"I see."
Calla cut a bite of roast venison, put it into her mouth and chewed, praying the man would cease his prying chatter.
"What do you think of my son?"Kilverntayasked. "He is quite a catch, is he not?"
Calla almost choked. She coughed, swallowed and took a sip of wine. Oh, dear Lord. Was the man determined to embarrass her at every turn?
"Da!" Rebbie growled.
"Pray pardon. What must we talk about, then? You choose the topic."
Rebbie blew out a hard breath. "Naught.'Tisbest that we simply eat."
"How dull," his father muttered.
The air around her was fraught with tension, but Calla forced down a few more bites, despite her headache. Finally, she said, "If you will both excuse me, I think I will lie down again. The pain in my head has returned."
"Of course. I'll escort you." Rebbie stood and offered his arm.
"Goodnight, my lady,"Kilverntaysaid.
TakingRebbie'sarm, she ground her teeth. How could he and his father be so different? In disposition, Rebbie must have taken after his mother.
Upstairs, Rebbie lingered in the corridor for a moment before he opened her bedchamber door. "I'm sorry my father is being such a beast." His soothing tone went a long way in calming her agitated nerves.
"'Tisnot your fault."
"He has no manners."
"He's trying to protect you… from me." She sent him a tight smile.
With soulful dark eyes, Rebbie studied her in the dimness. "I don't want or need protection from you." He leaned down and kissed her lips softly, briefly, then pulled back a few inches. "Does your head pain you terribly?"
"Not as much now.'Twasthe tension." What she wanted now was for him to kiss her again, but 'twas a foolish thought. She needed to focus on recovering.
He opened her door. "Get some rest. I'll send a maid in to help you."
"Very well."
When he leaned in for another kiss, she wondered if he could read her mind. This kiss was gentle, but more than a peck, and it grew hotter by the moment. His tongue teased at her lips and she gladly gave into his wishes, for 'twas the same thing she craved. He delved into her mouth, moaned, then drew back, breaking the kiss too soon.
"'Tistime for you to rest," he murmured.
She nodded and stepped into the room. Once the door was closed between them, she leaned against it and stared into the near darkness of the cool room. Touching her burning lips, she hungered for more of him. His hot, hard body sliding against her own. She yearned for him to come back later and sleep with her.
***
After his father retired for the night, Rebbie slipped to Calla's chamber and knocked on the door. That kiss earlier had made him crave far more, but he well knew she was not up to any sort ofbedsport. Still, he wished to see her before going to sleep.
Calla opened the door a crack to peer out at him, then smiled and opened it wider.
"I wanted to tell you goodnight."
"Do you want to come in?" she asked, looking far too inviting in her ivory smock and dressing gown.
"You ken I do." He entered and closed the door behind him. "How does your head feel?"
"Better, now. Mistress Hillman gave me some willow bark tea."
