Page 40 of Merciful Salvation
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I swear, once we’ve captured all the bastards who kidnapped you, we’ll return to this very spot and I’ll let you walk naked until your beautiful legs give out.”
“Be careful what you swear.”
He lifted her by the waist, swinging her around. “I keep every promise I make.”
She gnawed on her lower lip as he set her on her feet. “I cannot contest your claim,” she teased. “You promised me a taste of paradise last night.”
Heat suffused his body. “Do you want me to pledge the same again?”
“Now?”
He nodded. “Now.”
Without waiting for her to answer, he peeled her dress off and let it fall to the ground.
Two days later, Aaron hired a boat from Alesund to the Trondelag. Much to Kara’s surprise, late on the first night, the ship’s navigator greeted her. She immediately guessed who’d arranged the meeting. Aaron knew how much she admired the stars. With a cloudless sky, she had a clear view of the heavens.
“What do you see, girl?” the helmsman asked.
“Odin’s universe.”
He chuckled. “A poetic sort. Whatelsedo you see?” His toothless smile didn’t escape her attention.
She pointed, naming the planets and constellations she recognized.Ulf’s Keptr, the mouth of the wolf,Kvennavagn, the woman’s chariot, andAsar Bardag, the Asar battlefield. She knew there was more to learn.
“I admire your familiarity of the skies,” he praised. “See the tail of Bifrost?” He directed her. “Imagine the merging of fire and ice, thebirth of creation, the ancient wars where the gods clashed and slaughtered each other, the division of light and darkness, land and water, Jotunheim and Midgard.”
Aaron joined them. “Don’t fill her head with nonsense.”
“Nay.” The helmsman grinned. “I only wish to foster a higher level of appreciation in the girl. She’s a true stargazer.”
Aaron embraced her from behind, kissing her cheek. “I’d never doubt your dedication—but what would your father say if he knew his only daughter was pursuing a masculine trade.”
“Why should he protest?” she asked. “All the more reason for my future husband to appreciate me.” She turned. “My body will supply the pleasure and children my husband requires, but imagine what it would be like to share a deeper connection.”
“Clever wench.” Aaron smiled.
She clutched her breast. “Did you think my comments were directed at you, Jarl McNally?”
“Unless you were soliciting a match with the helmsman?” he whispered.
She shook her head. The navigator must be nearly as old as her father. “I haven’t selected a husband yet.”
“No?” Aaron pinched her arse. “Teasing me?”
“Never.” He tweaked again, this time eliciting a squeal. She rubbed her left cheek. “You’ll leave marks if you keep doing that.”
His strong arms encircled her waist. “Onlymyeyes will see.”
The mischievous look on his face made her giggle. She couldn’t regret travelling with him alone. “You’re distracting me, milord. The stars—remember?”
Aaron cleared his throat and stared heavenward. “Who am I to stand in the way? What more can the helmsman teach you tonight?”
“How Odin breathed life into the world.”
“I know,” Aaron shared. “But shall I tell you another story first?”
“How your White Christ forged the universe?”
