"She and her friends have been entertaining us at Bearach Castle for a while," Neacal said.
"Ah." Korbin raised his brows, giving Neacal a devilish look.
Damn the man. Could he not get his mind out of the drainage ditch?
"There is no need for you to sing," Neacal told Anna. "I'll cover your room and board."
She shook her head, her stubborn gaze meeting his. "I insist on supporting myself."
Refusing to argue with her here, he turned to Korbin. "Anyway, I need for you to watch out for her and protect her while she's here. As you can see, she's a bonny lass and men tend to want to take advantage of her. See that doesn't happen and I'll pay you well."
"As you wish, chief." Korbin bowed.
Anna's face was the blush-pink color of rose petals while her lips reminded him of ripe strawberries. He had a keen craving for her mouth.
"Have you a horse you need to stable?" Korbin asked.
"Indeed. I'll go get my belongings first."
"Nonsense. I'll send my son. Please, have a seat at the bar." Korbin stuck his head into the back room. "William."
A lad in his late teens or early twenties appeared—a younger version of Korbin—with dark hair and thin, short whiskers. "Aye." His gaze slid past Neacal and focused on Anna with great interest.
Damnation, she was too beautiful by far. Such a woman could not travel alone. She was sure to be accosted at every turn by young lads, graybeards and every male in between.
"This is the new Chief MacDonald from Bearach. Chief, my second son, William."
Finally focusing on Neacal, the young man bowed. "I'm glad to meet you, m'laird."
"A pleasure." Neacal shook his hand.
"Retrieve his things from his horse, then feed and stable it for him," Korbin instructed.
"I also have my wolfhound, Dunn, outside," Neacal said. "Can you feed him as well, and give him a place to sleep in the stables near my horse?"
"Indeed." William hastened away.
When Korbin asked Neacal and Anna if they wanted supper, both declined for they'd eaten earlier.
"Well then, I'll show you to your room, Mistress Douglas. I would send my wife but she's injured. Tripped and sprained her ankle. Hasn't been able to walk since."
"Oh, I hope she recovers quickly," Anna said.
While Korbin carried the key and led the way up the stairs, Neacal took a seat at the bar, watching Anna. He wanted to follow but he couldn't. 'Twould not be acceptable at all.
William brought his bedroll, bow and arrows inside and placed them nearby.
"I thank you." Neacal gave him a silver coin.
The lad, looking pleased, rushed outside.
A few minutes later, Korbin returned and poured a pint of ale for Neacal. "I started a fire in the hearth for her. I'm sorry I don't have a second room for you, chief. A family traveling through took the other room. But there is a pallet on the floor of Mistress Douglas' room, or you can sleep here in the common room. I would give you my own chamber in the back but my wife has been in bed for two days. My oldest son, his wife and five wee bairns occupy the cottage out back."
"'Tis all right," Neacal said. "I have my bed roll. I'll sleep here in the common room. I'm no stranger to sleeping on a floor." Neacal took a deep drink of the ale, thinking of Anna. "The lass might want some refreshment."
"Indeed. I'll take her some spiced wine. 'Twill help her sleep, I vow."
"I thank you."
