Page 22 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

CHAPTER SIX

"No."

The room was smaller than Elinor had expected. A single window overlooked the darkened stable yard, and a washstand occupied one corner. But it was the bed, the single, not particularly large bed, that captured her complete attention.

David closed the door behind them, the latch clicking into place with a finality that made her skin prickle. "Nay?"

"There's only one bed."

"Aye." He moved past her to set his saddlebag on the floor near the washstand. "That's generally what happens when a married couple takes a room."

"We're not…" She stopped herself. They were married. The chaplain had said the words. She'd agreed to them. "This won't work."

"The bed looks sturdy enough tae me."

"I meant the arrangement." Elinor turned to face him, lifting her chin. "You'll sleep on the floor."

David's hands stilled on the buckle of his sword strap. He looked at her, one dark eyebrow rising. "Will I?"

"Yes."

"That sounds like a demand, lass."

"It is a demand." She kept her voice firm, even as her heart hammered against her ribs. "I'm your wife. What I say should be important to you."

"It is important tae me." He unbuckled the strap with deliberate slowness, setting it within easy reach of the bed. "But I dinnae take demands. From anyone."

"I'm not just anyone."

"Ye are me wife. Aye, ye've said." He turned to face her fully, crossing his arms over his chest. "But bein' me wife daesnae give ye the right tae order me about like a servant."

"I'm not ordering you like a servant. I'm telling you I won't share a bed with you." She could hear the edge creeping into her voice. Heat flooded her cheeks. "You'll sleep on the floor, and I'll take the bed. End of discussion."

David studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled. It wasn't a kind smile.

"Is this one of yer favors, then?"

Elinor blinked. "What?"

"Ye said ye wanted three favors. Three times when I'd dae what ye asked, nay questions." He tilted his head slightly. "Is this one of them?"

She hesitated, seeing the trap too late. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Everythin'." He took a step closer. "If this is one of yer favors, I'll sleep on the floor. Gladly. Nay argument. But if it's nae, if ye're just makin' demands without willin' tae pay the price fer them, then I'm takin' the bed."

"That's not fair."

"Life's nae fair, lass. Ye should ken that better than most."

She wanted to argue. Wanted to tell him he was being unreasonable, cruel even. But the worst part was that he was right.

She'd negotiated for three favors precisely because she'd known he wouldn't simply do whatever she asked. And now she had to decide, was sleeping alone worth one of those precious bargaining chips?

"Fine," she said tightly. "It's not a favor."

"Then I'm takin' the bed." He moved to the washstand and began unlacing his shirt. "Ye're welcome tae share it. Or ye can sleep on the floor. Choice is yers."

"What?! Why you're… you' re insufferable!"