Page 76 of Ironling
Baring his tusks at the night, Hakon pulled off his boots and flung them back onto dry land. His nicest jerkin and tunic went next, then his best trou. Naked, he walked into the lake near the manor house, the chilly water sending gooseflesh up his legs.
He hardly felt it past the burning ache in his blood.
Hakon wrapped a fist around the angry cock bobbing between his legs and pumped. He hissed with hunger and desperation.
Was he a fool for stopping? Had he missed his only chance?
Only time would tell.
Hakon had been patient already. He could be again now.
But fates, he didn’t want patience. He wanted Aislinn. Hewanted his mate.
His hand slid up and down his throbbing shaft, collecting slick that leaked from the tip. Spend dribbled into the lake, and the water lapped at his legs as he worked himself mercilessly. The memories of her softness under his lips and hands were a stark counterpoint to his roughness, and he wished with everything inside him that it was her he thrust into, not his own hand.
Soon,he promised himself.
More than a promise—a vow.
Soon, soon, soon.
His hips thrust to the rhythm of that promise, and with one last brutal pump, Hakon released into the lake, his lips pulled back in a snarl.
He heaved as the desire poured from him, and before he’d even finished, he threw himself into the lake headfirst. The cold water rushed past him, shocking his body and bringing a measure of relief.
Without it, he was liable to storm back through camp and, in front of everyone, throw Aislinn over his shoulder to find somewhere quiet and sequestered in the old way.
Soon.
Aislinn wandered the outskirts of the celebration for a while, mind turning over all that’d happened. Ornothappened, as it were.
The noises of the revelry didn’t register as she pondered whatHakon said—and rued that the mead she’d drunk sabotaged her chance at laying with her blacksmith that night.
Be sure,he’d said.
I am sure!What about letting him expose and lick her breast made him think she wasn’t?
Honestly, men were impossible.
“Milady?”
Aislinn looked up, startled at the sound of Fia’s voice. Her maid stood only a few feet away, looking concerned.
“Men are impossible,” she blurted.
Fia’s concern faded into an amused grin. “That they are, milady. Sometimes wholly insufferable. But there are a few good ones yet.”
“Even those are impossible sometimes.”
“Certainly.” Fia looked her over, no doubt noting how her dress was slightly askew. Aislinn could only hope no hay was sticking from her hair.
“Are you all right, milady?”
“Yes,” she sighed. “Just tired. I think I’m turning in.”
“Your bed is ready for you. Shall I—?”
Aislinn waved her back toward the revelry. “No, no. I can manage. Enjoy your night.”Someone deserves to.
