Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
CHAPTER SIX
Private Griffin
It takes my staunchest willpower not to leave the barracks too early to meet Mercy. Being away from her for these last several hours has been hell, but I can’t risk making the other men suspicious. They’re well used to me being a lone wolf and spending time on my own, however, so they don’t question me when I mutter that I’m taking a walk and head for the rear of the convent.
Tonight I’m going to ask Mercy to marry me.
I don’t have a ring yet, but I will not wait to make her mine.
I need the words out of her mouth. I am yours, Griffin.
I’m jealous of our maker for having received her vow, when I have not.
When I have her agreement, I will take her from this place and make her a home. Give her children and spoil her until she pouts when she doesn’t get her way. I want that with an urgency that defies explanation.
I’ve been foolish to think love couldn’t bring me to my knees. Fate was merely waiting for my soul mate to come along and now I’m a believer in…hell, fairy tales, I guess. Isn’t that what this is? She’s an angel and I’m a bloody soldier and she redeems me with her touch, her smile, her presence. My chest used to lie hollow, but now it’s so full, the seams of my very fabric as a man are being tested.
Not to mention the seams of my uniform pants.
I’m rock hard, as usual, in anticipation of having her near.
My angel baby is a secret sexpot.
Her excitement over seeing my cock for the first time will forever be etched into my memory. That was not a virginal reaction, but she couldn’t be less educated or experienced when it comes to fucking. She didn’t even know about her clitoris, for chrissakes. And yet, she came to life when I peeled back the sheet to reveal my dick, her nipples budding, thighs squeezing together. With the slightest encouragement, I think she would have taken me in her mouth.
I slow to a stop, groaning into the crook of my elbow. If I don’t stop thinking of sweet, little Mercy sucking my cock, I’m going to come in my pants and that’s not going to work. Next time I find relief, I will be nine deep inside this girl I love.
Jesus Christ. I love her.
My heart bangs against my ribcage. I thought if this ever happened to me, I would be miserable. Or perhaps the recipient of a head injury. But realizing I’m in love with Mercy is nothing like that. No, it’s like being set free. It’s hope.
I’m distracted by my thoughts when I hear voices approaching.
Not wanting to be seen on my way to the convent in the middle of the night, I step into the shadows, narrowing my eyes as the captain comes into view in the distance, Mother Superior at his side. They’re having a low conversation, complete with a lot of wild hand gestures. What the hell could they be speaking about at this time of night that couldn’t wait until tomorrow?
This is not the first time that Mother Superior’s demeanor has struck me as odd. It’s almost like she’s anxious about something, but about what?
Mother Superior and the captain walk out of view, still deep in conversation, and I make a mental note to do some digging into the elderly nun in the morning. Anyone who associates with Mercy is now a concern of mine and I don’t care how trustworthy they appear to be, they’ll face the scrutiny of a protective husband.
If she says yes.
Unease trickles into my chest, but I ignore it. Of course she’s going to say yes. She might have had doubts about my intentions before, but I made it clear this afternoon in her bed that I’ve claimed her. That means forever. I’m committed to her until my heart gives out—and if she still has uncertainties, I’ll smash them to pieces tonight and leave no room for anything but her trust.
And God willing, her love.
I reach the door and knock once. It opens to reveal Mercy in her robe and habit. She’s a far cry from the girl I orgasmed in her slip this afternoon, but she’s no less beautiful. I can’t stop myself from pulling her up against me and slanting our mouths together, swallowing her answering whimper with newfound greed. Mine, mine, mine. This woman is mine.
Pride dances in my blood when I pull back to find her pink-cheeked and bleary eyed. “Hello,” she murmurs, swaying toward me. “You smell nice.”
A bite back a laugh. “So do you.”
She bounces a little. “I haven’t been outside in days.”
When I build her a home, she’ll have a safe place to be outdoors. As much as she fucking wants. “Come on.” I thread our fingers together and watch her breath catch. Damn, mine catches, too. “There’s a field not too far from here.”