Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

Crouched over her captive, heat furled at Hedda's core. The warmth spread, beading her nipples until they grazed the fabric of her gown, the feeling driving her hips forward.

Yes . Her eyes fluttered closed on instinct. That feels good.

"If you are to ride it, then do so." The fiend shoved upward, making her gasp.

Vexed, she forced her eyes open. His growl had splintered her passion.

"I shall do as I please. I am, as you say, your mistress."

"You are surely something ." His smirk suggested his words were no compliment.

"Silence!" The urge to use her dagger had waned, superseded by her unexpected arousal, but his irritating mouth had reawakened the impulse.

"I will not." His green eyes flashed with defiance. "You'll have to make good on your word and cut out my tongue."

"Do not tempt me." With a snarl, she rose to her full height. Tossing aside her blade, she took up a nearby neckerchief and spun to face her prisoner.

"Your tongue may yet prove useful, but I'm weary of your words." Leaning over him, she flexed the cloth before his eyes.

"You're going to gag me?" The fool seemed amused, but he'd soon change his tune.

Hedda fully intended to follow through with her plan.

"I've found a function for you." She promptly wound the cloth over his mouth. "And I've no need for your accord."

The fiend glowered, twisting his head to resist, but Hedda was already knotting the fabric. Falling to her haunches, she resumed her place straddling his thighs, watching with satisfaction as he struggled to adjust to his new predicament.

"‘Ow ‘are oo!" The thunder in his gaze conveyed his outrage.

To Hedda's surprise, she was enjoying her exercise of power far more than she'd expected and swiftly cast aside any misgiving. Why shouldn't she have her fun?

"Settle down." Her tone was joshing as she trailed her fingers through the soft hair of his chest. "Do not make me find a better gag."

A low growl bubbled in his throat.

Did he think to scare her?

That she would cower and untie him?

Stripped, bound, and gagged, the man might be mighty, but he was vulnerable now, and she found it delicious.

Seeing him incapacitated and speechless, her desire had inexplicably grown. The more he struggled, the more she yearned to slide against his rod. Rubbing against his groin, she encouraged the organ back to life.

Dare she take him inside her? In all her marriage, she'd never conceived a child, but there was a chance, albeit a small one, that this giant's seed was more potent. Despite her advanced years, the possibility existed, and it was the last thing she'd welcome.

Nevertheless, the notion of riding him was alluring.

Her husband had never shown interest in satisfying her, so she'd grown used to eliciting her own pleasure. Now, bucking against the brute's swelling shaft, she was lost to the consuming demand of her desire. The small bud at the fore of her sex throbbed as she thrust forward, insisting she provide more. Each undulation further fueled her need. As for the cur beneath her, his rasping, muffled complaints only stoked her fire.

"You are my thrall now." She panted the insult, his grimace heightening her thrill.

No doubt he'd taken females as captives in the past, insisting that those women pleasure him. She would do the same—humiliate the fiend by forcing him to gratify her while he remained bound.

By the gods!

She loved that he was unable to resist her!

"‘Ench!" He was trying to insult her, but Hedda was too close to Valhalla to care for his affront. He was hers now. He would have to get used to his new position.

"I am no wench." She threw back her head, moving her hips faster. "I am your mistress, and I thank Freyja for this fate! She brought you to me."

Hedda had never been the goddess' greatest devotee. Her sister was the one always offering libations, but such divine sensations could only be created by the gods.

Gasping at her growing pleasure, Hedda shifted her hands to her bosom, grazing her nipples and teasing the peaks which rubbed beneath her bodice. She'd never so yearned to press the place between her thighs against a man's hardness.

Now, looming over him, everything was different. Whatever this craving was, she wanted more of it.

"Ohhh!" A sudden clenching spasm grasped her inside, consuming her flesh until her very bones seemed to soften. Hedda had been chasing something from the first moment she'd laid hands on the beast beneath her, but she hadn't expected this… whatever it was.

For some time, she knew nothing but the tremors that rocked her body and luxuriant warmth enveloping her. For how long she rode those waves, she knew not. As her breathing slowed, she took in her prisoner's narrow gaze. His eyes bore into her, disgust flashing in his green orbs.

Climbing from his body, she smoothed down her skirt and turned away.

What have I done?

She dared not meet his furious gaze, a sudden sense of shame shrouding her. She hadn't intended to use him as a means of pleasure. Had she gone too far?

Perhaps she ought to slit his throat, after all? If she did so now, he'd never have the opportunity to reveal her dishonor. No one would ever have to know.

"Are oo oud?" His sardonic tone drew her attention. Regardless of the cloth between his teeth, she understood.

Are you proud of what you've done?

Indignity washed over her. Well, was she proud?

She'd behaved carelessly, yet she couldn't bring herself to regret the act. The man at her feet was used to dominating and degrading, but he would not rule her.

"You've served your purpose." She lifted her chin.

Her prisoner shook his head.

"You have complaints?" She looked down at him with disdain. "Then, let's hear them."

Tugging the cloth from his lips, she freed his mouth. His shaft was still rock hard, suggesting that although his head protested, that part of him felt otherwise.

"What sort of woman are you?" The anger in his voice made some part of her tremble, but she held her nerve. She was prepared for his rebellion.

"I am more than a match for you!" she retorted.

Certainly not like the women you're used to holding in submission!

She considered stuffing the gag back in place. She didn't need to listen to insults. Einar had heaped enough of those upon her head, sneering that she was unfit to be his wife.

"Is this what you intend for me then." He swallowed at the ignominy. "To use me for gratification."

Her brows knitted. She was determined not to admit any wrongdoing.

"You deserve no less."

"You are resolved to torment?" He eyed her accusingly. "To satisfy yourself alone and leave me like this?" He spat the words, gesturing to his erection as his chest rose and fell.

Hedda let her gaze fall to the battle-scars painting his body. "You shall surely survive."

He had no answer to that, but a pang of guilt struck her as she imagined all he'd been through to find himself washed upon their shore.

Have I been too cruel?

"You should rest." The command was as much care as she could manage.

Motioning to his bound arms, he scowled. "The pressure on my shoulders is too much."

Though Hedda hoped her expression remained unmoved, she knew what it was to cede to another's dominance, and while she relished taking control, she was not without a heart.

"Perhaps I can loosen your binds."

His rising brow was the only indication of his surprise. "It would be appreciated." As she did so, he stared up at her. "You smell like sex. It is because you are now wet and ready for my cock."

"I'm no such thing," she lied, ignoring his knowing smirk. "Hush now… unless you require gagging once more."

She was wary of the brute, but he seemed too tired to fight. Securing the knots once more, she stepped back to assess him. His shoulders were no longer pulled taut by her bondage.

"There should be more comfort now."

" Takk ." He nodded his thanks.

The glint in his green gaze belied the supposed humility. She saw something darker there.

Something that goaded her newly awakened desire.

Something she could never trust.