“I can only imagine. That sounds horrible,” Crow shuddered exaggeratedly, although a smile softened his features as Penelope kissed him on the cheek. Letting out his breath in a peaceful exhale, he rested his head against hers and looked down at the river. The moonlight reflected off the water’s surface, distorted in the ripples. It was a beautiful spot, and if he hadn’t been trying to run away from the knight two years ago, he probably would have been mesmerized the first time he’d seen it. [i]At least we got to come back,[/i] he mused silently, resting his hand over hers in the grass. Every time they revisited a place they’d stopped by before, he enjoyed himself. It was interesting to think about how much had changed since they had first stayed in Wellspring. Back then, he’d still been absorbed with trying to get away from her, William and Abraxas.

“Well, he fell for the irritable knight who was here last time too,” he said, pulling back just enough to meet her gaze in the darkness. “She turned out to be pretty great, so I think it’s safe to say everything turned out for the best.” As he studied her face he fell quiet, taking in the details he could make out in the low light. He was still amazed that he’d somehow won the heart of a woman as breathtaking as her. Every time he stopped long enough to think about it, he wanted to shake his head in disbelief. The person he loved—his soon-to-be wife—was the most incredible woman he’d ever met, and for some reason, she loved him too.

Swept up in the moment, he reached up with one hand to caress her cheek, trailing his fingers from her jawline down the side of her neck. Her skin felt warm beneath his touch in contrast with the cold air, and it lured him closer until he pressed his lips against hers in a deep kiss. He sighed audibly, only breaking the kiss long enough to murmur “I love you so much” before he leaned into her more fervently, pushing her over on the ground. John had made them promise not to sleep together again, but that didn’t mean he had to keep his hands to himself completely.

Hovering over Penelope, the former thief kissed her until he had to come up for air. “Gods, whenever I’m with you, I forget to breathe,” he chuckled, panting softly as he trailed his hand down her side.