Playing with those girls today, imagining having a family of his own, had really messed with his head. He silently berated himself for daring to imagine such a thing. He’d made that mistake once before and vowed never to do it again.
“That was wonderful,” she said, interrupting his thoughts.
“Yes, it was.” Asher stared at the ceiling and thought about the last few days, trying not to think about the distant past. He’d learned the hard way not to get involved with a woman over here. But, damn, he and Olivia really clicked. Even though they hadn’t known each other for long, it felt as if they belonged together.
He could make love to her over and over, night after night, and never grow tired. Given that they had only a few more days together, he’d have to take full advantage of it. They should probably lie low and not risk going out. But then, when should he give her that item he’d bought at the specialty shop? It wouldn’t be nearly as fun if they weren’t out in public.
“Is…is there something wrong?” She propped her chin on his chest, two tiny lines of worry creasing her forehead.
“Wrong? Do I look as though something’s wrong? I’m wallowing in the afterglow of us.”
“You’re quiet, that’s all. Introspective. And normally you’re a little…you know…”
He lifted an eyebrow. “What?”
“Louder. You weren’t quite as…boisterous.”
He lay back against the pillow and laughed. “I can be louder next time, if that’s what you want. In fact, where I come from, most couples keep the bedroom windows open to let others hear what they’re doing. A healthy set of lungs on a woman is something to be desired.”
She gave him a playful slap on his chest and rolled her eyes. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m totally serious. It signifies that her lover is well-endowed and skillful in the bedroom—traits all men want.”
Now it was her turn to be quiet. Was she picturing what it would be like on his side of the portal? He’d love to see her face when they strolled through one of the open-air markets and heard the sounds of a couple’s lovemaking coming from the castle keep. Would it make her uncomfortable? Or would she pull him into a corner and reach under his kilt?
“Hmmm. That’s…unusual.” She traced her finger around the edge of his nipple, then along a couple of long-forgotten scars. He grew hard again, even though he should be completely sated.
“Not only that, but on a couple’s wedding night, people gather beneath the windows of the bridal chamber to hear the marriage being consummated. They want to know that the new husband is pleasing his wife and that she is pleasing him. As you can imagine, it’s a right festive atmosphere, with much drinking and shouts of encouragement.”
She hiccupped with laughter. “Everyone listens? Don’t they…you know…have performance anxiety?”
“Haven’t you ever had sex out in public?”
“Oh my God, no,” she choked.
“How about a place where you thought someone else could hear you?”
She shook her head.
He was going to have to remedy that, he thought, as the seed of an idea began to take hold.
Running his thumb along the underside of her jaw, he marveled at how soft her skin was. Like crushed velvet. Her lips were plump and luscious, still flushed from his earlier kisses. “That’s the way it’s always been over there, Olivia. It’s part of our culture. In fact, it’s not unusual for couples in the gathered crowd to find a secluded corner in the shadows and partake in some of the same activities as they’re listening.”
“Like an orgy?” she rasped.
“Not quite. It’s a little more discreet than that, but it is public.”
He recalled the first wedding he’d attended after becoming a warrior of the Iron Guild. The warriors were always the most popular men in town. As they feasted in the courtyard, a pretty young woman from the bridal party drew his attention. She grabbed him and led him a few feet away from the crowd. Still holding his tankard of ogappa ale, he’d leaned against the stone wall as she’d taken him into her mouth.
“The thing is,” he continued, “my people are much more open about sex than you are over here. And our clothing makes it easier, too. A lift of a skirt and kilt, and all the important bits are right there.”
Olivia gave a little snort. “I can see how tempting that must be.”
“But because birth control isn’t what it is here and because it’s not good luck on a wedding night to pull out early anyway, there are always a few wee ones born in the village nine months later. Truth is, that’s how I was conceived. My mother got pregnant with me the night my father’s best friend in the Guild got married.”