Storm Trilogy

by Ria Cantrell

  He was also going to come quickly as she kissed and stroked his manhood, naturally bringing him very close to climax. Fearing that it would frighten her, he gently pushed her back and said, “It is enough, Sweetheart. Give me a minute.”

  She looked at him with sad puzzled eyes as he quickly left her bed and went to the guarderobe. He would finish it there, in private, so as to not frighten her.

  Within a couple of minutes, he returned, and he saw her sitting up on her legs with the oddest expression on her face. It was one mixed with sadness and disappointment. He kissed her pretty little pouting mouth and she said, “What did I do wrong?”

  “Not a thing.”

  “But ye’ are…ye’ no longer need…”

  She struggled for the words and as her eyes glanced downward, he realized she could see he was no longer aroused.

  “Oh, that, well, I took care of it. I didn’t want to frighten you so I finished what your lovely mouth had started.”

  “Frighten me? I wanted to watch you when the pleasure took ye’ as you did with me. I really wanted to be the cause of it.”

  Again, her honesty was so endearing. He touched her face and he realized he had made a big mistake. He had denied her being witness to his climax. He loved seeing her come and she deserved to see it happen to him as well. He should have known that she would not be afraid of passion and sensuality. He regretted denying her that simple pleasure now.

  “I am sorry, Bronwyn. You are right. I was wrong to deny you that. It is part of the total experience to witness your partner’s pleasure. I just didn’t want you to be afraid.”

  “I wasn’t.”

  “I know. I am sorry.”

  He drew her into his arms and he held her, kissing the side of her face. He murmured into her hair, “But you did get me very excited, Sweetheart. I could barely contain myself and nearly didn’t. I was, how shall I explain it, uhm, full…you know, like I was going to... Well, I almost lost control and it was really a matter of seconds before I exploded! You shall have more chances to see a man reach his pleasure.”

  “I dunna’ want to see some other man. I wanted to see you reach it.”

  He hugged her tighter, feeling his heart swell in his chest. Was this what falling in love felt like? It did not make sense to him, but then again, maybe it was not supposed to.

  “You shall have that chance, then.” He kissed her and said, “Thank you for tonight.”

  “Are ye’ leaving?”

  “Aye, t’is late and you have had your first taste of passion. I am sure you are sleepy?”

  “Are ye’?”

  “Aye.”

  She kissed him fully on his mouth, and she said, “Dunna’ go. Please stay with me tonight.”

  He felt his heart hitch again in his chest. He really did not want to leave her. He wanted to feel her, warm and soft in his arms. He wanted to watch her sleeping and maybe even pleasure her again before morning came. He wanted to watch her come as he helped her taste more passion. He suddenly realized he really enjoyed experiencing it with her and that he just could not deny her.

  “Aye, Sweetheart. I will stay with you. It seems I cannot resist you.”

  He moved under the covers with her and took her into his arms. She stroked his chest and she said honestly, “I really…like ye’ Drew. Thank you for being…”

  “What, Honey?”

  “Nice to me even though I am a Scot.”

  “I am nice to you because…I am smitten with you. I don’t care if you are Scottish or English.”

  “I think I am…smitten, too.”

  He pulled the covers over her shoulders and held her in his arms. She snaked her arms around his chest. She kissed him freely.

  “Rest for a while, Bronwyn.”

  “A while”, she said smiling up at him. “I have a feeling I may need to wake you with kisses. I would like to… ye know, again…”

  “Oh would you? Naughty little thing, aren’t you?” She smiled and then with a nod of her head agreed. That made Drew laugh. This little Scot certainly charmed him. He appreciated her honesty and natural sensuality. She was something!

  Drew kissed her goodnight and settled her against his side. She nestled closely to him, naturally fitting herself against him. He felt incredibly comfortable with this girl. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced. His body relaxed visibly, releasing the stresses of the last few weeks. He breathed in her scent and he was assailed with feelings that both confused and consoled him. Was he somehow falling in love with this woman? It seemed too unlikely, but now somehow so possible. He did not know enough about being in love, but he knew he had not been able to stop thinking about her since meeting her. Somehow, Drew suddenly felt a sense of completion. This was completely foreign to him, but despite his many years conditioning his heart to avoid just such a thing, he now realized that it was what he was missing all along. Breathing her scent in deeply once more, Drew succumbed to the comfort of holding her and he fell to sleep with Bronwyn snuggled in his arms.

  Chapter Eight

  ~Bronwyn felt the mists of the dream swirling around her. She was back on the mountaintop, in the days of her youth. She remembered Morag giving her that draught to drink, but she was completely aware of being pulled into the dream. She could hear the Old One chanting as she travelled into the world beyond, seemingly flying above herself as she watched her sleeping form beneath her. She must not be sleeping as deeply despite the dream state, for the whispered chanting continued and she knew it was just on the perimeter of her conscious self. Suddenly hearing hooves approaching, she turned and seemed to float behind a stone outcropping. There before her was a beautiful man with eyes the shade of forests dappled in sunshine. He was beautiful, strong and powerful. And ENGLISH…he was ENGLISH. NO, MORAG NO!!!!

  Make him go away. I canna be with an Englishman…ye’ know that, she pleaded in her dream’s mind. She raised herself ever so slightly above the rock barrier and for a brief moment their eyes met. Only she was no longer a girl on the precipice of womanhood. She was woman grown and she could not pull her gaze away. This man was her destiny. She could pretend to forget. She could force herself to forget, but now she knew there was no way to avoid this path that she had carefully pushed back to the world of dreams. Dismounting his horse, he held out a hand to her. She could not resist the pull of his lure. Placing her hand in his, she felt the familiarity of one’s own soul. There was no fear, only comfort and ease. It felt like her own soul because she knew, this one was the other half of it.~

  Waking out of her dream within a dream, Bronwyn sidled closer to the comforting warmth, which she soon realized was coming from that big beautiful man in her bed. She knew she should have been scandalized by his presence, but strangely, it felt so perfect and right, there seemed to be no scandal about it. As the last fleeting memories from her dream left her, she suddenly felt relaxed and without fear.

  Stretching her body against his, she felt his arms tighten around her naturally as he continued to sleep. She burrowed deeper against him, sliding her arms around his ribcage, resting her head on his chest. She could hear the beating of his heart, which was steady and strong. Not feeling any sense of unease or for that matter, shyness, Bronwyn kissed the skin she had been resting her cheek against. It was then that she felt him stir. Drew sighed and stretched, feeling the delicious presence of the Scottish lass wrapped about him.

  Without opening his eyes, he reached for her. He kissed her and turned over her. Her arms snaked around his neck. The feel of her hot little body beneath him fired him, which provided warmth untold. It was warmth that was needed and relished, as the fire had gone out in the brazier and the room was downright frigid. It was so good to feel the warmth of her body in the chill of the room this morning.

  “Good morning, Beautiful,” he said, kissing her alluring little mouth.

  “Aye, good mornin’, Drew. Did ye’ sleep well?”

  “Mmm, indeed. Quite well. I think I haven’t slept this well in qu
ite some time. And you? Do you regret what we...” She stopped him by placing a finger to his sensual lips.

  “Nay, nary a one, Drew. I too, slept better than I have in weeks.”

  Drew shifted off of her and said, “As much as I would like to stay, I should go, Sweetheart, before the rest of the castle finds me here.”

  Bronwyn did not know when she had decided this next response. Perhaps it was from the remnants of her dream, but without answering him, her legs parted for him to fit between. She suddenly wanted him completely and her mind would not be swayed.

  “Girl, what are you doing to me?”

  “I just want ye’, Drew. I know t’is bold of me to say so, but I have ne’er been one to dance around the truth. After what we shared last night, I know now that I need to make love with ye’.”

  Drew felt like he had been hit over the head with a club. He wanted this girl so much as well. He was already hard thinking about it. Her honesty fired him. Women who shared his bed in the past seemed to always be playing at being reserved. Not Bronwyn! No, she honestly professed her desire and did not pretend a false shyness or modesty. He liked that she knew what she wanted and that she wanted him! He knew he should leave this instant because his mere presence in her chambers put them both at great risk, but feeling her arch up beneath him broke away any of his resolve. He groaned, “What have I done? I made a vow to protect you. Would you have me break that vow?”

  Bronwyn giggled and said, “Aye!”

  She raised herself up and kissed him deeply. It was enough to break the last vestiges of his resolve. Her hands eased down his sides, drawing him against her. She could feel he was hard again and she said, “This time, ye’ will not deny me. I want this, Drew. I want you.”

  His hand traced the beautiful lines of her face. She was so exquisite. He could feel her soft body beneath him. He could feel her heat. He could see the desire plainly in her eyes. What was shy uncertainty the past night was now blazing desire with a surety and intensity he could not deny.

  Drew would not deny her. He had no wish to deny her. Looking directly into his eyes, Bronwyn said plainly, “This time ye’ will not deny me yer’ climax. I will witness it and feel it and be part of it with ye’.”

  Desire nearly fogged his brain, and he almost forgot that this would be her first time. He had to help her and make it as pleasurable for her as possible. He whispered, “It is going to hurt a little, only this first time. I promise to go slowly until you are ready. It is not my wish to cause you even a little pain.”

  “I know, Drew. I know ye’ dunna’ want to hurt me. I know ye’ will take care of me.”

  “Let me touch you. I can make you ready.”

  “I think I already am, Drew.”

  He inched his hand between them and gently touched her. He was instantly met with her wet response. She was indeed already prepared to take him inside of her.

  “So you are,” he said smiling down at her. He slipped one finger inside of her and he moved it in and out slowly. She moaned and arched up to his hand. He placed one hand on her hips to still her and he whispered, “Shshhh. I need to do this so you will feel less pain.”

  He slid a second finger into her, trying to gently stretch her. He did not want to hurt her. He wanted her to feel relaxed and ready and he wanted to make her come. He wanted to see her wild in her pleasure when they finally made love. Feeling the moist heat within her, made him even harder.

  He ached to be inside of her, but still he firmly set his resolve to wait. He loved that she was so responsive to his touch. She was practically dripping against his fingers. He just loved that! The more he touched her, the more he felt her respond. Her hips began to move slowly, in a natural undulation as he eased his fingers in and out of her. She moaned softly and said, “Drew, please, I want you so. I need to feel ye’ inside of me.”

  Drew was charmed at her candid request. Again, he was assailed at her honesty and directness. He leaned closer to her to kiss her. He then said, “Look at me, Sweetheart. Concentrate on my eyes.” He drew one of her legs over his hip, allowing him to sink against her. “Put your other leg around me.”

  Bronwyn’s heart was hammering in her chest. This was it! He was going to do it, she thought. She was not afraid in the least. Drew had been nothing but gentle and careful. Somehow, Bronwyn knew she could trust this man with her life. She looked up at him, her eyes wide and expressive. She could feel his thick erection just at her core and she shifted her hips up against him. He slid in very slowly. Bronwyn liked how it felt as he carefully moved inside of her. He was taking such care and time. Bronwyn almost could not bear to wait. She wanted all of him. Still, he would not hurry. He needed her to get used to feeling him inside of her. As he inched ever slower a little deeper, he felt her maiden barrier. He kissed her and was about to breach past it, when there was a loud pounding at the door to her chambers.

  Drew froze, horrified at being discovered in this rather compromising situation. She placed her hand against his lips and shook her head as if he needed the warning to remain silent. Drew had no intention of making a sound.

  A gruff voice sounded behind the door.

  “Get up, girl. The King wants to see you immediately.”

  It was one of the men who had been given the task of guarding her every move. Drew moved off of her with the stealth of an animal. Bronwyn quickly rose and threw on a dressing gown. She motioned for Drew to hide in the shadows of the room and she opened the door and said, “What is the meaning of this? How dare ye’ rouse me so rudely?”

  “You are to appear before the king immediately”, he said, trying to get a peek in to her quarters. Bronwyn slammed the door behind her and facing her guard, she said, “I will need time to dress. I will come as soon as I am properly attired.”

  She opened her door enough to slink through and then she slammed it again in the guard’s face. She turned and saw that Drew had already dressed in his trews. His linen shirt was still opened across his chest. Drew saw that Bronwyn suddenly looked terrified, which surprised him because she seemed like nothing frightened her. He touched her face softly and she said, “Drew, why would the king summon me?”

  “I don’t know, sweetheart, but as soon as I can, I will make my way to court and I will be there with you. Hurry and dress now. It would be wise not to make this king wait even moments too long. You shall leave first and I will follow as soon as the hall is clear.”

  Bronwyn raised her eyes to his, looking abashed.

  “I am so sorry, Drew. I should have heeded ye’. Ye’ were right and I have been reckless. Ye’ knew what was best, and I pushed ye’ to stay with me.”

  “Shhh. It was not as if you had to persuade me over much. I wanted to stay as much as you wanted to have me stay.”

  Drew kissed Bronwyn and moved her away, saying, “Hurry now. Get dressed.”

  Drew watched her as she pulled on her undergarments and a fresh chemise. She knew she should be embarrassed that he watched her, but she no longer could. Not after what had happened between them last night, she thought; certainly not after what almost just happened between them now. She felt no shame in seeing him gaze upon her while she dressed. She tried to fasten her bodice, but could not seem to still the trembling in her fingers. Drew took the laces from her and he helped her to lace and secure the bodice. She tried not to give too much thought to the fact that for a warrior, he was quite adept at being a ladies maid. She then fastened her plaid and he hugged her.

  “It will be alright. I will be there with you shortly.”

  Chapter Nine

  Somehow Drew’s encouragement was just the words she needed, as she felt eased and calmer. Bronwyn let herself out of her chamber and her guard escorted her down to the court. Drew waited until he thought he could leave Bronwyn’s chambers undetected and when he was certain it was clear, he made his way down to Court, as well. When he arrived in the palatial room, it was filled with gentry. Amid the throngs of people, Drew was met with a sight that filled hi
m with relief. Rurik Ragnorsen, the sire of his friend, had arrived. Well, that explained Bronwyn being summoned to appear before the king.

  Rurik Ragnorsen was a force not to be reckoned with. If Erik looked like a Viking, Rurik rivaled Thor. He was as imposing as the Norse god himself. Drew approached the man who had fostered him and trained him. He had the utmost respect for Rurik. Drew shook hands with Rurik and he said, “Rurik, much thanks to you for coming to aid our beloved Erik.” The towering blonde giant, while imposing to say the least, smiled kindly.

  “It is time we set this mess to rights, eh?”

  Standing beside Rurik, was an angry and worried looking Rhianna. She was a sight for sore eyes, but Drew certainly did not relish having to parry with her. She looked murderous. Rurik turned to her and said, “Daughter, do not fear. We will fix this, I vow it.”

  Rhianna placed a hand on Rurik’s forearm, feeling the strength of her husband’s sire. Somehow, she knew that he would be able to help. She had grown to love Erik’s family and though quite dwarfed by the Norse giant, she knew he was a kind and loving man, exactly like his son. Looks were certainly deceiving as he stood well over six and a half feet tall, blonde hair hanging straight past his broad shoulders and legs planted like thick trees. Rhianna adored him.

  He was as virile a man as his much younger son and no sign of age or weakness marred his visage or his strength, except for the suddenly new deep lines etched across his brow that now belied his age. They were deeper today, because he was, no doubt, worried about his son. Rurik knew that his son was just like him in many ways and one thing was certain; Erik was not going to take any threat idly when it came to his beloved Rhianna. Rurik knew that Erik’s temper would have gotten him in a heap of trouble and while it was warranted, Rurik felt certain that it only magnified the problem at hand.