Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 59320 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59320 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
As Rolf’s rhythm matched that of Erik’s thrusts, the intensity of the experience grew even more profound. It seemed as if time had stopped, and all that mattered in that moment was the connection between us three. Our bodies moved in perfect harmony, as if we were dancing together, our movements punctuated by grunts and groans and the slick sound of our bodies smacking against each other. The heady smell of our union, mixed with sweat, filled the room, adding to the sensations inside me.
In the midst of this alliance, I could feel the passion and desire emanating from Rolf and Erik, as if they were pouring their entire beings into this. Their affection for me, their longing for me, their desire to be with me—it all culminated in this moment of pure ecstasy.
As Erik reached his climax, his body trembled against mine, his breath ragged and shallow. He pushed in deeper, forcing the air from my lungs, muttering my name and Norse words over and over again, like a prayer.
Rolf, too, was reaching his peak, his thrusts growing more frenzied and desperate, his grunts reverberating through the room.
Then they both came at once with ragged cries that I’ll never forget, warriors losing—or winning—a different kind of battle. I felt the warmth of their seed spilling inside me, a testament to this reckoning.
When at last the moments passed, and the intensity subsided, I lay there between Rolf and Erik. Their arms wrapped around me, their bodies still shuddering from the after-effects of our lovemaking. As I closed my eyes, I felt a deep sense of contentment wash over me—a feeling of belonging, of completeness.
And yet, deep inside my heart, something stirred.
A restlessness, a fear.
A knowing that we wouldn’t be able to continue like this forever, me being shared by these two proud, beastly men.
At some point, I would have to make a choice.
Or rather, a choice would be made for me.
Chapter 16
Cherine
Afaint knock at my door woke me from my dreams. I blinked in the darkness, seeing only a shadow on the other side of the door and the faint stream of torchlight. Sleeping underground made it hard to know the time, and I was so exhausted from yesterday’s activities, I didn’t know if it was morning or night.
“Are you decent, Cherine?” came Rolf’s baritone voice.
Though I thought it cute that he cared about decency after we had performed some very indecent acts together, I was still a bit afraid. I pulled the blanket up to cover my chest and called out softly, “Come in.”
The door opened, and Rolf’s silhouette appeared, torch in hand.
“Good morning, my beauty,” he said. His eyes burned into me like black, shining stones. “I would let you sleep more, but it’s nearly noon.”
Oh goodness! I sat up straighter, but my temples throbbed from the movement. Too much wine—and too much sex—had caught up to me. I felt lazy and foolish.
“I was hoping you’d accompany me on a ride today,” he continued, still not moving.
“Where?” I asked guardedly.
“Oh, nowhere in particular. Some men brought in some peasant women from a nearby farm. We’ve decided to keep them as cooks. They’re currently in the kitchen making us a feast to take with us on our journey.”
The thought of other Frenchwomen brought a wave of shame. Here I was, trying to like the men I was with while they still remained detached and unmerciful barbarians. At least Erik wasn’t like that.
But I didn’t think I’d get to see Erik ever again, not in the way I really wanted.
“I’d like some alone time with you, Cherine,” he added. I couldn't miss the sincerity in his voice. “I want us to get to know each other…outside of the bedroom.”
I let out the breath I’d been holding. Though it didn’t quite get along with the Rolf I’d seen and heard about, he had been admirably gentle with me—when he wasn’t ramming me dry, that was.
“All right,” I said. “Can you please leave the torch with me? I’ll get ready now.”
“I’ll wait outside the door,” he conceded. “I don’t trust the men with my women, and I already sent Knut off to have lunch.”
I nodded and didn’t get out of bed until the door was shut behind him. I got dressed quickly, not wanting to press Rolf’s good mood by making him impatient. Soon, I was easing the door open and peering up at him with big eyes.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered, his eyes taking in my chest pushed up by the front of my embroidered dress.
As do you, I thought to myself. He reminded me of a majestic bear, beautiful and unpredictable, an animal that ruled the forest with his brutality and impressive bulk. If I wasn’t careful, I was going to turn myself on all over again.
He took my hand, making me feel small yet warm and safe, and together, we walked out of the manor to our rides. With him on his black steed and me on a calm chestnut mare, we set out toward the road, a basket of food hanging from the ends of my saddle.