Page 32 of Merciful Salvation

If he answered her first question, a dozen more would follow. “Wecan discuss my history later,” he said. “The woods?”

She nodded and started for the trees. He followed close, pleased the disagreement had ended. His arms burned to hold her again. He wanted her to feel the extent of his pain and suffering over her. Show her how much that kiss in Lagenheim meant to him. Nothing under Valhalla rivaled it. If he were in the habit of confessing, he’d admit the object of his deepest desire walked only a few feet in front of him.

He admired everything about her. The way she gripped a weapon—ready to banish her pride and feelings when she faced an opponent—the savagery in those crystal blue eyes. She reminded him of a wildfire devouring everything in its path. He’d never met a woman so desperate to prove her worth to her family. Where did that kind of courage come from? Until now, he’d always thought a woman’s heart differed greatly from a man’s, as the gods surely intended. But not with her. His ownvakker kriger.

She froze, still facing forward. “What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie.” Her body trembled.

Goddamn it. A Berserker doesn’t get weak-kneed when a lass speaks. He closed the distance between them, resting an unsteady hand on her shoulder. After weeks of miserable nights in a tent alone, he needed her. He’d do more than make her shiver, if given the chance. He wanted to spread her legs wide and plunge deep inside.

“Look at me, Kara.”

When her gaze met his, his heart pounded. “What you overheard was private.”

“Then don’t speak it aloud, milord.”

She gasped as he clutched her tightly to his chest.

“Ineedto kiss you, Kara.” He brushed feather-light kisses down her cheek. He gently let his fingers follow the curve of her spine. Forget hiding his feelings. He couldn’t stay the hell away from her. Not alone in the woods. “Do you want me to stop?”

“No,” she whispered.

He grinned. The lass enjoyed his touch. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him. Her lips clamped tightly over his. Her hard nipples rubbed against his chest, triggering another shockwave of desire. At this moment, he cursed himself for not letting her wear breeches. What he’d give to see her shapely arse in them one more time. But gowns granted easy access to parts he’d long fantasized about. He cupped her backside—lifting her roughly. When she gripped his waist between her thighs, he thundered forward, wedging her between his body and the closest tree.

“Give yourself to me,” he growled between kisses, taking her mouth before she could answer. He stretched her arms above her head. “Feel what you do to me, Kara.” Aaron claimed her mouth again, grinding his hips against her. Their bodies aligned perfectly.

Burying his face in her long hair, he pumped against her, nearly losing himself. But whatever sliver of consciousness remained, warned him not to claim her maidenhead. He’d not condemn her to suffer humiliation if her father found out. They were meant to be together.Whenremained the question. His insufferable body wholly disagreed. Shock and disappointment registered on her face when he backed away and her feet slipped to the ground.

“Why?” she asked, gazing up at him with a hurt look.

No answer would satisfy her.

He fisted his hands to keep from grabbing her again.Goddamnit. He’d never meant to tease or hurt her.Take her now.“This isn’t the right time,” he said regrettably. “The most important thing is getting you away from here.”

Her face twisted with anger. “You mean away from you?” She turned, then disappeared between the trees.

Chapter Eleven

Truth

Marteinn stalked intoKara’s tent uninvited. He paced restlessly, but didn’t speak.

“What is it, Marteinn?” she asked.

“You’ve been in this camp for ten days and I don’t like the rumors I’m hearing. Do you know what some of the soldiers are saying about you?”

She was really starting to hate this place. She crossed her arms over her chest, bracing for the worst. “What?”

His usually bright eyes were full of resentment. “You’re in love with Jarl McNally.”

She edged off the cot, then walked to his side. “Wouldn’t it be a blessing if I were?”

“How can you say that?” He huffed. “Remember the kiss we shared before I left?”

Did she need to explain everything to an experienced warrior like Marteinn? “Women offer kisses for the same reason men accept them. To enjoy.”