Blinking her eyes open, she took a moment to adjust, not only to the afternoon sunlight, but also to her new perspective on the man smiling down at her. How could she ever have thought him cruel? This beautiful, rugged face, gazing at her so tenderly could never be considered harsh. Those full lips, curved in a sensual smile, could bring only pleasure. It was with no small amount of disappointment that she noted he had already dressed. “How do you feel?” he asked gently. In truth, she had never felt better, nor more alive. Her body seemed to have come into its own, shedding more than the burden of chastity during their lovemaking. Being with Gunnar like this felt good; it felt right. She smiled. “I feel wonderful.” “Are you hungry?” “Only for you,” she said, drawing him toward her for a kiss. “Ah, have a care, lamb. You'll spoil me.” He pecked her on the nose then pulled her up from the bed. “Come. I've got a basket of food waiting for us in the bailey. Let's leave this place for a while.”
