Thora gaped at him, his laughter echoing in the still forest. "Are you a fool? Do you know the danger we could have found ourselves in, caught asleep like that?"
"I don't know why you worry. This glen is secluded enough and difficult to simply stumble upon."
"Yes, but to be taken by surprise leaves us both most likely dead."
"Don't you think your wolves would have given us notice long before anyone neared?"
She didn't answer, disgusted at her pitiful arguments. Odin's teeth, of course the animals would have alerted them to any intruders.
"You know what I think, Thora? I think you are trying to avoid the coming night."
Heat flooded her cheeks when he winked. He read her well. Too well. While part of her looked forward to more of the delight he'd bestowed upon her, part of her remained guarded against any dangerous intentions he may have. When he kissed her, she lost all sensible thought, her only focus on their lovemaking. She risked more than her life. Sometime in the last hours, she'd come to the realization she likely also risked her heart. Perhaps that frightened her most of all.
She liked him too much. Only one day and one glorious night and she had already become ensnared by his wit and charm, and the intensity of his attentions. He'd saved her, and truthfully, her gratitude for that was likely the foundation for her dreamy notions. His taking of her innocence had been more than a means to thwart her father, it had been a sheer delight she had to admit she looked forward to repeating.
"Is that true, Thora? Are you trying to avoid laying with me again?"
The husk of his voice shivered along her spine and drew her from the troublesome thoughts.
"I will not resist, if that's what you're asking."
"Not exactly, but I'm glad to know that. But why do I have the feeling you would rather we didn't…"
She shrugged, searching for a witty retort. None came to mind.
"I know you liked it. And I know you want more."
"I shouldn't."
His eyes darkened to a strange shade of blue, the smile slowly fading. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you." His lips quirked. "Well, maybe a little, but I promise you'll like it."
Once more fire scorched her face. "You were sent by Hel herself to torment me!"
"And you like that, too,ástin minn."
"Can you not understand the costs of what I've done? I have given up my innocence."
For a moment, she swore regret flashed in his stare. "You regret that?"
"It does make certain things… difficult for me."
His shoulders lifted, the harsh rasp of his inhalation echoing in dusky air. "I understand."
Behind him, the sizzle of the birds grew louder. With a shake of his head, he turned. Why did the loss of his gaze leave her with a chill that had nothing to do with the mild temperature?
"Our meal is ready. We'll discuss this later."
The idea of talking about the coming night left her with little appetite. She hated how he forced her to admit her enjoyment of his wickedness. Seemingly unaware of the turmoil twisting her insides, Ari used the dagger in his belt to carve one of the grouse. She accepted the offered leg and focused on the meat. The first bite restored her appetite and she savored the hearty taste of the fowl. A few more bites and her head seemed to stop spinning with inane worries. When she finished the leg, she paused to lick her fingers. Her eye caught Ari's gaze and she froze at the feral gleam in his eyes.
"What?"
He said nothing, merely bit into his meal and chewed slowly, a contemplative expression lining his face. When he slowly licked the juices from his fingers, she suddenly understood the hunger still glowing in his eyes.
"You are a wicked man." Was that hoarse tremor her voice? The way this man affected her left her senses reeling. She didn't like it.Oh yes, you do.Why didn't the voice in her head stop?
"You have no idea just how wicked I can be."
Pressing her thighs together in an attempt to assuage the ache growing in her sex, she lifted her chin, holding his stare despite the ferocious need to look away.
