Blind Redemption (13 page)

Aaron felt a pang of jealousy. If she knew how Tayte felt about her, she’d reconsider.

“You confiscated my armor and weapons. You won’t let me out of this tent and I abhor chamber pots.” She stared resentfully at the brass urn in the corner. “Why should I go anywhere with you, if you don’t trust me?”

Anything he said set her on edge. “Consider it a chance to start over with each other.”

She arched a delicate brow. “Really?” She rested her chin on her hand. “When do we leave?”

Aaron let out a long breath. For the first time in days, he’d finally chipped through her cold resolve. “First light.”

“Who rides with us?”

“No one.”

“Won’t my maid and Marteinn be opposed to us travelling alone?”

“Your honor has already been compromised, milady. Weeks in Erling’s camp has raised suspicions. Your father’s captain has spoken with me on several occasions. I assured him your maidenhood is safe.”

“I don’t remember you giving me an examination or inviting a spaewife to visit me.”

His mouth tipped ruefully. How could he ever know what had really been done to her? “I believe what you told me.”

She closed her eyes. “A refreshing thought—a man accepting my word.”

“I admit you’ve told some lies before,” he said. “But I cannot fathom you being dishonest about something so serious. I’ve seen the results of rape.” He inhaled sharply. “Out of desperation, women usually tell the truth in order to protect themselves from retaliation within their families.”

“I, too, know the bitter sting of rape.” Her eyes widened. “Girls employed by my father have fought off drunkards or succumbed to their relentless assaults. I’ve held weeping women in my arms too often, milord. Seen the devastation of bearing illegitimate children who will never know their fathers. If it weren’t for the grace of my sire’s compassion, those women would have starved. Believe me when I tell you I’d never lie about something so important.”

He felt his throat constrict in pain for what violence she should have never been exposed to. “Then it’s settled. We leave in the morning, together.”

“Will Marteinn be there to say goodbye?”

“No,” Aaron answered more astringently than he intended. “He’s scouting west of here.”

“All right,” she said. “I’ll be ready.”

“Good. I suggest getting some sleep. It will be a long day.”

Erling skillfully used his teeth and fingers to bind the ends of the clean linen he dressed his shoulder with. The injury had healed well, no infection, and the pain was tolerable. The bloody Scotsman had wounded him in a place he knew would kill him or take forever to heal. Just above the armpit. It didn’t alter Erling’s plans.

Instead of abandoning his old camp, he’d rebuilt it. Recruits showed up every day. King Olaf was assembling a new army, why shouldn’t he? Many sought refuge in the forest after the war, criminals and outcasts. People who refused to pay tribute to a Christian king who failed to rally the Norse army in England. Erling welcomed them—for a price. The more men he commanded, the closer he’d get to Aaron McNally. Although he respected the jarl’s accomplishments, he despised him for joining the king’s ranks after he was banished from the Trondelag.

A rogue was a rogue—there was no redemption. Above all, if Erling bided his time wisely, he’d be reunited with Kara Dalgaard soon enough. The fact that the two people he wanted the most were now together couldn’t be counted as less than a blessing from the gods.

Kara met Aaron outside her tent at dawn. Dark clouds loomed overhead, threatening rain. “Good morning, milord.” She proffered her only bag.

He didn’t speak, but grabbed her satchel, then turned when Amelia approached with their horses in tow. She looked too happy to see her leave. And without a chaperone. Since when did her maid approve of her traveling alone with a man?

“Lady Kara,” she curtsied.

“Good morning.”

Amelia handed the reins to Aaron, then approached Kara. “Embrace me,” she whispered.

Kara preferred to smack her. Instead, she opened her arms wide. The maid pressed something hard into her right hand. What on Odin’s green earth?

“For your protection.”

Kara hid the bale under her cloak.

“Are you ready to go?” Aaron asked.

Home
,
Kara wanted to go home. Away from everyone. She brushed past him and mounted her horse—riding astride as she was accustomed to. She arranged her skirt so it covered her thighs.

“I’ll make an exception on this journey.” He stared at her.

What choice did he have? She gave him an appraising look. He’d taken time to groom himself, no stubble darkened his chin and his long hair was tied back in a queue.

“Like what you see, lass?” he asked.

“I’d prefer to see much less of you.”

His horse trotted a few feet, then halted alongside her. “Hungry?”

At the mere mention of food, her stomach growled. “Yes.”

He rifled through his saddle bag and pulled out a crumbling oak cake. “Here.”

“This wouldn’t feed a rat.” She eyed the stale lump in her palm, then dropped it on the ground. “Give me something more substantial.”

“Only if you can catch me.” He heeled his mare. The beast shot forward, quick as the wind.

Hours later, Kara winced. She’d never ridden a horse so far. Gone without food for so long. And never wanted to gut someone with a knife so badly. Her legs and arse were numb. When Aaron finally chose a place to stop for the night, her legs were too weak to dismount. Damn his underhanded tactics. He knew she’d never complain. Knew she’d fight to keep pace with him the whole way. And knew she’d be as stiff as a board, come nightfall.

As he unpacked, he whistled as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Then he unrolled his fur and spread his tartan over it. The rogue represented a Norse king, but slept under his clan colors. She shook her head. Another reason she doubted him. Just who did Jarl McNally serve? What god did he pray to? What country did he love? He continued his preparations without stopping to check on her. Kara slumped in the saddle, nearly too tired to hold herself up. She bitterly refused to ask for his assistance.

By now, her arms were tingling. She’d probably suffer a permanent disfigurement just so the jarl could show that she wasn’t as strong as him. She envisioned herself as a cripple, hunch backed from leaning over so long. Too tired and hungry to think about it any longer, she managed to drag her right leg over the saddle. When her feet touched ground, she staggered to the nearest cluster of trees. Before she went too far, Aaron called for her. Did he want to hold her hand while she relieved herself?

He caught up with her. “I told you to stay close.”

At first, there appeared to be two of him. She closed her right eye—getting the same result. “I’m not in the habit of asking permission to see to my personal needs.”

“Look around Kara,” he said. “There’s no chamber pots. No safety.”

Bullying swine. “I’m sure I’ll find my way back.” She turned away.

Aaron’s strong fingers fastened around her arm. “It’s late. I’m tired. You’re exhausted. Don’t fight me.”

Kara took a deep breath and swung around, suddenly feeling wide awake. The smug look on his face infuriated her. She jabbed a finger in his chest. “Fight you? You cast more insults than a stable boy slings shite.” She walked him back several feet. “I deserve respect. Unless all of this is because you wish to peek under my skirts.”

His lips twitched. And then he came dangerously close, making her feel very small and helpless. “Careful with your words, lass.” His hot gaze swept over her. “And your body.”

His words triggered something inside her. All of this tension, all this disagreement amounted to one thing. Attraction. She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his narrow waist. Then she tugged him closer, clinging as if her life depended on it. It felt so good to be in his arms again. Aaron’s eyes brimmed with emotion. But he refused to touch her.

“Will you deny me your affection twice?” she asked.

“Jesus bloody Christ . . .” he moaned. “Do you know what you’re asking, lass?”

She stood on her toes and planted a firm kiss on his lips. Then she raked her teeth across his bottom lip. His eyes flared open.
Hesitation is weakness.
Something Geilir had taught her. Although the adage pertained to battle, Kara knew a war raged inside him. Her, too, most especially between her legs. She felt a surge of moisture and heat. Her neglected lips ached for his attention. “Kiss me, Aaron.”

There was no reason to deny himself. She didn’t need protection, she needed him. Staring heavenward, she noted the sun had nearly dipped below the horizon. Colors of dusk reflected in his eyes. She could languish in his warmth forever. Then she suddenly regretted every offensive word she’d pitched at him. Pride kept her from apologizing now, but it wouldn’t keep her from touching him. What she couldn’t affirm with words, she’d confess with her body. “Kiss me.”

He attacked her frenzied and desperate, brushing his lips roughly over hers. His arms encircled her waist. “I cannot give you half my body, lass. Are you sure you want this?”

She nodded.
More than anything.

His face broke into a dark, satisfied smile. She’d do anything to please him. When he threaded his fingers through her hair, bringing her face closer to his, his perfect mouth covered hers. Her heart thumped. She clenched her eyes shut, relishing the feel of his fingers frisking up her sides. Then a flurry of feather light kisses warmed her face.

“I want to own your body, Kara,” he whispered against her ear.

His voice prickled her skin. He thrust his hips, colliding with her center. Her hips bucked back, mistrustful of the hunger rising inside her. She strongly suspected Aaron was the only thing that could sate her appetite. Whatever she did would affect her future. Not that she’d ever seriously considered who she’d be with until now. As if he sensed her hesitation, his lips coaxed her mouth open. Slow, methodic kisses convinced her she’d chosen correctly. Anything Aaron did rendered her helpless—mindless. Her body relaxed under his special care.

Is this what it meant to be a woman? Amelia told her she’d go to sleep a girl and wake a woman.

“
Når jeg berører deg, kan hele verden brenne og jeg vil ikke være i stand til å tenke på noe annet.”
Aaron spoke perfect Norse.

When I touch you, the whole world can burn and I will not be able to think of anything else.
His words left her breathless.

Her gaze dropped to his chest, then lower. His snug fitting braies couldn’t conceal his excitement. The swell between his legs stirred her desire. She wanted to feel him, hold onto him.

“Kara,” he groaned.

She blinked up at him. “Aaron.” She’d utter his name a hundred times if it would stop the strange, insatiable cravings invading her body.

Gathering her in his arms, Aaron carried her to the edge of the lake a few yards away. Threads of golden light colored the sky, reflecting off the water. His mind struggled to maintain control over his body. He gently set her on her feet, searching her face for signs of resistance or fear. The lass didn’t fully understand the implications of making love. Her body served as her oath to him. As did his to her. There’d be no turning back—they’d belong to each other—forever.

“Turn around, lass.”

She did.

Aaron untied the ribbon on the back of her gown. It gapped, revealing her pearly flesh. He closed his eyes, his hands plunging inside. Warm, smooth skin welcomed him. He swallowed.
Odin—tell me if she’s my future—my redemption.
He opened his eyes, then slowly peeled her dress off and tossed it aside. Not an inch of her flesh escaped his attention. He slowly turned her around and let his gaze move from her firm breasts to the soft curls covering her woman’s mound. He wanted to sink his cock inside her—ride her furiously until she screamed in pleasure.

Mind reeling, he took a deep breath and removed her boots. He’d fantasized about her creamy thighs since the night he’d met her, debating whether she had slim or muscled legs. To his delight, they were perfectly formed, long and silky to the touch. He gazed up at her admiringly. Her blue eyes were closed. She was so unbelievably beautiful, indescribably so.

With his face level with her slit, he couldn’t resist the urge to taste her. He stared thirstily at her nether lips, imagining the sweet nectar he’d find. He sank his tongue inside her.

By the gods.

Her inner muscles contracted, as she moaned, riding his face. She tried to edge away, but his hands instinctively locked her in place. She’d not deny him the pleasure. Or herself. His tongue moved with greater urgency, thrusting deep, then withdrawing, circling, and flicking. Her legs began to tremble.

Unable to concentrate on anything other than joining with her, Aaron kissed his way up her torso until he was standing again. Her rosebud tips were tight with excitement, begging for attention. He cradled each breast reverently, nipping and sucking her nipples until a wicked grin spread across his face. “Undress me.”

Kara cupped his face, chewing nervously on her bottom lip.

“Do you fear what’s in my breeches?”

“Nay,” she assured him hastily, placing her palms on his chest.

Upon contact, he kissed her greedily again. Few things could rival her kisses. Moments later, thrumming with frustration, Aaron guided her hand between his legs. When she cupped his shaft through his braies, he groaned, pleasure spiraling through him. “Don’t be ashamed, Kara,” he murmured. “Our bodies are meant to fit together—not just for procreation—but for immeasurable pleasure.”

She moaned as he pushed against her, rocking vigorously. Without warning, he stripped his tunic off. Feeling her skin against his own offered more contentment than Valhalla. “Do you wish to go for a swim?” He couldn’t think of a better way to overcome the hot evening air or her unease.

“Yes.”

Enthused by her answer, he unlaced his boots and kicked them off. Next, he removed his breeches. He straightened his spine, facing her again.

Her eyes widened with inquisitiveness. “You’re beautiful.” She palmed his shaft. “So incredibly thick and long.” She focused all her attention on him, stroking gently, using her other hand to cradle his bollocks.