Draven’s entire body erupted into flames, and it took every ounce of his control not to pull her to him and give her a much more satisfying kiss. She took a step back, smiled again, then turned about and rushed up the stairs. His cheek burning from her lips, he watched the way her hips swayed as she ascended the steps and vanished inside.
He hated to admit it, but the lady had a most attractive bottom. And in that instant his dream came back to him with stunning clarity.
This was going to be a long, long journey.
Simon stepped forward and clapped him on the shoulder. “Nothing better than making a maid happy, is there?”
“Aye, the most assuredly is.”
Simon cocked a puzzled brow.
“Skewering my meddlesome brother would definitely be better.”
Simon laughed. “Then I’d best go pack so that I won’t be directly in your way for the next few minutes.”
“You do that, Simon, and while you’re at it, make sure to find your common sense and bring it along as well.”
Two hours later Draven and his men hadn’t so much as climbed into their saddles as they waited for the lady. Even Simon was beginning to look irritated.
“What the devil is taking so long?” Draven snarled as he paced before the steps.
“Druce,” he called to his squire. “Go to the lady, again, and tell her we must be on our way lest we not clear the woods before nightfall. If she’s not here forthwith, I shall leave her behind.”
“Aye, milord.”
Draven turned to glare at Simon.
Simon looked away sheepishly, and shuffled his feet.
The door the keep opened.
“Here she is, milord,” Druce called.
Draven glanced back over his shoulder and froze.
Emily descended the steps like a graceful angel draped in a dark green kirtle and veil. The sunlight caught on her gold girdle which highlighted the gentle sway of her hips. She looked at him with a dazzling smile and all his anger at her delay evaporated.
Until he saw the two trunks following behind her.
This was ridiculous! The last thing he needed was to have to bring along a supply wagon. He’d always been a man to travel lightly. Get where he was going and quickly return.
Take only what he needed.
By all that was holy, he had no intention of slowing them down just so she could bring her entire wardrobe. ‘Twas bad enough to keep him waiting, but this... this was ludicrous, and he would be tested no more!
His anger mounted.
What did she think this was? A game?
Well, he would show her he wasn’t one to toy with. He was a man of action. One in control of his destiny and all those around him. He wouldn’t be made a mockery by a woman.
He had had enough.
“What did you pack now?” he asked in a deceptively calm voice, crossing the short distance between them.
“Only the essentials, milord.” She looked up at him innocently.
Simon roared with laughter.
