Leaning against Penelope, Crow thought about how much his opinion had changed, not only about her but also about other knights. As much as he disliked William and Abraxas, he couldn’t say that he hated them as much as he had at the beginning of their journey—not even after his spat with the older knight. He may not have agreed with them on most things, but after being around them for so long, he had started to understand why they were the way they were. He found that he even felt slightly bad for leaving them behind to get arrested by the Younisians. It was strange to think that he would ever feel such empathy for noblemen.

“I’d take both as a compliment,” he quipped when Penelope explained how her view had changed of him as well. “Although I think I do prefer the latter, coming from you.” He smiled at her fondly. It was still strange to hear her say she loved him. After living for so many years as a fugitive with no prospect of settling down, he had come to believe no woman would ever say such words to him. It was nice to know he had been wrong. [i]She’s really something else,[/i] he ran his hand affectionately down her arm.

In the next moment, something changed in Penelope’s expression and she pressed into Crow with a passionate kiss. He didn’t skip a beat, meeting her lips with rivaling desire. His right hand slipped around the small of her back while his left hand gripped her thigh, holding her close. He felt her arms move to his back and he shivered, enjoying her touch. The force of the kiss left him breathless, so when they finally parted he had to take a moment to breathe again.

“I see,” He chuckled at her teasing. “Are you sure it wasn’t because you find me irresistible?” He winked at her wryly and kissed her on the cheek.

The door opened and Hartley stepped inside, hand in hand with Kip. He looked at the two on the bed and smirked, “Sorry, I forgot I have to knock now.”

Crow rolled his eyes and pulled back from Penelope, taking his hands off of her. He would have kissed her again to spite the boy, but with Kip staring at them so innocently, he was too uncomfortable to do it.

“Have either of you moved since I left?” Hartley asked, placing his hand on his hips.

“You told us to stay here,” Crow leaned back on his palms. “So that’s what we did.”

“Alright, smartass,” Hartley snorted. “Anyway, I just brought Kip here to say goodbye.” He turned to the girl, squeezing her hand lovingly. “She told me she didn’t want to miss you before you left, Penelope.”