I lightly bumped his chest. “Stop being mean.”
Callum’s gaze raked over me before shifting to Rowan. My cinnamon roll was a hardened warrior now, expression stern and eyes lethal. He stepped forward and offered me his hand. “Come with me. I’ll take you to the inn.”
Rowan’s hold tightened. “I’ll take him when he’s ready. Your services aren’t needed, knight.”
Ban grunted.
“Neither are yours,” Rowan told him. “So go grunt somewhere else.”
A flicker of silver came from the trees behind the alley. Lake. I hadn’t seen him all day. If that wasn’t reason enough to call it a night, a big yawn came out of nowhere, and my eyelids weighed heavier.
“Heading to the inn sounds good. It’s been a long day.” I looked at Rowan. “You can come too.”
He smirked. “If you’re tired, that may not be the best idea. ’Cause once I get you alone, I doubt you’ll be sleeping for quite a while. Screaming my name is more like it.”
Callum scoffed. “Must you be so vulgar? Ev isn’t some whore in a brothel for you to speak to in such a way.”
“And what would you know of brothels?” Rowan challenged him. “You’ve never visited one. Last I heard, you’re still a maiden. Pure as freshly fallen snow.”
Wait.Was he implying that Callum was a virgin?
There was a tic in Callum’s jaw that reminded me so much of Maddox. “You speak of matters that don’t concern you.”
“You truly are a loyal knight,” Rowan said. “Watching the one you love find happiness with someone who isn’t you.”
Callum slapped a hand to the hilt of his sword and barged forward. “Silence that tongue before I cut it out of your mouth.”
“Oh.” Rowan flashed a devious smile. “Seems I’ve struck a nerve with you too tonight.”
Who did Callum love? It was certainly news to me. He hadn’t shown interest in anyone for as long as I’d known him. He’d dedicated his time to training, not letting himself be distracted by relationships.
Duke looked between the two of them and blew out a breath. “It’s been a long day for all of us. Let’s get moving before you two start brawling in the street.”
Rowan faced them. “I trust that you trio of fools can escort him safely to the inn?”
“You’re not coming with us?” I asked.
“Don’t pout like that.” His mouth curved up. “You look like a—”
“A sad toad! I know.” My foot stomped of its own accord. I had no control over it. But one thing that became crystal clear?Rowan teasing me was definitely working for him in the wooing department. Just like how I loved when Maddox did it.
“Usually, I’d say not to miss me too much…” Rowan stepped toward the darkest part of the alley. “But maybe I want you to miss me. At least a little.”
The shadows then gathered around his body and swallowed him whole. Always one for the memorable exits.
“Ready to go?” Callum grabbed my hand and offered me a warm smile. Mostly warm anyway. Something in his brown eyes made that smile a little sad somehow.
I nodded and yawned again. It had been one hell of a long day.
As we started walking, his hand didn’t leave mine. Such a protective cinnamon roll. Maddox had told him to watch over me, and he was doing all he could to follow that order. I wasn’t making it easy for him.
“Sorry again for running off earlier.”
“You should be.” Duke lunged at me and pulled me into a headlock. “You are much too adorable to wander around alone. Someone could snatch you up.”
“Unhand me, knight! The great muffin lord demands it.” I slapped at his muscled arm and tried to break free. A futile attempt.
He laughed before releasing me. I wasn’t free for long. He swept me off my feet—literally—and threw me over his shoulder.
