"I don't need to go to the doctor." She tried to stand and winced again.
Giddon helped her to her feet. She put the offending foot on the ground, tentatively applying a little weight, clamping a hand over her mouth to stop the cry of pain.
Giddon swooped her into his arms and pushed through the brush.
"You can't carry me all the way to the house," She said, clinging to his neck.
"I don't intend to," he answered gruffly.
They reached an open place in the brush where Diablo stood hip-shod, his eyes half closed - as if all hell wasn't getting ready to burst loose.
Giddon deposited Lisa on the animal's back and, putting a foot in the stirrup, swung up behind her. She felt his breath on the back of her neck and stiffened as one arm slipped around her waist.
"Looking for flowers again?" he asked dryly.
"I happen to like walking in the woods," she responded tersely.
"Didn't I tell you it was dangerous to be alone?" His voice was rough, but the arm that encircled her waist held her gently. He nudged Diablo into a swift walk.
Secure in his strong arms, she wondered how she could have suspected him of anything sinister. Yet, one backward glance at the hard lines of the face over hers reminded her that there was more than the gentle side to him. His hands might be soft, but he was capable of dealing with whatever came in his direction. He was no wimp - of that she was certain.
Diablo's gate was smooth, and in spite of her injured ankle she began to enjoy the ride. They hadn't traveled far down the trail before she got a peripheral view of the building. Her directions hadn't been far off. She looked the other way and made a fuss over a chattering squirrel until they had passed the building.
At the house, Giddon helped her down and assisted her into the kitchen. He lifted her effortlessly to the counter so he could examine her ankle again. After having her wiggle her toes and move her ankle this way and that, he finally stepped back and observed her with a frown.
"You really need to have it X-rayed. You could have a fracture."
At least he was trying to control his temper this time. His piercing gaze lifted to her face and the hair rose on the back of her neck. She shook her head. "I don't want to go to the doctor. It'll be all right."