VIKING THRALL (Historical Romance, Medieval, Viking) by Joanna Davis Read Free Book Online Page A

over the settlement.
                  "Aye. One of the boys who fishes along the shore was injured when Arne's men stole his nets. They made sport of the boy, breaking his arm in the process. Now he cannot fish and neither he nor his mother Alna can eat."
                  Magnus frowned.
                  "Why did  no one tell me of this? Send someone to them. Tell Alna she and her son may take their meals here until he is healed."
                  "It will be done."
                  Magnus nodded at Vidar, feeding his thrall another bite of food.
                  "Tell me of your bairn Vidar."
                  The man brightened.
                  "A healthy girl Magnus. We named her Freya."
                  "A good name. May the gods bless you with a son next."
                  Vidar nodded, looking as though he were perfectly satisfied with a girl. 'Twas odd, but appeared to be true.
                  "All this talk of children has whetted my appetite for… other things. Come thrall."
                  He stood, taking Esme by the arm. The woman looked startled to say the least as the men laughed and cheered.
                  'Twas a celebration after all.
                  The perfect time for drink and rutting.
                  He grabbed a flagon of wine on the way to his chamber, humming along with the drummers.              "Keep playing! It will be a fine tempo for pleasure!"
                  The men laughed harder and he closed the curtain to his chamber behind him.

Ten
     
     
     
                 
                  "What are you about?"
                  Esme stood as far away from the Viking as she could. He was leering at her, looking somewhat drunk.
                  "You promised me…"
                  "Aye, I promised. But I grow weary of waiting. I will have what I want of you now woman."
                  "But-"
                  "Oh be silent. You agreed to let me try and convince you. That is all I ask."
                  Esme bit back the sharp retort on her tongue. She knew it was hopeless. Especially since every time the man touched her, she craved more.
                  Of what use to her was her maidenhood anyway?
                  It's not as if she were the rich daughter of a chieftain like Magnus or even a merchant like those who'd she'd seen traveling up and down the road back home. If she'd once hoped to marry, those dreams were long gone by now. No one would believe her a virgin after being abducted by Vikings.
                  Especially not if they saw the look in this one's eyes.
                  He was heating the room with his gaze, and there wasn't even a fire in the hearth!
                  Esme sighed, letting her shoulders droop. There was no way across the ocean anyway. And nothing to go back to other than being the caretaker for someone else's unwanted children. Just as she had been.
                  "Come."
                  He sat in his chair, beconing her imperiously with one meaty palm. Tentatively she walked forward. She told herself it was a matter of simply placing one foot in front of the other. That is all.
                  In no time at all she stood between his massive legs, feeling incredibly small and inconsequential before him. He smiled at her warmly, sending a thrill straight to her gut. Without even moving he reached out and pulled her into his arms. She was thrust against his chest. It felt like a wall.
                  A warm, pulsating, incredibly strong wall.
                  He pulled her hair gently, forcing her head back. She stared up at him, his piercing blue eyes seeming to see straight