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“We’ve all felt the sting of her wicked tongue,” another teased. “Just not on the right spots.”
“She’ll not hike her skirt for anyone,” a man called from below. “I wager cobwebs keep those slim thighs stuck together.”
Marteinn could attest that her legs opened quite easily for him, but not for these fools. Bastards. He stood, the trencher clattered to the floor and he brushed the food off his lap.
“Should I order another serving for you?” his tablemate asked.
“Only if you want me to shove it down your bloody throat,” Marteinn roared. “Never insult the woman in front of me again.” He eyed the kitchen door, determined to confront her.
In private, she could sling insults at him until she couldn’t speak. But in public, no woman, high or low born, would get away with embarrassing him. He entered the kitchen and the servants stared.
“Where is Mercia?”
One pointed toward the back.
He nodded and headed that way.
He watched intently as she kneaded, pounding dough with both hands, then rolled it into large balls. She set it aside and reached for more.
“Are you wise to speak to me the way you did?”
Her shoulders stiffened at the sound of his voice. “Get out. Some places are sacred to women.”
“You consider yourself a woman?”
She spun around, fury flashing across her face. “Woman enough to defend myself against an animal like you.”
“Defend?” He laughed. “Who resisted who last night?”
She fisted her hands at her sides. “Why do you insist on tormenting me?”
“Look at me.” The large stain covering his crotch made it look like he’d pissed himself. “There’s only one reason my braes should have a wet spot.”
She clucked her tongue. “Arrogant fool. You made your opinion well known to me. If you prefer the company of boys, check the stables.”
He lurched closer, angry that she’d even suggest it.
She slapped his face. “Get out!”
Marteinn cupped his cheek, shocked and amazed by her violent reaction. He grabbed her shoulders, snapping her to his chest. “I believe you asked me for something last night.” His mouth collided with hers, his unforgiving tongue invading her mouth. By Odin, she tasted like paradise.
She attempted a protest, but he swallowed her words, one of his hands cupping the back of her neck. He slid the other up her chest, palming her breast. He moaned as his prig begged for release. It wouldn’t take much to lift her onto the edge of the work table, hike her skirt, and ride her until she screamed.
She dug her fingernails into his arms and he kissed her harder, sucking the air out of her lungs. Her body relaxed then, and she returned his kiss with fiery enthusiasm. But when she boldly squeezed his arse with both hands, he broke away, staring down at her in wonder.
“Did I surprise you?”
He smirked. “The only surprise will be when I bend you over …”
“Mercia?” Rachelle called as she came down the hallway. “Did I hear correctly? You and Captain Marteinn exchanged unpleasant words in the great hall?”
Mercia blushed as she wiped her hands on her apron, then stepped around him. “Just a misunderstanding.”
Marteinn faced Rachelle.
Her gaze darted between them. “Did I interrupt something?”
“Nothing of importance.” He brushed past her.
