Honor and Desire (Gold Sky #3) - Rebel Carter Page 0,73
too close. A sharp look from August sent the man scurrying away and Seylah did her best to play the part of simpering wife as they neared the bar.
“Barkeep, we need lodging,” August barked when he was at the bar top. Seylah’s sharp elbow ensured the quick addition of, “Please.”
The barkeep, a man with graying hair and a neat beard gave them a considering look and tossed a towel over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow. “We’ve only got one room.”
August nodded and reached for his billfold. “That’ll suit me and the missus just fine.”
“You’re married?” The man ran a hand over his jaw, eyes moving between the two of them. Seylah beamed at him, and leaned into August’s side.
“We are, and happily so, sir! Why we’ve just celebrated our month anniversary and I must say we are so very lucky to happen upon your fine establishment.”
A glass shattered across the room and a fight broke out. The barkeep let out an aggrieved sigh before reaching under the bar and pulling out a pistol. He fired a shot into the fray and the entire saloon fell silent.
“I said no more fights, goddammit! Next one of ya that fights gets the next shot ’tween the eyes.” He waved the pistol at the bar and then pointed a finger at a woman with unruly black hair. “See them out, Ruth.” She nodded and marched to the door, a group of chastised men sheepishly following her.
The barkeep turned back to Seylah and August, the gun coming down to rest on the counter between them. “Names Maurice, ma’am. You and your man need a room for the night?”
She nodded, the smile on her face slightly less fake than it had been before. She could respect a man that took no grief. He reminded her of her Daddy. Will Barnes stood for no unruliness, but he was still a reasonable man and she suspected Maurice was well.
“That’s right, sir.”
“I’m no sir, ma’am. Just a barkeep in a cow shit town but this is my place. It’s anything but fine, but it’s warm and dry.” He moved to snatch a key from the wall behind him. “Room is five dollars a night.”
August spluttered. “Five dollars for a room in this place? That’s robbery.”
Maurice crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side considering August. “It’s called supply and demand, son.”
Seylah laughed. She was charmed by the gruff barkeep even while August looked fit to be tied. “We’ll take it.”
August’s jaw clenched. “I don’t like it,” he told her.
She smiled broadly. “I know.”
“Wives are like that. Get used to it now and you’ll save yourself some grief.” Maurice held out his hand for the bill August slapped into it.
“Forgive me if I don’t take marital advice from you, Maurice.”
“Stop being sour,” Seylah said hopping up onto the barstool that became vacant to her left. “I happen to find Maurice charming.”
“All the ladies do,” the older man told her matter-of-factly. Seylah was delighted. August was anything but.
“I’d like a drink, Maurice.”
He nodded and poured her a measure of amber liquid in a glass. “Whiskey for the lady then. You drinking, son?”
“Whatever she’s drinking is fine.”
Maurice snorted. “She’s drinking the good stuff. You haven’t earned that yet.” He made a show of picking up a different bottle and pouring a scant amount of liquid into August’s glass. Seylah giggled while August raised an eyebrow.
Maurice slid the glass and a key towards August. “What are a pair of newlyweds doin’ here? This isn’t exactly Paris.”
“Traveling to meet my family,” Seylah offered. “We’ve been away since the wedding and my mama’s awfully sick over me not being home for so long.” The lies were coming to Seylah easily now, but it wasn’t so hard if she managed to keep a kernel of truth in her words. August leaned against the bar beside her and eyeballed the glass he had been offered.
“Y’know how ma’s are,” he said joining in Seylah’s story, “knew I had to get her home sooner or later.”
“You always have your woman dressed like a man?” Maurice asked, giving Seylah a once over.
She sipped delicately at her glass. “That’s quite intrusive, Maurice.”
The corner of Maurice’s mouth turned up in a smirk and he winked at her. “My apologies, ma’am. Didn’t mean to overstep.”
“No offense taken, sir.” She set down her glass and leaned forward on her elbows. “The frontier is a very dangerous place and my husband has graciously provided me with this sturdy attire for my safety.”