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He shrugged. “I suppose I got a wee bit lonely. I felt like some company,” he explained.

“I cannae imagine a man like ye has tae buy a woman fer the night.”

His eyes widened, full of mirth. “A man like me? Now, what d’ye mean by that?”

Raven’s cheeks flared hotly. She wished she had not said it, so she decided to change the subject. “Since I’m here fer the evenin’, ye’d better tell me what ye’d like tae talk about?”

“How about Maeve Carter?”

Raven could not help but warm to him. He was not only beautiful to look at but seemingly charming and good-natured as well. She decided she might as well enjoy the evening. It was unlikely that it would be repeated. She gave herself up to the pleasure of his company. “That’s a very boring subject, and it’ll nae take up more than a minute or two.”

“We’ll see about that. How old are ye, Maeve?” he asked her as he poured her some wine.

“Twenty-one.”

“D’ye come from around here?”

“Nay, from down south, near Tarbert. Me faither has a farm there,” she lied with practiced ease.

“A farm lass, eh? How did ye come tae be here on Harris, workin’ at house of pleasure as a maid?”

“I like tae travel, and I like workin’ here. The pay’s good, I get meals and board, and the people are a sort of family.”

“And now, the most important question of all. D’ye ye ken how tae play chess?”

The question was so unexpected, Raven burst out laughing. She relaxed, suddenly feeling completely at ease in his company. He looked fearsome and intimidating, but she could tell his nature was warm and funny.

“Aye, I play. Why d’ye want tae ken?”

“Because I want tae play, of course. Why else?”

“Ye want tae play chess, with me?”

“Somethin’ wrong with that?” he asked, his eyes dancing.

“I suppose nae. But I hope ye’re nae a sore loser. I’m very good. Me braithers taught me.”

“Well, well, ye sound very confident. Let’s have a game or two then and see how good ye are.”

She began laughing. “All right. I’ll go and fetch the board.” She got up and went over to one of the cupboards below the sideboard. There were several chess sets, packs of cards, and other gaming boards stowed there. She took a chess set and snatched up an extra goblet while she was there. Then she returned to the table and sat down. He began setting out the board.

“How about we make a small wager on the outcome,” he suggested.

“All right,” Raven agreed, seeing no harm in it. “I dinnae have much money though.”

“I wasnae thinkin’ of money,” he replied, lining up the pawns.

“Oh? What then?” she asked curiously.

He finished placing the pieces on the board and looked her square in the eyes and said boldly. “How about if I win, we share a kiss?”

Raven’s whole body tingled. “All right,” she replied, unable to help returning his smile. “One kiss.”

They began to play, and she played as badly as she could without being too obvious about it, for she had decided that this was one game she would be very happy to lose.

-

Me darling Arne,