Crow enjoyed the peaceful silence between them as they walked. It was different than the quiet they endured when Gavin and Olivia were with them. Instead of worrying about keeping their voices down around Penelope’s comrades, they had the chance to simply enjoy each other’s company. It was a pleasant sort of stillness that the thief appreciated, because it reminded him that for the first time in days, they were finally alone.

When they reached the other clearing, he met Penelope’s gaze and nodded as she said the mission had its perks. “I’ll hunt down any number of thieves if it means I get to see you every day,” he said in agreement, meeting her halfway as she kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her close as he leaned into her lips. Without Gavin around to interrupt them, he could focus fully on being with her without rushing to make the most of every second they had. It was a good feeling.

As she pulled back, he met her gaze and ran one hand gingerly through the hair along the back of her head. “Let’s not think about that right now,” he murmured, smiling at her softly. “Right now, let’s just focus on the time we do have.” Leaning in again, he pressed a deep kiss to her lips, intent on helping her take her mind off her worries. Of course, he wasn’t without his own concerns about going back to their regular meetings after being spoiled with seeing the knight every day, but he didn’t want to think about that. At that moment, all he cared about was the woman standing in front of him. She was the focal point of his attention.

Deepening the kiss, Crow slid his hands down to Penelope’s back and traced his fingers desirously over her hips. He slowly began to press into her body with more passion, his heart pounding as it always did when he was with her. After a bit, he slipped away from her lips to press a trail of kisses along her neck and jaw. He closed his eyes and ran his hands back up the length of her body to find the fastening of her clothing. However, as he did, he paused and pulled back from her, meeting her gaze again with colored cheeks.

“This is a little embarrassing,” he said with a sheepish smile. “But I’m not quite sure how to take off your armor.”