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happy to know the bullet went straight through and didn’t appear to take anything important with it.”
    He took her hand and she helped him stand. He wavered.
    “Dizzy?”
    “A little.”
    “You lost some blood. Fluids, soup and water will help.”
    He tested his injured leg, shifting some of his weight to it, then nodded with a grateful smile.
    “We must go. We’re moving to the isolation room. The hospital matron has told everyone you have yellow fever.”
    She made for the bundle of clothes Rose brought, but he caught her elbow. “Wait.”
    She paused.
    He swallowed, glanced at his leg then met her eyes. “I want…no, I need to thank you. What you’ve done for me is…” He paused, looking for the words. “More than I could have dreamed of.”
    She smiled, her happiness at having pleased him a surprise. “You’re welcome, but you’re not out of danger yet. We need to get you out of this room and out of the city.” She swung around, about to head to the door, but he held her in place.
    Her soldier’s lips tightened. “That officer will be missed. It won’t be long until this entire place is searched.”
    “They’ve searched many times and never found anyone before.”
    “Even if you discredit him, they’ll search harder this time and they’ll keep searching until they find something.” His gaze unfocused and she could almost see him consider and reject one idea after another.
    Maria frowned. “What do you intend to do?”
    He released one of her arms and cupped her face. “I owe you a debt, and I’ll not allow any harm to come to you because of me.” His thumb traced her cheek, and it felt as if it burned. “I must leave. Now.”
    Her heart pounded and breathing was suddenly difficult. “You need rest and fluids. If you leave now, you won’t make it a mile before the Germans catch you.
    He shook his head. “I won’t risk you or the other nurses. If I’m discovered here, you’ll all be condemned.”
    “I’m coming with you. I know where to go, the routes to take to get out of the country.”
    His face turned to stone. “No. Absolutely not.”
    “But—”
    He took her by the shoulders and leaned down until he was only inches from her face. “It’s too dangerous. I’m a fugitive.”
    He left the greatest threat unspoken, but she saw the truth in his eyes. If discovered they would both be shot.

Chapter Four
    “That German officer won’t leave me alone no matter what story I spin.” A sudden flare of anger heated her blood. “I will do my duty, sir, and neither you nor any other man can order me otherwise. I will help you get out of the hospital and I will help you get to the Netherlands. Your leg won’t stand up to much more punishment.” Maria lifted her chin. “You need me.”
    The expression on his face changed as she talked until it was a mixture of amusement and pride, and it filled her stomach with butterflies.
    “When did you get promoted to field marshal?”
    “I’m a British nurse. Duty compels me to tend the wounded and assist my countrymen out of hostile territory.”
    One eyebrow arched. “How many other British soldiers have you treated?”
    “Many.”
    “How many of them have you escorted out of hostile territory?”
    She glared. “None.”
    “Curious.”
    Breathing became only a minor concern when he stood so near. “Why is it curious?”
    He moved even closer. “Why do I get special treatment?”
    “You…I…” She shook her head, unable to finish, unable to calm her racing heart.
    He put a hand under her chin and tilted her face up. “You have given me so much.” His words wafted over her face, light and sweet. “Kindness, caring.” His hands captured hers and brought them to his lips where he placed a chaste kiss on each of them. “You saved me. I can take no more.”
    Maria sucked in a shocked lungful of air as he teased her with nothing more than words and the touch of his lips.
    “Please, we must go.” Was that really her husky voice?