The Prospect: The Malloy Family, Book 10 Read Online Free Page B

not have thought of a bigger test of her strength and fortitude.
    She wouldn’t feel sorry for herself. No sir. She would do what she needed to survive. Declan walked over and held out his arms, waiting for her permission. She closed her eyes and willed herself to be strong.
    “I am ready.”
    He lifted her with a gentleness she didn’t expect. Jo leaned into his shoulder, her body shaking from fever and pain. It was almost too much. Tears nearly escaped without permission. Jo had to push her mind to think of something else.
    “Charlie, can you be sure to bring my books and clothes?” She could last through anything if she had some books to read.
    “Hell yes, I’ll get your things.” Charlie was already running away as she spoke.
    Jo managed a shaky smile. Her youngest sister was a character and would be missed. If she had touched Jo when she was contagious, her sister might have been quarantined too. Jo was grateful to Declan. He had saved her family and her life. It surprised her.
    “Why did you do it?” She met his gaze, her voice low enough only he could hear her.
    He shrugged one massive shoulder. “I like you, Jo. You’re smart and you talked to me.”
    She stared at him, flummoxed by his strange response. “You might have given up your life for me.”
    “Would’ve been worth it. It’s not much of a life to lose.” His tone was flat, but she had no doubt he believed what he said.
    She couldn’t imagine feeling that way and told herself after she was well, she would find out what led Declan Callahan to a life of darkness. A darkness so deep a cloud hung over him, dousing any light that might be shed through it.
    They entered the fort, but Jo kept her face turned to Declan’s shoulder. Although things were a blur of color and sound, she was her mother’s daughter and knew how diseases were spread. She didn’t want to be responsible for anyone else contracting typhoid, even Declan, the warm, strong presence she clung to.
    She managed to make her mouth work. “You need to wear gloves. I don’t want you to get sick.”
    “I never get sick, lass. I’ve a hearty constitution.” He kept walking, following Mr. Drummond through the crowd. She could see people’s feet and noted they all moved out of the way.
    Jo was mortified even as a fresh wave of pain burned her belly. She was afraid she wouldn’t make it to a chamber pot or bucket in time. Shame coursed through her, but she had to say something to him.
    “Declan, I need, ah.” She clutched her belly and blew out a pained breath. “I need a chamber pot.”
    “Shit, hold on.” He broke into a run, sprinting across the fort. She focused on keeping every muscle in her body tense. “Is this it, Drummond?”
    “Ayup.” The medic’s voice was far away, but it was enough.
    Declan jostled her as he slammed into a building and kicked the door shut. She opened her eyes and saw the fuzzy outline of a small cabin.
    He set her down gently on the edge of a bed and picked up a chamber pot. His gaze met hers and panic raced through her, making everything clear for a few moments. He would see her at her most vulnerable, sick and unable to control her body. Tears threatened again and she pushed them away. Now was the time to be strong.
    “I can manage by myself.” She waited until he nodded and stepped away toward the door.
    Jo didn’t know how she would survive in this tiny shack with Declan for four weeks. It was a great deal to bear. She would find a way. Somehow.
     
    Declan stood outside and gave Jo privacy. He knew what it felt like to have the runs—everyone did. Most times ladies didn’t discuss it with men when they had it, but it wasn’t as though Jo had a choice. She had typhoid and he was her nurse, like it or not.
    He helped her because she needed it, but he never expected the outcome. Stuck at the fort with her, alone, in a tiny room while she fought against the disease trying to take her life. It was a huge responsibility and he didn’t