Bakra Bride (17 page)

She nodded as she slipped her hand behind his neck and pulled him down to her. She could feel Zaren sliding his hand over her stomach and up towards her breast. Relaxing, she gave herself over to the pleasure of being loved by these two incredible men.

Their wedding was delayed a month. Zaren wasn’t happy about it. A fact he made clear to her every day. But Jane was just as determined to get her own way. And in the end, he couldn’t really argue with her reasoning. Besides, Bador was on her side and he took great pleasure in taunting his brother.

Jane wanted to wait until the whole family could be together. Jarmon finally came home yesterday. He was still weak and had a long way to go to recover his former strength, but each day showed an improvement. He’d been exhausted when he’d finally arrived yesterday evening. His face was deathly pale and she could see the lines of strain around his eyes and bracketing the corners of his mouth. The hair hanging around his face had started to turn white during his recovery and now it was streaked with the pale color. It was actually quite striking. But beyond the tiredness, his eyes had reflected his happiness at just being home.

Olena had alternated between hugging Jane and crying and then hugging her some more. The older woman had made it abundantly clear just how happy she was to have Jane as a daughter-in-law. They hadn’t spent much time together, but they had exchanged long, emotional letters during Jarmon’s recovery.

Garrik had swept Jane into his arms, planting a quick hard kiss on her lips before tossing her high into the air. She’d screamed when Zaren had plucked her right out of the air while at the same time admonished his brother to be more careful with her.

They were a boisterous and emotional family, loud and raucous and loving. Quite naturally they’d admitted her into their ranks and Jane soaked up every bit of attention and care. Her former life was but a memory now. This was her real life.

She’d quickly made a place for herself among the people. Her willingness and eagerness to learn had endeared her to everyone. She was thrilled that the women were willing to teach her to spin and to weave. Jane had also started a tapestry of her very own. She wanted something to immortalize her fantastic tale.

“It’s time.” Jane stepped away from the window where she’d been gazing out over the land. She smoothed her hands over the long skirt of the beautiful blue dress that she wore. Although she usually wore pants and tunics that had been specially made for her, she didn’t mind dressing up on special occasions. And it didn’t get any more special than today.

Zaren stood in the doorway, patiently waiting for her. Behind him, she could see Bador. The noise from the crowd below drifted up the stairwell and into the room. From the sound of it, they had already started to celebrate.

Jane walked towards them and they both smiled. Her heart swelled with love and pride as she left her past behind for good and went towards her future. Today she embraced her destiny. Today, she became the Bakra Bride.

About the Author

N. J. Walters had a mid-life crisis at a fairly young age, gave notice after ten years at her job on a Friday, received a tentative acceptance for her first novel, Annabelle Lee, on the following Sunday.

Happily married for over seventeen years to the love of her life, with his encouragement and support she gave up the job of selling books for the more pleasurable job of writing them. A voracious reader of romances of all kinds, she now spends her days writing, reading and reviewing books. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it.

N.J. Walters welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1056 Home Avenue, Akron, OH 44310-3502.

Also by N.J. Walters

Annabelle Lee

Awakening Desires: Capturing Carly

Awakening Desires: Erin’s Fancy

Awakening Desires: Katie’s Art of Seduction

Dalakis Passion: Harker’s Journey

Dalakis Passion: Lucian’s Delight

Heat Wave

Jessamyn’s Christmas Gift

Tapestries: Christina’s Tapestry

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

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