***
Hradi paced before the large hearth, aware his brother and father both watched him with amused expressions. He chose not to remark on their obvious pleasure in his concern, certain it would lead to more teasing and ribald comments he was in no mood to hear.
Despite what Kori said about the older woman, Hradi remained confident that Katrin was not part of the woman's schemes. How he knew, he couldn't say, other than instinct. Katrin lacked the hardness of her mistress, despite her often-aloof manner. The way the older woman hovered over her also roused a suspicion that she somehow ultimately meant Katrin harm.
"Hradi," his father called, jutting his chin to the left.
He turned.
In the suddenly-opened doors stood Katrin, her uneasy gaze darting around the room before meeting his. The apprehension in her stare both charmed and excited him. This girl was pure, of that he was most sure. How long had it been since he'd been with an innocent? Years. Yet, the eagerness to claim her for his own was tempered by a need to take care with her. When had he ever had such thoughts?
Never.
Again, he wondered if the gods toyed with him by placing this woman within his reach. He must remember his task and what he was to learn from and about her. If she knew just how powerfully he wanted her, she might use it to her advantage.
He walked toward her, a strange mix of annoyance and satisfaction making his heart race to see how she clutched her sack tighter and took a half-step back. A breath later, she lifted her shoulders and chin, meeting his gaze steadily. He liked her wariness as much as her show of fearlessness.
"I am ready," she announced.
Hradi noted the tremor she tried unsuccessfully to suppress. He held back a smile, fearing she might take offense, and offeredhis hand. She hesitated a few seconds before reaching out to accept it.
"Ignore them." He nodded toward the clan members seated at the tables arranged throughout the hall. He faced the jarl, hiding his scowl at the amusement in his father's expression. "When I return, we will further our plans for alliances."
He gave a glance to Katrin, but she seemed not to be interested in what he said.
Thorfinn gave a nod, his smile wide beneath his long silver beard. "Of course."
Hradi turned, still clutching Katrin's hand, and headed toward the doors. Once outside in the glow ofSól's warmth, even this late in the season, he calmed, free of the curious and amused stares. Even so, he was determined to get her alone and did not slow his pace until they reached the saddled horse outside the blacksmith. The grey stallion had already been tethered nearby, ready for Hradi to lead him to his home. He patted the beast to ride before facing Katrin.
"I will help you up." He reached for her, scowling when she backed away.
"I've never… Gunilla never had riding horses. We mostly traveled by boat, or several carts if we were inland. But there were always others to tend to that."
He offered a reassuring smile. "There is no need to be afraid. You will sit before me."
Her gaze darted between him and the saddled animal before landing on the tethered stallion.
"But there are two horses."
Hradi jerked his head toward the half-trained horse. "He cannot be ridden yet. Come, we must go now." He held out a hand.
After a few moments' hesitation, she placed her fingers into his palm. He fought the urge to yank her against him and devour her; instead, he gave a slight tug until she was close enough that he could grab her by the waist and lift her, settling her sidewaysupon the seat. She clutched at the horse's mane. Worried her fear might make her fall, Hradi quickly took the stallion's tether before swinging into the mare's saddle behind Katrin, securing her with his free arm. Truly there wasn't much room for them both, but despite the forced closeness, she maintained a stiff posture, clearly an attempt to avoid contact. He grinned, not bothering to point out that she failed. Instead, he merely slid his other arm around her and picked up the reins, nudging the mare forward. The stallion followed, keeping up when Hradi urged the mare to trot.
***
Katrin reached for something to hold on to in an attempt to steady herself from the brisk and unusual gait of the animal beneath her. Never had she been on a horse and didn't know how to sit, and this sideways position he'd placed her in left her with little choice but to accept the support he offered. Pressing so close to Hradi also made her feel unbalanced and light-headed. She stifled a scream when she felt herself sliding. Hradi switched the reins to one hand and tightened an arm around her waist, halting her inevitable tumble from the saddle.
"I won't let you fall."
His low voice near her ear sent shivers along her spine, chasing the fear that had claimed her since he had lifted her into the saddle. Now she welcomed his embrace, the feel of his warmth against her back. She let herself relax against him. With his face so close to hers, she felt his lips curl into a smile against her cheek. Desire sprang to life, taking over her entire body. Nipples tightened, sharp needy pangs warming her sex. Flashes of the visions she'd had assailed her and heat flooded her veins. The arm about her waist tightened, fingers curling into her hip, sending more jolts throughout her.
The intensity of her reaction to his touch left her as bewildered as she was aroused. When he lifted a hand to slide her hair away from her neck, she stiffened, her breath catching whenhis lips slid along her skin. A low moan escaped, startling her. His deep chuckle vibrated along her spine.
"Little witch, you feel it too."
She wanted to protest but another slide of his mouth, with the barest graze of his teeth left her with nothing but a sharp gasp of surprised delight. A whisper of warning poked through her arousal, reminding her of the dangers of the flesh, what giving in to them might cost her.
The struggle to ignore the warning tightened in her gut. Clarity soon took hold. She tensed, fighting off the languid desire still tempting her. Her attempt to shift further away failed when he only held her more firmly than ever. She could not escape the tormenting heat from his body. She closed her eyes, mouth suddenly dry, and took several deep breaths in a futile attempt to steady the erratic pounding of her heart.
