“I’ll give,” she grumbled, knowing she’d surprised him by conceding so quickly.

Greylen shook his head. “Too easy, love.”

“I swear, Greylen.” Gwen took great pleasure in lying to his face. “I give. Now help me up, you overgrown bear.”

He stood, taking her with him. Gwen kissed his cheek as if nothing had happened and then told his men to have a nice a day as she walked away. “Greylen, can I see you for a moment, please?” she called without looking back. She knew he’d feel at least somewhat contrite and would oblige her request. She was already on the steps when he reached her, and she turned so that they almost touched, her face just before his.

“Do you remember making love this morning, Greylen?” she asked wistfully.

His eyes narrowed. “Aye.”

“I can still feel you inside me,” she purred, covering her breasts with her hands, “hot, thick…and so hard. I swear I’m wet right now.”

She took immense satisfaction in the hiss that escaped his lips as his eyes clenched shut. Well, that and the fact that her husband was rock-hard with six men standing directly behind him.

“Well, have a nice day,” she said cheerily before sauntering away and closing the door.

Seconds later the door splintered in Greylen’s wake, his roar sending her screaming up the stairs. He caught her at the landing. Her dress ripped down the back as he carried her toward their chamber over his shoulder. He took her against the wall, thrusting again and again as she cried his name, releasing with a shout that shook the very rafters.

He explained the wager he and his men made as they sat in the study, quite pleased with himself that he’d won every morn.

“Was it worth it, Greylen?” she asked him.

“Every frigging coin, love,” he admitted, kissing her.

Another week passed and as she sat on her perch, she heard Greylen and his men coming down the hallway. Though they still laughed and smiled as they took to the front doors, she knew that troubles were occurring more frequently. And of late, her only request was that they come home safely. It was really all that mattered now.

Somehow the realization changed everything, and she found herself enjoying life as she never had before. She was comfortable with the drastic changes, and confident that she and Greylen would be happy forever.

It lasted until dinner.

Playing music and sharing a meal with Greylen, Isabelle, Lady Madelyn, Gavin, and tonight, Duncan, she opened the can of worms herself, sipping coffee from an exquisite porcelain cup. Stupid frigging cup.

“Do you know people pay millions of dollars every year, just to have a cup of coffee?” she asked.

“Millions, Gwen,” Greylen argued, shaking his head. “It cannot be.”

She rolled her eyes. “There are people who are millionaires many times over.”

“In truth, Gwendolyn?” Isabelle asked.