Without breaking our kiss, he picked me up and braced me against the wall. He commanded my legs to encircle his waist, hands under my thighs. I squeezed with all my might, holding myself up of my own power, and he groaned, inciting a part of me I had thought fell dormant a long time ago. My hands wrapped around his nape, tugging on his soft hair, damp with sweat from the brawl. I breathed in ragged gasps as his lips traveled down my chin, my throat, until they feasted on my chest. I tilted upward, exposing my raging pulse. He ran his tongue along the vibration.

“More,” I breathed.

He released my thighs, and I slid down him like a mast. I grabbed his collar and ripped the remnants of his slashed shirt, sending buttons sailing. I nipped at his lips, then traced them with my tongue, teasing him. My hands found his bare chest and roamed over his amulet to his statuesque torso. I explored every slope, ripple, and smooth plane. Not a scar or mark to be found. His breath hitched, muscles tightening under my touch. I gazed up at him through thick lashes, silently begging to be taken right here.

His hands played at my cincher, loosening the tight boning. In a few breaths, his calloused fingers, skillful and strong, left the strings dangling at my sides. He tugged at the tucked in hem of my chemise. All that stood between my skin and him was a thin layer of cotton. I sucked in a breath, waiting for him to dispense of the barrier.

“Captain?” a male voice broke me from my lustful spell.

Rylander pulled back, lips swollen and red.

“Yes, Smitter,” he growled out. He stayed in place, keeping me in the shadows, protecting me from his first mate’s view. His shoulders tensed, his muscles flexing against my palms resting on his chest. Our heavy pants mingled.

“The king has asked to see you and Captain Lou. Bernard is out looking for her,” Smitter said. I couldn’t see his face to know if he’d recognized me and relayed the king’s request directly, or if he thought I was another maiden.

“I’ll find her and let her know.” Rylander’s breath warmed my flushed cheeks. His clear eyes never left mine. They held an unspoken promise this was not over. “Give me a second to compose myself. I’ll meet you back at the castle.”

“Yes, Captain,” Smitter answered.

Rylander’s hand slid to the back of my head, and he lowered his mouth. Barely an inch separated us, but it was enough. Smitter’s interruption doused me back into reality like a cold bucket of water poured over my head in the heat of summer. This man had stolen my family from me. Lied to me. Used me. And I wasn’t offering up any forgiveness for his sins. I shoved him. He stumbled but quickly regained his footing.