Page 39 of Merciful Salvation

By everything holy . . .

“I’m going to make love to you until you scream my name...” Aaron shoved his hands underneath her, firmly gripping her arse, then pumped his hips again. Kara didn’t utter a sound as he buried himself inside her. She moved in unison, sinking her nails into his back.

He should have known how brave she’d be, how passionate. After a dozen furious thrusts, Aaron arched his back and gritted his teeth.Release.That’s all his bloody body would let him think about. He’d never been so mentally unprepared, so physically vulnerable.

Kara cupped his face and yanked him down. “I don’t want to wait,” she said. “Find your pleasure, then give me mine.”

He growled, pushing into her again. She’d offered to selflessly let him find deliverance—relief from months of abstinence.

“Please,” she whimpered into his ear.

He powered forward again and again. “Kara!” His release was painful and thrilling. He collapsed on top of her, gasping for breath. Her fingers circled up his back. Her soft touch had restorative powers. Within seconds, he grew rod-hard inside her again. The lass would find more than simple ecstasy this time; Aaron McNally had everything to prove.

Chapter Twelve

Dreams

Kara awoke witha keen awareness of everything she’d done the previous night. She’d relived the passionate moments in her dreams. After they’d made love a second time, she curled around Aaron, desperate to stay as close as possible. She leaned her head against her hand, gazing at his tranquil features. The loud calls of whooper swans flying overhead motivated her to get up. She stretched languorously, enjoying the cool morning air. Worried Aaron might be cold, she spread his tartan over him. How could he sleep? He’d whispered how he’d given all of himself to her. Perhaps she’d sucked all his strength from his body when she’d reached unimaginable heights of pleasure. She could scarcely breathe or move herself.

Covered in her lover’s scent, she wandered to the lake to bathe. She couldn’t escape the overwhelming reality of what she’d done. It felt bittersweet, and for her sake, she hoped her feelings exceeded mere infatuation. Regardless, there’d be no regrets—even if this was the only time she’d ever be with him. A tingling sensation between her legs brought a smile to her lips. Had he really licked her there? Made her writhe and moan? She sighed. Everything Amelia had warned her about had come true;the tiniest spark ignited the fiercest flame.Kara couldn’t control her thoughts. She wanted to know everything about Aaron. And she guessed he harbored many deep secrets.

Why did a Scotsman pledge to serve the Norwegian king? Whatconnection did he have in her country? Family? Friends? Managing her newfound feelings and endless curiosity could wait. She waded into the shallows, washing away the last evidence of her purity. The frigid water revived her. Although her insides ached, she’d never change what had happened. Things would be decidedly different now, better between her and Aaron.

She watched the clouds gather overhead as she contemplated all the wicked gossip she’d heard over the years. No longer just rumors. Lovemaking exceeded anything she’d ever presumed to know. She suddenly thought about her family and friends. Would they notice her transformation? What if her sire...?

Please, Allfather, spare me my father’s suspicion and wrath.

Jarl McNally altered her life course. Apparently she was no longer in total control of her mind and heart. But she shouldn’t fool herself into believing he loved her, either. She didn’t really know if she loved him. Things had moved so fast. The circumstances they’d met under cast plenty of doubt on their relationship. Trust and loyalty meant everything to him. Damn her father for using her to humiliate Aaron. If there was any hope of success between them, she must leave her seeds of doubt behind. She walked further down the beach, intrigued by the lush surroundings. Trees and wildflowers in bloom. A few feet ahead, a doe darted into the woods. Most assuredly a positive sign from the gods. One she intended to follow.

Aaron opened his eyes.Blasted sunlight. He blinked rapidly, then swallowed. Realization seeped into his brain as swiftly as blood.Merciful gods.He’d violated every code of honor, guilty of surrendering to lust and pride. When he realized Kara was missing, he scanned the clearing. Where had she gone?

The lass didn’t listen. How many times had he warned her to stay close? He scrambled to his feet, scooping his tartan off the ground. Half dressed, he started for the lake. “Kara!” No answer. “Kara Dalgaard.”

Several minutes later, she appeared between two birch trees and waved. He couldn’t believe what he saw.Goddamnit.Traipsing around like a wilding without a stitch of clothing on? Desire and worry pierced his heart. He couldn’t possibly approve. Females wore clothes for a bloody reason. He strode toward her. The joy in her eyes softened his heart. “Why are you naked?”

“I followed a doe into the woods.” She smiled.

Droplets of water glistened between her breasts. Her hair was wet, so were the curls between her legs. He licked his lips as if eyeing a feast. “Put something on. Please.”

“Why? Aren’t we alone?”

What could he possibly say? “I cannot guarantee it.”

She studied his face, then nodded.

They walked back to the spot where they’d slept and she picked her gown up off the ground. She gave it a good shake before putting it on.Good girl.Her spontaneity made her more appealing—more desirable—more dangerous. And if he was being completely honest, he’d tell her he wanted to spend a month with her in the woods naked. But Erling Solheim could be anywhere. And as long as breath remained in Aaron’s body, that swine would never touch her again. Until she could be reunited with her father, he knew he needed to take her somewhere safe. One place came to mind—the Trondelag.

The investigation in Alesund could wait.

When she joined him, he couldn’t resist the urge to wrap his arms around her. So eager and irresistibly soft. She nuzzled her face into his chest. “I thought you’d sleep longer.”

“Why didn’t you awaken me?”

“I didn’t have the heart to disturb you.” Her hands trailed up his back. “Don’t worry so much, I didn’t wander too far.”

“Kara,” he said in a low tone. If he didn’t guard himself, that beautiful face could talk him into anything. “The woods might be infested with marauders. What if Erling’s men are looking for you?”

“I’ll risk it if I can take another walk in the woods naked.” She grinned.