Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
One was that he would no longer need to look for a willing woman when the need struck him. Sky would be right there beside him in bed. That he found her appealing was an added benefit.
Maybe you never felt the touch of a hand gentle enough to trust.
Her words from yesterday had kept repeating in his mind since he woke and at the oddest times throughout the day. He had not given much credence to them since he was in no need of a gentle touch. He was a hardened warrior and needed to remain that way. And yet he had found her causal touch had brought him a strange comfort at times. He particularly liked the feel of her snuggled against him in bed and lately he found himself unable to stop himself from growing aroused when his mind drifted to Sky. Something that was happening far too often. He surmised it was because his need for a woman was growing and he would appease it soon with Sky, and the thought stirred his manhood. He did not want to wait much longer to consummate their vows since if he went too long without satisfying his need, he could be demanding when coupling. Experienced women found his demands enjoyable. He doubted an innocent like Sky would feel the same.
The sudden sound of birds taking flight had Slayer hurrying over to Sky. He yanked her up from where she sat under a tree and shoved her behind him to walk them toward the cottage.
“Your attention remains sharp,” a voice called out.
“As always,” Slayer shouted, “but you, my friend, are tardy.”
Ross stepped out of the woods with a smile. “But I bring good tidings and,” —he held up a jug— “ale.”
Slayer did not know what tidings Ross had to share with him and after yesterday’s disturbing news, he did not want Sky suffering any more or hearing something that did not concern her.
“I have a taste for more berries. I will go pick some while you speak with Ross,” Sky said.
It was as though Sky read his mind and settled it for him, making things easier for him.
“Do not go far or be too long,” Slayer ordered and leaned down, his face close to hers. “And save some berries for me.”
Her face burst in a bright smile and her two different colored eyes filled with delight and, bloody hell, if her joy was not contagious rushing a smile to his lips that he barely stopped before it sprang free.
“I will,” she whispered conspiratorially and with his cheek so close, she could not help but kiss it.
Her innocent kiss stunned him, and he stood there as she grabbed a basket off the blanket beneath the tree and rushed into the woods. What stunned him even more was that it pleased him, filled him with pleasure, and sent a spark to his loins.
“I had my doubts about you bringing her here, but I see it was a wise decision. It did not take her long to accept you as her husband,” Ross said when Slayer turned and walked toward him.
“She is getting there,” Slayer said and joined Ross on the bench under the cottage window and gladly took the tankard of ale he handed him.
“With the way she looks at you, I would argue that she is already there.” Ross shook his head. “Though I wonder how you accomplished that since you were never one to court a woman.”
“She is my wife. Why would I need to court her?”
Ross chuckled. “It is a good thing you didn’t need to since she probably wouldn’t have agreed to marry you. Though with her affliction she no doubt worries you will change your mind and does what is necessary not to lose you.”
Instinct to defend her had him snapping at Ross. “Her affliction has no bearing on our marriage.”
“You defend her readily.” Ross pointed out.
“Why wouldn’t I? It is my duty as her husband,” Slayer argued.
“Or do her strange eye colors hold you captive?”
Slayer scowled at him. “Have you lost your mind?”
Ross shook his head again. “Nay, I wanted to make sure that you haven’t lost yours.”
“My mind is as sound as it has always been.”
“What about your heart?” Ross asked.
“What about my heart?”
“Uh oh.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Slayer demanded.
“Whenever I would mention your heart, you would always respond with… what heart? Now you acknowledge that you have one. I think your wife may have awakened it.”
“Enough with the nonsense,” Slayer cautioned, annoyed at his friend’s suggestion. “What news do you have for me?”
“Melvin has taken residence at Clan Murdock. He should have news for us soon.”
Melvin was one of Slayer’s best and most reliable warriors. There was not a battle or mission he feared and that was the reason he had sent him to spy on Cavell.