Her Heart's Desire Read Online Free Page B

many reasons to thank you.”
    “It's not necessary. The words I spoke to the jarls in your defense are true. There's been enough death. It's time for life.”
    “I hope all that I can give you will be enough.” The nearly bare goose bone trembled in his hand. “Perhaps I should return to my shop. We'll need food. In the spring I wish to build you a house. If I have no work—”
    “I wish you to stay with me.” Firm, but gentle. She didn't want to return to her room alone tonight. And given his concentration on the torc earlier, she suspected he would forget he had a wife and a place to rest his head if she didn't take him there herself.
    “Then it shall be done.” Eoghann shoved aside the remains of his meal. “My greatest contentment is to make my lady happy.”
    “You jest. I see it in your eyes. There are many things that would make you more content.”
    “I don't mean to disagree with you, wife, but you're wrong. My duty is to you before all else.” He took her hand, then brushed his lips across her knuckles. “I suspect that duty should direct me to our chamber.”
    “If you're finished.” Her voice came out breathy. The way Eoghann stared at her made her blood rush. He appeared ready to devour her, and she would gladly allow it.
    He leaned close to her ear. “You need only ask any time.”
    She swallowed. Could he know her thoughts? If he didn't yet, he would soon. She didn't hesitate, but clasped his hand harder, then rose from the bench.
    Eoghann followed willingly and they left the low buzz of conversation in the hall behind.

 
    Chapter Three
     
    Idunna woke to the soft tickle of fingers across her abdomen. She lay on her back and her skin pebbled as Eoghann's hand trailed up her stomach. The fire, low and dull orange, told her it must be early morning.
    He rested his head on her shoulder, all his attention seemingly focused on her chest and the space between her bare breasts. The short trace of his beard rubbed her bare skin—a pleasant sensation.
    She lifted her head a bit and his gaze shifted to hers.
    Hints of a smile played at his lips and crinkled around his eyes. “I've pulled you from pleasant dreams.”
    “There are less pleasant circumstances to wake up to.” She covered his hand. “Shouldn't you be asleep? Dawn will come shortly.”
    “And another tomorrow and another the day after that, but how many of them will allow me the pleasure of laying here looking at my wife while she sleeps?”
    “What good is watching me sleep?”
    The smile vanished. “It's the only time I don't worry I'll do something to displease you. To make you regret our marriage bond.”
    She cupped his face. “Stop. There's no need to think of those things. You've not given me reason to wonder if I made a poor choice.”
    Eoghann recoiled from her touch. “I killed your husband. Perhaps not with my own hand, but my part in what happened at Freysteinn—”
    “Is past. You are repentant, are you not?” The thought that he might turn on her seemed impossible.
    “More than you'll ever know.” He rolled onto his back, gaze on the ceiling. “I'm sorry for my part in all of it. I helped forge the swords that cut men down. Created the pain on the widows' faces and tears in the fatherless childrens' eyes. Instead of punishment, I received a reward beyond measure. How is that fair, Idunna?”
    She curled next to him and threw her leg over his. His chest rose and fell beneath her hand. Rough scars decorated his flesh. Proof of his bravery or torment, she didn't know. It didn't matter, for he was here with her, alive. “Nothing in the world is fair. Life and death happen without us choosing. Almost always. You're troubled, Eoghann, perhaps rightly so, but there is not a man or woman in this village who hasn't made some decision, some deal, in order to save his or her life. While I wasn't the happy bride I pretended to be when I was married to Ask, without him, I might be dead. Had you not carried a sword to