Daughters (Nordic Fairies, #4) by Saga Berg Page A

Svala’s face between both hands and planted one last kiss before he released her and turned to the counter. “I have improved my recipe this time. Prepare to be dazzled.”
    Svala walked over to the fridge. “You always say that.”
    “And I’m always right, am I not?”
    She grabbed a carton of milk from the fridge and glanced at Trym. He arched his brows to indicate Viggo had a point, and the joy in his eyes warmed her heart. It was such a long time since she’d seen him happy. She only wished Alrik could have shared the moment with them. Their pancake tradition had included him for so long, it wasn’t the same without him.
    Viggo reached for the stainless steel bowl on the counter and nodded toward each item lined up in front of him, as if making sure everything was provided. “You really did consider everything this time, Trym.”
    Trym flipped to another page in his paper. “Oh, don’t worry, Vig. I’m sure I forgot something.”
    Svala and Trym shared a restrained smile as Viggo reached for the measuring cup next to the bowl. He measured the flour, completely focused on his task. “I guarantee you these will be the best blueberry pancakes you’ve ever eaten.”
    Svala placed her hand on the small of his back and he moved his left arm around her waist, pulling her close. She wrapped both arms around him and leaned her head against his chest, watching him work. He whisked milk into the batter, then cracked one egg open against the edge of the bowl with only one hand. She closed her eyes, sighed content, and listened to his steady heartbeat as he continued whisking.
    While Viggo continued whisking, the door bell rang through the apartment. Trym offered to open, leaving them alone in the kitchen. The second he’d disappeared out the door, Viggo turned to Svala with a wicked smile. He pushed the bowl to the side, and she chuckled when he grabbed her waist, lifted her onto the sink and positioned himself between her legs. She smiled into the kiss. “Trym will be back any second.”
    “I know.” The flour on his hands rubbed off on her face and powdered down on her negligee. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss, cupping her breast outside the silk fabric with another wicked smile. She grinned and answered the kiss with a slow seductive movement.
    Trym called for them in the hallway.
    “Ignore him.” Viggo pulled her closer and moved his hands into her hair.
    She followed the slow movement of his lips and even though something registered in the back of her head, Viggo’s lips held her complete attention. She slid a hand under the hem of his T-shirt, and up over his chest.
    “Oh my God!”
    They broke the kiss, turned to the door and froze at the sight of Freja, their bodies rigid as statues. With one hand clasped over her mouth, Freja backed up, tears welling her big blue eyes. Trym appeared behind her, shoulder’s slouching, a resigned look on his face. He gestured with his hands toward them and pressed his lips together, as if to indicate he’d tried warning them.
    The first tear rolled down their daughter’s cheek, and her voice came out just above a whisper. “You lied to me.”
    “No.” Svala slid down from the sink and approached her.
    “How could you? I trusted you.” Her face twisted into a grimace.
    “Freja, it’s not what it looks like.” Svala reached for her but Freja took another step back and raised a hand in the air. “Don’t!”
    Viggo walked up behind Svala. “Freja, please let us explain.”
    Freja’s lower lip quivered when she met his gaze. “Am I that repellent to you that you have to lie about being gay? Do I really repulse you that much?”
    “No.” Viggo walked pass Svala and tried to reach for her as well, but she moved away and bumped into Trym as she did. Trym placed a hand on her shoulder, and Freja flinched, as if she’d been burned, then quickly stepped to the side, her eyes stirring.
    “It’s nothing like that. Far from it. You’re the most