Page 57 of Merciful Salvation

One of the men stepped forward, wiping his hands on his shirt. “You’re welcome here, Lady Kara,” he said. “My name is Amund.”

This stranger knew her name? Surprised, she pursed her lips. “Were you expecting me?”

“Jarl McNally gave specific instructions for your arrival.”

That made her feel edgy and unsure. She shook her head. Aaron had expected her all this time? Further proof of his conceit. “Is your master here?”

“No,” he answered. “He’s in the woods.”

Perfect, she thought,I wanted time alone with him.“Is he close?”

“You can wait for him inside.”

“I prefer to visit himnow.”

Amund removed the scarf from around his neck, then wiped his forehead. “Shall I escort you?”

“I don’t wish to interfere with your work. Point in which direction I should ride and I’ll go.”

“I cannot believe you arrived here without a guard.” Amund stared over her shoulder.

“Jarl Sigurdsson had other matters to attend to this morning.”

The man didn’t appear convinced. Nor did he seem comfortable with her demand. If Aaron or his cousin knew she left the safety ofSteingard without a companion, they’d suspend her riding privileges. Not that she’d blame them. Asking for sanctuary meant more than providing her a place to sleep. By accepting her request, Jarl Sigurdsson became responsible for her very life. She’d yet again demonstrated her selfishness by leaving another place unescorted.

“Please.”

Amund sighed. “He’s likely a mile west. If you see black flags tied to the trunks of trees along the trail, you’re headed in the right direction.”

“Flags?”

“Aye,” he answered. “The jarl is hand-selecting which trees to use for roof shingles.”

Aaron never ceased to amaze her. A military captain undertaking such domestic work. She smiled inwardly. “I’ll be quick, Amund, thank you.” She turned her mount westward.

Minutes later, just as Aaron’s servant suggested, she found black linen secured to several branches as she passed. A narrow trail cut through the thick woods. Little sunshine penetrated the dense canopy. Although she encountered a few patches of wildflowers, this was mostly a wet, swampy tract of land.

“Jarl McNally.” She slowed down, searching carefully for him.

“Are you looking for me, Kara Dalgaard?”

Her heart leapt upon hearing his voice again. What should she do? Stay on her horse or jump down? Hide her emotions or run into his arms? “Who else would I seek in this dark place?” She chose to stay astride.

Aaron peered from around a tree. “Dark place?” he asked, sounding insulted. “This is one of the most valuable stands of trees on my land.”

“I have no doubt, but that doesn’t mean I want to come here every day searching for you.”

He laughed, then walked beside her horse. “Do you wish to dismount?”

“Do you think it wise, milord?” He looked barbaric dressed in dingy leather braies with no tunic. His broad chest and muscular arms were covered with a sheen of sweat. Her gaze followed the intricate lines of his tattoos, up his arm, and over his left shoulder. “Should I flee while I still have a chance?”

He gripped the reins. “I’d say your chance to escape is gone. Climb down.”

She swallowed her initial response. Climb down? Into his trap—into his arms? “I prefer to stay where I am.”

He growled, his hand burrowing underneath her skirt. When his hot palm met her flesh, she nearly melted. “Come down or I’ll climb up.”

Kara swallowed. Conversation first, hot kisses later. That’s whatshehad planned. “As you wish, milord.” She slid out of the saddle, more aware of his maleness than she’d ever been.