Page 60 of Cadell the Dragon

“So I see,” she quipped, nodding at the bulge hidden under the covers. Despite the furs covering his lower body, it was obvious that he was rock hard. “This cannot be comfortable, I’m thinking.”

“It’s not.” The smile widened, became wicked. “It hurts like the devil, if you must know.”

“Poor man. What shall we do to ease your discomfort, I wonder?” she asked, pouring another cup of ale, for him this time.

“I’ll tell you what we’ll do, my love,” Cadell said in a growl, glancing at the bulge taunting her. Her core had gone as hot as his was tight. No, she was definitely not cold, even if the winter chill in the room had caused her nipples to pebble. Or was it something else that had made them harden? “I will stay exactly where I am, and you will come and sit on me, ride me until you’ve had what you wanted.”

“What about what you want?” she asked, coming closer. “I thought we were addressing your discomfort.”

“Oh, I’m not worried. Once you’re satisfied, it will be my turn. Thank you.” He took the cup she handed out to him and emptied it with as much haste as she had earlier. “Now, enough stalling, woman. Get in the bed.”

Johanna did get in the bed.

And then she did exactly as she’d been instructed. She rode Cadell in a frenzy of need that left her breathless, she rode him until she was too weak to even open her eyes, at which point he rolled her under him and took over with stunning urgency, stealing what little breath she’d had left.

It was a long time before either of them could talk.

“Talking of riding,” Cadell said once they’d had their breath back, “I think we should go to Castell y Ddraig today, to tell Siaspar that I’m back and inform him of our upcoming wedding. I want to have the ceremony as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, me too.” They had waited long enough to be husband and wife. The sooner they could do it, the better. “Katherine will be delighted. She and I have become good friends, you know.”

“I’m glad. I was hoping that would be the case.”

Longingly, Johanna stroked the scar on Cadell’s cheek, the one under the eye—the one he’d sustained while defending Bryn Glas and the women in it. She had once told Richard that Efa would not mind his scars, as they were a proof of his love, and love was beautiful.

She had been right. The scar was beautiful because of what it represented, and would always remind her that this incredible man loved her so much that he had been prepared to die for her.

“Did it hurt very much?” she asked, hating the idea.

“No.” He took her hand and kissed the palm. “Don’t worry about it. But I expect it will be even more visible once I shave.”

“Mm,” she said, stroking the soft blond hairs gracing his chin. “I think I love you with a beard. But I also love you without. I just…love you.”

“And I love you.” The kiss he gave her proved the truth of his words. “Now, stay here, I will call for a bath to be brought for you.”

Johanna blushed. Indeed, after this morning’s exertions, a bath would be most welcome. After one last kiss on her lips Cadell left the bed.

“Are you not cold?” she asked when he bent over to retrieve his shirt.

“Never when I’m with you.”

“Shy?”

A snort. “Should I be? Should I hide from you?”

The wretched man had the audacity to stretch and make sure every single inch of his gorgeous body was on display. Hide this beauty from her?

“Absolutely not,” she breathed. “I forbid it.”

17

They found Siaspar with his wife Katherine in the herb garden, enjoying a rare moment of winter sunshine together. They both smiled when they saw Johanna’s hand tucked in the crook of his arm, but to Cadell’s relief, they acted as if the two of them behaving like a married couple were so normal it was not even worth a mention.

“Cade, good to see you back.”

To your senses, Siaspar may as well have added.

“It is good to be back,” Cadell answered, “even if, unfortunately, I could not complete my mission.”