Her Viking Lovers by J. A. Bailey Read Free Book Online

have
known exactly what his friend was thinking but the years had changed him too.
Both Esa and Alrek shared a deep sadness. Maybe it had been brought on by his
disappearance. Rennir regretted bitterly he had put them through such grief and
intended to all he could to erase the painful memories.
    “Esa
has grown into a valuable member of our settlement, Rennir. You should be proud
of how she coped when you did not return.”
    “I
am.” He nodded. “But I perceive some sadness in her. I wish to make her happy
and I think you may be the key. Esa is riddled with guilt.” Rennir cocked his
head. “I believe you are too.”
    “What
makes you say that?”
    “You
lay with my wife did you not?”
    Alrek
placed down the beaker and folded his arms. “I did. And I shall not blame you
should you wish to cut me down for it. I will not fight it, I swear.”
    Rennir
shook his head in disbelief. Kill his closest friend? The man who had protected
his wife and their village all these years?
    “I
did not come here to kill you, Alrek. I have come to ask a favour.”
    “A
favour?”
    “You
care for Esa, do you not?”
    “I- já .”
    “I
wish to prove to her—to both of you—that I hold no grudges. I wish for her to
be happy.” He put a hand to Alrek’s shoulder. “I need your help, old friend.”

Chapter Six
    Esa
had just finished bathing and was about to dress when Rennir returned. He
tugged her to him by the edges of the linen she had wrapped about her. She
gasped as her bare breasts came into contact with his chest. Even through his
garments, she felt the hard contours of his body.
    “I
wish for you to do something for me tonight, Esa.”
    “What
is that, Rennir?”
    “Submit
to my wishes. Do not question them.” He left a trail of kisses down her neck.
    Her
heart raced a little. “Rennir, what is this? You know I shall do whatever you
wish.”
    He
drew back and swiped a finger down her nose. “Once, my lovely Esa, you would
have questioned such a command.”
    She
dropped her gaze. It wasn’t the first time he had inferred she had changed. And
she had. Her heart was divided, the painful hole that Rennir had left still had
not healed, even with his return. Years of grief could not be overcome so
easily. Did she disappoint him?
    “I
cannot help what time has done,” she reprimanded softly.
    Rennir
grinned. “Ah, there is my Esa. But for this night I ask for obedience. Can you
do such a thing?”
    “Of
course.”
    “Good.
Lie on the bed and close your eyes.” He tugged the linen from her.
    Frowning,
she did as he asked. Moisture gathered between her thighs and she shuddered,
not from cold as the fire burned brightly in the centre of the hut, but from
apprehension and some excitement. What did Rennir have in store for her?
    She
lay on the bed and closed her eyes, leaving her hands resting lightly above her
head. The fire crackled and she heard movement but could not track it over her
own heavy breaths. A hand came upon her breast and the straw beneath her
rustled. She gasped. That did not feel like Rennir. She opened her eyes and
found herself staring up at Alrek.
    “You
are meant to keep your eyes shut,” he scolded.
    “What
are you doing here? Where is Rennir?”
    “I
forgot the oil. He has gone to fetch some.”
    “Oil?
For what?” She went to pull the furs around her but Alrek brushed aside her
hand and skimmed his fingers down her body. “Why are you here, Alrek? I have
not seen you since Rennir returned.”
    “I
had to stay away, Esa. Rennir is your husband. What would you have me do?”
    “I
missed you,” Esa whispered, feeling tears clog her throat.
    “And
I you. But we have one last chance to be together. Rennir wishes it so and I
would do all I can to see you happy. He believes the two of us could make you
happy.” He palmed her breast and rolled a nipple.
    “And
what of you?”
    “I
shall be happy to hold you once more.”
    Esa
frowned. The idea of both men in her bed both thrilled and