Their Lady Gloriana Page 12

  Thomas’s palms were sweating. He was almost afraid to look at the message. From the corner of his eye, he noted how Rowan, too, had stiffened, as had Gloriana, whose brow had furrowed in concern.

  Fearing he wouldn’t like what was written and would say something he shouldn’t in front of the men about the hall all looking curiously at him, he shoved back his chair. “I will read this in the solar. Rowan, join me.”

  Gloriana blinked at him with a wounded look in her eyes. She needed to know what was in the message too, but he preferred to read the news alone first. Well, alone with Rowan. Then he realized what a ridiculous thought that was. Still, he would stand behind his decision. “I will talk with you later about the message,” he said with less force.

  As they walked upstairs, Rowan said under his breath, “She should have been included in this matter. You’ve hurt her yet again.” Thomas scowled back at Rowan, who merely narrowed his eyes in return. He strode down the hallway to the solar. “If this is bad news, I need time to come to terms with it. I refuse to show weakness in front of my wife.”

  Rowan snorted. “Yet you have no problem with showing it in front of me.” Thomas chose not to respond because what his lover had said was true. But then they’d been through so much together. He trusted that Rowan would not betray him in any manner, as he would not betray Rowan.

  The instant Thomas closed the door behind them, he began untying and unrolling the parchment. His stomach knotted. He read over the brief message and then the paper crinkled as he crushed it in his hands. He knew fury sparked in his eyes when his gaze lifted to Rowan.

  “As I suspected, Abernon does not wish to turn over my son.” Thomas thought again about what he’d read. “But Abernon will discuss the matter further…at his castle. I am to come there, with Gloriana.” He met and held Rowan’s gaze. “With you as well.”

  Rowan’s eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed. “You think he suspects…”

  Thomas shrugged. “Nothing was said in written words, but, aye, I suspect he knows. How, I do not know.”

  He had no idea how Abernon would know about his personal relationship with Rowan. Abernon hadn’t flat-out said anything in the missive. But Thomas felt in his gut that his brother-in-law had his suspicions. What he and Rowan had wasn’t sick or twisted, as Abernon might think. They truly cared about each other and that caring went far beyond their sharing intense passion. He would defend their bond with his life if necessary. And he would not be denied his son because of it!

  He paced over to the window to look outside. His mind was in as much turmoil as the clouds moving darkly overhead. Everything in his life at the moment was a struggle. His issues with Gloriana. His relationship with Rowan. His determination to get his son back. He would deal with matters one problem at a time.

  “We ride to Abernon on the morrow.” He would confront his brother-in-law first.

  ***

  Gloriana paced the semi-darkness of her bedchamber, lit only by the two candles on bedside tables. The keep was silent. Soldiers preparing to leave at first light had bedded down early. Everyone else would probably rest anxiously tonight, none knowing whether the men were riding into a battle and an eventual attempt to lay siege to Abernon. She, too, was distressed, uncertain. When Thomas had told her the news not long after talking alone with Rowan, he’d been a troubled man. He didn’t want to bring a battle to his sister’s home, but he wanted his son. And she’d sensed there was trouble that involved Rowan as well. Something in the way he kept looking at his friend. There’d been such frustration in his eyes, such anger, and such determination. Rowan, too, had appeared upset. The concern in his expressive eyes was more intense than normal. She worried about them both. She faced the rumpled bed where she’d tossed and turned until she couldn’t stay there another second. Thomas had not yet come to bed…at least not to their marital bed. Her men—and, yes, she thought of them both as her men—were deeply troubled this night. They needed each other at such times, which she truly didn’t mind. But she needed reassuring, too. She needed the warmth of Thomas’s body next to hers, in hers. She needed to comfort him and make him believe that everything would be all right, even if she only hoped it would be. She needed to reassure Rowan, too.

  Heart racing, she straightened her shoulders, and walked quietly out of her room. With each step down the long hallway in bare feet, she prayed she wasn’t making a mistake. She’d seen them together once before and the memory of it still gave her wicked fantasies. Thomas had reluctantly talked about their relationship, seemed pleased it didn’t repulse her. She was certain he’d talked about the awkward conversation with Rowan. But would they be upset with her coming to see them now? Would they be angered if she walked in on them as they…as they “fucked”?

  She could turn back to her bedchamber—probably should—but instead she continued toward Rowan’s chamber door. Her hand shook as she started to knock. When she heard soft moans, she dropped her hand. This is private! Turn away.

  Yet as the moans continued, she found her hand carefully opening the door a crack. Her heart pounded so loudly she hoped they couldn’t hear her as she peeked into the candle-lit room. She gaped, not in horror but in fascination. Thomas and Rowan stood naked by the bed, and she was certain she’d never seen such a wondrous sight. Two extremely well-toned men, tall with long, muscled legs, both with many battle scars, and so very, very handsome.

  She felt a fluttering of excitement low in her body. As she wondered at it, she watched Thomas reach up to caress Rowan’s lower lip with a finger. Rowan’s eyes heated and then he drew the finger into his mouth for but a second. His chest swelled and shuddered when Thomas inched closer. Then he wrapped his powerful arms around Thomas and tugged him even closer, so close their bodies were aligned so that their cocks rubbed together.

  Gloriana trembled all over, watching, aching to be a part of what they were doing. She wanted to feel Thomas’s finger trace over her lips, wanted to suck on it just as Rowan had done. She wanted to feel Rowan’s arms around her. She wanted to stand between their bodies, feel both of their cocks rubbing against her. Such wicked, wicked thoughts! Moisture beaded between her shaking legs. She could not look away from the two lovers.

  And then Rowan kissed Thomas, gently, in striking contrast to the hardened warrior he was. His mouth slanted over Thomas’s, his tongue slid slowly along the crease of Thomas’s lips. The muscles in his back rippled as he seemed to fight deepening the kiss too soon.

  Gloriana pressed a hand to her envious lips. To be kissed so tenderly… Then she remembered Thomas kissing her with gentleness, too. She smiled at the memory.

  But Thomas had clearly tired of going slow, and she watched him enfold Rowan in his powerful embrace. His lower body moved against Rowan while his mouth took everything Rowan had to give. Gloriana wanted this kind of kiss! Gentleness was nice, but this…this kiss had her heart racing, had heat swirling all through her. She stamped her foot in irritation.

  That small noise drew their attention, or at least their gazes. She had the feeling they’d both known she was there watching them. They didn’t move apart, their bodies still aligned, cocks still touching. But Rowan’s eyes mirrored amusement at her sudden mortification at having been caught watching something she shouldn’t have been observing.

  It was Thomas who sighed in resignation and motioned her into the chamber. “I see that your curiosity has gotten the better of you, Glori. Come in and close the door.”

  Her face flamed, but she raised her chin as she obeyed.

  “Twas not curiosity that brought me here, my lord. I wish to be held and comforted this night as well.” It was curiosity that had kept her watching them, intrigued and feeling left out.

  “Tis more than simple ‘comforting’ I need. My frustrations run high at the moment.” He looked directly at her. “My needs are intense. I fear I wouldn’t have been gentle enough with you tonight.”

  Gloriana was still quivering inside, still thinking about what she’d witn
essed. And with the two men continuing to stand with their aroused bodies touching one another, she couldn’t stand idly by any longer. She blew out a breath of exasperation. “Mayhap we can all get what we desire.”

  Rowan’s lips twitched in amusement. Thomas looked uncertain.

  She’d hoped they would just understand what she meant without having to explain this lust she felt. She heaved a sigh and focused on Thomas. “You can satisfy your great needs with Rowan, as he can with you. I’m fine with that.” When they both still watched her in silence, she put her hands on hips and said pointedly, “But I insist on one…or both of you…satisfying me as well. Mayhap a bit more gently.” Her face flamed at her bold statement, but she refused to take it back.

  In truth, the idea of both of them touching her, making love to her was making her a bit light-headed with desire.

  When they both raised eyebrows, she ignored the nervous tingling in her stomach and added with determination, “And I insist on being allowed to give comfort to each of you.”

  “Give ‘comfort’?” Thomas asked, his tone confused.

  “Reassurance. Hugging. Touching gently, as the two of you were doing moments ago. I want to give that.” She drew in a breath and lifted her chin. “I want it as well.”

  Rowan’s grin tipped up one side of his tempting mouth, heat flared in his eyes. He looked toward Thomas clearly intending to see how his friend answered. Thomas’s brow had creased and he appeared unsure of how to respond.

  Annoyed with her husband’s lack of response, she decided to take action. She walked to them, noticing how they both tensed, seemed to hold each other tighter in their uncertainty. She would not back down now.

  Drawing on her strength of will, she stopped next to them in her thin cotton chemise. Thomas’s eyes widened at her daring. And then she wrapped her arms around the two of them as much as she could. She settled her face to where their chests touched and breathed out a sigh of contentment. It felt so right, being here with the men that had become so important to her. She gave them a tiny squeeze as best she could.

  Rowan immediately relaxed and gave her the top of her head a gentle kiss. Yet he said nothing, waiting for Thomas’s reaction.

  She held her breath, worried that she’d made a fool of herself.

  Worried that Thomas would now turn her away, force her to leave them. Then she felt the tension leave his big body and heard his sigh of resignation.

  Impatient that he hadn’t actually spoken yet, she kissed Thomas’s bare chest and then turned to kiss Rowan’s. Then she looked up expectantly at them both. “Well?”

  “Tis your wife, my friend. What say you?” Rowan slid a hand around her back, toyed with the end of her long braid. “I’m willing.”

  Thomas was silent for several seconds, although his gaze had heated, his nostrils flared. She could tell he was thinking it over, studying his lover, worrying about her. So many emotions crossed over his dear, handsome face. She saw surprise and interest, concern and acceptance, even a brief flash of jealousy, but she wasn’t sure of whom it was about: her or Rowan. She couldn’t take much more of his indecision. Finally he nodded. “I will not see you hurt in this, Glori. All the more intense loving will be between Rowan and me. Understand?”

  She smiled. Her whole body sizzled with excitement. In her delight, she devilishly reached out and lightly pinched each of their bare butts.

  Chapter Seven

  “Glori!” Thomas looked down at her, saw the teasing grin on her face, and knew he was lost.

  Rowan chortled. “You’re asking for trouble, my lady.” But his gaze held warmth as he pinched her bottom in return before edging away from Thomas and Gloriana. Thomas frowned at Rowan’s action and then calmed. If he were agreeing to this arrangement, then he had to accept that his weren’t the only hands that would touch his wife’s body. His weren’t the only lips that would taste of her sweetness. Another brief twinge of jealousy sparked, but he tamped it down. He trusted Rowan with his life, with loving him. He would trust Rowan not to hurt Gloriana.

  She giggled in delight and scooted back several feet, pulling Thomas from his musings. Her face grew pink, but she reached for the hem of her chemise. His heart pounded as he watched mesmerized as she uncovered herself. She had such a perfect body. He vividly recalled each and every inch of it. He knew her scent, knew her softness. His cock grew to the point of aching. He wanted her.

  He felt a twinge of possessiveness, but then he glanced toward an equally naked Rowan and experienced the same possessiveness toward him. He wanted them both.

  She was blushing all over, yet she stood waiting for their further reaction. Thomas gave her a smile of approval.

  In return, she lowered her eyes for a second before saying, “I feel truly blessed to be here with two such handsome men. To soon share something very special with you both.”

  Thomas reached out to gently touch the side of her face. He didn’t speak; couldn’t seem to find the right words to say, but he hoped she understood how special a moment this was for him as well.

  Rowan wasn’t nearly as tongue-tied as he. He looked from Gloriana to Thomas and said, “Tis we, dear Glori, who are blessed.”

  Thomas nodded in agreement. This small woman had suffered much in her previous marriage, had at first been wary of him, and now she was ready to try something completely foreign to her…to him as well. He’d never made love with another man and a woman at the same time. It both excited him and worried him.

  “As much as I want this, I know not how to go about it,” Thomas said quietly. He didn’t want to fail either of them. What he did know was that his erection had grown even harder since his wife had shed her garment. “I refuse to have you hurt.”

  He reached down and stroked the length of his cock, pleased to see her eyes widen as she watched him. Rowan observed him, too, but right now he was more interested in Gloriana’s reaction. He stroked his rod again, slower, thumbing the head. Her breasts rose and fell, and she couldn’t seem to look away from what he was doing.

  Thomas watched her swallow hard while he stroked his throbbing cock yet another time. He saw her tremble. Her responses greatly pleased him. He imagined if he looked between her legs, he would find moisture beading there. Just the thought of that made him even more desperate for their lovemaking.

  Then Rowan, too, wrapped a hand around his hardened rod. Gloriana shifted her focus and breathed shakily as she watched him move his hand up and down the shaft. Thomas watched as well, aching to touch that cock, to feel it rammed into him or take it in his mouth. Even more, he fought an almost violent urge to bend Rowan over and drive into his tight hole. Right here in front of his wife.

  Rowan met his eyes and gave him a look of understanding. “I know, my friend. My need is mighty, too.” Rowan rubbed his cock once more, his chest shuddering. “I hadn’t thought you were experienced with a ménage a trois. I am, though I’ve not done this very often.”

  ***

  Watching the two massive men each stroking their swollen rods had Gloriana trembling from nose to toe. She wanted to touch each of those shafts. She wanted to feel them inside her. Separately. Together. She had such a powerful ache within her.

  “I fear I can’t be gentle right now.” Thomas’s expression was tense as he looked to her. “I want you too much. I want Rowan too much.”

  A glance at Rowan and she knew he felt the same heated desire. Both men needed the release they’d prepared to seek before she’d interrupted them. In truth, she wished to observe their union and sate her curiosity almost as much as she wanted fulfillment herself.

  “I cannot watch the two of you suffering so. Do whatever you need to do.” She went over to sit on the rumpled bed to watch. “Mayhap when you’re finished…”

  “Nay, we can all be satisfied together,” Rowan protested. “I will feast on your sweetness.” He looked toward Thomas. “You will take my ass.”

  Feast on her sweetness? Gloriana quivered in anticipation. Did he mean like�
� She felt heat climbing up her face as she remembered Thomas spreading her legs one time and putting his mouth upon her woman’s place. Her pulse raced and moisture beaded at her lower lips. Then she looked to Thomas, worried about his feelings toward what Rowan had said. Would he let his friend touch her in such a way?

  Thomas had a small frown on his brow, but he didn’t voice disapproval. She needed an answer to her concern. “Do you agree with this, my lord?” She wanted this ‘feasting,’ but not if her husband was unhappy with it.

  Thomas frowned for a second and then nodded. “If I had the patience right now, I would do it. But my need to deliver a pounding is too fierce.” He stroked his swollen shaft steadily, looked with urgency at his friend. “Lie on your back, Glori, toward the middle of the bed. Spread your legs wide.”

  Heart racing but eager to obey, she quickly scrambled back into the position requested. She was nervous feeling so exposed, so vulnerable. But seeing both men watching her so ardently, seeing both draw in a deep breath pleased her. Because of their clear approval, she relaxed. She was seeing them at their most vulnerable as well.

  Rowan had been pulling harder, faster, on his swollen cock while she moved on his bed. He grew still and she watched in wonder as a thin cream flowed over his hand. Then tension eased from his face. He turned to Thomas, who took some of the cream and coated his long shaft with it. The action made her lower lips pulse, made her ache with longing. What a waste it seemed, using Rowan’s essence in such a manner. He could have possibly given a woman a babe…given her a babe. She would have gladly borne him a child, though she really wished to have one with Thomas. Now she felt ashamed for having such thoughts about the man who wasn’t her husband.

  Thomas caught her sad look, and she noted how his eyes were dark with shadows. Pain? Regret? Guilt for his decision not to get her with child? She truly didn’t want to give him more burdens to bear, yet she so desperately wanted a baby. But she would settle for mothering his son if that was her only choice. Yet, even thinking that, she wasn’t ready to completely give up on him changing his mind.