Page 67 of Kiss of Ice

“They threatened to hurt you.” His eyes were cold. “As far as I’m concerned, this one’s lucky to be alive.”

Ren gulped at the controlled fury in his tone. He’d seemed almost nonchalant during the fight but she realised now he’d been hiding his anger.

“The authorities won’t do anything,” Caelan said disgustedly. “There’s no law enforcement round here. I’d have to cart him to Arjhan and then what? I won’t get any compensation so what’s the point?”

Kam finished tying off his arm.

“Then leave him on the floor. And when he wakes up, tell him to spread the word to all his reprobate friends. This establishment is under new protection.”

Caelan’s face fell.

“I see, sir. And, er, how much will that cost me?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“That’s right. Tell your friends. Things are going to change around here, my friend.”

Ren noticed Kam’s face was paler than normal.

“I think we need to get that wound cleaned up. Caelan, can you get me some towels and fresh water?”

“Of course, miss. I’ll bring them to your room. It’s the best room in the inn. To be honest, it’s the only room in the inn. We don’t get many people wanting to stay overnight.”

“You only have one room?” she said faintly.

“Nice big bed. Very comfortable.” The innkeeper winked at her. “Let me fetch the cloths and I’ll show thee the way.”

The room was at the top of the stairs. It was small but someone had made an effort to make it look cosy. Fresh flowers stood in a vase on the dresser and a string of coloured lights was draped around the full-length mirror. A tiny chair was wedged in one corner and two robes hung on the back of the door. But Ren’s attention was fixated on the bed. It was indeed big; it dominated the room.

The innkeeper bade them goodnight and left.

Great, thought Ren. Just one bed. Not awkward at all. Though Kam didn’t seem fazed in the least. He took his eye-patch off and flung it aside.

“Let me look at that cut,” she said briskly. He unwound the makeshift tourniquet and showed her his arm.

“It’s stopped bleeding.”

“Gods, there’s dirt in it. That’s what you get for rolling through the sawdust.”

“I wastryingto avoid being butchered,” he said reproachfully.

“I’ll have to clean it. Hold still. This might hurt.”

He hissed as she bathed the wound as best she could. It was an angry red and she wished she had some panacea balm.

“This needs proper treatment as soon as possible.” She tied a clean cloth around the cut. “You’re lucky it isn’t worse. What were you thinking, anyway? You were supposed to be keeping a low profile.”

“I thought every great night ended with a bar brawl.”

“It’s not funny.” She threw him a glare. “You could have been killed.”

“By those three low-lifes? Not a chance. I’m hurt you think they even posed a challenge. I’m one of the best swordsman in the realm, you know.”

“And one of the stupidest. There were three of them!”

He raised a brow.

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