Page 42 of Lord of Fire and Ice

Brandr went off like an arrowshot inside her, their releases in tandem.

She milked him with her contractions until he was spent.

Her inner walls clenched once more, and then she collapsed bonelessly on his chest.

He stroked her hair, glad she’d made no move to sever their joining before it was unavoidable. Her breathing slowly returned to normal. He felt her cheek lift in a smile against his breastbone.

He’d made her happy. Warmth flooded his chest. As far as accomplishments went, pleasing Katla the Black was as fine a thing as a commendation for conspicuous valor from the Byzantine emperor himself.

Then very softly, there came a small, ladylike snore.

“You’re welcome, princess,” he said as he pressed a kiss on her tousled crown. He waved a hand to snuff out the lamp without disturbing her.

Then he closed his eyes. He needed to take his rest when he could. With any luck at all, she’d wake in a couple hours, ready for another ride.

***

“Sister, a word in your ear.”

Katla stopped and waited for Finn on the path leading to the barn. Her best milk cow was calving. The black, small-horned beast had added three heifers and a bull calf to Katla’s herd over the years, all of them healthy and sound.

Since a person’s wealth was measured in stock as often as in coin, it was a happy occasion whenever a calf was birthed. While this particular cow had never had a difficult delivery before, Katla always tried to be near in case she had to tie a rope around the calf’s legs and help it out.

“What do you want, Finn?”

“Well, I wanted to talk to you about…that is…I see you’ve given Ulfson new clothes.”

“Hardly new.”

In the distance, a cow lowed in distress. She turned and set off toward the barn at a quick pace. Finn fell into step with her.

“The tunic and trousers belonged to Father—no, don’t give me that look,” she said, not slowing her determined stride. “They’re so old no one else would want them.”

“But how could you give a thrall Father’s things?”

“He’d want them used. You know how he was. He never let anything go to waste,” Katla said with conviction. “Besides, weren’t you the one who told me I needed to find clothes that fit Brandr? It’s a stroke of luck that Father was a large fellow too.”

“Brandr,” Finn repeated. “You call him Brandr now.”

Katla rounded on him, fists at her waist. “That’s the man’s name, isn’t it? What’s really bothering you, Finn?”

He pressed his lips together as if now that he had her full attention, he wasn’t sure how to proceed. He seemed preoccupied with his own boot tips.

“Speak your mind, or I’ll go on about my business.”

He looked at her directly then, his pale blue eyes filled with concern. “One suitor just left us. Another is due here this evening. Do you think it’s wise for you to take a thrall to your bed while you’re being courted?”

“You have no right to ask me that,” she said, stalking away in a huff.

Finn followed.

“Was your bed cold last night?” she demanded.

“No, but that’s not the point.” Finn raked a hand through his hair. “I’m not the one looking to marry.”

Neither was she, but she’d made the bargain with her brothers. One way or another, she’d have to see it through.

“I’m of age. I’m no man’s wife at present. What passes in my bedchamber is my business.” She stopped long enough to poke the center of her brother’s chest to emphasize her point. “Mine alone.”