Page 22 (1/2)

"No, thank you" Without another word I spun around and left them to stew in the wake ofwith Chaeron the day before had really taken my mind off the Wolfe situation I was still not amused that Chaeron hadn’t takenone off to ask permission from the man himself But when he returned a little sheepishly I decided that learning to fight back waspeevish Chaeron had proved to be a patient and adept trainer and I really felt as if I had learned so from him I no to hold the hilt of a sword properly, which apparently wasainst theer thanthere

"Lieutenant" I waved to him as I crossed the courtyard He and a few other soldiers were already busy at practice "May I join you today?"

"You’ve corinned teasingly

I raisedif not resilient, Lieutenant"

We s ain and he had a few of theout instructions on how best to deal with their attack "See how S low – despiteto sneak past your defence But now you know the pattern of his thrust and parry you can use it against him, sweep up, strike at hi for a half hour when Wolfe appeared in the courtyard Theabout to be vigilant for

"Lieutenant" Wolfe nodded at Chaeron "Why don’t you and the men take a break"

I frowned as Chaeron nodded and gestured for thethe partners"

Wolfe remained expressionless "Follow me"

I narrowed my eyes at his command What on haven did he want? Still furious at hi him to stick his shere the sun didn’t shine

But curiosity won out

I followed quickly as he led me out of the courtyard and down the stone servant’s steps that led into the walled gardens I hurried along trying to keep up with hiripped the hilt of the sword into have put Wolfe in this strange state of tense cales that hid us froh

"Wolfe!" I called quietly, sharply, drawing to a halt When he spun around startled, I bitoff lared at hier until you tell ed lazily and headed back toward uid and sleek Soe cat And like Haydyn’s cat, Z, I didn’t trust his body language - it signalled an approaching attack "I "

I felt an angry flush colourI don’t need your help"

"I’m the best swordsance, and I kneas true "Don’t you want to learn fro froht withth of his body with a look of distaste "Why don’t you return to your mistress, Captain? I’ve heard she enjoys a bit of swordplay" I don’t knohat possessed hed, a true happy laugh that sent a shiver rippling through me I took a step back but he followed until I was pressed up against a hedge, the branches pricking into hto spar or not?"

Deterave him a stubborn nod and pushed hi aroundmy hand on the sword

"I’ve already been sho to hold it," I said hoarsely, ht and sensitive at his close proxihs through my skirts

"You’ve not been told to holdht red as understanding dawned The lascivious son of…

"Why you-" My indignation trailed off into silence at the surprisingly sweet kiss he pressed againstto offer comfort more than passion I almost melted into him But then… I have an excellent memory…

…I swear, I’ve never met a man who kno to use his mouth quite so well

Winter!

I stiffened I reht at the palace two su her liaison with Wolfe with pride and relish…

…I would pay all the gold in Phaedra to be showered in thatstupider than stupid, I shoved away fro to face hiht and narroith frustration

"I’ of tears in my eyes "It’s not like that between us Go back to Winter"