Page 23 of The Orc's Stolen Bride

"But?"

"But I am responsible for bringing her here, for dragging her away from her world. How can I be so selfish as to-"

He broke off abruptly, but Lothar was already shaking his head.

"You didn't bring her here. Wold brought her. Don't you think it is even more foolish to ignore a gift from Wold. What if he decides to punish you for your rejection of his offering?"

"Is that what I am doing?" he asked slowly.

"That's what it looks like. For once, put aside your overgrown sense of responsibility and let yourself have what you really desire. What you need," his brother added quietly.

"I... I will think on it."

"You do that. And stop beating up your warriors."

He laughed and agreed, going to meet with the chief herdsmen instead. Lothar's words haunted him all day. As much as he wanted to believe them, was it only because they aligned with his desires? Or was he really rejecting the gift he'd been given. By the time he went to the Great Hall for the evening meal, he was more confused than ever.

He immediately noticed that Kari wasn't in her usual place. Was something wrong? Before he could panic, Merow intercepted him.

"Your bride would like you to join her for a private meal tonight," she said, her eyes twinkling.

"Really?"

"Yes. Now go. And stop being an idiot."

Did everyone think him a fool? Perhaps he was. He decided to tell Kari about his doubts and see what she thought. But when he entered their bedroom, all thoughts of talk disappeared.

She was reclining against the pillows, her beautiful body more revealed than concealed by a length of sheer golden silk. His gaze hungrily traveled up her pale, rounded legs and across her curved belly to the silk pooling between her full, luscious breasts. The silky blond hair that covered her fitti was a beacon drawing him in.

"Hello, my mate," she murmured, and held out her arms to him.

The delicious scent of her arousal washed over him, and the Curse surged up. He was dimly aware of groaning with relief as the raging need in his blood receded. He shrugged out of his clothing as he stalked to the bed, then pulled her into his arms.

He pressed a kiss to her soft neck, licking her silken skin to savor her taste.

"I've been thinking about you all day," she said softly. "It's time to finish what we started this morning."

He growled and traced the edge of the silk across her chest, then slowly lifted it away, revealing her gorgeous breasts, the nipples already pink and swollen, begging to be kissed. He obliged, drawing one into his mouth and sucking eagerly. He was dimly aware that he wasn't being as gentle as usual, but she arched against him, tangling her hands in his hair and pulling him closer.

His hand slid down to cup her ass, squeezing her soft flesh as he continued to torment her nipples. He slipped his hand under her to raise her even higher against him and her thigh rubbed against his aching cock. He growled again as desire surged through him.

"I need you."

"You have me," she whispered, her eyes shining.

"No, I need -"

He didn't know how to tell her what he wanted, but hre hand slipped between them, touching his cock and he shuddered.

"I know," she said softly. "I need it too. Need you."

Her hand slipped up to his chest, over his rapidly pounding heart.

"I need this."

Her eyes met his, warm and full of acceptance, and he gave into the need burning through him. He bent his head to her breasts again, stroking and suckling, pinching her other nipple with his fingers, relishing her moans. When he drew back, she was flushed and panting, and the heady scent of her arousal nearly made his head spin.

Her legs were spread wide for him as he positioned himself above her, her soft curls damp and inviting around her tiny entrance. She reached for him and he came willingly, his weight braced on his elbows as he kissed her passionately.

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