Page 21 of Ulf's Destiny
What do I think? I think that, as beautiful as the dress looks on you, I would like nothing more than to rip it off and see you in your naked glory.
What the hell? Ulf started. Where had that thought come from? He cleared his throat and lowered his gaze to the floor.
“It’s fine.” It was slightly too big on her, as could have been expected, but it would do, better than the brown monstrosity, at least.
“I will have to take it in,” she said, fingering the top of the bodice, which was, admittedly, lower than it should have been. Yet another reason why he had better keep his gaze on her feet. If he saw her finger glide over her creamy skin, he would be lost. He would want to touch her, too.
“Yes. Here, bread and fish,” he said, placing the loaf and the trout on the table. “I also have roasted lamb meat, cheese, and berries in the house. Goat milk or ale to drink.”
“Heavens! Are you expecting your family to join us?”
“No. This is just for us. I eat a lot in the morning,” he said by way of explanation.
That was true, but in reality he meant to ensure that she was adequately fed now that she didn’t have to worry about Mildred anymore. Just like Judith, years of near starvation had taken their toll on her body as well as her mind. He would make sure that she grew stronger, healthier, and happier, here with him.
Then he realized. He would only have days, weeks at the most, with her. Once Judith had recovered, the two friends would likely leave. Why would they stay here, in a village of Norsemen? Well, there would be time to worry about it later. For now, he wanted Ylva to remember this first real day of freedom as the best of her life.
“After you’ve gone and seen Judith, is there anything you’d like to do?” he asked, settling down at the table.
“I…” She hesitated but he could tell she had an idea in mind. He nodded to encourage her to speak. “I would like to go see the sea. I think it is not too far.”
“It’s not. We can be there before the sun reaches its zenith and make the most of the afternoon. Then we’ll watch the sun go down over the beach. It will not disappear into the sea, unfortunately, as we are facing east, but we’ll still get the effect of its golden light over the water. It will still be beautiful.” He cut two slices of bread, his decision made. This was the perfect idea, and it was the perfect day to make it happen, sunny and warm. “I’ll go saddle the horses and prepare some food while you go to see your friend. Come find me when you’re ready.”
Ylva accepted the slice of bread he handed her. “Thank you. But don’t you have anything to do today?”
Ulf knew not to take this as a rebuff. She wasn’t trying to say that she didn’t want his company. She simply didn’t want him to feel he had to go with her. He did not. Hewantedto go with her.
“I do have something to do. Go with you to the beach.”
She didn’t answer. Instead, she blushed. To hide her turmoil, she started to eat. As soon she bit into the bread, her eyes went wide. “This is…unlike anything I’ve ever had.”
“It’s made of wheat, that will be why. And I agree, it’s delicious.” Gudrun, for all her insufferable behavior, did know what she was doing and wheat bread was a rare treat. “Try it with a piece of fish. They go very well together.”
She did—and the smile she threw him sent him hard as stone under the table. Damnation, whatwasthat? This raging desire he was feeling today? He had lain on the furs next to her the other night without once thinking of taking advantage of the fact, and today he was… Today he was acting like a besotted fool, an untried youth, a horny bastard, or some such ridiculous individual. Was it because of the dress? Because nowthat Mildred was gone, he felt they could start on a new basis? He didn’t know, but he wasn’t sure he liked it.
“You’re right. I have never eaten anything half as good,” Ylva said once she had swallowed her mouthful of fish.
“Reserve your judgment until you try the cheese. I guarantee you will love it too.”
If the expression on her face when she took her first bite was any indication, she did. His hard cock twitched, as could have been predicted. Ulf chewed his meat without really tasting it.
This promised to be a most trying—and wonderful—day.
“This ismy father’s stallion, Fáfnir. He will be your mount for the day,” Ulf announced, bringing the animal to a halt in front of her. “I would have borrowed Doe again, but Eahlswith needed her to go to the market in town.”
Ylva looked at the enormous horse then at Ulf, and her insides started to squirm. He had gone to so much trouble for her that she felt cruel telling him what was on her mind. But there was no choice, she had to make a confession.
“I don’t think I can handle a mount like that. I don’t know how to ride.”
“I know you said you were not very confident but—” He stopped when she bit her bottom lip. That was what she had said, but the reality was much worse. She was petrified at the idea of sitting on a beast like Fáfnir. “You really don’t know how to ride?”
“No. I had never yet been on a horse the day we rode into town,” she said quickly, like someone admitting to something shameful. “But your grandfather assured me the mare would be gentle and I did not stop to think. I had to get to Judith asquickly as possible, and it was the best way. But today, there is no such hurry and I can’t deal with— I mean, Fáfnir is just so big, nothing like Doe. Oh, I’m so sorry. You went to all this trouble for me but I didn’t realize we would have to ride to reach the beach, I?—”
“Hush, there is no need to fret.” Ulf took her hand in his, cutting through her panic. “Of course, I should have thought. When would you have learned to ride, being Mildred’s captive? And you were very brave to get on Doe that day if you’d really never ridden.”
She shook her head. She hadn’t been brave. There just had been no other choice. But today there was. And she was afraid. What if she fell and injured herself, now that she was finally free? It would be unbearable.
“I don’t think I can steel myself to sit on this enormous stallion.” She took a step back, resigning herself to the fact that she had to abandon her plans for the day. “It matters not. I suppose I can go see the sea another time.”
