Page 36 of The Scouts

“I wouldn’t dawdle if I were you. I don’t have long to go,” I drawled.

I’d always perceived Lochan’s ability to climax just from being fucked a gods-given talent. And if the deed was done the brusque and forceful way—seemingly without any regard for him or his needs whatsoever—he would go off like a sparkler on the Queen’s Namesday. It didn’t matter that we both knew it to be a fib. What he wanted and how he wanted it dictated my priorities.

I concentrated on touching him in a manner that would make him feel restricted and controlled. Mine to be taken however I chose. There for my pleasure without any influence over the imminent events. Left at my mercy to endure whatever I had in store for him.

My hands shook while I took myself out. I kissed the back of his neck and bit the meaty part on his shoulder, delighted at his barely audible whimper. I dug into his hips then, manipulating them until the curve of his arse reached the most appealing angle for me.

“Good,” I repeated and sank into him in one ruthless stab, immediately greedy for the hot tightness that welcomed and gripped me. Giving him no time to adjust to my girth, I made him bear my merciless rhythm from the outset. After all, wasn’t everyone out for themselves in a race? Yet I remained watchful, never missing a quiver or moan from him.

“So. Very. Fine,” I gasped, punctuating every word by a new thrust of my pelvis. With my jaws gritted and my tongue pressed into the roof of my mouth, I struggled to breathe.

For a moment, I thought Lochan wouldn’t make it in time. Sometimes he liked granting me my release but depriving himself of his own. But then he froze and tautened, clenching around me in the tell-tale sign. The smell of musk around us intensified. His fingers curled and scraped the wood surface once—the only movement he allowed himself.

One more plunge and I let myself go, lost in what felt like an endless eruption. It took a moment for my vision to clear.

The next thing I knew, we stood chest to chest, sagging into each other, arms entangled, both spent to hell. My wobbly knees appreciated the support of Lochan’s strong frame. I could feel the galloping of his heart, just as animated as mine.

“I won,” he whispered against my cheek.

“Just about,” I wheezed out. A wave of great tenderness rolled through me and the words ripped out of me without conscious thought, “Me tú e agrha, mu’hrōnye. Tôrr es tôrr me tú e agrha. Dvellãh.”

He pressed himself even tighter to me. “Mhm,” he murmured.

I never imagined that I’d be beyond ecstatic hearing such a response to my most ardent and heartfelt declaration of love. But an embrace and one syllable from Lochan Féyes carried more weight than a sonnet and a blood oath coming from another. And that was that.

We held hands when we stepped into the rainy night. Droplets splashed from beneath our boots as we ran the full distance towards the food hall—and the much-anticipated pork roulade.

Darkness hid the ear-to-ear grin I sported the entire way.

* * *

Chapter 11

THE FAIR

Spring, Yzaan

ERVYN

We were stationed up north in the sleepy coastal town of Yzaan several weeks later.

That day, we found ourselves once more leaning back in the chairs opposite Heinnés’ bureau. However, this time around, the commander sat behind a sturdy oak desk and wasn’t twitching in anger.

“I’ve got different jobs for you. So I’ll be splitting you lads up for a bit,” Heinnés said without much preamble. “Morryés, Medeyrah is close to where you’re from, right?”

“Aye, sir,” I said. “Just over an hour ride from Black Mountain.”

“Grand. Then you can visit home while taking care of the Scouts’ business.” His lips curled in a smile. “We need a new provision of horses. Back in Asirhwÿn, the queen awarded us sixty thousand silvers from the Royal Exchequer for that purpose.”

I whistled. Her Grace must have indeed been ecstatic with the capture of Sigrunés. Good thinking on Heinnés’ side, striking the iron while it was hot. Right away, I cottoned on to the commander’s intent. “The Medeyrah Horse Fair starts next week.”

“That’s right. I take it you’re familiar with the main breeders?”

“I am, sir. I used to attend the fair with my father every spring.” More to the point, those massive equestrian events had been the highlight of the season. The corner of my mouth lifted at the memory.

Heinnés bobbed his head, clearly expecting that answer. “That’s why you’re the man for the task.” His gaze turned somewhat thoughtful. “I’d planned to let you both go up to the Highlands, if I’m honest. Alas, something came up and I need Féyes elsewhere to rectify it.” By the way the commander grimaced and hardened his tone, I gathered that whatever he referenced wouldn’t be a bunch of sweetness and light.

I sighed, thinking of the lost opportunity. What a thrill it would have been to show Lochan the mountains where I’d grown up. To take him up the hills for a long hike. To camp under the stars. I wanted to see his reaction to the harsh beauty of the landscape. It would leave him enthralled, no doubt. And the thought of taking him home to meet my parents...