Free Surrender To The Viking by Joanna Fulford

it,’ he replied. ‘He does.’
    ‘Very well, but the possession of those qualities doesn’t necessarily mean you can trust him.’
    ‘Look at his crew, Lara. Don’t be deceived by the jovial smiles and friendly banter. They’re as tough as boiled leather, and every man among them has made a name for himself in battle. Would such men follow one whom they believed to be untrustworthy?’
    ‘I suppose not.’
    Alrik snorted. ‘You suppose right. If they’d had any doubts on that score they’d have cut his throat and left his body for the crows.’
    ‘I will admit he is a natural leader.’
    ‘He’s also a likeable one. It’s a rare combination.’
    Lara made no reply but her brother’s words had left her with plenty to think about. The present situation had caused her to see Finn in an unflattering light but it was evident that others didn’t share those views. Respect was not given on demand. Reluctantly she was forced to concede that their high opinion of him had been earned. Of course, he would appear different to men because they inhabited a different world in many respects; a world in which trust and mutual reliance were all-important. Battle forged a bond like no other. They didn’t think about women in the same way. When they thought about them at all it was to satisfy a physical need, to get sons or to attain a political ambition; perhaps all three. Such terms as trust and liking didn’t feature.
    She left Alrik and continued filling cups. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Finn talking to his companions. As always he looked completely at his ease, radiating quiet confidence. He must have said something amusing because his words were followed by a burst of laughter. It elicited several quips in return and she heard him laugh. It was infectious and she found herself smiling too. Finn looked up and for a moment his gaze met hers. She saw amusement there and then it faded to be replaced with something that caused her pulse to quicken. A flush of warmth crept from her neck to her cheeks. Disconcerted now, she looked away.
    Finn called across the room, ‘Is there any more mead in that jug, woman?’
    The tone was unmistakeably provocative and it stopped Lara in her tracks. Several grinning faces turned her way, their owners waiting for the coming explosion. She ignored them. Glancing down into the jug she favoured Finn with a smile.
    ‘Yes, there is.’
    Having answered the question she turned away, feigning to look for empty cups elsewhere. Finn’s eyes glinted.
    ‘Then bring it here and be quick about it.’
    The words drew several indrawn breaths. Lara surveyed him coolly.
    ‘Right away, my lord.’ Without the least semblance of haste she made her way to his side. ‘Here it is.’ She held up the jug. ‘Would you like me to refill your cup perhaps?’
    His lips twitched and he looked around at his companions. ‘What it is to have a wife with sharp wits.’
    Several chuckles greeted this. Lara smiled sweetly. ‘It’s good to be appreciated, my lord.’
    He held out his cup. ‘Oh, I could scarcely fail to appreciate you.’
    ‘The sentiment is mutual, believe me.’
    ‘I’d be tempted to take that for flattery if I didn’t know better.’
    ‘Keen perception is one of your strengths.’
    He laughed softly which, in its way, was far more disturbing than annoyance would have been. She poured the mead, concentrating on keeping her hand steady, supremely conscious of the man and of having his undivided attention.
    ‘You imply that I have more,’ he said.
    ‘Well, let me see.’ She pretended to consider. ‘Although our acquaintance has been short I could not fail to note that you are single-minded in pursuit of a goal—that you possess a cunning brain and that you have considerable skill at barter.’
    He nodded. ‘I also enjoy a challenge.’
    ‘How very fortunate.’
    ‘And I like to win.’
    ‘Dear me! You must have known your share of disappointment.’
    ‘I am rarely