He smiled and shook his head, as if pleased by her outrage on his behalf. “Gavin and I just returned, Gwen. We hadn’t the time before now.” He finished his explanation as he moved an errant strand of hair behind her ear.

“Don’t wake Cook, Greylen. I’ll make you something.”

“To eat?” he asked, as if unsure he understood her correctly.

“Yes, to eat,” she clarified, rather put off that he questioned her.

He pulled her close. “You mean to tell me, besides your proficiency of foul, colorful words in a handful of languages, your rampant, behavioral outbursts, and…” He grinned. “Well, your husband’s complete captivation, you prepare food as well?”

“Ooh, such a mouthful. Aside from your last comment, you’re lucky I still have that newlywed glow. Or maybe it’s all that ‘love is blind’ stuff.”

“Should I be offended?” he teased.

Gwen shook her head. “Not if I’m not.” She laughed. “But I would love to cook you dinner,” she said more seriously.

“Would you cook for Gavin as well?” he asked cautiously.

Gwen laughed even harder this time. Gavin obviously hadn’t told Greylen of their late-night kitchen raids. He’d have to find that one out on his own. And, apparently, very soon. She stood on the bed and asked Greylen to turn around.

He did as she asked and seemed surprised when she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself onto his back. She placed a kiss on his cheek, and as she glanced up at him, he closed his eyes as if he enjoyed holding her so. She rested her chin on his shoulder and hugged him as they left the room.

When they reached the landing, Gwen stopped him. “Go to Isabelle’s room, she’ll join us.”

“She’ll be asleep, Gwen,” he insisted.

“Trust me, she won’t.”

He shrugged and took the stairs that led to the other hallway. Gwen knocked lightly on the door and it opened immediately. Isabelle greeted them with a smile. “Shall we go for a raid?” she asked.

Gwen laughed. “Aye, to the kitchen.”

They stopped to fetch Gavin, who sat in the study. Feet atop the table, he held a stack of papers, wet hair dripping on his shoulders.

As if sensing that he was being watched, Gavin looked up and smiled. Gwen could only imagine his happiness at the sight before him. His commander and best friend, holding his new wife on his back. Gwen’s head rested on Greylen’s shoulder. She was grinning and assumed Greylen was too. Isabelle stood beside them, wearing a white bedgown covered with a matching robe, her toes peeking out from beneath. From watching him look at Isabelle now, Gwen surmised he was remembering what it had felt like to dance with her last night. For a band of well-schooled liars, they had some of the biggest hearts she’d ever known.