Rolling onto his side, he drew her close. 'Sleep, milady. I will keep you warm tonight, and safe.' He pulled the blanket over her, wrapping one arm around her waist as he settled beside her on the furs. 'And for one night, at least, neither of us will be alone.

A fierce possessiveness gripped him, a need to brand her, to make her his, now and forever. And he knew it was madness.

The only thing that can hurt me now is the thought of never knowing this feeling again. To never be able to touch you this way again...