The Barbarian's Stolen Bride (Northmen Barbarians 1)

What we’d done this afternoon and what he’d obscenely just said should have left me embarrassed, but it didn’t. It made me feel hotter.

I cleared my throat and tried to gather a semblance of control over my body. Of course it was hard with my husband sitting right next to me. It should’ve been illegal for a man to be so big and strong and arousing with just a smoldering look.

“I can have Lila and Greta escort me back to our room if you prefer to stay with everyone—”

My words were cut off by his deep growl of disapproval. I laughed softly, and he leaned down and gave me a chaste kiss before rising, his hand still in mine. He helped me out of the seat, and then we just stood there.

The room seemed to quiet at Fen’s sudden motion, all eyes on him… on us. I felt a fierce blush cover my face and resisted the urge to duck my head, allowing the long fall of my hair to obscure everybody’s view. This was my life now, and I needed to show strength, not act like a bashful and inexperienced girl.

So I pulled my shoulders back and held my head high, making sure to act like I was stronger than I felt.

Fen led me away, past the tables and guests, pulling me closer to him, as if he needed that connection the same way I did.

Once we were out of the great hall and headed toward our room, I heard the noise pick up behind us at our departure. I knew I’d be counting down the minutes until Fen joined me in our bed.

Gods, just thinking about that had my pussy embarrassingly soaked.

We made it to the room faster than I wanted. I would’ve enjoyed a leisurely walk with his hand in mine as I let my mind wander around more obscene things.

But before he opened the door, Fen spun me around so fast a gasp left my parted lips and pressed me against the scarred wood. He cupped my face with one of his big, calloused hands as he leaned down and ran the tip of his nose up the length of my neck. I shivered in response.

And then he claimed my mouth.

I moaned and melted against him, curling my fingers around his hard waist, my nails digging into the material of his shirt. He felt so good against me, hard where I was soft. Masculine where I was feminine.

“Fuck the celebration,” he groaned against my lips and then chuckled softly.

I placed my palms flat on his chest and gently pushed back. He took a step away from me instantly, but the fierce expression on his face told me he didn’t like it.

“As much as I would like nothing more than for you to come into this room with me, you have responsibilities and obligations.” I gave him what I knew was probably a shy smile.

I knew nothing about ruling a kingdom, but I didn’t want things to get off on the wrong foot with his obligations versus his husbandly duties to me. I didn’t want to be seen like I was taking time away from the ruling of Kaldir for my own selfish needs.

“We have all night,” I whispered and trailed my finger along the center of his chest, feeling his muscles bunch underneath my touch. “I’m not so tired that I don’t want to explore you like you explored me.”

He growled low again and snatched my hand off his chest, bringing my open palm to his mouth and kissing the center of it long and slow as he stared into my eyes.

“I won’t be long,” he said deeply, curled his free hand around my nape, and pulled me in for another passionate kiss.

And then with one more harsh sound leaving his throat, he reached behind me to open the door to our room, gave me a soft kiss, then turned and left.

I stood there feeling weak and wet in all the right places, wanting to race back toward him and throw myself into his arms. I felt like a fiend, his very presence like a drug, a soothing balm.

He rounded the corner, and only when I couldn’t see him any longer did I exhale slowly. I forced myself to turn and step into the room. But right before I shut the door, I heard the heavy sound of footsteps coming down the hallway and closer to me. A slow smile spread across my face, and my pulse picked up.

It was like Fen didn’t have as much self-control as he should. And I couldn’t be sorry about that.

I gripped the door with one hand and turned around, a big smile on my face, one that was probably more seductive than anything else. But that smile faltered as I got a look at the man who stood a few feet from me.