Viking Flame: Prequel to Viking Fire (5 page)

She congratulated herself on her discipline, when Elva appeared from nowhere at her side. “Must not let the night pass without a dance.” She pulled on Kaireen’s elbow.

“I have no wish to,” Kaireen protested. Her voice fell on deaf ears, for Elva yanked her to stand. Her handmaid pushed her forward.

Kaireen’s slippers slid across the stone floor as she tried to dig in her heels.

“Stop, or I will have you locked in the stocks.” She turned her head to yell at her handmaid.

A male hand grasped her arm and escorted her through the line. Her attention shifted as she glared at a beaming Elva. She saw her handmaid skip from the hall.

Then Kaireen glanced at her partner. Bram held her. She tripped, but he steadied her. His hands were warm.

“Careful.” His dark sapphire eyes twinkled. She wondered if one could drown gazing up into their depths. “People will think you swoon for me.”

Her face heated with anger, she believed her skin colored purple. She stamped her foot on his boot, but he did not flinch. She tried to jerk away from his grip, but he held her firmly.

“Let me go.” She looked around for help, but everyone had given them a wide berth.

They danced around the pair, smiling and nodding as if she and Bram were a happy couple.

“’Tis my turn in the line again.”

“No.” He led her to the balcony.

Outside he released her, but blocked her path to re-enter the hall. The music resonated around them. Leaning against the far wall, she crossed her arms. She was two feet away from him, but he was too close.

“I thought the air would clear your head.” He cocked his eyebrow, examining her.

“My head is fine, thank you.”

“Aye, and the rest of you is fine to look at too.” His thick dialect chased shivers through her.

Her hands smoothed her gown. She caught herself and stopped. At seeing his grin, her frown deepened. “I believe it’s improper for you to stare at a lady so.”

“Would you rather I stare at you on our wedding night?” She opened her mouth to speak, but he continued. “Whilst you are without clothes?”

“I assure you, sir, we will have no wedding night.” Her blush radiated from her chest and spread between her legs. “You wish to wed during the day then?” He took a step closer. “Very well, daylight will be all the better to see you.”

Music and laughter from inside filtered through the night air. He strode toward her. She braced for his advances, wondering if she had the strength to inflict enough pain to make him reconsider. Part of her wanting to run, the other part daring him closer in challenge.

God’s toenails, how could she have forgotten her dagger? A breath from her, he stopped. Her heart hammered in her chest. His fingers brushed aside a strand of her auburn hair that had slipped from her braid. The brief touch sent fire coursing through her. Afraid her legs would give way she leaned back against the wall.

He did have a wonderful smile though, with full lips and small white scar that went from his lower lip to his chin. If he kissed her, she would like nothing more than to bite through those lips leaving another scar far worse than the one he already bore. Or her dagger would be enough to keep his lips at bay. Why had she forgotten it when Elva dressed her?

Best to make him leave, and soon. He watched her for what felt like an eternity.

“Sir, you take far too many liberties.” Her eyes darted behind him at the dancing. Rebecca craned her neck to see what they did outside the great hall unescorted. “Others…” Kaireen began, but she stopped seeing anger flare in his eyes.

“I take none.” His mouth firmed. “You are to be my wife. I take liberties with no one else.” His voice stung her.

He spun on his heel and left her gaping after him.

DISCOVER OTHER TITLES BY ANDREA R. COOPE
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Fantasy / Paranormal Romance:

The Garnet Dagger
Book 1 Legends of Oblivion series

Cursed
Book 1.5 Legends of Oblivion

Son of Dragons
Book 2 Legends of Oblivion series

Historical Romance with a touch of magic:

Viking Fire

Viking Flame
prequel to
Viking Fire

Contemporary Romance Suspense:

Stolen Hearts
Book 1