Page 69 of Outrageous

“Not at all, come in, Andrew.” Godric released Eva’s hand and she shot from the bed like a startled leveret.

That was just as well. Godric had clearly suffered mental damage during his brief fight this afternoon, a result of which was that he could no longer keep his hands and lips to himself.

“I brought you some shaving things.” Andrew laid the items on the dressing table. “I’ll just run down and fetch your hot water.”

The door shut behind him and Eva made to follow. “I’ll let you dress and shave.”

Godric frowned. “Where are you going?”

“Down to the coffee parlor.”

He didn’t like the idea of her wandering about a strange inn. “Why don’t you wait in your room—Andrew can accompany you when he comes back.”

She gestured to the connecting door. “That’s not my room. This is my room. Didn’t you hear me earlier? They only have two rooms and Andrew has the other one.”

Godric had heard that, but his brain had failed to process it. Christ. He realized she was waiting and gave her what he hoped was his normal smile. “Sorry, it seems my wits have gone begging.”

“Mrs. Crosby said she would bring in a cot so that I didn’t disturb your sleep by, er, well, sharing your bed.” Her face was as red as a poppy.

He opened his mouth to say that he and the boy could share one room and give her the other, but they were supposed to be husband and wife.

So he nodded. “Well, then, that’s how it shall be.” He’d tell her later that he’d be the one occupying the cot.

She turned without speaking and left, closing the door quietly behind her.

Godric waited for the door to close before letting his head fall back against the headboard with a dull thunk. It was unfortunate that he’d not been beaten more badly today. Because having a broken arm or being unconscious was the only way he’d be able to sleep in the same room with her and keep his bloody hands—and other parts—to himself.

Chapter 14

For all that Mrs. Crosby looked like an angel and behaved like a courtesan, the woman cooked like a dream. As Godric had only a nightshirt and a robe, Mr. Norton—a large and exceedingly shy man—set the small coffee parlor aside for their private dining chamber, not that there was anyone occupying the bar parlor, where meals were usually served, in this weather.

When Godric tried to draw the man into conversation about his son’s projected jaunt to fetch the constable, he’d blushed and hemmed and hawed in a way that made Godric suspect it would not be a healthy practice for a local business owner to set the law on Flynn’s gang. Godric could hardly blame the man. Who’d want to go head-to-head with a band of violent thieves living right on one’s doorstep?

Although he would much rather get Eva out of this backwater without calling in a magistrate, he worried about whether Flynn or his men would honor their agreement.

“Well,” Andrew said with a somnolent, satisfied smile as he finished the last of his custard and sat back, his slender hands resting placidly on his belly, “that was delightful. I feel positively—”

“Stuffed like a Christmas goose?” Eva interjected. “You ate enough to feed three ostlers.”

Andrew frowned and opened his mouth.

“I agree, Andrew,” Godric said. “That was delightful. And this warm room is making me positively sluggish.” He began to rise.

“You needn’t stay and entertain me,” Eva said, her expression telling him a different story. Godric would have felt flattered but was smart enough to realize it wasn’t his company she wanted so much as not being left in Andrew’s.

So he lowered himself back into his seat. “It’s a bit too early for bed.”

“We’ve got cards.” She sat up in her chair, her expression eager.

“There are a few books if you prefer reading.” Andrew gestured to the dozen or so titles held between bookends that appeared to have been made out of cannon shot. “But I’m afraid they’re mostly drivel.” He cut Eva a quick look. “Minerva Press, mainly.”

Eva frowned. “Why did you look at me when you said that?”

“You’re a female, and those are female books.”

Eva’s hackles rose.

“Actually,” Godric cut in, before the fur started flying, “I’ve enjoyed quite a few of the Minerva titles.”