Temptation's Rose by Katherine McLellan

Author:Katherine McLellan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, steamy romance, viking romance, romance book
Publisher: Katherine McLellan

CHAPTER 9

Geirr saw Erienne safely home then mount his horse and went back the way they had come. On his way past his parents’ farm, Biorn sat waiting on his horse.

“You’re not going alone, brother,” Biorn said. “Accident or not, Ulfr should have spoken up.” He brought his horse beside Geirr’s, matching the pace.

“I appreciate the company.” Geirr looked at his younger brother. A smile touched his face as he realized Biorn wasn’t a boy any longer. “Always good to have my back protected.”

Biorn smiled and said, “I will try though I do not promise anything.”

Geirr shook his head as they rode towards the village.

“I’m going to ask Bera to marry me,” Biorn blurted out.

“Your idea, or mother’s?”

“Mine, though it will make mother happy. She wants Bera and Steinn to stay. I don’t fancy anyone in particular. I’m of the age for marriage. I can run the farm.”

“You are more than capable, little brother,” Geirr said with a fading smile. “Make sure you want the responsibility, not just the pleasure.”

“Unlike you?”

“Yes,” Geirr said seriously. “Marriage and children and death. All can be very painful experiences.” He silenced for a moment then said, “Bera may not want you anyway. You’re all bones, no muscle.”

“She can feed me.”

“Unlike Erienne,” Geirr smirked and laughed.

“Bera can fatten me up.”

“Ah, the happy lamb to the slaughter.” Geirr laughed as they moved into the village. They rode quietly the remainder of the way. Near the king’s longhouse, a small house rested. Its thatched roof was peaked, dusted with the morning’s snow, the heavy door closed to intrusion.

Geirr dismounted and tied the reins to a post as Biorn did the same. Geirr glanced to Biorn, spotting the sword which hung from his hip. They had similar thoughts. Geirr wore the sword for protection and left it sheathed, not wanting to start a fight. He knew he could finish one though. He glanced over his shoulder to Biorn and frowned as he said, “Hand off of the handle.”

The boy’s hand dropped from his sword.

“I want this to be a friendly visit.” He turned and pounded on the house door. He waited until he couldn’t wait another moment longer then pounded on the door again.

It snapped open with a demanding, “What?”

Geirr looked Ulfr over. The man lacked his shirt and boots. He seemed unusually unkempt.

“Geirr,” Ulfr stood a little straighter. He glanced to Biorn and greeted them, “Biorn, my friends, come in.” He stepped back and allowed them in. “I was not expecting company.”

Geirr walked in and looked around. The place was filthy with old food lying on platters. Dirty clothes were scattered about on the floor. A severe stench touched his nose.

Ulfr pushed the platters to one end of the table. “My apologies, like I said I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

“You need a slave to clean,” Geirr said. He glanced to a bare arm which was visible above the blankets in Ulfr’s bed.

“My slave pleases me. Most night’s that’s enough.”

“Is that what she did last night?” Biorn asked, moving about.

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