Page 10 of Merciful Salvation

“A guest?” He scoffed. “Did your sire treat me as such?”

“I didn’t expect him to carry the charade so far—I thought it was meant to be a joke to entertain you.”

“Did I laugh?”

She looked away, openly ashamed, then turned back to him. “No.”

“Why?” he asked. “How could you deceive me after flirting with me at the table?” The tatters of his honor demanded he question her. How long would this mockery continue? She possessed larger bollacks than most men. Regardless, his mind and body played tricks on him now—the image of her seductively sucking on a grape would haunt him forever. Aaron squeezed his eyes shut, remembering how good her round little arse looked in leather. Then realization hit. No wondershe attracted his eye in the bloody clearing. Of course he didn’t know her true nature at first, but his animal instincts did. Somehow he’d always known she was female...

She clutched her chest. “I don’t know what you’re speaking of, milord.”

Shite.He didn’t believe her—wouldn’t fall for that innocent look. Any girl that caressed a grape with her tongue the way she had. He grabbed her hand. “I concede, milady,” he said gruffly. “Your father’s trick succeeded. I didn’t know you were a female in the forest or while you sparred in the hall. I’m a fool and blame myself for that careless mistake. But I demand an explanation for your behavior at the table. Did your father further instruct you to flirt with me? To deepen my humiliation?”

She jerked her hand free. Had he completely lost his mind? Dressed as a lad or lass, he was attracted to her. Goddamn his weakness. “Well?”

“Any conversation I had with my father is private. You don’t deserve further explanation. You’re rude and conceited beyond measure.” She tossed her head defiantly.

Truly, he wanted to kiss her pouty lips. His body reacted violently to her. He tried to convince himself that with a sire as shrewd and dominating as Erik, she’d never really resort to trickery on her own. She only did as she was commanded. How could anything so sweet willingly deceive the king’s loyal servant? Rage and lust collided inside him. Why deprive himself of the opportunity?

“Will you stand there gawking all night or are you going to say something intelligent?” she asked.

“Shall I tell you whatyouare?” He didn’t wait for her to answer, but gripped her by both shoulders and then slanted his mouth over hers. The kiss awakened a powerful desire for more of her. Aaron didn’t hesitate before clamping both hands onto her hips. In turn, she palmed his chest, perhaps regretting her words. He laughed at herfeeble attempt to hold him back. Inside, he roared as wildly as a beast.Mine.It translated into a fierce kiss. He forced her lips apart with his tongue, wetting her bottom lip. Sweet Virgin Mary... his groin throbbed cruelly. She tasted so goddamned delicious. A prudent man wouldn’t tempt his enemy’s daughter. Consequences were certain.

She drew back and slapped his face. “I didn’t give you permission to kiss me.”

“Did I misinterpret your smiles in the great hall?” he asked innocently. “I’ve never been given a more clear invitation.”

She opened, then closed her mouth. “You’re a fool.” She fisted her hands. “Stay away from me.”

He laughed and edged closer. “You speak boldly for a girl only half my age.” For a moment, Aaron thought he saw a flash of amusement in her beautiful eyes.

“How old are you?” She frowned.

“Twenty-six.”

“Thirteen? You think me a foolish girl of thirteen?” Her chin jutted forward.

He chuckled. Why were women obsessed with appearing older when they were younger, and younger when they were older? Pleased to have found a point of contention, he continued teasing. “Maybe fourteen, but not a day older.”

“My father told me what an insolent, blind bastard you are.”

He reacted without thought, grasping her arm. “Didn’t he teach you to respect your elders?”

She thrust her hand on her hip. “My father says respect isn’t given freely.”

Damn him to the lower realms of Hel if her eyes didn’t glow as brightly as the stars. He let her go. “Your sire is wise.”

“I’m glad you’re honorable enough to acknowledge it,” she said, turning to go. “And don’t ever kiss me again.” She left him standing alone.

Kara slammed her bedchamber door.Shame on her father. But Jarl McNally had been so arrogant. That was why she’d lashed out. An apology had been on the tip of her tongue. After he’d accused her of flirting and kissed her, well, all her compassion evaporated. Men assumed much when women admired them or even so much as smiled. Why? Did he think her stupid? Still, she’d do nothing to deepen her sire’s displeasure—especially trying to seduce a man at the feast table.

She sat on the edge of her bed. Something about Aaron’s eyes aroused her passion. His smile, laughter, and ferocity. She enjoyed his attention. All the qualities she’d promised herself the man she’d care for must possess. However, she’d never guessed that the man to capture her interest would be a Scotsman... and... she couldn’t say it... didn’t even want to think it.A Christian.That undeniable fact turned her stomach like rotten meat. A tingle travelled up her spine. She must understand her father’s mockery better. Of course he’d be opposed to a bloody Christian. The White Christ had done nothing to improve her country. In fact, he’d divided it. North and south. And now, from what she understood, King Olaf wanted to re-unite it.

She surveyed her room. Spend another long night locked away in here or visit the one place she felt completely at ease? Shadows offered no comfort. The stars did. She needed to commune with the gods, seek Allfather’s blessings. Whenever she doubted herself, she sought refuge outdoors. She tensed, then cursed. If her father caught her outside at night, he’d likely take a switch to her backside. He’d shocked and surprised her tonight. His words, his spiteful stare nearly made her cry. And in front of strangers. She swallowed. Some things were more important than her sire’s bullheaded demands. She rose, then walked to the entry. Without further concern for her father’s orders, she opened the door.

Aaron entered the great hall, ignoring the insulting whispers from the crowd. Thoughts of retaliation filled his mind.

Erik acknowledged his presence. “We thought not to see you again.”