Page 61 of Merciful Salvation
He cradled her hand in his. “Not yet.” He chuckled. “Call it an extended visit.”
“How did you avoid the guards?”
“Drunkards, all of them.” He pulled her covers back, then stood. “Come with me.”
Kara didn’t question him, she scurried out of bed. Hand-in-hand, they went downstairs and exited through the back door. A light breeze cooled her legs.
“Wait,” she said. “I’m only wearing my shift.”
He gazed overhead. “Only the gods can see us.”
She smiled, warmth creeping slowly up her body. “Where are we going?”
“To the barn.”
She cocked her head, surprised. The same place he’d seduced Frieda. “I’m not sure.”
“Let’s make new memories—together.”
Once inside, he closed and secured the doors. Two lanterns were lit on the lower level and she pulled one off its hook. Hadn’t she compared him to a stallion earlier? She giggled.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing, milord.”
He slapped her arse. “Hiding something from me? That earns you another swat.”
“Tis nothing.”
He whacked her again and she squealed with delight. “Did you bring me out here to spank me?”
His eyes sparkled. “I couldn’t very well give you a proper spanking in the middle of the night inside my cousin’s house. The echo of my passionate hits would wake everyone. Now,” he said. “Climb the ladder.”
The loft. She hurried to the ladder, put the lantern down, then peered above. Before she placed her foot on the first rung, he hugged her from behind. She shivered—gooseflesh covering her legs and arms.Foolish girl.She couldn’t resist his touch. He swept her hair aside, instantly nipping the back of her neck. She reached behind, grasping his hips.
“I don’t think I can wait...” he growled.
Eight steps and they’d be above—eight meager steps. His teeth bit into her flesh, she quivered violently. By Odin...
Then he cupped her breasts, his thumbs circling her nipples. She exhaled noisily. Everything she’d ever dreamed about in a man—a warrior—embraced her now. She couldn’t stop loving him if she wanted to. She surrendered to her feelings, allowing her body to melt into his.
“You’re breasts are incredible—”
The doors slammed open.
“See,” Frieda screeched. “The pig has returned to his sty.”
Kara gasped, but Aaron swiftly pulled her behind him. “What’s the meaning of this intrusion?” he demanded.
Kara couldn’t believe it. Tyr Sigurdsson and several other armed men were standing in the entry with torches.
“If you don’t protect her, milord,” Frieda continued hysterically. “Your cousin will sire another bastard.”
Chapter Eighteen
Judgment
“Do I needto invite you inside your own barn?” Aaron glared at Tyr.
