The Spoils of Allsveil: Dark Heart Heroes #2 by S.N. McKibben Read Free Book Online Page B

woman and mare in their prime turned the heads of beast and man.
    Stiagwor wanted to double the number for our outing, but Brie pointed out that it would be difficult to ride in formation with the streets still littered with pieces of wall. However, according to Paul and Stiagwor, I needed a parade to go anywhere. Even with her disagreeable demeanor, I was armed with Aighta’s knowledge and a renewed sense of hope. Brie agreed to a ride this afternoon and we’d set off to see the countryside I now owned.
    I had to admit, I was surprised when she agreed to the outing. We used to go often, before we started pecking at each other. I wasn’t sure if Aighta had spoken to Brie or if she decided to come in remembrance of a better time. It didn’t matter. My wife looked stately on her mount, but not stiff, with a peek of a smile on her face. I thwarted the thought that she had some underhanded plan to ruin my day. Focus on the goal , Aighta had said. Don’t let comments, thoughts, or temper block your way.
    The goal was happiness for Brie and me. No matter what infuriating words Brie let fly from that maw, I vowed to remain calm. I was to allow her to have her spurts no matter how uncomfortable her anger got. I was to take it like a man. Gods-be-damned, was I to be stone? But for Brie, I would listen.
    Bridgette patted Calibre. “By gods, Aiden, you’ve made a mess of this place.”
    Oh, here we start. Honestly, I was surprised she could see anything beyond the wall of steel closing us in. I filled my lungs and let my breath out slow. “I’m waiting for the builders. They’re on their way.”
    “Why must you do this? Don’t you have enough?”
    I breathed in again, pretending it wasn’t a slight but an honest, curious question intended to understand me. I didn’t want her know how dire the water levels had become in our wells back home. Fieron wouldn’t believe me, perhaps blinded by jealousy that I’d briefly courted Aighta. I could not convince him that greed was not my motive. I had to do it to save our lands. Now that water flowed to Dreshall, our reserves were replenished. “Part of the reason why I do this is for you and Darrin.”
    Brie made a sound of disgust. “Well, if you’re doing it for me, please stop.”
    I paused and calmed myself before speaking. “I only partially do it for you, but if you want me to…I will stop.”
    Disbelieving eyes roamed over my face. “Did you find a whorehouse and stir the waters last night?”
    I wanted to choke her. If she continued, I might find it in my heart to go ahead and find a brothel to dip my wick. But that type of thinking had gotten us here. My answer was light and playful. “No, I haven’t been to a prostitute in quite some time. Would you like to help me gain satisfaction instead?”
    The queen of Dreshall blustered and waved away her embarrassment. Gods-be-damned, this was difficult. Sweat dripped down my back from having to restrain myself. My incisors clamped down and flattened my tongue before I could retort, Would you like to fuck Paul instead? The poor man. I’d seen the way he looked at her. She’d thought I never noticed the men who were enamored with her, but I knew which ones she liked best. My heart clenched but my cock twitched at the idea. I was a study in conflicting agendas—one moment I couldn’t stand anyone looking at Brie, the next my cock came alive and hardened at the thought.
    “ Bridgette, I’m trying to have a beautiful ride in the countryside with my beautiful wife. I’d like this time to be pleasant and restful.”
    “Difficult with all these men around,” she mumbled.
    “Bridgette, please, enough.” I raised my hand in supplication.
    Blazes of fire shone in her eyes, but when she looked at me her anger faded. In a softer voice she said, “I’d like you to set up a fund for the refugees.”
    “Anything for you, Brie,” I whispered. Taking it like a man felt more like being beaten with a blade whip. She grew quiet