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Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

They headed upward to where the sea breeze blew stiff upon the exposed clifftops. Eldberg neither attempted to touch her nor to engage in conversation. Hedda wondered at the strained quiet. The man she'd come to know was not usually shy in any manner.

At last, Hedda slowed, taking in the view of the sea and beach, where the boat on the dunes was just visible. The wind whipped strongly, reminding her to stay well away from the edge. Eldberg, however, continued to the precipice. Heedless of the danger, he peered over.

"Careful!" Her warning was almost lost on the wind, but Eldberg turned at her cry. "The rocks here are unstable. You could fall. It would take but a sudden gust."

She covered the steps between them and tugged him back. Her heart was speeding, though she couldn't decide if it was on account of his safety or their sudden proximity. When they were apart, she seemed to forget how striking Eldberg was. Standing beside him, the reality was as enticing as it was perturbing.

"Would you care if I plummeted?" His voice was sardonic.

"It would not matter to me one way or the other." Hedda gave a nonchalant shrug.

"As I thought." His expression was unreadable. Gesturing to a large, flat rock, he invited her to sit. She complied, wondering how best to broach the subject she'd been brooding on.

Eldberg's self-contained manner was throwing her confidence. She knew how to handle the brash lover who liked to domineer and taunt but was at a loss when presented with this pensive version of the man.

Perhaps spending time with his men had inspired thoughts of his homeland. It was natural, of course, but she didn't like to think of his desire to return. She'd never traveled from the island, the men alone having undertaken their trading voyages. ‘Twas beyond her imagination to picture what Eldberg might have seen in his lifetime. She envied him the adventure.

"Is there someone else on your mind?" In the end, Hedda blurted out her query. "A woman waiting for you at home?"

Eldberg had told her repeatedly that there was none, but she was no fool. She knew men spilled all sorts of stories with their seed. They'd say anything to bed a woman. Why else would he seem so distant? There must be another he longed for—someone younger, prettier, and nothing like Hedda.

"Another woman?" He snorted, neither confirming nor denying her assumption, then abruptly changed the subject.

"Have you never wanted to leave?" He glanced around, as if to make his point. "To sail away and see the world?"

"The world?" she scoffed, although his question struck near the bone. She'd often thought of leaving, although there had been no chance of achieving such a thing.

"Skálavík! ‘Tis an exciting place. There are riches and rewards, and I have responsibilities there. If I were to return, perhaps you'd want to travel there, too?"

The intensity of his gaze made it difficult for Hedda to think.

"Any companion of mine would have a life of comfort…" He brought his large hand to rest on her thigh. "You would want for nothing."

A life with Eldberg? Her heart leapt at the proposition.

Hedda had relished her independence since her husband had left, but she couldn't deny how the days with Eldberg had altered her thinking. It was good to have a capable man around, to enjoy the comfort and security of his arms—and his cock—– but she could not delude herself. Eldberg's offer had no substance. It was not love he declared, only vague half-promises. He'd never spoken of it, but she knew his mind must be upon the fixing of his boat, so he and his men might leave.

Heat bloomed in her face. He thought she would be so easily duped! He wanted only to use her.

"Your companion?" Her anger pulsed. "Your thrall, you mean! You think I'd leave my home to become nothing but your bed wench?"

"I said nothing of the sort." His lips compressed. "I meant only to know your mind on the idea of?—"

"Do not hide your intentions behind fragrant words!" She cut him off. "I was wrong to imagine you had any true care for me. You think only of yourself and what you can take." Her heart was beating so fast, she thought it might leap into her throat. "I mean nothing more to you than another conquest. Remember, I'm no na?ve virgin to have her head turned because you've pleasured me between the bed-furs." Turning away, she faced the wind, fighting to hold back tears.

"You're overreacting." His tone was exasperated. "Why are you holding back from me?"

She rose to her feet.

"There is nothing to hold back." The lie was easy to tell now that she understood he had no real affection for her. Why should she be the one to share her heart when his words offered nothing in return?

"I thought we were making progress." He sighed. "Growing closer to one another, yet I know there is much you haven't told me."

"Wh-What?" She retreated a step.

"I know not all of your men died, Hedda." His voice was solemn. "J?rgen has told me that which Astrid has confided. Some of your men left, including I believe, the man who was your husband…"

Her panic swelled. Was she to have her old humiliation thrust upon her? Damn Astrid! How dare she divulge the island's secrets!

"I won't speak of this." Turning, she tried to flee, but he'd already jumped up and caught her wrist.

"I don't wish to judge you." Eldberg's gaze bore into her. "Only to learn of your past."

"I cannot…" This time, it proved impossible to hold back her tears. Anger, fear, and mortification combined to topple her. "Why do you keep on so?"

This time, when she tugged, he let her go.

Ashamed that he was witness to her emotion, she fled down the hillside, running faster than was prudent. Skidding over the rough ground, she was past caring if she fell and grazed her hands. With tears tracking her cheeks, she ran from the man under whose scrutiny she was defenseless. She didn't stop until she felt the sand beneath her feet.

Why did he have to come?

As she neared the abandoned boat, her chest heaved.

Damn him, and damn the vessel. I ought to burn it!

She wished whatever tide had brought the men to their shore had instead swept them far away, and that Eldberg had never appeared, awaking these consuming feelings. If passion only led to pain, she wanted none of it.

Though she wiped her tears with the back of her hand, she dared not turn. The brute might still be standing above, looking down on her.

Not that I should care!

Stay up on the cliff all night. Sleep there and see how you like it!

He could do what he liked, so long as he was nowhere near her.

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