He had seen her naked before—knew exactly how she looked unclothed—her slender waist, small, full breasts, delicately muscled limbs. He could see her, in his mind's eye, whenever he wanted—whenever he allowed himself the guilty pleasure.

But nothing had prepared him for the shock of finding her, crouching behind a spur of rock, naked and shivering with fear.

She looked so small.

So wild.

So—

Sweet Eru!

He tore off his cloak and draped it over her, carefully hiding her body as he scooped her into his arms. "You are safe now, my lady," he whispered. "Safe."