Page 9 of Claimed By the Viking

“A sharp knife is all I need, or you may lead me to a high place. Only then will there be nothing more to endure.” The anguish had gone from his expression, replaced by a forlorn emptiness.

Tears welled in Signy’s eyes.

She understood what he was asking.

CHAPTER 4

“What say you?”Viggo was aware of her kneeling close. Reaching down, he found her hand. Was she looking up at him? The direction of her voice indicated it was so.

What does she see?

A broken man without hope? The set of my mouth revealing my misery? My eyes speaking of shame? She must understand. Better to remove myself from this world than remain a burden. ‘Tis the only honor left to me.

He’d little inclination to father a child—least of all one he’d never see—but if the bargain ensured an end to his suffering…

Her breathing was audible, each exhalation stirring the air in the small space between them. Strange that he could sense such a thing, but in the prevailing, oppressive darkness, there was only her presence. The rest was emptiness—a void he’d no strength to breach.

His first thoughts had been of uniting with his jarl, but that now filled him with repugnance. How could he stand before Eldberg, or any other, knowing they’d view him with pity?

The young woman was yet to answer, and the pause lay heavy. Aware, suddenly, of how tightly he gripped her hand, Viggo relaxed his hold.

“Do you assent?”

She made no move to withdraw, allowing her fingers to remain encircled by his.

“I do.”

Though her voice wavered, it held enough conviction to assure him that when the time came, she would do as he asked. He would not be forced to live in the darkness—excluded and alone.

He blew out a breath, the tension in his shoulders falling away. The deal was struck. All that remained was to impregnate her, and the sooner, the better. If she was fertile, it might take only one cycle of her blood to achieve what was needed.

“Come then.” He pulled her upright. “Release my cock, then sit across my lap with your skirts lifted.”

“What?” She sounded alarmed.

“We needn’t waste time.” Their bargain didn’t include sweet-talk to moisten her cunny. If the wench wanted his seed, she’d have to make the best of it. “I’ll harden soon enough. Use your mouth if you want to speed things along, or frig me with your hand, but a good rub of your netherlips upon my length should do the trick.”

“I hadn’t thought… that is… do you mean to start so soon?”

His irritation rose at her hesitation. “First, you implore me to the deed; now, you delay. Make up your mind. Am I to pretend soft feelings to prise your legs apart?”

“No. That is, I don’t expect…” Her voice trailed away. “‘Tis merely sudden.”

He shrugged. “Your hesitation does nothing to stiffen my staff.”

“Oh.” What was that timbre in her voice? Hurt? Or bewilderment?

If she was old enough to ask for what she wanted, she was old enough to take what he gave her. In truth, the thought of herastride his lap was already rousing him. With her legs wide, her sheath would offer a slick entry. He licked his lips, anticipating how it would feel. If he pulled her down by the hips to take him to the hilt, ‘twas a position that made a woman grip pleasingly upon a man’s shaft.

“You don’t wish for us to…” she paused. “Lie down or to remove…”

Viggo frowned. Did she want them to lie like summer lovers in the meadow, twisted in some coddling embrace? She’d be asking him to kiss her next.

But for the sake of getting it done, he’d do as she wanted. With a sigh, he yanked off his tunic, then pulled at the tie on hisbraies, pushing them downward.

“Come then! If you’ve a mind for me to handle your breasts, take off yourgunna. I’ve no objection.” As if in agreement, his cock, already at half-mast, leapt up to graze his abdomen.

“As you say.” Her voice came somewhat breathless, accompanied by the rustling of skirts.

---