by Rae Monet
"May I join you?"
She squeaked and held the sponge defensively to her chest.
He laughed. “That sponge does little to cover you,dýrr ."
Her eyes narrowed, as if she was attempting to burn a hole in his head.
"What?” He held up his hands. He was naked now, and surely ready to introduce her to his bed.
Her eyes followed the length of his body and fell to his hardness. “Eirik,” she said, a warning in her voice.
He lunged at her and brought her damp body into his arms. She screamed and tried to struggle. He tightened his arms. She was his. He was never letting her go.
Eirik reached down and claimed her lips. His body tightened with a need so strong it frightened him. Her hand crept up over his shoulder and linked around his neck. Her fingers began playing with his hair.
The action was his undoing. He hauled her into his arms and walked to the bed, positioning her on the edge.
He couldn't think of anything but her. It had been this way between them since the beginning—the blinding emotions unnerved him. He couldn't think, only feel.
Kneeling down in front of her, he started at her feet, massaging and kneading until she moaned. He worked his way up her legs. Her hand dropped onto his head. Fingering his hair, she caressed him. He savored her touch. There wasn't anything better than the sensation of her hands on him.
"Eiriiiik.” Her voice came out as a sigh when his mouth traveled from the inside of her thighs to latch onto her sex. He lapped her, then his tongue penetrating her vagina. He enjoyed her taste, her texture. He wanted to watch her come when he was sucking her.
Her hand tightened in his hair as he worked her into a frenzy with his mouth and fingers. One, two, three times he slowly slid them over her clit into her dampness, moving in and out as he simultaneously tasted her. He glanced up. She was coming apart in his arms, shaking inside and out. Watching her, he forced himself to hold back even as his cock lengthened and hardened.
"That's it,dýrr , enjoy yourself. I love it when you enjoy yourself."
She moaned, her back arched.
Gods, so beautiful.
Eirik couldn't wait any longer. Joining her on the bed, he slid her back with his body and entered her.
"Ahhh.” Gods, he had found his home in this woman's body. She was trembling, moaning, it wassoooo good .
He wanted to draw out their lovemaking, make it last, but his cock had other ideas and was driving him to completion. His body slick with perspiration, Eirik joined their hands and thrust to the hilt. He wanted to bury himself as far as he could and never leave. That was how good it felt to be seated in her body, to be one with her.
"Yes,” she hummed in her pleasure.
He wanted to answer her but couldn't talk. He was too far gone in her body, too close to coming. All he could think about was plunging in as far he could, again and again. She was so tight—he fit perfectly. The friction made him want more and more...
"Uhhh, Gods.” Eirik pumped several more times in rapid succession, then exploded, his heart seizing, his body tingling from the base of his spine to the tip of his cock. He tensed and with one final push he spilled himself, holding her to him tightly, as if she were the most precious of treasures. He could feel Sable's sex milking his cock; obviously she was following him. Eirik's arms gave out and he eased on top of her trying to catch his breath. He felt wrapped up in a blanket of incredible feelings, satisfied and well loved.
"You disturbed my bath, Viking.” She panted.
Eirik smiled. Hauling her into his arms, he stood.
"Would you like me to take you back to it then?"
She gave him a lazy smile that told him she was well satisfied. “Mayhap later."
"Yes, mayhap later.” He dropped her back onto the bed and followed her down.
* * * *
The shaking bed and a loud bang woke them. When Sable stirred, Eirik groaned and spooned himself against her.
"What is that?” She started to rise.
He held her in place. “Do not worry, it's only the mountain.” He snuggled into her body. Dropping his head into the crook of her neck, he breathed in her scent. His penis stirred and hardened into the small of the back.
"The mountain?"
He sighed and wrapped his arms around her, cupping her breasts. They fit perfectly into his hands. Everything about this woman fit him like a dream. He teased her nipples.
"Sometimes the volcano activity makes the ground shake. That was a small tremor."
Eirik ran a hand along her hip. He loved the texture of her skin, so soft, so exquisite. She was the richest of treasures.
"A small tremor?"
"Yes.” He ran a tongue down her neck and sucked on her shoulder while he pressed himself against her backside, showing her what he wanted.
"What is a large tremor like?"
Eirik needed her now. But then, he thought, he always needed her. He entered her from behind. She moaned as her head fell back against him.
"I'll show you a large tremor."
"Eirik, you are insatiable.” Despite her words, he heard the smile in her voice.
"Are you complaining?” He withdrew all the way out.
She made a noise, somewhere between a groan and a growl. She reached back and drew a hand down his hip, caressing his skin. He hardened further, when he didn't think it was possible. Her touch did that to him. Drove him beyond simple want to a desire more powerful than any he'd ever felt. He wanted to take her now, hard and fast. She pressed down with her hand, sliding his hips back to her.
A need was growing inside him for her to admit how much she wanted him too. But he knew he couldn't get her to say she so. Not now. Giving in, he drove back inside her damp, hot pussy. She sighed and moaned. Eirik anchored her body with a hand on her hip, holding her while he withdrew and pushed forward. He leaned into her shoulder, licked, sucked, and gave her a small love bite.
She jerked and groaned. Panting, she pushed into his thrusts.
"I can't get enough of you.” Eirik was surprised at his admission. He was riding her hard and fast now, as if she was going to leave him. He never wanted to let her go. He feared what she would say when she realized there were no slaves left in his village. With all the elements against them, they could no longer feed them. Eirik's father released all theThralls many years ago.
He groaned and let his body take him away, buried in the best thing that had ever happened to him. She cried out. Her hands grabbed his, clutching them as she flew. He reveled in her touch. Their joined hands seemed like a small thing, but it was so arousing. He caressed her wrist with his thumb, felt her pounding pulse. He let himself go over the edge into the world of bliss.
After, he snuggled with her, kissing her ear. He loved the simple act of holding her.
"Now that was a large tremor,” he murmured.
She chuckled and settled back against him. Eirik's breath evened, his heart slowed. He let sleep claim him. His last thought was he was right where he wanted to be.
Chapter Nine
"I'm sorry, what did you say?” Sable asked Ericka, her tone gentle. She felt amazed at how close she was to the small girl in the three weeks since she had been brought to Eirik's village. Three weeks of hard work helping his clan gather food and supplies. Three weeks of learning the plight of a dying people, and to bond with Eirik's family. And three weeks of giving her body to her Viking master. Just thinking about Eirik made her quiver with want.
"I have a seeecrat,” Ericka said.
Sable stopped sweeping the wooden floor of the community longhouse. Reaching down, she tucked the blonde hair behind Ericka's ear. The child, who constantly dogged Sable's steps, was amazing a feminine mirror of Eirik. A lovely combination.
"I think you mean secret, sweetling."
A giggle bubbled from the child's lips. “Yes secret."
They were alone. The other women slaves had taken the crushed corn to the kitchens to cook the flat bread while Sable clea
ned up before dinner.
"Okay, tell me your secret. I promise not to tell anyone."
"I can not."
Sable smiled and continued to sweep the floor. “Then do not."
Ericka screeched and stamped her foot on the ground, gaining Sable's full attention.
"Well?"
"I tell. Come, I whisper."
Sable rolled her eyes and sank down next to her on the bench. Ericka crooked her finger. Sable leaned in so Ericka could whisper into her ear. Although they were alone in the longhouse, Sable humored her.
"There are no slaves."
Sable pulled up. Erika nodded her head in an exaggerated fashion, her blue eyes wide and serious. Sable smiled.
"Of course there are other slaves.” She pointed outside. “They just left, sweetling, to make the bread."
Erika shook her head wildly.
"No, that is the secret. Eirik says no one to tell you. You are the only slave."
Sable smile died.
What is talking about? Is she serious?
"Erika, are you saying I am the only slave in this settlement?” She wanted to make sure the child knew what she was talking about.
"Yes,” she whispered. “Slaves eat food. We have little. Eirik say no tell you you're the only one, or you will leave."
Sable felt her heart pounding. All rational though left her head. Jumping up, she grabbed her broom. It was now a weapon.
"I'll kill him!” Ericka was directly on her heels as she stomped out of the longhouse searching for Eirik, broomstick in hand. He was usually practicing with his men in the afternoon as they honed their battle skills at a field on the edge of the village.
Marching to the field, her anger kept her heated so she barely noticed the icy wind. She spotted him instantly.
Despite the cold he had shed his jacket and was parrying with Bjorn. Leaning down, he twirled and engaged Leif behind him. His shield stopped a battle-axe coming from his other side. His muscles flexed and his hair flew around his chiseled cheeks. Even though she was furious, she couldn't help but admire him. He was as skilled in battle as he was in lovemaking. The man was magnificent.
Sable sucked in a breath and marched towards him. As she approached, the men broke off, their swords dropping. Eirik stopped fighting as well. His back was to her. She could tell he was confused as to what his men were doing.
In her anger, she didn't feel shamed hitting him from behind. Storming up, she raised the broom and brought it down, slapping him across the back. The broom broke like a twig.
He turned and yelled. “What..."
"I'll kill you, you Viking bastard."
She threw down the remaining broom handle, reached over and grabbed a sword from Leif. If she wasn't busy, she might have laughed at his slack-jawed expression. Instead, she held up the sword and assumed her fighting stance.
Eirik automatically raised his sword and shield to defend himself. Sable began to circle him, her anger shielding her from distraction.
He backed up. “What the hell are you doing?” he yelled.
"Stand and fight for yourself."
Eirik glanced behind Sable where Ericka stood. Sable could hear Ericka yelling.
"I told secret. Sorry brother."
His eyes traveled from his sister back to her face. He held up his sword, spreading his fingers on the hilt in a surrender sign. “Now,dýrr ."
"Do notdýrr me. No other slaves?"
"Well, not officially."
"Not officially,” she screamed. “I'm going to kill you."
"Ericka, you scamp!” he bellowed and slid back one more step.
From the corner of her eye, Sable saw his sister scramble off.
"What have you to say, Viking? Does your sister lie?"
He grimaced, his expression telling her everything she needed to know.
"Prepare for battle.” She swung her sword at him and he danced back.
"Let me explain."
"Has this all been a falsehood? Everything you have told me?"
"No, Sable, if you would just,” he skirted away from another swing of her sword, “put down your weapon.” He grunted when she came after him and held up his sword. “So I can tell you..."
"There is naught you could say right now to dig yourself out of this situation. I think it better if we just fight for my freedom."
"Gods.” He raised his sword to stop her attack. The clashing of their swords reverberated over the practice field. Using his shield, he tried to keep her from drawing his blood. He wasn't fighting, only defending.
"You fight like a girl. Is this all you have?"
Her taunting worked and the next strike of their swords sent a vibration down her arm. He was powerful. Way more than she. He had triple her strength, but Sable didn't care. She was so angry; she wanted to cleave off his head.
"Sable, if you continue on this path one of us will get hurt.” He turned and parried a strike, clashing his sword with hers. He locked hers in place with a combination of his sword and shield. They struggled past Bjorn who was shaking his head.
She tugged and managed to release her weapon, then she pivoted, using her momentum to strike his shield hard. He growled and pushed forward. His onrush made her stumble back. Before she could regain her balance, he used the hilt of his sword to twist hers out of her hands. As soon as it dropped, Sable brought up her elbow and caught him in the jaw. His head snapped to the side as he absorbed the blow. He shouted and trapped her arms between their bodies with his. Sable was stuck now.
Blood tricked from the corner of his mouth. Anger flared in his eyes, his nostrils flared. Sable felt a moment of regret. She hadn'treally wanted to hurt him. She had only swung her sword at places she knew he could parry and stop. His tongue dipped out and he sopped up the blood.
"Feel better now that you have drawn my blood?"
Sable shook her head. She couldn't say she was sorry, but her eyes rested on his blood and she knew her remorse was in her face.
His expression softened. “Please let me explain. Allow me that courtesy."
She nodded. He loosened her arms. Reaching up, Sable used her sleeve to dab at his cut. He caressed her cheek, his finger drawing a line from her brow to her lips.
"I didn't lie about needing to make you my slave in Scotland. If I had not claimed you the other men would have killed you."
"I know.” She gave him one small victory.
"But after that, after we were together..."
Her gaze left his mouth to watch his eyes, wanting to see the truth in their blue depths. “Yes."
"I..."
"I'm listening, explain."
He ran his fingers over her lips, lining them. Then he leaned down and gently kissed her, wincing as he did. Lifting his head, he whistled in a quick breath.
"I wanted you,dýrr . Wanted to be with you, to explore what we had. I couldn't think of any other way to bring you with me. I had to get the supplies back here. You know how much they were needed. But I couldn't leave you."
Sable sighed, releasing her anger with her breath. She was stunned by what he was saying.
"You could have simply asked me to accompany you. Did you think of that?"
He shook his head. Burying his hand in her hair, he hugged her to him. Her head rested on his broad chest.
"Would you have come that easily, Sable? Had I simply asked?” He stroked her head, his rapid heartbeat pounding against her ear as if he were afraid of her answer.
"I don't know, truly."
His other hand came up to massage her scalp. “I couldn't risk it."
At his admission, Sable smiled against his chest.
"So you involved the entire village in this scheme?"
He leaned back and glanced around them. Sable followed his move. The villagers had moved away, his men were gone, leaving them privacy.
"I did, I'm sorry."
She bit her lip. In the last three weeks she had come to know these people. They were loyal and fierce. Even to Eirik's father,
the most stubborn man of the village. Although he had given up his station as Jarl many years ago, he refused to consider leaving. Out of their allegiance to him, Eirik and the others stayed. Of all the villagers, he was the only one who shunned her, wanting nothing to do with her.
"You'll have to allow me to return home,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “You can't keep me here forever."
"I know.” He hugged her tighter, as if that would keep her from leaving.
Sable pulled back and looked at his mouth. It was bleeding again. She feared the cut might need to be stitched.
"Have you a healer?"
He shook his head. “They died last month. Disease."
Sable caressed his jaw, then planted a kiss on his chest. “Come, let me take care of your injury."
He released her. As she walked away, she held out her hand. He placed his hand in hers and followed her.
"Did you have to strike me?” he said, sounding like a little boy whining over a skinned knee.
She laughed at him. “It was an accident."
He fingered the cut. “Doesn't feel like one. I think you bruised my back with that broom handle."
Sable chuckled. “Come, I'll make it better. You just need some tender loving care."
He smiled and brought their entwined hand to his chest, rubbing the back of her hand over his muscles.
"Can that be a little more love than care?"
Sable smiled. “Mayhap."
Chapter Ten
"In my languageEinar means warrior."
Sable's gaze shifted to Eirik, sitting next to his father as they ate the evening meal in the community longhouse, the place for celebrating and gathering. It was where they joined to tell stories, sing, drink, dance, socialize and enjoy the family Eirik had created in his village.
Watching father and son, Sable felt a pang in her heart. Her parents had died when she was young. She had been raised by John D'Reincolt, the Realm leader. He had been like a father to her. As she grew, his daughter Serena had become Sable's best friend. It was at times like last night's gathering she most missed the Realm and her adopted family.
