Page 28 of Night Fall
Mya straightened, her eyes glancing at each man around the table. “When I release your friend, you will help him up. Then, you will leave my tavern or else I will do the same thing to every single one of you. Nod if you understand.”
They gulped, and she enjoyed the way they squirmed in their chairs. After a quick look at one another, they all nodded obediently. When she lifted her hand from the man, they propped him up between them and nearly ran out of her establishment.
She sighed as the noise of the tavern returned, the scene now all but forgotten. These were the joys that came when working with people and alcohol, but she couldn’t deny the small bit of pleasure she received from having power and control over her domain.
Mya signaled to one of her ladies to clean the table, then moved back behind the counter. She busied herself with serving, all the while being mindful of the man watching her in her peripheral. He continued to study her throughout the night, and she noted that he’d only ordered one drink, which he sipped slowly.
That told Mya that he was here for another reason, and as he began to approach her on sure and stable steps, with a large gait, smirk on his face, and a twinkle in his eye, Mya could tell he wasn’t someone who was accustomed to taking no for an answer.
He will be once I’m done with him.
He sidled up to the counter, where he leaned silently against the wood. Mya continued wiping down the surface and ignored him. He seemed to believe she should address him, or that his presence was more important than her tasks. That wasn’t how she ran things. It didn’t matter if he was one of the gods themselves; he shit just like every other person in this world. If he wanted her assistance and attention, he would need to ask for it.
He stewed for a moment before he finally tipped his hat in her direction and said, “Ma’am.”
She set the glass she was cleaning down, flipped her towel over her shoulder, and nodded to his drink. “Do you need a new cup of ale or something to eat?”
“No, I’m looking for something else,” he purred.
She mentally rolled her eyes but did her best to keep her tone light, friendly, and short. “If you’re looking for room and board, you could try the inn down the way, we’re full.”
“I’m not looking for that either.” He set his mug down, spread his arms out across the counter and leaned down to invade her space. “What I want is you.”
Mya raised her eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“I saw the way you handled those men. I could use a woman like you. Strong. Smart. Confident. You know how to keep people in line, and you’re a fighter. I like that, especially in bed.”
She had to swallow the bile that raced up her throat. “I’m sure that might be flattering to someone, but I’m not interested. Move along,” she said sharply, waving her hand.
He chuckled, and the laugh grated on her nerves. “It wasn’t a request. If you won’t come with me willingly, I’ll buy you.”
Her grip tightened on the counter. “What did you just say?”
“I’ll buy you. I have more than enough money, and I always get what I want.” His smile broadened. “In all honesty, I was hoping you’d say no. It makes me more excited to take you by force, to break you, to tame you just like I do my mares,” he said, his hand inching toward her face.
Mya reared back and hit him square in the chest. She kept her palm open to stop herself from causing any permanent damage, but he still flew across the room and into a table. It broke, and each dish on top of it shattered as it hit the floor.
Time seemed to stop as each person froze and turned to her for the second time that night.
She raised a pitcher in the air and shouted, “Who wants another drink?”
A cheer roared through the room and the festivities started up again.
Mya shook her head as she watched the man leave. Lily was right: men who acted like dogs had simply never been trained. Lucky for her, Mya not only knew how to rectify that issue, she’d become an expert in it.
TEN
Mya smiled as Erik opened the door for her and guided her to walk closer to the buildings. He flanked her side, taking the position nearest to the street. He always ensured her safety. Forever her shield. Her vigilant protector.
He walked her to the back of the tavern in comfortable silence, then led her up the stairs to her room. The moment Mya opened the door, Erik was on her, his lips crashing against her own. She wrapped her arms and legs around him as he lifted her, then kicked the door closed behind them. He all but tossed her on the bed, then stepped away from her to take the dresser and shove it against the door, blocking it from opening.
“What are you doing?”
“You won’t be able to stay quiet tonight, and I don’t want anyone barging in from all the screaming.”
She smiled as he neared her, sitting back on her hands and spreading her legs wide. “You’re mighty sure of yourself.”
He grabbed the back of her knees and pulled her until she fell back against the bed with a huff. “Are you trying to bait me, fagr skjaldmær min?” he asked, his voice low.
