She believed it, and he would say nothing to diminish her joy. But it was so early...women often miscarried or discovered their mistake.
His conscience berated him for even thinking such a thing. Elena and Styr had waited a long time for a child. She wanted it desperately and regardless of the jealousy within him, he hoped all would go well. “I’m going to go look around the shore to see if there are any ships,” he told her. He needed a few moments to clear his head.
“All right.” But after he took the crutches, Elena turned back to her work as if it were the most fascinating task imaginable.
Though she behaved as if there was nothing wrong, he saw the dark flush against her cheeks. There was a barely discernible change in Elena, as if she, too, sensed that the next few days were going to test their honor.
Chapter Eight
She dreamed of him that night.
In her vision, the fires of a battlefield raged, while the scent of death hovered around them. Bodies littered the ground and the carrion birds swooped overhead. The Viking warrior rode toward her, searching. His helm covered his face and his armor was stained with the blood of his enemies.
He was like a god of war, coming to claim her.
The warrior’s eyes locked upon her as he rode through the carnage. He reached down and Elena went willingly, knowing thatshewas his prize of war.
Her heart pounded when he drew her up in front of him on the horse. From behind her, she could feel the iron muscles of his chest, the powerful thighs surrounding her legs. His body held the caged restlessness of a predator, and he rode hard across the field, taking her miles away from the battle.
Until they were alone.
The small thatched hut was hardly any shelter at all, but when she went inside, hot coals glowed in the hearth. The air was warm with anticipation, and his cold eyes stared at her with unfettered lust.
“Remove your clothing.”
Fear caught in her throat, along with the need to refuse. But before she could speak, he turned his back and removed the iron helm, then his chainmail corselet and gloves.
Her pulse quickened at the sight of his bared skin, for she knew why she was here. What he wanted from her.
Elena turned toward the fire, her skin pebbled with gooseflesh.
“Obey me,” came his husky voice.
In this place, she belonged to him. She was his to command, and she reveled in the desire to be conquered, like a slave for his taking. Elena reached to her shoulders and unfastened the heavy golden brooches, setting them aside. She took off the long apron and then loosened the ties of her gown. Beneath it, she wore nothing at all.
His hands came up from behind her, helping her until the gown hung upon her slender frame. Her body was burning with need, for she knew this man well. She ached for him, wanting to be touched. Knowing the dark pleasure he would give.
Her gown pooled to the dirt floor, baring her flesh to him. He didn’t speak, but she felt the warm caress of his kiss upon her shoulder while his hands glided over her delicate skin.
She closed her eyes, welcoming the sensation. The heat and aching lust were burning within her skin, making her wet for him.
He cupped her breasts and against her bottom, she felt his erection pressing. He was still wearing his leggings, and she dared to speak. “Take them off.”
In response, he gripped her breasts tighter, flicking his thumbs over the hardened nipples. “You don’t command me,søtnos.”
His strong arm held her in place, his right hand stroking and tormenting the nipple until she was heavily aroused. His left hand moved down, over her stomach, down between her legs. “You don’t ever tell me what to do.”
He was punishing her, she realized, when his hand slipped between her legs. With his fingers, he found the wetness, sinking two fingers inside her while he used the heel of his hand in a rhythmic pressure.
She was dying against him, her body yielding and craving him. He pinched a nipple, driving her higher with excitement until she was so desperately close to the edge.
Abruptly, he drew away, leaving her starving for his touch.
“What do you say to me?” he demanded.
“I— Forgive me,” she begged. She needed his hands upon her and his mouth. Her body was quaking for him, wanting to be filled by this warrior. She craved his hot shaft piercing her with a relentless penetration.
But he gave her nothing at all.
