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“Well done, my beauty. Well done.”

A peculiar sensation tightened Evan’s ribs and rooted around his heart.

As exasperating as Sophronie Slater was, she was, nevertheless, an enchanting paradox.

He guided Eclipse close enough that he could grasp a handful of her silky, fire-ribboned hair. He slowly wound it around his hand. “I won fairly, and now I’ll claim my prize.”

She blinked at him in surprise.

“But I didn’t agree to give you a prize, Your Grace.”

“Ah, but ye said all is fair in love and war.”

Head cocked, he watched the parade of emotions flicker in her blue, blue eyes as he bent his head and brushed a featherlight, experimental kiss across her rosy lips.

Sophronie’s mouth slackened, and she swayed toward him atop Starlight.

The essence of lilacs and lilies radiated off her creamy skin, causing Evan to wonder if she bathed in scented oil or with perfumed soap.

Head lifted, he peered into her eyes, so deeply and so intensely, he vowed his soul seared hers. “Which is it, lass? This aggravatin’ thing, this perplexin’ spark between us? Love or war?”

Gasping, Sophronie reared back as if struck. Eyes tumultuous, she pressed the back of her hand against her mouth before squaring her shoulders.

“Need you ask, Your Grace? It’s always been war between us.”

With that, she urged Starlight into a gallop back in the direction they’d come.

Evan remained where he was, watching Sophronie until the keep’s imposing walls hid her from his view.

“I’m no’ so sure about that anymore, lass. Nae at all.”