Page 29 of Her Dark Viking
"It is... most pleasant, my Viking."
"The correct term is Jarl, or master, or even Gunnar since we do seem to be on intimate terms, but I find I do not object to being your Viking also."
She half turned, instantly remembering her precarious position with this fearsome man. She should not be fooled by his apparent playfulness. "I apologise, Jarl. I meant no disrespect."
"And I meant no censure. When I am angry, you will know it. Relax, enjoy the waters." He smiled at her again, and Mairead was not entirely certain that the warmth which enveloped her came solely from the bubbling pool. His features were stark, but beautiful. The scar he bore did nothing to mar his stunning good looks, while his smile caused something to curl and quiver deep within Mairead's core.
"May I ask you something, Jarl?"
"If you wish. I may not answer." He nuzzled the hair on the top of her head and, unthinking, Mairead angled her chin to afford him access to her neck. He kissed the delicate spot beneath her ear and she almost forgot her question.
Almost, but not quite. "How did you come by your scar, Gunnar?"
He paused. "Does it upset you?"
"No, not in the least. You are beautiful and the scar makes you more so."
"Men are not beautiful. We are?—"
"Most men are not, this is true. But some are, and you are one such. I... I thought so the very first time I saw you. When you came to Aikrig and rescued me from those other men who would have raped me. Your appearance was terrifying that day, but you were still beautiful."
"And now, do I still terrify you?"
She shook her head. "No, you do not, though I would be wise to be wary of you."
"Indeed you would, Mairead." He paused, then, "I was injured in a raid, on a monastery on the north coast of England. An abbot there was singularly reluctant to give up the church treasures. He put up a good fight, but I was better."
"How long ago was this?"
"I am not certain. Two years, perhaps three. I was fortunate that the blade was clean and the wound did not become infected or I might not have survived. I tend not to under-estimate my opponents now."
"I am glad that you survived."
"Are you? Had I died then you might have remained unmolested in your Scottish village."
"My life has changed, but I do not believe I am any worse off here than I was as a widow in Aikrig. My children had no father, I was alone."
"You are not alone now, and I have promised to care for your children."
She turned in his arms again. "No, you did not promise that. You swore not to harm them, that is all."
"It is the same thing, is it not?"
"No, I do not believe it is."
"Then allow me to be clear, and let us avoid any lingering doubt. I will care for your children, the two you have already which I remind you are my property just as you are, and any more you might bear. They will all be mine."
Property? This arrogant Viking claimed the right of ownership and she supposed that was the truth under Viking law. But she believed the taking of slaves was surely wrong, a sin, and people could never be the property of another. Or could they? She had always owed allegiance to someone, been under the power and control of first her father then each of herhusbands. Gunnar's mastery was no more onerous than theirs had been, and his treatment of her children considerably better. She allowed herself to relax in his arms. She could do worse that rely on this dark-haired Norseman.
"Spread your legs for me, Mairead."
"What?" She lurched within the cradle of his arms. "Why?"
"Earlier, you told me that you had much experience of what transpires between men and women. I am minded to test the boundaries of your knowledge."
"You would take me? Here? I am not sure that I am ready, after Tyra..."
"I know, and I will allow you all the time you need to recover from the birth. I can be patient, and I have no wish to harm you. But, there is more to what happens between men and women than just fucking."
