““No matter how you protest, Kitty, I do plan on attending to your wounds and I expect you to endure it.” He teased. Partly. “Sit back and let me examine you properly.” Kitty pulled away from her sister and sat still, her shoulders slumped against the wood. “I’ve told you, Nathaniel, I’m—” “Enough.” Kitty stared, her mouth still half open. Nathaniel hadn’t meant his response to bite. After inhaling and releasing a heavy breath, Nathaniel met her red-rimmed gaze. With a soft smile he hoped would mitigate the tension that abounded, he quieted his voice. “You will allow me to examine you, Kitty, or I fear I shall need to tie you to the bed.” Kitty looked down without even the whisper of a smile, as he’d hoped his continued teasing might produce.””
