But she knew one word from her would put an end to things.
“Are you sure?” Heroc was still beside her, tension emanating from every square inch of his large body.
She nodded, half afraid to speak.
He smiled and the corners of his bluish green eyes crinkled, making him look younger. “How old are you?” She can’t believe she’d never asked him.
“I have seen thirty-three summers.”
“We’re the same age.” That surprised her. Both men seemed older, yet there was no denying they were in the prime of their lives.
“Come.” Heroc took her hand and pulled her toward the bed. Obviously, the time for talking was done.
Abrah wanted to pull Audrey from his brother’s grasp, toss her onto the bed and fuck her until she screamed his name with pleasure. Watching her all day long had been torture, but never had torture been so sweet.
Seeing her experience his home, observing her interact with his people had filled him with pride. He’d loved the look of surprise and wonder in her eyes. But he’d also seen the lost expression that had taken her from time to time, could practically hear her inner thoughts telling her she didn’t belong here.
And maybe she didn’t. She’d been ill. Because Heroc seemed to know more about her health he’d questioned him about it. His brother had assured him that Audrey’s illness wasn’t serious and could be handled with rest, good food and regular doses of Tara’s herbal tea.
Abrah wasn’t convinced. Tara said she needed to release her pent-up emotions.
He couldn’t ask Audrey to do that, not when he carried so much inside himself. He understood her better than she thought. He knew what it was like to be responsible for so many, to have lives hanging on his actions and words. He felt the weight of them every day in spite of how much Heroc tried to shoulder.
Abrah loved his brother and was grateful for his support and counsel. He didn’t know if he could do it on his own and hoped he’d never have to find out.
The only time he felt the weight leave him was when he spent time with Audrey. Something about her presence lightened the burdens pressing on his heart. When she smiled the sun came out even though the day was dull. Her laughter curled around his balls and squeezed them tight. A glance and his cock was as hard as a staff.
She and Heroc stopped beside the bed. Audrey had her shoulders thrown back and her chin tilted upward. So brave when he knew she feared what was to come. “We will not hurt you. Ever.” He made the vow with a fury in his blood. He’d kill anyone who ever hurt her. As quickly as it rose, his fury died away. Within a single day she would be gone and he would be unable to protect her.
The agony wasn’t to be borne.
He cupped the back of her hand in his palm, tilted her head up and kissed her. Her lips parted and he groaned as he surged into her welcoming warmth. She tasted like the stew and hot bread she’d eaten for the evening meal, tinged with the apple cider she seemed to favor. She gave a small moan and his cock jerked at the sexy little sound. She went up on her toes, trying to get closer to him. His balls swelled and threatened to explode.
Abrah slid his hands under her tunic and pushed it upward, breaking the kiss so he could free her from the garment. He needed her naked.
Heroc’s arms came around her, cupping her breasts. The firm mounds were delicate against his brother’s rough, tanned hands. Her nipples tightened under his gaze and when Heroc touched one tender pink nipple it hardened beneath his touch.
“So beautiful.” Abrah wasn’t a man for fancy speech but he wanted her to know he thought she was magnificent.
Red tinged her face and his heart skipped a beat as she blushed. Had no man in her world ever told her such things?
Heroc nibbled the sweet tendons in her neck and she threw back her head and gasped.
Abrah’s fingers flew over the laces of her pants. As soon as the material loosened, he dragged it down. “Lift her,” he ordered.
Heroc swept an arm around her waist and plucked her off her feet. Abrah knelt and removed her boots and pants, leaving her naked in his brother’s arms. The position was perfect for seeing her sweet pussy. He shoved both her legs over his shoulders, parted her with his fingers and buried his face between her spread thighs.
Heroc adjusted his hold on her so his hands were on her breasts once again, teasing the perfect mounds and playing with her taut nipples.
Audrey gave a sharp cry and drove her heels into his back. He teased her slit before letting his tongue slide inward. Her taste was incredible, a mixture of honey and spice and woman. He could eat her all night long. The wetter she was and the more she wanted them, the easier the double penetration would be for her.
But he would not allow her any pain. If she could not handle them both at once he would withdraw immediately. All Abrah wanted was her pleasure.
His tongue left her slit and moved upward. He sucked on her slick folds, licking the tenderest spots. Her clit was swollen, the nub red and hard and he pressed it with his tongue.
Audrey gasped and bucked toward him. Heroc laughed and Abrah raised his head long enough to see his brother nibbling on her tender shoulder while he tugged on her nipples with his thumbs and forefingers.
She was close to coming. Abrah could sense it in the erratic movement of her body, in the sharpness of her breathing.
He pushed two thick fingers into her pussy and almost came when they tightened around him. His cock was about to burst the lacings on his pants. His shoulders were slick and one of her legs slipped. He grabbed it with his free hand, pushing it up higher on his shoulder.
“Hold me,” Abrah ordered. Her heels dug into his back and he grunted his approval. He tongued her clit again and then pulled it between his lips, sucking gently. Audrey arched back against Heroc’s chest, the movement shoving her pussy more firmly against his face. Abrah sucked harder, while his fingers worked in and out of her constricting sheath.
Her cry was music to his ears. The way her hot channel closed around his fingers made him blind with lust. The taste of her sexual release washed over his tongue and he swallowed, wanting to share in the moment with her.
Abrah kept his face buried between her thighs until he knew she could take no more. He carefully removed his fingers and sat back, swiping the back of his hand over his damp mouth and chin.
He nodded to Heroc and his brother pulled her away and scooped her into his arms at the same time. Heroc placed her on the bed where she lay with her eyes closed. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she gasped for breath. Her skin glistened with a light sheen of perspiration and her curly hair was spread over his pillows. Her long, slender limbs were lax and her legs were slightly open, allowing him a clear view of her pink and wet pussy. Her nipples, too, had turned more red than pink.
She opened her eyes and smiled at him and Abrah knew he was lost. In spite of his best intentions, in spite of the barriers he’d built around his heart, she’d destroyed them without even trying. All it had taken was her tender, open smile.
Chapter Eleven
Heroc’s heart pounded, the pulse in his temple keeping time. Every muscle, every cell in his body was screaming for him to claim Audrey. But it wasn’t that easy. Sexually, they were well matched. He loved her intelligence, her wit, the way she viewed the world around her. She’d asked questions on their tour today, taking it all in. She’d seemed lost at times and at others she’d smiled and laughed.
He knew she still wanted to go home.
As much as they’d done today to make her feel comfortable in their home, it wasn’t enough. He glanced at Abrah but his brother was entranced with watching Audrey. He couldn’t blame him. She made the most spectacular picture spread across the bed. His cock jerked in agreement.