CHAPTER TEN
Rowena
I was anxious.
There was asomethingin the air, and I was certain the entire clan could feel it. I told myself I was just irritated that Vrogul and I hadn’t repeated our hot springs pleasure, and I hadn’t had the chance to bringhimpleasure…but I suspected ‘twas more than that.
Since that day in the pool, Vrogul had been distracted, preoccupied. And while I would like to think ‘twas because he’d enjoyed himself with me, I suspected it had more to do with my questions about Callor.
Each night, he lay beside me, not speaking. But his arms were warm and safe, and although I found myself praying he’d tell me what was on his mind, I fell asleep cozy and protected.
During the day, I cleaned, I cooked, I did my best to smile at my new friends…and I dreaded having to leave Battleborn Village.
Then do not. Plenty of humans have made their home here. There is naught to return to, after all.
Aye, the thought had intruded more than once these last days. Especially since Vrogul’s impassioned words as he’d brought me pleasure.
Ye think me yer enemy, but I am no’.
He wasn’t my enemy.
He never had been.
So why did he take me?
This afternoon, I’d had enough. I’d picked up my father’s sword, slung the scabbard around my shoulder, and headed for the training grounds. Even if Vrogul wasn’t available,someonewould oblige me with a spar, or I could work on my forms alone.
But halfway there, the sound of hooves surprised me.
I turned, half-crouching, prepared to spring away. When I realized ‘twas Vrogul, trotting toward me on one of the hardy island horses, I straightened…only to yelp in surprise when he bent to one side, grabbing me by the back of my bodice and lifting me into the air.
With anoofof air, I landed across his lap, and his hand went to my back to hold me in place. I tried to lift my head, but he shoved it back down, and I got a mouthful of horsehair.
“Pllbt. Vrogul! What are you doing?”
My objection was weak, and I began to kick and struggle.
“Put me down!”
“Nay, lass!” he roared, smacking my arse so hard I jumped in surprise.
“I’m a raider, aye?”
“Wh—” I began, but bit down on the word when Vrogul’s hand cupped the spot he just smacked, squeezing it lightly then giving it a rub. My eyes widened.
“Ye accused me of being a terror,dkaar.”
His hand slid down to my thighs, cupping one so that his thumb rested between my legs, daringly close to my core, which was already warming at his touch.
“So, I’m pillaging.”
“Pillagingme?”
My question was supposed to be indignant, but it came out with a squeak.
“Pillaging ye,” he agreed, squeezing my flesh possessively. “Takingye.”
Oh my.
