Page 72 of Desire

“It won’t take them long, and both will want to rest again as soon as they’re finished,” Garron said. He removed two mattresses and set them in the alcove on the other side of the shoe bench.

“Should we move the tub to make room for them before the hearth?” I asked, glancing at the fire.

“No, Darian is almost done digging and will need that bath after we help him move the privy to the new place. And it’s better to have Liam and Edmund over here. We don’t want to accidentally bump into them while they’re healing, which is why you’re sleeping next to Eadric and not Liam and Edmund tonight.”

I nodded and climbed to the loft for the extra blankets Garron said were stored in a chest. He caught everything I tosseddown, and we had their beds ready by the time they shuffled into the cottage, leaning heavily on Brandle and Eadric.

Edmund paused when he saw me and looked from me to the bed.

“Garron was worried someone would hurt you in their sleep,” I explained.

Edmund grumbled under his breath and made his way to his bed. Eadric helped him lay down while Brandle helped Liam. Sweat dotted Liam’s brow as he eased onto his stomach. I sat by his mattress and gently ran my fingers through his hair.

“Thank you,” he breathed, closing his eyes.

“Tomorrow will be better for both of them,” Brandle said softly.

He left with Garron while I played with Liam’s hair. His breathing evened out after a few minutes, and I looked at Edmund, who was still awake and watching me.

“Is it true?” he asked.

“Is what true?”

“How you woke Darian.”

My cheeks heated. “I kissed him. He rolled us and did…things. I lost control, but Garron said I didn’t hurt Darian.”

Edmund closed his eyes and shook his head.

“Ah, Trouble. You’re lucky they tried gutting me.”

I bit my lip, feeling guilty as I toyed with Liam’s hair.

“Garron said I have nothing to apologize for. That I can’t hurt you and should stop worrying. So you shouldn’t be angry. Please.”

He opened his eyes to look at me.

“Angry? I’m not angry, Trouble. I’m impatient to be the one feeling your nails clawing my back as you find your pleasure with me.”

I forgot to breathe as his hungry gaze held mine.

“Three days. Then, you let me try.”

“Try?” I asked faintly.

“To make you scream like Brandle claims you did for Darian.”

Face flushed and heart racing, I tore my gaze from his and looked down at Liam. I was beginning to wonder if the brothers had been cursed because they said and did the most inappropriate things.

“I’m ready for my bath,” Darian said, striding into the cottage. His gaze found me by Liam. “That looks nice. Will you wash my hair for me? My shoulders are a little sore.”

Edmund mumbled something as he closed his eyes, and I motioned for Darian to be quiet.

“Ach, they would rather listen to us than dwell in silence with their pain,” Darian said. He came over and helped me to my feet. “Will you warm the water for me?”

I nodded and sent my energy into the water as I crossed the room to check the temperature. I’d learned to warm it in increments so I didn’t make it too hot.

When it steamed nicely, I moved to return to Liam. However, Darian caught my arms, preventing me from facing him.

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