Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
“Aye, and I wasn’t there to stop them.”
He was serious and she went to him, resting her hand on his back. “I would have fought and screamed out for you. I would not have gone peacefully.”
“Know if you were ever taken from me, I would come find you. Nothing would stop me. I would find you.”
It was meant as a vow and she heard as one, though it was not necessary. She knew he would come for her no matter where she was taken and that was what frightened her. For he would join her in death itself and think nothing of it.
“Where do we go from here, since I assume we will not return to Ogga, though do we worry what she may do?”
“The council condemned her to that fortress for a reason. If they stripped her of her place among them, I suspect they also limited what power she could wield beyond its walls.”
“You believe her threats are empty?”
“I believe she remains dangerous and should not entirely be disregarded. She will certainly send someone after us if we don’t return.”
Bria realized then. “You want it to be Braden.”
“I would rather he come to me than I search for him, and I prefer it to be outside of Driochmor.”
“Less magic to contend with,” Bria said, understanding.
“Aye. So, first we see about the pendant, then find a council member so you can learn about the Wise and then—”
“Take news to the king,” Bria finished.
He shook his head. “You forgot about the troll, but that can wait until tomorrow. Now we eat and get much-needed rest.”
Kaelan was not thinking of rest when later he was stretched out on the ground his wife tucked snug against him and his arm wrapped around her. Desire for her brewed steadily in him and had been easy enough to manage until now, here in the cave alone with her pressed against him. His hand itched to drift over her, get to know all her gentle curves, but he stopped himself.
He could not go from a hasty coupling in a cell with his wife to a quick coupling in a cave. It wasn’t fair to her no matter how hard his manhood was complaining. He needed to be sure that the next time they joined he could take his time and make it memorable for her, not leave her disappointed once again.
“Your desire runs high,” she whispered, her warm breath tickling his neck.
“Bloody hell, Bria, you don’t step inside me, feel what I am feeling without permission,” he scolded.
“It wasn’t intentional. It came on its own. I couldn’t stop it.” She paused for a moment. “And I did not want to.”
“This is no place—”
“It is the only place we have and my desire for you mounts as well. Will you deny me?”
“This is not how it should be,” he argued.
“How should it be?”
“A warm room to start, a soft bed, softer bedding, and you naked upon it so I could take my time and touch you, come to know every part of you, what you like what you don’t. Tease your nipples with my tongue until they are rock hard, then enjoy them even more.”
Bria wondered if her husband realized his hand was exploring her as he spoke and she closed her eyes, willing an image of him doing just that and wishing she could feel his hands on her naked skin.
“You deserve better than a dark cell and a cave,” he said, annoyed his own words had grown him even harder.
“What does it truly matter where we join as long as we both are eager to do so? We do not know what awaits us. We have this moment, this chance to commit even more than we have, and I don’t want to lose it. I want every moment I can get with you no matter where it is.”
That was all Kaelan needed to hear. “I love you more each day, wife.”
She looked at him, a gentle pleading in her eyes. “Then take advantage of this moment and make love to me, husband.”
She didn’t wait. She rolled on her back and hiked up her garments.
He didn’t hesitate. He turned on his side and let his fingers roam between her legs. Her skin was soft and he let himself linger, exploring her inner thighs until he got close to her dampness and he slipped his finger into her.
She gasped.
“Too loud,” he warned. “You will wake the troll.”
“Henry,” she said softly.
“Henry?” Kaelan asked, wondering who Henry was.
She shook her head. “Later.”
He did not argue with that. She was wet and responded eagerly to him. He would have liked to linger but the hoot of an owl reminded him where they were and how dangerous it was for them to take such a chance.
Kaelan hurried over her then, keeping himself braced above her as he slipped into her gently.