Branded By Etain by Jianne Carlo

to slow the release filling his balls to bursting.
    “Hmm.” Her hum vibrated over the sensitive crown of his shaft. ’Twas sheer torture, the skin there stretched taut to rupturing. Brand crushed the soft down of the bed cushions and the feathers’ quills cracked with loud snaps and pops.
    She licked the ridge of his cock’s head. Her pink tongue darted this way and that, and the tingling feeling of her furtive, quick swipes together with the lascivious image of her tasting him did him in.
    The climax thundered up from his heels. With the last vestiges of his control, he sought to turn aside and spill his seed onto the sheets.
    But she had him by the base and slowly sank her lips down his juddering cock.
    He tried not to buck. Wrenched the cotton sheets between his fists. Gritted his teeth. Dug his heels into the mattress.
    She drew on his prick’s head and dragged her tongue along the ridge of his glans.
    Brand set his hands to her shoulders and thrust her to one side. Only then did he surrender to the shuddering spasms. The climax roared through him. His seed exploded from him in fiery spurts.
    Wave after wave of pleasure rippled across his groin, testicles, and phallus. The orgasm intoxicated his heightened senses, and he grunted with each sharp burst of semen.
    He strained to focus his blurred sight. Fixed his gaze on her glazed brown eyes and inspected her face for any sign of repulsion or fear.
    She wore a smile worthy of an houri. “’Twas most exhilarating, Brand. Why did you push me aside? I wanted to taste you as you had me.”
    “By Freya, you are a treasure, Étaín. The gods have showered me with the greatest of gifts, you.” He reached for her and hauled her up to lie on her side with their faces level with each other on the bed cushions.
    She blushed hotly and ducked her chin for a brief moment before meeting his stare, chin firmed. “’Tis you who are the treasure, Brand. For you make me feel safe and cherished. I had ne’er thought to let anyone else into my heart. Not after Eachan.”
    Her trust fractured the last of his defenses. She was his. But, he realized with a sinking feeling, he was hers. “I am honored, Étaín. Know this—none will e’er hurt you, not while I walk this earth.”
    Grasping his hand she placed it to her breast and then rested her palm on the spot beneath which his heart beat. “I vow to you, Brand of Bärvik, none will hurt you while I walk this earth.”
    His warriors would’ve roared with laughter to hear his wee wife vowing to protect him, but her words and the seriousness of her expression touched him deeply. “You honor me doubly, wife.”
    Brand gathered her close. He combed her curls loose of the tangles gained during their fevered loving. “Did I not know better, I would swear that you are purring.”
    She arched her back and burrowed closer. “To be cert, I feel as if my flesh is purring. ’Tis most exciting to know that I can pleasure you, husband. Howbeit the next time you must swear to allow me taste your seed.”
    By Freya, ’twas not possible. He glared at his thickening shaft.
    “Oh.” Étaín made as if to grab his foolish, wayward cock.
    Brand hollowed his belly and jumped off the bed.
    One brow raised, she grinned and pointed to his erection. “’Twould seem your pecker agrees with me.”
    Brand snorted. “My pecker would be wise to cease and desist. ’Tis not bad enough that I now appear a besotted fool to your council. Nay, my errant sword refuses to obey a direct command.”
    Étaín giggled and Brand thought it the most amazing carefree sound he had ever heard.
    “’Tis called a sword too?” She tapped her nose. “Methinks I begin to understand some of the limericks men sing in taverns. You appear to be in a hurry.”
    “I must meet with your father and offer to make amends for missing the council meeting. What does the council meet about?” He redressed quickly, but kept his focus on his wife’s flushed face.
    One rosy nipple