Surrender To The Viking (18 page)

She summoned a bright smile and adopted a tone to match. ‘Can we practise tomorrow?’

Finn cleared his throat. ‘Yes, of course.’

She maintained the smile.
Keep it light. You’ve already been stupid enough for one morning. Don’t make it worse.
‘I’m afraid I’m going to be a bit rusty, unlike the sword.’

With an effort he rallied. ‘Light rust, perhaps, and soon removed.’

‘With expert tuition I’m sure you’re right.’

‘I warn you, I’m a hard taskmaster.’

She didn’t care about that, only about being with him, of having his undivided attention for a while. ‘I’ll do my best.’

‘I know.’

* * *

Later, as he was forking hay for the horses, Finn tried to order his thoughts. It gladdened him that his gift should be so well received. He’d made the right choice and it had been worth every penny of the cost. There could be no doubting her surprise and delight. He’d hoped that would be the case. What had taken him completely aback was the remark she’d made afterwards. Was it part of a spontaneous expression of general pleasure or had she meant more by it? He’d been caught so off guard that he was temporarily speechless. By the time he’d recovered his wits enough to speak the conversation had moved on and the light tone suggested that he ought not to read too much into what had probably been a throwaway comment. The word
love
could be used in so many ways. If he’d asked for clarification it might have created awkwardness or embarrassment. He didn’t want her to feel pressured into expressing more than she felt just to please him. He didn’t want her ever to pretend with him. What he did want was to hear her say those words and mean them.

He sighed. When he’d agreed to this marriage he’d had no idea that Lara would get so deeply under his skin. He’d had no idea that she would revive passions he’d believed to be long dead, or that he would be knocked so completely off balance. That he’d fall so hard a second time. It had happened though. Disquieting as that was he could no longer pretend otherwise, at least not to himself. She had found a place in his heart that no one else could fill. One day he would tell her these things but not yet, not until he was more certain of her real feelings for him. To do anything else was too dangerous and left him too vulnerable, too exposed. Lara had the power to hurt him and he wasn’t sure his heart could survive another disaster.

Chapter Nineteen

W
ith regard to sword craft, Finn was as good as his word. Lara was woken abruptly the next morning when a ruthless hand dragged back the bedcovers and delivered a lusty smack across her rump. Uttering a startled yelp she opened her eyes to see him looking down at her. He was already fully dressed.

‘Your lesson starts in ten minutes. Woe betide you if you’re late.’

With that he sauntered out. Shaking off the remnants of sleep she jumped out of bed and hastened to her clothes chest. Rummaging around in the bottom she found the items she was looking for. Within a couple of minutes she was dressed in tunic and hose. Then she tied her hair back, grabbed the new sword and hurried after Finn.

He was sitting on the old tree stump outside the barn, casually watching her approach. Feeling the power of that penetrating gaze she felt suddenly self-conscious. She’d taken a risk wearing these clothes but they were comfortable and practical, affording greater freedom of movement than a gown. Would he object? Her father would have had a fit. She’d only ever dared wear these things when he was well out of the way. Only Alrik knew about it but then he wasn’t remotely bothered. Finn was a different matter, an unknown quantity in this respect. Taking a deep breath she waited for his reaction.

However, he made no comment on her change of attire. Instead he drew his sword. ‘We’ll warm up first. You know the drills.’

She nodded, relieved by the businesslike tone, and drew her own blade. For the next ten minutes they moved through the exercises in silence. Lara lost her self-consciousness and settled into the familiar rhythm realising how much she had missed this. It didn’t take her long to get used to the new sword: it was strong but it was also light and felt as though it belonged in her hand.

After the warm-up the lesson began in earnest. She had truly expected her skills to be rusty after weeks of neglect, but after a couple of run-throughs the moves came back easily and then it all flowed again. When he saw that she was back into her stride Finn came to join her. He taught her a couple of new manoeuvres and then made her repeat them, watching critically, stopping her, correcting when necessary, then making her do it all over again. When he was satisfied he intervened and made her practise with him.

At that point the whole nature of the session changed and went up several notches to become much more exciting and infinitely more challenging. Lara did her best but no matter how hard she tried she was unable to break through his defence. He, on the other hand, could have killed her several times if he’d wanted to. Moreover, she suspected he wasn’t even trying. By the end of the practice she was perspiring freely whereas he hadn’t even broken into a sweat. It was galling but at the same time exhilarating and she knew she wouldn’t have missed it for anything.

Finn sheathed his sword. ‘We’ll leave it there for today.’

‘It was fun.’

He smiled. ‘You did well.’

His praise created an inner glow. ‘It came back more quickly than I thought it would.’

‘Once learned, the skill is never lost. It’s just that practice makes you quicker and better.’

‘I like the sound of that.’ She sighed ruefully. ‘As it is, if we’d been fighting for real I know I’d have been dead a dozen times.’

‘Once would be enough.’

It drew a reluctant laugh. ‘Yes, quite enough.’ Retrieving the scabbard she sheathed her blade. ‘I haven’t found a name for my sword yet.’

‘No need,’ he replied. ‘When the time is right the sword will tell you its name.’

She eyed him askance. ‘Can a blade speak, then?’

‘Aye, it can. All you have to do is to listen.’

For a second she wondered if he were teasing but the look in his eyes suggested quite the opposite. It sent a little shiver down her spine. Everyone knew that the relationship between a warrior and his sword was special, mystical. From the day he received it when he reached manhood he carried it with him always. He slept with it at his side. He looked after the sword and the sword looked after him. When he died it went with him to the grave or, if he had a son, it was given to him and so on through the generations. The names of the greatest swords passed into legend. For as long as skalds recited verse, the names of Hrunting and Naegling, Gram and Tyrfing would be remembered and thus achieve immortality like the warriors who once wielded them.

Her throat tightened and in that moment she truly understood the nature of the gift that Finn had given her. She would never possess his strength and probably only a small fraction of his skill but, symbolically, when he gave her the sword he did her honour by raising her to the status of an equal. It was a statement of the utmost respect and no little affection since it had undoubtedly cost a fortune. The knowledge was humbling. Most women never won the kind of regard from their husbands that he had shown her. He had given as much as he could; had shown as much as he could. Why then should she bemoan the fact that she couldn’t have his heart as well?

‘I’ll listen,’ she replied.

He nodded. ‘I know.’

His words filled her with pride. She would have liked to get closer, to show her thanks in a more personal way but she held back for fear that it would spoil the present mood. Besides, she was fascinated by what he was telling her because it offered an insight into a world that women didn’t usually enter.

‘Was that how you and your brother learned the names of Foe Slayer and Foe Bane?’

‘That’s right.’

‘It must be a magical moment when it happens.’

‘It is. It begins the bond between the warrior and the weapon.’

‘I can see that.’

By tacit consent they began to stroll back towards the house. She glanced up at him. ‘Have you received any news of your brother or cousin since you left them?’

‘No, not yet, but I will as soon as they’re able to send word.’

‘You do not fear for them in the meantime?’

‘I have a keen interest in their welfare but they are both strong men and mentally tough. Survivors, in other words. They will come through this too.’

‘I should like to meet them one day.’

‘You will.’

‘I know so little about your family. Is your brother married?’

‘He was, but it ended badly.’

‘What happened?’ She checked abruptly, realising that she might have gone too far. ‘Forgive me. That was an intrusive question. You don’t have to answer it if you’d prefer not to.’

‘Don’t be uneasy. It’s history now in any case.’

‘But painful perhaps.’

‘Painful is right. His wife fell into a black melancholy after the birth of their child and the balance of her mind became disturbed.’ He paused. ‘She tried to kill Leif and the baby.’

‘What!’

‘Leif survived, the child didn’t.’

‘Oh, Finn. What a terrible thing.’

‘Yes, it was. Leif was a changed man after that.’

‘It could not have been otherwise.’ She hesitated. ‘Did he...did he avenge himself for what she had done?’

‘The thought was in his mind but he couldn’t do it. Leif has never used his sword or his strength against a woman. It has always been a taboo among the men in our family. He divorced her instead and her kin took her into their keeping.’

‘He was merciful. Truly a good man I believe.’

‘I think he is. Besides, he had once loved her very much and he couldn’t forget that.’

Lara smiled sadly.
As you loved Bótey and cannot forget her.
‘I take it he never remarried.’

‘No, although I did think there was a woman who might have healed him, in time.’ He shook his head. ‘It was she who warned us of the planned attack by Prince Hakke’s men.’

‘It sounds as though she cared.’

‘So I think. However, the situation was complicated and we had to leave in a hurry shortly afterwards so I don’t know how it worked out between them.’

‘If he cared for her as much as she did for him then he will not give her up.’

He smiled. ‘Love will find a way?’

‘Yes, of course.’

‘You have a strong romantic streak, don’t you?’

‘Is that wrong?’

‘No, not wrong,’ he replied, ‘but real life usually isn’t romantic.’

Lara looked away but she hadn’t missed the message. Love and romance didn’t figure in Finn’s world view. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps such things were only found in songs and stories. If only she could persuade herself of that how much easier life would become.

‘Let’s just say that, in this case, I’m optimistic and hope for a positive outcome.’

‘I hope you’re right.’

‘But you doubt it.’

‘As I said, the circumstances were difficult.’ He grinned. ‘On the other hand my brother could never resist a challenge and he’s tenacious. If there’s something he wants he goes after it and he doesn’t give up until he wins.’

‘Like a hero from legend.’

‘He’d be delighted to hear you say so.’

‘Is he handsome?’ she asked.

‘I suppose he is. Why?’

‘Oh, no reason.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘You take a great deal of interest in him. I’m beginning to feel jealous.’

‘Do I have the power to make you feel jealous?’

‘Aye, you damned well do. Perhaps I shan’t let you near my brother after all.’

She glanced up mischievously. ‘Is your cousin handsome too?’

‘Erik?’ He shrugged. ‘Some women have found him so, I believe, but it was always a moonless night and they were drunk. Come to think of it, Leif looks better in the dark as well.’

The words drew a gurgle of laughter. ‘When we do meet I’ll tell them you said that.’

‘What, and risk early widowhood?’

‘Hmm. Perhaps not, then. What will you give me to keep silent?’

‘A kiss?’

‘Oh, I think I’d want more than that.’

‘Two?’

She shook her head. ‘Don’t imagine you’ll get off so lightly.’

‘Three? Four?’

‘At least.’

‘You drive a hard bargain but, since my life hangs in the balance, I suppose there’s nothing for it but to pay up.’

‘That’s right. At a time and place of my choosing, of course.’

‘So be it.’ His eyes glinted. ‘I warn you though I shan’t forget this injury or the shameless way I have been exploited, and I shall seek revenge.’

As imagination supplied the possible forms his revenge might take, her pulse quickened in response. She regarded him speculatively. ‘Should I be worried?’

‘Oh, yes,’ he replied.

* * *

They returned to the sleeping quarters to put up their weapons. Lara glanced at her clothing.

‘I need to make myself respectable again.’

He sat down, stretching his legs in front of him. ‘Please go ahead.’

She raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you going to watch?’

‘Of course I’m going to watch. It’s a husband’s privilege after all.’

Lara drew off her tunic and tossed it aside. ‘A husband’s privilege?’

‘Just so.’

‘Don’t I have any say in the matter?’

‘Certainly not.’

She removed the hose in leisurely fashion, leaving only the linen shift, then surveyed him coolly. ‘There’s just one thing you’ve overlooked, my lord.’

‘And what is that?’

‘You owe me certain payment.’

‘Payment?’

‘Earned from my silence?’

‘Ah, that.’

‘Yes, that. I require the first instalment now.’

‘Now?’

‘Indeed.’

‘Very well.’ He rose from his seat. ‘I must accede to your demands, lady.’

‘Yes, you must. Moreover, I must be entirely satisfied that the payment is just.’

‘I’ll try not to disappoint.’

He stepped closer and held her lightly in his arms, then slowly bent his head towards hers. His mouth grazed hers, soft, teasing, his tongue running along her lower lip. The touch created a shiver of anticipation. His teeth gently tugged at her lip and then the pressure on her mouth became a little more assertive, more persuasive. She opened to him, felt his tongue teasing hers and then the familiar flame kindling deep inside her. His thumb brushed across the peak of one breast and she drew in a sharp breath.

Finn drew back a little. ‘Does it please you, lady?’

‘It wasn’t bad,’ she replied, ‘but I cannot say I am completely satisfied yet. I should like the second instalment now.’

‘As you command.’

He resumed, his mouth on hers light and teasing and seductive, one hand caressing her back, the other her breast. The touch sent a flood of heat from there to her pelvis. She leaned closer, sliding her arms around him, breathing his scent, tasting him, her mouth yielding to his. The kiss became a little deeper. Lara groaned softly.

He paused, looking into her face. ‘My lady?’

She found her voice. ‘Better. The third instalment, now.’

He pulled her against him and his mouth slanted across hers, hard, searing, passionate. Her arms twined around his neck and she swayed against him. His hold tightened. She could feel the start of his erection, suggestive and arousing. More than anything now she wanted to continue this, to inflame him, to cast off all restraint and make him forget everything else.

Deliberately, provocatively, she rubbed herself against him. The response was a stifled animal growl in the base of his throat. He crushed her closer, forcing her head back as the kiss grew fierce and demanding, his hands clasping her bottom, pulling her against him and letting her feel the growing hardness there. Heat flared in response, flooding her pelvis, causing slick warmth between her thighs. She fisted her hands in his hair and returned the embrace, avid, hungry for him. And then restraint was abandoned and he gave rein to desire until her lips were burning and she was breathless and aware of nothing save him and the fire in her blood. The grey eyes glinted as his gaze locked with hers, predatory, dangerous and wickedly intent. Their expression sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine.

‘Finn?’

He picked her up and carried her to the bed. ‘I did warn you that I meant to have revenge, didn’t I?’