So, if she had really time-traveled, what was the reason? And why had she met Stein? Surely he had something to do with it.
He stirred, and his breathing quickened. So did his cock, which thickened and pressed insistently against her backside.
“You are unable to sleep?” he asked, smoothing his hand over the curves of her waist and hips.
“Is that wishful thinking?” she purred. She could play this game as well.
“Mmm.” He took her hand and lowered it to his erection. “Touch me. Feel how you arouse me.”
She coiled her fingers around his shaft. Hard, thick and alive. It was ready for her. And she was ready for it.
“Stein,” she whispered.
He covered her hand with his and moved them both up and down his cock in short, quick strokes, making her juices gather.
“Mmm,” he hummed against the back of her head. Then he kissed her softly on the neck and trailed his fingers over her throat, down to her breast. “I will take you now.”
Simple, direct, man-like.
He pinched her nipple just hard enough to bring her body to full awareness, and her pulses quickened, sending her resentment packing. She could be ticked off at him later. Right now, she wanted to be his sex slave. Wanted to feel that humungous rod of his pounding inside her.
“Yes,” she breathed.
He pressed her onto her back and pinned her with a gaze so fierce and possessive, her sexual juices gushed like a storm surge. His beautiful eyes were burning blue embers, their heat searing her to her very soul. Rising onto his knees, he straddled her legs.
“I will be gentle, but you must tell me if I hurt you.”
“Hurt me?” Oh, yeah, he was as big as a stallion.
His big hands caressed her breasts. “I am much larger and stronger than you are. I don’t want to damage you.”
“I’m sure you...” She snapped her mouth shut. No more talk. It was time for surrender. Time to give herself to Stein, the most beautiful and exciting man she’d ever met. Time to enjoy the best sex of her life, with no strings attached.
“I will prepare you,” he said, working one hand under her backside while the fingers of his other worked their way through her curls to her clit. “Good, it is already hard.” He thrust a finger into her channel. “And you are very wet. I believe you are more than ready, but...” he spread her legs far apart and lowered himself so his mouth was poised over her pussy, “I want to make certain of it.”
Good boy. He was taking her advice to heart. Pleasuring her had become important to him. She groaned and spread her legs wider. “Yes, master.” She could meet him halfway.
He didn’t say a word, but his eyes lit up. He lowered his head to her pussy and slowly, deliberately, devoured her.
“Yes. Oh, baby!” Her guttural moans and gasps sounded more animal than human.
“Hmmm,” he murmured against her tender skin as he moved to her opening, probing it with his tongue and rimming it with loving strokes.
Before long she was pounding the bed with her fists. She felt thoroughly consumed, as if he were feeding from her body, drawing strength and pleasure from her. It was beyond wonderful.
He raised his head and grinned. “Your taste is very pleasing. I don’t want to stop.”
“You don’t have to,” she groaned.
Resuming his oral and manual exploration of her nether regions, he examined every hill and valley with his lips, tongue and fingers. It was heaven! Then, grazing her rear entrance with his knuckle, he launched her into orbit
“Stein!” she gasped, grabbing his head. “Oh, my God.” Her pussy clenched tight, the contractions so intense she nearly blacked out.
He let her ride out the storm, watching her carefully until she quieted.
“I want you, Esme,” he whispered, kissing her inner thighs.
“Yes, yes!” She wanted him, too. “Now, please,” she cried, holding out her arms to him.
He rose to his knees and hovered over her, his gaze boring into her. He grasped his cock, as thick and intimidating as a battering ram, and placed it at her opening.
“I want you to feel every inch of me.”
“No problem,” she quipped.
He entered her, his cock stretching her tender tissues to their limit. Inch by slow inch, he pressed inside, like a mighty glacier sliding inexorably to the sea.
It hurt a bit at first, but the discomfort gradually eased, giving way to sensations she’d only dreamed about. He filled her, completely and utterly, taking total possession of her body and leaving no doubt as to who was the master and who the slave.
His eyes locked on hers as if he were trying to hypnotize her. It worked. She couldn’t tear her gaze from him if she tried. Although his mouth was set, almost grimly, the blue depths of his eyes held a tenderness that touched her to the core. These were not the eyes of a ruthless conqueror bent only on his own satisfaction. He cared for her a little after all.
“I am fully seated inside you. Are you all right?” he whispered.
All she could do was nod.
He placed his left hand beneath her and held her tight as he moved inside her. It was like nothing she’d ever imagined. Smoothly, carefully, he slid his cock in and out of her sheath. The friction was intense, but amazing. The delicious pressure in her lower belly began again to grow. This was what she wanted, what she needed.
“You’re so tight,” he murmured.
Speechless, she gripped his damp biceps as if her very life depended on it.
His long, blonde hair hung over his shoulders like a curtain, blocking out the dim candlelight and creating an intense intimacy. His expression was serious, determined, as if he were laboring at something. Yet his unwavering gaze was filled with joy, even awe.
He increased his pace, driving in and out of her, taking her with him as he climbed toward Paradise. Each stroke of his cock built her arousal until her breaths were no more than shallow pants and her own skin was moist with perspiration. They were like two rutting beasts, joined together in a primitive ritual as ancient as time itself.
Then it happened. The sweet tension deep inside her sharpened. An exquisite sensation she now recognized. Yes, yes...she was going to...
“Stein!” she cried, convulsing in ecstasy. She trembled, blind and mindless, as her orgasm played out. She clung to him, limp and helpless, but he would not release her.
"We’re not finished.” Supporting her bottom with his hands, he began to move again inside her, hard and fast.
Holding on to his upper arms, she arched her back, meeting every thrust. Yes! Yes! A drop of sweat fell from his forehead onto her upper lip. Licking it, she relished the salty tang of pure male lust.
His eyes glowed triumphantly as he pistoned into her. “Esme...” he breathed, almost there.
She’d never seen a man’s face as he was about to detonate. He closed his eyes, as if in sublime prayer, but his mouth was open, sucking air in great gulps like a drowning man.
“Thor’s beard!” he cried as his body ramrodded in release.
She groaned, clinging to him and pressing her cheek against the smooth, damp skin of his chest.
Breathing hard, he collapsed onto his elbows, careful not to put his full weight on her. “Esme...”
“Are you all right?” she teased.
"Yes, it was good."
Good? It was way better than good. His bland description would have ticked her off if his eyes hadn't twinkled when he said it.
“We shall sleep now.” He began to pull out, but she squeezed him tighter.
“I don’t want you to leave,” she whispered, smiling up at him.
He kissed her forehead, nose and lips. “I won’t have a choice before long.” He chuckled, placing more little kisses on her face.
She giggled. “Oh?”
“It has a mind of its own.” He withdrew from her body and reached for the sheet. Then he stretched out beside her. "Lie close to me."
She eased her back into the arc of his body a
nd snuggled against him.
“Sleep well, Esme. In a few hours it will be morning and we’ll travel to my home.” He kissed her tenderly on the shoulder and wrapped his arm tightly around her middle.
“You, too.” She closed her eyes and did a mental happy dance. She’d forgotten how amazing sex could be. The pain, the pleasure, the sweat, the innate messiness of it all. She loved the whole enchilada.
But now she knew sex could be even better. It could be fantastic and mind-blowing. All because of Stein.
He’d been gentle, even solicitous, concerned about her satisfaction as much as his own. Quite the metamorphosis from the sexist piggy he’d been earlier.
So, which one was he? Tender lover or unenlightened dictator? She yawned. She’d find out soon enough.
As the veil of sleep descended, her last thought was of him. It would be so easy to fall head over heels for Mr. Stein Sexypants.
If she was smart, she’d make sure she didn't land on her ass.
*****
The next morning Stein opened his eyes to find Esme still cuddled against him. She fit perfectly into the curve of his body, like she belonged there. A protective feeling washed over him, and without thinking he kissed the top of her head.
She stirred and turned toward him. “Good morning.” Her relaxed smile was as bright as the sun.
“Good morning. Did you sleep well?” He rested his hand on her waist.
“Like a rock.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He kneaded her hip, drawing her attention down to his huge erection.
“Oh!”
“Don’t worry.” He removed his hand. “We need to get on the road. There will be time later for lovemaking.”
“Okay.” She rose from the bed and gathered up her clothes. “You sure did a number on my underwear,” she said, folding up the tattered black remnants and stuffing them under a pillow. “They’re no use to me now.”
“Did a number,” he repeated. “Tell me something. You use many phrases and words I don’t understand. Like ‘o-k.’ What does it mean?”
“It means ‘all right’ or ‘yes.’ It’s a common word where...”
“You come from,” he interrupted. He watched as she put on her manly attire. “Your country has many strange ways. Some day you will tell me more about your home.” He waved his hand at her clothes. “You’ll be given more appropriate garments when we reach the farm. These men’s clothes hardly suit you.”
“Well, they’re very comfortable, and I like them. I suppose you’ll have me running around in a burlap sack or something.”
“Perhaps I shall just keep you naked.” He grinned. “I like you that way.”
She didn’t reply, but her smile revealed her delight at his words.
He left the bed reluctantly, wishing he could make love to her again. All day long, if he could. As he pulled on his clothes and boots, he felt more like his old self. He was even hungry.
“We’ll eat something before we depart.”
“Is it a long way?”
“Only about half a day.”
“How do we travel? On foot?”
“I have horses stabled nearby."
She flashed him a brilliant smile. "Sounds like a plan."
He shook his head. He understood the words, of course, but he’d never heard that expression. She was a conundrum, but then he liked puzzles.
"You will ride the horse I just purchased for my brother."
“Really? By myself?"
"Yes."
She frowned. "I won't know what to do. I haven't ridden in ages.”
"Then you will learn."
A knock at the door drew his attention. “Enter.” He motioned for her to open the door.
Looking apologetic, the innkeeper walked in and placed a tray of bread, cheese and ale on the table. “I hope I am not too early, Herra Magnuson. You said just after daylight.” The old man glanced from Stein to Esme and back again. “I trust you had a good night?”
Stein reached for the pewter tankard of ale. “Yes, thank you, innkeeper. We had a very good night.” The first of many, I hope.
“Excellent,” said the old man, bowing. “I hope you will stay with me again the next time you visit Túnsberg, Herra Magnuson.”
Stein nodded and motioned for the man to leave. “Yes, I shall.”
As the innkeeper quietly closed the door behind him, Stein focused on Esme. She sat on the bed in her bizarre clothes, her viewing device perched on her nose, devouring chunks of cheese as if she hadn’t eaten in days. She glanced up at him and grinned.
“I’m still hungry. Until last night, I hadn’t eaten in over a day.”
He stared at her. Who was this mysterious person? Her forthright manner and unusual appearance set her apart from other women like rain from snow. Yet she seemed made for him, like fine chain mail that conformed perfectly to the body.
But, he would have to be careful, for she was a temptress, whose sexual skills would keep him on his knees, begging for her favors. By the gods! Her talented mouth alone would drive him mad.
“Hm, this is delicious,” she said, slathering creamy, yellow butter over a second thick slab of dark bread. “Here, have some.” She broke the bread in two and, smiling like a seductive sorceress, held it out to him. He took it, but she wouldn’t let go. “You’ll have to kiss me first.”
He snatched it from her hand. “We haven’t got time for games, Esme.”
Her chin sagged a little, and she looked up at him with wounded eyes. He’d hurt her feelings. Again.
But, that was all right. He couldn't afford to let her get too close and comfortable. If he wasn’t extremely careful, he would lose control of the situation. If he began to care for her, she would take advantage and use him, just as Margit had. Hell and damnation! He wouldn’t let another woman hurt him.
His stomach tightened. He didn’t want to upset her, but it was time to begin her training in earnest. His self-respect, even his sanity, depended on her obedience and absolute loyalty to him. She was his slave and must learn her proper place.
He would teach her who was the master and who the slave. He would maintain control...even if it killed him.
CHAPTER 9
A half hour later they were underway, heading east from Túnsberg along a well-worn track toward the Oslofjorden. According to Stein, they would then turn north and follow the coastline to his settlement.
Perched on a grey, dappled gelding, Esme was thankful she had on jeans so she could straddle the horse. She glanced upwards. The sky was a vivid blue canopy, unblemished by clouds, and though the sun beat down on them, a soft breeze kept them comfortable. Relaxed and drowsy after her incredible night with Stein, she breathed in the heady scent of leather and horse and was glad to be alive. It was spring and every tree and bush sprouted bright green shoots of new life. Even Stein’s horse, Baldur, had been animated and eager to depart the town, prancing about like a thoroughbred at the gate.
“How did you come to be at the slave market?” Stein asked, rousing her. “I find it hard to believe one of those bumpkins was your owner.”
Time to try out her cover story. “I was with Egil only a short time. He wasn’t my owner, but he decided to sell me anyway.”
“Yes, he knew he’d make a handsome profit with you. Did he find you wandering the countryside or did he abduct you?”
“He found me. I’d been a weaver on a farm farther north, not a bed slave.”
“Did you run away?”
“I kind of wandered off. My employer, a shrew of a woman, grew impatient with me.” She paused. “I’ve always been difficult to manage.”
He chortled. “Yes. I think you are strong-willed and disobedient by nature.”
She gave him a cynical smile. “I am an intelligent woman, with a mind of my own. Please remember that.”
“You are a slave and may not disobey your master. I would like you to remember that.”
“Touché.” She stuck her tongue out at him. Fortunately,
he was looking off to his left and didn’t see it.
“What does that mean? Too-shay?”
“It’s French and means ‘touched.’ In conversation, it means ‘I get it. I understand your message.’”
“Excellent. Then we shall not speak of it again.”
“No, master,” she said, trying not to sound too sarcastic.
“So you speak French as well as Norse?”
“Just a little. I studied it for a year.”
“You are indeed educated. It’s most unusual for a female.”
She couldn’t let that remark go unanswered. “Well, I’m a remarkable woman.”
He looked at her and grinned. “Yes, indeed.”
For just a moment, she thought she saw sincere admiration in his gaze. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy. Maybe this slave stuff wouldn't be so bad after all.
He cleared his throat, but thankfully didn’t ask her any more questions. As they rode on in silence, she was content to bask in the sun and watch the passing scene.
It looked very much like the descriptions she’d read in her father’s books. The hilly lowlands here were not as spectacular as the snow-capped mountains piercing the sky to the west, but they afforded a stunning view of the Oslofjorden, which was actually a large bay rather than a classic fjord. She felt like she was in the middle of a Scandinavian travelogue as each turn of the path revealed Mother Nature’s spectacular northern kingdom. A clear, cold-water stream here, a tiny waterfall there, birds everywhere, chirping their little hearts out. It was awesome.
As the hours and miles went by, Esme punctuated her appreciation of the beautiful Norwegian scenery with details of the previous night. She replayed every moment, marveling that such an amazing experience could have happened to her.
What a man! Every time she stole a glance at him, a little thrill zigzagged through her. This was going to be way more intense than her relationship with Sven Nydahl. He'd been handsome and charming, but he didn't hold a candle to Stein. She'd have to tread very cautiously if she didn't want her heart broken.
"That is your new home," Stein said, jerking her out of her romantic reverie. He pointed at a cluster of buildings perched on the shores of the bay. "My mother will be happy to meet you."
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