Viking's Desire: Sexy-Romance Novel: A Viking Love Story (4 page)

Chapter
7

Frederick and Beatrice had been with Lillian, talking and crying late into the night.  They had left her with her thoughts.  Lillian was still trying to put the pieces together.  She was a smart girl and she knew what her choices were.  She couldn’t stay at home and wait for the love of her life to show up and  they would live happily ever after.  That dream was shattered.  Her choices were too horrible to contemplate.  On one hand, she could say no to this heathen, as Father called him, he said she could.  If she did so, would everyone in the castle be slaughtered?  She could never live with herself if that happened.  Besides, if she didn’t accompany him, he and his men could slay everyone and take her anyway, or kill her too.  If that did not happen by some miracle, then she would be Lady Montfort, spending the rest of her life with the loathsome, evil creature, Lord Montfort.  Her thoughts and
choices
, if you could call it that, were whirling like a storm in her head and she even started considering running away, but that was no choice, it was a nightmare.  Run like a coward?  Not on her life, and it very well could be.  “God please show me the way!”

Her mind started flitting away from the present into
the future.  The Norseman was there, she was there.  Could she find any happiness with someone like him.  He
was
incredibly handsome.  Oh how could she even think about that now?  Would there even be a chance for any kind of life with him?  Wouldn’t she be his prisoner?  Really, did she even know what he was like?  He didn’t send his men into the castle to slaughter everyone.  He could have.  That she knew for sure.  She had heard Father talking about it.  They did steal everything.  What kind of gentleman would do that?  Not any kind of gentleman she was used to, that was for sure!  What should she do? 

****

At dawn, Eriik and his men were packed and camp was broken.  They approached the castle much as they did many days ago, once again in full battle gear, well prepared for anything.  Eriik spoke loudly and strongly.  Send the lady out.  We are ready to leave!

There was no movement in the castle. 

Eriik waited motionless.

Some of the men whispered to one another.  “Do we
slay them all if they do not comply or do we turn and leave?”

A lot of head shaking was going on.

Bjorn looked at Eriik questioningly, “Well, what do we do?”

Eriik didn’t budge, “
Wait.” 

The castle was terrified.  Lady Lillian couldn’t possibly be turned over to a band of
raiders, but what would become of them if she was not?

Everyone was whispering and holding loved ones close when one
by one all heads turned toward the stairs as Lillian slowly descended the stairway.  She looked as if she were going to the gallows.  Was she really going with them?  Surely not!  And just as everyone was guessing, she crossed the great room, hugged her father and said in a strong, loud voice, “Good bye, Father.  Good bye, all.  Step away from the gates please.”

“Oh sweet pea!” The tears
were coursing down his cheeks.  Even Beatrice looked sad, probably upset about her lost political power.  Lillian broke free and walked unfaltering toward Eriik without a whimper.  The life she knew was over.  A new life was beginning this day, and she prayed to God that she would not be wishing for death soon. 

Eriik, even though he had made this a demand, was very surprised to see her walking straight for him, not
wavering, not crying, as strong as any Norsewoman would have been.  In a strange way, he was proud of her.  When she reached him, he took her arm and with his entire army, walked quickly away, never looking back.

Chapter
8

Eriik led his men back to their camp on the beach and everyone started busying themselves for the night and the journey to come, everyone that is, except Lillian and the whores, who had followed behind.  Lillian had never felt more uncomfortable in her entire life.  The girls were talking amongst themselves, making bawdy comments about the men, trading uncouth stories about the nights they had spent with them, and Lillian was turning a brilliant shade of red.  When one of the girls noticed her blushing, she put her arms around Lillian’s shoulders and said loudly enough for most everyone to hear, “Don’t worry dearie, you’ll have your turn soon enough with the big one.  I’d even bet you’re a virgin too.  Oh my, that should be a night to remember.  Tell you what girlie, I’d be glad to trade places with ya, well not the virgin part.  Don’t think I could pull that off.  But I wouldn’t mind havin’ a go at that one, eh ladies?”  All the women laughed and Lillian hid her face in her cloak.

Lillian was not only embarrassed, but terrified, and not for the first time that day.

She sat in the same place, unmoving until Eriik approached with some food and water and said unemotionally, “Eat”…which she did.  Her stomach had been feeling none too well but after eating the surprisingly good fare, she started to feel a little better.  She guessed she would stay there through the night as it seemed she was the only one without shelter, but before she could even finish that thought, Eriik came walking over to her with his usual long strides and she came to a different conclusion just by the look on his handsome face.  Her conclusion seemed to be correct.  He took her by the hand and swept her into his arms as if she were nothing but a small child.  She thought about resisting but decided that would be utterly absurd, considering his size and strength.  He would do what he would. 

He set her down inside his tent and she stood straight and tall
. She would not
cower or beg.  She would stand up to him and be her father’s daughter in every way, strong and unfaltering.  She looked him straight in the eye, “Will you be raping me tonight?”

Eriik appreciated her directness, her straight spine and strong attitude.  He also appreciated her full breasts, those wondrous emerald eyes and long
dark hair.  By Thor, how he wanted to caress her nipples and lave them with his tongue.  Instead, he looked unaffected and said simply, “No.  Wash up and get ready for sleep.  Tomorrow will be a day like you’ve never had before and it will be arduous.  You will need every minute of sleep and every ounce of energy you have.  You will sleep in my robes.  You’ll be safe.  A vessel of water is in the basin in the corner.  Use it quickly so we can retire.”  She was so astonished, she could barely move, until he looked back, “Move!”

Eriik was
taking off his clothes, all of his clothes.  She looked away as quickly as she could.  When she was finished at the basin, he was lying down, naked!  She didn’t mean to look again but simply could not
help herself.  He was on his back with his hand over his eyes.  She couldn’t tell if he was already asleep or not.  She would have been surprised to know how wide awake he really was.  Her eyes slowly traveled down his magnificent body, from the splendid muscles on his arms and chest to, oh my
,
the very male part of him that she couldn’t take her eyes off, even though she was chastising herself the entire time.  What was wrong with her?  That part of the male anatomy was certainly a mystery to her and it had not been of any interest at all until this minute.  Now she couldn’t take her eyes off it.  It brought to mind the knight’s stallions.  Oh my, that thought made her blush as she turned quickly away and splashed more water on her face.  After drying off again, she sat down in the corner. 

Eriik looked up, “I said you’ll be sleeping in my robes tonight.  Did I not make myself clear?”

“I will not sleep in the same bed with you.  It’s not, well it’s just not proper.”

“Not
proper? What in Odin’s name are you talking about girl?”

“You are not my husband and therefore I will not be sleeping in the same bed as you.”

“Well let me put it to you this way lady.  You will either come over here by your own volition or I will truss you up and bring you over here by force.  Your choice.”  It would be better for you if you came yourself.”  He looked at her as if she were an unruly child.

She decided she would be better off doing as he said. 
She tip toed to his make-shift bed and lay down as far away from him as she could get.

“Will you
be sleeping in your traveling clothes?” he muttered.

“Yes
indeed.”

“You will wish tomorrow that you
had not.  None of my
business.”

He put his hands over his eyes again as if he were going to sleep.

Lillian, with all her might, still could not stop herself from staring when she thought he was asleep.

Eriik had
never been more wide awake and very aware of her perusal of him, and it took every ounce of control he possessed to keep from becoming very thick and very hard.  He knew he could not continue to do that for very much longer, so he turned away from her and let his imagination run amok.  At every turn, when he thought of her creamy breasts, shapely waist and derriere, he grew heavy and hard.  He was in abject misery.  Why did he not take her?  That’s what she was expecting after all.  That was not his way, he wanted her eager, wet and willing, moaning and calling his name when he spilled his seed inside her.  Yes, that’s what would make his release worthwhile.  He could have any woman he wanted just to ram himself into.  He didn’t understand exactly why he wanted this woman to be different, but he did, and at that moment he decided he would set out to win her into his robes willingly.  After quite awhile his cock settled down and so did he.  Sleep was filled with emerald eyes and burnished silk.  When he awoke, remembering the wonderful dreams of her, he wondered if he would ever be able to keep his mind on something else?  By Thor that was a good question.

Chapter 9

Camp broke early and the small boats were loaded and re-loaded time and again to get all the men and treasure back to the longships.  The prostitutes were left behind in spite of a few of their pleadings to come along.  Lillian was hoping that perhaps she too
would be left behind, but that was not to be.  She was astonished to feel the huge vessel take so easily to the sea as the huge oars sliced through the water and the men taxed their muscles.  She couldn’t believe how easily they managed the heavy oars in the water.  She gasped as the icy sea water came arcing through the air and hit her like a slap in the face when the oars dipped into the water and then rose high into the sky.  She was fascinated, but quite aware that this would probably be a very uncomfortable voyage.  She couldn’t believe that with every stroke of the oars she was moving farther and farther away from her home and her family.  Tears sprang to her eyes, but with strength and purpose, she stopped them immediately.  Without realizing it, she sat a little straighter and appeared a little more resolved.  Every time she thought she would surely break down, the thought of the repugnant Lord Montfort made her feel just the slightest bit better.

The days were infinite, dreary
, and wet.  It was hard for Lillian to imagine ever being warm and dry again.  At night she would join Eriik in his robes and every night, true to his word, he left her alone, turned over and went to sleep, leaving her in peace.  What was to become of her though?  She couldn’t figure out what her place was in the scheme of things, his demanding her to accompany him.  Why?  Some things are better left to God, she guessed.  She certainly hoped God was close at hand and had not abandoned her.

One night, she woke up to find Eriik facing her back with his broad arm thrown carelessly across her waist.  She turned gently over to face him and couldn’t help but notice how immensely
masculine he was.  He was sleeping so peacefully, she didn’t have the heart to wake him.  What in the world was wrong with her?  He had seized her home, ransacked it and kidnapped her.  Why was she having gentle feelings for him?  It infuriated her.  Was she mad at him or herself?  Oh!  She turned over violently, shaking Eriik awake harshly. 

H
e had been having a sensual dream about making love to Lillian on a beautiful grassy mountain.  She was wet and open for him to slip inside and he took her uninhibited and brought her to the peak of ecstasy.  His cock was full and demanding and she took every inch of him and cried out for more, then…nothing.  He was jarred awake none too gently.

The men were astir.  She asked Eriik what was going on and he said they
had sent out the ravens and they had not returned, which meant they should be expecting land soon.  This news brought two emotions within Lillian, fear and pleasure.  She couldn’t be happier to get off this damn boat, but the thought of being in a foreign land where no one except Eriik even spoke her language.  Oh wait, Eriik had told her there were some English priests there, one of which lived in his household.  That was something, after all.  Would the townspeople be hostile?  Again, what was to be would be.  She silently prayed for help and strength to persevere.  It was the next day when the men started shouting about seagulls and according to Eriik, that meant they were very close.  They should be landing sometime tomorrow.  Thank the Lord, this would be the last night on this god forsaken ship.  But then…

Chapter 10

They could hear the horns
informing everyone in the village they had been spotted.  It looked to Lillian as if everybody had shown up on the dock to welcome their men back home, some of which were not returning to their loved ones alive.  Her hands were shaking and she could not stop them to save her life.  Unexpectedly, Eriik grabbed one of Lillian’s hands and gave it a squeeze. This little gesture from Eriik meant the world to Lillian even if she wouldn’t admit it, even to herself.  Eriik helped Lillian off the boat and showed her a place to sit while the unloading and the greeting of kinsmen took place.  After awhile she was very glad she had a place to sit because this arrival and unloading was taking an eternity.  She leaned back against a rock and became quite pensive, reflecting about all that had happened to her in a mere week.  She noticed Eriik walking toward her and again found herself thinking how he was so tall and muscularly built and how absolutely male he was.  She couldn’t help the chills that went racing down her spine but chastised herself for feeling that way about her abductor.  He reached her and stated firmly, “Time to go home.”

“Home?  My home is in England!”

“Not anymore sweet.”

“Don’t you dare call me that.”

“I’ll call you what I like.”

With that, he grabbed her hand and they started off, pulling a cart behind.  One of his kinsmen had provided it for Eriik so he could take all his plunder home.  Anger could hardly describe what Lillian was feeling.  He called her
Father’s pet name and now was pulling all her family’s treasure behind him.
Oh
!

By the time they finally arrived at his home, she was too tired to feel much of anything,
even anger.  She would try to fire herself up again later.  His dwelling was quite large, considering she was expecting a grass hut with livestock grazing inside.  It was cut literally out of the side of a mountain.  The work was quite skillful.  There were magical looking signs and ornamentation sculpted on much of the front of the abode.  It was very beautiful.  At least it would have been had she been in any other mood.  Even so, she couldn’t help but notice the expert craftsmanship.

He opened the door for her and as she entered
, she actually felt quite cozy and deemed herself a traitor not only to her family, but to England as a whole for such feelings.  Would she never be able to feel like herself again?  She seemed to always be fighting within and it was wearing her out.  The beautiful wall hangings from the ceilings were magnificent.  The great room had a table that looked as if it could seat a hundred guests for dinner.  The staircase was carved with more foreign but beautiful symbols.  She didn’t know if they meant something or if they were just for appearances. 

Eriik showed her to
a bedchamber and it was exquisite with two huge windows from ceiling to floor with window hangings even more ornate than in the great room.  It even held a tub.  Oh, good lord, how long had it been since she had the luxury of a real bath?  She was overwhelmed.  She was chastising herself for being so impressed, but couldn’t help herself from looking forward to staying in such a stunning suite. 

Eriik said, “Do you think you could be comfortable here?”

“Oh my, yes, well, uh, it’s not home, but…”

He
started to smile but caught himself before she saw it.

“I know, but we can’t change that now can we?”

“At any rate, welcome to my chamber.”

She whirled around so fast she became dizzy,
“Oh no, if you think I am going to be your mistress, you are sadly mistaken!”

“Lillian, you have shared my bed now for
days and I’ve kept my word.”

“Yes but that was in horrible conditions, not in a nice, soft bed
in a lovely room.”

“Well, how about if you stay here just long enough for a nice, hot bath?”

To her utter amazement he started a fire, then ordered several servants to bring hot water for her bath.  Heaven on earth, a hot bath after that hell of a voyage.  She couldn’t help but smile at him and at that moment, upon seeing her smile, it took all that was in him not to rush over, take her in his arms and ravish her with his mouth and his body.

Instead, he said, “Well, I’ll leave you to it, then.”

Haltingly, she replied, “Thank you, Eriik, uh Lord Thorennson.”

“Please, Eriik.”

He had to leave in a hurry before he changed his mind and kissed her with the lust that was rampaging through him.  He was a strong man and he could control every aspect of his body, but at this moment his flesh was getting the best of him and he could not control his damnable cock.  It was hard, uncomfortable, and throbbing with pain.  He wanted to slide into her until he couldn’t push any further.  What was wrong with him?  He couldn’t ever remember wanting a woman this much.  It made him weak and he could not tolerate being weak.  He had to have her, and when he wanted something, by Thor, he got it!

He stomped down the stairs and out of the house, straight to
the tavern to join his men and kinsmen for a drink, or many drinks, and some well-earned celebration. 

When he arrived at the tavern, the revelry was well on its way.  Everyone was having a good time and as he entered
, the entire tavern jumped up, got him a drink and toasted their success, attributing most of it to him. 

“Ah no my friends, thanks to us all
and to the gods!”

The party was amusing and he was glad he came, when
he felt a soft touch on the back of his neck, caressing him.  He knew before he turned around who he would find.  One of the tavern wenches, Jorunn was behind him with a very saucy look on her face.  She was tall and blonde with her long hair pulled together in one long braid falling down the center of her back.  Eriik knew how she felt about him and was certain of her intentions.  He would usually be more than happy to oblige, but for some reason, she didn’t seem quite as alluring as she always had before.  His body however was traitorous.  He could feel the heavy, full feeling flowing through his groin again.  She saw it too and was rather pleased with herself.  She sat on his lap and discreetly rubbed his crotch, chafing herself against the hardness that was straining for release.  They laughed and drank and after a few pints, Jorunn said seductively, “Let’s go upstairs handsome.”

“I’m right behind you.”

No one even noticed them as they climbed the stairs to a small bed chamber.  Jorunn closed the door and pulled her outer clothing over her head.  She had nothing on underneath.  Her breasts were naked for Eriik’s hungry gaze, but he stood motionless.  She teased him by touching her own breasts and then pushed his shirt aside to caress his chest.  She was getting the desired affect but he was still making no move to touch her.  She was taken aback because normally, he took her immediately and their lovemaking was wild. 
He’s probably tired
after his long trip
.  She lay on the bed and spread her legs so he could see for himself what treasure was within.  Her fair curls were wet with anticipation and she rubbed herself and licked her lips in an erotic dance of allure. 

Eriik
was so hard he was miserable.  What was he waiting for?  He couldn’t figure it out and either could she, but he seemed stuck to the floor. 

Jorunn
was getting frustrated as she stalked Eriik like a cat playing with its prey. 

“Darling, I can see you are hard and ready for me, what are yo
u waiting for?  Perhaps you would like me to help you out of those breeches?”

She pull
ed his shirt off his back and stroked his impressive chest, while grasping his swollen cock through his trousers.  She chafed her breasts across his chest causing her nipples to harden with desire.  As she continued to tease him, she loosened his pants, and as he sprang forth, Eriik couldn’t help but sigh with relief.  Before she could bend down to put her berry stained lips on him, he suddenly pulled back, fastened his pants, grabbed his shirt, and backed out the door.  Jorunn couldn’t believe what she had just witnessed. 
Perhaps Eriik caught a sickness from the foreign land.

Without a word to anyone, Eriik str
uck out for home.  All he wanted to do was see Lillian.  Well, that’s not
all
he wanted to do.