Callum shook his head. “All we want is food and a room for the night. We’ll be gone at first light.”
“I can do you some stew but the joint’s all been had. We’ve had a busy day.”
“Stew will do fine. Coney?”
“Aye.”
“And the room?”
“Up and end of the hall on the left. Fire’s already lit.”
“We are in your debt.”
Coins were exchanged and then Angus left them, returning almost at once with two steaming wooden bowls. The smell of food made Callum’s stomach rumble. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until the stew was in front of him.
After they’d eaten, they made their way to the bed chamber. Inside was dark, lit only by the glowing fire. Callum found a candle and pushed it toward the flame, catching the wick enough to cast a little extra light to the bedside. “One bed,” Kerry said, running her hand along the blanket. “Whatever will we do?”
“I shall sleep on the floor,” Callum replied. “You take the bed.”
“You don’t want to sleep with me?” In the time it took her to ask she had moved across the room and slipped her hands into his. “My laird?”
He couldn’t resist kissing her. The softness of her hands, the way she looked in the glow of the fireplace, the scent of her body in the small bedchamber, it was all too much. It was a sin but he could not resist.
He wrapped his arms around her, pressing his lips to hers. It was a perfect kiss, his body responding at once.
Shaking his head, he forced himself away from her.
“Why…why did you stop?” she asked, looking hurt. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Nay, lass,” he replied. “But it is not proper. We must do no more until we are wed.”
“What? Oh, of course. I understand.” She was no longer looking at him.
“Do you? You sound angry.”
“I’m not angry. I’m just tired. It’s been a long day and I’m not used to all this horse riding. Let’s get some sleep.”
“I shall fetch some water to bathe.” He turned and left the room.
He walked back downstairs and found an empty table in the corner. Sitting down, he leaned back, staring at the room full of people but seeing none of them. Did she know the water was only an excuse? That he needed to think?
Why had she looked like that? Why had she sounded so angry? It didn’t make any sense. Did she not want to do things the proper way?
“I know why you’re looking like that.”
He looked up to find himself looking up at a man in strange clothes smiling warmly back at him. “This is because of Kerry, isn’t it?” the man continued. “Mind if I take a seat?”
“Who are you?” Callum asked as the man dragged over a chair and sat down opposite him. “How do you know Kerry?”
“I should know her. I’m her husband.”
“What?”
“I know, I know. She’s lied to you like she’s lied to lots of men. You weren’t the first to be fooled by her and you probably won’t be the last.”
“You’re her husband? Where’s your ring?”
“She took it with her when she ran off. Fourth time she’s done that. Costs me a fortune to keep getting them remade. She’s ill, you see. In the head. She does this stupid thing, been doing it ever since she was little. Wanders around telling everyone she’s from the future. Complete nonsense of course. Has she asked you for any money yet?”
