Page 75 of Brighter Than Gold

Reyah went wide-eyed and didn’t know whether to laugh or gawk.

“I’m serious. He needs a strong woman, and I know if he’s married you, then you mustn’t be nearly as meek as you let on.”

As far as compliments go, that was probably the nicest thing Yates had ever said, and thankfully, Reyah blushed.

“I’ll do my best,” she whispered back.

Yates’ voice went low and solemn when she spoke next. “And take care of my niece or nephew.”

Reyah’s brows pinched, and she nodded. “I will.”

“Callan. Don’t take your eyes off her.”

“Not for a moment, Yates,” I promised wholeheartedly.

“All right, go, before you lose all of the daylight.”

Reyah curtsied and I gave Yates a knowing nod, which she returned.

An hour later the sun had dipped down past the horizon, and our horses plodded through the melting snow towards the distant lights of a small town. Reyah and I hadn’t spoken much, I think we shared a weariness about traveling again.

“I have to pee,” she announced unceremoniously.

“You peed when we left.”

She glared at me, and I felt genuinely nervous. What did I know about pregnant women, anyway?

“Right.”

We pulled the horses off the road and Reyah slipped down from the saddle. She pulled up the heavy skirts to trod off into the woods when she suddenly unleashed a sharp shriek of frustration.

“Reyah?”

“I’m so fucking tired of this!” With each word she tore and shucked off her many layers, until she was standing in only a thin cotton slip.

“What?” she barked at me, as I stared with a smile.

“You’re fucking beautiful.” That caught her off guard. I couldn’t tell if she was flushed with sweat or blushing at my comment, but her porcelain skin grew pink.

“Hold that thought,” she said, and raced behind a bush. I chuckled. How was this girl the same pain in my ass from the market? The same stubborn woman with the broken foot who wouldn’t let me help her in The Bullfrog?

I was stunned a minute later when a heavy, wet snowball crashed into my chest. I looked up to where Reyah had been, and caught just a glimpse of her through the baren trees.

Moonlight cascaded over her naked body, her dark hair was loose and tumbling over her bare breasts. I caught the glint of her smile, just before she turned from me, and ran.

I didn’t waste a second in chasing her, some carnal instinct took over and I was running before I knew it. She had a good start on me, but I knew I had the stamina for the chase. I followed her lighthearted laugh through the woods, and the quick glances I caught of her through the trees were like something out a fairy tale. Her hair whipping behind her, the shine in her blue eyes when she peered over her shoulder to see how close I’d gotten.

I didn’t want my cock to ruin such an incredible moment, but it was urging me on as fast as my heart was.

When she was just within reach, I lunged forward and wrapped my arms around her middle, pulling her down into the snow on top of me. Her laughter was so pure I couldn’t help the smile on my lips.

“Well, you caught me,” she said out of breath and relaxing into me. “What are you going to do with me now?”

“Probably take a nap,” I wheezed. “You’re a lot faster than I gave you credit for.” She laughed again and lowered her mouth to mine. The kiss was light and playful. She nipped at my lower lip until I groaned, and then she released it with a look in her eye that made my blood instantly heat. Her pupils surged as I made for my jacket, and she readily helped me strip away the layers. I was surprised when my naked skin finally met hers.

“You’re cold!”

She laughed again.

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