Blind Redemption (14 page)

He threw his head back, basking in the pleasure of her gentle, but awkward touch. Kara Dalgaard handled his manhood the way she did a sword. His soft laughter came unexpectedly. A woman had never called him beautiful before.
Odin.
He caught one of her breasts roughly with his mouth, curling his tongue over her areola. When the dusky bud hardened, he nipped it, enjoying the jolt it sent through her body.

Unwilling to wait any longer, he gripped her hand. “The lake,” he managed to stammer between heavy breaths. Desire had overtaken him. “Walk with me.”

They waded into the cool water, then Aaron crouched, tapping his thighs. He wanted her in his arms, wanted to consummate their relationship before she changed her mind. She fitted herself against his body, locking her ankles at his lower back. The exquisite sensations he experienced holding her so close, the love he felt while he stared into her eyes humbled him. Weeks of conflict had only served to enflame his heart. He adored her, from those perfectly shaped lips to her pigheaded determination. And her heart, that’s what he longed for the most. He’d never been so bloody driven to win a woman’s love.

She laughed softly, lifting her arms over her head, sinking back into the water. Lust slammed inside his chest. She’d snared him body and soul. Staring wide-eyed at her, he knew with one jab he could penetrate her, claim her. Instead, he slipped a finger inside, then another, stretching her slowly. She writhed against his hand, moaning with pleasure as he gently rotated his fingers. Although she was half submerged in water, he could feel how gloriously hot and wet she was for him. His engorged shaft screamed for relief.

“Come back to me, lass.” He pulled her into a tight embrace, sweeping wet hair out of her eyes. He nearly forgot to breathe, he was so excited. Cupping her backside tightly, he lifted her out of the water, then carried her to shore.

The time for play was over.

He trudged several yards, then stopped where grass covered the shoreline. Not the place he’d envisioned making love with her for the first time, but then he realized how truly fitting it was. The only bedchamber worthy of his prize was here, surrounded by Odin’s glory. He knelt with her in his arms, then slowly disentangled himself. She dropped onto her side, then rolled on her back, gazing up at him. He could lose himself in those stark blue eyes.

A rush of emotion went through him. He suddenly realized why their personalities had played tug-of-war for so long. “I want you, Kara.”

She spread her legs.

“Lass . . .” He carefully lowered himself on top of her.

Flush with her, he nipped and tongued her nipples. She arched her back, thrusting her breasts upward. His flesh caught fire. He wanted to feel the hot white heat inside her. She released her breath slowly as he positioned himself at her entrance. Then he moved his mouth to her ear. “Once I have you, Kara, I won’t share you—
ever
.”

Did she understand? Would the finality of his words change her mind? “My heart is set on you,” she confessed.

Pride swelled inside his chest. She’d
chosen
him. The expression on her face was unmistakable—indisputable—she hungered as he did. He captured her mouth, driving his tongue deep to distract her while he pierced her. He pressed his lips to her throat, caressing her with gentle kisses. She responded eagerly, her hips slamming against him. “Easy.” He exhaled. “Your body needs to adjust slowly.” He didn’t want to hurt her.

He eased in another inch, preparing her for his full length. It had been much too long since he’d done this and his stamina was lacking. Especially with her. Although he praised the gods for forming such a lovely creature—sweeter and tighter than any woman he’d ever made love to—the agonizing waves of pleasure she inspired jeopardized his restraint. Kara’s eyes squeezed shut. He thrust again, slipping in a few more inches.

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 12

Dreams

Kara awoke with a 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? What connection 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.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I swear, once we’ve captured all the bastards who kidnapped you, we’ll return to this very spot and I’ll let you walk naked until your beautiful legs give out.”

“Be careful what you swear.”

He lifted her by the waist, swinging her around. “I keep every promise I make.”

She gnawed on her lower lip as he set her on her feet. “I cannot contest your claim,” she teased. “You promised me a taste of paradise last night.”

Heat suffused his body. “Do you want me to pledge the same again?”

“Now?”

He nodded. “Now.”

Without waiting for her to answer, he peeled her dress off and let it fall to the ground.

Two days later, Aaron hired a boat from Alesund to the Trondelag. Much to Kara’s surprise, late on the first night, the ship’s navigator greeted her. She immediately guessed who’d arranged the meeting. Aaron knew how much she admired the stars. With a cloudless sky, she had a clear view of the heavens.

“What do you see, girl?” the helmsman asked.

“Odin’s universe.”

He chuckled. “A poetic sort. What
else
do you see?” His toothless smile didn’t escape her attention.

She pointed, naming the planets and constellations she recognized.
Ulf’s Keptr
, the mouth of the wolf,
Kvennavagn
, the woman’s chariot, and
Asar Bardag
, the Asar battlefield. She knew there was more to learn.

“I admire your familiarity of the skies,” he praised. “See the tail of Bifrost?” He directed her. “Imagine the merging of fire and ice, the birth of creation, the ancient wars where the gods clashed and slaughtered each other, the division of light and darkness, land and water, Jotunheim and Midgard.”

Aaron joined them. “Don’t fill her head with nonsense.”

“Nay.” The helmsman grinned. “I only wish to foster a higher level of appreciation in the girl. She’s a true stargazer.”

Aaron embraced her from behind, kissing her cheek. “I’d never doubt your dedication—but what would your father say if he knew his only daughter was pursuing a masculine trade.”

“Why should he protest?” she asked. “All the more reason for my future husband to appreciate me.” She turned. “My body will supply the pleasure and children my husband requires, but imagine what it would be like to share a deeper connection.”

“Clever wench.” Aaron smiled.

She clutched her breast. “Did you think my comments were directed at you, Jarl McNally?”

“Unless you were soliciting a match with the helmsman?” he whispered.

She shook her head. The navigator must be nearly as old as her father. “I haven’t selected a husband yet.”

“No?” Aaron pinched her arse. “Teasing me?”

“Never.” He tweaked again, this time eliciting a squeal. She rubbed her left cheek. “You’ll leave marks if you keep doing that.”

His strong arms encircled her waist. “Only
my
eyes will see.”

The mischievous look on his face made her giggle. She couldn’t regret travelling with him alone. “You’re distracting me, milord. The stars—remember?”

Aaron cleared his throat and stared heavenward. “Who am I to stand in the way? What more can the helmsman teach you tonight?”

“How Odin breathed life into the world.”

“I know,” Aaron shared. “But shall I tell you another story first?”

“How your White Christ forged the universe?”

“Aye.”

She nodded.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. Light and dark, space between the waters, sky, ground, fish of the sea, animals of the earth. Then he molded mankind in his image, placing Adam and Eve in a garden paradise.”