Page 49 of Shared By the Vikings

“He loves you.”

“He does.”

“Do you believe him to be dead?”

Ingrid shifted then turned in his arms. It was strange how quickly it had become normal to sleep surrounded by Erik’s protective strength. “Does it sound crazy if I say no, I don’t? I can still feel his presence, his energy, as though his feet still walk on this earth.”

“I don’t think it’s crazy, we survived so why wouldn’t he?”

“But surely he would have swam or washed up here, on this beach, or nearby.”

“The sea was wild that night. Plus I didn’t swim much, not with holding you. I had to rely on the current. Tali and Gunnvar stuck with me.”

“So you think he could be down shore?”

He looked steadily into her eyes. “You say you can still feel his energy?”

“Ja.”

“Then I think you should allow yourself hope, Ingrid.” He brushed his hand over her hair. “If finding Raud is what you truly want.”

“It is.”

He ran his hand over her neck and down her back. “Then I hope you get your wish.”

There was a small note of tension in his voice. As though a sliver of steel had caught on just one or two of the words.

Does he not want me to find Raud? And if so, why not?

“Come on, we should eat, the sun is rising and there is much to do.” Erik released her and rolled over, shifting the bedding and sand beneath him.

He unfolded his huge body, shook the dry grass and sand from his clothes and hair, then stretched. His tunic lifted from his belt, revealing a slice of the skin on his back.

Ingrid missed him being at her side, his arms around her.

Sitting, she propped herself onto one arm and watched him drink from a tankard. A small wriggle of a thought came into her head; it was just a thin line, barely a scratch, but as she gave it room it grew. It became a thick line that was permanent ink on her heart. Something shifted deep inside her.

I’m meant to be with him.

Had the gods planned her to be with Raud or Erik? And what about Gunnvar?

It wasn’t unusual for men to take multiple wives, but a woman to take multiple husbands?

I am a princess.

Had Freya, with all her goddess wisdom of love, beauty, and sex, decided that she, Ingrid Baardsen, would have lots of men to adore and protect her?

And spank me?

She clenched her buttocks. Today she’d be sure not to get a spanking; it was the last thing her tender rump needed.

“Ingrid,” Tali called. “Come and eat before the sun hits the top of the sky.”

“It’s not that late,” she muttered and dragged herself to standing. Like Erik, she shook the remnants of the bedding from her clothing and stretched.

Tali watched her, a slight smile curving his lips.

“What?”

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