From the corner of his eye, he saw Isabelle watch in wonder. The same look he knew he carried himself as Gwendolyn beat relentlessly upon his hands. He hadn’t realized that she was just getting started, until he sensed the excitement and adrenaline coursing through her body. ’Twas a feeling he knew well.

Gavin laughed as she began a routine of punches mixed with sidekicks, astonished as his mistress continued, stronger than before. He moved his arms, now pushing her further as they both became embroiled in the game. ’Twas long minutes later she ended with a reverse kick, bowing to him, her face flushed from exertion. “That was great, Gavin.”

“I’ve not seen anything the likes before,” he admitted with a shake of his head. “Your moves were graceful and quick. You’ve the heart and body of a warrior, Lady Gwendolyn. I commend you,” he praised, returning her bow.

She must’ve been pleased for she reached up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Gavin.” Assured she’d made her point, she added, “Can I run in the morning?”

“Aye, lady,” he conceded. “But you must always have your guard. If you’d prefer, you may wait, and I’ll accompany you in the afternoon,” he added, disbelieving that he’d done so.

Anna, too, had to get accustomed to Gwen’s strange habits and requests. The first of which was her use of Greylen’s razor to shave her legs.

The shock on Anna’s face was priceless, and when Isabelle saw what Gwen did, she asked if she could do the same. Gwen gave her that wicked smile that she’d become famous for, the one that sent Gavin, Anna, and Greylen’s men into fits. Isabelle returned the smile and cast aside her dress before jumping into the enormous tub with Gwen. Anna almost fainted, but Gwen and Isabelle only laughed. Then with all seriousness, they went about Isabelle’s new lessons.

Gwen was responsible for Anna’s next mental crisis as well. It occurred when Gwen asked for her clothing back. Though Gwen knew that she tried, Anna didn’t have a good enough reason to refuse her. She went to Greylen’s bureau and removed them from the bottom drawer. Gwen was thrilled to have her running shoes back and hoped that they’d last forever. Anna gave her new laces since the others had been destroyed. Greylen had apparently used his dagger when he removed them from her person.

But Gwen’s next request, Anna flatly refused. “Absolutely not, Lady Gwendolyn, you’ve an entire wardrobe at your disposal. The clothing fashioned for you is beyond compare and known to only the very wealthy.”