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He finally turned her around and captured her lips with his own. Garrick’s mouth slanted over hers, his tongue turning the fire between them into an inferno. It licked at them, engulfing her body as she struggled to get closer to him.

How had he come to be here?

Did she care?

If they were caught . . . if Geoffrey found them like this . . . if Garrick started a war . . .

She ceased caring about any of the very real obstacles that stood between them. Nothing mattered but the man who held her, cherished her with his body and soul.

“When I learned he was riding toward Kenshire,” he murmured against her lips.

“How did you know? How did you get in here?”

He held her head between his hands. Desire pooled in his eyes. He wanted her, and she wanted to give herself to him. More than anything.

“I do not want Graeme de Sowlis,” she said. “I want only you.”

He groaned, capturing her lips once again. “Oh God, Emma. I need you.”

She pulled away but didn’t break eye contact. “Don’t leave.”

But she knew he was not going to listen. She felt him holding back. Knew, instinctively, their time together was already coming to an end.

His next words proved her correct. “I can’t stay. I shouldn’t be here at all. But I had to see you. Had to be sure.”

“I promised to wait for you.”

“I love you, Emma Waryn. I will find a way for us to be together. But for now . . . I have to go.”

“You’re really leaving?”

He reached for her cheek, his ungloved hand running down her face. “I cannot be found here now, not with Graeme in attendance. But I had to see you.”

“Garrick, you never answered me.”

“I’ve scouts everywhere, on account of my uncle. When I heard Graeme was making his way to Kenshire, I snuck inside.” He didn’t smile. “Announcing myself would be as good as a declaration for you—”

“A declaration you cannot yet make.”

“My mother will be at Clave any day. I must speak with her first.”

“To get her permission?”

“Nay. To give her the courtesy of knowing that I intend to start a war.”

“But surely—”

“It was my uncle.”

She blinked.

“The attack. The men were hired by my uncle. All the more reason that my mother should be safely in England.”

“Your uncle? Are you sure? How could he?”

Garrick tightened his arms around her.

“Aye, we’re sure. The border lords’ reach is wide. After the council, it was only a matter of time before someone learned the truth. The men were mostly Scottish, but one that was captured, an English mercenary . . .”