She found Hlif sitting at the table, sipping from a mug. She hadn’t spotted Bo yet and the blonde used the moment to study the other woman. Hlif looked beautiful sitting in the semi-darkness, her hair mussed and the look on her face one of complete serenity. Bo could get used to witnessing more scenes like these. It made her heart race to think that she’d made love to this delightful being.
She didn’t know what gave her away, but the dark head swirled in her direction. They regarded each other quietly before Hlif held out her hand. Bo eagerly accepted and allowed herself to be pulled onto the woman’s lap. She snuggled into the warm body and planted a soft kiss on Hlif’s lips. The Valkyrie smelled of spent sex and tasted like whiskey.
Hlif burrowed her nose into Bo’s hair.
“How do you feel?”
Bo sighed. “Embarrassed.”
“Why?”
“I fell asleep on you.”
Hlif chuckled softly. “It was quite nice holding you while you slept.”
“But it could’ve been better, Valkyrie.” She rubbed her breasts against Hlif’s arm while watching the brunette’s face closely. “I want a chance to make it right.”
Bo almost squirmed under Hlif’s steady regard. “You can have me anytime you want,” she finally said. She brushed a blonde lock behind Bo’s hair. “After two thousand years, every moment spent with you is precious for me.”
If she read between the lines and understood it well, Bo realized that Hlif sought spontaneity. She could do that. To be honest, as much as she wanted Hlif again, she was a little nervous, too. Maybe spontaneity was a good way to curb her anxiety and just act when the need arises.
“I understand.” She kissed Hlif before she peered into the mug. “What are you drinking?”
“Whiskey. I needed to think.”
“May I ask about what?”
Hlif was a painfully private person. Her home said it all. Beautiful, but clinical. Even personality didn’t encourage familiarity. Her body language was aloof and cautioned people to keep their distance. Her politeness was another sign, warning people off from becoming too close. No matter their shared history or how their growing closeness, prying into Hlif’s mind was probably not a good idea. Thus, she was shocked when Hlif responded without a moment’s hesitation.
“Us. The future.”
Bo shrugged. “Maybe I could help.” She felt tendrils of unease shoot through her at the look that came over Hlif’s face. The woman looked almost resigned. As if she’d already made up her mind. She searched Hlif’s eyes. “Talk to me, Hlif. This morning you promised me we would talk.”
Hlif’s eyes appeared even stormier. “What do you want from me, Bo? Are we going to keep on seeing each other, or…” Hlif frowned. “I’m wondering about what would happen when you return to the States. What will that mean for us?”
This wasn’t a conversation Bo thought she would ever have with anyone. One thing was clear, though. There was no way of avoiding it
“What do I want from you?” Bo repeated slowly, searching Hlif’s face. “The honest answer would be that I don’t know, Hlif. I’ve never found myself in a situation like this.”
“I have.”
That was true. The visions were quite clear about that. “What… what would you have done in my position?”
Hlif raked her hands over her face. “I can only speak for myself. What I did, was to make sure that nothing stood in my way of loving you.”
“You make it sound so easy,” she murmured as she looked away. Hlif had indeed sacrificed everything for her. Should loving her back be a payback for all that? It didn’t sound like a healthy start to a relationship. “I like being with you and I want to keep it that way.”
The look in Hlif’s eyes didn’t change, but her tone did. “What does that mean for me? Am I your lover, an acquaintance? Someone, you call when you have time in your busy schedule?”
Bo felt like she was losing control of the conversation… and of Hlif. The latter made her heart skip a beat. She hated the mere thought of it. Her skin broke out in hives at the thought of another woman being with Hlif like this.
It just didn’t make sense for them to have gone through hell only to end up apart. They needed to find a way. She searched Hlif’s eyes. “What can we do?”
Hlif shrugged. “I’ll follow you, if you want me to.”
She was shocked. “You will?”
“I’m only here, because I want to be with you. It makes sense that I must find a way to remain by your side.”
Bo looked away, blinking hard to stop the tears. Will she ever get used to being the pin around which another person’s life rotated? She’d lived a selfish life. Bo Witteman always came first and she made sure she kept it that way.
Suddenly, it was all changing. In the space of four days, the powerful, go-getter she was, gave way to a woman who willingly acquiesced to another. Willingly. She used to be proud of her independence and individuality. She still was. Very. Did she defer to Hlif only because the Valkyrie was more concerned about Bo’s well-being than her own? Was her own selfishness at play here once again?
She didn’t deserve Hlif.
She also couldn’t get herself to let go of the woman.
Their destinies were intertwined and it wasn’t going to change.
There had been no big declarations of love, but remaining together was a step in the right direction. There will be enough time to work out the rest.
“What of your business here? Your home?”
“All a front to fit in, while I kept an eye on you.” She nuzzled Bo’s neck. A pleasant shudder raced through Bo’s body and she felt her nipples harden. “Now that that’s all behind us, I’m ready to see the world.” A soft nip to the underside of her chin made Bo grind her butt into Hlif’s lap. “I want to make love to you on a large bed, looking out over a white sandy beach.” Hlif planted a soft kiss on Bo’s shoulder. “I want to take you against a large window overlooking the Eiffel Tower.”
The images conjured up by Hlif’s words made her insides quiver and she captured Hlif’s lips in a fierce, hungry kiss. She let go of her hold on the blanket and throw her arms around Hlif’s neck, feeling the cool breeze on her naked skin.
She sighed into Hlif’s mouth when the other woman’s hands cupped her breasts, her thumbs rubbing over the hardened nipples. Bo’s need was growing fast, urgent and intense. She ached to be filled by her lover again and kicked the blanket away, wanting to feel Hlif’s strong hands on her.
Bo deepened the kiss, silently begging Hlif to take her. The Valkyrie got the message and to Bo’s relief immediately took charge.
***
Bo’s need stirred Hlif’s arousal. She had been painfully aroused earlier when they made love and her unquenched passion had been one of the reasons she’d come out to sit in the dark while Bo slept.
Now her body hummed with need in anticipation of finding release. She felt under the table for the lever and dropped it so she could lower Bo’s upper body onto the flat surface. The dim lighting was enough to give Hlif a clear view of Bo’s body and for the second time that night, the flawless beauty of her lover overwhelmed her. Perky breasts begged to be tasted, which she did. Bo tugged at her t-shirt, demanding closer contact. Hlif reluctantly let the nipple go and pulled the t-shirt over her head. When she leaned into Bo’s arms, she felt her clit twitch at the sensation. She ground her swollen clit against Bo’s thigh, closing her eyes at the pleasure that shot up her spine to her head where it caused a sharp flash of light behind her eyes.
“Don’t,” Bo whispered hoarsely. “Let me.”
She sat up, the narrow space bringing them close, so close that their breasts brushed against each other. Bo held out her hand and led Hlif to the bed where she stood silently as Bo helped her out of her jeans. Their eyes met briefly before Bo took a seat on the bed and pulled Hlif closer by her hips.
The blonde’s hand disappeared between Hlif’s legs. The touch made Hlif jump slightly, only for her
heart to race the moment Bo met her gaze as she sensuously licked her fingers.
“Oh, beloved…” Hlif murmured as she rubbed her thumb over Bo’s lips.
She lifted her foot onto the bed, opening herself up while holding the pale gaze. Her breath hitched when Bo moved closer to Hlif’s exposed sex. Hlif bit down hard on her lower lip at the first touch of Bo’s sleek tongue on her throbbing clit. She threw her head back as she gave in to the ecstasy. Her hips began rolling out of their own volition and soft gasps fell from her lips. She hissed when Bo entered her slowly and she cradled the blonde’s head as she thrust against her tongue and fingers.
She knew she wouldn’t last long, but she didn’t care. The closer she got, the rougher her thrusts became. Bo removed her fingers and replaced them with her tongue; the switch was Hlif’s undoing and she came with a soft cry. The image of the cabin and Bo spiralled out of control and she shut her eyes lest she toppled over.
When she came to, Hlif was shocked to find herself clutched tightly in Bo’s arms, her body still shuddering, but still upright. Bo’s eyes were warm as she studied her.
“Wanna lay down with me?”
Not sure if she could unscramble her brain enough to answer, Hlif could only nod and stretch out next to Bo. The blonde immediately slid over her, positioning herself so Hlif’s thigh was between her legs. Hlif grinned at the wetness she felt. She lifted her thigh and heard Bo gulp. Her hands moved down silky hips to Bo’s soft, curvy derriere where she firmly squeezed the globes in her hands. It made Bo roll her hips slowly, rubbing her sex against Hlif’s thigh. They kissed and stroked each other tenderly as the blonde brought herself to a breathless orgasm.
Afterwards, they lay in silence, listening to the sound of the water hitting the side of the boat. The silence and the heat were enough to lull Hlif into a light doze, but she was instantly awake when Bo spoke.
“I can feel her strongly when I’m with you like this.”
She didn’t have any doubts as to who they were talking about. “Gurith?”
“Yes.”
“Does it make you feel uncomfortable?” If it was the case, she couldn’t begin to imagine how it must feel to have another presence inside her head. She brushed her hand over Bo’s hair.
“Not uncomfortable, no.” She sighed and rubbed her hand over Hlif’s tight stomach. “Sad, yes.”
Hlif angled her head so she could see Bo’s eyes. “Sad?”
“She loves you, Hlif. Very much. I can feel it and it makes me feel sad when I can be with you like this and she…”
The drawn-out silence was tense.
“I spoke to Aeron earlier about how she coexists with Phage. She said that they have clear boundaries.” Bo hoisted herself on her elbow. “Even during sex. Each gets their turn.”
Hlif’s mouth went dry. Was she hearing Bo correctly? Was the blonde suggesting that they invite Gurith into their most intimate moments? She swallowed. “What are you saying, Bo?”
The blonde’s gaze was steady. “I want to do the right thing.”
Bo looked somewhat upset as she spoke. It was evident that Bo wasn’t entirely sure about this herself. Hlif was scared to say the wrong thing and add to Bo’s distress. Still, the other woman looked at her with a faint air of expectation, waiting for her to contribute to the conservation.
She caught Bo’s chin between her thumb and forefinger. “This is not my place to make a decision or even advise you on what to do. However, I want you to know that whatever you decide, I’ll stand by you completely. You have my word.” She held the pale gaze, reading it for any signs of doubt. After a few long moments, Bo nodded.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
They lay back and held each other.
***
The language and smells in the cafe was achingly familiar and it brought tears to her eyes. Twenty years couldn’t remove the scent of kleinur and skyr from her memory. They were the smells of her childhood.
She felt a large hand slip into hers and she looked up into Hlif’s concerned gaze. Bo gave her a reassuring smile. They’d made love a few more times last night and woke this morning, hungry and in desperate need of some fresh air. Hlif suggested a nearby cafe, where they could get coffee and a quick breakfast before they returned to the apartment.
She allowed Hlif to lead her to a secluded booth. A young waitress immediately came over to them, her eyes wide even as she tried not to stare at Hlif. Hlif ordered without having to consult the menu and Bo could tell that the brunette wasn’t a stranger here. The waitress obviously had a little crush on Hlif, who, for all the world, appeared completely oblivious.
Bo gave the restaurant a quick sweep and realized that almost everyone was stealing looks at their table. Something Magarethe had said on the first day made her look at Hlif more closely.
“You’re a celebrity?”
Hlif frowned. “I wouldn’t call it that.”
“What would you call being stared at in public by almost everyone?” She leaned closer and lowered her voice suggestively. “And being lusted after by beautiful, young women.” She chuckled when Hlif grimaced. “You’re a sex symbol, baby.”
Hlif shook her head slowly. “You’re being silly.”
“Then tell me what made you so famous. I know Magarethe said something about you dating some celebrity.” Yuck! She hated even thinking about that.
“We went out for a few weeks and that was all.”
“How did you meet?” She wasn’t sure why she kept up the questions when all she wanted was to forget that anyone else had touched Hlif the way she had last night and this morning.
“She made use of my services.” Bo’s brows shot up. “What I meant to say, is that she made use of our personal security services. Still does.”
As long as the celebrity stayed far away from Hlif, she was going to be okay. “What are our plans for the rest of the day?”
“Making love,” Hlif said so matter-of-factly that Bo giggled.
“Oh yeah?”
Hlif nodded just as the girl approached the table with their drinks. Hlif was polite, but didn’t encourage the smiling young woman.
***
The apartment was silent when they entered, but a pot of coffee was already brewing. Hlif left Bo to take care of some urgent work calls and made her way down to the ground floor. She’d noticed the lights were on downstairs and hoped to catch Magnus before he left for the dig site. She entered the office to find Magnus and Harald chatting as they studied the bank of monitors.
“Good morning, gentlemen.”
Both turned to face her. Harald was smiling widely and Hlif forced herself not to blush. She focused her attention on Magnus. “Everything went well over the weekend?”
“It was quiet, boss?”
“You should ask her about her weekend,” Harald offered with an innocent look that earned him a poisonous glare from Hlif. Magnus glanced between the two of them and wisely kept his mouth closed.
“I want to check my emails. We’ll meet afterwards.”
“Sure thing.”
She gave Harald a warning look as she passed him on the way to her office. She retrieved her laptop from her office safe and was just about to boot it up, when the door closed behind her. She carefully turned to face her guest, but before she could say anything, the image of her office disappeared and was replaced the gleaming marble and gold interior of Odin’s throne room at his house, Valaskialf.
Hlif turned to find Thor grinning at her. “Greetings, Sister. You seemed to have had a great night.”
“By the gods, Thor!” she hissed at him.
“Please, it’s not his fault,” Odin’s voice rang through the cavernous room. He stepped from behind the huge golden throne. Dressed in full ceremonial garb, he looked rather godly, which further fuelled Hlif’s ire at having been abducted. Odin was playing god over her life once again.
“Why am I here?”
“I accept my part in the most painful perio
d in your life. No words can describe my remorse at putting my pride before you, my most revered daughter.” Hlif rolled her eyes. “I understand your scepticism, but I believe that it is my duty, firstly, as your father and secondly, as your Lord and Master. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to do this for you.”
He waved his hand and Hlif calmly looked down at herself to find herself dressed in her Valkyrie outfit. Tight black leather pants, a golden breastplate and helmet. She felt the familiar weight of her shield, attached to her back. As much as she wanted to remain unaffected by all this, the sight and feel of her outfit stirred something in her chest. She could feel her immense power course through her at the same time.
It had been so long since she’d felt like Hlif, the Supreme Valkyrie. The agony and loneliness of the past two thousand years let up a little. She had her beloved back and her powers had been restored.
“Good thing you didn’t grow fat down there. Your big butt would otherwise not have fit in the suit,” Thor offered helpfully, spoiling the moment for her. She gave him a scathing look.
“What’s all this about?” she addressed Odin.
“Come see for yourself.”
With another wave of his hand, they appeared in Gimli, the official court of the gods. The main chamber was packed with people, gods and fallen warriors alike, and Hlif stared at the sea of smiling faces. A loud cheer sounded and a path cleared amongst the crowd. A snake of Valkyries, her sisters in arms, pushed through the crowd in full regalia with their shields held above their heads. When they reached the stage, they filed off to the side to reveal the stunned faces of her human friends.
“I tried to get everyone I saw at your house yesterday,” Thor offered eagerly from behind her.
Everyone was there, even the two young girls. What’s worse, was they looked like they were snatched from their beds, because they sported hideous bed hair and wrinkled pyjamas as they were ushered up the stairs leading to the stage and towards a row of elaborate golden chairs.
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