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Court lifted his chin, his hand pumping faster now. “And this is just a taste.”

The intensity of his gaze, the intimacy of his fingers inside her, she wanted to hold on to this moment forever. But Marion simply couldn’t. She did close her eyes then, pushing her hips toward the delicious sensations that were building and building . . .

“Come for me, sweet Marion.”

A pulsing sensation at her very core gripped her like a violent wave, turning her around and around so that she couldn’t tell up from down. Squeezing the table, trying to catch her breath, Marion finally found her way. Now the sensations were like an ebb and flow, still pleasurable but not threatening to drown her.

When she opened her eyes, Court seemed quite pleased with himself. He licked his lips, leaving a trail of wetness behind.

“Don’t do that,” she said, unable to look away from his wicked lips.

When he raised an eyebrow rakishly, Marion knew she’d said the wrong thing. This time, his movement was deliberate. His tongue not only darted out, but it captured the lip below. She simply could not look away.

“You shouldn’t have told me you liked it.”

She reached up to one of his biceps and squeezed, giving in to another one of her curiosities. He was as hard as the table she sat on.

“Who said I liked it?” she teased, not wanting their easy banter to end.

“You did ask me to stop.”

“And I also asked you not to attack my people,” she said, aware her words would ruin the moment, but unable to stop herself. “But you did not reconsider.”

“A discussion for another day.”

“Another day? When the attack is imminent?”

He looked as if he’d argue with her. Instead, he took a step back and held out his hand to assist her off the table. “Tomorrow?”

He stood so close that Marion could feel the heat of his body.

“You’ll not disappear on me again?”

Court lifted his hand and laid it on her cheek. For a man so large, his touch was surprisingly gentle. “I don’t make promises that I do not intend to keep.”

You’ve made none to me.

But it was better than nothing. “Aye,” she agreed. “I look forward to it.”

Unfortunately for her, she looked forward to more than just their discussion.

8

“All is ready, my lord.”

Court’s captain and most trusted advisor, who had been with him since he left Kenshire, bowed as he began to leave.

“Shall I send in the Scot?”

Court nodded. The leader of Marion’s small band of men, Kenneth, had requested an early audience with him. He entered the solar chamber and did not waste time on a greeting.

“How much longer must we stay here?”

“I don’t believe, sir, that is any of your concern.”

“I have been charged with—”

Court stood and took a step forward. “With following your lady’s orders. And she told you, quite clearly, you are to remain at Camburg for a fortnight, at least. And await further orders.”