Leading Vesper into Knighton Hall's stables, Marian's mouth dropped open in surprise to find Robin leaning against a stall, arms folded across his chest, eyes challenging and defiant.

The sight of him, as always, made her pulse quicken.

She hated the effect his mere presence had on her. Her anger, already simmering because of the risks he'd courted, flared to the surface, hot as the fire he'd barely escaped.

"Have you moved in here now?" she asked bitingly, busying herself with unsaddling her horse to keep her eyes off him. "I thought my father told you to leave our stables, not hours ago."

She didn't see him wince at the mention of his interview with Sir Edward. His jealousy toward Gisbourne had made him forget his resolve to keep away from her, but her words caused him to believe she agreed with her father.

"I have a home," he answered, at which she raised her eyebrows. "Even if it is currently occupied by your gallant protector."

Furiously, she spun around to face him. "You know full well I only pretended to faint, so that you could get away! And if you don't, you are a fool."

"I'm no fool, Marian. At least not anymore. I saw very clearly what was going on between you and the chivalrous Sir Guy."

Anger, frustration, and shock caused Marian to silently clench and unclench her fists, as she tried to master her tumultuous emotions.

She refused to answer his charges, choosing instead to attack. "Not a fool? Only a fool would think it safe to stay in a burning building, or put himself in a position to be recognized by a squadron of men whose chief goal is to capture and hang him!"

"What about you, dressing up as the Nightwatchman? Sheriff's men have orders to shoot you on sight!"

"That's different! I don't flaunt myself in broad daylight! And I make certain to cover my face!"

"You can't hide your identity behind a mask. You're built too...too beautifully for that."

Neither one of them were comfortable with what he'd just admitted. His indirect compliment only served to make her more angry.

"I fooled you!" she challenged. "You saw me twice, and never knew I was a woman until you unmasked me! And you had the benefit of seeing me in daylight!"

"So, you admit you don't only come out at night!"

"We're not talking about me! We're talking about you, having no reguard for your own safety! You're not invincible, Robin. You only think you are. If you don't fear death, fine! But at the very least, show some respect for it."

Neither spoke for a time, and Marian turned back to begin brushing Vesper.

The familiar feel of her beloved mare's coat under her caring hands helped ease some of her tension. But not all of it. While he remained so close in her presence, she knew she couldn't fully relax.

She couldn't tell him she was proud of him for boldly risking his life, taking food to Jess and Sarah. Nor would she admit she was risking her own life, by sheltering them in her house. She only hoped Robin didn't know they were secretly hiding on her property, just as he was.

Marian began to grow more and more uneasy, when he didn't speak. She had no idea what he was thinking, but she could feel his eyes studying her as she groomed her horse. Unable to stand it any longer, she turned around and faced him.

He seemed to have calmed down, but there was an unfriendly glint in his eyes that made her decidedly nervous. She'd never experienced it directed at her before, not understanding that it masked his hurt.

"Are you going to thank me," she asked, trying to regain control of the situation, "for saving your life?"

His smug, quiet snicker made her furious.

"I had everything under control, without your help," he boasted. "But of course, you go right ahead and deceive yourself about me needing you. After all, it offers a great excuse for falling into Gisbourne's arms."

"Grow up!"

He snickered again, this time dangerously. "From now on, Marian," he said coolly, "I think it best you deal with my men, instead of me."

"What?"

His unexpected words took her fully by surprise.

"Whenever you have information to pass along," he continued, seemingly confident, "I'll send my men to you, to gather it. We do need your help with that, I'm not too small a man to admit."

She still couldn't speak, she was so amazed.

"And speaking of my men," he added, "I'd better be getting back to them. Much'll be worried, you know."

Before she could offer a comeback, he'd swaggered out of her sight, disappearing through the stable door, across her yard, and into the trees.

...

(Note: Apologies to my anonymous reviewer who asked me to email when I update. Fanfic won't display email addresses, and so I have no way to reach you! But I appreciate your review, and everybody else's kind comments! If I didn't get any encouragement, I'd think nobody liked what I wrote and quit writing, being a sensitive soul!)