Authors: Phoebe Conn
Brendan waited until Freya and her tiny maid had disappeared around the back of the stable before he started for Erik’s house. He could not get over the fact Freya had again spoken to him as though he were a valued servant who had been with her family for many years rather than as a slave who would be spending only a few months in her care. She was so kind, he thought it a great pity her eldest daughter had inherited her remarkable beauty but none of the gentle sweetness of her ways.
While Soren had learned at an early age that Svien would inherit their father’s farm, he had also been told his brother would give him a generous amount to compensate him for his share so that he could acquire property of his own. That tradition kept a family’s holdings intact rather than divided from one generation to the next, but it had always rankled him that he was not the firstborn.
Erik’s sudden announcement that he intended to clear unclaimed land and build a house had surprised them all, but Soren found it particularly troubling. What if Erik’s land proved to be better than any he could find when he got ready to go out on his own? Being the second son was bad enough, but to have a half brother who was also competing for the remainder of the island’s land was doubly unfair. He rode along, his expression as downcast as his mood, for while he knew Erik had never presented any competition for his father’s love, land was a different matter altogether.
Turning back often to glance over his shoulder at Soren and Thora, Erik correctly guessed the cause of the boy’s frown. His vow to spend more time with Soren had been a sincere one, and he slowed Shadow’s pace until the boy reached his side.
“I thought we might begin looking for land for you today too, Soren. It will mean we’ll have to clear a larger portion of the forest, but if you’re willing to help me, then I’ll do all that I can to help you.”
As Dana listened to Soren’s enthusiastic response, she could not help but admire Erik’s thoughtfulness. He was a remarkable young man, one who always had time to acknowledge the needs of others, and was never selfish about his own. Was Jarald’s character as admirable? It took her little time to ponder that question, for nothing she had ever seen Jarald do or say led her to believe he gave a moment’s thought to anyone but himself.
Of course, when it came to selfishness, she could not imagine a worse bully than Brendan. He was not only selfish, but obnoxious, arrogant, and demanding too. She had promised herself she would not dwell on the Celt, but somehow he had managed to invade her thoughts again. That was the only subtle thing about the slave, she mused silently—the way his distractingly handsome image crept into her mind no matter how hard she fought to keep him away.
Wanting to make the best choice of lands, the riding party covered ground they had ridden over for years but had never stopped to analyze. Haakon had a protected harbor and docks for his ships, but the shoreline adjacent to his offered nothing in the way of natural harbors for his sons to claim. Soren was certain Svien would allow them to use the docks when they became his, but Erik knew that day might be many years away. Because Haakon had never taught him how to sail, nor taken him on any voyages, Erik knew he ought not to count on the man sharing his docks with him.
“When neither of you owns a ship, is having a harbor all that important?” Dana inquired playfully.
“Yes, I think it is,” Erik insisted, and as usual he had a valid reason for his opinion. “If we are choosing land for generations to come, we ought to choose it wisely.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make light of your efforts,” Dana responded immediately. “It’s only that the meadow where we had our picnic is so lovely I’d claim that land and worry about a harbor later.”
Erik couldn’t help but smile broadly at that suggestion, for it was such a good one. To build a house on the spot where he and Berit had first allowed their feelings for each other free rein was wonderfully appealing. Drawing Dana aside, he whispered his request. “Would you do something for me? Tomorrow I’ll tell Soren I’m too busy to look at land. Would you go to Grena’s and invite Berit to go riding? I need to talk with her and let her know what we’re planning.”
“Of course,” Dana agreed. “I’ll be happy to help. Just tell Brendan to saddle my mare, and I’ll go first thing.”
“Thank you.” Erik bent down to brush her cheek with a kiss. Then, seeing that Soren and Thora looked tired, he suggested they start for home.
The next morning Dana was relieved to find Dawn’s Kiss saddled and waiting, but just as she reached the mare, Brendan suddenly stepped out of the stable to confront her. “It’s been two days,” he announced hoarsely. “Whatever hateful thing you plan to do to me, I want to get it over with now.”
While Dana was accustomed to his frown, Brendan’s expression held more than disgust that morning. He looked dead tired, as though he had been under a terrible strain, and since she had done her best to avoid him, she couldn’t imagine why.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m planning only to ride over to Grena’s to see Berit, and that doesn’t concern you.” While her voice was steady, Dana blushed slightly at the thought of her part in arranging a romantic rendezvous.
“How long are you going to make me wait?” Brendan asked in a threatening whisper.
“Wait for what?” Dana asked innocently. He was wearing one of his new kirtles, and the soft blue-gray shade made the vivid sapphire of his eyes all the more attractive. “I’ve told you more than once to ask Erik for whatever you need.”
Brendan then moved so close he forced Dana back against the side of her mare. “I know you, Dana. You must still be seething after what I called you the other day. Why haven’t you already punished me for that insult? Do you intend to wait a few more days, hoping I’ll think you’ve forgotten so when you finally bring out your whip the torture will be all the worse?”
He had called her a heartless pagan bitch. The problem was she did have a heart, one that pounded quickly each time he was near, but until that instant Dana had not understood just how thoroughly he despised her. Her first impulse was to reach up and touch his cheek because she dared not draw him into an embrace. Yet it was plain that her touch would merely revolt him, and she left her hands at her sides.
Scarcely knowing where to begin to refute his ridiculous allegation, she summoned all the tact she possessed. “The only tortures you’ll suffer over our misunderstanding will be of your own making, Brendan. I have no plans to punish you for what you said when the fault was mine. You have every right to your privacy and needn’t have answered my questions. I didn’t realize how our interest in finding a husband for Moira would sound to you either. I’m so sorry you’ve worried needlessly over this, but I am neither heartless nor cruel and I’ve no desire to cause you any pain.”
Brendan’s startled gaze swept Dana’s expression, searching for evidence she was the liar he knew she had to be, but all he found was a stunning sincerity that made him feel like a complete fool. He had done little since they had parted but imagine how she would delight in humiliating him. To find she did not consider the violence of their last exchange worthy of a reprisal was almost more than he could believe.
He took a step backward as he fought the ridiculous urge to apologize. He wondered now if she would have suggested he marry Moira if he had answered her questions. Why hadn’t he had sense enough to lie? He could have told her a dozen different stories, all equally heartbreaking, and all true. What would it have mattered that they were not his? He decided not to speak for fear he would make a bigger fool of himself than she must already think he was. Instead, he reached for Dana’s hand. He brought it to his lips for a brief moment, and caressed her palm softly with a gentle kiss before releasing her. He then turned away, certain he would never understand her or his compelling need to try.
Dana closed her hand carefully, as though she could capture Brendan’s fleeting kiss and hold it for all time. That he had expected her to beat him was heartbreaking, but she was glad he had accepted her reassuring comments without the hostile response she was used to receiving from him.
Her mare turned her finely shaped head to glance back at her, and she realized that if she delayed any longer, Erik might think they weren’t coming. Not wanting to be late, she led the eager horse over to the stump at the side of the stable door, where she could mount more easily, then left the yard at a brisk trot.
Fortunately, Erik’s plan went smoothly, for Grena was delighted to allow Berit to go riding with a cousin she considered not only lovely, but levelheaded and wise. As soon as they had left her farm, Berit began to talk in a breathless rush.
“My mother tells me frequently that I should spend more time with you. She thinks you’re going to marry Jarald, and she wants me to follow your example and flirt with his friends. I didn’t tell her that you’ve no interest in the man, despite his wealth.” Berit giggled mischievously, thinking that a marvelous joke on her mother. “Is Erik going to meet us somewhere?”
“Of course,” Dana assured her. “I like your hair that way. It’s very becoming.”
Because Erik had asked her to wear her hair loose, Berit had begun tying her long honey-blonde tresses at her crown with a ribbon and letting the back fall free. “Thank you. This is the way Erik likes it.”
Dana regarded her cousin with a curious frown. “When did he see you wear it that way?”
“The last time we were together,” Berit replied with a fetching blush. “I can’t wait to see him again.”
“He’s very anxious to see you too.” As they neared the wooded area that Erik had chosen for their rendezvous, he rode out to greet them, and Dana suddenly felt dreadfully out of place. The three of them had had such a good time at the picnic after the hunt, she had not dreamed she would feel so awkward, but when Erik gave Berit a long and enthusiastic kiss, she couldn’t bear to remain with them.
“I know you two want to talk, and the day is so pretty I’d rather ride. I’ll meet you here later,” she called out, and urging Dawn’s Kiss to a canter, she hurried away.
Surprised by his half sister’s rapid departure, Erik stared after her before dismounting and leading Berit’s horse into the woods. “What did you tell Dana?” he asked as he reached up to encircle the blonde’s waist and swing her down beside him.
“Why, nothing,” Berit gasped in dismay. “How could you think that I would?”
Erik had not meant to upset his delightful companion, and he pulled her into his arms for another lengthy kiss before he spoke again. “You’re not sorry, are you?”
“Sorry? Oh, Erik, you’re making no sense at all this morning!” Berit cried out in a petulant moan. Wanting to recapture the loving mood they had shared when last together, she stood on her tiptoes to return his kiss. “Dana said that we would want to talk, but that’s not what I want to do at all.”
Erik intended to discuss his plans, but when Berit pressed her breasts to his chest and he felt her nipples grow taut, he found it impossible to think of anything other than making love. He needed no further coaxing to draw her down on the soft blanket of grass at their feet.
Berit gave a triumphant squeal as she slid his kirtle off over his head. “I like the fact you’re dark. I always have. It makes you unique.”
Erik knew he was unique in many important ways, but he didn’t want to point them out now when she had meant only to pay him a compliment. “I like the fact you’re fair,” he murmured instead as he lowered his mouth to the curve of her throat. As before, her smooth skin was scented with a sweet floral fragrance that was as enticing as her generous affection. She returned his kisses with a child’s enthusiasm for a new game, but he wanted her too badly to question the reason for her responsiveness.
Berit relaxed in Erik’s arms, and yet she was never still. She raised her hands to ruffle his hair, then slid her fingertips down his back to hold him close. When he tugged on her tunic, she removed it quickly, then slipped off her chemise. By the time she had cast her linen shift aside, he was also nude.
They were screened by the lush canopy of leaves overhead, and the sun covered their sleek bodies with shimmering patches of light. They pleasured each other as they drank in the intoxicating sight of the other. Masculine strength and feminine grace, the lovers were soon entwined in an ageless clasp as they lost themselves in the stunning beauty they again created together.
As the pleasure swelled within him, Erik was certain Berit was unlike any other woman ever born, for she loved him with an unabashed delight that made him dare to believe for the very first time that he was the equal of any other man. Her glance was filled with playful affection, but her kisses promised undreamed-of ecstasy, and he wanted all she could give, and still more. He plunged deeply into the welcoming heat of her velvet core with a forceful rhythm, enthralled by a love more precious than he had ever hoped to find.
The rapturous bliss that swept through Erik filled Berit with a longing for fulfillment that grew ever more intense until at last it burst within her in a shower of splendor that sent her spirit soaring. Never had she expected making love to be so wildly pleasurable, and she clung to the handsome man she adored until the last tremors of joy they had shared had become no more than a lazy warmth.
“I don’t ever want to go home,” she breathed softly in his ear.