“My laird.” The bald-headed man shook Coll’s hand with hearty enthusiasm. “’Tis good to see you’ve returned safely from your travels to the north. The wife has seafood stew cooking, as well as more loaves of fresh bread warm from the oven. Do ye require rooms for the night?”
“Seafood stew and fresh bread would be greatly appreciated. Rooms as well. We’re in need of three if you have them.”
“I’ve two rooms which I’ll have the maids ready for ye immediately, both side by side above-stairs, and the third willnae be far away.” Find yourselves somewhere to sit and I’ll see to your meals first.” The innkeeper bustled through the kitchen door and the hearty aroma of the stew wafted through.
Removing her black cloak and draping it over one arm, she joined Coll. “I can sleep outside if needed. He does no’ need to find me a third room.”
“There isnae a chance I’ll allow you to sleep outside. I want you in the chamber next to mine, right where I’ll hear you if you attempt to leave. Duncan and Ella will take the third room once it’s been readied for them.”
“I had intended on sleeping outside had it no’ been for your arrival at my camp.”
“You desired the chase, Fiona. You knew I’d come for you.”
“If you’re referring to the chase of the mated bond, then aye, I will never deny that I invoked it.”
“There is no blasted”—he lowered his voice to a rough whisper—“bond. The chase I simply referred to was the one across my land to catch you afore some villain did.”
“If you could just admit the truth, then that would go halfway toward helping matters.” Huffing, she pushed a finger against his chest, one sleeve slipping from her shoulder. She went to open her mouth to argue her point further, only his gaze slid to her breasts and the gaping neckline of her gown. He gulped, his throat working hard as he gripped her sleeve and smoothed it back into place. Lifting his gaze back to hers, such a deep hunger swirled within, one which she wanted him to release, desperately. “Admit there’s a bond, Coll, and I’m all yours.”
“Enough.” He set a hand to the small of her back and ushered her across the room to the table in the far corner under the window. He pulled out the bench, pressed her shoulders until she sat then eased in beside her.
Duncan and Ella took the bench seat opposite them.
“Here ye are, my lovelies. This should slake your thirst.” A barmaid bounced in, a tray of tankards in hand, the dangerously low neckline of her blue kirtle almost causing her breasts to spill forth. The wench leaned in and gave Coll a rather stunning eyeful of her bountiful flesh and a flare of jealousy reared so swift and sharp within her.
Oh goodness. That jealousy would arise far stronger if she ever met his bride-to-be.
“Thank you, Edana.” Coll smiled at the hussy and she wanted to stab her.
“My laird, ’tis so good to see ye’ve returned.” In a near purr, the maid leaned in even farther. “One of the other maids will be out with your meals shortly, although you be sure to holler out if ye need aught more from me. I’ve willing hands for whatever task ye have need to put them to.”
“Go on with you.” Coll swatted her bottom and Edana squealed and bounced away to the next table.
“Your meals, my laird.” Another serving lass joined them with a platter of bannocks that had been baked and accompanied with wedges of cheese, while a second maid with an apron tied around her waist brought out a tray holding bowls of stew. The two young lasses passed one to each of them, laid out spoons and with bright smiles, whisked back to the kitchens.
Coll slid his dagger from its wrist sheath, sliced the bannocks and passed her a piece. “Eat and warm your belly.”
“Thank you,” she grumped, then stuck the flat bread in her mouth and tore off a bite. She picked up her spoon and dunked it into her stew, her current foul mood not one that had ever usually taken ahold of her to this degree, only being spurned by one’s mate hurt, badly.
“Are you all right?” Coll pressed his knee against her knee under the table as he spooned his own stew.
“Nay, I dinnae care for your continued denial, nor the attention you’ve always drawn from the maids, either now or in the past.”
“The lass was only being polite.”
“Aye, with her cleavage in your face and her coy promises of her willing hands. I noticed you didnae fix her neckline as you did mine.” Another tearing bite of bannock.
“I didnae notice her cleavage.” The scoundrel winked at Duncan, chuckled and continued to eat.
“Liar.” Good grief. Give her a fork and she’d stick it in him.
Thankfully she didn’t for what remained of their meal, instead allowing Duncan and Coll to chat on matters they’d yet to catch up on since Coll’s return. A little guilt rolled through her for that. She’d taken him away from his duties when he must have so much to do. Aye, like prepare himself for his wedding.