“If you stayed here, I would be forced to treat you as you deserve.” There was a delicious uncertainty to the word that skittered over Nim’s flesh, but Warrick’s reply broke off as he paused to lean in and brush his lips softly over the curve of her jaw. His promises were a whisper against her flesh. “I would be forced to elevate you above court, to give you a title that warranted the respect of your station”—his nose grazed her neck, down and back as his mouth rose painfully near her lips—“of my partner.” My equal
