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)
Another gasp rushed to escape Bria, but she held it back and grabbed hold of his arms, squeezing them. Pleasure consumed her so much more than the first time they joined, and she found herself moving eagerly beneath him.
It was such an amazing feeling, and it grew stronger as his thrusts grew stronger. Then she felt it, as if she stood at the edge waiting to fall into what she could not wait to find out.
Kaelan saw it in her eyes and felt it in the way she thrust against him. Then he felt it, saw her mouth drop open and he lowered his head to capture her scream in his mouth.
It sent Kaelan over the edge and he exploded with her, so very glad his wife cared more about coupling with him than where they coupled.
After several minutes, he moved off her, pulling her garments down and taking her in his arms to tuck her to his side as he lay down on his back.
“We truly are meant for each other,” Bria said softly as if the truth of it had finally settled into her.
“Aye, that we are,” he agreed. “But the next time we join it—”
She pressed her fingers to his lips. “It will be most welcome wherever it is.”
“So, you cannot get enough of me?” he asked with a chuckle.
“I fear I may be greedy and tire you out.”
She said it so seriously that Kaelan laughed. “Trust me, wife, that will never happen.”
“Don’t be so sure,” she said, poking him in the chest.
“Never ever,” he said, poking her in the side and laughed again.
She laughed, his finger tickling her. “I am relieved to know that.”
“Good, but tell me, who is Henry?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
A Troll
In Need of a Comfort Healer
Bria woke slowly and smiled before she even opened her eyes. Kaelan’s arm remained wrapped securely around her waist, his warmth surrounding her as completely as the cloak covering them.
Though the situation itself was dire, she was happy, happier than she had ever been. She finally experienced for herself what it meant to fall in love, and it was grand.
She smiled and breathed deeply, his scent a mixture of things, fresh cut pine, rich dark earth, and some she still could not place but continued to favor.
The cave was quiet except for Kaelan’s light breathing. She glanced around beyond the entrance and saw that the sky had begun to lighten.
Sunrise was not far off, and it had been a while since she had watched one.
Careful not to wake him, she eased herself free, got to her feet, and slipped outside, raking her fingers through her rumpled hair until it fell smoothly.
The air carried the cool crispness that arrived just before dawn. The eastern horizon glowed faintly with streaks of pale gold and soft pink.
For several moments she simply stood there enjoying the peace.
Then she spotted Henry.
The troll sat atop a nearby boulder, his enormous frame silhouetted against the growing light. He appeared lost in thought.
Bria approached slowly. “Good morning, Henry.”
The troll nearly toppled off the rock. “You know name?”
Bria smiled. “Aye, I do.”
A grin spread slowly across his broad face. No one had ever looked so pleased simply to hear their own name. And he seemed not to care how she knew it.
“Good sleep?” he asked.
Bria settled herself on a nearby stone. “I did and you?”
He nodded. “Slept good.”
For a time, they watched the sunrise together, the silence feeling comfortable.
She finally spoke, wanting to learn more about the troll. “Do you have family, Henry?”
Henry’s smile disappeared.
The change was immediate.
“Grammy.”
Bria waited and when he remained silent, she said, “So, you only have your grammy?”
Sadness filled his large eyes as he nodded.
“You miss her?”
“Much,” Henry said, “but Ogga says Henry no go home.”
Bria’s heart ached for him. “Why?”
Henry picked at a loose thread on his sleeve, saying nothing.
Just when she thought he would say no more, he spoke.
“Ogga hurt Grammy.”
The words struck her hard and any fear she had for the witch turned to anger.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
Henry’s large hands clenched. “Ogga say if Henry no listen…” His voice faltered. “Grammy get hurt.”
Bria’s anger rose instantly. “She threatened your grammy?”
Again, Henry nodded, though this time tears glistened briefly in his dark eyes, but he blinked them away quickly.
“Grammy old.” His voice cracked. “Only family left.”
Bria reached out and placed her hand gently over one of his. His fingers were enormous compared to hers. The vision came quickly, an old, woman troll smiling as she hung a large shirt on a tree limb to dry.
“Your grammy loves you so very much,” she said without thinking.
A tear ran down Henry’s cheek.
For the first time since meeting him, Bria realized how lonely he truly was.
“Henry protect Grammy.”
The determination in his voice surprised her.
“Aye,” Bria said softly. “You do.”
The rays of sunlight filled the horizon then, bathing the hills in gold.