Sorry I have not stuck more firmly to my own imposed writing schedule, but that's what happens when family funtions and life in general intervenes. Not to be repetative, but the great and honorable KB owns it all; I'm just playing around.
Zachary's calm slipped from his face, and Karigan saw his heart break from her words. "Why," he whispered, "When?"
"Well, I don't know when." Her response lacked the life and emotion of her previous tirade. She tried to be flippant, "I haven't told Alton 'yes', yet."
Glancing out from under her lashes, Karigan tried to steel her heart, but she'd never seen Zachary look so open and vulnerable. Taking his hands, she sat next to him on the small bed. The feel of his large, sword callused hands in hers lent her strength. "He asked me before I left on this assignment. We've always been close. I've spent time with his family. They're nice - for nobles." She spoke quickly again, not even flinching at the accidental insult to him. "His family would love an advantageous marriage. I think they would prefer some one from a noble line, but Alton said they will take a wealthy connection instead." She chuckled a bit at the last, trying to find humor to lighten Zachary's complete stillness and silence.
When she still got no reaction from him, she continued, "My father wants me married, too. He has hinted and tried arranging meetings for me with acceptable young men."
"I remember you in that dress," again his reply was soft as if speaking louder would break his control. "I think I prefer you in your riding clothes, but I do remember that beautiful color on you. And the neckline." He accentuated the last part by running his fingertip lightly from one peak of her shoulder to the other, following the edge of where that neckline skimmed her chest.
Karigan sucked in a breath, shocked from the heat radiating from his fingertip. Her skin felt burned by an unfamiliar heat whereever he touched her. Unable to help herself, she leaned in and kissed Zachary.
Suprised but quickly taking charge, Zachary reached out to gather her close. While his mouth gently explored hers, his fingers came up her back and began a firm massage of her neck. She's still so tense, he thought, she's still holding back from me. With a growl of frustration, he deepened the kiss. He felt her suprise through his fingers, followed by her total surrender. She sighed and melted against him. Lying down together in the small cot, Zachary's only thoughts were, Mine. Only mine.