Page 13 of Merciful Seduction

Damn his uncontrollable temper. If he’d been paying attention last night, this would have never happened. How she’d managed to ever sneak up on him was disturbing on many different levels. He hadn’t slept well in days, but never let his guard down, even when he was drunk.

Undeniably, Mercia needed taming, sooner rather than later. And if he didn’t do it, one of those slobbering miscreants in the great hall would.

Chapter Seven

Marteinn stormed outside, sucking in the cool morning air. He loathed the day he’d met Mercia. No woman had ever struck him, but by doing so, she had proven herself worthy of his hard-earned respect. She didn’t cower or accept his rude behavior on any level. He cracked a smile, his rage slowly receding.

Finding his way to the training field, he eyed the leather targets nailed to wood posts. Effigies of enemy soldiers or their banners were painted on the faces, meant to inspire better aim. He positioned himself on the throw line, his feet perfectly aligned. Raising his ax, he concentrated, then released it, hitting dead center.

“Perfect.”

Marteinn spun around to find Tyr clapping his hands.

“I didn’t hear or see you follow me.”

“If I were an enemy soldier, you’d be dead. Unless you were facing me, of course.”

Of course, he thought. “If I have done something to displease you …”

“Not me,” Tyr assured him. “Perhaps my wife and Mercia.”

Marteinn stomped across the clearing, retrieving his weapon. How did one denied kiss turn into this? What happened between Mercia and him was private. He chose not to respond, and instead, heaved his ax at the target again. Another perfect strike.

“Have you no answer for me?”

“You didn’t ask a question.”

Tyr chuckled. “It is always easy to recognize an unmarried man.”

He once again swung around. “Am I marked in some way?”

Tyr settled on the grass, stretching his legs out. “The stain between your legs means something …” Their gazes met. “You are unmarred in my eyes, but women have a shrewd way of knowing whether a man is attached or not. It would be wise to paint an invitation on your forehead so you know what women have set their sights on you, rather than be left guessing.”

“I’ve only been here two days.”

“And nearly all the unmarried women are humming with excitement—determined to win you.”

Marteinn shook his head. “Does this visit serve as a friendly warning?”

“Depends.” Tyr rubbed his chin. “I’m not the kind of man to interfere with what goes on between consenting men and women. However, Mercia is under my protection.”

He considered disclosing everything, but what kind of man would he be for shaming a woman? “I meant her no harm.”

“I believe you.”

He sighed with relief, joining the jarl on the ground. “Why is such a beautiful creature without a husband?”

“Many have offered, but her tastes are rather discriminatory.”

“She shouldn’t be given a choice in the matter.”

“Aye. But I gave my word years ago when she survived the Norman invasion in England and arrived at my home with Rachelle’s uncle. Mercia is stubborn and brave—very loyal to us. What harm is there in allowing one female to choose the man she wants as a husband?”

Marteinn could think of a long list. “Why me?”

A smile played about Tyr’s lips. “Do you prefer honesty, or shall I embellish the truth to make you feel better?”

He growled.