Blind Redemption by Violetta Rand Page B

convulsed with jealousy. He’d followed Marteinn after he left the hall, knowing where he was going and who he intended to see. Perhaps their affection was purely innocent, the kind that existed between a brother and sister. As much a chance of that as flies not being attracted to a sack of shite. He’d been here long enough to overhear the whispering thralls. Truth told, men squawked more than women when they were drunk. Erik the Bald intended his daughter for the chivalrous captain.
    Although he was a foundling with no home, holdings, or wealth, Aaron understood why the jarl might consider it an advantageous match. Marteinn’s loyalty would never falter. Aaron truly admired the man’s tenacity, his abilities as a warrior. Nothing more. Once he touched the girl Aaron intended to have for himself, it changed everything. He growled.
    Kara’s kisses on the beach were an unspoken troth. Her body belonged to him now. Carousing with harlots was one thing, but when a noble woman abandoned her virtue—any man of title must stand up for her—claim her. That’s what he intended to do. Save her—have her—own her completely.
    Assured she was alone now, Aaron stepped from the cover of the trees, revealing his presence.
    She stared at him, stunned. “Jarl McNally.”
    “Shame on you, Lady Kara . . .” Her cheeks flushed. “Didn’t my kisses satisfy you?” He stalked closer.
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “What would you have me do, send him away with a punch instead? Didn’t seeing me kiss another man end your interest in me?” Her eyes glistened in the sunlight.
    He chuckled. “I’d have you reserve your lips for me.”
    She rolled her eyes, thrusting her hand on her shapely hip. The dress she was wearing left little to his imagination—it hugged her feminine curves too well. “Why do you presume you can determine my future without knowing what I want? I’ll kiss whoever I wish.”
    The muscles in his neck and shoulders tensed. Did she really think she had a say? Look how poorly she handled herself alone with him—what else was she willing to do without proper supervision? In reality, Aaron mistrusted her because he didn’t trust himself. This realization intensified his feelings. “Save your complaints for another time. What I need to know, what I must know, do you have any attachments to Marteinn?” He desperately hoped she didn’t.
    “Of course, you fool.”
    Perplexing wench. He’d end her free-speak with another kiss. His jealousy overtook him. Naturally she felt something. “A familial tie?”
    “Call it whatever you wish.”
    The lass countered everything he said, wore bloody armor, toyed with weapons, and stole his breath every time she flashed those liquid eyes his way. A smart man would abandon her. “Lass, I leave soon, but rest assured, I will return.”
    “How fortunate for my father.”
    “Your father?” He remained fascinated with her wit. “This has nothing to do with your sire.” He bowed; there was not enough time to further explain himself. The king’s affairs could be put off no longer.
    Late afternoon sunlight filled the unusually quiet hall. Kara sat alone at the high table. Servants scurried by preparing for the evening meal. Why did her father join Aaron and Marteinn? With Geilir restricted to bed after tearing some of his stitches, Gunter was left in charge. Gunter! Nothing felt right. Especially after she watched Aaron ride away. Already confused by her reaction to him, his absence increased her discomfort.
    “Kara?”
    What was it about that accursed man that made her act so brazen and hesitant at the same time?
    “Kara.”
    She jumped. “Amelia?” How long had her maid been standing there?
    “What grieves you?”
    Kara feigned a smile. “Private thoughts.”
    The maid grinned, revealing a slight gap between her front teeth. “Shall I guess? Six and a half feet of perfect male?”
    Kara flushed. Did everyone think she wanted Marteinn? If she possessed the