“Dinnae say what I know you want to say,” Cree hurried to warn. “Believe me when I say you will regret it.”
Torin stole a quick glance at Dawn and the fury that had ignited in her eyes had him saying the unexpected, “You are lucky to have a wife who defends you with such fierceness and courage.”
“That I am,” Cree agreed with pride, and he interpreted when Dawn gestured to Torin. “She warns you to watch your tongue in front of her.”
Torin nodded and was surprised that Dawn gestured again at him.
“My wife says you agree yet you do not truly agree,” Cree said, looking to his wife to confirm he was right.
Dawn nodded and turned to Torin.
“Dawn waits for you to explain,” Cree said.
“I thought a woman without a voice would make a perfect wife, but even a woman who has no voice speaks as loudly as one that does,” Torin said with an abrupt laugh and shake of his head.
“You look for a wife?” Cree asked, with a nod for Dawn to join him, not at all comfortable with her being as close to Torin as she was.
Torin reached for his tankard, more relaxed now, coming to know Lord Cree and his wife far better than he expected and admiring them. “It is time for me to find a wife. My clan does well but not as well as it would do without an heir. The clan needs to know I will do all I can to keep it safe and secure and that means producing an heir that will carry on when I am gone.”
Dawn sat beside Cree, his arm going around her waist protectively. She realized it was a territorial thing between men. When a woman belonged to a man another man dared not touch what was not his. She understood since she would not take kindly to another woman showing interest in Cree. He belonged to her, and she would let no one take him from her.
“I hoped to find a good mate while here, but the prospects Bhric had for me proved less than favorable,” Torin said. “I am not asking for much in a wife, pleasing to the eye, my eyes at least, a quiet demeanor, not one prone to chatter, runs a keep well, and bothers me little. And, of course, one who can produce many heirs. I like the thought of a brood of bairns. I am an only child, and I found it a lonely lot. I will not foster the same on my bairn.”
Newlin listened with interest, a thought coming to mind, he had no intentions of sharing.
Torin shook his head. “I share far too much.”
Dawn gestured and Cree interpreted. “My wife asks about love.”
Torin’s brow scrunched in question. “Love?”
“Dawn wonders why you do not look for love,” Cree said. At one time he, himself, had been willing to wed with no thought of love. Now that he had Dawn, he did not know how he could ever exist without her love.
Torin chuckled. “Love is fleeting and far from real. As long as my wife and I can tolerate each other it will be a good marriage.” He was surprised to see Dawn frown.
“Dawn feels sorry for you,” Cree said, seeing the questionable look in Torin’s eyes. “She worries you will miss one of the greatest joys of life… falling in love.”
“Love between a husband and wife is rare. I would rather a wife who gave me little trouble and paid me even less heed,” Torin said and steered the conversation away from him uncomfortable with talk of love, something that had been lacking in his life. “I am curious. Your husband worried that you stepped outside alone, though that massive dog of yours would be a deterrent to anyone who meant you harm. What took you outside?”
Cree turned to Dawn. “A question I have been eager to ask myself.”
Dawn pointed to Beast, who whimpered again feeling his guilt, then pointed to her eyes and before she could finish, Cree spoke up.
“You saw the wee lass again.”
CHAPTER 14
Cree studied his wife, deep in thought standing by the hearth in the bedchamber. The fire’s light outlined her shape beneath the nightdress she wore. Even round with child, she tempted him, she always tempted him. He would take his time with her tonight, linger in their lovemaking, something they had been unable to do since arriving here. But first he would remove that offending nightdress he was beginning to hate more and more. He began to strip off his garments as he approached her.
She turned before he reached her and gestured.
He knew that look. She intended to talk, he did not. He was naked by the time he reached her, having tossed his garments carelessly aside. “You are right, Torin did seem eager to help us solve this problem.” He went to slip his arm around her waist, but she stepped away, not noticing, her mind not at all on him.