Page 65 of Tamed for Her Pleasure

The fine clothes emphasize just how huge he is. The admiring glances of the ladies in the assembled crowd do not escape my notice.

I do not let it bother me, for I know he is mine. This wedding is merely a formality as we bridge the gap between our two cultures in ways that are acceptable to both.

The hide dress I acquired holds pride of place in my closet among the silk gowns. I plan to purchase a few more to add to the collection. When we return to our estate tomorrow, the barbarian version of our bed will be waiting for us. In the privacy of our home, we can be whatever we want to be.

I only know that he makes me a better version of myself. He says the same of me. And isn’t that the most beautiful thing about love? That somebody loves us as we are, yet also changes us in gentle, encouraging ways for the better.

As I stand in the temple of Pershore and say the words of commitment, I feel them in the deepest, most pervasive of ways. Looking into his eyes, I understand that the tie between us goes both ways, that my love for him is equal and opposite to his love for me. Somewhere high above, my mother is with the Goddess and looks down with pride.

“You may now kiss your wife,” the celebrant says.

Alfred grins. My eyes narrow. He has been coached in the acceptable and unacceptable ways to kiss a wife after the ceremony.

He winks at me. My heart does that little flutter thing it does so often around him, which I hope shall never wear off. He is gentle as he slips one arm around my waist, lulling me into a hope that he’s not going to do anything untoward.

A gasp escapes my lips as he tips me backward. My hand goes to my headdress, lest it fall to the floor.

I hear guffaws from the crowd, which are assuredly not all from his clansmen and clanswomen who have joined us here today.

He smirks.

I give my head a little warning shake.

He kisses me chastely on the lip, then rights me before taking my hand in his.

Why do I feel strangely cheated? What has he done to me to make me crave his wicked, barbarian ways?

He looks down at my hand and toys with the slim band of gold on my finger. There is a gleam in his eyes. “I like this band,” he says, for my ears only. “It is evidence that you are claimed.”

I turn his hand over and point at the similar band on his finger. “Likewise,husband. You, too, have been claimed.”

He chuckles. “Never doubt it. We barbarians are very picky, but once we find our one, there can be no other choice.”

Alfred

She thinks I am on my best behavior and I can see she is disappointed about it. Oh, she tries to maintain a civilized facade, but I fear it is all too late when I have already corrupted her to my barbarian ways.

She has taken well to rutting and knotting, and her pregnancy makes her greedy for me and my cock.

I cannot give her a home of my own making, or other physical things. She has wealth and an army to keep her safe. But I can give her my life and my love and as much hot rutting as her sweet body can endure. She is shameless for my attention, and it is my duty to keep her well-sated lest she ever doubt my love.

Penelope

We are ushered into the adjoining annex, where we will sign the official documents proclaiming us husband and wife.

Alfred is worryingly well-behaved as we sign the documents, and doesn’t even try to pat my ass or sneak another kiss.

“We are done now?” he asks casually, and in a way that snags my attention. “Penelope is finally mywife?”

He says the word wife with emphasis and a familiar glint in his eye. I have a feeling my fierce barbarian likes the sound of my new title.

“She is,” the celebrant confirms with a broad smile.

“Good. Now, I need a moment alone with my woman,” Alfred says.

“Alfred?” I feel my cheeks heat.

“Moment?” my father asks, his brows pulling together.

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