Elbow on his knee, Shepherd watched her savor her drink. “Maryanne Cauley is in the Citadel as we speak.”

Cup rattled against saucer, and the moment of coffee-induced comfort was gone. “You promised me you would not hurt her.”

“And I have not.” Shepherd’s eyebrow arched. “But I will if she is here in some attempt to steal you from me.”

“Considering how you collected me, I doubt anyone even knows I am here.” Claire turned belligerent. “I came with you willingly to respect my end of the bargain, and I will not attempt to leave so long as you respect yours.”

The purr came and so did a pet down her hair. “That is all I wanted to hear.”

Claire looked to one side, debating. “Could I speak with her?”

Of course Shepherd was going to deny the request, he knew she knew that. With a deep sigh he took her empty cup and saucer away. “I do not wish to argue with you.”

“Then you may as well go back to torturing Thólos, and I will sit here like a good captive and stare at the walls.”

He shifted, leaned closer while Claire pressed herself further into the pillows. His lips brushed hers as he asked, “What is your connection to Miss Cauley?”

So close, Claire felt… torn. “Maryanne was my best friend when we were children.”

He stroked her arm as if rewarding good behavior. “I find that difficult to believe. The woman is a thief and a prostitute.”

“Like you,” Claire said, frowning, “she too was once innocent… Though, unlike you, I think she is trying to be good now. She is just not very confident in the pursuit.”

“You are the one to hold all the goodness, and I will hold all the power,” Shepherd purred, leaving a lingering, and ignored, kiss on her slack lips.

“As you say,” Claire responded, her voice flat once he disengaged.

“Are you sore”—his fingers dipped under the covers to brush over her mound—“here?”

Any second he would make the growl and she would be spread under his rutting body. “Does it matter?”

The hand left her. Shepherd brushed the pout on her lips. “You will rest today. Food will be sent. If I find out you have not eaten, one of your forty-three will pay for it.”

“You do not need to threaten them.” Claire did not want to play such games. “I gave you my word.”

“That pleases me, little one.” Shepherd was so damn confident as he shifted from the bed.

He gave her a long look while she slipped back under the covers for more rest, then left silently, turning off the light.