Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
“I was thinking,” Esme said and gasped lightly when Ryland’s hand found its way under her garments and slowly up her leg.
He grinned. “I was thinking as well.”
“When I finish,” she said, swatting at his hand.
“You better hurry. I can’t help myself. You are just too irresistible.” He nuzzled her neck with a playful growl.
His teasing sent gooseflesh rushing over her as well as igniting her passion.
She spoke as fast as she could. “If Verna was so loyal to your mum to leave her life behind at Purdom and go with her to Clan Glencairn, then—”
Ryland raised his head. “Then she no doubt was present for my birth.”
“I would think so.”
“We’ll find out tomorrow if she’s still with the clan,” Ryland said and stood bringing Esme to her feet. “Now off with your garments,” he ordered as he striped his off. “I intend to please the woman I love more than once tonight.”
Esme smiled as she hastily shed her garments. “That is a promise I intend to see you keep.”
The night sentinels were finishing the morning meal, some having already left eager to get some sleep. Brenna had been summoned to tend one of the warriors who had suffered an injury to his ankle and Brack sat at the table on the dais discussing the day’s duties with Ryland.
Ryland decided to test what Esme had confided in him about Brack and Brenna.
“Brenna.”
His shout startled everyone at the dais and had Brenna dropping the cloth in her hand.
She stooped, picked it up, and before standing straight, he caught the way her eyes darted quickly and briefly to Brack and how his eyes held hers for a mere moment and his body stiffened.
“How may I help you, my lord?” Brenna said with a slight quiver in her voice.
Ryland tapped the side of his head. “I was thinking. You are a good healer. I am pleased with your work.” He saw Brenna’s shoulders lose their tension and Brack reached for his tankard as if needing a drink. “It is time I reward you. I have decided to find you a husband.”
The ale spewed from Brack’s mouth, and he coughed so badly that Brenna hurried to his side.
Esme jabbed Ryland in the side and turned a stern look on him.
He leaned down to whisper. “A little fun.”
“Little,” she repeated and jabbed him in the side again.
“I’m… all right. Don’t… fuss,” Brack said, brushing Brenna away while he continued to cough until he was finally able to speak without gasping for a breath. “It went down the wrong way. I have no need for your help. Be gone with you,” he ordered when she hadn’t left his side.
Ryland saw it then, the sadness on her face and he caught Brack’s hand brushing over hers as if he was shooing her away, yet his fingers lingered a bit there. How had he been blind to this?
“A husband will do you good,” Ryland said firmly. “Besides, the clan needs to grow. You’ll need a virile man for that. One who will seed you with many bairns.” He got another jab in the side for that one and he almost laughed.
Esme joined in. “Shouldn’t Brenna be allowed to choose her own husband?”
Ryland rubbed his chin, then shook his head. “Nay, it is my duty to see she gets the perfect man for her. A strong, potent man.”
Brenna’s shoulders sagged again, and Esme feared she was about to cry. Feeling terrible for the uncalled-for misery, she kicked Ryland under the table.
“Ouch!” Ryland cried out.
“Forgive me, my lord,” Esme said, looking repentant. “I didn’t mean to kick you, a cramp got my leg, but it’s fading now, and I am certain it will be gone soon.”
Ryland got her clear warning and turned to Brack. “I know this is a lot to ask of you, but you are loyal to Clan Glencairn, and I am sure you will make the sacrifice. I want you to wed Brenna.”
Brack stared at him speechless.
Esme jumped in. “Would Brack be acceptable to you, Brenna?”
The joy in her eyes was hard not to notice. “Brack is a good man. I would not mind having him as a husband, if he will have me.”
Brack suddenly found his voice. “I will sacrifice for the clan, though it will not be a difficult one since the healer is a good woman.”
“Good. See it done, Brack. Send to the abbey for a cleric to wed you both before winter sets in hard.”
Brack stood. “I will get one here right away, my lord.”
“Walk with Brack, Brenna, so you both can talk and come to know each other better,” Ryland ordered.
Brack turned to Ryland and stared at him, looking as if he was about to say something but didn’t. He bobbed his head and he and Brenna turned to walk away.
“Wait, Brack,” Ryland called out.