“It still is, Gwen.”

Greylen turned atop the landing and walked toward his chamber, which he’d not been within for weeks. He carried her to the fireplace and set her down before the hearth. Then knelt to add more logs, offering her a smile when he turned. She was biting her lip again. Shaking his head, he filled a goblet with wine, then took a drink as he stared at her. Then he placed it to her lips, tilting the glass until ’twas empty.

“You think to get me drunk?” she teased.

“Nay.” He shook his head. “I think to ease your nerves.” He smiled mischievously before tossing the glass into the fire. She laughed, sensing his playfulness. Then he removed her headpiece and pulled her into his arms. “God, how I’ve waited for this,” he whispered, closing his eyes.

Music still played in the courtyard and the sounds carried to their chamber. He rocked Gwen in his arms, so grateful to finally be with her. She held him back, her head resting upon his chest. He was determined to take things slow, though if their last time together was any indication of how the night might progress, they’d be abed in seconds.

After a few quiet moments he asked, “Would you like more wine, Gwen?”

She gave a small laugh, as if she’d considered it. Then her look became deadly earnest and she shook her head. “No, Greylen. I want you to kiss m—”

He didn’t give her the chance to finish. He cupped the back of her head and covered her mouth. He joined their lips from every angle possible, then tilted her face, moving her so she would open for him, and she did, moaning as his tongue swept inside. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her fingers tangled in his hair. The pleasure he felt ’twas immeasurable.

She seemed stunned when he pulled away moments later. Judging from her expression, mayhap annoyed was a better description. He hushed her pout with another kiss, then turned her to untie the laces of her dress. There were many, and as he slowly pulled each free and let them fall from his hand, he kissed her. Her lovely back… The delicate slope of her neck… Then the soft curve of her shoulder. She moaned then, a gesture he rewarded with a gentle nip. Her back completely exposed, his fingers ran the length of her spine and her body reacted to his touch with a tremor. Then she was in his arms again, the feel of her bare skin igniting his desire all the more.