30. Danica

Danica

30

I uncurl in the squishy comfort of the bed, hissing a bit as my muscles throw a fit—the morning sun slinks in, turning the tent into an amber sanctuary. I'm basically one big bruise thanks to yesterday's boot camp—Rhylandstyle—each twinge a not-so-subtle nod to his no-mercy training methods.

But under all that ouch, there's this new power simmering in me, this raw energy that's itching to show the world it's not just about survival anymore; it's about kicking some serious ass.

Rhyland's all snuggled up to me, his body heat cranking up like my private little sun. I scooch even closer, taking a deep breath of that rich sandalwood and ocean blend that's all him. It's downright intoxicating how he's bottled up the whole Norse coastline in his vibe.

He's got that born-out-of-a-storm-on-the-high-seas aura, my very ownVike Spice. I let my hand wander over the landscape of his chest, my fingers dancing across each intricate ink stroke like they're reading braille stories of his past.

His reaction's instant—a tightening embrace that melds me to all those hard planes and edges. His grip takes a tour on my hip, and shivers sprint down my spine.

"Good morning,Angel," he rumbles, his voice raspy with sleep and dripping with that husky morning allure.

My insides start doing acrobatics, a full-on Olympic routine, just from a few words.

"Morning," I echo back, pressing a trail of eager kisses downward, ensuring each tattoo feels the love. I lavish them with attention, treating every inked line like a guide leading straight to my chest—right to the very spot where my heart beats a rhythm for him alone.

"Mmm...baby, I could get used to this," he purrs, that deep voice vibrating straight through me all the way to my toes.

The evidence of his excitement is pretty hard to miss, with the sheets pitching a not-so-little tent. A cheeky idea flickers to life, and I can't help but think it's time to explore just how much 'morning glory' this Viking's hiding under there.

I kiss his chest, then work my way down to those hard, defined abs. I'm not just kissing, though—I'm giving them a little lick, too, tiny flicks of my tongue that seem to make him moan in delight.

I peel back the sheets, revealing more of his glorious form, and continue my slow, sensual descent.

I can't help but be astounded by the sheer size of him every time I see his glorious member. His hands are all over my head and hair, eagerly grasping and pulling as I take him into my mouth.

His groan meets my eager moan as I wrap my lips around his veiny shaft, savoring the salty-sweet taste of him. With practiced skill, I swirl my tongue around the length of him, taking my time to relish every bump and ridge, a slow torture for us both.

When I reach his manscaped balls, I pause, letting the anticipation build before taking them into my mouth, one at a time, and rolling my tongue over them. I feel his body tense, his breath catching, and a surprised groan escapes his lips. "Fuck," he gasps, his hips jerking involuntarily.

Eager for more, I take them both into my mouth, sucking gently as my hand strokes his thick cock. He tastes and feels exquisite, and I relish the power I hold in this moment.

"Goddamn,baby," he grunts, his voice gravelly and raw. "Keep going,Angel. You're driving me fucking wild."

I take him deeper into my mouth, my tongue dancing and swirling as I pick up the pace. He's a primal force, dominating me with his sheer size, his hands gripping my hair, pulling it back, exposing my throat. I gag slightly, and that only adds fuel to our fire.

"That's it, Angel," he commands, his voice a low, sexy growl. "Take it all, take every fucking inch. Show me how much you love being my cock-hungry slut."

His words are a brand on my skin, sending shivers of pleasure down my spine. My body trembles, my lust flowing freely, and I moan my consent.

His eyes burn into mine, holding me captive, "You love it, don't you,baby?" he demands, his voice low and rough, his hand tightening in my hair. "You love getting fucked in that pretty mouth."

I moan, my throat constricting around him as tears well from the slight sting.

"Fucking say it, baby," he commands, his grip becoming fiercer. "Say it,baby. Admit how much you love my cock in your mouth—how dirty you are."

He pulls out of my mouth, a slick, wet sound, and smacks my jaw with a stinging slap. " Words, Angel. Let me hear them."

"Yes," I finally gasp, my voice raw and hoarse. "Yes, I love it. I'm your dirty girl."

He rewards me with a swift thrust back into my mouth, his length hitting the back of my throat. I suppress my gag reflex, determined to take him, please him, my thighs slick with my desire.

His groans fuel my fire, spurring me on as I increase my pace, eager to taste his release.

"That's it,baby," he praises, his voice strained. "Take it, all of it."

His body tenses, his abs flexing as he nears the edge, his grip on my hair a silent command for more.

The rush of excitement takes over me, knowing I'm about to push him over the edge.

"Oh—fuuuck, Angel—I'm—"

Lucianbursts into our tent, his golden blonde hair sticking up in every direction like he just stuck his finger in an electrical socket. But the moment his eyes land on me andRhylandin our—ahem—compromising position, his jaw drops so fast I swear I hear it crack against the ground.

"SweetbabyJesus on a pogo stick! My eyes! My innocent, virgin eyes!" he yelps, slapping a hand over his eyes like he's just been blinded by the sun. "But damn, guys, at least put a sock on the tent flap or something!"

He stumbles backward, tripping over his own feet in his haste to escape the scandalous scene. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'll just—I'm gonna go bleach my eyeballs now, okay? Okay. You two just... carry on with your little game of hide-the-salami. Pretend I was never here."

And with that, he scurries out of the tent like his ass is on fire, leaving me andRhylandstaring after him.

Rhylandcurses, then yells, "Anyone ever teach you to fucking knock?"

I giggle, wiping my mouth asRhylandlooks at me, half-pissed off and half still turned on, breathing hard. It's a sight to behold this Viking god of mine, all flushed and wild, his eyes gleaming with irritation and desire.

I flash him a playful smirk, "Now, where was I?"

A xilyaannounces, "Today we set forth tothe Sun Court," her voice like wind chimes in a gentle breeze, melodic and soothing. "Prepare yourself for a two-day ride to the north, adjacent to theCrystal Peaks."

I groan inwardly at the thought of another carriage ride, and the memory of my last journey's discomfort—and the fiasco betweenLucianandRhyland—makes my decision swift and final.

"I'll pass on the carriage," I say firmly, my voice brooking no argument. "I think I'll manage better on horseback."

Axilyaarches an eyebrow but nods in understanding, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

When we arrive, the stables are bustling with activity. Horses whiny and stamp their hooves, sensing the excitement in the air. I stand awkwardly among them, painfully aware of my lack of equestrian knowledge, feeling like a fish out of water in this sea of horseflesh.

But thenRhylandappears beside me, his presence like a warm cloak enveloping my senses, his signature scent of salt and sea instantly putting me at ease.

"Are you sure about this?" he asks, a mischievous twinkle in his azure eyes. His lips curve into a smirk that is half challenge and half invitation.

I nod, mustering up a bravado I don't quite feel. "I've got a gentle grasp on horseback riding—just the cliff notes, really," I say with a half-shrug, trying to play it cool even as my heart races in my chest.

He chuckles—a deep, resonant sound that rumbles through his chest like distant thunder—and reaches out to stroke the mane of a majestic black stallion, his fingers gliding through the silky strands with a casual grace that makes my mouth go dry.

"No worries,Angel," he says with a confident and charming grin. "You'll ride with me."

Before I can protest, he effortlessly swings onto the horse's back, his muscles rippling beneath his shirt like a work of art. Then he extends a hand to me, his eyes glinting with a challenge that I can't resist.

With a deep breath, I accept his help and hoist myself up in front of him, my body molding to his like a puzzle piece snapping into place. His arms encircle me as he guides me into position, his touch gentle but firm, and it feels good, so good, to be pulled snugly against him like this.

His chest is a solid wall against my back, his thighs pressing against mine as he adjusts our seating, and I can feel the heat of him seeping into my skin like a brand.

"Comfortable?" he murmurs into my ear, his breath warm against my skin, sending shivers down my spine that have nothing to do with the cool morning air.

Okay, sure. Horseback riding semi-virgin here, but guess what? I'm perched on this equine giant with a Viking god strapped to my back like the world's most muscular safety feature. So yeah, I'm feeling pretty damn comfortable right about now.

But then the beast beneath us decides it's the perfect moment to shimmy, and my fingers instinctively latch ontoRhyland's, my nails digging into his skin as I fight to keep my balance.

"As I'll ever be," I toss back sassily, slathering on a layer of courage like the final touch of war paint, determined not to let him see how much his proximity affects me.

A chuckle rumbles out ofRhyland, doubling as my personal back massager, as he coaxes our four-legged Uber into gear without breaking a sweat, his muscles flexing beneath me with every movement.

And thenMeadowslides to a stop beside us, her timing impeccable as she reaches us and our steed, her delicate features creased with concern.

She offers a deferential bow, her eyes lowered in respect. "My lady," she acknowledges softly before lifting her gaze toRhylandwith a respectful inclination, "My lord, may you both journey safely. Thank you for your kindness and..." She hesitates, her expression clouded by contemplation as if weighing her words carefully. "I foresee…trials ahead—whispers. So I urge you to proceed cautiously."

Her ominous words raise the hair on my arms, chilling me to the core despite my efforts to remain unaffected, to project an air of calm confidence.

"Thank you,Meadow," I manage, though my voice quivers barely, betraying the unease that coils in my gut like a serpent.

"No worries,Mouse. No harm will come to her or me,"Rhylandannounces confidently, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through me like a second heartbeat, strong, steady, and sure.

With a respectful nod,Meadowretreats, her lithe form melting back into the bustle of the stables like a shadow.

There's comfort in knowing that we've aided her, securing her refuge inWhispervale, where her safety is all but guaranteed. One less weight on my shoulders, one less burden to bear as we set out on this journey into the unknown.

As we ride, the rhythm of the horse's hooves against the earth creates a potent cocktail of calm and thrill; each beat hitting like a bass drum tuned by the gods. I can't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up inside me, mingling with the nerves that flutter in my stomach like butterflies.

"You're doing great,"Rhylandreassures me, his voice low and playful, his breath tickling the shell of my ear. "Just relax,baby, and let me take care of you," he says, and I can almost hear the wink in his words, the promise of something more than just a ride through the forest.

Eye roll incoming—Mr. Alpha Male has a one-track lexicon, but let's be real—there's a fortress-level of safety vibes withRhylandplaying my personal shield, his body a barrier between me and the world.

"And I plan to do it while having a little fun in the process," he adds, his hand squeezing my inner thigh with a teasing lilt to his words as we fall in step behindAxilyaand her crew, the promise of adventure and excitement hanging in the air like a tangible thing.

My face is on fire from his little hint-drop, but I'm dishing it right back at him, my lips curving into a smirk. "Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the reins, Big Guy. It'd be a shame if we took a tumble and your ego ended up with a boo-boo."

Rhylandtosses me another one of his chuckles, the sound warm, rich, and full of promise. He pulls me tighter against him—like he's wordlessly vowing not to let me so much as stub a toe on this journey, to keep me safe and sound no matter what trials may lie ahead.