Page 76 of Viking in Love

“Impossible man!” She laughed. Then she was the one to smack his rump.

He liked it.

Lick that, bozo!…

Breanne was trying her bloody damn best not to fall in love with the loathsome lout. She feared it was a losing battle.

As she lay on his bed, waiting for him like a sheep with no mind of its own, Breanne had much to consider. It was day five of their bargain. At the end of the next five days, what would their relationship be? Would he release her, or expect her to continue as his mistress? Would she want to? Or would he offer more?

Everything was turned upside down in her life, starting with the murder, the escape and hiding out, the departure of her sisters, and now her lewd activities with the loathsome lout.

And he was a loathsome lout. That had not changed. With ease, she could tick off the list of his faults on her fingers.

He ruled his keep, especially his children, with a lax hand. Thus the mess they had encountered on first arriving here.

He made jest of her constantly. What was wrong with a woman having talents outside the bedchamber or sewing solar? And carpentry was a time-honored skill, good enough even for God’s son. Not that she was comparing herself to Jesus.

He begat babies like a randy rabbit. Ten at last count.

He was lustsome all the time, ready to engage in sex at a moment’s notice, in the most outrageous ways and places. She had drawn the line at his taking her in a wheelbarrow position, her being the wheelbarrow.

He left Larkspur sparsely armed on too many occasions when he went off to fight in the king’s army.

On the other hand, she had to admit that:

He had taken a passel of children under his wing, many of whom were not of his blood.

Even as he teased her, he had a great capacity for laughing at his own foibles, as well.

He was a great lover, always ready to try something new. And, to her dismay, she was enjoying that virility very much.

Much as he loathed King Edgar, he served him well in order to preserve his heritage.

He offered protection for her and her sisters, albeit at a price, but a price she was finding increasingly easy to pay.

But wait. Here he was now.

Without knocking, Caedmon walked into his bedchamber and locked the door behind him. He had forgotten to engage the lock yesterday and therefore given the twins Alfred and Aidan more than an eyeful when they barged in just after dawn. Fortunately, they were both too young to understand what it meant when a naked woman knelt on all fours on the bed with a naked man taking her from behind. They had accepted Caedmon’s explanation that they were playing “horsey.” And, nay, they were not permitted to join in the game.

“You are smiling,” Caedmon said.

I am happy to see you. Oh, nay! I cannot say that. ’Tis too soon. He will use it against me. “I am counting the days till my punishment ends.”

A flash of hurt in his eyes was quickly masked over. “Punishment? You consider our bedplay punishment?”

Of the most painfully delicious kind. “What would you call it?”

“Pleasure.”

“That, too,” she conceded.

And just like that the vulnerability turned into arrogance. “Ah, well, then, I am about to punish you with so much pleasure you will beg me never to stop.”

Please do. “You are little inclined toward meekness, m’lord.”

He was already shucking off his braies and tunic, his blue eyes glinting with approval as he noticed her enjoying his unclothing. “Did you drink any of the powders today?”

“I did.”