‘Why?’
‘To see if you got jealous.’
He brushed a finger down his nose. ‘You have a very twisted mind.’
‘Would it have worked?’
‘Yes,’ he replied without hesitation. The thought alone made his blood heat.
She mulled his response over. ‘I remember the first time I saw you at the tavern with Hildred. You reached back for her leg.’ She scrunched up her nose. ‘It felt a lot like being punched in the stomach. I think it was the familiarity of the gesture that got to me.’
The corners of his mouth lifted. ‘You do understand that most of what comes from your mouth should never be said aloud?’
‘Yes.’
‘And my hands have been on your legs many times.’
She laughed. ‘Grabbing hold of my ankles in order to trip me doesn’t count.’
He searched her eyes. ‘You never wanted me to touch you any other way until that day in the alleyway.’
Colour filled her cheeks. ‘And ever since that day, I’ve imagined walking up behind you and leaning on your shoulders, like she did. I’ve wondered, many times, what she said in your ear that made you reach back for her.’
He crossed his arms. ‘Really?’
‘Whatever she said must’ve been highly amusing, because I saw your mouth lift slightly. Perhaps she told you a joke.’
He raised an eyebrow. ‘You think she whispered a joke into my ear?’
‘It’s what I’d do.’
He tried not to laugh. ‘But I’ve heard all your jokes, and they’re not that amusing.’
She tilted her head. ‘Have you heard the one about the sad defender who walks into the tavern holding a blunt weapon?’
‘Go on.’
‘The tavern maid turns to him and says, “Why the long mace?”.’
The laughter escaped him. ‘I was wrong. That would make me reach back for you.’
‘It would?’
‘Absolutely.’
Her eyes shone at him. ‘Or perhaps I’d simply whisper, “Meet me in the alleyway”.’
The smile fell from his face. ‘That might also work.’
She walked around behind him, her movements slow. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her rise up onto her toes. ‘Commander,’ she whispered.
He swallowed. ‘Yes?’
‘Did you know I like my wine the same way I like my castles?’
His breathing was shallow now. ‘How’s that?’
‘Fortified.’
