Njáll pulled her into his embrace, holding her tight and shielding her from the wind. Hot breath fanned over the shell of her ear. Strong arms held her firm against him, her tears staining the silk of his tunic.
“Now that I have your heart, little flame, I cannot give it back. All I can offer you in return is my devotion. A promise to love you until my final breath.”
Thirty-Four
Njáll
The musky scent of their arousal filled the dwelling. Njáll refused to let it dissipate.
For three days, he’d kept Elara captive in his furs, worshiping the elegant curves of her body until she fell apart on his fingers, tongue, and cock.
She’d thoroughly ravished him, leaving him more sore than after a day of training. And she was his to use as she saw fit. Whatever she wanted was hers.
He woke to the beautiful sight of her crimson mane spread across his chest, the weight of her thigh resting on his hip. Holding her wasn’t enough. He needed to devour her, claim her, until his essence was branded on her soul.
The tip of his nose brushed along her pulse, inhaling her sweet scent. A sleepy sound hummed in her chest, her lashes fluttering. The subtle smoky scent of her seiðr filled his lungs and he watched her for signs of distress, relieved when none came.
He’d abandoned his duties as Jarl until today, with the leave of his Konungr—all to show his kona his love was not some fleeting fire.
Soon, he’d have to return. For now, he savored her like berry wine.
Fine silks and soft velvets overflowed from his chests. All for her.
Even though all she craved was him. She cared little for the dyed dresses and the glass jewels and the gold brooches.
He’d spend hours cleaning the grime and soot from his skin only to slick it with sweat attempting to sate her hunger.
Still, he took pleasure in seeing her adorned in finery. Fineryheprovided for his kona.
She’d slip into a moss-green dress that suited her eyes, only for him to command her to shed it for the shimmering silks he’d purchased. He’d hung carved bone pendants from her slender neck, whispering crude, possessive praise against her slender throat until she whimpered.
Then, he’d worshiped the gentle slope of her waist, marking her creamy skin.
Most nights, he knelt between her thighs, his tongue serving her pleasure until she screamed his name, convulsing and begging for more.
His fingers ghosted along her arm, drawing runes into her abdomen.
One for strength, another for honor, and the last for protection.
A smattering of freckles ran along her shoulders, and something solidified as he traced the constellations on her body.
This was his future.Shewas his future.
He’d seen the poise of the woman who would one day stand beside him. How she maintained her reverence for life in a place intent on shearing it from her. He’d bind himself to her.
This passionate, fiery woman would be his wife. He’d marry his kona, binding their hearts and souls.
Reluctantly, he crawled out from under their furs, careful not to disturb her.
A discontented sound escaped her and she shifted, burrowing further into the bed.
This was what he wanted. To wake to her in his furs and in his arms, her face soft in peaceful slumber.
His cock twitched and Njáll rolled his shoulders, pressing a chaste kiss to her temple before getting dressed. Unfortunately, he could not stay locked away with her forever.
Too much of everything coiled in his muscles. Too much emotion. Too much energy. Too much desire.
The hard ground rumbled under his steps as Njáll ran the perimeter of the training grounds until his lungs burned.
