Wicked Games (The Sun Never Sets Book 3) by Ava Archer Payne

Author:Ava Archer Payne [Payne, Ava Archer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AAP Publishing
Published: 2014-09-24T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Other than its convenient location just outside of the small hamlet of Duxbury, halfway between one coach stop and the next, the inn had little to recommend it. Although tidy enough, the establishment was in a state of genteel decay: worn rugs, peeling paper on the walls, cracked porcelain basins for washing. And it was well that Brianna had thought to save a bit of their luncheon for supper—no meal was provided.

The landlady herself showed them to their room, her attitude so dour and grim not even Mr. Brooks’ considerable charm could penetrate the cloud of gloom that hung over her head.

“Will you be wanting a lamp?” she asked.

As opposed to what, Brianna wondered. Bumping around the room in the dark? “Yes, please.”

The woman removed a small brass can from her apron pocket and supplied the lamp with a minuscule ration of oil. She set two wooden matches beside the lamp, then stuck out her hand. “That’ll be two pence extra.”

Mr. Brooks’ brows shot ceilingward, but Brianna simply nodded and paid the coin. She moved to the empty hearth. “I don’t suppose you have wood for the fire?”

“Why would I waste good wood?” the landlady parried sharply. “There’s not even snow on the ground.” She gestured to the bed. “As to the linens and blankets—”

“Those are extra as well?” Mr. Brooks interrupted.

The woman scowled at him and drew herself up. “They have been thoroughly inventoried. Now that the days are becoming brisk, I’ve had trouble with people taking liberties with my good blankets. I expect to find everything here in the morning, or rest assured the local constable will hear about it.”

So saying, she exited the room, closing the door firmly behind her.

Mr. Brooks stared after her in slack-jawed astonishment. “Good lord. Did that woman just imply that we are thieves?”

“I believe she did.” Their gazes met, and a giggle bubbled from Brianna’s lips. She couldn’t resist adding, “You do look rather unscrupulous.”

He gave a shout of laughter. Once their amusement subsided, he shook his head. “I don’t think she believed we’re married, either.”

“Well, we’re not.”

“Still. Insulting to have my good word called into question.”

Brianna decided to ignore that twisted bit of logic. She removed her bonnet, but remained in possession of her cape. She rubbed her hands briskly over her upper arms in an attempt to ward off the chill. “Should I inquire as to the price of a few logs?”

“And call our esteemed landlady back here? God, no. That woman frightens me.” He glanced around the room, then seized the blanket from the bed and tucked it about her shoulders. “How’s that?”

Brianna looked up and froze at his proximity. His lips were only inches from her own. His hands, gripping the blanket, rested lightly atop her shoulders. In that instant, his gaze changed, becoming both slumberous and slightly wicked—the exact expression he’d worn when he’d kissed her. The air felt thick with both suspense and anticipation. A frisson of nervous excitement shot down her spine.

She delicately cleared her throat.

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