Bound by Joy (Cauld Ane Series, #8)

by Piper Davenport

  “Almost nine.”

  She groaned, peering up at him through one eye. “Why are you waking me so early, you evil man?”

  “Because I made breakfast.”

  “You did?” she asked.

  “Yes. I didn’t know if you were a breakfast in bed person or not, so I’m waking you to find out.”

  Kenna giggled. “I’m a sleep-in-until-noon person, eliminating the need for questions about breakfast in bed.”

  “So, lunch in bed?”

  “Sleep, reading, and sex in bed. No food,” she said, definitively.

  “Mmm, I’m all for sex in bed.”

  She slid her hands in his hair. “Didn’t you say you already made breakfast?”

  “Do coffee and toast count?”

  “Good lord, you’re lucky you’re cute.”

  He grinned, leaning down to kiss her. Kenna pushed him onto his back and wrapped her fingers around his hardening length and slid her hand down, cupping him before taking his cock into her mouth. Gunnar hissed, fisting his hands in her hair.

  She worked his cock, taking him deeper and deeper into her mouth, until she felt his body stiffen and he tugged on her hair gently. She continued to suck until he exploded inside of her and she swallowed all of it. She kept her mouth firmly around him until his cock stopped pulsing and he growled, “On your knees.”

  She shifted onto on all fours and raised her bottom high to receive him. Gunnar guided himself inside of her and she dropped her head back at the sensation.

  “You want it deeper?” Gunnar asked.

  “Yes,” she said with a whimper.

  He slammed into her again, and Kenna didn’t want him to stop, but when he slid one hand between her legs and fingered her clit, she cried out as she buried her face in the mattress while he continued to thrust into her. After a few more thrusts, his body locked, and he wrapped his arms around her, gently rolling them so they were spooning, staying connected as he kissed the back of her neck. “God, that was amazing.”

  “Aye,” she agreed.

  “Are you awake now?”

  “Aye,” she said, and he chuckled.

  “Okay, elskan, I’ll meet you on the balcony.”

  She nodded, catching her breath and then she joined Gunnar for breakfast on the balcony.

  The water was still, and the sun glistened over it, making it look like glass. “So, Reykjavík Harbor sits where, exactly?”

  “Faxaflói,” he said.

  “Does that lead out to the Atlantic?” Kenna asked.

  “Eventually.”

  “You can see for miles,” she breathed out.

  “I know. As soon as I toured this flat, I knew I had to have it.”

  She smiled. “I don’t think I need to go back to Scotland.”

  Gunnar chuckled. “You might change your mind when we have babies. You may want your sisters close.”

  “Hmm, yes, babies. I didn’t think about bairns.” She turned her head to look at him. “How many do you want?”

  “How many do you want to give me?”

  “Two?”

  He nodded. “Two is perfect.”

  She turned back to the water. “You’re right, I probably will want to be close to my family when we have kids,” she conceded.

  “Why don’t we buy a place in Edinburgh? My business and charity interests can be managed from anywhere, so anytime you feel homesick, we’ll head to Scotland, and whenever we want to be here, we’ll be here.”

  She sighed. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  “How close are Ari and Megan?”

  “They live about fifteen minutes away. They’ll be home from Charlotte’s in a few days, so we’ll have them over if you want to.”

  “I’d love to,” Kenna said. “Especially if I can cook.”

  “You can most definitely cook, elskan.” Gunnar grinned, rising to his feet so he could lean over her. “Are you ready to explore?”

  “Yes! I can’t wait.”

  He took her cup from her and led her back into the house. Pulling out his phone, he fired off a text and slid the phone into his pocket. “The car is here. We’ll start in the middle of the city and go from there. I have a lunch reservation for us at Grillmarkadurinn. It’s one of my favorite restaurants, so now it’s my turn to impress you.”

  “Well, now I’m hungry all over again,” Kenna complained, and wrapped her arms around his waist.

  He patted her bottom, leaning down to kiss her. “Don’t worry, elskan. I will feed you.”

  She bit her lip. “Now I’m hungry in a different way.”

  Gunnar dropped his head back with a groan. “Baby, you’re killing me.”

  Kenna giggled. “Am I too much for you already?”

  “We could skip the tour of the city,” he said. “Just head to lunch directly from here.”

  She licked her lips. “We could also tour the city after lunch.”

  Gunnar lifted her off her feet and she wrapped her legs around his waist. “That’s a great idea.”

  Kenna slid her fingers through his hair as he carried her back to the bedroom. “Shouldn’t you tell Cedrik we’re going to be late?”

  “Priorities, elskan. I plan to get you naked first.”

  “Well, hurry up, then.”

  Gunnar laughed and did as he was told.

  * * *

  Two hours later, Kenna followed Gunnar out of the apartment and down to the car. They were fifteen minutes late for their reservation, but apparently, it wasn’t a problem for the popular restaurant.

  “I hate being late,” she confessed as they took their seats.

  The server handed them their menus and then walked away.

  “We’re fine, sweetheart. I know the chef.”

  “That’s not really the point,” she countered.

  He peeked at her over the menu before laying it down. “This really bothers you.”

  “Yes, I suppose it does,” she admitted. “I’ve spent a big chunk of my life organizing four very strong-willed men, along with a crew of a hundred, making sure they got where they needed to be, on time. It’s ingrained in me that if one person is late, it can have frustrating and sometimes expensive consequences.” She sighed. “Perhaps I’m overreacting.”

  “Or perhaps you’re just being sensitive to people. That’s something kind, sweetheart. You can help me with this area, I’m sure of it.”

  “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”

  “You didn’t.” He reached out and took her hand. “Am I concerned that being fifteen minutes late to a restaurant will have dire consequences? No. Mostly, because I know Birgir, and he has always said I have an open invitation to come whenever I please. He and I went to school together, so we’ve known each other for a long time. However, is it a rule that I could follow a little more closely in other areas? Yes.”

  “Thank you.”

  He grinned. “Would you like me to order for you?”

  “I think I’m okay.” She glanced over the menu. “My Icelandic is better than I remember.”

  Gunnar chuckled. “Having a brother living here probably helps.”

  “Aye, it does. Although, when he swears, he usually reverts to Gaelic.”

  “Good to know.”

  The smiling server returned with glasses of water and asked, “Eruð þið tilbúin að panta?” (Are you ready to order?)

  “Skötusel, takk,” Kenna said. (Monkfish, please)

  Gunnar laid the menu down and glanced up at the server. “Grillað lamba prime, takk.” (Grilled prime of lamb.)

  He ordered wine for each of them as well, and then the server took their menus and left them.

  Kenna took a sip of her water and smiled. “I’m glad we’re walking the city after this, because I have a feeling I’m going to be stuffed.”

  “The food here is excellent, so you are correct in that assessment.” He smoothed his napkin over his knee. “What time are we expected tonight?”

  “Six,”
Kenna said. “I have little gifts for the kids, but I’d like to stop and grab some wine before we go, if that’s okay.”

  “No. We don’t buy wine here,” he joked.

  Kenna giggled. “Then we’re definitely living in Scotland full time.”

  Gunnar grinned. “On the living and visiting subject, Kaspar has asked if we want to join them early December and stay until after the New Year. We could also ask them here.”

  “Right, Christmas at your brother’s?”

  “Já. Is there a problem?”

  She bit her lip. “I’ve just never been away from my family at Christmastime. Generally, if we can’t go to Nevin, he comes to us. Our family’s always together for the holidays.”

  “How would they feel about joining everyone at Kaspar and Jesska’s? Their house is big enough and I know we would enjoy it.”

  “I’ll ask Nevin tonight and then we can work on the rest of the family. Angus is bound to Fiona now, so he may stay with the Gunnachs’. Gillian is usually quite flexible.” She didn’t know what to do about Payton and Brodie. She couldn’t imagine spending a holiday without her youngest sister.

  “Sweetheart, we can stay with your family instead. I know you’re especially close with Payton, so whatever you want to do is fine.”

  She gave him a shy smile. “I forget that you can read my mind.”

  “I don’t know why you didn’t feel you could tell me that... out loud.”

  “Because I’m a people pleaser.”

  Gunnar smiled. “Well, now it’s time for people to please you.”

  “I’m sure it will all work out.”

  “Yes, it will... once you tell me what you want to do.”

  “I’ll have to think about it.”

  “Fair enough.” He reached for her hand again. “I love you, Kenna.”

  “I love you too.”

  The server arrived with their food and they focused on the culinary delights that had been placed in front of them before heading out to stroll through the city.

  They’d just turned down Laugavegur when Gunnar guided Kenna into a lovely little boutique jewelry store and up to the counter. An elderly man gave Gunnar a huge smile and clapped his hands. “Herra Baldursson, velkomin.”

  “Herra Fjólarsson,” Gunnar said, and switched to English. “This is my wife, Kenna.”

  “Lovely to meet you,” he said.

  “It’s lovely to meet you too.”

  “Do you have the rings?” Gunnar asked.

  “Yes, yes. I’ll be just a moment.”

  He scurried into the back room and Kenna squeezed Gunnar’s hand. “What’s going on?”

  “My wife needs a wedding ring.”

  She bounced a little as she grinned up at him. “Yes, yes, she does. But you need one as well.”

  “We’re getting them now.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her nose. “Plus I have a little surprise for you.”

  “I thought the wedding rings were the surprise.”

  “Here we are,” Mr. Fjólarsson said as he returned. He settled a black velvet tray on the counter and Kenna gasped at the rings on display.

  “Pick whichever one you like,” Gunnar said. “And if these aren’t to your taste, we’ll order whatever you want.”

  Kenna clasped her fingers at her chest and leaned in to get a closer look. She had been alive long enough to amass a small fortune of her own, but even so, she was still Scottish and tended to fall on the frugal side. These rings were a beautiful gluttony of diamonds. Some with emeralds, some with sapphires, but she was drawn to one that was just diamonds. The white gold band was designed with intricately woven filigree and tiny diamonds up the sides. A huge princess cut diamond sat proudly in the middle and Kenna bit her lip as she pointed to it. “May I try that one, please?”

  “Yes, yes, of course.” Mr. Fjólarsson seemed particularly excited by her choice as he slid it on her finger. “Exquisite.”

  “It fits perfectly,” Kenna said as she held it up. “I love it.”

  “You have the matching bands?” Gunnar prompted.

  “Já. Right here.” Mr. Fjólarsson opened the cabinet in front of them and pulled out several styles.

  “I get to pick this one,” Gunnar said.

  “Oh, really?” Kenna raised an eyebrow.

  He chuckled. “I have a feeling you will be careful in your spending.”

  “Don’t talk to me like you know me,” she retorted.

  With a huge grin, Gunnar picked the diamond encrusted band that matched her engagement ring, along with a plain white gold one, identical to the man’s larger one next to it.

  “I don’t need two,” Kenna said.

  He didn’t respond as he took her hand and slid off the engagement ring. Taking the plain band, he slid it on, then the engagement ring again, then the diamond band, lifting her hand to his lips. “I love you.”

  She smiled. “I love you too.”

  Taking Gunnar’s band from the jeweler, she slid it on Gunnar’s hand and kissed his fingers before releasing him and wrapping her arm around his waist.

  Mr. Fjólarsson almost squealed with joy as Gunnar handed him his credit card and paid the equivalent of nearly one hundred thousand pounds. This was a very good day all around in Kenna’s opinion.

  They left the store, Gunnar guiding her because she couldn’t keep from admiring the major bling on her hand. “I can’t believe it was in my size.”

  “I called ahead,” he admitted.

  “Even still, it was fast.”

  “Mr. Fjólarsson has always been good to my brothers and me, so we are good to him.”

  She grinned up at him. “And you’re good to me. I love the rings, Gunnar. Thank you.”

  “Believe me when I say it was my pleasure.” He leaned down and kissed her gently. “Are you ready to go home and change?”

  “Is it that time already?” She checked her watch. “Oh, wow, it is.”

  “Come.” Gunnar slid his phone back in his pocket. “Cedrik will have the car waiting.”

  Kenna nodded, and they headed to the car.

  NEVIN PULLED OPEN the door with a grin and Kenna rushed into her brother’s embrace. “Och, I’ve missed you, Nevvie.”

  “I’ve missed you too, lass. You look beautiful.”

  “This is why you’re my favorite brother,” she confessed. “You always tell me I’m pretty.”

  “I always speak the truth.” Nevin laughed, setting her aside and reaching his hand out to Gunnar as he bowed. “Your Highness. Welcome.”

  “Gunnar, please. We’re family now.” Gunnar shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Come and meet everyone.” Nevin closed the door behind them. “Clara insisted on cooking tonight, so you’re in for a treat.”

  Kenna moved through the house with ease, knowing it almost as well as Gillian’s. “Where are me wee minions? Hmmm? Why is it so quiet? Are they hiding from their Auntie Kenna?” A stifled giggle sounded in the hall closet. “Oh, no. The wee laddies and lassies couldn’t possibly be hiding from their auntie. She has pressies for them.”

  The door to the closet flew open and Mary, the tiniest dark-haired lassie, threw herself against Kenna’s legs, while the pitter-patter of feet came from different parts of the house.

  “Auntie,” the kids all yelled in unison.

  “I knew you were all here. Little devils,” she said.

  Clara rushed into the living room and curtsied. “Your Highness.”

  “Gunnar, please,” he insisted again, and reached out his hand.

  Clara shook it and smiled. “Gunnar. Welcome.”

  “What did you bring us?” Mary asked.

  “Well, your new uncle has the bag. How about we meet him and then he can show you,” Kenna said as she lifted her niece into her arms. Mary slid her head into Kenna’s neck, blushing as she peeked at Gunnar. “This is my mate, lovelies. Gunnar.”

  “I’m Isaac.” The sixteen-year-old shook Gunnar’s hand and Gunnar hande
d him a CD of secret songs signed by the members of Fallen Crown. “This is so cool, Auntie. Thank you. And nice to meet you, Gunnar.”

  Gunnar grinned. “You too.”

  “This is Emma,” Kenna said. “She and Mary are both a little shy. But Andrew isn’t... where is Andrew? He’s disappeared again.”

  “Andrew,” Nevin called. “Where did you go?”

  The nine-year-old ran into the room wielding a sword. “I have a sword.”

  Kenna bit back a laugh as he waved it in the air.

  “Já. That’s a big sword there, Andrew.” Gunnar knelt down to his level. “Do you know how to use it?”

  He shook his head. “Papa says he’s going to get me lessons.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Gunnar agreed. “Then you and I can practice.”

  Andrew’s eyes widened. “You know how to sword fight?”

  “Yes. I’ve been in a few battles in my time. I’ll show you some things.”

  “Okay!”

  The rest of the gifts were passed out and then the kids ran off to play while the adults chatted in the kitchen.

  “Would you like a beer or wine, your High... ah, Gunnar?” Clara asked.

  “Wine would be great, thank you.”

  “I’ll get it,” Kenna said, and rose from the table.

  Clara peeked into the oven. “Thanks, love.”

  Kenna poured wine for everyone but her brother who already had a beer, and then sat at the table with Gunnar again.

  “I can hear you thinking,” Nevin accused.

  Kenna giggled. “I have always hated that ability.”

  “Me too, love,” Clara admitted as she salted the potatoes.

  “So, what’s got you thinking?” Nevin prompted.

  “Christmas.”

  “Ah. And where we’re all going to be?”

  Kenna nodded. “Kaspar has invited us to stay there.”

  “The king has offered his home?” Clara asked in reverence.

  “For everyone,” Gunnar said. “Including your family, if you’d like to join us.”

  Clara glanced at Nevin, blushed, and then focused back on the food.

  “We’d be honored to join you,” Nevin said.

  Kenna sighed. “I thought that would be harder.”

  “You’re newly bonded, sis,” Nevin said. “We had already discussed doing what we could to be close to you this year, so it’s an easy decision.”