The Raider Read Free

were in blood... but I also felt drawn to you. To leave you there to die seemed such a waste. I probably would have tried to help anyone. God wants us to help our fellow man. But I needed to save you in particular because, to me, you seemed... perfect.” During the speech, Godwin had inched closer, and now he raised his hand and gently brushed a strand of Thorstein’s hair away from his face.
    Thorstein grasped Godwin’s hand, thanking the gods for allowing him to see that Godwin craved him too. But Godwin seemed to shrink in on himself, pulled away and edged back until his route was blocked by the table.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Thorstein asked. He wanted to rush to Godwin and pull him into his arms, but he sensed that would only make things worse.
    â€œI am afraid.”
    â€œOf what, Godwin?” Thorstein asked. He could see the young man was shaking, and it hurt to see his friend so upset.
    â€œYou... me... whatever it is that’s been happening between us over these past weeks.”
    â€œGodwin, you saved my life, taught me your words so we could speak together. I consider you my friend... but I also desire you.”
    â€œI know.” Godwin paused. “I was hoping....”
    â€œWhat were you hoping?”
    Godwin gave a short, mocking laugh, and shook his head. “I don’t even know what I was hoping. I only know that now something
is
happening, I have never felt so afraid.”
    â€œI would never hurt you.”
    â€œI know. It’s not that....”
    â€œDo you trust me?” Thorstein waited until Godwin nodded, and then said, “Close your eyes.”
    For a moment, Thorstein thought Godwin would not stay, that he would make another run for the door, but then the war taking place in the younger man’s mind seemed to reach its conclusion, and he slowly shut his eyes.
    Thorstein approached with small steps, not wanting to scare Godwin further. When he placed his hands on Godwin’s shoulders, he could feel the man quake beneath him. He ran one hand down Godwin’s back, stroking him, massaging his shoulders, and then he leaned in and claimed those tempting lips in a firm but gentle kiss.
    Godwin’s breath hitched, but he made no attempt to pull away, and after a few moments, he brought his arms around Thorstein, hanging on to him as if his life depended on it.
    When Godwin’s lips parted, Thorstein eagerly worked his tongue inside. Godwin tasted of ale and honey. Just as sweet as Thorstein had imagined. He could have stayed like that for hours, but then Godwin whimpered and went limp in his arms, so he reluctantly pulled away.
    â€œAre you all right, Godwin?” A nod. “Would you like to come to bed with me?” A pause, but finally another nod, and a flash of brown eyes. “Come, then.”
    Thorstein led Godwin across to the bench and helped him onto the mattress. He wanted to rip the clothing from the young man’s body, but he forced himself take things slowly. He had waited this long, he could wait a few moments more.
    He kissed Godwin again, a little more forcefully this time, and sank a hand into his soft curls. Godwin responded with a groan, and Thorstein could feel the man’s hardness press into his thigh.
Good
. He raised Godwin off the mattress and eased his tunic over his head, tossing it on the table before reaching to untie the cord that held his trousers in place.
    Soon Godwin was gloriously naked before him, and the sight alone nearly brought Thorstein to the brink. His hands and face showed signs of the ravages of working outdoors, but his chest and legs were soft and pale, and Thorstein dipped his head to taste the skin there, working his way slowly down the man’s body to an accompaniment of delightful moans.
    When he reached Godwin’s member, Thorstein ran his tongue up the shaft and Godwin’s body jerked beneath him. Pleased with the result, he tried it again, this time swirling his