"I just needed a moment," Leah stammered as she dared to steal a glimpse of him.
"Aye," he said as he bobbed his head. "So have ye heard anythin' about who did this?"
Leah shook her head as she turned to scan the devastation left behind by the fire. Luckily, only a few buildings were lost, but their destruction could not be understated.
"One name came up, but I think the person was just bein' bitter," Leah answered.
"Are thinkin' it was Eddie? Aye, I've heard the name come up a few times. But I agree with ye. I daenae think he'd do this."
As much as Leah wanted to listen to Killian's theories, she needed to rest. The world was wobbling, and there wasn't a thing she could do about it.
"Ye havenae been drinkin' have ye lass?" Killian asked as he grabbed her arm to keep her upright.
"Nay," she answered as she pressed her fingers to her temples. "I just need to lie down for a spell."
"Right then," Killian said. His voice was both stern and soothing. It was as if Leah knew that no matter what happened, Killian would take care of it. That was what he did. He was the protector and caregiver. He was the laird. Why people thought he was touched in the head baffled her more and more every day.
"Ye stay right here and I'll go see about gettin' an inn for the night. I daenae want ye ridin' if ye cannae even walk."
Killian pushed open the heavy wooden door of the nearest tavern, the scent of ale and roasted meat wafting toward him like an inviting embrace. The dimly lit space was alive with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of tankards, but his heart was set on one thing: securing a place for the night.
He strode to the bar, his stature drawing the attention of a few patrons, their gazes lingering on the imposing figure of the Highlander. The innkeeper, a stout man with a bushy beard and twinkling eyes, wiped his hands on a soiled apron.
"What can I do for ye?" he boomed, misinterpreting Killian's intent.
"I require accommodations for the night. Big enough for two, if ye have it."
The innkeeper's brow furrowed as he rifled through a ledger. "Aye, well, ye've come at a busy time. The fire has brought in more travelers than I can handle. I've only one room left—a small one."
Killian's heart sank. "How small?"
"Small enough for a single bed," the innkeeper said with a shrug, his eyes glimmering with mischief. "Might be a tight fit for a man of your stature, but it's all I can offer."
Killian clenched his jaw; the thought of squeezing into a tiny bed with Leah made his pulse quicken, but not in the way he hoped.
"Surely there must be somethin' else available. I cannae... It wouldnae be…"
The innkeeper chuckled, his belly shaking. "I understand yer plight, but ye know how it is in times like these. Everyone needs a roof over their head. I can offer ye a discount on the small room, if that helps."
Killian leaned closer, lowering his voice to a more commanding tone. "I'll pay more for a better room. Perhaps one with two beds?"
The innkeeper's eyes narrowed, weighing the Highlander's determination against his dwindling options. "There's one other room, with a larger bed, but it comes at a price. It's double the cost of the smaller one but I daenae let the girls go up to that room so if ye want somethin' ye have to come down to get it."
Killian's heart raced. "Done. Just show me the room."
He followed the innkeeper through a narrow hallway, the walls adorned with rustic charm and the faint scent of woodsmoke lingering in the air. When they reached the room, the innkeeper swung the door open to reveal a modest space with a sturdy wooden bed and a small window letting in the soft glow of twilight.
"Here it is," the innkeeper said, a triumphant grin on his face. "One bed, big enough for two, but I cannae promise the mattress is in the best condition."
Killian stepped inside, running a hand over the rough-hewn bedpost. It wasn't luxurious, but it would do. He could already imagine Leah's expression when she entered—her surprise, perhaps a hint of delight. The thought of having her alone in this room sent a thrill through him, igniting a warmth in his chest.
"Perfect," he said, turning to the innkeeper, who was still watching him with keen interest. He tossed a handful of coins onto the counter. "Consider it a fair exchange."
As the innkeeper pocketed the coins and departed, Killian leaned against the door frame, a grin creeping across his face. He envisioned the evening ahead. But as the reality of their situation settled in, he felt a flutter of nerves. How would Leah react to sharing a room? Would she be as thrilled as he was, or would she fuss about propriety? The thought of her blush at the prospect of sleeping so close sent a surge of heat through him.
Killian ran a hand through his hair, trying to compose himself. He needed to focus on the task at hand: helping the villagers rebuild. Yet, the promise of the night ahead—the chance to be near Leah, to breathe in her scent and feel her warmth—made it difficult to concentrate.
A part of him was ready to embrace the adventure, to let the evening unfold as it would. With a final glance around the room, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.Tonight, he would find out just how strong the bond between them could become, and he couldn't wait to see the look in Leah's eyes when he told her the news.
