Page 87 of A Fierce Archer

Broden’s mother looked drawn and pale. Her reddened eyes flicked to Flora and Ava for only a moment before she pulled her shawl over her head and went to a cart. She climbed onto the bench and snapped the reins

The three of them watched as the woman rode out through the gates.

“What did ye tell her?” Ava asked.

“I told her she should leave, that unless Broden welcomed her, she was not to come here again.”

“Good,” Flora said.

Ava looked to Flora. “Ye should go find him. He may need someone to speak to.”

Flora found Broden in the area beside the stables. It was a place people often went when needing time alone. The space was blocked from view which gave privacy. There were only rain barrels and some benches that were pulled out when festivities occurred.

He stood looking out toward a field where sheep lazily grazed, his back straight, arms down at his sides.

“Broden,” Flora said, nearing. “Do ye need to talk?”

When he turned to her, Broden sighed. “I am not sure if I will be good company right now. It would be nice for ye to stay for a moment.”

Flora walked to stand next to him and looked out to the field. “It is easy to be envious of the obliviousness of animals.”

Broden remained silent but nodded.

“Do ye miss him?”

The question caught Flora by surprise. He spoke of her dead husband, of course. Instantly, the familiar stabbing of pain hit her. “Very much. Every day.”

“How do ye continue?” He gave her a curious look. “How are ye so strong?”

Flora smiled. “I have to be. I have a son and my mother to look after. Death and life are both realities we must deal with. Ye, too, have suffered a great loss. When yer mother left, she may as well have died.”

He swallowed. “It is not the same. Yer loss is much greater.”

“Loss cannot be measured. Ye continued, made yerself into a good man. Do not belittle it.” Without realizing it, Flora had taken his hand. When his fingers tightened around hers, she gasped.

“Thank ye,” Broden said, not releasing her hand.

There was open sincerity when he pinned her with a direct look. “I spoke with Lady Fraser about ye. I have been watching ye and find ye to be admirable. I know this is sudden, but I would like to ask that ye consider marrying me, Flora.”

Her eyes widened and she swallowed. After just admitting to missing her husband, how could Broden accept her knowing a large portion of her heart would never be his?

“I do wish to...” she began. “I find ye most attractive.”

His lips curved. Then, suddenly, he pulled her close. They kissed, not a gentle one of two people who’d only recently begun to explore possibilities. No, this was a kiss of two lonely souls finding one another.

Flora threaded her fingers through his hair, while pressing herself against the strong man. For months, she’d pretended not to need him, but no longer. It was time to admit what everyone had been telling her. She’d found love again. She was madly in love with Broden.

“I want ye, Flora. As my wife, as my lover.”

Flora pulled away and met his eyes with daring. “Take me then.”

He pushed her against the building and she clawed at his breeches, while he fumbled with her skirts. Both were desperate with want, need and passion.

Lifting her to wrap her legs around him, Broden drove into her, his thick sex invading her thoroughly. Flora buried her face into his neck to stifle her scream.

Each thrust brought so much fulfillment, she could barely keep from cresting. But within seconds, Flora lost control, her entire body shuddering in release.

Broden’s powerful body continued to seek reaching a climax. His masculine grunts filled her ears as she held on to his shoulders, urging him to completion.