Page 22 of Viking in Love

“M’troll, then?”

He grinned. “And where is this Tyra going?”

“Home. To her husband at Hawkshire.”

She could tell that he wanted to ask why they did not go with her. So, she quickly attempted to get his mind on other things. “You are bleeding,” she observed.

“Huh?”

“Your face.”

“Ah.” He put a hand to his chin, then looked at the dab of crimson on his fingertips. “I cut myself shaving.”

“Three times?”

“’Tis fortunate I am that it was not more. Every time you began that incessant pounding my hand wavered.”

“Oh, so it is my fault you are so clumsy? Not your ale excesses?” She reached into a side placket of her braies and pulled out a linen cloth. She was tall for a woman, but he was taller; so, she had to go on tiptoes to reach his face, which she began to minister to.

He inhaled sharply.

“What? Did I hurt you?” I should be so lucky!

“Nay. ’Tis your scent.”

She tilted her head to the side in question and just scarcely refrained from lifting her arm to sniff, as he had.

“You smell like flowers.”

She nodded. “My sister Drifa’s rose-petal soap. Would you like some?” I could stick some down your slimy throat.

“So I can smell like a rose?” He smiled. “That would go over well when I ride to battle. I can overcome my enemies with rose fragrance.”

Grrrrrr. She smiled back through gritted teeth, despite her best intentions to keep the rogue in his place. “By the number of children inside, most of whom claim to be yours, I would say that a fair share of women, who would enjoy rose soap, reside here.”

“Or women who pass by.”

“Or pass by,” she agreed, knowing full well that he hoped she and her sisters would soon “pass by.”

One bit of blood had already dried. So, she wet the edge of her cloth with three quick darts of her tongue.

“By the rood!” he muttered.

She glanced up to see what he was muttering about.

His gaze was riveted on her mouth.

She licked her lips, assuming she must have something on them. Mayhap wood chips.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!”

“What?”

“Your mouth is…amazing.”

At first she did not understand.

And then she did.