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Cardon snorted. “I’m no champion. Although Dirk would often pit me against people so he could make enough to buy the night’s drinks at the Arrow.”
Hearing Dirk’s name made her chest tighten. Fates, she missed him.
Cardon rose from his stool. “Stay close to me.”
She stood as well, bringing her half-full tankard with her. Cardon eyed the mug, but didn’t say anything.
Still, she asked, “Does my drinking make you uncomfortable?”
“No.”
She believed him, yet it was clear something bothered him. “Would you rather I didn’t drink?”
He met her gaze. “Drink if you want to. I’ll always make sure you’re safe.”
That promise made her heart squeeze. Attempting to hide that, she took another sip as she followed him through the crowded tavern. They joined the ring of spectators who watched the two men currently arm wrestling at a small table.
Cardon slid partially behind her.
Keeping her voice low, she asked, “Do you really think taking the position of a guard is the best way to avoid attention?”
He shifted to her side with a sigh. “Better?”
His elbow brushed her arm, and she smiled. “Yes.”
She was feeling a little heady. Maybe from the ale, or perhaps it was just spending time alone with Cardon.
There was a dull thud against the table. Cheers pierced the room as a victory was made. Some of the men around them grumbled at their loss, and coins changed hands.
The loser at the table demanded an immediate rematch.
Serene watched, sipping carefully from her mug. Now that she was used to the potent brew, she’d decided she liked it. She enjoyed the warmth spreading through her body, though she should be careful—it wouldn’t do toactuallyget drunk.
Another fleshy smack as the man’s hand hit the table—again. The crowd roared. The hooting of the winner was loud as the loser stalked off. Another man stepped forward to take his place, and bets were called.
“When are you going to join in?” Serene asked.
“Soon,” he said, not looking away from the men at the table, his eyes assessing. “I just want to watch them a little longer.”
Serene glanced back at the bar. The barkeep was fully absorbed. She’d need to sneak her way back, if she had a hope of delivering her message without Cardon overhearing anything.
Two more rounds were played at the table, and the same man won both. He’d been undefeated for at least four rounds, now.
Serene nodded to the large man. “He’s good.”
“He’s not bad,” Cardon allowed.
She was a little surprised by the humble boast in his words. “You might be able to beat him, then?” she teased.
His arched eyebrow was his only reply.
The winner’s gaze swept the spectators. “I need another opponent!” he called with a somewhat savage grin. “Who dares to challenge me?”
Serene snatched Cardon’s wrist and pulled his arm up. “Here!”
Cardon scowled down at her, even as spectators cried out their approval.
She grinned. “Don’t lose. I’m putting a few coins on you.”
