Page 23 of Between Two Barbarians

“Because the idea of us setting up tents near each other is unusual,” Brenek gritted between swings of the hammer. “If you weren’t here, I would keep my tent as far from Torgrind as possible. To avoid the smell.”

The snark was teasing and without a bite, but Torgrind replied with something in his language that sounded like it was likely an insult. Brenek just grinned, enjoying picking at Torgrind as he always did.

Narrowing my eyes, I studied the pair. They often mentioned they were rivals and that they didn’t get along, but I hadn’t seen much of that since the first day we met. They grumbled at each other, but weren’t outright combative. People were making a bigger deal out of their snarking than was necessary.

“You’ve never seemed that bad to me,” I pointed out with a frown.

“That’s because we’re both enthralled with a beautiful troublemaker,” Torgrind replied, coming to my side when the tent could stand on its own. He gripped my elbow, dragging me closer, and fused his mouth to mine in a searing kiss that left me a little breathless. And like always, Brenek was there when we broke apart, claiming my mouth in that demanding way of his that always left me wanting more.

“I will put up with Torgrind if it means more time with you, varakai,” Brenek murmured against my lips as I fought to catch my breath. “But if you grow tired of him, I’m happy to kick him out of the tent as well.”

That got a dirty look from Torgrind and when Brenek returned to his tent and gave his clan brother an expectant look to get help with his own tent, Torgrind just turned his back and ignored him.

So they really were rivals, then. I thought that had been exaggerated.

Pursing my lips, I considered my feelings on the matter. Was it wrong that I got enjoyment out of being so irresistible to them that they put their rivalry aside to be with me?

How much power did I truly have over the pair of them that they’d do that?

“Torgrind, help him,” I insisted, curious.

Torgrind looked annoyed by the prospect, but when I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow at him, he relented with an irritated sigh, going over to help Brenek like Brenek had helped him.

I had to bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from grinning. This was an interesting development. Having two barbarians fawning over me was one thing. Having two barbarians be so enraptured by me that they would do anything I wanted was much more interesting. And it made me wonder just how much I could get away with.

They started speaking to each other in their language again, voices muttering like they were trying not to draw my attention. I scowled and stomped my foot. “Stop that! I know you’re scheming when you do that!”

“Says the man who looks like he’s planning mischief,” Brenek countered. “Whatever it is you’re thinking, the answer is no.”

Oh, no he didn’t. “Really? I guess you don’t want me to let you fuck me while I suck Torgrind’s cock?” I shrugged, spinning to poke through the pile of belongings they’d retrieved from the wagons to set up, feigning nonchalance. “That’s a shame. I thought it’d be a nice way to celebrate our arrival–”

An arm wrapped around my middle, snatching me off my feet and against a broad chest. Brenek’s low growl in my ear made me grin, and when Torgrind appeared in front of me, that heated look I adored firmly in place, I bit back a triumphant laugh. They were really too easy.

“Brenek! Torgrind! Finish setting up your tents!” someone called. “There is to be a meal shared with the other clans to celebrate our return!”

Snickering at their put out expressions, I stretched my arms over my head, letting my body do the job of distracting them from their task once again. When I heard the pair of them growl at the same time, I stepped out of range, finding a nearby rock to sit on with a smug look on my face. “I guess we’ll be saving that for dessert. You need to hurry, though. We wouldn’t want to be late to a meal. It would only make the wait longer.”

They both rushed to return to their tasks, and I leaned back on my hands with a grin on my face. Now this was fun.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

TORGRIND

When Jamal mentioned being friends with a prince, I’d thought the interaction would be more formal or at least calmer. I hadn’t realized he was friends with someone of such a high station because they both thrived off chaos together. And the prince wasn’t the only brat who showed up to the meal.

“You didn’t!” Jamal gasped, a huge grin on his face.

Simon grinned wickedly. “I did. I wanted to see if it was just a dry spell or if they really did have magic cocks. Was it my fault he took too long to wake up?”

Zakai didn’t look at all surprised by Simon’s story, a matching grin on his face as he nodded in agreement. “It is a great way to start the day. And if I want something I know he’ll protest, he’s more likely to say yes if he wakes up to me sucking his cock.”

I saw Uttin, the clan leader for the Northern Clan, reach past Simon to snag Zakai around the waist, dragging him around his friend and into his lap. I felt the need to mimic the move. Those three together seemed like trouble.

Ignoring the way Zakai protested until he was silenced with a passionate kiss from his bondmate, Simon leaned forward toward Jamal, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Have you tried it yet? I imagine you have your work cut out for you with two.”

Jamal stuck out his lip in a pout, shooting Brenek and I with an accusing look. “No. They said it was too hot since we woke in the afternoon while traveling at night. Big babies.”

Brenek twisted his mouth to hide a smirk, trying to focus on his conversation with Tyos who was seated beside him. We both realized early on that the prince and his friend were bad influences on Jamal and stuck close, despite usually spending this time talking with old friends. Something told me if we didn’t, Jamal would be drunk and causing mischief before the meal was even finished.