“I’ve only been with one other man. I’ve always thought of myself as a plain Jane librarian.” She slid her hand down her throat to her chest. “But last night I felt...I felt so beautiful, so special. Stein made me feel like the most desirable woman on the planet.”
“You thought he cared about you?” Ulla frowned. “Oh, child, I am sorry.”
“He didn’t mean it, did he? All he wanted was to sleep with me. I feel so stupid. How could I be so dumb?”
Ulla reached over the table and patted Esme’s hand. “Men are imperfect, child. They have many flaws. One of them is an overwhelming desire to bed women. This you must accept.”
Her father had been faithful to her mother. Grandpa to Grandma. They had loved their wives and valued their marriages. Was it really so hard to be with just one woman?
“But don’t the women feel betrayed every time their man sleeps with another?”
Ulla pursed her lips. “It is the way of things, and we women accept that.”
“I don’t think I can.”
Ulla pushed a few stray, gray-blonde hairs back over her ear. “It becomes easier as one grows old.”
“You’re far from old, and you’re still beautiful.”
Ulla's lips curved slightly. “You’re a kind girl.” She rose from the table. “Enough of this talk of men. Let us eat. The stew is ready.”
She ladled the cod and vegetable stew into two wooden bowls and handed one to Esme.
“Enjoy your youth while you can. It is fleeting and gone before you know it.” Ulla stirred her bowl. “And find a way to forgive Stein. He’s suffered so since Margit's treachery. You have a good heart, and he needs your understanding.”
Esme nodded, but said nothing. Ulla may be right, but how could Esme ever care for a man like him? He felt nothing for her. He’d use her until he was sick of her and then throw her to the rest of his pack.
What was the point of this agony? She should be home in Asgard, taking care of her father, not forced into sexual servitude with Stein the Tyrant and his merry band of Vikings. His heart was as cold as an ice floe, maybe dead altogether.
At least now she understood why.
CHAPTER 11
“When do we see this demon of a woman?” Erik asked, punching Stein playfully in his good shoulder. “We heard her screaming her head off when you took her to Olav’s forge.”
Stein sat at his half-brother’s table, drinking ale and feeling like a fool. Once again he’d made a poor decision regarding a beautiful woman. When he’d purchased Esme, he’d seen only her beauty and uniqueness. He’d not given a whit about her nature. Had he wasted half a silver mark on a stupid whim, and bought himself a shrew?
“You’re not pleased with her?” Sigrid asked as she placed a plate of rakfisk with lefse and onions before him. The odor of the fermented trout was strong, but the dish was tasty. Erik was a fortunate man. Sigrid was good-looking and an excellent cook. Agreeable and obedient, she had also recently produced a son.
“I don’t know,” Stein replied.
“You don’t know, brother?” Erik slapped the table with his palm and began laughing. “That’s a good one.”
“She is...unusual,” Stein offered.
“In what way?” Sigrid asked.
“For one thing, she was dressed as a man when I saw her at the slave market, and she wears a bizarre device on her face which she says betters her vision.”
Erik and his wife exchanged worried glances.
“Secondly, she uses strange words and expressions. Half the time I don’t comprehend her meaning. And there are other things. Odd customs and ideas she says are common in her homeland.”
“Where is she from?” Sigrid asked.
“From an island off the west coast of Scotland.”
“That doesn’t sound very exotic to me,” Erik said. “Perhaps she is from some other place. A far distant land we know nothing about.” He dug into his food with zeal. “She may have been captured there and then taken to Scotland.”
“That is a possibility.” Stein hung his head and stared into his tankard, pondering how much he could share with his brother. “But, that is not all.”
Erik regarded him thoughtfully as he chewed. “What do you mean?”
Ashamed to admit his mistake, Stein would not meet his brother’s gaze. “She is the most argumentative woman I’ve ever met. She questions every order, refuses to obey me, and spouts off all the time about how women have ‘rights.’” He finally looked up. “I tell you, brother, I am at my wit’s end.”
“I can see that.” Erik laughed. “You wanted a new plaything, as I recall.”
“No, I did not. It was your idea,” Stein shot back. “I would have been content to wallow in self-pity a while longer.”
“Do you at least like the way she looks?” Sigrid asked.
Stein nodded. “Yes, I think she is beautiful in both face and body. She does arouse me, despite everything else.”
Erik leaned toward him. “Did you bed her?”
“Of course.”
“Well, how was it?” Erik’s blue eyes gleamed with interest.
“It was fine,” Stein said, lifting a chunk of fish to his lips.
“Just fine?” asked his brother. “You’re not telling me everything. I can tell.”
“We’ll have that conversation later,” Stein mumbled, tilting his head toward Sigrid.
“What are you going to do about her obstinacy?” Sigrid passed him a bowl filled with sliced and roasted turnips and rutabagas. “How will you bring her to heel?”
Stein took a quick swig of ale. “To be honest? I don’t know yet. I don’t want to beat her or whip her. That is not my way." He slammed his tankard down on the table. “But, I don’t know what else to do.”
“Perhaps you should take her back to the slave market,” Sigrid suggested. “If she’s that much trouble, you don’t want to give her to anyone else.”
That was good advice. But then he pictured Esme lying in his bed, naked and waiting for him, and his cock twitched. Unfortunately, his desire for her was stronger than his reason. He rubbed his forehead. The confounded wench was giving him a headache.
“Where is the she-devil now?” Erik asked.
“With my mother. I was so angry, I couldn’t stay in that house.” Stein looked up. “I didn’t know what to do with her after putting the collar on her. Her hysterics were enough to drive a sane man out of his mind.” He took a long swallow of ale. “You should have heard the fuss she made when Mother tried to cut her hair. She absolutely refuses to behave like a proper slave.”
“Have you disciplined her at all?” Erik asked.
Stein gave him a sideways glance. “Not yet, but I will have to find a way if she continues to defy me.” He slammed his fist onto the table. “Dammit, I’ll not let her control me!”
Erik and Sigrid traded more meaningful looks.
“Perhaps you should talk about something else.” Sigrid got up. “Excuse me while I check on the baby.”
Throughout the remainder of the meal, Stein tried to push thoughts of Esme out of his mind, but he was not altogether successful. He and Erik exchanged small talk about the status of their crops, and whether or not Magnus and his cousin Ulmer would organize another Irish raid before winter, but beneath the mundane conversation, she was still lodged firmly in his mind. Like a spear in my side.
He excused himself after dinner. “Thank you both for feeding me tonight. It was delicious, Sigrid. I probably would have gone to bed on an empty stomach had you not taken pity on me.”
“It’s always a pleasure to have you with us, Stein,” Sigrid said with a warm smile.
“What are you going to do with this she-wolf?” Erik asked as he accompanied Stein outside. “Surely you won’t keep her if she enrages you so.”
“That is a question.” Stein kicked a small stone at his feet. “She riles me up, Erik. She makes my blood boil. I’ve never felt anything like it.”
Erik chortled. “She arouses and ange
rs you, brother.”
“So it would seem.”
Erik sat down on the tree stump he used for chopping wood. “Now that we’re alone, tell me more about her. Was she good in bed? Was it worth all the hassle?”
Stein nodded. “My cock has not been so eager in months. She is a natural seductress with a slender body and full breasts that are exquisite. Her skin is as smooth and soft as your son’s bottom and nearly as hairless. She is the most exciting woman I’ve seen,” he paused, “in a long time.”
“Your enthusiasm is evident. Just what I recommended, remember?”
“Yes, but only if I can maintain the upper hand.”
Erik scratched behind his ear. “If she is so disobedient, then discipline her. Make her obey you.”
Stein rubbed the bridge of his nose. “It’s not that simple. She is spirited and willful, yes, but if I punish her, I may destroy the very thing that makes her special to me.”
Erik shook his head slowly. “She is a bed slave. How special can she be?”
“She cast a spell over me as soon as I saw her. I can’t explain it, brother, but I am drawn to her, like a starving bear to a tree full of honey. Despite her crazy ideas and odd ways, she feeds something inside me. A hunger I didn’t know I had.”
Erik stared at him as if he were deranged. “Stein, she is not a wife. She’s just a bed slave. Fuck her and forget her.”
“I can’t.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Not only was our coupling extraordinary, she challenges me with her ideas, even makes me laugh. When I’m with her, I feel strong again. Like I did before... It’s hard to explain.”
“Then you are a fortunate man,” Erik murmured.
“Am I? That is my dilemma. I’m afraid to care about her. I’ll lose my mind if I am betrayed again.”
Erik unsheathed his dagger and used it to clean his fingernails. “What makes you think she’ll betray you? Perhaps she feels the same way about you.”
“After today, she hates me.” He scuffed his toe in the dirt. “Besides, I cannot keep a woman, as you well know.”
“That’s rubbish. Margit betrayed you because of her own flawed nature.” Erik patted Stein on the back. “You have always been too hard on yourself.”
“Yes. I’ve spent my life trying to please our father, and look where that’s gotten me.” Stein kicked a stone as hard as he could, sending it skittering into a nearby pen. The piglets squealed and scurried to their mother. “What can I do, Erik?”
“She’s gotten under your skin, and the only way to get her out is to scratch the itch as often as you can.” He laughed. “Go to her. Screw her brains out tonight and keep on screwing her. Perhaps the itch will go away, and you’ll find she’s not so special after all.”
“Hmm,” Stein murmured.
“Then you can decide what to do with her.” Erik leaned in close. “Maybe give her to me. I haven’t broached the subject of a bed slave yet with Sigrid, but I intend to soon.”
“Has the baby made her lose interest?”
“Yes. My mother tells me such things are common and temporary, but in the meantime...” He straightened up. “Just do as I say, brother. Take her as often as you can. Be masterful with her, and I guarantee you’ll maintain control.” He laughed. “You’ll have her eating out of your hand in no time.”
“Could it really be that simple?” Stein asked.
“Of course. Women want to be dominated. It’s their nature. Satisfy her in bed, and she’ll turn into a contented lamb in no time.”
“Thank you for your advice. You are a wise man, Erik." Stein held out his hand to his brother and best friend. "I wish you a good night.”
“Goodnight, Stein.” Erik shook his hand. “And good luck.”
Stein considered Erik’s straightforward counsel as he walked back to his house. Was his desire for Esme only fleeting? Something that could be satisfied by spending a few nights in the same bed? Or was it deeper? He didn’t want to think about that. The last thing he needed was to fall in love with another beautiful woman.
By the time he reached his door, his resolve had hardened. He would take Esme to his bed tonight and every night until his itch went away. Then he would be free of her spell and his unidentified hunger would be satisfied.
He would tire of her eventually. Wouldn’t he?
*****
Esme held the soft wool roving as Ulla twisted it into yarn using a drop spindle. The simple domestic task was a welcome distraction. Although still blistering mad at Stein, she found comfort in Ulla’s quiet company and the tactile pleasures of sheep’s wool.
Their peace was disturbed by a noise outside. The door flew open with a bang, and Stein stalked in. With his jaw set and his eyes filled with fierce resolve, he looked like he was about to eat nails.
“Have you come to join us, my son?” Ulla asked, her face brightening.
Stein fisted and unfisted his hands at his side. “No, I’m going to teach this one her proper place in this household.”
Esme glared at him, mustering every bit of defiance she could dredge up. She fingered the collar. “Oh, there’s more?”
“Yes. Your instruction is not yet complete.”
Heavens! He looked ferocious standing there, legs apart, hands on hips, eyes blazing, like an avenging Norse god. Her heart thudded, and her temperature rose by ten degrees at least. Where was her indignation? Her anger? She must be insane to let him affect her so instantly.
Ulla cleared her throat softly. “Can’t you do that later? I’m teaching her how to spin. It is one of her duties.”
He took a step toward Esme. “She’s coming with me, Mother.”
“No, I’m not.” Esme tightened her grip on the roving. “Your mother’s teaching me how to spin raw wool. I’ve never done it before.”
“You’re coming with me.” He pulled a length of thin cord out of his pocket. “It’s time now for a different lesson. Come here.”
“Stein, what are you going to do to her? You don’t want to damage her, son. You can always sell her to someone else if you dislike her so.”
Esme glared daggers at him. “Yes, why don’t you just get rid of me if I’m so troublesome?”
“Be silent and come here.”
Esme thrust out her chin. “No.”
“You will obey me,” he thundered, moving toward her quickly. He pulled her off the stool, rolled her into his arms and flipped her over his shoulder so fast, she had no time to defend herself.
“Put me down, you overgrown troll!” She pummeled him with her fists, but it was useless. Not even a 2x4 to the head could have stopped him.
“Do not disturb us, Mother.”
“Don’t do anything foolish,” Ulla called after them. “Stein, did you hear me?”
He ignored her and tramped toward the back of the house, punching through the curtain that divided the dwelling into two rooms, nearly tearing it down.
The back room was dark, lit only by the meager light seeping through the curtain from the main part of the house. There was no fire to warm the chill air, but Esme didn’t care. Her internal fires were already stoked from her badly mixed emotions. She could kick herself. How could she be indignant and horny at the same time?
Stein threw her onto his fur-covered bed. “I do not mean to be so harsh with you, but you leave me no choice.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s this all about? What lesson are you going to teach me?”
Lust radiated from him like shimmering waves of desert heat. “You are my bed slave and my property. I expect you to obey me, to do as I bid, whenever I demand it.”
A tiny pincer of panic grabbed her gut. “So, what are you going to do? Rape me?”
His expression remained fierce, but his voice had softened. “I don’t think it will come to that.”
She trembled, but not from fear. He wanted her and, despite everything he’d done to humiliate her, she wanted him, too. Badly. Her lower belly fluttered like a captive moth, and her body fl
ushed with desire. She couldn’t conceal her arousal if her life depended on it. Her carnal desires were in control, not her brain, which was quickly turning to mush.
“Take off your shift,” he growled.
Her defenses were collapsing fast, but it went against her principles to give in without saying something.
“You’ve got some nerve. After shearing me like a sheep and collaring me like an ox, you expect to have sex with me?”
“I don’t expect it. I demand it.”
She didn’t know what to do next. “Well...what about your mother?”
“What about her? She won’t hear anything she hasn’t heard many times before.” He withdrew his dagger from its sheath at his waist and pointed it at her. “Now take off that dress or I’ll cut it off.”
“Hold your horses.” Rising to her knees, she pulled the shift to her waist, then yanked it over her head and tossed it on the floor. “There.” Except for the damned slave collar, she was as naked as a baby bird.
Stein’s pupils dilated as he regarded her. Yes, she still had some power over him.
“I’m going to teach you who is in control.” He pushed her onto her back and grabbed her wrists.
“Hey, what are you doing?” God, she was getting wet. “Are you going to play the big, bad wolf, tie me up and devour me?”
He wrapped the cord around her wrists, binding them tightly together. “Something like that.” He tied the other end of the cord to a thin metal ring embedded in the wooden wall of the bed.
She stared up at the ring over her head. “Oh, my God, do you do this to all your women?”
His eyes glittered. “Only those I know will enjoy it.”
“You’re sick, Stein Magnuson.”
“You will call me ‘master.’” He waved the gag before her eyes. “I think I like you better when you’re silent.”
Quick as a wink, he stuffed the cloth into her mouth. She cursed him, but of course he couldn’t understand her. Her gaze wandered to the humungous bulge tenting his trousers. He was really into this. He was going to get his rocks off by forcing her while she was bound and gagged.
Damn, if she didn’t feel her sexual juices surge. Damn his arrogance. This was turning her on...and he knew it, the bastard. She could see it in his eyes.
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