Gwen’s smile widened. “Give me thirty seconds,” she called, already running ahead.

Gwen heard Greylen’s laugh, then felt his powerful strides as he closed the distance. He didn’t pass her but ran by her side until they reached the back of the keep. Taking advantage of his fair sportsmanship, she sprinted ahead. The path was only fifty yards away and she pushed herself as never before, so hard she knew it had to be a personal record.

She should’ve known better, Greylen was right behind her. She turned to look at him—big mistake. His grin was wide, and she shrieked as his hands reached, grabbing her waist. They fell to the ground. Her husband took the brunt of the fall, then rolled her beneath him.

He smiled as she laughed and caught her breath. “You’ll pay for unscrupulous conduct, lady.”

“Promises, promises, husband,” she quipped.

“’Tis a promise you can be sure of,” he vowed, covering her lips. “I’ll have you again, and you’ll not exercise for days when I’ve finished.”

He helped her up, and then carried her on his back down the narrow path. They left their shoes on the sand, walking hand in hand along the shore’s edge as the water rushed over their feet.

“Come in the water, Gwen.”

“Are you crazy?”

“Nay. I wish to feel you naked.”

“It’s freezing.”

“’Tis the middle of summer, love. The water’s not overly cold.”

Pointing her finger to the sea, Gwen couldn’t help but argue. “I’ve been in that water, Greylen.”

“Weeks ago, in the middle of the night, during a storm,” he explained, lifting her chin. “You doubt me?”

“Oh, fine,” she muttered, pulling her face away. She untied her halter and started for her pants, but before she could finish, Greylen hauled her against him. His hands ran down her bare back, cupping her bottom as he kissed her.

“Greylen, do your men keep watch from above?”

“Nay.” He told the lie looking directly in her eyes.

She wasn’t stupid, his men always kept his guard, and now, they always kept hers. Since Greylen’s return, however, they’d been more discreet. She wondered where they stood atop the cliffs, knowing they wouldn’t actually watch them, but she had no doubt they would remain there all the same.

He took her hand and led her into the water, stopping when it reached his chest and her shoulders. Then, still holding her hand, he slipped beneath the surface. When he came back up, he must have taken note of her look, the one that telegraphed her fear. “I’ll not let go,” he promised and pulled her against him.

She placed her hands behind his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. After a few moments of his physical reassurance, she leaned back, slicking her hair as he supported her from beneath and glided her across the surface.