PG Excerpt from THE ROGUE'S RINGOnce
Bryce had peeled the frozen coat from his body, he headed up the ladder. The
blankets were reasonably clean. Heat enveloped him within minutes of having
nestled beneath them.
“A short nap is all I need.” His voice echoed amid the rafters. The outside rush of wind and pitter-patter of sleet accentuated the weariness evident in his
voice. The cold that had washed over him as he and Ghost rode the trail
disappeared. Having only a few blankets for warmth saddened him.
What I’d give for a lass to share my bed…
A dream about Cat and her luscious lips disappeared when he awoke
in the dark. No sounds emanated from the roof, meaning the sleet had abated.
The darkness concerned him, though. He had overslept, which might be the
lingering result of the sleeping draught Cat had given him.
He hated to head out in the dark, but the better weather meant he
might get out of the area and closer to Inverness sooner. Climbing down from
the loft, Ghost snorted his disapproval at being ignored and alone for so long.
Turning his head, he neighed so loud a barn owl flew from the rafters and out a
broken window.
“Now, do not be upset. You hated having sleet coat your head as
much as I. Here.”
The beast gulped down the fresh water and a handful of oats Bryce
offered him.
“We need to go, my friend.”
The farmer appeared before Bryce could lead Ghost from the barn.
“Leaving this late, my lord? My wife sent ye some food and wine.”
“My thanks to you and your wife. I overslept, so must be on my
way.” He grabbed the sliced loaf of bread stuffed with a hunk of ham and
cheese. He ignored the wine.
“Which way toward Inverness? The road closest to the sea was
blocked by downed trees.”
“The main road be that a way, my lord. With the clouds gone, the
moon should light yer way, good enough.”
Mounting atop Ghost, he tipped his cap and rode away, eager to
leave the area in his wake. As they trotted along and Bryce chewed his food, he
thought back to the lass he had loved years earlier. She lived on a similar
farm in the same area, and had welcomed him into her heart and into her bed.
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