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"Yet you didn’t try to convince me to hold off for a better time Why ever not?"

"Because, Princess, I’m not certain you’ve been quite honest with ht departure for a reason"

He was studying her with such concentration that she was surprised her heart still ed to beat "I’ve never lied to you"

"That doesn’t mean you’ve been completely honest"

She could say the same about him She’d nearly spun on her heel and headed in the other direction when she’d watched hier sported a shadow of stubble She’d thought hi His hair was pulled back, tied in place with leather, and she dearly wanted to set it free The light breeze billowed his loose white shirt, so him appear more masculine

She couldn’t remember the last time she’d looked at the aze upon any man with even a hint of lust would have been betrayal to her betrothed She couldn’t claim what she felt noas lust, but it was definitely awareness Acute awareness that was unsettling in its intensity Her stoe to sit Instead, she stood her ground "As you so succinctly said, I don’t know you well enough to tell you everything But I swear to you that there is no danger"

"Pity I thrive on danger"

"Yes, I quite iine you do"

They werethe the ship’s lanterns to hold it at bay Water slapped against the hull A peacefulness claiht She wasn’t certain how much he contributed to her serenity Soth and skills to protect her fro and glanced back to see a sail unfurl Soon the ship was gliding faster Closing her eyes, she leaned into the wind

"M’lady"

"I’ht, Martha"

"Do you swim?" he asked

"No, but I suspect you do And you’d juht"

Opening her eyes, she looked over at hih he enjoyed the movement of the ship as much as she did "I don’t think you’re quite thewithout payet that kiss, will you?"

"Perhaps I should go ahead and take it"