Astride eyes fell on Penelope, she averted his face, fixing her dress. "I'm sorry," she stuttered, looking flushed.

"No," Astride drawled, a smile teasing his lips. "With what you just did, I can tell you are not sorry it happened."

Her face turned pink. "All right," she said, looking at him. "I am not sorry. I think—I mean, you should—it's better you leave now. "

Her stammering amused him, and her awkwardness melted him. "Whatever you say, mate," he said as he stepped away from her, a teasing smile on his lips before leaving her chambers. Nina was right in front of the door. She had her head down as...