Page 65 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

“Nay.” She continued to study him. “You thought about your answer.”

That surprised him. Perhaps he wasn't the only one observing more than he let on.

“And what does that tell you?” he asked.

“That there is something you want very much and have no intention of telling me.”

His smile remained, but for once it took effort. “Perhaps I simply decided a man should keep some secrets.”

“And yet you expect me to reveal mine.”

“You summoned me. That gives me an unfair advantage.”

“I would say it gives me the advantage.”

He laughed. “There you are.”

“What does that mean?”

“The woman beneath the crown.”

Her expression hardened instantly. “Do not forget who you speak to.”

“I haven't forgotten for a moment.”

He hadn't and that was becoming part of the problem. He knew she was his queen. He knew she could command him and that he was bound to obey. But standing this close, watching those violet eyes flash with annoyance, he was increasingly aware that Eudora was also a woman.

A very desirable woman.

She stepped away from him.

Creagan let her. For the first time since entering the solar, he wondered if perhaps she had felt something too. That possibility was far more intriguing than any dangerous task she might give him.

“Do I frustrate you, my queen?”

“At times.”

“Like now?”

“Especially now.”

He winked. “You are not the first woman to say that to me.”

“I doubt there is anything a woman could say to you that you haven't heard before.”

“You might surprise me.”

Something flickered in her eyes.

Creagan's amusement faded. She knew something he didn't. And whatever it was had something to do with him.

“You are—” she began.

“Utterly charming, breathtakingly handsome, and a man who can satisfy any woman's needs?”

Eudora went completely still.

Creagan had expected a sharp reply. None came.