"Never underestimate that. Disapproval of that magnitude can move mountains, or at least motivate underlings to try." He snorted softly. Few were those who could withstand one of Meredith's glacial, withering stares.

Tellingly, he made no effort to deny any such wicked streaks, amusement evident. "True, and there's no such thing as a quick anything when it comes to plate mail's removal, even in part."

He kept it shallow, a warm, exploring press of lips to lips that lingered until he felt his breath catch. When he drew back it wasn't far. "I didn't think it fair that you had taken all the risk up to this point." He knew from personal experience it wasn't easy to express interest in someone. There was always the chance of rejection. Her words might have shocked him that day, but the interest was flattering. He had yet to find a reason to regret seeing where it might lead.