Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Torin silenced her with a kiss, a powerful one that was quick to ignite his already sparked passion. Robbed of breath when done, he struggled a bit to say, “I love you as well, wife.” He waited a moment for his breath to calm before he continued. “Though, how that came about when you talk so much, I will never know, nor will I ever know how I came to love your chatter and missed it while I was gone these last few hours.”
Flora’s heart filled with joy, and she chuckled. “And you are learning to chatter just as much as I do.”
Torin’s eyes turned wide. “Good Lord, you’re right.”
She snuggled against his chest, relishing this special moment, wanting to keep it in her heart and memory forever.
Torin scooped her up in his arms and walked toward the bed. “We have waited long enough and have been delayed long enough. It is time that we officially become husband and wife.”
CHAPTER 19
“I know nothing of coupling,” Flora said, though she had already made it known to him, she felt the need to remind him after he placed her on her feet by the bed.
“No need to worry, wife, we do not couple… we make love,” he said and kissed her lips gently.
His words sent a catch to her heart and a tantalizing sensation racing through her, flaring her already ignited passion.
“I do not want to disappoint you, Torin,” she said.
With a bare shake of his head, he said, “You will never disappoint me, Flora, no matter the circumstances.” He winked playfully. “Besides, I look forward to tutoring you in all aspects of making love.”
She smiled. “I look forward to every lesson.”
They kissed again and afterwards Torin was quick to slip off the only garment his wife wore, then discarded his own garments as fast as he could.
“I should familiarize myself with your body,” Flora said, reaching out to run her hands over his chest. It was somewhat of an excuse since she was eager to touch him, run her hands over all of him and get to know him intimately.
Torin’s shaft sprung to full attention as her hands stroked his body and she was quick to reach for it. He was about to stop her, fearful their evening would end too soon if she touched him, then stopped. He wanted her comfortable with him and eager to touch him anytime she chose to.
“I do love the feel of you,” she said, stroking him gently.
“I am glad that you do,” he said, her innocent touch arousing him far too much. He brushed her hand away gently and was about to scoop her up and place her on the bed when a sudden knock at the door startled them both.
“We found one barely alive,” Kinnell called out. “He does not have much time.”
Torin wanted to punch someone he was so angry that they were yet again interrupted. His wife, however, was already rushing into her garments.
“We will be right there,” Flora called out.
“I wait in the Great Hall,” Kinnell said, and footfalls were heard rushing off.
Flora turned excited eyes on her husband. “Hurry, we must see what he can tell us before it is too late.”
Torin donned his garments knowing she was right, but angry over it anyway, and after grabbing their cloaks, he rushed out the room with his wife.
“Where is he?” Torin demanded when he and Flora entered the Great Hall.
“Iona’s cottage,” Kinnell said. “She is doing what she can to keep him alive, but she fears he does not have much time and urged me to fetch you.”
“Wise of her,” Flora said as they left the keep.
Several torches flared brightly as they made their way through the village and many men mulled about talking while a preponderance of warriors stood guard throughout. Flora realized her husband had taken extreme measures to keep her safe.
The man was having difficulty breathing when Torin and Flora stood beside the bed where he lay. He was soaked through, his skin still wet from his time in the loch and now the bedding as well.”
“He rambles, not knowing what he is saying,” Iona said. “The cold has taken hold. I cannot get him warm fast enough.”
Torin bent over the man. “Who wants Flora dead?”
“Much coin. Much coin,” the man rambled.
“Who pays you this coin?” Torin asked.
The man’s eyes turned wide and struggled to say, “Giant. Giant pulled me out.”
“Who pays the coin?” Torin tried again, knowing the man made no sense thinking the giant helped him.
“Go home. Go home.” A tear trickled from one eye as he barely managed to say, “I want to go home.” He suddenly turned silent, and his breathing turned shallow.
“He will say no more. His time draws near,” Iona said.
“I will have him placed with the others when it is done,” Kinnell said.