Read Online Pleasurably Undone! by Christine Merrill - Free Book Online Page A

up, holding them against her chest. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather go hungry.” The soft wool of her overdress had absorbed the heat of the fire, and she tried to keep as much of her body covered as possible.
    Tharand’s expression held disbelief. He took the bowl away, frowning as though he didn’t know what to make of her refusal.
    She buried her face in her knees, breathing deeply to calm her racing heart. Where were his servants and slaves? His family? She was accustomed to the busy noises of people working, of animals penned outside, and the conversation of family.
    But here, there was no one. It made her uneasy.
    At last, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and tried to stand up. For the first time, she realized Tharand had taken her shoes. The cold ground chilled the soles of her bare feet before her knees buckled. He crossed the room to steady her. The touch permeated her skin, burning embarrassment into her face.
    “I won’t stay here.” She shoved away from him and strode toward the door, wondering if Tharand would try to stop her. This was her life. Her freedom. She wouldn’t cast that away without a fight.
    He sat down upon the bed, seemingly unconcerned. “There is nowhere for you to run.”
    The room swayed, and she held onto the door to regain her footing. Defiantly, she opened it, unprepared for the freezing air. The lack of outer clothing imprisoned her as surely asropes. Her hands and body shook, even as she tried to rub her arms for warmth.
    “You’re letting in the cold.” Tharand’s warning sounded irritated.
    Her response was to walk outside, letting the door slam in his face. Outside, the winter air lashed against her léine , soft flurries of snow drifting. She gritted her teeth against the icy frost beneath her bare feet.
    Although her brain railed at her for venturing out in such weather, this was, perhaps, her only chance to see the Lochlannach settlement.
    Rectangular-shaped thatched houses were set within quadrants. Four homes framed a small, shared courtyard. The two-storey buildings were larger than the circular stone huts she was used to. Each of these dwellings could house two families with no lack of space.
    A stone wall surrounded a ditch that was perhaps eight meters wide. It made her angry to see their defenses.
    Thieving raiders. How dare they live in such luxury, when she and her family had to fight for their own survival? She’d watched them burn her home, the fire searing her possessions into ashes. The desire for vengeance took root within her, gathering strength.
    Outside one of the homes, a young boy picked up a handful of wet snow and aimed the ball at one of his friends. His face was rounded and healthy, a child who had never known hunger like their tribe had endured. Unlike her younger brother.
    Egan. Her heart bled at the memory of the Lochlannach slavers dragging him away. She clenched her fist, remembering his thin face and her eldest brother, Kieran, who had gone to try and save him. Were they even alive?
    The anger returned, suffocating her with its intensity. Sheflexed her fingers, wishing she had a blade to wield. Somehow, she had to leave this place. Gazing around the stone palisade, the longphort seemed impenetrable.
    The door behind her suddenly opened, and she whirled around, half expecting her captor to drag her back inside. Instead, Tharand drew his cloak around himself, sending her a glance as if daring her to leave.
    She couldn’t. Not without warm clothing, a horse and supplies. None of which she was likely to gain without help.
    The warmth of the house beckoned to her as the winter’s ice froze her feet. With reluctance, Aisling took a step toward her captor’s longhouse. He knew full well that she could go nowhere.
    Tharand strode past the young boy playing in the snow. Terror transformed the child’s face, and he dropped the snowball, skittering inside his home.
    The warrior continued walking, as though he hadn’t