by Paula Quinn
She couldn’t see anything after that, only heard someone yell it was over.
As the tears fell, she covered her face with both hands, ready to die for her disobedience. Everything Konal had done was for her. From claiming her in Jorvik, to bringing her here. The empty threats had been his way of protecting her, to convince her to do as he said so she’d live, not so he could kill her spirit.
“Silvia.”
“Please…” she whispered. “Don’t make me look at you. I am not worthy of your protection any longer.”
“I’ll be the judge of that,” Konal said, reaching down and lifting her by the shoulders. “Face me, Silvia.”
She didn’t have the strength to hold herself up any longer, but she obeyed, struggling to stay upright.
“Look me in the eyes, girl.”
Ashamed, she raised her head.
“Why did you leave the shelter? Did you not see the other women and children? Tell me the truth.”
What excuse could she give to make him understand that the idea of him disappearing out of her life would be the final event that would make her no longer want to live? She’d already given up so many times after her father died. But this felt so different, like she couldn’t breathe. “I couldn’t bear to think of you in such danger. I had to see for myself.”
They stood in silence for what seemed forever before he spoke again. “What has changed, Silvia?”
“Me,” she said.
Konal caught her just as her weary legs gave out.
Chapter Nineteen
There was nothing more to be done tonight. Though Konal had stayed at Silvia’s bedside hoping she’d come to, she still slept. Thankfully, her pulse and breathing were steady. The shock must have stolen her strength, for the girl had collapsed in his arms once she admitted why she’d, once again, disobeyed him. But how could he fault her? She’d lost more than most. Her parents and freedom, and now she knew he’d slip from her life, too, left as nothing but a memory.
He stood and yawned, needing to seek his bed, too. In the morning, once his sweet thrall had recovered, he’d set things right, announce her engagement to Fiske’s eldest son. With his conscience clear, he’d then ride to his father’s waiting ship and sail to Norway, ready to embrace his new life as a jarl.
As he opened the door, Saga met him. “Is she well?”
“Asleep still,” he said. “Stay with her. She’ll need someone to comfort her when she awakens.”
If only he could understand Silvia’s intentions, why she refused to yield. Even with the danger to their lives eliminated tonight, Hallam and his band of rebels all dead, he imagined her challenging his every word. It made him smile as he stepped into his chamber. They’d lived the equivalent of a year in the span of two weeks. And still the moment he appreciated the most was when he faced her in the scriptorium.
How she hated him. That’s when he decided to save her from the Danes. Though violence bloomed inside him like any Northman, he recognized her strength. Silvia deserved to live. Though he’d been tempted to choke the life out of her on more than one occasion.
He sighed as he slipped underneath the fur on his mattress. Her fate rested in the hands of his gods now—Odin, Thor, and maybe even Freyja would smile upon her. For that elusive deity rewarded the bravest of souls. And Silvia’s pure heart and undeterred commitment to whatever she believed right made her one of the fiercest warriors he’d ever met.
“Grant me safe passage to the Trondelag, great Odin,” he whispered as his eyes grew heavy. “Let my sire welcome me home. Let my sister and brothers take me in their arms and kiss my cheeks, honoring my return…”
Hours later, something made Konal roll out of bed and grab his sword off the floor. Tonight had been the first time since his arrival in Northumbria that he felt comfortable enough to sleep naked. Apparently he was mistaken, for he suspected that one of Hallam’s men had escaped and waited until the household was asleep to attack again.
Crouched and ready to strike, he waited for the right moment.
“Milord?” Silvia called gently. “Are you here?”
Konal closed his eyes, relieved and shocked that she’d come into his chamber in the middle of the night. “I am here.” He relinquished his weapon, stashing it under the bed. “Are you ill?” He stood, finding her waiting in the middle of his spacious room.
“The fire has nearly gone out,” she observed, gazing at the fire pit. “Shall I get some more wood from the hall?”
She must have noticed he wore no clothes. “Did you wander into my room to check the fire, or is there something else bothering you, Silvia?”
“My mind and heart are greatly burdened,” she admitted. “I couldn’t go back to sleep and Saga is resting peacefully. I’d hoped to find you awake.”
He rubbed his chin, purposely keeping his distance. She didn’t need to see further proof of his hopeless attraction. Unfortunately, his manhood responded as it always did, standing at attention.
“Some bread and a cup of mead will settle your nerves,” he said. “I will meet you in the hall.”
“Thank you, milord,” she said appreciatively. “But if I wanted to eat or recline in the hall, I wouldn’t have risked coming to your room.” She turned, focusing on his face.
“Do you have a confession to make? Some secret to share, my little Valkyrie?”
She nodded, her eyes never leaving his. “I want you to understand, sir. My father indulged me growing up. The monks rarely refused my wishes. So I never met a man like you. One who expected me to do as I was told without questioning him.”
Though Konal didn’t grasp the purpose of her words, he’d let her speak. “No man is without flaws.”
“I have a bad habit of asking too many questions. And if I don’t like the answers, well, I don’t pay attention.”
“You’re still very young, Silvia. In time, perhaps you’ll learn to respect the experience of your elders.”
“I’m spoiled beyond measure.”
“Girls often are.”
“I wrongly accused you of murdering my father. Instead of seeking the truth, I let hatred blind me.”
“Given the circumstances, I cannot hold you responsible for your actions.”
“Milord?”
Konal wanted to hold her in his arms forever. “Aye?”
“Why did you keep me with you?”
There didn’t seem to be a logical reason. “Because what man could resist you, Silvia? Tis not only your lovely form that intrigues me. There’s heat in your eyes, hungry flames that threaten to devour the heart of any man who dares to love you.”
“But not you. Konal the Red loves a woman he cannot have.”
He waited for her to utter the forbidden name of the woman who betrayed him all those years ago. His betrothed. The witch who’d shattered his heart when he discovered her abed with a childhood friend.
“I love no one,” he muttered.
“I love you,” she said unshakably. “Tis why I ventured into your chamber. I overheard the guards outside speaking of your departure in the morn. You plan on visiting your father’s men.”
“Aye,” he said, still unable to forget what she’d said. “My work is done here. Once I find out what we need for supplies, I’ll return for a day, then sail home.”
“And abandon me,”
“I leave you in capable hands,” he pointed out. “With the kind of man I hope my own sister would choose as a husband.”
“How fortunate for her.” She stripped her dress off, then made quick work of her leggings.
By everything sacred… Had the girl lost her virginal mind? If she stayed here in her current state of undress for another second, Konal was sure he wouldn’t be able to control himself. “Put your clothes back on, Silvia.” He fought the animalistic urges threatening to break free inside him. “Why would you act so recklessly? There is no one who can protect you here. Above all, I am a man. A bloody Viking. A heathen who desires you more than any woman I’ve…”<
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She rushed into his arms, then reached up and cupped his cheeks, pulling his face to hers.
Konal sucked in a ragged breath, his heart consumed by the beautiful vision before him. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, leaving her milky breasts completely exposed. So perfect in shape and size he wanted to caress and suckle them until his tongue withered. But he kept his hands fisted at his sides, still refusing to touch her. If the girl wanted to kiss him, she alone would be responsible.
When her velvety, hot tongue sought refuge in his mouth, he opened up to her on a deep moan. Another test from the gods? For he could think of no other reason why this sweet girl would tempt him.
“Konal?” she said. “Kiss me. Please.”
“You don’t know what you are asking.” He captured her hands and locked them against his chest. “My need is driven by something dark and selfish. Wait until you take vows with Gunnar. Let him be the only man to ever make love to you.”
She shook her head. “Reveal the truth. Do you tell your other thralls who to bed?”
He fell silent for a moment. Here was an example of the kind of questions she had been talking about earlier. Why did she persist? Why didn’t she return to her room where she’d be safe? In the morning before he left, he’d announce her betrothal.
“Enough,” he said too forcefully. “This cannot happen.” He stepped back, preferring a dozen hard blows to the face over her possible reaction to his rejection.
Instead of giving up, Silvia reached out and caressed his shaft, then looked up at him expectantly. “Tis my choice.”
All resistance faded. Konal lifted her hands to encircle his neck, tugging her close. “You understand what this means? Tonight you belong to me, Silvia. And I’ll kill the man who tries to take you away.”
He swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed, fanning her out on the mattress. Before he lowered himself on top of her, he wanted to drink her in. He’d wrestled internally day and night to come up with reasons to stay away. And now, by her own offering, everything had changed. Damn reason and consequences.
His gaze drifted down her legs, so flawless and long, even her toes were pleasing.
“Konal,” she breathed his name.
“Be patient,” he urged. “I’ve waited a long time to see you this way. Too long.”
He allowed himself the pleasure of tracing her shape with his fingertips—first her hip bone, then up her flat belly, ending with one of her pink nipples, which were already erect and ready for his mouth.
“Please…” she said, sounding so impatient.
He couldn’t hold in the chuckle, loving her eagerness. “Let me help you.” His hand moved between her legs, where he found wetness.
As his fingers slid inside her, she arched into him, moaning in pleasure. The surprise came when he used his thumb to deepen her enjoyment, circling her clitoris. Her eyes widened with wonder as he intensified the rhythm then slowed down, both discovering together what felt best to her.
“Do you like to be touched, little Valkyrie?” He’d do anything to provoke her into screaming his name. “Shall I do this?” He leaned across her chest and sucked one of her nipples into his mouth, biting it gently.
“What is happening to me?” she breathed out. “Will it hurt?”
“Not this part,” he said. “My gift to you, sweet Silvia. For finding the courage to take what you want.” He moved quickly, positioning himself between her legs and giving her a last look of deep admiration before he buried his face in her womanhood.
Her wet warmth covered his face and he tongued her gently at first, spreading her wider with his fingers. He ached with endless need for her. But not before he gave her a taste of what to expect. If she climaxed, she’d relax more, open up to him like a flower.
“Are you ready?” he asked, feeling the tension in her body.
“Aye.”
With a last frenzied lick, she peaked in his mouth, shuddering against him. He slowly withdrew his fingers, desperate to possess her now. Joining her on the bed, he stretched out beside her, playing with a strand of her jet-colored hair—waiting to see what she’d do next.
She rolled onto her side, meeting his gaze. “I am speechless.”
“Something I thought I’d never hear you say.”
She slapped his arm playfully. “You twist the meaning of my words.”
“Nay,” he said. “I twisted my tongue inside your tight little mound.”
When she caressed his cheek and scooted closer for a kiss, he pulled her on top of him. How perfect she felt fitted against him.
“Konal…” She studied his face. “I love you.”
Though he’d never admit it, it felt good to hear those words again from someone he knew would never betray him. This innocent girl owned a heart worthy of his trust and love. But they were born enemies, cursed to remain master and thrall.
With the exception of tonight.
Instead of speaking, he fisted his hands in her long hair and forcefully pulled her into a lusty kiss. Just the brush of her soft skin against his chin made the hunger explode inside of him. He devoured her, their tongues swirled together in a wicked dance.
Silvia slid her hand downward and found his engorged shaft. She massaged the wet tip tenderly, nipping at his lips at the same time. The little vixen never failed to surprise him, in deed and word, and now in the bedchamber. With a guttural growl, he flipped her over, pinning her beneath him.
She writhed and moaned, her slick warmth rubbing against his cock. The time had arrived, no more waiting, no more excuses.
Using his knee to spread her legs wide, he positioned his shaft at her opening, then raised her arms above her head. “I’ve wanted you since the day I met you, Silvia. I will never forget the precious gift you offer me now.” As he plundered her mouth, he thrust into her, pausing when he met some resistance inside her.
“Am I…”
“Shh.” He released her arms and smoothed hair away from her face. “Tis natural,” he assured her. “I am long and thick—more than your tiny body ever anticipated,” he boasted. “As I’ve promised all along.”
A smirk reached her sweet lips. “You didn’t lie about your…”
He filled her completely, her muscles squeezing his length so tight he feared if he moved too fast he’d come. Nothing had ever felt better. And his heart ached now more than his bollocks. For in the morn… There was no use in regretting what they were doing. He loved her as much as she did him. Only he didn’t have the courage to tell her. For if he confessed his deepest feelings, he’d never get on that boat and go home.
The only thing that had kept him alive so long in Northumbria, fighting as savagely as any Berserker, was the hope of reaching the shores of the Trondelag again. The land called to him like a songstress.
He shook the thoughts from his mind and gave Silvia what she demanded with an impatient wiggle of her hips. He hammered inside her hard and deep over and over again, consumed by her love.
“Do you feel it?” he whispered in her ear. “Do you feel what you do to me?”
With a roar, his hot seed filled her. But Konal was far from done. He slanted his mouth over hers and pumped his hips. “Come for me, little Valkyrie. And after you do, I’ll show you how I can make love to you from behind.”
Chapter Twenty
“What do you mean he’s gone?” Silvia tried to remain calm. She never expected to hear this news when she returned to her room in the morning to change into a fresh dress.
As she always did, Saga was waiting for her.
“I am sorry,” she said, casting her eyes downward. “He ate a simple meal, then returned to his chamber for nearly an hour. When he emerged, he was carrying his bags.”
How had she slept through it? “Did he give you an explanation of any kind? Leave word for me? Please,” she pleaded. “Think about it.”
“Yes.” The maid walked to the table and grabbed what appeared to be a missive. “Here.”
She
accepted it with reservation. “I’d prefer to be alone while I read it.”
“Of course.”
She waited until the door closed to untie the leather string that held it closed. She blinked rapidly as she stared at the near empty page. A single runic symbol caught her eye.
The meaning wasn’t lost on her; in the ancient scrolls from the Northlands she’d studied with her father, the symbol for need and unfulfilled desire had appeared often enough for her to remember it.
Dearest God. She folded the delicate page and stared heavenward. Last night had been incredible, more than she ever expected. The joining of a man and woman’s bodies was undoubtedly a gift. No wonder the monks preached against it unless a couple was married. The powerful emotions that welled up inside her just thinking about it threatened her sanity and faith. Why couldn’t he stay here with her? Why hadn’t he offered to take her home to Norway?
She knew he loved her. After they’d coupled a third time, he pulled her into his arms and held her close, his strong heartbeat lolling her to sleep like a gentle song.
Those kinds of feelings didn’t manifest from nowhere.
The symbol represented everything she felt, too. She placed the letter aside and walked to the door and opened it. “Saga?”
“Yes?”
“Bring your brother Gunnar to me. Please.”
Moments later, he entered her room looking anxious. “You wanted to see me?”
“Aye,” she said. “What I’m about to discuss with you requires complete honesty from both of us.”
He nodded. “Is this about our betrothal?”
“The one our master never announced.”
“He departed sooner than we expected, leaving instructions with my father on how to manage the farm until his brother arrives.”
“And not a word about us.”
“No.”
“I don’t love you, Gunnar. And I’m sure you don’t love me.”
His green eyes narrowed. “I could learn to love you,” he said graciously, obviously sparing her the humiliation of a direct no.
“I will forever be indebted to you and your family for showing me such kindness and acceptance. But there is something you should know. I am no longer a maiden. Jarl Konal and I…”