“And what of us?” she whispered, lifting her chin to catch his eye again. “What will our fate be without a child in our home?”
Jerrik’s lips twitched at her question. “I can think of a multitude of ways we can divert our interest, little Pict.”
There was a dark twinkle in his gaze and Brigid smiled in spite of the pain burgeoning in her chest at the loss of Bram. She might not have had a vast array of lovers, but Jerrik was undeniably the greatest, most pleasing she’d ever encountered and she believed his words—Jerrik could distract her from the loss. At least, for a while.
“I am being serious,” she implored him with wide eyes. “We cannot spend our days entwined in our bed, Jerrik.”
He grinned at that. “And why not?”
The query was more of a demand. “I am certain my jarl will not mind it, so long as we both fulfil our obligations to the village.”
Brigid exhaled at Jerrik’s assessment. Somehow, he always made things sound so simple, yet she was not sure it would be. A number of the other women had borne children since Jerrik’s ship had arrived and the village was now a thriving community again. Every member was required to contribute something to the greater good, including Brigid and her husband. She could not envision this new reality where they would be able to please each other for hours on end, tempting though the idea was.
“You are overthinking.” Jerrik’s tone was a warning. “And I am certain I have cautioned you against such analysis, little Pict.”
Tension furled in Brigid’s belly at his words. She had heard his tone and understood it well enough. That was the voice he used when he was setting Brigid an ultimatum, the voice of admonishment, and it was nearly always a precursor to a punishment which would find her face flaming as much as her bottom.
“Yes,” she gulped at the thought. “Yes, I know.”
Jerrik had advised caution on the subject—a great many times—and yet still it seemed there was no hope for her. Brigid could not control the way her mind wandered.
“Has your husband been remiss in his duties, Brigid?” Jerrik’s hand shifted all of a sudden, grasping at her free-flowing locks and fisting them tightly. “Should I have kept that behind tanned more regularly since Bram’s plans were decided—to help focus you?”
She sucked her lower lip between her teeth, resisting the urge to try and pull away from Jerrik’s colossal hand. He had her under his control now, his mesmerising eyes drilling into her face. “Perhaps,” she concluded, though Brigid could scarcely believe the admission. “Perhaps I have missed your discipline of late, husband.”
His lips curled at that. “Then we both have,” he concluded. “And I am glad to hear it. Once our son is on route to his new home, I shall ensure this situation is rectified immediately.”
The ball of hurt rose in Brigid’s chest at the mention of Bram and she pulled free of Jerrik’s hand and glanced over her shoulder at the long ship waiting to set sail.
“When will she sail?” Brigid asked, ignoring the fresh tears that bloomed at the thought.
How much longer until Bram sails away for good?
“We shall see them off after breakfast,” Jerrik concluded. “The rest of the men and goods are prepared. We shall just ensure our son has a full belly before he departs.”
“God, how I shall miss him!” Thick tears fell from Brigid’s eyes with the words and there was no holding them back now.
“I know,” Jerrik murmured, drawing her closer to the protection of his body once more. “We both shall, little Pict. We both shall.”
They embraced for a moment in silence, with only the sound of the wind whipping past their faces for company.
“Come on now.” Jerrik’s tone was soft, and Brigid raised her face to regard him. “Let us get back to Bram. It is time for him to become a man, and for his mother to be reminded what it means to be married to one.”
What happens next?
Explore the other romances within the VIKING SURRENDER series.
Brandr - by Ashe Barker
Forced to wed a fierce Viking warlord to save her people, Eithne must surrender to her husband’s stern discipline, yet his tenderness takes her breath away. A man of his word, Brandr vows to protect her village from its enemies.
But what of Eithne? Who will protect her as she learns to care for this ferocious man who now leads her people and holds her heart in his mighty hands?
Ragnar - by Sky Purington
Intrigued by the symbol on his blade, Myrna chooses Ragnar for her husband. But how is she to love a man who lives in the past? Determined to remain faithful to his deceased wife, Ragnar both fights and craves Myrna, hungry for her healing touch. Will he give in and find sanctuary in her arms? Or will the shocking truth about his dagger end love before it begins?
Graeme - by Gianna Simone
Maimed and bitter, Graeme is forced to take a wife from the barbarians invading his shores. Resentful of her invading his solitary life, he vows to bend her to his will.
Rinda grudgingly weds a man she barely knows—who hates her nearly as much as she despises him. Yet, despite their shared animosity, the wounded warrior and shield-maiden share an unexpected passion that soon consumes them both.
Magnus - by Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Magnus is tortured by memories of his wife’s murder at the hands of savage berserkers, yet commanded to wed.
The valiant warrior finds unexpected passion in his new bride’s arms, but can Modwen’s love heal the wounds of his battle-scarred heart—or will another’s jealousy destroy them both?
Thorolf - by Vanessa Brooks
Ailsa, a woman scarred by the brutality of men, knowing peace only in the depths of the forest. Thorolf, a cunning warrior, as fierce as the wolves Ailsa adores. Enemies bound by marriage, their attraction is undeniable. But can her Viking husband tame Ailsa’s wounded heart?
Garth - by Sassa Daniels
A proud warrior, he hides a debilitating weakness. The village outcast, she’s plagued by terrifying visions. Their marriage seems cursed from the start. But, as they come to terms with their union, will they find the love they both need?
Steinn - by Lily Harlem
Married to a barbaric beast, Gladys cannot believe her bad fortune. A rough and raw Norseman has taken to her home and her bed as if it’s his right. But never fear, she has plans to do away with him, to rid him from her life…for good.
Steinn is thankful to the gods for his good luck. His new bride Gladys is a sexy little wild cat with curves and an ass to die for. Admittedly she needs a little training, and a fair bit of discipline, but he’ll take her in hand if it’s the last thing he does. Won’t he?
Bjorn - by Jane Burrelli
A proud shield-maiden vowing never to be possessed by any man. A ruthless Viking warrior swearing to tame the bold beauty.
A battle of wills and consuming desire.
But who will conquer who?
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