Page 64 of Kiss of Ice

“Call it a wedding gift.”

“Kam, I…”

She couldn’t put into words the emotions flooding through her. The man barely knew her. He barely even liked her. And yet for some indecipherable reason, he understood her. He understood what mattered to her.

Acting without thought or reason, she leaned forward and kissed him.

Twenty Six

The soft brush of her lips caught Kam by surprise. It was sweet and hesitant, the kiss of an inexperienced woman. It lasted for just a second. When she pulled back she was flushed with embarrassment.

“Gods, I don’t know why I did that. I’m just… your plan, it’s… I’m so grateful.”

“That’s gratitude, is it?” he said drily. “Most people would have simply said thank you.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologise, my Lady. It wasn’t a complaint.”

He held her gaze for a moment and she found she couldn’t look away. The moment stretched.

The door to the inn slammed open. Three figures walked in, their clothes soaking. Two looked like fae but the third was unmistakably a bestial, a large minotaurian with rain dripping off his horns. He slammed a giant hand down on the bar.

“The usual, Caelan. Make it quick.” His voice was deep and gravelled.

The innkeeper twisted his hands nervously.

“You’re early, Mr Torus. Money’s not due till next week.”

“We were travelling through this shithole town of yours and thought we’d make a stop. Pay up, Caelan. You know the rules.”

“But sir, I don’t have all of it yet. If I could ask thee for some extra…”

“Quit whining, beer-slinger.” One of the fae grabbed the front of the innkeeper’s apron and hoisted him high enough to make his feet dangle. “Fetch the money for Mr Torus now or pay double next week. Make it triple, to compensate us for having to come back to this pissy little tavern.”

He released the innkeeper who started scrabbling through the money-tins behind the bar.

On the other side of the room, Ren kept her eyes down, not wanting to draw any attention. One of the fae glanced in their direction.

“Yeah? You want something, pal?”

To her horror, she saw Kam was staring at the trio with brazen interest.

“Kam, just ignore them,” she hissed. The fae at the bar straightened.

“I said, do you want something?” He was large for a fae and looked like he had some troll in his bloodline. An ugly scar snaked its way down one side of his face.

Kam casually pushed his hood back. With his eye-patch and gold tooth, he looked like a man who’d seen the inside of too many taverns.

“I was wondering what your business is here, friend.”

“Our business is our business, cyclops,” The fae threw his cloak back and revealed a sword hanging from his hip. “And I’m not your friend. Understand?”

The corner of Kam’s mouth lifted in an arrogant half-smile.

“What Iunderstandis that you’re disturbing my drink, gash-face.” The fae stiffened.

“Now, now gentlemen. There’s no need for trouble.” The minotaurian sauntered towards them, the tread of his large hooves making the floorboards creak. “My friends and I have an arrangement with Caelan here. He pays us a monthly fee and in return we protect his establishment from scoundrels and ruffians. Everything is above board.”

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