She nodded.
"He's naught but a criminal, a murderer. And you need help. You need protection from him."
"'Twouldbe madness for you to become involved in this mess."
"I'm already involved. I rescued you. No doubt he has it in for me now, anyway. I'll take you to Castle Rebbinglen.'Tisa well-guarded fortress."
"I cannot go there with you. What would people think?" Her face flushed red. "I cannot be your mistress.Glenhavenwould surely seek full custody of Jamie and I'd never see him again." She looked stricken with panic of a sudden.
"I'm not suggesting you become my mistress," he said calmly. "I but want to protect you and help you pay the debt."
She squeezed her eyes closed as if she hated the very idea. "I would need to work for you to pay it back."
Rebbie glared at her. A lady simply did not work. Not one like Calla. Or at least she shouldn't. "Nay. No work. I've already decided."
She frowned. "You cannot simply decide to pay off my debt," she said firmly.
"'Tisnot your debt.'Tisyour late husband's."
"Still, you're mad to do such a thing."
He nodded. "I've often been called mad. But 'tis the right thing to do."
"I'll find a way to repay you, then. Somehow."
"Don't concern yourself over it. Besides, if Claybourne messes about too much, I'll kill him instead of paying him."
Calla blanched. "Rebbie, nay! Do you wish to be hanged?"
"Of course not. I wouldn't murder him. 'Twouldbe a fair fight, a matter of self-defense."
"I don't want you risking your life for me," Calla said in a forceful tone.
"Have you so little confidence in me and my abilities?"
"Nay!" She blew out a breath. "I don't want you dying because of me, nor going broke."
"Ha. I can't believe you think either would happen."
"It could."
"Well, I thank you for worrying about me." He leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. "But I will take care of it once you're safe back atDraughon."
She pulled away from him and, covering herself more fully with the blanket, frowned at the ceiling.
"What is it?"
"Although I appreciate your wanting to help, I don't care for your high-handedness." She flicked him a peevish glare.
"What do you suggest then? Do you have a better idea than mine own?"
"'Tisnot so simple."
"Ah, but it can be. I'm making it simple." Missing her warmth, he scooted closer to her. "When you want something, you but only need ask me for it," he said in a gentler tone.
"I'm not asking for help with this."
Whether she asked or not, she needed help in the worst way. And he was capable of providing it. "But you did ask for my help one time, at that inn."
