"Give yourself to me. Come with me to The Thing."
As if he had splashed cold water on her, her wits snapped back into place. Shaking her head, she tried to pull free of his embrace. He didn't release her.
"No, I cannot go to Tingwalla."
His eyes narrowed. "Why? What are you afraid of, Thora?"
Her reason for refusal was none of his business. She simply could not go to Tingwalla, and risk her father finding her. She would not be sacrificed for an alliance. She'd choose her own husband and only then would she return.
"It doesn't concern you."
"As you are under my protection, it does."
She gave another tug against his hold, but he held firm. "I don’t need your protection!"
"If I hadn't come along when I did, you would be at the mercy of the outlaws."
"I would have disarmed him soon enough. Like every other man, his lust dulled his senses. I was waiting for the right moment, and I would have dispatched him myself."
He laughed again, sparking her anger. She shoved hard at him, relieved when he finally released her. Shaky legs carried her a few steps away and she willed the strength back into them. When she turned to face him once more, his stare, amusement mingled with desire, left her annoyed.
"And when you failed? You could be dead right now."
He leaned in close, towering over her. She refused to give in to the urge to retreat. He would not intimidate her.
"You have no idea what I'm capable of."
"Perhaps I should bind your hands then."
Her eyes widened. "You would not dare!"
"I would. And I will. But for now, I believe our meal is ready."
With that he turned away. She blinked, surprised by the suddenness of his change of mood. For several moments, she remained where she was, gawking at him in astonishment, until the aroma of the cooked meat teased her nose, making her stomach rumble. Assailed by two very different hungers, she forced her unsteady legs to obey, finally taking up a seat across the fire. He had already removed the hares from the spit and used his dagger to cut the food into portions, handing her one.
She hoped he didn't notice the way her hand shook as she accepted the food. Avoiding his gaze, she bit into the meat, the gamy juices flooding her tongue. At the first taste, her hunger escalated and she ate heartily, ignoring the urge to meet the stare she knew focused intently on her.
"Here."
She looked up to see him once again beside her, offering a drinking skin. With still trembling hands, she accepted it.
"Thank you."
She lifted the skin, taking a long swallow of ale, warm and musty from the skin but still refreshing. Thirst quenched, she returned the skin to him, dismayed when he sat beside her. When he was so close, her thoughts refused to be reined in and she needed her wits sharp.
"So, Thora, do you agree to my demand, or do I take what I want from you.?"
"I'll not lie with you willingly."
"So be it." He picked up another hunk of meat and bit into it, giving her a wink and a knowing smirk.
Damn him! He knew she would respond to him, even if she initially attempted to fight him. Heart racing once more, she found any remaining appetite had fled. She stood, determined to get away from him. Her wolves needed tending and maybe she might find a way to convince him not to take her innocence. That thought roused another burst of heat within and she knew damn well that with a few more kisses, she'd not deny him anything.
She raised her eyes heavenward, praying to Odin for the strength to resist. But even as the request solidified, another idea, one that had sprouted earlier and been dismissed, rose anew.
CHAPTER THREE
Ari watched Thora walk away, well aware of the conflict brewing within her. Rising, he turned to tend Gyllir, his thoughts filled with the intriguing woman he'd found himself with. Her passionate response to his kiss told him he would have little trouble seducing her, though the idea of binding her, rendering her helpless to his whims, remained strong. He'd indulged in such dark sexual games many times, relished the thrill of dominating his lovers, bending them to his will while also giving exquisite delight, mixed with varying amounts of pain. He wanted to torment Thora that way, watch her eyes cloud with desire, make her body writhe with pleasure. He would, he vowed silently. And she would learn to crave his touch.
