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Before she could retrieve the garment from the hook near the door, he’d removed it and now held it open for her.

With a small, appreciative nod, she turned her back and nearly sighed with contentment when he wrapped it around her shoulders. But instead of stepping away, he drew her against the broad, hard planes of his chest and pressed his lips to her hair.

“Dinna fash yerself, nae matter what happens today, Branwen.”

His masculine scent surrounded her, and she closed her eyes for a blink, absorbing him. The feeling of his muscular arms encircling her, making her feel safe. The wonder of his manly contours pressed into her softer form.

This man.This inscrutable, complex man. Spy. Highlander. Buccaneer. Fierce and kind. Powerful warrior and gentle giant. Lord, how she loved him.

She turned her head to gaze into his seductive eyes. Eyes, she wanted to sink into. To see upon wakening first thing every morning as the sun rose.

As it often did of late, her wretched attention dipped to his mouth.

How could a man’s mouth be so bloody tempting?

Nae, no’ any mon’s mouth. Bryston’s.

His lips curved minutely at her avid inspection, and she hadn’t a doubt he, too, remembered the blistering kiss they’d exchanged.

Bending his neck, he whispered near her cheek, sending a rush of awareness crackling through her. Never had she been so in tune with another person, not even her sister.

“In good time, lass. In good time. Ye ken?”

Another promise?

What, exactly, did he mean by that?

Branwen opened her mouth to ask when urgent pounding rattled the door. As one, she and Bryston turned toward the entry.

His brows lashed together as he wrapped his fingers around the handle of his dirk.

At once, she slipped her hand into the pocket of her gown. Curling her palm around the cold, hard metal, she awaited Bryston’s cue.

“Captain? Are ye in there?” Bayu spoke low and intense.

In three lumbering strides, Bryston was at the door, yanking it open.

His expression grim, Bayu glanced past Bryston to Branwen, then swung his attention back. “Jabir spied two of Le Sauvage’s dogs, not more than a half-hour ago.”