Grinning, he shook his head and ran his fingers down her arm. Goose flesh and raised hairs. Randvior didn’t give her a chance to move; he rolled on top of her.
She deflated.
Mesmerized by how perfectly they fit together, she latched onto his shoulders.
“Move with me,” he said, tugging on her hips.
He positioned himself so his bent knees rested on either side of her hips. His chest and stomach were rippled with muscle. A sumptuous feast for her eyes. He moved again and she felt his shaft throbbing.If it happens once more, my body will burst…
“As tight as a new sheath,” he whispered against her mouth.
This time, Randvior didn’t fall sleep afterward, he crawled out of bed. Noelle shut her eyes and envisioned a familiar place to escape the reality of the moment. An ancient forest where she had played as a child. His movements were distracting, she heard him shuffling through clothing and lacing his boots. Once he finished, he planted his knee on the mattress beside her.
“You’re mine,” he said plainly.
She cleared her throat and cracked open her eyes, completely infuriated by his casual observation.
“That is a matter of opinion,” she said.
Randvior gripped the back of her neck and her eyes fully opened in surprise. “Yes,” he agreed. “A matter ofmyopinion. And I promise youdobelong to me.” He grunted with satisfaction, walked to the door, and opened it. “I’ll return shortly.”
His departure was a blessing. She shimmied out of bed—legs as unsteady as a newborn fawn’s. His fluids were sticky-wet between her thighs, a grim reminder of her mounting sins. She nearly dropped on her knees and begged God for forgiveness—something she found herself contemplating more often than she cared to. Countless hours of instruction on how to conduct herself as a lady had been wasted on a wanton moment.
Her present situation made her think of Ophelia’s tragically short, but fulfilling life. Noelle’s sister died very much loved. A handsome knight had won her heart three years ago and they secretly met whenever they could. Once her father learned of the unsanctioned relationship, he firmly rejected the man’s offer for marriage and sent him away. But not before they consummatedtheir relationship, gifting each other with a precious memory. She envied Ophelia for this, not unkindly of course. Her sister loved of her own free will. And it sustained her through years of unhappiness afterward.
Randvior stole this cherished treasure from her as underhandedly as a thief. She’d never have a chance to experience unadulterated love. Their zeal was of a darker kind—pure lust.
He returned carrying a ewer filled with water and fresh linens and set them on the table. Granite eyes studied her skeptically. Standing naked, she shyly covered her breasts and nether regions with her hands.
Randvior pointed at the pitcher. “Wash.”
She regarded him without any expression. Defiant by nature, Noelle wheedled herself into compliance. She stepped toward the table, but Randvior had already dipped a cloth in water. Without permission, he reached gently between her legs and wiped away the evidence of their sin. It stunned her how easily he performed this intimate task. Jealousy clawed at her. How many women had he touched like this before? Made love to and bathed them like a pampered house pet.
“Always bathe after we make love, good hygiene thwarts disease.”
She snorted at him so hard her breasts hopped. As if she needed him to explain how to complete her ablutions for the day. His advice was too parental, like an old maid’s.
He reached, but Noelle jumped away.
“You little hypocrite,” he grunted. “You permit me to feel the joysinsideyour body and deny me the pleasures outside.”
The walls were closing in around her. “I’ve transgressed!” she burst. “How can I ever forgive myself?”
This time he didn’t laugh at her; he stayed silent. He sat on the edge of the bed and left her to take care of herself. Noelleturned her back to him in the pursuit of any hint of privacy and purposely exercised great care while completing her bath. Once she finished, she searched the room for something to take her attention off the Viking. She needed a distraction from his stifling stare. The trunk containing most of her clothing was stowed in the corner and she walked self-consciously across the small space and bent over to open it. She froze. Cursed under her breath for failing to foresee the temptation her bent-over, naked arse must pose.
She cringed the moment his fingers curled around her shoulders.
Noelle tried to shrug his hands off. “You behave like a wild beast,” she admonished and turned to face him.
“Dritt,”he hissed, rolling his eyes.
Apparently her body was no longer her own.
“Jeg tar det som er mitt, og til helvete med din Gud.”His intrusive fingers stroked until she felt dewy-wet again.
Guilt dissolved as his fingertips plied her shoulders. She leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. That secret spot between her legs began to ache. He must have sensed it—his hands lingered cruelly, but never actually touched her in the middle.
“I am master of your body now,” he crooned. “Once you accept this, you will find me a generous man.”
