Page 61 of Moon Craving

caused yet another surge of shame. She should find it offensive rather than oddly

satisfying, shouldn't she?

However, regardless of her odd reaction to the situation, she hardly wanted

everyone else to know what she had been doing with her new husband the night before.

She felt the vibration of heavy steps outside the tent and dove for the fur. She'd

barely covered herself when the tent flap flipped back and Talorc scowled at her. "So, you

are awake."

Familiar dread sank in her stomach like a lodestone. She had missed something.

Again. "Were you calling me? I just woke."

The scowl diminished a tiny bit. "If you wish to eat before we break camp, you need

to do so now."

"I would rather wash."

"There is no time." He looked like that fact pleased him for some reason.

"I smell um . . ."

"Like me."

"Yes."

"It is as it should be."

"You truly are uncivilized, aren't you?"

"Yes." He actually smiled, clearly unperturbed by the question.

At least she had not insulted him. Sometimes she spoke without thought, and she

hadn't meant to offend. She herself was not sure whether she was appalled or charmed

by her husband's primal views.

"Do you wish me to bring your food to you in here?"

"That won't be necessary. I'll get dressed right now." Well, as soon as he left to

give her some privacy.

He showed no signs of doing so, however.

"I do not wish to dress in front of an open tent flap."

He let it fall closed behind him, moving fully inside the tent.

Nonplussed, she stared at him. "You wish me to dress in front of you."

"Do you know how to fasten your pleats already?"