He settled his hands on either side of the trencher while he contemplated her, admiring her courage and outspokenness. "I could say the same about you."
Confusion clouded her gaze. "I have not been dishonest with you."
"No? Then what of your mistress?"
"What about her?"
"You know her, and her intentions, better than I. Is there anything you wish to share?"
She shook her head, though he suspected her denial was not as strong as she would have him believe. If Katrin harbored doubtsabout the older witch as well, he could use that to make her share what she knew of her mistress' plans.
"I understand why you may still distrust us, but I assure you, we mean you and your clan no harm. We merely want to bring you the blessings the gods intend us to."
Hradi studied her for several moments then gave a single nod, satisfied she was being truthful. He returned his attention to the meal, knowing he still had more questions about Gunilla, but he didn’t want to dwell on the older seeress now. All he wanted to focus on now was Katrin, and the night that stretched ahead of them.
CHAPTER EIGHT
All too soon, the meal was finished and Katrin rose to clear the platters from the table. Hradi stood as well and took them from her, placing them atop the cupboard.
"Leave them."
She met his stare, shivering under the intensity that seemed to bore right into her thoughts. A quick glance toward the ceiling revealed that daylight quickly faded. Thankfully, the stone dish lamps already burned, keeping darkness at bay.
"Are you ready?"
She gulped, knowing her moment of reckoning had come. He’d said he would not take her innocence. Could she trust him? Did she really have a choice? She stared at his offered hand and finally placed her trembling fingers across his palm. The warmth of his hand closing around hers chased some of the chill that had taken hold, but her voice still eluded her. She nodded her assent and let him lead her into the other room.
Only one lamp burned, casting the room in a soft glow with muted shadows. The light earthy scent of the cottongrass wick added yet another sensual air to the room. With a deep breath, she steadied her pounding heart, if only a little. Hradi faced her again, still holding her hand. He said nothing, merely studied her, the heat in his eyes causing the familiar fluttery excitement. Uneasiness still had her trembling, along with the addition of anticipation fighting to be heard amidst the riot of her disjointed thoughts. The continued whirlwind made it seem as if she lived one of her dreams.
She swallowed past the jagged lump that reappeared in her throat. "Is something wrong?" She winced at her rough words. A slight quirk of his mouth indicated he had noticed.
"Nothing is wrong. Remove yoursmokkr."
She gaped at him. "But –"
He cut off her protest with his mouth crashing onto hers. Surprise left her unable to do more than respond, parting her lips and letting him sweep deep inside. A soft moan escaped her when he coaxed her tongue into an erotic duel. Her knees threatened to give way. Heat seared along her veins. The scratch of his beard added another layer of delight and she nearly swooned at the burst of fire in her core.
Abruptly, she found herself released and an odd chill swept over her, despite the heat still roaring in her veins.
"Remove thesmokkr," he repeated, his voice thick and husked with desire.
The sound washed over her and she found herself eager to obey his command. Trembling fingers tugged at the broches holding up the garment. It slid from her shoulders and she reached for the kirtle’s laces at the back of her neck. They untied easily enough, but Katrin kept a shaky hold on them for several moments, anxiety at revealing herself overcoming her excitement. Her heart near burst from her chest and each breath seemed more and more elusive.
Hradi stepped closer, letting out a low growling sound. She backed up a step, but he caught her arm and halted her flight. He reached behind her and pried her fingers from the ties before sliding the garment from her shoulders. An approving smile tilted the corners of his mouth when the fabric slid free, leaving her in only the thin undergarment. He released her then and stepped back, folding his arms.
"Take it off," he instructed.
His gaze roamed over her, leaving a restless heat in its wake. In moments, she would be completely bared. The idea both frightened and exhilarated, the strange mix stoking the heat within, her sex thick and wet with wanting. She found herself unwilling to give him any further advantage, knowing the risks involved. She narrowed her eyes.
"And what of your clothing?"
His grin widened and he silently undid the laces at the top of his tunic, pulling it up and over his head, baring his well-muscled chest. Her gaze roamed his solid form, covered with a dusting of dark hair. She wondered what it would feel like. She would find out soon enough. More tattoos depicting his bravery and skill as a warrior adorned his chest. A large Aegishjalmur, the helm of awe, near his right shoulder matched a smaller one on his upper left arm. Runes of bravery and skill ran along both sides, but her view was disrupted when he sat upon the bed, tugging off his boots before standing once again to slide his pants down, leaving him completely naked.
His large cock, now freed from confinement, stood out hard and long before him. Katrin couldn’t look away. She’d never seen a naked man, but now intrigued, wanted to study him more closely. He straightened and folded his arms, spreading his feet wide and resuming his previous stance.
"Does this please you?" he asked.
Her mouth felt full of sand, but when she met his stare, she knew he was fully aware of her interest. Sneaky bastard. Why did that realization spark in her nipples, making them almost painfully hard and anxiously awaiting his touch, which she knew loomed. Which she suddenly wanted more than anything she'd ever longed for before.
