“I might sink my teeth into you,” he growled, removing the rest of his clothing. A faint sheen of sweat covered his skin, and he made no effort to hide his arousal.
Katarina laughed and moved further into the water, raising the underdress up to her waist. Beneath the water she was naked, and she walked toward the far edge of the bank. She would have to remove the garment to keep it dry.
“Are you running away from me?” he asked.
She lifted the underdress from her body, giving him a glimpse of her breasts before she tossed it onto the embankment. Then she sank beneath the water, hiding herself from him. “I am right here, Eric. Come and swim with me.”
He strode into the water as if the frigid cold didn’t bother him at all. Instead, he moved toward her like a conqueror, bent upon claiming her.
“It’s cold in the water.” Her teeth were chattering.
“Then I will warm you.”
She smiled at her husband, waiting for him. Yes, she was afraid. But this man had saved her from Leif, and their marriage had been an unexpected gift. Over the past week, he’d trained hard, pushing his exertion to the limit.
For her.
Neither of them knew how much time the gods would grant them, but she could not deny that she wanted her husband. She stood in place, waiting for him. A moment later, there came a light splash as the dog dove into the water and began paddling toward them.
She bit her lip, trying to hold back a laugh. “I think Oda wants us to swim with her.”
“She can wait.” Eric drew her to him, skin to skin. He cupped the curve of her bottom, and she gasped at the rush of need that flowed through her.
“I’ve been watching you all day,” he murmured against her mouth. “You are very good with a blade.”
“I have a reason to fight. I don’t want to be Leif’s victim again. Or any man’s.” She moved her hands over his chest, feeling the pulse of his heartbeat.
“You won’t be.”
Katarina wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling the wildness rise within her blood. He was right—she hardly felt the cold of the water anymore. Instead, she was deeply aware of the water upon her bare skin and the touch of him.
After the day of hard training, she knew his body ached as hers did. She knew he wanted her, and she was no longer afraid to join with him. They were far enough away from the settlement that they would see intruders before anyone could interfere. Then, too, Oda would bark and alert them.
“Are you cold now?” he asked, nipping at her lower lip.
“A little.” It was more of the temperature contrast between their bodies and the water. The shock of cold compared to the heat of his flesh was startling. But she was pressed against him so close, she was hardly aware of any discomfort.
Eric took a step backward, lifting her out of the water. His arousal rested against her damp curls, and in his eyes, she saw the rigid desire and a silent question.
“Join with me,” she murmured. “I want to feel you inside of me.”
The air was cool, but Eric carried her from the pond. “Do you?”
She did. In spite of whatever dangers lay ahead, she believed that their time together should be savored. When he stopped walking, Katarina still had both legs wrapped around his waist. She lifted her hips, guiding the head of him to rest at the entrance of her womanhood. He held her there, suspended, and her body ached to be filled.
“Please,” she whispered. She kissed him deeply, trying to press herself lower. She needed to give back to him what he’d brought to her. And she knew that he would never take her against her will.
“What of the risks?” he asked.
His hands held her firmly, and she met his gaze with her own yearning. “I will take whatever risks there are. I want a true marriage with you. And I want your child, if the goddess blesses us.” She drew her hands up to his face, tracing his features. “If the worst happens, I will have a part of you with me always.”
He started to leave the water, but she pleaded. “Wait. Stay here.” In this position, she was in control, and she had a feeling that he was still reluctant to claim her.
Katarina kissed him, and he relaxed, nipping at her mouth before the kiss turned heated. She lost herself in the kiss, but used the distraction to fit his shaft to her entrance. He tensed, but she continued kissing him, sliding her tongue against his.
Gently, she lowered herself, accepting his body. Eric didn’t move, but she continued her shallow thrusts, feeling the slight breach of her innocence as he penetrated. Though it took time to grow accustomed to his shaft, she loved the feeling of their joined flesh. With him inside her, she felt the rightness of being brought together as one.
He bent down and took her nipple in his mouth, swirling it with his tongue. She felt a surge of wetness between her legs, and instinctively, she moved her hips, rising up and then sinking down against him.
