“Get me somewhere.” He stepped closer. “With you.”
Hekla’s stomach whirled and looped, but she forced her mind to the lesson she’d learned long ago—a pretty face wasnotto be trusted.
Reaching for the bravado she’d sculpted over the years, Hekla arched a brow. “You looking for a fight, or a roll in the furs, warrior?”
“Why not both?” He smirked and dipped beneath the water’s surface, leaving Hekla to stare at the rippling waters.
Heat pooled between her thighs, and she hated how much she wanted this man. And she could not help but recall the last time she’d brought Gunnar to her bed. His kisses had been eager, but as Hekla undressed, he broke down in tears. Suffice it to say, her lust was instantly extinguished. Instead of crying out in pleasure, she’d held him as he cried on her shoulder.
For weeks, Hekla had been trying to hold the pieces of the Bloodaxe Crew together in the aftermath of Ilías’s death, and gods, it had been exhausting. Why shouldn’t she take something for herself? Live for herself tonight? Perhaps a few mind-bending orgasms would put her back to rights.
The man emerged from the water, startlingly close. “Well?” he asked, scraping his hair back and watching her expectantly. Water droplets caught in his unfairly thick lashes and cut paths down his sculpted chest.
Hekla stepped nearer. She reached for the hem of his tunic, butthe man’s hand wrapped around her left wrist. He yanked her forward and her chest collided with the solid expanse of his. Her body tingled with anticipation as a large hand slid up her spine and came to rest on her nape. Slowly, almost cautiously, the warrior leaned down. His lips brushed against hers, and heat danced through her.
His fingers tightened on her neck, a low sound breaking in the back of his throat. Whatever he felt, she felt it, too. Like every quiet corner of her body had suddenly awakened. Colors bloomed on the back of her eyelids as his fingers slid into her hair, and he tilted her jaw so he could deepen the kiss. As his tongue delved into her mouth, Hekla matched his movements with her own.
Lust settled low and heavy inside her, and Hekla reached again for his tunic. This time, the warrior didn’t stop her. She peeled it over his head, revealing an expanse of olive skin and a ruthlessly toned body. She ran her fingers appreciatively over his skin and braced as his mouth crashed down on hers.
The man kissed with unexpected passion, like he was facing death, and she was his last meal. And gods, but Hekla longed to be consumed. Time grew slippery as she lost herself in the warrior’s kiss and the feel of his hands exploring her body. Eventually, the man drew back with a question in his eyes.
“More,” she whispered, tugging him to her.
The warrior’s fingers slid down her spine and reached for the hem of her tunic. He shucked it off with startling speed, and it landed on the riverbank with a loud slap.
“I don’t even know your name,” muttered the man, mouth sliding down the column of her throat.
“Nor I yours,” she breathed, tilting her head back. “Let us keep it that way. No names; only us.”
He pulled back, hazel eyes searching her face. The warrior looked uncertain, as though he meant to say something, but as Hekla’s hand delved into his breeches, only a groan escaped him.
“Or,” she whispered, her hand encircling his hardened shaft, “I will call you Fox, and you can call me Lynx.”
“Fox?” The man groaned as her hand moved.
“Your sparring proves you’ve a cunning streak.” Hekla watched the man’s beautiful face contort as she began to stroke him in earnest.
“And Lynx?” asked the man through heavy-lidded eyes.
Hekla chucked softly. “Armed with deadly sharp parts.”
“The lynx is predator to the fox.”
“Mmm. Best not to turn your back on me.”
“You’re astonishing.” The man chuckled, but his gaze grew weighted. He reached for her breeches, pausing at the clasp.
“Magnetic,” breathed Hekla.
“Clever.” The Fox flicked the clasp open. One hand slid down, and then it was Hekla’s turn to moan as the warrior stroked her softly.
The water was cool, yet her body steamed beneath the Fox’s touch. Already it seemed he could read her every response, and she had the inkling that they were locked in a new sort of challenge: Who would drive the other to pleasure first?
As the heel of the Fox’s palm rubbed against her most sensitive part, Hekla was helpless against the moan rising in her throat. Her thumb rubbed along the tip of his cock, satisfaction welling as his whole body shuddered. Their faces were bare inches apart, breaths mingling together. He looked at her with such directness, the weight of his gaze so intimate. It should make Hekla squirm, but instead it made heat unfurl within her.
The Fox found that sensitive spot deep inside her, and Hekla gasped as pleasure began to spool tightly.
She pumped harder, stroking him faster. She just needed another minute.Another full-body tremble rolled through the Fox, but Hekla’s glee was short-lived.
