Chapter 68
The clank of metal wakes me up.
I breathe in Ari’s scent. It’s on the bed, in my hair, on my body. Last night, a blessed union. The tension. The heat. Release.
A golden glow dances on the edge of my vision. Remnant of Freya’s presence. Ari’s tender firmness with my body, with my mind. Caring power. Every woman’s dream.
Memories of last night dance in my head as I stretch my arms and back. I sit up and scratch my head.
“Oh shit,” says Ari. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
The possible consequences of my actions dawn on me, slapping me in the face like a cold fish leaping up to shame its catcher. I need to leave.
The shimmer dissipates, thinning to reveal the harsh, cold world again.
What have I done? Fuck… Fuck!
“Oh shit indeed.”
Back to reality. Naked in a strange man’s bed. Giving myself to the local skald. Such a trope. What will they think of me? They will point. They will laugh.
Where the fuck is my robe?
Ari senses my distress, laying a calming hand on my shoulder. Like he tried to do the first time I met him, in the hall. This time, I don’t pull back.
“Relax, Kilda,” he says. “Or should I say, Kilda the Wild.”
I snort. Last night had been so surreal, like we were threads in some grand tapestry. Kilda the Wild. Hearing him say it now is just ridiculous. How could I trust him like this? Trust him not only with my body, but also my title. My name.
“Easy for you to say. You will be congratulated for bedding the Volva.”
He laughs, like it’s nothing.
“Volvas do what they want. But don’t worry, your secret is—”
“Where the fuck is my robe?”
He shakes his head as he hands it to me. I grab it gruffly.
“Is it late? I have to go.”
He sits on the bed, placing a hand on my leg.
“No one is up yet. It’s early. I assumed you wouldn’t want to be seen.”
My entire body relaxes.
“Truly?” I ask as I lie back.
“Truly.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t bear—”
“I know, Kilda. I know. But I can’t let you go anywhere without eating.”
“Eat? But I—”
“No arguing, my love.”
My love? Did he just say that? Ari stands and cuts meat like what he just said was normal. A warm glow spreads in my chest.
“Your love?” I ask.
He turns, flicking a strand of dark hair from his face.
“My love,” he states simply before grinning.
“So I’m not just another notch on the skald’s belt?”
He scoffs without moving, his eyes locked on mine.
“I loved you last night, surely you noticed?”
I stifle a giggle.
“I’ve heard love under the moon does not always translate to love at dawn.”
“Perhaps true, yet when it truly strikes, a thousand stars in winter sky could not outshine it.”
My eyes widen. I’m perplexed. The words every charmed girl is dying to hear. Is he really serious? He’s already gotten what men want most. I saw our glow last night. Was it real? He strokes my hair. I don’t pull back, letting him run the back of his finger down my cheek.
“I think… I… I knew the first time we met. When you were shackled, in the hall. It’s hard to describe, but… when you entered the room, I felt… complete… yes complete is the word.”
“A skald at a loss for words? How can I—”
“Like the gaping wound I am born with had finally healed. I had to have you.”
“Have me?” I say with a haughty laugh. “So that’s what the strawberries were about? A plot to have me?”
“I wouldn’t phrase it like that but… sure. Did not go as planned though.”
“It sure didn’t. I was furio—”
He leans over and kisses me. I’m surprised, but my body purrs.
A reaction I am willing to concede to. I fold my arms around his neck, teasing his tongue out with mine.
He climbs onto the bed. His larger body covers mine completely as I give in to his advance.
It seems neither of us was sated after last night’s feast. My whisper comes out hoarse, heavy.
“What about the food then?”
“I will cook for you.”
Neither of us wants to stop, but my mind forces me back to reality. The valley will judge me. Imagine what they would call me if they knew.
“But what about the others?”
“We have time.”
His hand moves to my naked breast. He pulls the covers off my body, exposing my flesh. The air is warm. Kisses tingle on my neck as he spreads my legs. I don’t resist, inhaling a sharp breath as his fingers stroke my entrance. He’s preparing me again, forcing my body to react.
He stops, raising his face so our eyes are level.
“I love you,” he whispers.
I kiss him.
“I… I love you too.”
His hand returns between my legs. He knows that I’m ready. I melt into the bed as I grab the back of his head.
Fuck what they think. I want my man inside me.
“Make it quick,” I whisper in his ear.