CHAPTER ELEVEN
Sól had barely risen when Hradi climbed into the saddle behind Katrin While the feel of her trembling against him made his cock half-hard, her innocence taunted him further.
This would be a very long day, and it didn't help that recollections of watching her come undone with her climax battered his thoughts. The sight was one of the most arousing things he’d ever seen, almost as thrilling as his own release, and he wanted to see it again, over and over, for as long as he could keep her in his debt.
He reminded himself he must use patience, because soon, she would be back in Gunilla’s presence. He wanted the older witch to know nothing about what had transpired between him and Katrin, sensing the woman would be angry. The need to protect Katrin abruptly overtook every other priority.
He leaned into her, brushing aside her flame-colored locks and laying his lips against the tender skin along the side of her neck.
She shivered and moaned and he trailed his tongue along her flesh, nipping at her and savoring her throaty gasp.
She abruptly stiffened in his hold and leaned away from him.
"Wait," she said.
He didn't obey her demand for several moments, not wanting to reveal what he feared to be weak reactions.
The idea of showing any weakness before a woman still left his gut knotted.
Once before, he'd believed he could save someone, only to learn she had merely toyed with him, betraying him in the most humiliating and public way.
She had deserved her fate, and none, not even Geira, the only friend Dota had ever had, had made any attempt to save her.
He wanted Katrin to be different, but feared he might be repeating his earlier mistakes.
He caught her chin and forced her to face him.
Could she read his thoughts now? He didn't want her to.
He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths.
His brother would laugh at him to see such confusion.
The doubts faded while his determination to conceal his true response grew.
He must ensure she revealed her secrets first.
When he met her gaze once more, he held back a laugh at the way one fiery eyebrow arched. She had determination strong as the iron his sword was forged from.
"What?"
"You must keep your hands to yourself. You… distract me and I may not be able to receive accurate visions."
"You would deny me even this small pleasure?" He offered a pout, pleased when she giggled, softening her stern countenance.
"Yes. Otherwise, I shall have to insist on returning the village to stay with Gunilla."
"That will not happen," he growled, his humor fading at the very thought.
"Then behave."
"You try my patience, woman," he muttered.
Slight tremors shook her shoulders and he realized she laughed. At him. He squeezed her waist and with a sudden gasp of breath, her trembling stopped.
"If you mock me, I will turn you over my knee."
She stilled so completely, he wondered if she had turned to stone. Finally, she gave a curt nod. He held back his laugh and guided the horse toward the village.
When they rode into the square, Hradi felt as though he might go mad with unfulfilled desire.
Having the little witch so close, unable to touch her as he wanted, was a torture he hoped never to endure again.
He reined in the horse and dismounted quickly, taking a few moments to acknowledge the approaching villagers.
He turned back to help Katrin down and tossed the reins to the waiting stable slave who led the animal away.
Placing an arm around Katrin’s shoulders, he turned toward the longhouse.
"Katrin!"
The sound of the older witch’s voice sent a shudder of annoyance along Hradi’s spine.
He doubted he would ever grow to like Gunilla, despite her importance to Katrin.
He still did not trust her and suspected Katrin also now doubted her mistress.
If he was truthful with himself, he would admit that pleased him, for it gave him a stronger position when the time came to ask Katrin to stay with him.
Even though he had not enjoyed every delight of her body, he had known last night that he wanted this woman beside him, to enjoy for many years.
"Katrin! Thank the gods you are safe!" Gunilla cried, reaching them. She embraced the younger witch, though Hradi noted Katrin’s hesitation to return the embrace. The sight tempered his anger at Gunilla’s words.
"Did you think I would kill her?" he asked.
Gunilla released her hold on Katrin and faced Hradi, her face pale and eyes wide with worry. "No, I never meant to say that at all. I just…"
"It’s fine, Gunilla," Katrin cut in. "He knows that is not what you meant."
She faced him, eyes narrowed in annoyance.
He did the same in return, before turning to see Kori and his father heading toward them.
After greeting them, they all headed to the longhouse where the Winter Nights celebration continued.
Tomorrow would be the last day of the feasting, and preparations for Jul and the winter hunting season would begin.
Hradi looked forward to continuing training the grey stallion and a return to his routine.
The only change he wanted to that routine was that it included Katrin.
No matter how he had to make that happen.
"Did you learn anything?" Kori asked once they were seated at the long table at the head of the hall.
"A little. Katrin is going to use her gift today, so you can all see it is real."
"Katrin," Thorfinn called out. "Hradi tells me you will offer us your visions today."
Katrin nodded. "Yes, and I believe I should begin with you, unless you prefer otherwise."
"I would be honored to go first. Once the meal is over, we will start."
"As you wish."