“I shouldn’t have left you alone,” he whispered, wiping aside strands of wet hair plastered to her cheeks.
For some unknown reason, she wouldn’t open her eyes. She’d only been in the water a few minutes. Not long enough to suffer permanent damage. His throat tightened when he considered what could have happened. Stupidly, he’d let his guard down. If he hadn’t been dozing, he might have prevented this.Why, my little fool?He kissed her bloodless lips. Standing,he assessed the area, plenty of wood to build a fire. He gazed over his shoulder. Onetooth and a second man were swimming toward him with packs held high above their heads. They’d bring wine and food and flint. He worked quickly at gathering kindling.
Dripping wet, Onetooth appeared at his side. He opened his pack and gave Tyr a piece of C-shaped steel and quartz. Tyr hit his knees and scraped the stone against the metal. Instant sparks. The tinder he placed on top of the small woodpile began to smolder.
“Take over,” he ordered. Onetooth took his place.
Tyr returned to Rachelle’s side.Still bloody unconscious.
Grabbing a wool blanket from the second pack, he spread it open. Next, he stripped Rachelle’s wet garments off, then moved her on top of the blanket. He cupped her hands between his and blew on her fingers, before rubbing his way down her legs.Get her blood flowing again. Force feed her wine, and then give her the beating of her life!He’d massage her until his fingers bled if that’s what it took to revive her.
Color seeped back into her lips. She groaned. Smiling, he swaddled her, then carried her closer to the fire. Sitting, he cradled her on his lap.
Onetooth shook his head. “What possessed her?”
“I don’t know.” Tyr stared at her tranquil features. “Perhaps I should have paid closer attention. At first, she wanted to join me.” He should have known better. Sorrow had etched her countenance for most of the voyage. Desperation made people do dangerous things.
“Maybe she’d rather die than spend another moment with us,” the second oarsman observed carelessly.
Tyr’s muscles tensed. “Get back on the ship!”
After they left, he disrobed. Sliding under the blanket, he lifted Rachelle on top of him, wrapping his arms firmly aroundher. Stomach to stomach, it was a challenge thinking about anything but the feel of her silky smooth skin against his. Believing her out of danger, he admired her delicate features. He silently praised her thick eyelashes and pert little nose as her color continued to improve. Finally, her shivering ceased. Her chest rose and fell rhythmically. There was no reason for her to be unconscious, unless the shock of everything had finally hit her. She shouldered her burdens with such fortitude and grace he’d never considered how fragile she might be.
Tyr yawned. A short nap would do him some good. Getting sleepier, he considered whether waking up in his arms would delight her or worsen her condition. What if she tried to kill him? Or dismember him? He smiled. A risk he’d take.
Hours later, he woke up covered in sweat. The heat their bodies emitted could melt a blasted glacier. He gently rolled her onto her side and repositioned himself so he faced her. Being so blasted close to paradise made his shaft stand at attention. Cursing this bodily rebellion, he imagined the most unattractive, hunch-backed old woman on his steading. But it couldn’t overpower the feeling of her in his arms and his cock did as it damned well pleased, the rest of his body responding appropriately. It didn’t help that the wench had already scrolled her indelible signature across his heart. Straining to concentrate on anything but her, he sagged with relief when her eyes opened.
Things looked blurry.And it was so hot.Shocked she didn’t have any clothes on, shame caught her by surprise when she realized the behemoth next to her was naked, too. She stared ahead.Tyr.His eyes were closed. The rogue appeared as cozy as a caterpillar in a cocoon. She tried to squirm free. Of course, he didn’t budge.
“Wake up, you godforsaken barbarian.” A furious blush warmed her face.
He was unresponsive.
Even when she poked his chest, he said nothing. Irritated, she grabbed a handful of his blond arm hair and twisted.
“Ouch!” His eyes opened. He laughed.
“Let go of me.”
“Only if you kiss me first.”
She elbowed him. “Well?”
He unhooked his arms. “I see you’ve regained your strength.”
Climbing to her feet, she covered her nether region with her hands. “Where are my clothes?” She frowned. This man liked being naked too much.
He rewarded her modesty with a furtive smile. “Are we in a garden paradise, sweet daughter of Eve?”
“If we’re in the garden, you’re the wicked serpent.”
He leaned up on his elbow. “There’s an enormous viper hidden underneath this cover, shall I let him loose?”
Swallowing tightly, it sickened her that seduction ruled his mind and heart. And if she didn’t bind herself with chastity, she might get sucked into his sin. “Your vulgarity astounds me.”
“You call me the devil. Will you fault me for rising to the occasion?”
Filthy-minded mongrel. “You act as if you’ve never seen a naked woman before.”
