Robin decided it would be best to run for the time being. He wanted to make sure he could drag out The Sheriff's and his cousin's deaths. He wanted them tortured and their names slandered, just as the had done to his father.

Robin drew his sword before turning to run towards Marian's horses. He quickly helped Duncan mount the black beauty before throwing his leg over the horse himself.

"Stop them! They're stealing my horse!" She exclaimed as Guy and his band of followers arrived. Robin kicked his heels and the horse took off with some of Guy's men trailing behind. Guy had his steed circle Marian.

"Have you been sheltering outlaws, Lady Marian?"

"They're thieves, you imbecile. Please, alert the Sheriff. I wish to be relocated under his protection at once!"

"Lucky you still have your virtue to give to my cousin... I hope. He'd be very disappointed if you weren't." Guy smirked at her while she returned a look of pure disgust. "A crown to the man who brings me Locksley's head!" After he shouted his orders, Guy rushed back to the castle to warn his cousin of Locksley's doings while his men chased the bandits to the edge of the haunted forest.

XOX

Guy strode throughout the castle, boots striking the floor with a loud echo while he searched for his cousin. He burst past a warning guard and entered George's chambers. George was a private man and disliked anyone entering his chambers without permission.

"Cousin. I trust you justify your intrusion with news of profound value?"

"I came upon the Castle Dubois today with 10 of our guards to escort her to you, cousin..."

"Well done! And where is my fair maiden?" George glanced around eagerly.

"Well...when we arrived there, I found Robin of Locksley. It seems he was harassing her and stole her horse. She said she is unharmed by him but wants to move under your protection at once."

"You imbecile! You left her there alone?!" The Sheriff sneered at the man as he menacingly rose to his full height, arms crossed over his chest.

"I sent the men to chance after Locksley and assumed you'd want me to report straight away." He hung his head in disappointment, well aware of his error.

"Ready my horse, you fool. I shall fetch her myself."

George readied himself with his cloak and determinedly exited the castle. He mounted his white steed and proceeded at a fast pace to rescue his damsel. He took three men and a carriage with him, both for protection and to carry her personal effects back.

XOX

When the Sheriff arrived at her property, she looked upon him with such thankfulness and longing. He was quite literally her knight in shining armour. He dismounted his horse and ran to her, pulling her into a tight embrace against his chest. He cupped the back of her head as she nuzzled against his neck with a murmured thank you. As he rubbed his fingers into her hair, massaging her scalp, she thought she would swoon. She missed his touch greatly. Even though they hadn't properly been together, she knew when the time came it would be magical.

He grabbed her shoulders and slowly pulled her away from him so he could look upon her face. "Are you injured, Milady?"

"No, no my Lord, I'm fine. Sir Guy scared him off. I just... I don't want to be alone here anymore. I wish to return with you to Nottingham Castle."

"Of course, love. I brought some men and transportation for us. Come, let us walk while I have them gather your things. Would you like Sarah to come with us? I can set her up with her own quarters," he offered.

They turned to walk through her gardens, hand in hand while she agreed to wanting Sarah. He gently rubbed his thumb across her knuckles while they spoke about common interests, preferences, and politics. As they walked, she would glance up at him through her lashes, and would always catch him looking down upon her. On the rare occasion she could see him with a full smile - the type that crinkled his eyes and made his chocolate irises glitter - she knew he was the man for her. She didn't want to wait for a proper courting. She wanted to be wed and bed by sun down.

As if reading her mind, he chuckled deeply. He stopped their walking, as they were beside the stables and turned to her, releasing her hand. "Naughty thoughts Milady? I can see the lust in your eyes," he hissed at her as he slowly prowled towards her. She walked backwards with trembling limbs and a heaving bosom. He continued to stalk his prey until he had her cornered. With her back pushed against the stable doors, she looked deep into his eyes and noticed his desire matched her own.

He placed two of his large hands upon the barn wall, effectively locking her into place. He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck. This afternoon had a cool breeze so Marian had selected a red long sleeved, flowing gown. Her sleeves were tight around her feminine arms and were decorated with gold embellishment. Her neckline was squared off and again, she wore a corset to narrow her already slim waist. Her hair was pulled away from her face but left to cascade down her back. George reached up with his right hand to touch one of her gold dangle earrings.

"You're a beautiful creature my dear. Do you know that?"

He leaned forward again to brush his lips against hers. She was so soft... so smooth... a direct contrast to his rough and firm approach. He sucked her bottom lip and bit down gently before releasing it. She moaned into his mouth as she greedily returned her lips to his.

He moved his right hand to cup under her jaw to keep her face close to his, while he languidly trailed his left hand down the front of her neck, pausing in his ministrations to give it a gentle squeeze with his large hand. He continued his descent down her body to her collar bone. Taking his middle finger, he drew a tingling line transversely across her chest until he reached her other collar bone. He flipped his hand over and drug the back of his hand down her side, lightly passing over her breast until he reached her hip.

Their kisses never broke during his caress. The young lovers became more heated and carnal with their petting. He removed his right hand from her jaw and allowed it to meet his left behind her back, pulling at the strings of her corset to release it.

"George," she mewled. "I need it. I need you."

George growled as he threw her corset to the ground. Cupping one breast and thumbing her erect nipple through her dress, he reached down with his other hand to lift one of her legs over his hip. He rutted against her center with his hardened member. When she gasped, he smirked. He knew he was a gifted man. He had been with women in the past and was happy he'd be able to show Marian the joys of being his lover.

As he reached into his trousers to remove his length, he felt a swat to the back of his head.

"Marian! What are you doing?"

Sarah. Rolling his eyes, the Sheriff sneered at the woman who interrupted them.

"My Lady. This wanton behavior cannot be tolerated! What has gotten into you! You are a lady. You must be married before joining with a man. No matter how attractive he is." She directed her own sneer while she allowed her eyes to roam over his body.

Marian let out a huff of disappointment while she redressed with George's reluctant assistance.

"How did you even find us?" Marian pouted.

"The carriage is all packed and ready to go. I came to tell you we are ready to take our leave." Sarah grabbed Marian's hand to pull her away from the Sheriff.

He chuckled as he strode alongside her. With a playful swat to her behind, he leaned in her ear and whispered, "Soon, my love. When we do finally join, I want it to be beautiful and special. Not against a barn door." He chuckled as they arrived at the carriage. He gave her his arm to hold as she stepped into the carriage with Sarah.

"Won't you join us, George?" Marian all but begged.

"No, my lady. I shall ride alongside you for protection."

"Do you think we will come across trouble?" Marian now seemed worried.

"No, love. My own protection... from your lady in waiting. I care very much for my bollocks and know for a fact we will need them very soon." He winked as he kicked his horse to trot away.

"Cheeky, vulgar man" Sarah stated sourly.

Marian giggled as she watched her knight lead the caravan back to her new home.

XOX

Authors note: how are we feeling about the tension? Can't wait to hear your comments