She lay pressed against Merrick’s side, curled tight against him for warmth. There was a certain contentment in awaking so, and she remained very still, reluctant to move. He was naked, his chest awesomely broad and masculine. The furs lay tangled about his hips, scarcely covering that part of him that lay flaccid and undemanding now against the plane of his belly. Her mind ran wild as she recalled anew all that passed between them throughout the night. Her entire body flooded crimson, for now in the cold light of day, she was mortified to think how very wanton she had behaved! And yet, God save her soul, she could not regret it. Nay, not a bit, for Merrick had whispered again and again how she pleased him. Slowly her eyes traced the ruggedness of his profile. In sleep he no longer appeared the fierce warrior. The lines of his face were smoothed, his harshness blunted. Mayhap now, with his mood eased, he might be inclined to allow her to visit Aubrey once more. She lay quietly a while longer, then slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb him.
