Page 37 of Viking Unchained

“The dead one?” Is there more than one?

“Yes, Dave is gone, but your eyes are the same.”

Here we go again. “Lots of people have the same color eyes.” Is your heart beating as fast as mine, vixen?

“No, not like yours . . . and Dave’s and my son Mike’s.”

Her mention of the boy caused him to grit his teeth to prevent himself from throttling her.

“I’m so confused.”

You are not the only one. “And that is an excuse for your wanton behavior? For kidnapping me?” Not that I am really complaining. Not anymore since I have benefit-ted so well.

“I did not kidnap you. I just . . . um . . . uh . . . temporarily restrained you.” She gave him a little hopeful smile.

You will have to do much better than that, sweetling. Gods! Where did that come from? Now I grace her withendearments? He shook his head to clear it and said, “Notice my lack of amusement.”

“We need to talk—”

I do not think so. Lest it is sex talk. “The time for talk is long past, m’lady, lest you mean to talk with your body again.”

He was already barefooted; so, ’twas easy to shrug out of his braies and shert.

Face blooming with color, she continued, “Before we talk, I would appreciate it if you would put your clothes back on.”

He glanced down at himself and his rampant “enthusiasm. ” Then drawled, “My nudity did not bother you afore.” I know when a woman likes my body.

The blooming color in her cheeks deepened. “Well, it does now. It’s not appropriate.” She licked her lips with nervousness.

“M’lady, I would like to know how you expect me to swive you with my manpart covered.”

“I don’t expect any such thing.”

Even as his mind boggled at her typical female ill-logic, he slipped the backs of his fingers under the strap of her garment, pleased at her hiss of outrage. Or was it arousal? Her skin felt warm and very soft. He watched in fascination as the fabric sprang back when he tugged it outward. “What manner of garment is this?”

“A leotard. It’s worn for . . . what are you doing?”

“Taking it off.”

“Why?” she nigh gurgled.

She cannot be so thick-witted. Can she? “Mayhap to even the playing field.” He glanced down at his own nude body for emphasis, then tugged her garment down to her waist, thus trapping her arms at her sides. What a gift from the gods is a woman’s body! She was tall and slim, but her breasts were full and rose-tipped with big nipples. She is definitely aroused, he concluded with satisfaction. He also noticed that her breasts were high for one who had born and mayhap nursed a babe.

“I refuse to do any . . . playing.”

“That is not up to you, wench.” Especially after showing me how well you play.

“And stop calling me wench.”

By the runes! I am going to enjoy taming this one. “Where did you get the idea that you have any control over my actions?”

“What are you going to do?”

Ah, smart she is to ask that question. “Plenty.”

She whimpered.

Whimpering is good. “Methinks you would make a good love thrall.”