this situation.

Not even a maid was stirring at this hour; he was sure the kitchen was closed. It was a room he had never frequented, and damned if he knew where anything was. Entering into the vast space with the ultra-modern appliances, he started rooting around until he found a packet of tea in the pantry.

He was searching for the kettle when he heard a sound inside the doorway. Spinning around, he blew his breath when he saw who it was.

"What are you doing?" Silas asked him in a stunned voice.

"What does it look like?" He growled. "I am making tea, if only I could find the damn kettle."

"Here, let me." Striding into the room, went unerringly to a shelf next to the stove. Filling it with water, he put it on and turned the knob. "You don't drink tea."

"I don't." Dragging his fingers through his loose hair, he turned to get a cup. "It's er- it's Kendra."

"Is she ill?"

"Migraine. Terrible; as far as I can tell, I did not want to leave her alone. She was in a pain."

"Go back to her. I will make the tea and bring it up. Go." Silas urged.

Turning towards the doorway, he practically ran from the room and up the stairs. A cry of alarm escaped him when he saw her on the floor next to the bed.

"What the hell!" Rushing forward, he scooped her into his arms. "What happened?"

"I felt sick again and wanted to go to the bathroom." She whispered into his chest.

"I am sorry." She sounded so much like a little girl that Harvey felt the pull on his heartstrings.

"Silas is bringing the tea." Walking over to the sofa facing his bed, he sat with her on his lap. Silas came in just then, stopping short as he stared at his brother with the woman cradled against him.

"She is still in pain," Harvey told him tersely. "I found her on the floor."

Hurrying forward, he placed the tray on the table. "Kendra?"

Lifting her head, she looked at him.

"I brought the tea. Can you try and drink some?"

She tried to sit up but fell back against Harvey's chest.

"Here, let me." Easing her up gently, he brought the cup to her lips. "A few sips, that's it." He encouraged.

They both watched as she managed to take the cup and drank most of the tea before handing it back to Silas.

"Any better?" Silas asked her gently.

"A little. I am sorry for being such a bother."

"Nonsense." He gave her a charming smile. "It's what we are here for? Right, brother?"

Lifting his head, he looked at the silent man holding her like a precious cargo.

"Right. How about we get you back to bed, and you try to get some sleep?" Pushing off the sofa, he made his way into her room with Silas trailing along behind him. Settling her gently on the pillows, he pulled the covers over her. "How do you feel?"

"It's getting better. Thanks."

"Try and get some sleep." Silas urged.

Both brothers stood there watching her for a few seconds, and then, as if by tacit agreement, they left the room, closing the door behind them.

"What were you doing up?" Harvey asked abruptly as he made his way to the recessed cabinet. The faint whiff of her perfume was still lingering.

"I wanted some tea myself." He nodded to the bottle of scotch in Harvey's hand. "I could use some of that."

Quirking a thick brow at him, Harvey poured two glasses and handed him one. "I didn't know she suffered from migraines."

Taking his drink, Harvey approached the mantle and propped a socked foot on the railing. What he had seen had left him shaken.

"She said it had not been triggered for years."

Silas nodded. "Think we should recommend that she get checked out?"

"It's up to her." He pointed to the bathroom. "I found her rummaging for pills in the cabinet."

"Ordinary painkillers are not going to help."

"What I figured. I will check on her throughout the night to ensure she is not suffering. She was on the floor." Gulping the scotch, he tried to wash away the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Poor thing." Silas commiserated. "You did good, brother. I am surprised."

Harvey sent him a sardonic glance. "You expected me just to walk out and leave her to suffer?"

"No." Silas shook his head hastily. "I meant- you are upset and have been avoiding us – her- "Closing his eyes briefly, he offered a sheepish smile. "I am afraid I have rather put my foot into my mouth."

"You spoke facts. I have been avoiding the lot of you."

"Because of me," Silas murmured, sipping his drink.

"Precisely."

"I am not going to apologize again."

"Good, because it will not be accepted." Tossing back the drink, he went to put his glass away. "I am turning in."

"Are we okay?"

"Not by a long shot, but I no longer have the urge to crush your skull."

"That's something, I guess." Finishing his drink, he rose and put away the glass. "Call me if you need anything."

Harvey nodded and watched him leave. When the door closed, he undressed and went into the bathroom. The sight of the pills on the marble counter had him hesitating a minute before stepping into the shower.

Ducking his head under the shower, he lathered up, rubbing the suds into his aching muscles before letting the water wash them away. The combination of the arduous work he did today and the drink was taking its toll, and he could feel the weariness descending over him.

Turning the water off, he stepped out and grabbed two towels. Drying himself off, he tossed them near the hamper before padding into his room to put on sweats and a t-shirt. He was about to slide into bed when he changed directions.

Pushing the door open, he strode into her room. At first, he thought she was sleeping until he noticed the restless movements of her head on the pillows. Hissing out a breath, he hurried towards the bed and sat on the side of it.'

"Kendra?"

Her eyes flew open at the sound of his voice.

"It's taking a while to work."

"I think there is something I should try." Climbing in, he slid his arm under her head and brought it to his shoulder. "A massage." Without waiting for her response, he used his thumbs to soothe her temples in a slow, rhythmic motion.

Kendra whimpered slightly and, to her surprise, found that the movements of his thumbs against her skin were having an almost hypnotic effect on her. With a serrated sigh, she curled into him and felt her body relaxing.

"Better?" he murmured, continuing.

"Yes." Her eyes drifted shut, and the pills, combined with the tea and touch of brandy, along with his massage, soon had her drifting off. Realizing that she was sleeping, Harvey stopped, his head shifting, tipping his head down to stare at her.

She had incredibly smooth and flawless skin, and her lashes were long and thick. A smile touched his stern lips when he noticed her fingers were curled into his sweater. Her slender curves were mashed up against him, and he could not stop the surge of lust that had started to pour through his body.

Shifting slowly, he tried to get her to ease off him a little so that her breasts were not plastered on his chest, but she clung more tightly. Biting off a frustrated sigh, he stayed where he was for the moment, planning to wait until she was fast asleep before trying to move.

He had to stay put, he decided, as he didn't want to trigger another attack. But it was hell on his senses. Not only was he acutely aware of her slender curves, but her delicate and subtle perfume gave him a battering.

Closing his eyes, he tried to concentrate on the job site. The work was going along steadily, and the business with the cracks was being handled. Carter was- sucking in a breath, he knew he was losing the damn battle.

She had burrowed her head against his chest, and her breasts were branding his chest like a red-hot poker. His cock was slowly but surely coming to life, and he could not stop it. He had to get off the bed and away from her.

As soon as he started to move, she clung tighter, fingers curling into his shirt. Shifting upwards, she buried her face in his neck, giving him a jolt at the feel of her soft breath on his flesh.

He was as aroused as hell! He turned his head toward her before he could think or stop himself. That was a mistake. The yearning to kiss her soft lips was so intense that he bent his head to do just that when he caught himself in time.

Jerking his head away, he swore beneath his breath. He had to get away from her. For his peace of mind, he could not have her sprawled on top of him.

Taking a deep breath, he slowly eased her off him, an inch at a time. He managed to remove her hand from his chest and sidled slowly until she was not so much on top of him as she had been before.

Taking another breath, he tucked his hand under her slender leg that was thrown over his and managed to move that as well. When cleared, he climbed off the bed and stood looking at her. Pulling the sheets over her, he waited a few more minutes to ensure she had not woken up before turning on his heels and hurrying into his room.

He went straight for the half-finished scotch he had been sharing with his brother and poured a generous amount into the glass.

Taking it with him to the sofa, he sat heavily, his body still ignited by a desire that was raging through him. Tossing back the drink, he leaned back and closed his eyes wearily. It was natural, of course.

She was beautiful, and he had been without one for weeks. The scent of her was still in his nostrils, and he could still feel the press of her breasts on his skin. Swearing ripely and cursing the circumstances that had him coming in just as she was suffering, he surged to his feet and went to pour another half glass.

He couldn't very well have left her there. And it was human to feel sympathy, even if he didn't care about her, he argued to himself. She had been in agony, and it had triggered some sort of reaction inside him.

He had wanted to take away the excruciating pain from her. It had tortured him to see her brought to her knees, and her cries had pierced the armor of his heart. Tossing back the drink, he slammed the glass down and looked at the time, not surprised to see that it was almost two in the morning.

Determined to get some sleep, he stumbled towards the bed and climbed in.

*****

Kendra's eyes drifted open slowly, the disorientation taking over. At first, she had no idea where she was, but then the memories came rushing back, causing her to sit up suddenly.

Touching a hand to her head, she recalled the man she had previously despised, taking care of her for hours. He had scooped her into his arms and ministered care.

The pain had been the worst she had ever experienced and had left her feeling debilitated. But he had tended to her, and she owed him for it.

Glancing at the clock, she jolted in surprise to see that it was almost nine and she was running late. Picking up the phone, she dialed the shop and told her assistant she would arrive in the next half hour.

Putting away the phone, she rushed into the bathroom to shower.

Thinking she was the only home, she hurried downstairs, stopping short when she saw Julia seated around the table, sipping a cup of coffee.

"Ah, my dear, here you are. Silas told us what happened last night. "Light green eyes searched her face. "I wished they would have informed me. I could have called Jeff. He is our family doctor. If you like, I could have him come and take a look at you."

Shaking her head, Kendra went to pour herself a cup of coffee.

"I was feeling much better and well taken care of."

"Silas told me Harvey was there for you." A strange gleam entered Julia's eyes as she stared at Kendra.

"It was very nice of him. I owe him a debt of gratitude."

"He is your husband; that's what he is supposed to do."

Wrapping her hands around the cup, she tried to absorb the warmth. "We are not that kind of couple." She reminded the woman."

"Nevertheless- "Leaving the rest of the sentence unfinished, Julia rose gracefully from her seat and approached Kendra. Placing a hand on her shoulder, she squeezed gently. "I think you should take the day off and get some rest."

Kendra shook her head. "I have several things to tend to and feel much better. I suppose Harvey already left for the day?"

Julia nodded. "He has. You can always call him, you know."

"I suppose so. Are you on your way out?"

"To attend several meetings. I was about to send you a maid with a tray." Patting her shoulder, Julia moved away. "Get something to eat, my dear."

Finishing the coffee, Kendra helped herself to some fruits and wondered if she should call him.

*****

He was in a foul mood. The men could sense that he was and were steering clear. His head was pounding from imbibing too much and not getting enough sleep.

He had tossed and turned on the damn bed, managing to get two hours of sleep before it was time to get up again. Resisting the temptation to check on her, he deliberately marched into the bathroom, showered, put his clothes on, and then headed out.

He had not called the house or even Silas to find out how she was doing. It was not his concern, which was what he was telling himself. He had done a good deed last night by being there for her, and he was suffering because of said good deed.

He was cranky, tired, and horny, and he could not call someone up and invite himself over because he was a married man. The irony was that he could not very well go to the woman who was causing this fire in his loins and slake his lust. She was damn well off-limits, and it was pissing him off. He was in a corner and had no idea what to do.

So, he was in a mercurial mood, and God helped anyone who crosses him today.

He was also distracted, which he should not do in this line of work. He was using heavy tools, which could have caused significant damage if he had not paid attention.

How the hell was she doing? He wondered. Was she still in pain- Hissing out a breath, he laid down his hammer and tugged his phone out. Hesitating briefly, he dialed his brother's number.

"Hey."

"Hey." Moving away from the rest of me, he made his way to what was going to be the deck. "Just checking to see if you were up, considering the night we had."

"I am on my way to a seminar. And yes, Harvey, she is up and has gone to work."

"I see. Well- "He shuffled his feet. "That's good."

"Mother said she was asking for you."

He felt his heart turning over. "I see." He repeated. "I have to get back." Before his brother could respond, he hung up and stood leaning against the wall.