Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
They mated in a frenzied love, their movements natural, demanding, tender and forceful.
Reena loved the freedom of loving him as she chose, and he loved allowing her that freedom, and their powerful climaxes reflected their unselfish love. It was something Magnus had never experienced before and Reena had never known. They lingered against each other, Reena spent, her damp body stretched out over him, Magnus content with her there on top of him.
They eventually slipped beneath the blankets and cuddled in each other’s arms, drifting off to sleep—but not before they both at the same time turned and whispered, “I love you.”
Chapter 26
The days that followed were made for lovers. The sun shone bright, the birds chirped in song, the buds on the trees began to blossom, along with Magnus and Reena’s love.
They hugged, they touched, and they kissed and spent much time off on their own. Sunsets were a favorite time of theirs, and sunrises, and they watched both wrapped in each other’s arms, safe and very much in love.
Reena learned more about her soon-to-be husband, and what she learned often moved her to tears. His dark helmet was certainly a mask, for it hid his true nature from the world. She understood why he so often wore it. His caring heart had difficulty accepting what was necessary to his warrior side, and the helmet hid his true self.
They finished their mapping in four days’ time, both Reena and Magnus eager to return to the keep and have time to themselves. The weather remained dry so cave dwelling was not necessary, and the loving couple found little chance to be alone.
And with the improving weather Magnus wondered over Kilkern’s intentions. He sent word ahead to the keep informing them of their imminent return, and after several private discussions with his men, Reena demanded to know what was being kept from her.
“I cannot protect myself if I do not even know I need to protect myself,” she said to Magnus after he returned from a discussion with his men that obviously appeared worrisome.
“I protect you, that is all you need to know,” he said after mounting his horse.
“Nay, it is not,” she insisted, holding tight to the reins of her horse and her temper. “I am not some meek-minded, weak-willed woman who quivers in fear when threatened. I will defend myself when necessary and be aware when necessary.”
“You are more of a woman than I counted on.” He smiled. “In more ways than one.”
She grinned wide, and her annoyance faded. “Aye, that I am. Now stop attempting to misdirect me, and tell me what goes on.”
Magnus knew it was useless to argue with her. She would see to having her way one way or the other, and the thought filled him with a sense of peace. He loved a strong and courageous woman, whom he was proud of and would love until his dying day and beyond.
“Kilkern’s men have been seen near the keep.”
Brigid was busy kneading dough for her bread when Thomas entered her cottage. His somber expression warned her that there was a problem, and her hands stopped.
“Are Reena and Magnus all right?”
Thomas walked over to her and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. “They are fine and should return to the keep before nightfall.”
“Then what is wrong?” she asked, nervous to hear his answer.
“Kilkern’s men are near the keep.”
She immediately wrapped her arms around him as far as she could get them and buried her head in his massive chest.
“Do not worry, no one will touch you. You are safe with me.”
She drew a deep breath and stepped away from him, though he was reluctant to let her go. “I cannot understand why Kilkern does this to me.”
“It is simple. You are beautiful and he wants you.”
Brigid’s eyes filled with tears. “He will use me and discard me at his whim.”
Thomas’s face turned red with anger. “I will not let him. He will not hurt the woman I love.”
Brigid was stunned silent, as was Thomas, who turned a deeper shade of red after realizing he’d blurted out what he had kept hidden in his heart since the first moment he’d met her.
“Oh, Thomas,” she said and wept.
Her tears alarmed him. “It is all right, Brigid, you need not love me in return. I am not foolish enough to think a woman as beautiful as you could love a man as ugly as me.”
Brigid wiped at her tears. “You most certainly are not ugly.”
Thomas took a step away from her and stretched his arms out from his sides. “Look at me, Brigid, I am ugly.”
Brigid walked up to him and ran a flour-covered finger down his nose and over his cheeks, leaving a powdered trail. “You are a handsome man with a huge heart.”
He blushed and could not look at her. “My heart belongs only to you.”