Greylen considered her words. In truth, he didn’t understand them. “You’ll give me the information. I’ll see to it myself.”

Finally, he tucked her beneath the bedcovers and sat beside her as she fell asleep. ’Twas a long while later before he reluctantly left, parchment in hand.

Gwen awoke to the soft sound of humming and the gentle touch of delicate fingers. She shifted to her side, smiling as the hand that stroked her forehead brushed back her hair.

She couldn’t remember Greylen leaving, but he obviously had. He’d carried her back to bed and written down Sara’s phone number and the name of the inn. Then he sat next to her, leaning against the headboard.

He’d reached for her hand, seemingly fascinated by it. Brushing his thumbs over her palm and stroking the back. He measured it against his before entwining their fingers.

And he did it again and again. Brushing. Measuring. Entwining.

She’d felt every touch from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.

She could smell his scent all around her now, and if she were alone, she’d bury her face in the pillow to inhale every molecule. She had a feeling she hadn’t dreamed last night. She’d slept in his arms and awoke in them too.

She should be terrified by it. But what terrified her wasn’t that she awoke in the bed of a strange man, but that waking with him had seemed so right.

Be careful what you wish for, Gwendolyn.

“Gwendolyn, ’tis Isabelle,” Greylen’s sister said softly.

Gwen smiled. “Hi, Isabelle.”

“Hi.” Isabelle laughed, mimicking her greeting. “How do you feel?”

“Are we alone?”

“Aye. Anna just left to fetch another tray. You slept through the first, and Greylen insisted we not wake you.”

“Is your brother always so overbearing?”

“’Tis his middle name.”

Gwen laughed. “Somehow I’m not surprised.”

“Oh, she’s awake,” Anna called as she came into the room. Gwen felt her place something on the bed and shoo Isabelle away to sit herself. “Now let’s see if you’ve become fevered,” she said, placing a hand on her forehead. “Cool to the touch, ’tis very good. Let’s get you comfortable and I’ll help you eat.”

Anna began propping up the pillows, hugging Gwen against her plump chest. The gesture almost brought tears to her eyes. She’d never felt so cared for. “Anna, do you think I might sit in a chair instead?” Gwen asked. “I think I should move around so I don’t get stiff.”

“Are you sure? You’ve had quite a fright.”

“I’m sure. Isabelle, will you help me?” Gwen asked, reaching out.

Isabelle took Gwen’s hands and helped her from the bed. “Please be careful, Gwendolyn. If Greylen knew you were out of bed, he’d have a fit.”

“Then we just won’t tell him,” Gwen said mischievously.

“Oh, Gwendolyn, I’m so glad you’re finally here.”

Gwen stopped at her words. “What do you mean, I’m finally here?” Met with stone-cold silence, Gwen tried again, “Isabelle, what did you mean?”