found to proclaim her status in their life other than this. She knew most of them probably would make her just as furious as this one did, but still, it should have been her choice.
On top of that, the position was limiting and irritating. Maybe part of that was her attitude right now. She knew it was supposed to be an honor to sit there, and traditionally, the Ardin’s Lady had her own power in times of judgment.
She felt fingers tangle in her hair and tug her head back gently. She lifted her eyes and met gold eyes burning with intensity. His mouth had firmed into a straight slash. He didn’t say a word, merely shook his head slowly back and forth. She’d have to be an idiot to miss the meaning of the gesture. It was a clear warning. Don’t push anymore.
She wasn’t about to heed it, even if her stomach did tighten a little as she wondered just what he’d do. She wouldn’t back down. It was time they saw that she didn’t fear them, even if she did still have a few doubts about the wisdom of being with them even temporarily. She gave a small smile and let her hand slip up his pants a little. She felt the muscle of his calf flex and tighten. Touching his leg instead of his pants felt a lot better than caressing through cloth.
Chapter Eighteen
Colm gritted his teeth as he felt her warm fingers on his calf. It shouldn’t have had much of an effect. After all, those soft fingers were far away from his cock. He should have known, though. Sometimes, her smile could send a strong surge of lust slamming through him.
The simple feel of her hands on him seemed to send an amazing wave of heat through him. Even though he knew she was doing this to get revenge, his body reacted. Maybe it was because she was initiating the contact. It was one of the few times she’d chosen to touch him, even if it wasn’t in passion.
He tried his best to ignore the effect she was having on his body. He didn’t have much success. His cock pushed against his suddenly too-tight pants and his mind focused on her touch. Paying attention during judgment had never been a problem before, but now she made it near impossible.
A little help here. Losing the thread of the excuses. Colm sent the thought to Linc, but kept his eyes on the men in front of them.
What was it you said when I needed a little distraction from her touch? Oh, yes, “It’s not as if she’s stroking your cock. Just ignore it.” Does that help? Linc sounded too amused, even through the mind link.
Okay, I was wrong, but what could I do? We can’t pick her up and put her over a knee without disrupting the proceedings. There is a ceremony to these things. Much as I’d like to haul her into my lap and wrap her up so she can’t play anymore, we have to do this as it normally is. Colm shot a frustrated glare at the head of the woman currently leaning into his leg. Letting her out of this would only make her think she can wriggle out of completing the mating with us.
Catch her hand if she strays too high. That’s what I was going to do, Linc offered. I’ll pay attention to the explanations now. If she turns back to me, you’ll be back on duty.
She’s definitely going to hear about this one when we get finished with this. And then I’m going to do some touching of my own. Colm stifled the low growl that was building.
I’ll be right there helping and participating, my friend. Want to wrestle to see who goes first? Linc’s suggestion was delivered with a hint of humor.
Colm smiled a little in spite of the fact that he couldn’t do anything to stop her at the moment. He knew that they wouldn’t be doing anything but focusing on their stubborn Lady when this ceremony finished. If she strayed above his knee, that hand was his. He wasn’t letting go until the judgment was over and everyone had left. It was good that they already knew most of what would be said.
She kept her touches confined to his lower leg mostly. Her fingers would tease as she scraped her nails across his skin and then she would retreat and almost pet him through the cloth of his