She ran with that notion. ‘Yes. They would be most disappointed to miss it.’

Hodge linked his hands behind his back and began to pace. ‘To be honest, this entire journey has been a disaster. From Trahern being killed to the defenders looking down their noses at me, as though their morals are superior. We all know they are nothing but ruthless killers. Then Ita showed up…’ He tutted, then turned back to her, wagging a finger in her direction. ‘And this place brings out the worst in you. You have been a different person since we left those walls.’

Funny, she had never felt more like herself. The wastelands had brought her back to life. Of course he did not like that. He needed her contained.

‘So,’ he said, clapping his hands together, ‘I think we should head home as soon as possible and leave all this toxicity behind us.’

That was not where she thought the conversation was going. ‘But you have things you need to take care of here.’

‘Nothing that is more important than us.’ He closed the distance between them. ‘I am committed to restoring our love.’ His hands went to her waist. ‘We shall leave for Hampstead Keep tomorrow.’

His hands made her skin want to crawl off her body. ‘Tomorrow?’

‘I do have a few things to take care of in the morning, but I really think the sooner the better. Remaining here feels like an invitation to fate to throw more obstacles in our path.’

The groups needed time to refine and implement their plans. Once she was back behind the walls of Hampstead Keep, there would be no chance of freedom for her.

‘I would like you to spend the night with me tonight,’ he said.

She stepped out of his hold. ‘No.’ The word came out with more disdain than she had intended.

He chuckled. ‘Relax, my beloved. Your virtue will remain intact until we are wed, I promise you that.’

The man was in for the shock of his life if that wedding ever took place.

‘I simply wish to hold you while we sleep.’ He walked to the corner where her bag was located. ‘I had your things brought in. Normally I would give you privacy to change, but given what happened yesterday, I will be staying in the tent this time.’ He dropped the bag at her feet, then turned his back to her. ‘Take as much time as you need.’

She stared at him for a moment, then looked down at the open bag. It was clear from the placement of things that he, or possibly someone else, had been through it. With no other choice, she fetched out a nightdress and changed into it.

‘Decent?’ he asked.

She hugged herself. ‘Yes.’

He walked over to the cot and stripped down to braies and an under tunic, then climbed into bed. ‘Come,’ he said, like he was commanding a dog.