Page 97 of King's Warrior

Rufe felt along one wall, yelled, “A-ha!” and pulled a lever, opening a door. He lit a lantern sitting on a nearby shelf and said, “Come with me,” reminding Niam of all the times Rufe had visited his bed via the hidden passageway in Dellamar Castle. Renvalle Castle shared some of the same features. Given the warring nature of their ancestors and many important historical events starting with “the siege of…,” cleverly disguised escape routes made sense.

They climbed circular stairs that undoubtedly both saved lives and facilitated trysts throughout time. Rufe stopped, pressed a hand against a wall, swung out a panel, and motioned Niam through. Whoever decorated the chapel must’ve saved most of their creativity for this room. Vibrant blossoms filled vases on several tables. A light dusting of petals adorned the canopy bed, all highlighted by a blazing fire in the hearth.

Their wedding night.

Rufe cradled Niam’s cheeks between his palms, bringing their mouths together in a too-soft-for-Rufe kiss. He pulled back with a bittersweet smile, something haunting in his dark eyes. “I know we hadn’t planned this, and you hadn’t intended to bond again, but I tell you now, I give you my heart and soul. I’ll do my best to be the partner you want and need.”

Niam paused. Gossip said Rufe gave his affection freely and temporarily once. He’d give up all others for Niam?

“That is more than I can ask of you. You were pressed into this arrangement, same as I.”

Rufe’s wicked smile nearly stopped Niam’s heart. “I couldn’t let you make vows to another.”

Oh, the declaration wasn’t about love after all, despite Rufe mentioning “heart and soul.” A touch of disappointment tainted the moment.

Rufe tipped his chin downward, staring more intently into Niam’s eyes. “I became yours the moment I saw Ned sitting by my bed when I lay wounded in your keep. I just never thought you could be mine.”

Really? “I think my interest came when you lay nearly at death’s door, yet you raked a gaze over me that had me wanting to drop my clothes to the floor and see how much we could accomplish without killing you.”

Rufe snickered. “I wish you’d have tried. And I wasn’t at death’s door.”

“Close enough. But I should tell you something. I needed a noble spouse, but it didn’t matter to me whether you were noble. I still would’ve made you my consort if I thought you’d agree. You’re an honest man. An honorable man. I haven’t met too many of those in my lifetime. You’ve been my own personal warrior since the day we met. I wanted you then. I want you now. I’ll always want you.” The truth of those words cut to Niam’s very soul.

“Good. But given I’m such a great, honest man, I must say something myself. If you have regrets or this isn’t what you want, you'd best speak now before I make a besotted fool of myself.”

Besotted fool? A flicker of a smile tugged at Niam’s lips. “Do your worst.”

The haunted look faded from Rufe’s eyes. “So, I shall. Niam, simply looking at you makes me want to be a better man. I’ve never said these words to a lover, but I love you more than I ever thought possible. I die a little inside each time I see you in danger and would gladly sacrifice everything I am to protect you.” He brought his mouth down before letting Niam answer, tracing his tongue over the seam of Niam’s lips.

Niam parted his lips, allowing Rufe’s tongue to sweep into his mouth. This was his Rufe, his spouse, his king consort.

The warrior who loved him.

They broke the kiss long enough to shed their wedding attire, ties and laces impeding their momentum, until at last they stood naked before each other, Niam with his pale, liberally freckled flesh, mere traces of hair on his chest and a coppery patch around his groin and upward toward his navel. His cock stood rigid, flushed with blood, long and slender, like the rest of his body.

Scars and blemishes marred Rufe’s darker skin, telling the story of his life, battles, and survival. A mat of short, dark hair covered his chest, likely shaved when he wore padding and plate armor. “I know I’m nothing to look at,” Rufe said, though he never tried to shield himself or the tattoo on his wrist. Dark hair adorned his arms, legs, and down his body and to his groin, broken in places by heavy scars. One across his chest appeared particularly brutal. Hisshorter but fatter cock rose from inky curls. Niam loved every bit of the man.

The bead of moisture at the slit… Damn, how Niam wanted a taste.

He cupped his hand over Rufe’s cock. Rufe let out a moan that almost sounded painful. “You’re beautiful,” Niam whispered, keeping his voice reverent. “Every scar means you survived to be here with me now, the most important moment in my life.” He dropped onto the pile of their discarded clothing, cushioning his knees from the floor, and nuzzled his nose into Rufe’s groin, inhaling deeply, committing the scent to memory.

He wrapped his lips around the head of that beautiful cock, reveling in Rufe’s sudden hiss. The taste filled Niam’s mouth, making him close his eyes in pleasure and simply enjoy. He’d thought he might never see Rufe again. Not only did he get to see him, but Rufe willingly made vows, joining their lives together.

This gorgeous man, this hard-muscled warrior, now belonged nottoNiam, butwithhim. Niam took the muscular globes of Rufe’s ass into his hands, holding him still while Niam worked his mouth up and down Rufe’s glorious length.

Rufe wove his fingers through Niam’s hair, cradling the back of his head, gently urging him on.

Niam needed no urging, plunging down again and again, holding the base of Rufe’s cock with one hand while working himself with the other.

Rufe dropped a hand to Niam’s shoulder, lightly shoving. “No. That’s too good. It can’t be over so soon.”Grip firm, Rufe lifted, helping Niam to his feet. He sealed their mouths again, reaching down to stroke Niam’s cock.

His grin twisted Niam’s heart when he retreated, then lifted and deposited Niam on the bed.

Niam spread his legs for Rufe to settle between, glorying in the weight of that solid body on his. He’d never get enough of this man.

Rufe moaned into their kiss, thrusting his hardened length against Niam’s. So good, so right. A million worries waited outside the door. Niam pushed them from his mind. This was his bonding night, the one he thought he’d never have.

Rufe wrapped a callused hand around both their erections, making them slide more firmly together. A groan tore from Niam’s throat.

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