Page 2 of A Winter Redemption
Ketho didn’t respond, just stared at Jarne, waiting for a response.
“Well, what are you doing here?” Jarne deflected. Perhaps if he could turn the conversation on Ketho, he’d stop asking Jarne questions. Jarne took a deep gulp of his wine, which unlike the food, was passable.
“I’m wandering. Drifting. Looking for something to do. Or someone…” The corner of his lip quirked up.
Was that interest? Was that why Ketho had approached him?
He glanced at the other patrons. He supposed out of those here, he was a decent choice of bed partner. His gaze turned back to Ketho, who watched him with amusement.
And perhaps something more.
ChapterTwo
Jarne took another sip of wine, avoiding Ketho’s gaze. He placed the glass back on the table and stared at the deep-red liquid. Could Ketho really be interested in Jarne? He’d never been able to read others.
Even when Sasha had been interested in Jarne, he’d been completely oblivious. Jarne hadn’t even realised Sasha’s intentions until he was unbuttoning Jarne’s breeches and dropping gracefully to his knees.
He glanced at Ketho before turning his gaze to the stained wood of the table. Handsome. Beautiful, even. No doubt if the inn had more customers, Ketho would have far better options than someone like Jarne.
He had no illusions about his own level of attractiveness. Plain. Simple. It didn’t upset him. It was just a fact.
But did Jarne want to be with Ketho? They’d only just met. And Ketho was pushy and annoying. Although if it was just a tumble, he supposed he didn’t have to like his bed partner. Not to mention, it would be revenge on Sasha. But that seemed a petty reason to tup someone. And it didn’t sit well with him.
It all seemed quite a lot to consider when what Jarne really needed was to clear his head.
Jarne swallowed. “What is your employment?” That was a reasonable, respectable, and most importantly, safe question.
“Employment?” Ketho laughed.
Jarne bristled, cheeks flushing. What was wrong with his question? Why had Ketho laughed? “Yes.” Jarne’s question had been completely within the limits of acceptable conversation.
Ketho lifted an elegant shoulder. “Not much. I eat when I’m hungry. Sleep when I’m tired. Fuck when I’m in the mood.” He said the last sentence slowly, gaze sliding over Jarne.
That was definitely interest! And surprisingly, Jarne’s cock took notice. He supposed it had been a while since he’d last had sex.
“But I’m not really employed like you mean,” Ketho said. “If I want to buy something in Castle Evermore or some other mountain village, I catch fish or forage and trade it for what I want. Easy enough.”
“But that’s not employment!” Jarne said.
Ketho leaned forward. Jarne got another strong whiff of Ketho’s intoxicating smell. His dick perked up. Jarne pulled away from that scent and straightened his shoulders.
“So what do you do foremployment,then?” Ketho asked.
Jarne had a strong sense he was being mocked. But Jarne didn’t care what this vagabond thought. Jarne was proud of what he did.
“I work for Greweth Perfumeries. It’s a family business, and I’m the best perfume alchemist working there.”
“Modesty, I see, is one of your strengths,” Ketho teased.
“I see no point in false modesty.” Jarne huffed. “If you know you are good at something and pretend you are not, then it is just lying and a waste of everyone’s time. I have no time or interest or respect for lies.” An image of Sasha came to mind. He shoved it away and took a sip of wine. “I know I am the best at what I do. At least in Bordertown. So I say it. No false pride. Just stating a fact.”
Ketho leaned back, the mockery gone from his expression. “All right. How are you the best perfume alchemist?”
“I am skilled at creating new scents. I have an ability to combine odours and create a perfume that captivates the imagination whilst also being pleasing. I spend a great deal of time tinkering with the perfumes until they are perfect. They are praised throughout Norend.”
“Interesting,” Ketho said, although Jarne couldn’t tell if he meant it.
To be honest, Jarne didn’t particularly care. If he was going to be forced into a conversation, at least it would be about something he didn’t find bloody boring. He didn’t care if he bored this bothersome stranger. If Ketho wanted to speak to Jarne, then Jarne would talk about something he enjoyed talking about.
