Dark Secrets Unveiled (The Children of the Gods #45) - I.T. Lucas Page 0,14
steep incline.” David seemed a little worried. “Any special instructions?”
“Stirrups slightly forward and lean back just a little. The horses are well familiar with this path, and Moray will just follow Handsome.”
“Good to know.” David glanced up at the thick canopy above them. “Compared to the rest of Scotland, your grounds are surprisingly densely wooded.”
“The clan has been planting trees throughout the centuries, and we don’t raise livestock or allow deer to roam free in our territory. Contrary to what people believe, the harsh weather isn’t responsible for Scotland’s deforestation. Livestock and deer are at the root of it.”
When they cleared the trees, and the entire lake became visible, David chuckled. “Calling it a lake is a slight exaggeration. It’s more of a big pond.”
“First of all, I don’t know what you are comparing it to, and secondly, it’s all ours.”
“I apologize for offending your lake.”
“Apology accepted. Are you ready for lunch?”
“I’m starting to feel hungry, and not just for food.”
She laughed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but we have company. Edna and Rufsur beat us to it.”
“I can see Ojidu, but I don’t see them. Where are they?”
“On the other side. Look for the red and white blanket.”
“I see it. But how can you tell those are Edna and Rufsur?”
She smiled. “Immortal eyesight.”
David let out a breath. “That’s a shame. Spending the morning looking at your lovely backside gave me some very naughty ideas for dessert.”
As Sari wondered what those ideas might entail, the images flashing through her head made her squirm in the saddle.
Behind her, David groaned. “When you wiggle your gorgeous butt like that, I want to make you the main course, not just the dessert.”
She cast him a mockingly annoyed glance over her shoulder. “You have such a one-track mind.”
He shrugged. “A man is entitled to his fantasies.”
“And a woman needs to make sure that her man eats so his body has the energy to transition.”
A grin spreading over his handsome face, David applied pressure to Moray’s flanks and caught up to her. “I like the sound of that.”
“Which part?
“All of it. I like hearing you call me your man, and I also like you taking care of me.”
She hoped he was sincere and not critical. “I don’t want you to feel as if I’m mothering you.” She let out a breath. “I’m well aware of having those tendencies. Let me know if I get too bossy.”
He reached over and took her hand. “I don’t mind bossy as long as it’s the good kind. In fact, it’s a turn on.” He lifted her gloved hand, peeled away just a bit to expose the heel of her palm, and kissed it.
Interesting.
Sari was an assertive woman, but sexually she liked her man to take the lead, which David had done. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. They had taken turns, but Sari’s part had been to initiate, and David had taken it from there.
“I’m not bossy in bed, am I?”
Smiling, he kissed her palm again. “You are perfect.”
It was like telling a woman that she was beautiful. Meaningless words men used to get out of tight spots.
Or inside of them.
Sari stifled a chuckle. “You don’t need to be politically correct with me, David. I have enough confidence to accept constructive criticism, and if there is anything about me that bothers you, I would like to know. I don’t have much experience with relationships, but I’ve lived for a very long time, and I’m leading a clan of people who tend to be very opinionated. Open and honest communication and the willingness to compromise are crucial for making it all work.”
“You are just the right combination of assertive and yielding. I wouldn’t change a thing about you. Does that answer your question?”
His answer made her stupidly happy.
Sari had been perfectly honest about her willingness to accept criticism, but she was very glad that he had none.
“Yes, thank you.”
As they reached the lakeshore, Ojidu greeted them with a bow. “Good afternoon, mistress. Everything is ready for your picnic with the master. Would you like me to stay and serve lunch?”
“No, thank you.” Sari dismounted and handed Ojidu the rains. “David and I will manage. You can return to the castle.”
He bowed again. “Very well, mistress. I shall secure the horses and leave, but I shall return to clean up and take the basket.”
“Hold on.” David dismounted. “If you don’t mind, Sari, I would like to ask Ojidu a few questions.”
She’d forgotten about her promise to let David question her butler, but