Viking Fire Read Free

“Whilst you are without clothes?”
    “I assure you, sir, we will have no wedding night.” Her blush radiated from her chest and spread between her legs.
    “You wish to wed during the day then?” He took a step closer. “Very well, daylight will be all the better to see you.”
    Music and laughter from inside filtered through the night air. He strode toward her.
    She braced for his advances, wondering if she had the strength to inflict enough pain to make him reconsider. Part of her wanting to run, the other part daring him closer in challenge. God’s toenails, how could she have forgotten her dagger?
    A breath from her, he stopped. Her heart hammered in her chest.
    His fingers brushed aside a strand of her auburn hair that had slipped from her braid.
    The brief touch sent fire coursing through her. Afraid her legs would give way she leaned back against the wall. He did have a wonderful smile though, with full lips and small white scar that went from his lower lip to his chin.
    If he kissed her, she would like nothing more than to bite through those lips leaving another scar far worse than the one he already bore. Or her dagger would have been enough to keep his lips at bay. Why had she forgotten it when Elva dressed her?
    Best to make him leave, and soon. He watched her for what felt like an eternity.
    “Sir, you take far too many liberties.” Her eyes darted behind him at the dancing. Rebecca craned her neck to see what they did outside the great hall unescorted. “Others…” Kaireen began, but she stopped seeing anger flare in his eyes.
    “I take none.” His mouth firmed. “You are to be my wife. I take liberties with no one else.”
    His voice stung her. He spun on his heel and left her gaping after him.

Chapter Two
    Dawn colored the sky in oranges and pinks as Kaireen strode to the manor’s bathing chamber. Her father had invited many to stay the night, and Kaireen wanted to bathe before anyone woke, especially Bram. She smiled. Since she was a child, she was usually the first one awake.
    The sun was rising, and there was plenty of time for her to bathe and dress before anyone stirred in their beds.
    A fresh green gown and leine draped her left arm, her slippers in her hand. Her other hand carried a beeswax candle mounted on an iron candleholder.
    The flame flickered across the corridor, elongating her shadow behind her.
    She was grateful to bathe as often as she wished; daily if she desired. Ahead of her, she had sent Elva to prepare the bath. No doubt by now her handmaid had heated the water and filled one of the baths.
    Inside the room, she set her candle on a wooden bench. Three huge barrels stood waiting. Six people could fit into each barrel.
    As a child, she recollected her family often had guest join them for a public bath. Many families offered this hospitality. Her parent’s bathing room was in the middle of the keep, instead of near the kitchens as in other laird’s homes.
    Kaireen saw steam rolling off the barrel next to her. She set her clean clothes on the bench next to the candle. With her finger, she tested the water. Perfect.
    She shrugged from her robe and was about to remove her nightdress, when she heard a male voice behind her.
    “The water may have cooled some, but I enjoy a hot bath.”
    She whipped around.
    Bram faced her with a towel tied around his waist, covering the lower half of him. His blond hair was wet and she watched the path of the water trail his muscular chest.
    A scream choked her and she snatched her robe to shield her body from his vision.
    “I hope to rid you of your shyness on our wedding day.” He chuckled. “We will have many baths together after we wed.”
    “No. Take your leave or I will summon the guards to remove you.” She backed away, but her legs knocked against the bench.
    Her iron candleholder wobbled. She dashed for the candle, catching the wick and snuffed the flame.
    “Allow me.” His voice made her stomach flip, or maybe she was becoming