“What?”
“Rachelle is missing,” the captain informed him.
“No,she’s not.”
“Oh,” Onetooth said. “Is she…”
“With me.”Get out!
“Shall I—?”
“Leave and don’t look back.”
“Aye.” Onetooth bowed. “My thought exactly.”
“Good.”
Sucking in a breath, Tyr secured the door and turned, only to discover Rachelle standing fully clothed behind him. Her dull-colored cloak covered her sweet body. It might as well be a vest of locks. The chances of getting a maid undressed twice in the same night seemed futile.
Damn Onetooth and the gods. Now, he’d be forced to bargain with her to get her back in bed.
It took everyounce of courage she possessed to stand up straight in front of Tyr. He looked more the barbarian now than she had ever remembered. Peeking at his nether region, she panicked inside. She’d almost given in to her lust. That impressive member would have split her insides—like a sharp knife ripping flesh. And bedding him would seal her fate. She’d never leave Norway. That was too much to sacrifice for one night of careless pleasure.
If only she had caught Onetooth in time.
Tyr frowned at her. “Come back to bed with me.”
“I can’t.”
“Back to bed.” His voice deepened.
“No.”
“Rachelle…” He swallowed. “Go back to bed.”
She was freeborn, not a slave. No man would intimidate her that way.
“Your body forsakes you,” he snarled.
“My soul does not.” She raised her voice. “Believe me when I say my heart is not with you.” The large bulge between his legs threatened her continued resistance. As much as she feared his manhood, she still found herself hopelessly drawn to it.
He edged closer, claiming her left arm. “So, this is where we find ourselves again. Contrary, yet tonight proves we both desire one thing.”
Arrogant bastard. She couldn’t give in. Not to his marriage proposal or their mutual passion. The cost was too great.
She shook her head stubbornly. “It’s gratifying to know how wrong you really are. I don’t want your love. I didn’t ask for your protection.” Her heart ached from the lies she was telling. “Seek comfort in the arms of another woman. May I suggest the girl who hovers over your shoulder with a pitcher of ale?”
He hoped for things she wasn’t free to give. Uncle Henry needed her.
“Frida?”
“Is thathername?” She shot him a murderous look.
Smiling, he bent to kiss her. “Jealous?”
The heat from a blush crept up her cheeks. Furious, she shook his hand off. These Norseman were egotistical sods. “Worry not for me, I won’t leave my rooms again. Please send word after my uncle satisfies whatever demands you’ve set in exchange for my freedom.”
Chapter Ten
