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“Yes or no, Feigrind. I asked a simple question.”

He sighed and shook his head. “No. I didn’t. I made love with you because I wanted to. Because you are beautiful, and I am enraptured by you. I would not use sex to change your mind. Do you truly think I am that cruel?”

Sixteen

FEIGRIND

From the look on his face, he didn’t believe my words. It hurt that Simon thought so little of me. That I would bring him into my bed only to convince him to stay. It was not for that reason, but a part of me still knew if I told him the truth, it would only push him farther from me. He wasn’t ready for me to claim him. He still wanted to go back to his life. I would not bring up my hopes until I knew for certain that he wished to stay.

He still glared at me, his posture defiant and annoyed like usual. Despite his irritation, I still preferred it over his silence. I liked his fire, and I enjoyed our little back and forth. I was drawn to him, even before he came into my bed, but now that I knew what it was to hold him and touch him, I found it hard to stay away. I stepped closer until his crossed arms bumped against me, and he had to lift his chin to look up at me.

“Are you alright?”

His brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“Bhortis was cruel to you. You should not have been spoken to in such a way. I will make sure he is punished for doing so.”

His head jerked back, surprised. “You mean more than you pummeling him into the ground?”

I made an irritated sound, scowling in the direction they’d dragged Bhortis off. “That was nothing compared to what I will do to him for insulting you. You are my tribute. It is my job to protect you. He will know my wrath when I’m through with him.”

Simon’s stance softened, and he smirked, closing the distance between us and putting his hands on my chest. I ached to wrap myself around him, but he was angry with me before. I didn’t want to touch without his permission first.

“Big bad warrior, so eager to defend my honor. You can relax, Feigrind. He’s not the first man to try and hurt me with his words, and I doubt he’ll be the last. I’m not insulted, because I’d need to value his opinion to care about what he says to me. I don’t waste my time on men like him.”

He was so much braver than I’d ever imagined. It still didn’t make Bhortis’s actions okay, but I was glad he wasn’t hurt because of it. If he was truly upset, I’d skin Bhortis alive.

“People are looking at us, you know,” he pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

I frowned and looked around. The village center was busy at this time of day and a great deal of those present were looking at us. I dropped my gaze back to Simon.

“Does this bother you? Would you like me to take you back to my tent?”

He rolled his eyes, like the brat he was. “It’s not me I’m asking about, you dolt,” he carped. “You’re the one who has never had an interest in men. People are going to question why you’re suddenly cuddling one like I’m your teddy bear.”

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but he had a point. Despite my warnings to keep my hands to myself until he was more receptive to my touch, I had somehow wrapped him in my arms, my hands spanning his back to keep him close. It didn’t bother me that others saw; they’d find out eventually if I could somehow manage to get Simon to accept me, but I wasn’t looking forward to the teasing. I was grateful that Godr wasn’t around. He would pester me for details on what changed my mind until I either hurt him or answered his questions.

Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. “I am not embarrassed, Simon. You are not some secret to be hidden away.”

Again, he looked surprised. He’d worn that expression a lot since last night. Like my actions weren’t what he was expecting. It made me think he wasn’t well treated before he arrived here. He should expect people to say nice things to him. He deserved to be spoiled.

“We’re speaking the same language, but I still don’t understand you,” Simon murmured, frowning at me. I wanted to ask what he meant by that, but we were interrupted by Orthorr, who did not look pleased.

“It is a concern when my warriors are fighting amongst themselves. What happened?”

Pressing my lips together, I fought back a growl. I did not wish to recount the story. It still pissed me off.

Thankfully, or maybe regrettably, Simon answered for me. “Some asshole tried to insult me, and Feigrind took exception. They both acted like the big barbarians they are. Are you seriously sending him away? Because I don’t give a shit who you assign to watch over me, I’m not going to act all demure while he’s gone.”

Orthorr shot me a questioning look.

“Uttin asked me to join them on the trade journey they will take soon,” I explained. “Drakr’s bondmate is due soon, and he does not wish to leave her side.”

Orthorr sighed. “It would be unfair to ask that of him. But you are busy with your tribute. Is there no one else?”

“That was what we were discussing.”

There were many warriors in our clan, but not all could leave on such journeys. Most needed to stay behind to protect the clan. We were on guard after the Fer’na showed up so suddenly. Usually, I went along on occassion because I was unattached and needed to burn off some energy, but not often. I preferred to stay with Maman. This first time I was resistant to going along, but there were few other options, especially now that Bhortis might have to stay with the healers.