Page 39 of Pregnant With Their Babes

Dagr heard the complaints of the men, but knew the crew would fall in line behind their quartermaster. As the crew scurried away from the water’s edge and went back to their business, Dagr took a few steps closer. He stared down into the inky water and chuckled, wondering what he thought he might see.

Before he was about to march away, he thought he saw something surveying him from the depths. A tendril of something rose from the water and wrapped around him. Power coursed through him at the touch. Frozen, he continued to watch… but whatever it had been quickly faded from sight. After searching another few moments, he decided he had too little sleep the night before.

Nightmares and fictions were swirling all around him. He marched back up onto the deck. Llyr stood at the end of the gangway, smiling… and another shiver raced up Dagr’s spine.

But this one was different. There was no fear in it, only lust.

And there was no tingling to his skin—not in the way magic set him off.

“Are we underway soon?”

Llyr’s smile chased away some of the chill. “Yes… soon.”

7

Later that night, Llyr rolled to his side on the small cot in the cabin they’d given him to use. A ray of moonlight cast itself through the darkness, the sole illumination. He stared at the circle of light from the porthole and thought about what occurred in the cabin next to him. Oz and Dagr were sharing the captain’s stateroom in order to give him a bed.

All Llyr wanted to do was to join them. His attempt at seduction had failed before it even began. He’d come between the two men, and refused to do it again. So how in the hell did he manage to get the help he needed before his time ran out?

He feared it wouldn’t happen—especially with Dagr’s denials. He cuddled into the blankets covering him, unable to sleep. They smelled of Dagr. Llyr frowned, wishing the man was able to yield. Just a little bit, but that seemed impossible.

Llyr lifted a hand to his face; heat filled his palm. He frowned, kicking off the blankets. His body felt strange. His stomach clenched. When it was apparent he’d find no comfort, he slid from the bed to seek out fresh air.

Before he could reach for the knob, a knock came to his door. He stiffened.

After Llyr had crossed the room and opened the door, he found Oz stood behind it. Moonlight washed over the captain, making him more handsome looking. A broad smile stretched over his face.

“I would like to invite you to my quarters for a nightcap.”

A smile came to Llyr’s lips. “What is anight cap?”

“In theory, it’s a drink taken before bed meant to help you sleep. In actuality, it’s typically a contrivance to get someone alone so you can persuade them into your bed.”

More heat slammed into Llyr. He was already sweltering. “You desire me in your bed?”

Oz took a half step, filling up the doorway with his big, strong body. He leaned on the frame and tilted his head in a way that was quite endearing… and nearly caused Llyr to moan. “I think the better question is—doyouwish to be in my bed?”

“You… or you and Dagr?”

“HeandI,” Oz murmured.

Llyr’s smile faded. While he wanted them both—desperately—they didn’t wanthimwith equal measure. “I’m not sure Dagr desires my company.”

“Dagr does a very good job of fighting his passions,” Oz said before entering the cabin and dropping on top of the small bunk. His large frame only made it appear smaller. How Dagr slept there, Llyr didn’t know. “I happen to understand just how close to the edge he is. One push and my friendwillfall.”

“He made it very clear he refused to fall victim to my charms. No matter how much he was driven to.”

Oz sighed. “He’s obstinate. Sometimes logical to a fault. But he needs you, Llyr. He needs you in his life.”

Then why isn’thehere?Llyr wasn’t quite convinced Dagr felt as Oz did. Yes, he saw the latent need in the man’s face, but also staggering distrust. There seemed to be nothing he could do to convince Dagr he was what he claimed to be. By the time he had the proof, it would be too late for them. He’d have to return to the ocean and leave them both behind.

“He’s much more to you than a friend,” Llyr said as Oz drew him between two thick thighs. “You should call him something else.”

A wry smile came to Oz’s lips as he gazed up at Llyr. Moonlight washed over his handsome face. “I wish there was a name that could encapsulate what he is to me. You’re right. Friend is nowhere close to being enough.” Oz’s smile paled. “Which is why I need to find someone to protect his heart once I’m gone.”

He’d protect both their hearts if he could. “Who will protect yours?”

Oz’s smile faded more. An earnest light came to his eyes. “I’m not concerned with that.”

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