"Every one of us has made mistakes in our lives. Some of them are simple. Meaningless. Some are more important. But you did not choose to ignore Dota's false acceptance. It was not a mistake. She succeeded in hiding her own truth, and not just from you. She tricked you."
Katrin finally lifted her head and met his gaze. "Blame her for her death. Not yourself."
"You don't know all of it. You were not there."
"No, but perhaps that is why I understand."
"Understand what?"
"There is no shame in being tricked."
"I should have known! Seen her for what she truly was. I will never be betrayed in such a way again!"
Katrin laid her hand on his once more and the surging anger faded. At the same time, he realized she was right. His anger was directed at himself for not seeing the truth about Dota. He squeezed his eyes shut, but confusion no longer muddied his thoughts. He knew clearly now that he had done nothing wrong in trusting Dota. She had brought her death upon herself and nothing Hradi might have done would have changed that.
He met Katrin's stare. How did she understand him so well, understand Dota's behavior? She was truly a Seeress. Any lingering doubt melted away.
"You are a witch."
A brief nod accompanied her half-smile. "It is a gift."
"You are a temptress as well!"
"Me? How have I tempted you?"
He let his gaze roam her bare body, smiling at the blush creeping up her chest and neck, and into her face.
"Just by being you."
Her eyes widened, her mouth forming a surprised O. Before she had a chance to speak, he claimed her mouth with his and pushed her back to the furs. He could wait no longer. Leaning back, he brushed a a fiery curl off her cheek.
"Let me teach you more about the various ways to find pleasure."
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Sólhad barely risen when Hradi climbed into the saddle behind Katrin While the feel of her trembling against him made his cock half-hard, her innocence taunted him further. This would be a very long day, and it didn't help that recollections of watching her come undone with her climax battered his thoughts. The sight was one of the most arousing things he’d ever seen, almost as thrilling as his own release, and he wanted to see it again, over and over, for as long as he could keep her in his debt.
He reminded himself he must use patience, because soon, she would be back in Gunilla’s presence. He wanted the older witch to know nothing about what had transpired between him and Katrin, sensing the woman would be angry. The need to protect Katrin abruptly overtook every other priority.
He leaned into her, brushing aside her flame-colored locks and laying his lips against the tender skin along the side of her neck. She shivered and moaned and he trailed his tongue along her flesh, nipping at her and savoring her throaty gasp. She abruptly stiffened in his hold and leaned away from him.
"Wait," she said.
He didn't obey her demand for several moments, not wanting to reveal what he feared to be weak reactions. The idea of showing any weakness before a woman still left his gut knotted. Once before, he'd believed he could save someone, only to learn she had merely toyed with him, betraying him in the most humiliating and public way. She had deserved her fate, and none, not even Geira, the only friend Dota had ever had, had made any attempt to save her.
He wanted Katrin to be different, but feared he might be repeating his earlier mistakes.
He caught her chin and forced her to face him. Could she read his thoughts now? He didn't want her to. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. His brother would laugh at him to seesuch confusion. The doubts faded while his determination to conceal his true response grew. He must ensure she revealed her secrets first.
When he met her gaze once more, he held back a laugh at the way one fiery eyebrow arched. She had determination strong as the iron his sword was forged from.
"What?"
"You must keep your hands to yourself. You… distract me and I may not be able to receive accurate visions."
"You would deny me even this small pleasure?" He offered a pout, pleased when she giggled, softening her stern countenance.
"Yes. Otherwise, I shall have to insist on returning the village to stay with Gunilla."
