Page 15 of Merciful Salvation

It took a moment for her words to sink in. By Odin, she’d declared her feelings. Only he wished she hadn’t. Every inch of his body screamed to get closer. “I’m trying very hard to control myself.”

A smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she opened her eyes. “What if I don’t want you to?” Heat and lust sparked between them.

He stared at her lush mouth. Sweet lies or truth? Did it matter? When her hands wandered across his bare chest, he inhaled sharply, forgetting himself. What a hypocrite—hadn’t he warned his men not to mix business and pleasure? The seductive glint in Kara’s eyes destroyed any remnants of forbearance he had left. She wanted him. His mouth tightened possessively over hers. Their tongues flicked together violently, wrestling for control. The girl didn’t know what she was doing. He nibbled and licked his way down her slim neck, his hands enjoying the firmness of her lovely breasts. She sighed, burying her hands in his hair, panting with every stroke of his tongue.

He gritted his teeth. Fate brought them together. In the long-term, her father’s interference might keep them apart, but not now. Lowering his head, he grazed her nipple with his teeth. How lovely she’d be naked in the water—swimming—clinging to him.

“Lady Kara!” someone called from across the lake.

“Shite.” Aaron jerked away.

Her breathing was rapid and shallow. “Why did you stop?”

“Didn’t you hear?”

“What?”

“Kara!”

She sighed, irritated by the disruption. “Marteinn,” she said. “Ignore him, maybe he’ll go elsewhere.”

Odin help him, maybe she was as much trouble as he thought shewas. “We need to go back before we’re discovered.”

“Do you fear my father?”

“No,” he assured her. “I won’t risk your safety to steal another kiss.”

“But—”

“No arguments, please.” He wanted her now—on her hands and knees—aching and begging—pleading for him to do everything imaginable to her. “Believe me, I’d rather stay here with you.”

They walked silently to the boat, then climbed in. When they landed on the other side, Kara jumped out. Aaron hooked her by the waist and pulled her close. “I’d rather hear Thor’s hammer strike than be separated from you.”

“I’d be a liar if I didn’t tell you how disappointed I am.”

He gave her a little shake. “Prudence wins the day.”

“Fear loses it.”

What else could he say? He wouldn’t risk the arrangement he’d made with her father to pursue his selfish desires. “I’ll be back, I promise.”

“Where are you going?”

“I ride north to establish a camp for the king’s new regiment.”

“How long?”

“I cannot say for sure, lass.” He gripped her hand. “Weeks, maybe months.”

“That’s a long time.” She sighed. “Men forget their promises when they’re gone.”

He cupped her face between both hands. “You’ll never be far from my mind.”

“I want to believe you.”

“Have I given you a reason not to?”

She broke free. “Men come and go all the time, Jarl McNally. And they die in service to our country. I’ll pray for you. Goodnight.” She left him standing on the beach.