Bound by Joy (Cauld Ane Series, #8) Read online

  Kenna smiled. “Aye.”

  “Do you have any questions?”

  “No, love. I’m good. He’s my mate, he’ll guide me.”

  “What if he’s an arse?” Gillian asked.

  Kenna laughed. “I highly doubt he’s an arse.”

  “He’s a prince, Kenna. He probably has entitlement issues.”

  “I don’t get that vibe from him, Gillie. I’m sure he’s fine.”

  “Maybe. But Max is an arse. Grace had to deal with him, so are you prepared to deal with Gunnar if he’s an arse?”

  “Why do you keep saying ‘arse’?”

  “Because it’s a great word, but that’s not the point. I’m being serious right now, sis. Are you sure you’re ready?”

  “Aye. And I get it. Max was difficult—”

  “An arse,” Gillian corrected.

  “Difficult,” Kenna said, and then giggled. “However, with Grace, his sharp edges are rounded a bit. She softens him, so I’m confident that if Gunnar is also difficult, I’ll do the same with him. I love that you’re worried, Gillie, but I’m good.”

  Gillian hugged her. “I can’t wait to get to know him.”

  “Me neither, but you have to let me go so I can.”

  Gillian gave her one last squeeze and then released her. “Go, sweet sister. Get your bond on.”

  Kenna let out a sniggle. “Never say that again.”

  “No? I thought I might trademark it.”

  “Well, if you can, more power to you. Don’t wait up.” Kenna headed downstairs.

  Gunnar appeared before she got to the bottom step and she couldn’t get over how unbelievably gorgeous he was. He had dark blond hair and deep blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled. He was everything she’d dreamed of in her mate and then some.

  He wore tailored trousers and a matching jacket that appeared to have been made for him, along with a crisp, white shirt, open at the throat.

  “Hi,” he whispered.

  She smiled, feeling a blush forming on her cheeks. “Hi.”

  He reached out his hand and she took it, her heart racing as he lowered his mouth to hers. She fisted her free hand in his shirt to stay upright and sighed against his lips. “Wow.”

  “Já, elskan. Wow.” Gunnar smiled, squeezing her hand. “Are you ready now?”

  She studied him for several seconds. She knew, ultimately, what he was asking and could tell he was giving her time to think. Was she ready to be bound now? Without speaking to him further or getting to know him? She’d never really thought about it until she’d watched Max and Niall go through the process with their mates. Cauld Anes typically met and bonded right away, but she’d seen how the Fallen Crown boys had had to woo their human mates, and admittedly, she wanted a little bit of that as well.

  “I wish I could read your mind,” he lamented.

  “You’ll be able to soon enough.”

  “Which has you hesitating.”

  “Not hesitating, per se,” she whispered.

  His thumb floated over her knuckles. “How about we go somewhere and talk? Just talk.”

  “I’d love that,” she admitted. She was suddenly nervous. She knew he was hers, felt it in her soul, but she’d been alone a long time, and now her loneliness would be over... yet, it was change, and she was never good with change.

  Gunnar lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her palm. “Come.”

  She grabbed her purse and followed him out of the house to the awaiting car.

  GUNNAR’S DRIVER WAITED by the car door, but Gunnar shook his head and held the door for Kenna instead. She smiled as she slid into the backseat, and Gunnar closed her in before speaking with his driver and then climbing in beside her.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked.

  “Starved.”

  “If we were at home, I could impress you with my knowledge of local restaurants,” Gunnar said. “But I’m at a loss here in Edinburgh.”

  “You know you don’t have to impress me. You have me. It’s kind of a foregone conclusion.”

  Gunnar kissed her fingers. “I won’t ever take that for granted, Kenna.”

  Kenna blushed. “That’s unbelievably sweet, Gunnar.”

  “But no less true, sweetheart.”

  “Thank you.” She squeezed his hand, a little overcome with emotion. She’d been raised to understand it, but hadn’t really been prepared for the depth of it. Could someone really prepare you for what you’d feel when you met the man you were destined for? Before Gunnar, she would have said, “Yes.” Now, however, she realized just how wrong she would have been. “Why don’t we go to Sláinte? It’s one of Brodie’s clubs. That way I can impress you. I happen to have a permanent invitation.”

  He reached for her hand. “Although you impress me just by being here, I will take you up on your suggestion.”

  Kenna gave Cedrik, Gunnar’s driver, the address and they took off toward the club. A few minutes later, they pulled up to the exclusive restaurant and Kenna had a moment of insecurity. She’d barely put any makeup on before heading over to the Gunnachs’ and hadn’t done anything to tame her curls. She was stepping out into public with one of the best-looking men she’d ever met and here she was looking like Merida after a battle.

  Gunnar climbed out of the car and Kenna used the precious few seconds she had to add a little lip-gloss. Her door opened, and she pasted on what she hoped was a sincere smile.

  “What?” Gunnar asked, holding out his hand. “And don’t say ‘nothing.’”

  She sighed. “I’m just a bit of a mess. I didn’t think of that before I suggested Sláinte.”

  Gunnar leaned in with a smile. “You’re beautiful, Kenna. You could be wearing a housecoat and you’d still be the most beautiful woman in the club.”

  “You’ve never been in this club... obviously.”

  “Kenna,” he admonished gently. “You’re beautiful. It’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. So, I’d like you to stop acting as though you’re not.”

  Kenna rolled her eyes. “I feel we’re going to have arguments on this subject a lot.”

  “No arguments, elskan, as you’ll do as I say at all times.”

  Kenna burst out laughing. “Bloody hell, love, does that typically work on the people you know?”

  “Most of the time, já.”

  “Well, you’ve met your match then.”

  “And you have no idea how happy I am that I have.”

  She grinned as she slid her hand into his and climbed out of the car. Gunnar laid his hand on her lower back as they headed inside. Paige Smithers was working tonight and gave Kenna a big smile. “Ms. McFadden, what a lovely surprise. Were we expecting you?”

  Paige was one of the youngest maître d’s in the country. Her mother was Japanese and her father was British and she looked a little like Lucy Liu. She was stunning.

  “No, Paige. I’m sorry. It was a last-minute thing. I hope it’s not an inconvenience.”

  “Not at all. I’ll be with you in a moment.”

  Kenna felt herself leaning into Gunnar as he wrapped an arm around her waist. Paige returned within minutes and grabbed two menus. “Right this way.”

  Gunnar kept their connection as they followed Paige to one of the more private tables.

  “Is this acceptable?” Paige asked.

  “It’s perfect, Paige, thank you,” Kenna said, and sat down as Gunnar held the chair for her.

  Once he took his seat, Paige handed them their menus and then left them alone. Gunnar smiled. “You have some clout here, hmm?”

  Kenna grinned. “It helps when your brother-in-law owns the place.”

  “Perhaps.”

  “You disagree?”

  “I think it’s a direct result of who you are.” He set his menu down. “People respect you. They don’t move mountains because your brother-in-law owns the place, Kenna. They do it because they like you.”

  Kenna raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

  He nodded. “Look around yo
u, sweetheart. The place is packed.”

  “It’s always packed.”

  “And yet, we got a prime table without a reservation.”

  She took a minute to take in her surroundings, but dismissed his observations. She had connections to important people, which made other people take notice.

  Gunnar reached for her hand, squeezing it. “Don’t dismiss my words so quickly, elskan.”

  “How... I mean, I wasn’t...” her argument trailed off.

  He chuckled. “Nice try.”

  She sighed, unable to stop a smile. “How did you know?”

  Gunnar shrugged. “Mate-dar.”

  Kenna burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her free hand. “Where did you hear that?”

  “It’s something new I’m trying out. Americans seem to put ‘dar’ at the end of a lot of words, and it seemed appropriate.”

  “I love it.”

  He squeezed her hand again and they went back to their menus. Their server arrived, took their orders, and returned with the wine Gunnar had chosen. After he approved it, she poured them each a glass and left them again.

  “I have a proposition,” Gunnar said.

  “Oh?”

  “I’d like to court you.”

  Kenna set her glass down. “I’m sorry?”

  “We are so programmed to be bound as soon as we find each other, there’s no time to get to know one another.”

  “We’ll know everything we need to once we’re bound, right?” she countered.

  “Já, and I can’t wait, but I wonder if sometimes the whole process is rushed a little.”

  Kenna cocked her head. “Are you saying this for me?”

  “Partly.”

  “Do you want to wait?”

  In that moment, she didn’t. She still wanted to be wooed, but perhaps after they were bound. “No.”

  “Well, neither do I.”

  “I want you to feel safe.”

  She smiled. “I do feel safe.”

  “I’m glad, elskan.”

  Their food arrived, and Kenna took a bite, sighing in delight as she chewed her filet. “I swear this new chef puts crack in his steak.”

  Gunnar grinned. “Now I’m wishing I’d ordered the steak.”

  “Want a bite?”

  “Yes, please.”

  She cut off a piece and fed it to him, her heart skipping a beat as his mouth wrapped around the fork. Good lord, he was sexy.

  “You’re right. That’s amazing,” he said.

  “Tell me about life in Iceland,” she said as they continued to eat. “Do you have a job or are you busy being royal?”

  “Ah, so you know something about me then.”

  Kenna nodded. “Sort of. I know your brother’s the king... the real king, and I know that your other brother Ari tried to hurt Pepper.” She dropped her gaze, unable to meet his eyes.

  He squeezed her hand and she glanced at him. “He didn’t try to hurt her, Kenna. He was misguided in his approach with his daughter, granted, but he had no intention of harming her.”

  She scowled. “She felt she was in danger.”

  “And he’s sorry for that.” He sighed. “I’m not condoning what he did, but he would have never harmed her.”

  Kenna nodded. There wasn’t really anything she could say. She hadn’t been there and had heard the story somewhat secondhand, so she had to take Gunnar’s word for it.

  “He really wouldn’t.” He studied her with a gentle expression. “Ari’s passionate... he’s an artist at heart and he was trying to find his mate and children. I’m not sure I would have acted any better had I been in his shoes, especially now that I know who you are, so I must give him the benefit of the doubt.”

  “I understand. I suppose I tend to get a little protective of my friends at times and can take up offenses that aren’t mine. But I do hear what you’re saying.”

  “I love that you’re loyal, Kenna. It’s a wonderful quality.”

  “Thank you.” She sipped her wine. “So, back to the original question of what you do with your day, other than being royal.”

  Gunnar chuckled. “I have always had an affinity with horses, so I fell into a natural trainer role. My grandparents brought several with them when they immigrated to Iceland in the ninth century. I breed and train them, as well as working with all kinds of animal rescue and rehabilitation. We hold great pride for our horses, but I do wish we had something else. I love Friesians and Arabians, but Iceland won’t import them.”

  “Why not?”

  “To keep ours from contracting diseases. We don’t import any other horse, and if an Icelandic horse leaves the country it can never return.”

  “Really?”

  “Já,” he said as he laid his napkin on his lap.

  “What about something like the Olympics?”

  “We can compete, of course, but the horse cannot return.”

  Kenna let out a quiet whistle. “That would stink if you’ve got a bond with your horse and have to leave it wherever you compete.”

  “It is.” He gave her a sad smile. “It’s why we rarely do international competitions.”

  “I bet,” she said. “Do you live close to your brothers?”

  He shook his head. “I live in Reykjavík, although I return home a few times a year. Christmas is typically there.”

  “I love Reykjavík. My brother, Nevin, lives there with his mate and children.”

  “Really?”

  She nodded. “Angus, Gillian, and I try to go every year, and of course, Fallen Crown plays there as often as they can.”

  “How long have you worked for them?”

  “Coming up on fifty years, but it started as more of a secretary role in the beginning. Organizing signed photos and such. In the ’80s they took off, and I’ve been managing their tours since 1990.”

  “And is it something you’d like to continue to do?”

  “Honestly? I don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s just something I’ve always done. But Max’s mate is doing a great job, so there’s no reason I couldn’t leave the position. I have a year off for now, so I don’t have to make any quick decisions.”

  “That works in my favor, then.”

  “Aye, I suppose it does.” She smiled. “Do you have an opinion?”

  “Not at this time. I like that we have a year to settle in, so we can talk about it in a few months. I can live anywhere, Kenna. I’m not bound to Iceland.”

  “So we could live here?”

  “If Edinburgh’s your desire, yes.”

  “Can we live in Iceland for a little while and then decide?”

  “Já, elskan. Of course.”

  She grinned. “I’m excited.”

  “I am as well,” Gunnar said with a nod.

  Kenna sat back in her seat and cocked her head. “It’s strange that with the amount of times I’ve been to Iceland, I didn’t feel you.”

  “I agree, but I do travel, so it’s possible we’ve been like ships passing.”

  “Still kind of irksome,” she lamented. “I could have met you sooner.”

  “I know, sweetheart.” He squeezed her hand again. “Tell me about your family.”

  “There are hundreds of us.”

  He nearly choked on his wine. “Hundreds?”

  “Seven. There are seven.”

  Gunnar laughed. “You had me worried.”

  “My mother passed away a while ago now, so I have full siblings and half siblings. Angus is the oldest and he’s mated to Kade’s sister, Fiona. Nevin, then Gillian, and me. My father married a horrible lady, Phyllis, and she has Annis, Aidan, and Payton.”

  “Why was Phyllis a horrible lady?”

  “Oh, no real reason,” Kenna said. “Just a little plot to overthrow Kade.”

  Kenna’s stepmother had concocted a grand plan to bring down the Cauld Ane king and establish her place in the royal family, however, she’d been unsuccessful.

  “She masterminded the plot?”

  Ken
na nodded. “And she was horribly abusive to Payton. You have to understand something about Payton. She’s our favorite. We’ll all admit it, it doesn’t take away from how much we love each other, but ultimately, she’s all of our favorites.”

  “What happened to Phyllis?”

  “She and Annis, who was part of the plot with her mate, were exiled to Pohnpei.”

  “Appropriate.”

  Kenna sighed. “I suppose so.”

  “You don’t agree?”

  “It’s just hard when it’s your own family, you know? What they did was horrible, and I agree they should be punished, it’s just hard to know your sister is being sent to her death.”

  Gunnar gave her a gentle smile. “Yes, I can see that being difficult.”

  Their server returned to take their plates and Gunnar asked for the check.

  “Where are we going after this?” Kenna asked, setting her napkin on the table.

  “I have a few things set up at the hotel, if that’s acceptable.”

  She nodded. “Can we swing by my place first so I can pack a bag, please?”

  “Of course.”

  Gunnar paid the check and then followed Kenna out to the car.

  KENNA UNLOCKED THE front door and led Gunnar inside. “Make yourself at home, love. I won’t be long.”

  Before she could head upstairs to her room, however, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, then settled his forehead against hers. “I needed something to tide me over.”

  Kenna giggled, stroking his cheek. “One more?”

  He grinned and obliged. Kenna broke the kiss and rushed up to her room, stalling when she saw a gift bag on her bed. Opening the card, she smiled.

  I hope you have the sense to come home and get your things before you go somewhere magical for your bonding. Take this with you and wow him. Love you, sis. G.

  Peeking inside she found a sexy, white, sheer nightie, complete with matching underwear, and felt a blush cover her cheeks. She grabbed her overnight duffel, threw in a couple changes of clothes and the new nightie, and then headed to the bathroom for makeup and such. She was quite proud of herself, only taking ten minutes to grab everything she needed.

  Arriving downstairs, she found Gunnar texting madly on his phone. He glanced up and smiled before sliding the phone in his pocket. “All set?”