She hung her head as shame washed over her. Maybe he was disgusted with her now that she’d been with Bador. She rubbed at her eyes. There was no way she was going to let them see her cry. Right now, she wanted to crawl away and hide until she could find a way back home to a world she understood.
“Jane?” His soft voice belied the hard anger etched on his face as he knelt beside her and cupped her face in his hands. “Why are you crying?”
She could feel Bador jerk to a seated position behind her and felt the comfort of his hand on the small of her back. “I’m not crying,” she sniffed as a tear escaped the corner of her eye and trickled down her cheek. She could handle Zaren’s anger more easily than his compassion.
His thumb carefully rubbed the tear from her face. “Then why are you not crying?”
His question was so absurd that a strangled laugh escaped her. Then she felt herself crumple as she began to sob in earnest. Zaren caught her in his strong arms and cradled her against his strength. Bador pulled himself up next to them and stroked her back as she poured all her anger and uncertainty out in her tears.
Unlike most men, they didn’t seem uncomfortable with her tears, nor did they try and stop them. They patiently sat and waited for the storm to pass. She was feeling rather silly by the time she dried her tears. All she had to show for her outburst were sore, swollen eyes and a stuffy nose.
“I’m sorry. I really don’t know why I’m crying.” She didn’t want them to think she was normally such a watering pot.
“Do you not?” The anger was back in Zaren’s voice and her stomach clenched. “You’ve been plucked from your own world and thrust into a new one. You’ve almost drowned. And you’ve had the two of us on you like rutting stallions since you first laid eyes upon us.”
Jane stared at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. He was angry. There was no mistaking the biting tones in his voice. But it was anger at himself and his brother. He wasn’t angry with her at all.
“I thought you were angry at me because of Bador—” She took a deep breath and continued. “I didn’t want you to think that this was something I did all the time. I don’t sleep with strange men. I’m not cheap or easy.” The words poured out in a torrent. It was important to her that they realize that this was a special situation and not something she normally did.
Zaren looked appalled at her words. “Your pleasure is a gift to us. That you would share it with us is something to be treasured. Your generosity and giving nature is part of what makes you special.” His lips thinned and his eyes narrowed into pale blue slits. “I would kill any man who insulted you so.”
Oh my. There was no doubting the sincerity of his words as he stroked her hair back from her face and placed a simple kiss in the center of her forehead. She could feel Bador’s lips on the base of her neck. Their ways might be different from hers, but there was no doubting the integrity and honor behind them. They were not appalled by what she had done. Instead, they seemed to think she was generous for doing so. It was a strange way to think, but some part of her was beginning to accept it and become easier with the whole idea.
And there was also no mistaking Zaren’s hard-on pushing against her thigh or the answering throb of her pussy. There was something about these men that called to the very essence of all that was female in her. Maybe it was pheromones, she didn’t know. All she knew was that she wanted Zaren with an intensity that no longer surprised her. She’d enjoyed sex but had never been an overly sexual woman before, but this place and these men had certainly changed that.
Slipping her hand behind Zaren’s neck, she dragged his lips to her. He didn’t hesitate but thrust his tongue into her mouth, mating with hers. It was a dance of sorts, the slanting of their lips, the stroking of their tongues. He tasted warm and male and there was a tang of yeasty ale on his tongue.
Picking her up easily in his arms, he turned her so that she was straddling his lap, her knees wrapped around his hips. Behind her, Bador spread her thighs and guided her opening over Zaren’s cock. As Zaren pulled her down over his erection, Bador slipped his hands around the front of her body and cupped her breasts in his hands.
Zaren was hard and long and stretched her already tender vaginal muscles as he pulled her down over him. She was wet and eager, pressing down hard, wanting to take all of him. His hands gripped her hips, thrusting her downward until he was seated to the hilt. She felt full to bursting. It bordered on pain, but there was so much pleasure. Her entire body tingled and throbbed.
Bador stroked her nipples with his fingers, plucking at the hardened nubs. She could feel his cock, hard once again, digging into her back as he pushed himself against her. Surrounded by the two men, she felt safe and secure in a way she’d never felt in her entire life. She wanted to please them both as they pleasured her.
Zaren captured her mouth in another searing kiss as he began to lift her almost off his erection before pulling her back down again. The glide of his cock against the inner muscles of her pussy was incredible. Closing her eyes, she just enjoyed the physical sensations as they made love to her.
Bador continued to play with her nipples as he nipped at her neck and thrust his cock against her back. Zaren’s tongue thrust in and out of her mouth, mimicking the motions of his cock. For Jane it was overwhelming.
Her orgasm hit hard. Hips jerking, she pulled her lips from Zaren’s and gasped for breath as her inner muscles tightened around his cock. He lifted her and slammed her back down onto his erection as Bador ground his cock hard against her back. She could feel them both come as one. The jerking of Zaren’s cock deep in her core echoed the hot spray of semen on her back. Their releases set off another round of contractions inside her.
They clung together, riding out the storm of sensations until they collapsed in a heap. Bador was leaning heavy on her back and she was slumped against Zaren. If it weren’t for him, they’d all be in a heap on the floor. A giggle rolled up from her chest and she was unable to suppress it. The giggle soon became a laugh.
Bador raised his head and tilted her head so that he could see her. “Are you laughing at us?”
Unable to answer because of her laughter, she just nodded. Bador cocked an eyebrow at her, but his eyes crinkled as he smiled at her. “She’s laughing at us,” he informed his brother.
“Hmmm,” Zaren said as he nibbled at her earlobe. “I believe she is.” The corners of his lips curved up slightly.
“We must look a sight,” she gasped out. “Totally debauched.” As she laughed, her stomach emitted a huge grumble. Both men stared at her belly in disbelief and she laughed again.
“You need to eat. You’re much too thin.” Bador made that pronouncement as he rolled away from her and stood. His cum still glistened on his belly, but he was so unself-conscious about it that it seemed perfectly natural. “First a bath and then some food.” He extended his hand to her and helped her move.
Zaren’s cock had shrunk slightly but it was still fairly big as he eased out of her. He hissed in a breath as her body released him. Her legs were shaky and she needed Bador’s help just to stand. Zaren stood and swept her off her feet, carrying her towards a small doorway in the corner of the room.
When he stepped inside, Jane was pleased to see a small bathing chamber. The tub was filled with steaming water. She looked at him questioningly. “I had it filled when I heard you and Bador. I knew you’d want a bath.” He motioned to another small door on the opposite end of the room. “They were filling the tub while we were occupied.”
Jane could feel her cheeks heating at the thought of people listening to them from the other room as they made love in the bedroom. Well, that was life here and right now she wanted that bath too badly to worry about what other people might think.
Zaren carried her right over to the tub and lowered her into the water. It was hot but not scalding. Her aching muscles could use the soak. He stroked her face with his hand as he stood. “Pull on that cord if you need anything and someone will res
pond.” He motioned to a cord that ran through a small hole in the floor and was attached to the ceiling. She nodded, but she definitely wouldn’t be calling anyone.
“We will get cleaned up and return with some food.”
She sensed his reluctance to leave her. “I’ll be fine. I need a bath.” What she really needed was some time alone to think and regroup. Picking up the soft cloth and soap from a shelf alongside the tub, she lathered it and began to wash.
The door closed softly and she knew he was gone. Sliding down against the rim of the tub, she allowed her eyes to drift shut as the hot water soothed her body and the sweet lavender scent of the soap calmed her mind.
Chapter Eight
Jane burrowed deeper under the covers, not wanting to wake. She was having the most wonderful dream about two incredibly handsome men who both wanted her. Smiling, she rolled over and sighed. An arm wrapped around her from behind and a hand cupped her breast as she was pulled back against a rock-hard chest. He rubbed the top of her head with her chin as she settled against him.
The covers shifted and the mattress sank next to her. Another warm body snuggled up to her front so that her nose was practically touching his chest. Contentment filled her as she drifted along in her dream world.
Her dream changed slowly and she drifted into blackness. At first she couldn’t see anything, but gradually she made out the shape of a hallway. Her stomach clenched as fear skittered down her spine. She recognized this place. Raised voices filled the air around her and she covered her ears with her hands. But it didn’t help. She could still hear them.
Knowing there was nothing she could do to stop the outcome, she still crept towards the open doorway. The scene was always the same. The crack of the gun, the smell of blood and death, and the stomach-churning fear that accompanied it. It never changed. When Richard turned towards her and smiled, she backed away from him. “I know you’re there, Jane,” he taunted her. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t how it happened.
Turning, she fled down the hall with his laughter trailing after her. She raced around a corner only to come face to face with him. Boss. Friend. Murderer. One look at his face told her that she was next. Even as she turned to run, she knew it was too late. Screaming, she felt herself fall.
“Jane.” The voice seemed a long ways off, but she tried to reach it. “Wake up, Jane.” This time the voice was more insistent. Her entire body was shaking when she opened her eyes. Or rather, he was shaking her body. Zaren had her by the shoulders and was shaking her so hard her teeth felt as if they were rattling in her head.
“I’m awake.” She clutched at his wrists with her hands.
His fingers dug into her shoulders and then she found herself almost smothered as he pulled her close to his chest. He held her so tight she could barely breathe. Fine tremors vibrated through his arms and hands as he stroked her hair from her face.
“It was just a dream. I’m fine now.” Except that it wasn’t a dream. Not really. It was just part of the nightmare that had taken over her life. But that was over now. Behind her.
“What were you dreaming?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Pushing away from his embrace, she sat up in bed and looked towards the window. The sunlight was barely cutting through the gloom of the dawn, but it was morning.
“Are you sure?” Turning in the other direction, she squinted at Bador who was awake and propped up on one arm in bed, watching her every move.
At least this hadn’t been a dream. She’d actually slept in the bed with the two of them last night. After a hearty meal of brown crusty bread, sharp white cheese, ham, cider and fresh fruit, they’d tucked her into the massive bed and climbed in on either side of her. She’d been too surprised to object. Before she knew it, they were all settled away and she’d quickly fallen asleep sandwiched between them.
She smiled at Bador to reassure him. “I’m positive.” Her stomach chose that moment to growl again. She pressed her hand against it, but it didn’t help.
“We’ll have to feed you again.” Zaren rolled out of bed and stretched.
Really, the man was gorgeous to look at. She could lie here all day and watch him. As he raised his hands over his head, the muscles of his back shifted and rippled. And his ass—well, it was tight and hard and perfect. Jane sighed and dropped her head back onto the pillows.
Bador immediately pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Her entire body thrummed with desire whenever one of them touched her. She was disappointed when he pulled back and placed a chaste kiss on the tip of her nose. “You’re probably too tender for anything else right now. Maybe later.” On that note, he climbed out of bed as well.
Jane relaxed against the pillows and stacked her hands under her head. Might as well enjoy the show. She stretched her entire body as she lay there, flexing her feet, legs and arms. Some of her muscles gave a twinge of protest. She was a little sore, but maybe not too sore. It was a moot point anyway, because both men had already hauled on leather pants and boots. As she watched they secured heavy metal armbands around their upper arms and over their wrists.
Zaren came back to the bed and sat on the side next to her. “How do you feel?” He stroked his finger along her jaw, down her neck and across her collarbone. Slowly, he moved it downward, pushing the covers away as he went until her breasts were exposed to him.
“Good,” she replied. And it was true. For the first morning in months, she felt good. Not only physically, but mentally as well.
“Good enough for a ride?”
That sounded promising. She wouldn’t mind riding him, but she didn’t think that that was quite what he had in mind. Oh, well. Maybe later. “Where are we going?”
His eyes darkened and his hand stilled over her heart. “Castle Garen. We need to be with Jarmon and I think you should talk with Christina and our mother.”
All thoughts of an early morning romp fled. She felt selfish. How could she have forgotten that their brother was injured and near death. “Of course I’m well enough to ride. Although I really don’t need to talk to anyone.” It was cowardly, but Jane didn’t think she could face their mother knowing she’d slept with two of the woman’s sons. It just didn’t bear thinking about.
“She will love you. You will bring her some hope during this dark time.”
She swallowed back all objections. It would be small of her to refuse if her presence would comfort the woman during this horrific time. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to see one of your children near death and be powerless to change things. “I’ll do anything I can to help.” Gripping his hand in hers, she squeezed it tight.
His eyes were tender and warm as he gazed down at her. “I knew that you would.”
Hours later, she was cursing herself. “Anything at all,” she muttered under her breath.
They’d been riding for hours and her backside had lost all feeling at some point along the way. Plus the unaccustomed sexual activities had left her a tad uncomfortable and having her legs wrapped around a horse for such a long period of time certainly wasn’t helping her any. She gritted her teeth and refused to complain. Surely goodness, they’d be to Castle Garen soon.
There’d been a moment when she’d been sure that she wouldn’t be going with them. But Jane had refused to don a dress when she knew she’d be riding for hours. Instead, she’d pulled on her pajama bottoms, which, thankfully, she’d had the forethought to wash and hang in front of the fire the night before, and insisted they find her some kind of top or tunic to wear over it. She’d had to fix the tie around the waist of the pants where Bador had snapped it, but she’d done that quickly and easily.
The fact that she was here was proof that she’d won that argument, but it hadn’t been easy. Both men had grumbled and cajoled, but in the end, she’d won simply because she refused to go dressed any other way and they would not leave her behind. Finally, they’d found her a long tunic that belonged to the cook’s twelve-year-old son. It fell to her knees, but at le
ast her legs were covered and protected as she rode. They’d also produced a pair of flat brown leather ankle boots that fit her rather well.
“There.” Her head jerked up when Bador spoke and she looked towards where he was pointing. In the distance, she could see another castle. It was very similar to Bakra Castle, except there seemed to be a river flowing just beyond the castle.
It was pretty, but Jane was too tired to enjoy it. She’d sing The Hallelujah Chorus if she could just get her butt out of this saddle. Maybe it had been a mistake to tell them she knew how to ride. A few lessons when she was a kid did not mean she was accustomed to riding, but they’d seemed so pleased by the fact she could ride, she hadn’t corrected their mistaken assumptions.
Okay, so it was her own pride that kept her in the saddle. But for a long time now, her pride was about all she’d had. Still, it had been a silly thing to do and they’d have to make adjustments for the ride home. But for now, the end was in sight. She could make it that far.
Zaren turned in his saddle and was watching her closely. “Are you all right?”
She gave him a wide smile. “Just dandy.” He shook his head at her but didn’t question her further. She swallowed a groan when her horse jostled her and shifted her position to try and find a more comfortable spot. Impossible. There was no comfortable spot to be found. Her butt was going to be one big bruise.
Someone shouted from the castle walls and Zaren shouted back, identifying himself. The huge gate swung open and the three of them rode inside the walls, up through the courtyard towards a set of stone steps. When they finally reached the bottom of the stairs, both men swung off their horses and stalked up the steps to exchange greetings with another man.
Good heavens, they were all huge in this land. It wasn’t just her warriors. She ignored the possessiveness of her thoughts, brushing aside the implications. Zaren said something to the man and his head swung towards her and she could see the disbelief on his face. Slowly, he walked down the stairs towards her.
Bakra Bride Page 7
