“Comes in handy,” Joshua said with a shrug. “It could help us depending on what’s going on around here. I’ve set up shifts for the guards. We all need sleep, so we’ll only have one man on. Hopefully you can get Saria to sleep in your room, or you sleep in hers.”

Drake nodded, and watched her come toward him. He loved the way she moved, flowing across the floor, all soft curves and fluid grace. Her skin was extraordinary—beautiful. He couldn’t resist running the pad of his finger over the curve of her cheek just to feel how soft she was. “Come on, let’s go upstairs.”

She didn’t even blush, but took his hand and went with him. Saria’s honesty was humbling. She didn’t care what the others thought—not even her brothers. She’d made her choice, and if she wrestled with the thought of permanency, at least she gave him everything she had while she did it.

His fingers closed around hers and he brought her hand to his chest while they went up the stairs. “I need you to stay with me tonight, Saria.”

He heard her swift intake of breath. She glanced sideways at him from under her long lashes. Her small tongue came out to lick at her full bottom lip. His cock jerked. He tried to keep from letting his mind wander in that direction. She didn’t protest, but he made her nervous.

“I know I was very bold today in the swamp,” she said. “I enjoyed it too, but I’m not . . .”

“Honey, look at me. I’m just about as banged up as I can get without broken bones. I can guarantee you going to sleep with no problem.” He hesitated, wanting to be completely honest. “Waking up might be different.”

“If I’m in your room, somethin’s goin’ to happen and you know it,” she said. “I might even be the one to start it. I dream about ”

“Do you think I’m afraid?” He winked at her as he pulled open the door to his room. “You can have your wicked way with me anytime you want. And a man likes to know his woman dreams about him.”

“What if I don’ meet your expectations. Men have them. Don’t tell me they don’t. I imagine you must be fairly experienced and the thought of tryin’ to live up to that is rather dauntin’.” Her accent was thicker—and more sensual.

Drake dragged her into his room, kicked the door closed and wrapped his arms around her, ignoring the protests of his body. His mouth descended on hers. He indulged himself for several long minutes, showing her just what he thought of that kind of drivel. When he lifted his head, they were both breathing raggedly.