“I think you owe me something,” she reminded him, running her fingers through his hair.

“And you’ll be paid in full,” he replied.

He kissed her, taking the very air she breathed. His hands moved down her body, stopping beneath her thighs. His fingers pressed into her skin until his erection slid between her folds.

He held tight to her center spreading her farther as she moved across his length. Her cries turned desperate as his finger slipped inside. She climaxed almost instantly from the dual assault. Wrapping her fingers around his width, she guided him inside. He held her thighs, pushing her back and then pulling her against him again and again, moving her so fast she ceased to keep up with him. She called his name as she tightened around him, and he released with one last thrust.

Gwen clung to his body, though he fully braced her. “You win, Greylen.” Her words came in gasps as her head fell back. “I’ll be lucky to walk tomorrow, let alone run.”

Later she would realize that Greylen waited to respond, determined that she understand the significance of his words when he spoke them. Because when she looked at him again, he made his point clear. Very clear. “Hear my words, Gwendolyn, for I’ll not say them again. I always win.”

There was no boast in his voice, yet the way that he looked at her chilled her to the bone. His whole demeanor spoke of authority and possession. And then he kissed her, a kiss he chose to take rather than give.

Under normal circumstances, she would never submit to such tyranny. Never.

But, then, these were not normal circumstances.

And besides…her spirit was already his.

“I’ve another long day, Gwen,” Greylen told his wife as he began to shave. They were in their bathing chamber, standing in front of the chest.

“Will you be back for supper?” Gwen asked, pushing herself up on the chest.

“Too early to tell,” he replied, watching as she scooted before him and took the brush from his hand.

“Is there anything I can do?” she asked, lathering his face.

“Such as what?” he returned, his heart all but melting as she picked up the razor and began to shave him.

“Help you or your mother somehow?” Gwen asked, tilting his face to the side. “There.” She smiled, wiping the remaining soap away with a towel. “Perfect.”

Greylen leaned down to kiss her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Gwen,” he began, back to the matter she broached. “You may do anything you choose.”

“I’m a little limited, Greylen.”

“You doubt your abilities?”

“It’s not my abilities I doubt, it’s how I can be useful.”

“Being here is useful.”

“Greylen, you’re home now and we’re married—”

“And I thought you were daft,” he teased. “You’re quite astute.”