The more he thought about her, the more he believed she hid her deepest feelings. Sadness lingered behind that woman’s eyes. Hadn’t death darkened his life, too? She wasn’t the only person to lose everything. Hundreds of people he loved and admired had suffered similar fates. War, pestilence, and disease were rampant across Europe. Love was not something to take lightly. Or deny. He’d made his intentions clear. Was she too blind to see, or too numb to feel?
The pain and confusion he felt over her quick affection for that bastard prince… He took another swig, stomped across the bedchamber, then slammed the skin down on a table. Tomorrow he’d set her straight, reveal everything. Including why he returned to the beach.
“Love, goddamn it!”
Every nightmare she’dsuffered over the last few weeks came to life the moment Rachelle woke up in Aaron’s arms. Where were they? A throbbing headache sparked her memory. She’d been running wildly and lost her footing. The rogue must have felt her move. He glimpsed down at her. She couldn’t fight with her hands tied. She tried to convince herself her fear was unjustified.
“Head hurt?”
“No,” she lied.
He laughed. “Judging by the size of that goose egg on the side of your head, I’d say you’re fibbing. The tree you assaulted is in much better shape than you.”
“I don’t find it humorous,at all.” Her body stiffened. “You bring nothing but misery to those around you.”
Aaron smiled. “Maybe… But tonight I’ll remedy that if I can.”
She cocked her head to the side. What was he talking about now? “Where are we going?”
“We’re attending a reunion, milady.”
Only one other man in Norway wanted her as much as Tyr Sigurdsson. “Edwin?” she croaked.
“Aye. How perceptive ye are.” He slowed the horse.
How had this man gained influence with Prince Edwin? Aaron possessed no redeeming qualities. Even an opportunist like Edwin must surely recognize a transgressor when he met one. She sighed. Of course there could be a competition between the two to see who was better at sinning. She trusted neither man.
“I wonder who the true beneficiary of this arrangement is.”
“Both of us.”
Rachelle tried to wiggle out of her bonds. He didn’t try to stop her. Why did Prince Edwin want to see her again? The Norse liked English slaves. “I’m shocked you’d sell a Christian into servitude.” She expected the worst from him.
“We all fall short of the glory of God.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Marriage can hardly be considered slavery.”
Panic gripped her heart. Marriage?Oh my God.“Maybe not for a man,” she countered tartly.
“You’re to be wed to a prince. I hardly think you’ll be expected to work your fingers to the bone, unless you view bedding your husband as an unpleasant task.” He grinned lecherously. “Some women never learn to enjoy bedsport.” He caressed her cheek. “Somehow, I thinkyouwill.”
She jerked away. “Don’t do this, I beg you.”
“Milady,” he replied. “Men conduct this sort or business every day. Without a proper guardian, someone needed to act on your behalf. It’s a fine match. You’ve done your duty. Rose above your unfortunate circumstances and secured a man mostwomen would trip over their skirts to get to. Prince Edwin may be a bastard in the Biblical sense, but he’s rich and comes from a reputable family. Celebrate your good fortune. I could have shipped you to a place where women are expected to perform the marital act without the benefit of nuptials and protection. There’s a thousand brothels in the western provinces waiting for beautiful virgins like you to be auctioned into slavery.”
Her hands burned to slap him. He’d done this with the intent to harm her. From the moment she’d stepped foot on Tyr’s ship, this man had seethed with contempt. She swallowed thickly. “Why?”
His startling gaze pierced her. “I hate Tyr. And everything about you reminds me of the home I dearly miss. I don’t need a constant reminder of things I cannot have.”
His confession took her by surprise. “I thought you despised Scotland.”
“I’ve only implied it to keep my enemies confused.”
What kind of man denies his own heart? A man without a home was likely the most wretched creature on earth. Beholden to no one, he’d do as he pleased. “Why do you stay?”
“There’s opportunity for me here.”
