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reliance on even that kind of person sometimes resulted in gratitude and false caring. |
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That was the explanation she'd decided on long ago for her mother. |
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But she wouldn't let it be true of herself. Even though she was alone and needy in a strange time, she'd not make the mistake of relying on Thorn. Of caring for him. |
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Just as she was about to say something scathing, she realized his current icy stare was for Zeb, behind her. |
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"Something I can do for you?" he asked, taking a menacing step toward them. Only then did Mariah realize that Zeb, reaching forward, had almost grasped her arm. |
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"Nah," the young man mumbled, quickly retracting his hand. "My pa and me's just waiting for some whiskey, that's all." |
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"I will get it for them," said a voice from the doorway. René stood there, his squat body just inside the room. |
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"How is Holly?" Mariah dashed toward the Frenchman, stopping just before him. |
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The small man snorted derisively. "Ah, that Anglaise. She is awake, and such a nasty tongue on her. She wishes to be left alone now, and so I leave her alone." |
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Making sure Zeb wasn't following her, Mariah ran to check on her charge. Sure enough, Holly was sitting up in bed, looking utterly bored. At Mariah's entrance, she straightened. "Mariah! It's glad to see a friendly face, I am, after that Reenee's frowning, ugly puss." The bruises on her own face were not exactly glamorous. Her accent sounded British to Mariah, though she doubted it was the King's English, even in this era. |
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Mariah couldn't help smiling. "Glad you're awake. Are you well enough to tell me what happened to you?" |
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The young, tow-haired woman seemed to grow even more pale. "Indians," she whispered. |
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Mariah sat on the edge of the bed. "Do you want to talk about it?" |
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Holly's head shook so vehemently that Mariah was afraid she'd pass out again from dizziness. "Someday, but not now." |
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