"Have you forgotten my conditions? I am to decide when you've fully repaid me."
Her eyes widened before she scowled. "Last night wasn't enough for you?"
"I fear a thousand nights may never be enough."
He spoke so quietly, she wasn't sure she'd heard him. "What?" Why did a thrill linger upon noting the unwilling sincerity in his voice?
He said nothing for several moments then smiled. "I think I've only tasted the very tip of your passion, Thora."
She sucked in a breath, fighting the urge to throw herself upon him. He cupped her cheek, threading his fingers through her hair to hold her still while he lowered his mouth to hers. He moved slowly, too slowly. Each passing second felt like an eternity until the heat of his lips finally brushed against hers. She held herself still when he moved over her, sliding his tongue along her mouth. Despite her intention to resist, she parted her lips, allowing him inside. Fingers clenched to fight the desire to wrap her arms around his neck and hold on tight.
A moment later, his arms encircled her and he hauled her roughly against him. Through the thin shift, his hard cock scorched her sex. The now-familiar rush of wet heat pulsed through her; still, she made no move to touch him.
The kiss deepened, his moan rasping through her, his hands tight on her ass, squeezing and pressing her still closer. Bliss poured through her veins, her heart slamming so hard against her chest, surely he felt it too. The last of her intent to defy him crumbled and soon she responded to the kiss, her tongue dueling with his in an erotic dance that left her breathless.
When Ari tore his mouth away, Thora sucked in gulps of air in an attempt to steady her whirling senses. But when his mouth moved along her cheek to her throat, licking and nipping at the sensitive skin, she found the slight hold she'd regained on her wits rapidly disintegrated. Knees trembling, she sagged against him, arching her head to allow him to continue. His soft chuckle vibrated against her skin, adding to the tumult in her body.
Abruptly, he let her go and stepped back, a hint of a smirk quirking his lips. Overcome by astonishment, several moments passed before the lustful fog cleared. A cool breeze wafted over her heated skin, drawing a shiver and clarifying her awareness. Once again, she scowled.
"You toy with me."
He shrugged. "Perhaps. But you like it."
Heat scorched her cheeks. Damn him to Hel, he was right. She fought the urge to stamp her foot and punch him. Remembering how he'd spanked her last night sent another wet rush of heat to her pussy. How could the recollection of his uncomfortable punishment spur still more desire? It made no sense, but he'd upended her world in so many ways in such a short time, she no longer trusted her own thoughts.
"When your wolf fully heals and is ready to travel, I will decide then if your debt is paid."
He turned toward the furs and reached for his pants and tunic. Thora found herself drawn to the sight of his powerful shoulders, her mouth dry and her heart thumping loudly. With a shake of her head, she forced her trembling legs to the bed of furs to retrieve her own clothing. Even after donning her dress, her fingers shook and it took several attempts to clip thesmokkrso it hung straight. Purposefully avoiding looking at Ari again, she reached for her pack and pulled out the last of her flatbread and dried lamb. There was enough for them both, but Ari would then have to hunt for more game for the rest of their meals. Sensing his gaze on her, she looked up.
"Fear not, Thora, I have food as well. And I will hunt again. Fish in the stream nearby are plentiful. We'll not starve while we're here."
The easy warmth in his voice and eyes soothed her wild trembling. Yet, her relief remained tempered by the worry her wits would always be so addled around him.
***
Ari fastened his belt, the image of the leather wrapped around Thora's wrists last night seared into his thoughts. The depth of her passion still astounded him. Anxious for more, he'd forced himself to stop before he took her again, there in the dirt. Flashes of the night before came at him with dizzying speed and he kept his back to her, worried she might recognize the hunger churning through him. He slipped his axe into his belt and reached for his sword. He would feed and water Gyllir, then ride along the stream he mentioned. Maybe by the time he returned, his head would be in more control than his cock, which ached in the confines of his trousers.
Even now, he felt her gaze on him, her eyes seeming to touch him as if they were her hands gliding along his chest and shoulders. He turned and knew immediately he shouldn't have. The combination of uncertainty and desire had his dick hard as the steel of his sword. How he resisted the urge to go to her and haul her against him, bury himself in her body every way he could, he realized he'd never know. This strength could only have come from Odin himself. Gritting his teeth, Ari gave her a nod and turned to the tree where Gyllir remained tethered.
The steed nickered in greeting, butting his head against Ari's chest when he neared. Chuckling, Ari gave the horse a hearty pat then released the ties holding him in place. He quickly saddled the animal and mounted, guiding him toward the stream.
His thoughts remained filled with the woman waiting at their small camp. For him. Bah! Who did he try to fool? No one but himself. If the wolf wasn't injured, Thora would take this opportunity to flee. He gave a silent prayer of thanks to the gods in Valhalla that the wolf needed more time to heal, thus forcing her mistress to stay. Maybe by the time her pet recovered, Thora would no longer wish to leave.
From where did such nonsense come? One night of passion and his wits had scattered. Admittedly, what had passed between them last night had been unlike anything Ari had ever known before, but still... He must remain focused on his goal. She merely played a small part in his scheme. He inhaled sharply, savoring the musky earthen scents of the forest, the crisp aroma of the pines strong enough to clear his head.
The dappled daylight's muted tone sharpened as he neared the edge of the forest. He squinted against the past-midday sun, taking a few moments to scan the area. He saw no one, though wasn't surprised. Most people had set out weeks ago, were already on the main road to Tingwalla, a few hours' ride to the north. A road he hoped to be on himself in the next couple of days. With Thora beside him.
He stifled a groan and guided Gyllir to the stream. The horse pranced eagerly and stepped into the water the moment Ari dismounted and removed the packs and saddle. With a frown, he noted that Gyllir's splashing chased the fish that moments ago had swum in abundance. No fresh fish fornáttmál, their night meal, tonight. Allowing Gyllir his play time, he turned to his belongings, retrieving the small bow hanging on the saddle. He'd acquired it early in his journey and it had come in handy many times over the last years. Retrieving several arrows, he hooked them into his belt. Notching one arrow, he headed toward the brush. A few stomps and shouts sent three grouse and a cluster of squirrels fleeing from under the bushes. He lifted the bow and took aim, hitting one grouse in its side. The others clucked frantically, their short legs scurrying over the forest floor in their attempts to flee. Ari loaded the bow again, his aim once more true. The remaining fowl ran, now nearly shrieking in fright. Ari gave chase, notching a third arrow and taking the bird down.
His heart raced with his success. He'd become a skilled hunter during his travels. Very few beasts survived once he'd set his sight on them. A few steps ahead, the first bird lay on the ground, still alive, screeching in pain. He picked it up and gave a quick twist to the grouse's neck. The body fell limp. Securing the remainder of his catch, he turned to Gyllir and laughed. The steed emerged from his play in the water, and while he waited patiently, he still shifted excitedly. Ari secured the birds to the saddle and mounted, his hunger growing. They'd slept nearly half the day away, no wonder his stomach ached for food. He turned Gyllir back toward the small camp, where Thora awaited him. He found himself suddenly eager to be beside her. Giving his head a shake, he forced the thoughts aside. Must be the lust speaking, for he found his hunger to be inside her warm body again just as strong as that for a meal.
Once more his thoughts turned to exactly how he might use her against his brother and prove himself a victim, rather than the criminal. The men who would speak on his behalf had once been powerful warriors, several with fearsome reputations. Though he did still harbor some doubt that any or all of them might change their minds and refuse to speak about what they knew, his last meeting, in Myrka, solidified his confidence that he had truth and honor behind him. The fact he could now also use Thora in his plan added to his anticipation of success.
When he neared, she still sat beside her wolves. Clearly the male had hunted, for both animals ate heartily of several squirrels, though the wounded she-wolf needed some help from her partner, who nudged the catch toward her. Ari's gaze settled on Thora. Her hair fell in long waves around her face and shoulders and he found himself longing to tangle his hands into the dark locks while he pulled her mouth to his.
Gyllir pawed nervously at the ground when they neared. The wolves clearly still agitated him. He dismounted and tethered the stallion to a tree a short distance away. After tending to the steed's comfort he turned back to the still smoldering fire.
He hoisted the grouse in the air. "Gyllir chased all the fish, but we'll still eat well."
