Page 67

In the sennight since Angus had recovered, the man had not slowed his pace as Niall and others, including Lina, begged him to do. Instead, the steward completed the job of a man many years younger.

Thankful to remain alive, he said over and over. They were thankful for the same. Now, however, Niall was also thankful that his wife, despite her protests, was pulling her shift above her head.

No sooner were they both completely nude than Niall guided his wife to the bed. But she surprised him by stopping before they reached its edge, turning toward it. And didn’t his wife sweep her hair to one side and bend over, placing both hands on the mattress. The sight of her bare buttocks, Lina in such a position. . .

They’d made love this way in the bed but never quite like this. Each time, however, his wife became more and more adventurous, though he should not have been surprised.

“Lina.” His voice thick with desire, Niall reached between her legs thinking to prepare her for him, but ‘twas unnecessary. She was so wet already, he pulled his fingers from her, grabbed her hip with one hand, and guided himself into her with the other.

He had to close his eyes or risk spilling his seed too soon. “Lord in heaven, wife.”

She peered over her shoulder to look at him, the expression on her face one of pleasure mixed with merriment for Lina knew precisely what she did to him.

Buried fully in her, Niall remained there for a moment before pulling out. And then in. Reaching across her hip with his free hand, he rubbed her with his fingers, teasing and circling as she cried out his name.

He cried out hers.

Wanting it to last.

Wanting to remain inside his wife all eve. But he simply could not. The moment Lina’s legs began to shake, her cries telling him she began to release, Niall immediately did the same, pushing himself as deep within her as possible.

He held himself there for some time, pulling away reluctantly.

Turning, his wife smiled in a way that told Niall she was quite pleased with herself for forcing him to nearly lose control. He pulled her into his arms.

“Mmmm, I did enjoy that, love.”

“Did you?” she asked, looking up at him. “I was not certain.”

He made another sound deep in his throat, kissed her, and would have remained that way for some time had there not been a knock at the door.

Knowing few would disturb them with Niall specifically asking to take his meal in private, he quickly dressed, at least partially, as Lina donned her shift once more.

He opened the door, revealing none other than Angus on the other side.

“Apologies, my lord. But your mother is belowstairs asking to see you.”

“My mother?”

‘Twas exceedingly odd, not that his mother had traveled to Glenhaven but arriving so late.

“I will send Mary,” he said to Lina, following Angus from the chamber, “so that you may join us.”

When they reached the hall, the evening meal was well underway, with his own surely having grown cold abovestairs. His mother stood beside the fire, warming her hands.

He kissed her cheek in greeting. “Mother, is Father here with you?”

“He is not,” she said. “It’s he and your brother I came to speak to you about.”

Niall did not understand. “Mother?” he asked, not caring for her expression. She seemed worried, much more so than usual. “They are well?”

“Indeed,” she said, lowering her voice. “But I have a request to ask of you. And something to share you may find distressing. Though ‘tis necessary.”

Niall could not possibly be more confused. By his mother’s sudden appearance. By her behavior. By her words. “What is your request?”

“I’ve learned you spoke to your father and brother about naming Kieran as second.”

Ahh, now he understood.