Nordic Lessons Read Free

options. The darkness is hanging heavily between us. He’s cast in long shadows now and I realize that he’s right; we could easily be hit. The shoulder we are standing on is only slightly wider than the width of the Jag. We are effectively sandwiched between the motorway and a steep slope. I’m still apprehensive and am about to offer another objection when a loud, hulking wrecker comes in slowly off the road. Its engine emits a loud growl as it comes to a halt behind Mikkel. He turns to nod once in acknowledgment of the blond guy who’s seated high up off the ground in the cab of the wide truck.
    I turn away to walk back and gather my handbag from the front passenger seat. Thankfully, the strap is long enough that I’m able to sling it over me, cross-body style.
    I’m getting in that wrecker.
    I turn to make my way back to him and he calls out loudly over the whir of the engine, “Leave the keys in the ignition.”
    I swallow before answering, “I’ll give him the keys once I’m in the cab of the wrecker.”
    His eyes tighten to narrow slashes and his shoulders flex back slightly. “No. There’s no room. He brought his dog. This conversation is over, Elora. Get. On. My. Ride.”
    I’m frightened and clutch my handbag against me as the handsome blond guy, followed closely by a huge mastiff, hops down from the cab of the still running wrecker.
    He looks down at the ground and sighs heavily before glancing back up to say, “I’ll have him follow us into town, if it makes you feel better. Jesus Christ, female, I’m just trying to help you out, not fucking get my hands up your damn tight-ass skirt.”
    I need the ride, pure and simple.
    I let out a deep sigh that he doesn’t miss. “Oh. All right then. If he’ll follow us then I’ll come with you.” It’s just a lift into town, nothing more . Regardless of how frightening he is, I need his assistance. I turn back to place the key in the Jag ignition as I call out over my shoulder. “Let me just pop my flat key off the ring; otherwise I’ll be out on the street tonight.”
    Out of the corner of my eye I see him waiting, motionless. The darkness that is settling in around him like a velvet cloak suits his dangerous countenance far more than the tranquility of daylight. I lean down and push the key into the ignition. Sucking in a deep breath for reassurance, I walk the fifteen feet back to him. As I draw nearer I’m so infused with adrenaline that I feel lightheaded. I halt, close to his unique motorcycle and await further instructions. He’s speaking rapidly to his friend in Norwegian, pointing at the Jaguar then back to the wrecker. The supremely hot blond guy speaks in a low rumble, pointing up to the sky before inclining his head to Mikkel’s motorcycle. The oversized dog sits obediently on its chestnut colored haunches beside the blond man.
    Mikkel turns back to me. “Elora, this is Bern. Bern, Elora. He’ll have the Jag up on the wrecker in fifteen minutes. We can wait here for him or ride ahead. It’ll be pitch black soon. Your call.”
    Crossing my arms and rubbing my hands up and down to ward off the chill, I make my decision. “No, it’s fine. I trust that he’ll get it to the garage. We can head into the city now.” I step forward and extend my hand, saying, “Nice to meet you, Bern. I appreciate the help tonight.”
    He wipes his hand several times down the front of his jeans before taking mine briefly and nodding once before releasing my palm. I watch him walk over to the Jag, the loyal dog right on his heels.
    These Norwegian men are so difficult to read!
    Mikkel takes the final step, closing the gap between us as I lift my face to stare up at him. I’m awestruck. He’s far taller than my brother, who is precisely six foot two. I’m skittish beyond words as I stare up into those burning, golden eyes.
    “Don’t be afraid of me, Elora.”
    I blink because his tone is noticeably gentler, although his voice is still impossibly deep.