Her Viking Saviour (Lore & Love Trilogy #1)

Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

The swoosh of an axe split the air and cleanly cleaved the block of wood in front of Torben. Chopping wood was a favourite pastime for him. It was especially good for a moment of quiet meditation on his thoughts. Thoughts he was unable to control since they were all of Wynflaed. Subtlety was not her strong suit. Her purposeful avoidance of him was clear and all he could do was ask himself questions he didn’t have answers to. Had he pushed her too far? Had his admission scared her?

He was so intent on the wood chopping and his thoughts that his instincts were slower than normal when he heard the leaves crunch. The noise was soft, so he knew it was a small person. They cleared their throat, and he knew who it was. His body sensed her and the reaction in his loins meant it could only be one person. Wynflaed.

He laid down the axe then turned around to meet her and was greeted by a sheepish look and crossed arms. Unsure but defensive. He offered what he hoped was a warm smile that would encourage her to break this silence.

“Wynflaed, I am very pleased to see you. Are you well?”

Her posture relaxed.

“Torben. I was wondering if we could talk. I know I have not been very–well–talkative of late.” She half smiled and then bit down on her lower lip.

Relieved, he waved her admission off. She had missed him.

“Of course, let us go sit over here.” He pointed to some stumps. “And I know I gave you cause for ire when we last spoke.”

Wynflaed blushed and sat down.

“I went from feeling jealous, to kissing you, to pushing you away in quick succession,” she said, not meeting his eyes.

He leaned forward, placed a finger under her chin, and turned her face to his. He wanted to be gazing deep into her eyes when he answered her.

“You did, and I have no judgement for either action. I have simply missed you and hoped our absence from one another made your heart grow fonder."

Wynflaed’s eyes dropped to his lips, and he felt their heavy breath mingle, but then she shook her head and pulled back from him.

“I came here to talk about Freydis.”

He nodded, now sensing that something to do with his sister troubled her.

“I see you have lifted her spirits greatly. The settlement has also responded to you in a welcoming way.” He searched her face for a clue.

“Yes, they have. I am very relieved, truth be told. Freydis and I have grown close. We work well together, and we will provide you with an update on the stores. But Torben, I fear I distressed her when she asked me what happened in Kyivan Rus and I said the name Guthred.”

The realisation hit, and he wanted to kick himself for having been so stupid. How did he not have the foresight to realise the matter of Guthred would arise between Wynflaed and Freydis? He had been too consumed by thoughts of Wynflaed. Her scent, her touch, and that fiery spirit. Her face showed her impatience as she narrowed her eyes at him. She wanted an explanation, and she wanted it now.

“Wynflaed, I gather you learned Freydis is furious with me because I forbade her marriage to Guthred. Rest assured. I have my reasons.”

“Which are?” Her response surprised him. After her experience, he had assumed it would be quite clear.

“He is not a good man. You saw him.” He heard the exasperation in his own voice. “I was protecting her.”

She nodded, seeming to accept the response.

“Why have you not explained it to her in this way, or shared with her how you came to save me?”

“She will not hear of it. And it will upset her more. It is easier for her to be mad at me than feel shame and regret that she wanted to marry the man.”

“I think what she needs is the harsh truth, unpleasant as it may be.”

“If that is what you suggest, I shall do it. I trust your judgement.”

Wynflaed covered his hands with her own.

“I have missed speaking with you. Being close in your company.”

“Have you thought more about what I said to you?” She must hear the eagerness in his voice.

“I have, Torben, and I was wondering, what kind of man would you say you are?”

Her voice was slightly husky, and he realised they had once again drawn close. He could feel the heat that emanated from her body as his own pulse started to thud.

“I am a man who wants to consume every part of you, Wynflaed. Your heart, your body, your soul.”

Throwing sense to the wind, he pulled her against his chest and kissed her hungrily. He had no restraint, which felt foreign since he prided himself on self-discipline. He plundered her mouth with his tongue and his hands swept the soft curves of her body. He felt like an animal. His primal instincts had overcome any rationality and, as she rubbed her body against his, her ardent response only fuelled his desire.

“I need you, Wynflaed. I need to be one with you,” he panted breathlessly to her.

I need her like I need my next breath of air.