Desire's Fury (Viking's Fury Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

portion of the stars? Do you know where the moon goes once the sun rises? Or where the stars hide from the daylight? No,” she said, staring at him. “So you expect me to believe that one god, this Odin your people worship, is the master of everything I can see and not see?”
    “I do.”
    She marveled at his closedmindedness. “Then why do you seek my magic?”
    “To save Silvia’s life.”
    “Ah.” That’s what Eva had been waiting for, to catch a glimpse of his vulnerability. “Then I suggest we reach another compromise. Simply swear by the sun, moon, and stars that you accept responsibility for my well-being, and I will go with you.”
    “You’re a willful woman.”
    “And you are a desperate man.”
    Roald waved her off. “If a meaningless vow will make you feel better…”
    “Meaningless?” His disregard for her faith angered her. “I withdraw the offer.” She started to pack up her food.
    As soon as the bread was safely in her bag, he spun her around, gripping her arms firmly. “I’ve played your game long enough, woman. Did you really think I’d give you a choice?”
    His brute strength didn’t faze her. “There is always a choice, Jarl Roald. A right one and a wrong one.”
    “Will you now instruct me on honor?”
    Family members often acted out of character when faced with a possible death. But there was no reason for him to manhandle her. “Let me go.”
    She met his blue gaze—finding it difficult to refuse him. But not because he’d threatened her. Eva knew how empty male posturing could be. Markkos did the same to her often enough.
    “Give up,” he said. “I am bigger and faster.”
    “I’ve faced fiercer obstacles than an uncivilized Viking.” As quickly as the words tumbled out of her mouth, she regretted saying them.
    It couldn’t be further from the truth. The man exuded strength and power. Even captured her deepest interest from the moment she awoke to him standing in her camp. And though Eva believed in unending kindness to all, he challenged her generous nature.
    “Swear by the sun, moon, and stars to protect me, Jarl Roald.”
    “Why are you obsessed with the heavenly bodies?”
    “If they didn’t exist, we’d lose our way in the dark.”
    “I’ve forgotten the traditions of the Sami,” he said. “Your ancestors are counted amongst the stars.”
    “Yes.” She couldn’t believe he knew that. “The daughter of the Sun favored my people so much, she gifted us with reindeer. And without them, we’d wither and die.”
    “All right,” he acquiesced. “By the light of the stars, if I fail to protect you, may your gods punish me.”
    She nodded with approval. “A last thing,” she said, offering her arm. “Touch this mark.”
    Roald studied the eight-sided star tattooed on her skin. “What does it mean?”
    “Tis the symbol of my family. Prove your respect for my lineage as a healer.”
    “Will it end our struggle?”
    “Aye.”
    “Then by all means…”
    He caressed her skin, sending a chill up her arm. She stepped back, fascinated by the involuntary reaction her body had. “Now, if you’ll turn your back to me while I dress.”
    He smirked. “A man usually grants a woman privacy as she undresses.”
    “Well…” She searched for her gown. “I ask for the opposite.”
    He grunted and, once again, gave in. Eva laughed to herself as she pulled her colorful dress over her head and tied the front laces. Roald Blood Axe wasn’t as menacing as he pretended to be.

Chapter Six
    A s if the whole situation with Konal and his new wife hadn’t been agonizing enough… Now, with Eva perched on his horse between his legs, every time he hit a rut in the terrain, her arse rubbed against him. Roald gritted his teeth as he resisted the urge to make her walk the rest of the way. He’d not intended to find an attractive healer. Any he’d ever encountered before were crones, twisted with age and wisdom.
    Only a few hours away from home, Roald decided to stop. He