Blind Redemption by Violetta Rand

When her hands wandered across his bare chest, he inhaled sharply, forgetting himself. What a hypocrite—hadn’t he warned his men not to mix business and pleasure? The seductive glint in Kara’s eyes destroyed any remnants of forbearance he had left. She wanted him. His mouth tightened possessively over hers. Their tongues flicked together violently, wrestling for control. The girl didn’t know what she was doing. He nibbled and licked his way down her slim neck, his hands enjoying the firmness of her lovely breasts. She sighed, burying her hands in his hair, panting with every stroke of his tongue.
    He gritted his teeth. Fate brought them together. In the long-term, her father’s interference might keep them apart, but not now. Lowering his head, he grazed her nipple with his teeth. How lovely she’d be naked in the water—swimming—clinging to him.
    “Lady Kara!” someone called from across the lake.
    “Shite.” Aaron jerked away.
    Her breathing was rapid and shallow. “Why did you stop?”
    “Didn’t you hear?”
    “What?”
    “Kara!”
    She sighed, irritated by the disruption. “Marteinn,” she said. “Ignore him, maybe he’ll go elsewhere.”
    Odin help him, maybe she was as much trouble as he thought she was. “We need to go back before we’re discovered.”
    “Do you fear my father?”
    “No,” he assured her. “I won’t risk your safety to steal another kiss.”
    “But—”
    “No arguments, please.” He wanted her now—on her hands and knees—aching and begging—pleading for him to do everything imaginable to her. “Believe me, I’d rather stay here with you.”
    They walked silently to the boat, then climbed in. When they landed on the other side, Kara jumped out. Aaron hooked her by the waist and pulled her close. “I’d rather hear Thor’s hammer strike than be separated from you.”
    “I’d be a liar if I didn’t tell you how disappointed I am.”
    He gave her a little shake. “Prudence wins the day.”
    “Fear loses it.”
    What else could he say? He wouldn’t risk the arrangement he’d made with her father to pursue his selfish desires. “I’ll be back, I promise.”
    “Where are you going?”
    “I ride north to establish a camp for the king’s new regiment.”
    “How long?”
    “I cannot say for sure, lass.” He gripped her hand. “Weeks, maybe months.”
    “That’s a long time.” She sighed. “Men forget their promises when they’re gone.”
    He cupped her face between both hands. “You’ll never be far from my mind.”
    “I want to believe you.”
    “Have I given you a reason not to?”
    She broke free. “Men come and go all the time, Jarl McNally. And they die in service to our country. I’ll pray for you. Goodnight.” She left him standing on the beach.
    By morning, the only thing Kara could think about was Aaron McNally. He sat only a few chairs away now, eating and discussing plans with her father. Before she’d entered the great hall, Gunter had told her all terms were finalized. Marteinn and three warriors were pledged into service for King Olaf.
    Peace had seemingly been achieved.
    She knew better. Firstly, her father hated this man. No matter how unaffected Aaron pretended to be, his eyes wandered her way at least five times. Maybe she’d missed something when she bowed her head to take bites of food. His stares were devoid of any feeling. Perhaps she shouldn’t have left him on the beach without speaking kindly to him. In reality, if her father caught them together, he’d have good reason to kill Aaron. That’s the last thing she wanted. She grimaced, then dropped her spoon on the table.
    “What troubles you, daughter?”
    Damn. She needed to get away before her father guessed what had happened between them. “I am well, father.”
    “Perhaps you are sorry to see Marteinn go. After the meal, take a walk together, I’m sure he won’t object.” Erik looked at his captain.
    Marteinn nodded. “Nothing would make me