“You've been here before?" Derek asked, his gaze firmly fixed on Rowena's ass shifting under the shimmering green silk a few steps above us. "Wiggles," I told him. He blinked, then realized I wasn't referring to Rowena's backside.”

“I glanced at Derek. The boy wonder didn't melt into a pile of goo, although his gaze was glued to Rowena's chest. Avoiding eye contact. Good strategy.”

“Not I, but rather the king you love so well. It appears he would see us marry. (Rowena)My hairy arse. (Stryder)That is much more information about your person, Lord Stryder, than I care to know. (Rowena)”

“Would you do me a favor milord? Be a boorish ass again. (Rowena)”

“Put you weapon away. (Rowena)Why should I when I have half a mind to make good use of it on you? (Stryder)So you admit to having only half a mind, then? (Rowena)”

“He looked up and I realised how close we were, both of us leaning in together. I blinked a few times, suddenly light-headed, but not like before when I'd passed out. Being so close to the smooth dark skin of his face, getting lost in the shifting shades of his green eyes, it felt like my insides were fluttering and melting.”