“Runa says to rest, let me get you settled in bed.”

“Not yet, Nettle, I need to dress and take Thaw out before I settle for the night,” Snow said and got a bark from Thaw. “He’s been patient but needs to see to his duty.”

Thaw barked again as if in agreement.

“I can take him out right after I settle you,” Nettle suggested.

“I appreciate the offer, but he won’t leave me, not here in unfamiliar surroundings.”

“He’ll come with me, he’s a good boy. Right, Thaw?” Nettle asked, casting the dog a smile. “Come on, Thaw,” she encouraged with a summoning pat to her side as she walked to the door. “Come on, we’ll go outside.”

Thaw stared at her after parking himself between Snow’s legs.

Nettle opened the bedchamber door. “Come on, Thaw, let’s go. We’ll be right back. Snow is safe here.”

The dog didn’t budge.

“What’s going on here?” Tarass demanded, causing both women to jump at his unexpected appearance.

“Thaw has to see to his needs before settling for the night and he won’t go out without Snow, my lord,” Nettle was quick to explain.

Tarass shook his head and walked toward Snow. “I saw Runa. She tells me you need rest, but otherwise you do well.”

“Aye, and I will rest as soon as I see to Thaw,” Snow said and heard Thaw growl. “He’ll bite you if you reach for him,” Snow warned, knowing Tarass drew close by how loud Thaw’s growl was growing.

“He can try,” Tarass challenged.

Snow scooped Thaw up in her arms. “I need no help from you to see to my dog’s care.”

“I wasn’t seeking permission,” Tarass said, trying not to glance down at the robe she wore. It was obvious she was naked beneath and he couldn’t stop the memories of her enticingly naked body from springing up in his mind.

He stood close, his blurry image consuming the space in front of her, and she suddenly felt vulnerable as she had when she stood naked in front of him.

“You are exhausted from your ordeal. I will take him outside and return him to you quickly. Tell him to go with me.”

Snow realized Tarass was reminding her of the cottage when Thaw had gone with him after she had commanded the dog to go. Thaw had to go out and she needed Tarass to leave. She kissed the dog’s snout and in a firm voice, ordered, “Go with Tarass, Thaw. He will take you out and bring you back to me. I am safe here. Now go with Tarass while I wait for you to return.” She kissed him again, then placed him on the floor.

“Come with me, Thaw,” Tarass commanded and the dog looked to Snow. “He looks to you.”

“Go now, Thaw, and hurry back to me,” Snow ordered.