Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
He laughed hardily. “There is no way I will wait a month or more to bed you. I will give you a week, no more, to adapt to me and your new home. After that, our vows get sealed, and we forever remain husband and wife.”
“A week seems hardly sufficient for such a serious commitment.”
“I will not bargain with you on this, wife. I will give you a week since by then your endless questions and curiosity will have you knowing all you need to know about what awaits you as my wife and life here in the Highlands.”
Flora stood with a stretch. “I accept, husband, and I am pleased that you will be tolerant of all my endless questions and respond without hesitation or annoyance.”
Torin’s smile faded. “When did I agree to that?”
“When you said that my endless questions and curiosity will have me knowing all I need to know, which means you will willingly answer any and all questions I ask of you.” She yawned as she stretched her shoulders back.
“You use my words against me,” he argued.
“Did you not speak the truth?”
“Of course, I did,” he said. “I have no reason to lie to you.”
“There then you admit it and I am pleased to know you will be truthful with me since I will always be truthful with you even when you may not like what I say.”
“That, my dear wife, is probably going to be more often than I would like.”
“At least it will not be unexpected, husband.” Flora smiled and went and sat on the bed. “Where will you sleep tonight?”
It was Torin’s turn to smile. “Beside you.” Her shock actually kept her from responding and he went on to explain. “I told you that from this point on we would always share a bed. That does not mean I will always bed you.”
“What if I want you to?”
Of course, his shaft sprang to attention at that.
“I will do my best to make it so,” he said.
“And if I do not care for coupling?” she asked.
His shaft withered in disappointment as did he. “I want bairns at least four of them, lie with me when necessary and I will not bother you otherwise.”
“Will you seek out other women then?”
“Men have needs, Flora, as do women, but if you’re a woman who does not like coupling, I will not force it on you. But that does not mean I will not fulfill my needs.”
Flora tapped her chin. “This is all remarkably interesting, and I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I must admit though, I do not like the thought of you bedding other women. You are my husband, and I should be able to please you. You will allow me time to learn and not mind tutoring me if needed?”
His shaft came back to life. “Aye, I will do that. I told you earlier I will teach you all you need to know.”
“I do appreciate that, and you should know I am a fast learner.” She yawned again.
He hoped not too fast since it would be enjoyable teaching her. “You are tired. Sleep.” He stood and went to the door.
“Where are you going?”
“I need to check on a few things before I retire,” he said and hurried out before she could question him anymore.
He took a deep breath and let the night’s frigid air wash over him and cool him down. Her innocent inquiry had turned him hard, and he could not climb in bed with her and have her feel his hard shaft poking her, and she would with the bed so narrow. She would ask him endless questions and no doubt turn him even harder, then what would he do? Suffer a painful night.
Why in bloody hell had he agreed to a week?
But what if she was right? What if they weren’t suited for each other? She did talk far too much and was far too curious. Did he want to deal with that every day? He did find her appealing, but it had been weeks since he last coupled, having found a willing woman when he was at Lord Bhric’s clan.
He thought of what Anwen’s words to his wife about lust and once that was gone nothing was left. Anwen was right. Once lust was satisfied, what need did a man and woman have for each other?
He shook his head. What was he doing asking himself endless questions? He needed a wife and he got himself one. Lust, love, whatever, they were wed and would learn to live with each other just as endless couples did.
His wife could have her week, after that he would satisfy both their lust.
CHAPTER 7
Snow scrunched beneath Torin’s boots as he walked through the village with Kinnell. A fair share had fallen last night, but not enough to keep people from their tasks.