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Killian
“What the bloody hell was that for?”
My head throbbed, and I squeezed my eyes shut as tightly as I could, rolling to the side. Nausea flooded my gut. What had she done to me?
“I…I,” she stammered as I tried to get to my feet. The throbbing greatly hindered my movements. “Stay back. I’ll do it again.”
The way her voice trembled made me believe she truly couldn’t repeat whatever it was she’d done. Regardless, the woman was in some sort of trouble. Clearly, I’d been drawn to help her after all. Rubbish decision, really.But, a damsel in distress? I could never pass one up. Especially not this beauty, one whose family I knew of. Although, she hadn’t quite been the damsel and knocked me on my ass. I certainly hadn’t seen that coming.
“I gathered as much, Lady Ainsley Lilstrum.” I smirked, finally finding my footing.
Her eyes widened and she gripped her sword tighter. “How do you know who I am? Who are you?”
“Killian Flynn, mi’lady, at your service.” I dipped into a rather painful bow and rose slowly. “If you would, please lower your sword. I’m not your enemy. In fact, if memory serves, I saved you from a man you should fear—that man is not me.” I held onto my side and watched as her gaze followed the movement.
“You didn’t answer my question.” Lady Ainsley stepped forward, slightly lessening her grip. “But thank you for, um, saving me?”
“You’re welcome. I’d be more inclined to answer all of your questions if I weren’t being threatened with a weapon.” I winced as if I were in a lot of pain. I was, but not that much. Her blade had only grazed me, but the blast from it had caused the most pain.
“Right. Sorry.” She dropped the sword to her side. “Did I hurt you? Are you all right?”
“Actually, I believe I may have a bruised rib, possibly broken.” I coughed and heaved a shaky breath. I tried to keep a straight face. She was falling for my ruse. I sort of felt bad, but she had struck me with whatever the hell that light had been.
Ainsley sheathed her sword and rushed to my side. “Oh, no. What can I do? Should I call upon a doctor?” She searched my gaze and then placed her palm on my ribs.
Playing right into my hand.
“No, no.” I shook my head. “Beer has healing properties. I’ll be fine.”
“Come, let me treat you to a few drinks. It’s the least I can do, and then you shall answer my questions, yes?”
I nodded. “That seems fair enough. Back to the pub, then?”
She wrinkled her nose. “All right, but I have no earthly idea how you tolerate that place. The stench alone is enough to knock you off your feet.”
Chuckling, I gave her a sidelong glance. “I believe you have already done that, love.”
Ainsley’s face flushed, her cheeks tinting a lovely shade of pink. “Killian, I’m truly sorry. I thought you were going to harm me. I have never left Rookhallow Proper. All of this”—She gestured at Main Street, the pirates, and cogs running most of the city—“is new to me. I’ve only ever watched from afar.”
I quirked a grin and moved toward Ollie’s. “Why don’t we get you better acquainted?”
“At a pub?” She frowned. “I meant pirates and airships, but I did promise you drinks. After you.”
Opening the door wide, I swept my arm in front of me. “Ladies first.”
She smiled, a true smile this time. “Thank you, Killian. “She gripped my hand, and I felt scorching heat racing up my arm, but only for a moment. What the bloody hell was that? “Lead the way.”
I didn’t react, and Ainsley hadn’t seemed to notice. I wondered if it had something to do with what’d rung my bell earlier on.
I led her to my regular table in the back, away from all the rowdy drunkards and men she otherwise had no business being within the same vicinity of. Pulling out her chair, she thanked me after making certain it was somewhat clean. A failed venture if you asked me. The tavern was rather filthy, much like most of the men who frequented the place.
Taking a seat opposite her, I called upon a barmaid and ordered a round of beer. Ainsley’s wide-eyed expression said she’d never partaken of the drink. “Would you rather have wine?”
She nodded. “Yes, please. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“Please bring the lady some wine.” The redheaded barmaid hurried off to procure our drinks.
“So, Killian.” Ainsley leaned forward, careful to keep her hands from touching the table. “How do you know who I am? Am I that obvious?”
