He swore and slapped his thigh. “If that’s the way you feel, why risk running straight back into Brian’s reach?”
“I have a sister who needs me.”
“And a worthless father who did nothing to protect you.”
“Aye,” Noelle conceded. “But Margaret deserves a chance to be happy.”
The elements of this relationship were impossible to understand. One minute she couldn’t stand being near him, the next, she wanted to curl up in his arms.
“There are rules we must respect, and if broken, consequences must follow, punishment I must deliver. I cannot change just because you find it unpalatable. If I bend the rules for one man, another will expect the same leniency when his turn comes. Our women are cherished above all things. No man need point out her beauty in public—the scald deserved to die.”
The air around them had thickened with disagreement. Randvior tried to diffuse the situation.
“No matter how devoted my men are, or how many oaths of allegiance they keep, they are only flesh and blood. Do you know how many men gazed at you covetously the night of the feast? Even Brandon acted differently when you were around. By Odin, woman, you could force a priest to question his abstinence.” His mouth tightened. “I admit I’m not an easy man to live with. And I own a black heart where you’re concerned, my sweet.” He sighed, slid forward, and tightened his hold on her. “I’ll kill to keep what’s mine.”
“I didn’t ask you to bring me here. And you do notownme.”
It never failed. Noelle insisted on reminding him how miserable she was at every opportunity.
“I know.” He bit back the anger that itched to come out.
Time passed quickly in the saddle and they reached the stables without attaining reconciliation. Goddamn it, he needed more time to convince her to stay. To make herwantto stay of her own free will. Anything less and he’d consider it a failure.
A groom took the reins and Randvior jumped down. He lifted Noelle from the saddle and steered her toward the bathhouse. This conversation was far from over.
Ignoring her protests, Randvior opened the door and shoved her inside. Enough was enough—how could he administerjustice and manage his lands if he was constantly preoccupied with the fear of her running away? All the unnecessary arguments were starting to chip away at his willpower, making him consider things he’d sooner forget. He felt foolish sometimes. Maybe even a bit undeserving and awkward.
No woman had ever infuriated him this much.
Randvior knew what she wanted: words, promises he intended to keep, and lovemaking she’d never forget.
The warmth seemed to have a positive effect on her. She relaxed and color quickly returned to her cheeks. He walked across the room, gathered an armful of wood, and built a roaring fire in the largest pit. He peeked over his shoulder and caught her staring at his backside. He chuckled, more than pleased he still possessed the physical charms to catch her eye. And only an hour ago she had declared how much she hated him.
If she loathed him as much as she claimed, why did those liquid eyes penetrate his skin? Noelle could no more live without him than he could survive breathing fire and brimstone.
“Are you warm enough?” he asked.
“Yes.”
He touched her cheek and she stiffened. He ignored her reaction and rested his hands on her shoulders.Pride comes before the fall…Words taken directly from her holy book—worthy ones, he thought. He slowly unclasped the silver turtledove brooches and removed her cloak. He didn’t understand why she fought the urge. Randvior slipped behind her and massaged her shoulders. He drew his hands together near the base of her spine and blew softly into her ear. His fingers floated over the curves of her bottom, gently plying and kneading. What she needed was a distraction.
He gathered the hem of her gown and pulled it over her head. Next, he untied the shoulder ribbons on her chemise andwatched as the thin veil of material pooled at her feet. “Kick off your boots.”
She did.
His hands left her body only long enough to remove his own clothing and then he was on her again. Her hair hung down her back like a honey-streaked robe and he buried his face in those fragrant tresses, breathing in the intoxicating scent of spring. Her body drove him crazy. Her breasts shimmered with sweat.Odin, give me strength to offer comfort and nothing more…He wrapped his arms around her. Crushed against him, she still tried to squirm free. His laugh vibrated through their bodies.
The thrill of the chase exhilarated him more than anything. His cock stood at attention, but they would not make love this night. “Look at me.”
Slowly, she turned her eyes toward him.
“What will it take to convince you my intentions are honorable?”
She withered in his hands. What had he done now? “Elsk meg pokker heller.” He kissed her and carried her to the spring. Her head drooped against his chest as he waded into the water and he was suddenly reminded.The poison…He banished his temper and hugged her closer.
“Stay with me, little one. Baptize me with your sweet love.”
A week later, after Noelle had fully recovered, Katherine prepared her for a very important feast.
