Her Viking Saviour (Lore & Love Trilogy #1)

Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Torben was not proud to admit that he revelled in Wynflaed’s blatant jealousy. Her tone was frostier than the snowcapped mountains. The connection he felt with her was not one-sided and he wanted everyone and everything else to fade away so he could explore it further.

But alas, Gunhilda is making her way to me with a determined look on her face . He turned to follow Wynflaed’s gaze. She pulled her hand away and he felt the loss of her touch keenly. His hands flailed in the air, and he quickly moved them to his hips as he gave Gunhilda a nod.

“How do you fare today, Gunhilda? How are the goats?”

“All is well, Torben, and the goats keep me well amused with their endless singing.”

Wynflaed and Gunhilda stared at one another. They both had wide, stiff smiles that did not quite reach their eyes.

“Please accept my apologies, I have yet to make introductions. Gunhilda, let me introduce Wynflaed of Northumbria.”

Gunhilda nodded her head in greeting, her smile unmoving. He cleared his throat at the growing tension and turned to Wynflaed.

“And this is Gunhilda. She, ah, she tends the goats.”

“I gathered as much, Torben, when you asked how the goats were. I am pleased to meet you, Gunhilda.”

Wynflaed gave a polite curtsey and smiled sweetly.

“Is there something I can do for you, Gunhilda?” Torben asked, attempting to move this awkward situation along.

“If you are free when the sun starts to set, I thought I could interest you in some mulled mead. I have a new brew I think you will enjoy.”

Gunhilda’s insinuation was not lost on Torben as she held his stare. The energy from Wynflaed’s glower was so powerful he did not need to turn to see her reaction to the innuendo.

“I think not, Gunhilda. I will be occupied elsewhere.” There was a tense silence so he cleared his throat, but all it did was heighten the awkwardness. Suddenly, Wynflaed stepped beside him and smiled at Gunhilda.

“Is there anything else we can do for you?” she asked with a polite authority.

Gunhilda’s eyes blinked widely at the bold query. She looked between Wynflaed and Torben, exhaled, and drew herself to her full height.

“No, I think I have all I need to know. It was nice to meet you, Wynflaed. I bid you both farewell.”

Torben turned and looked down at Wynflaed and a smile twitched on his face.

Her jealousy and possessiveness made his blood run hot and it meant Wynflaed held the same feelings for him. She had claimed him. As fierce as Freyja in war and love, his little termagant still glowered at him from behind her forced smile.

“Is this what I am to expect, Torben?” she demanded, hands on hips.

“What do you want from me, Wynflaed?” he asked softly. Actions were one thing. But he needed words.

“I want to know what that woman means to you.”

“In truth, I have warmed Gunhilda’s bed but that is all. My feelings beyond that are the same I feel for any of my people.” He watched her absorb the information.

“And what of me?” Her voice was now soft, the ferocity gone.

“Since I laid my eyes upon you, Wynflaed, you have consumed my being. I yearn for you. Your thoughts, your touch, your fiery spirit. I want to know every inch of you, inside and out.”

His words made her tremble, so he pulled her close.

“Do you shiver with fear or because you feel the same?” he whispered.

“I cannot make sense of it, Torben, but I feel the same.” Before he could respond, she pressed herself up and kissed him hot and hard, her lips searing her claim.

She released his mouth and shook her head.

“Torben, this is absurd, you are a Chieftain, and I am a servant. All I can be is another lover to you.”

“That is not how I see you! Nor what I expect!”

She stepped away and he felt powerless to stop her.

“I need to think all of this over, away from you.”

“I will respect your space, Wynflaed.” That was all he could bring himself to say. As he watched her walk away, he ruminated. This was the first time in his life he had felt so strongly for a woman and braved telling her and now he was left standing alone, feeling like a fool. A raven swooped down and sat near his feet.

“Ah, my friend. To have even a raven take pity on me makes this a very sad moment indeed.”