‘Your horse bolted.’
‘After I stopped the fighting.’
‘Ah.’ He tugged gently at her hair, pulling her face towards his. ‘In that case it seems I owe you a debt. How would you like me to repay you?’
She smiled, brushing her lips teasingly against his. ‘Well...there are some hay bales that need to be moved.’
She squealed as he flipped her onto her back, pinning her beneath him.
‘I’m disappointed.’ His mouth dipped to her throat, moving in slow circles over the skin. ‘Are you sure you can’t find another use for me?’
She drew air between her teeth. ‘There’s nothing I can think of...’
His head dipped lower, his lips drifting over a nipple. ‘Should I go and get started, then?’
‘Ye—yes...’ She’d heard the smile in his voice and clamped her teeth together, trying not to pant.
‘If you’re completely sure...?’ His tongue was relentless. ‘Then I’ll go.’
‘Svend!’ She gasped as he released her abruptly, a rush of cold air washing over her skin.
‘You told me to go.’ He grinned wickedly. ‘Or do you want me to stay now? You’ll have to ask nicely.’
Aediva narrowed her eyes. If he thought he could toy with her, then two could play at that game. She pulled herself upright, shaking her head so that her hair tumbled provocatively over her shoulders.
‘No. I wouldn’t want you to think I’m fickle.’
‘Then the barn it is.’ He sighed dramatically. ‘It does seem a shame, though.’
‘It does—but what choice do we have?’
‘Perhaps if I showed you something else we could do...?’ He lowered his voice seductively.
‘There’s more?’
‘Much more. Trust me, Aediva, we’re just getting started.’
She bit her lip, pretending to think about it, her pulse already racing with anticipation. ‘And you think it will please me?’
‘Based on last night, I think it should please us both.’
‘Well, in that case...’ She surrendered, wrapping her arms around his neck. ‘I suppose you could show me.’
‘With pleasure.’ He caught hold of her waist, twisting her around into a sitting position on top of him.
‘What...?’
‘You’ve worn me out, remember? This time you can do all the work.’
‘Work?’
‘Nothing too strenuous, I promise. Here...’ He took hold of her hips, positioning her over him.
‘You want me to...?’ She clasped her hands over her breasts, staring at him in shocked comprehension.
‘Don’t cover up.’ He peeled her fingers away gently. ‘I want to see you.’
‘But...’