Anticipation tingling through him, he knocked. "Dani, 'tis me."
No response.
With a balled fist, he pounded on the door. "Dani? Are you asleep?"
"Find yourself a new crash pad, schmuck!" she called back.
"What?" When she grew vexed, he could not understand half her words.
"I don't like bossy, demanding, inconsiderate men who think I'm stupid and order me around in front of people as if I'm a schnauzer."
"What the devil are you talking about? Dani, open the door."
"No."
Though he disliked her petulant tone, he envisioned her bottom lip plumped out in an enticing pout. He'd like to lick it, suck on it until she moaned.
"I did nay suspect you were such a weak woman," he taunted.
"I am not weak!" She blasted the words out.
"Sounds that way to me, what with the way you're whining."
A thump sounded against the door, and Gavin smiled. Had she kicked it or thrown something? Either way, he relished her passion.
Wood banged against metal as she lifted the bar and yanked the door open. "I am not weak!" She glared up at him, her fiery blue-green eyes burning into his.
Wrapping his arms around her, he lifted her and barged into the room. Restraining her kicks and punches, he shoved the door closed. She tried to land a knee to his groin, but he jerked aside just in time. Smiling, he turned her about and captured her hands behind her back. "Are you wanting to be locked in the dungeon again? Or would you rather be tied to my bed? I much prefer the latter."
She glared back at him. "If you had left the armory open, I would be gone back home by now."
Chapter 18
Upon hearing her confession about going home, Gavin froze, his grip tightening. "Indeed?" The sensation of icy loch water trickled through his veins. The glimpse into how he would feel if Dani left… the hollow loneliness. Stark and empty. It near overwhelmed him.
He released her.
She nodded and turned, then backed away from him.
"I gave you the opportunity to leave days ago. You said you would stay. Did you lie?" he challenged.
"I didn't lie! I changed my mind."
"Why?"
"I won't be talked down to or patronized. You were rude and mean to me in front of other people."
"Forgive me for not speaking in honeyed tones during a swordfight, when I was angry and trying to protect you from that knave. For your own safety, you needed to stay in this chamber."
"I want to make my own decisions."
"'Twas a foolish decision to come to the great hall while I was fighting him."
"Oh! Now you're calling me foolish! Thanks a lot, jerk."
"Your decision was foolish. Nayyou!"
"Whatever. You insulted my intelligence and scolded me like a servant. I deserve some respect."
