Chapter 25 Brynn #2
“No.” Brynn grabbed his arm, holding him in place. She didn’t want Paega’s memory to have power like this. “No, I want to.”
Cenric leaned over her so his chest pressed against her back, his hands braced on the rock on either side of her. “Are you sure?”
Brynn’s heart raced, the dare in his tone making her body quiver just a little. “Please,” she whispered. “Show me how you do it.”
Cenric pressed her against the stone, kissing her shoulder, her neck, his hands reaching back under her skirt. “You can always tell me to stop. You know that, don’t you?”
“Yes.” Brynn’s heart raced as his hands pulled her skirt back up around her hips. The cold air nipped at her skin, but then Cenric’s hands were stroking her, exploring her.
She was already good and wet from his ministrations, and he pushed inside her easily.
His entry came with a flurry of sensations that fluttered along her spine and deep in her core.
Her body welcomed him eagerly, like they had been made for each other, like this was how things were always meant to be.
“You’re so warm,” Cenric murmured, his cheek pressed against hers.
Brynn closed her eyes, stifling a moan. She never understood why his cock felt good, but it did.
He rocked his hips slowly at first, gauging her reaction. “Are you with me, love?”
“Yes,” Brynn whispered, her breath coming in a ragged gasp.
“Say my name,” he ordered, dropping kisses on the back of her neck.
“Cenric,” Brynn replied.
“Who’s inside you?” he pressed.
His name broke from her as a whimper this time. “Cenric.”
“Good.” She could hear the pride in his voice as he said it. “Do you like this?” He rocked his hips faster, just a little harder.
Brynn gasped, bracing her palms against the cold rock. “Yes.” She arched her spine, pushing her hips back to meet him.
She was out of control again, helpless. She felt as if she were freefalling, but Cenric would catch her. He never let her hit the ground.
“That’s my girl.” Cenric’s voice brimmed with pride as he drove in and out of her, harder and faster until he had her splayed against the stone, her back arched against him, fighting to hold in her moans.
“You feel good.” Brynn clenched her jaw to hold in a scream. “Gods, you feel so good.”
Cenric reached around to the front of her sex and found the bud between her legs again. His fingers stroked and teased as he shoved in and out of her.
Brynn felt her body tightening and coiling again, building toward a wave of heat. “Cenric,” she gasped, “you’re going to make me…”
Her second climax hit her and her legs buckled. Only Cenric’s arms and the boulder kept her from falling.
At her back, Cenric muttered endearments and praises against her ear, the Valdari phrases he always used when he was caught up in his emotions.
Cenric thrust harder into her, faster, almost desperately. He drove in and out of her seeking his own release.
He climaxed with a growl, shoving harder into her and driving himself to the hilt as he did. Bowed over her, his chest pressed to her shoulder blades, he kissed her hair, her neck, her cheek, anything he could reach.
They stayed like that for a long moment, both panting, with him doubled over her.
Slowly, Cenric straightened, pulling out of her and lowering her skirts again. He turned her back around, kissing her, framing her face with his hands.
It was so gentle, so loving, so tender. It was a sharp contrast to the primal need from a few moments ago. He gathered her into his arms, cradling her against his chest.
Brynn pressed her ear to his heart, listening to the pounding of his pulse against her cheek.
“You’re such an incredible wife,” Cenric praised, tone turning playful. “Such a good lay, too.”
Brynn smiled a little at that. “You don’t have to flatter me.” She knew her skills were still catching up. She had been married before, but she had years of bed tricks to learn.
“I mean it,” Cenric insisted. “You’re the best I’ve ever had.”
Brynn giggled, heady with the aftershocks of her climaxes. “You’re a liar.”
“That’s a matter of opinion,” Cenric shot back, pulling up his trousers and securing his belt again. “And in my opinion, you’re the best.” He snatched her face, pulling her in for another kiss.
Brynn fought to catch her breath, resting her hands on his chest. “I’m pregnant.”
Cenric froze, his face hidden by the shadows.
Brynn cursed inwardly. She hadn’t meant to tell him yet, but the words had slipped out.
“What?” Cenric’s voice shook as his arms slid around her. “What did you say?”
Brynn swallowed. “I’m pregnant.”
“How long have you known?” Cenric sounded suddenly winded, his voice coming out in a rush.
“Not long,” Brynn admitted. “I suspected for a while, but I wanted to be sure, and…yes, I’m sure.” Her heart fluttered in her chest, nerves wrenching through her at her confession. “I’m a few weeks along.”
This could hardly be a surprise to him. They had been making love almost daily for months now. If anything, it had taken longer than expected. Still…the last time she’d spoken those words to a man rattled sore and raw in her memory.
“Weeks?” Cenric’s tone turned hard. “That means… Hróarr!” Cenric straightened, glaring toward the campfire.
“What about him?” Brynn blinked in confusion.
“He pushed you in the thrall pit when you were pregnant,” Cenric grated. “He could have—” He growled furiously. “I’ll kill him.”
“I’m fine,” Brynn promised, gripping Cenric’s arm. “The baby’s fine. I had Esa check to make sure.”
Hróarr had already been reminded that he’d pushed Brynn into the thrall pit again and again over the past fortnight. Cenric had stopped mentioning it these past few days, but after this, Hróarr was probably going to hear about it for the rest of his life.
“You’re sure?” Cenric’s fingers fluttered over her face.
“We’re alright.” Brynn’s throat went suddenly tight. Cenric was already trying to keep her safe through this pregnancy. It was going to be very different from last time.
“Well, then I suppose I don’t have to kill him.” Cenric’s lips met hers, gentle, tender. “My sweet wife.”
Brynn dared a smile even though he couldn’t see it. “Are you pleased?”
“Pleased?” He let off a choking laugh. “I think my chest could burst.” Cenric pulled her into his arms, tucking her under his chin.
“We might be at war soon,” Brynn reminded him. “And if Aelgar’s son fails to take the kingship after him, this baby might be a threat to his successor. And if it’s a girl—”
“Shush.” Cenric cradled the back of her head. “We’ll think about those things when the time comes.” He kissed her forehead, then leaned down to nuzzle her cheek. “The woman I love is giving me a little one to love.”
Tears sprang into Brynn’s eyes. Everything about this time was different. Everything about this would be different.