Rough Warrior Read online

  You will never have me.

  But he already did.

  She belonged to him.

  She was his property.

  He had punished her naked backside, thrust his fingers inside her passage, and very soon his cock would consume her womanhood.

  You will never have me.

  He shook his head as the words continued echoing through his mind.

  “How did you find me?” she suddenly blurted out. “I have to know. Tell me how.”

  Though her voice held a tremble, she had dared to insist on a reply. Lifting his hand, he brought it down on her thigh with a hard slap.

  “Ooh, ow, why did you do that?” she exclaimed. “It was just a question.”

  “No, it was a demand,” he retorted, landing another, eliciting another loud cry. “You’ll learn to speak with respect. When you don’t, you’ll be reminded of your place. Not another word until I give you permission!”

  Grunting in exasperation, he tried to think of a discipline that would bring her into line before they returned to his settlement. He was the ruler. He couldn’t have a disobedient and disruptive woman, no matter her beauty. For a moment he considered throwing her off his horse and leaving her behind, but he’d been searching for a female to bear his offspring.

  Several days before, he and several of his men had covertly scouted the small village for that very purpose. When he’d caught sight of her, he was instantly captivated. Her image had lingered in his mind through the daylight hours, and ambled through his dreams as he’d slept.

  Her golden hair shone in the sun, her voluptuous breasts and wide hips suggested she was ripe for childbearing, and her long legs carried her across the ground like a sleek animal. She’d epitomized the woman for whom he’d been searching. Now he had her, and he was loath to let her go.

  But there was another reason he needed to keep her.

  Gander, his archrival, had been in the scouting party. On the journey back he’d declared his intentions to capture the flaxen-haired girl for himself.

  “No, Gander!” Ulrick had exclaimed. “I stake my claim. When we return that female will belong to me. You do not touch her. Put her out of your mind.”

  Though Gander had held his tongue, Ulrick had seen the smoldering fury in his enemy’s eyes. Asserting ownership of the appealing female had thrown another log on the fire of Gander’s wrath.

  With a burning ambition to be the ruler of the clan, he’d often challenged Ulrick’s decisions. More than once, Ulrick had been forced to defend his leadership with his fists. Though the battles had been ferocious, Ulrick’s superior fighting skills had decisively trounced his opponent.

  Now—unexpectedly—the female had become a prize.

  If Ulrick tossed her aside, Gander would hunt her down, then return and claim she’d been too elusive for Ulrick to capture. Worse, Gander was a cruel master. Ulrick ruled his clan with an iron fist, but he was fair, and while he expected subservience from his women, he wasn’t vicious when they dared to defy him. Sometimes he even sensed they did so merely to gain his attention and feel the heat of his hand on their backsides. He found Gander’s sadistic treatment of females disturbing, and he couldn’t abide the thought of the willowy village girl at Gander’s mercy.

  He had reached the path that would take them to the rocky beach. Anxious to rejoin his men, he pushed his horse into a canter. Their journey home across the open ocean would last over two nights and a day. They had planned to leave at sunrise, but hunting down the runaway had delayed them. Now they wouldn’t arrive at the settlement until dusk, assuming there was nothing more to impede their progress. The seasons were turning. The weather could be unpredictable. A sudden storm would not be surprising.

  The horse’s gait was smooth and his stride long. To Ulrick’s relief the girl gave him no more trouble. As the silent miles sailed past she leaned against him, then curled into his chest. Moving an arm around her to ensure she wouldn’t fall, he increased his horse’s pace, finally reaching the slope above the foreshore. Lifting his arm from around her waist, he waved at his men. One of them shouted and waved back. Lulled into sleep by the hypnotizing cadence of the horse’s gallop, Ailith stirred, stared down at the beach, then up at her captor.

  “Can I speak now?” she asked, as they began moving down the bank.

  “That depends on what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it,” Ulrick replied gruffly.

  “Uh, please, will you tell me how you knew I was in the cave?”

  A smile crossed his lips. The girl would be challenging, but she was trainable. Retrieving his knife, he sliced through the rope around her wrists.

  “I’m pleased,” he replied, softening his voice. “You asked with respect. Now you will call me Master.”

  “Master?” she repeated.

  “I own you. I’m your master,” he said, holstering his knife.

  “I can’t call you Ulrick?”

  “Perhaps one day.”

  “When?”

  “That honor only comes with obedience and proven loyalty,” he said solemnly.

  Glancing down and meeting her large, crystal blue eyes, he found they no longer blazed with challenge.

  His large hand instinctively clasped her breast.

  She caught her breath.

  “Such fullness,” he grunted, moving his grasp from one full mound to the other, kneading the plump flesh with his long, thick fingers. “Soon I will suck on your pink tips and make you beg for my manhood.”

  A deep red flush crossed her cheeks, and letting out a strange mewling sound, she dropped her eyes, but he believed he’d glimpsed a flicker of lust. The thought of their inevitable coupling stirred his cock. It would be powerful and passionate—and soon.

  “Please, Master,” she murmured, though keeping her eyes lowered, “how did you find me?”

  He grinned, then dropped his hand.

  “You weren’t the only female taken. Three of my men found females as well.”

  “You mean—one of them told you about the cave by the river? How could they do such a thing? That’s terrible. I can’t believe it.”

  “You expect them to suffer for you? Perhaps even die?” he exclaimed. “Would you do the same for them?”

  “I... uh...”

  “Loyalty is only as strong as the bond people share,” he declared. “Don’t bear them a grudge.”

  They’d reached the bottom of the low bank, and feeling the rocks beneath its feet, the horse slowed as it walked toward the waiting warriors.

  Ulrick felt Ailith tense.

  “They won’t hurt you,” he assured her, “but when we climb off, I’ll grab you and kiss you. Place your arms around my neck and press your body against me. This will tell them you are mine and they won’t bother you.”

  Though what he’d said was true, the obvious declaration of his ownership was for Gander’s benefit.

  “Whatever you do, don’t resist,” he added firmly. “When I release you, don’t look at them. Keep your eyes down and apologize.”

  “Apologize? For what?” she asked, turning her eyes back to him.

  “For escaping,” he retorted tersely. “Because of you, we won’t reach home until almost dark. You will gaze at the ground and tell them you’re sorry for the trouble you’ve caused. Then I will turn you around, show them your red—”

  “What? No!”

  “How dare you interrupt! How dare you refuse me!” he scolded, though her impulsive reaction was understandable. “You’ll be punished for that.”

  “But I don’t want them to see me,” she mewled. “Please, Master.”

  “Your humiliation is deserved,” he said brusquely, “and now you have dared to question me a second time! You just added to your discipline. You will learn to accept and obey.”

  “I’m sorry,” she whimpered. “Please, have mercy? I have been ripped from everything I hold dear. I’m in pain and grief, yet I’m trying. Surely that counts for something. Your ways are strange to m
e. How can you expect me to be perfect?”

  He stared down at her, an odd feeling moving through him. Her softly spoken appeal had somehow slipped beneath his skin and touched his guarded heart. Taken aback, and not sure how to respond, he took a moment.

  “Master?”

  “You spoke well. I will consider your words, but I must continue with your instructions,” he said, lowering his voice as he approached the men. “After I have shown them your reddened backside, you will stay at my side or behind me. Don’t look at anyone, or speak or ask questions. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Master.”

  Pulling his horse to a stop and sliding off, he helped her down, then immediately grabbed her around the waist and lowered his lips to hers. As her arms circled his neck, she pressed up against him, and the fervor with which she returned his kiss sent a rush of energy through his loins. He wanted to throw her to the ground, rip off her flimsy dress, devour her breasts, and thrust his cock inside her. Reluctantly pulling back with his manhood stiffening, he clutched her hair and jerked her to his side.

  “This is Ailith,” he declared, addressing his warriors. “She wishes to speak.”

  “I’m sorry I ran off, and—”

  “Louder,” Ulrick said sternly.

  “I’m sorry I ran off,” she repeated, raising her voice. “I know I’ve made you late. I won’t do it again.”

  “She has been punished,” Ulrick exclaimed, swiftly turning her around and lifting her dress. “Her bottom is still red and sore. She has much to learn, but learn she will. When we reach the settlement her place will be with me. Prepare to leave.”

  As the men nodded their understanding, Ulrick caught sight of Gander standing near the water’s edge. His arms were crossed, his legs spread, his gaze unwavering.

  Ulrick read his body language.

  Gander wanted Ailith.

  Another battle was at hand.

  Chapter Two

  Following Ulrick like a well-trained puppy and keeping her eyes lowered, Ailith covertly glanced around her. She had visited the coastline many times and seen boats in the distance, but they had looked small, and two of the three sitting at the water’s edge were huge. She wondered how the warriors were able to construct such large vessels. She was equally confounded by the horses being led on board. Horses on boats seemed impossible, but she was seeing it with her own eyes.

  Ulrick’s long strides across the small, smooth pebbles had made it difficult to keep up, and when he abruptly stopped, she almost tripped.

  “Varig, what are you doing?” he suddenly shouted.

  Following Ulrick’s gaze, she saw a magnificent black and white stallion standing on its hind legs.

  “Help me,” the young man shouted back, his voice rising in panic. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him.”

  Though the rearing horse was a beautiful sight, she held her breath as the animal came down, sure its hooves would land on the young warrior. Though he jumped out of the way in the nick of time, he looked absolutely terrified and Ailith didn’t blame him.

  “Don’t leave this spot,” Ulrick muttered, darting his eyes to her with a warning scowl.

  Handing the reins of his own horse to a man standing nearby, Ulrick jogged across the beach to help. Though she didn’t dare move, she risked raising her head and looking around.

  There were warriors everywhere, but they were too busy preparing for their departure to pay her any attention. Remembering Ulrick had said other girls had been taken, she searched the shoreline, finally spotting them sitting close to the water in front of the last boat. Looking miserable and scared, three young women were tethered together with ropes around their waists.

  Heat rose up in her throat.

  Whose plight was greater?

  Hers or theirs?

  She had been violated and punished by a savage barbarian who now decreed she belonged to him. Would they suffer a similar fate and be paired with those who captured them, or perhaps become community property and shared among the tough brutes?

  Suddenly her eyes caught sight of a stocky, powerfully built warrior staring directly at her. Quickly averting her gaze, she studied the low banks that led up to the woods. The dense trees would offer cover if she could slip away. She could even sprint across the beach. The warriors were big and brawny, but were they fast on their feet? Her long legs carried her at a fast clip, and she’d have the advantage of surprise. The thought sent her pulse racing, but if she was caught, she couldn’t imagine what terrible punishment Ulrick would inflict.

  “I have to try,” she breathed. “I just have to.”

  Hoping the stocky barbarian had lost interest, she glanced back in his direction.

  Her heart sank.

  Any hope of slinking away or racing across to the cliffs was dashed. He was walking toward her. Not wanting to encourage him, she quickly sent her eyes back to Ulrick and the difficult horse.

  Though he’d stopped rearing, he continued to snort and prance, but Ulrick didn’t yell or try to dominate him. Speaking in a calm, almost quiet voice, he led the frightened creature away from the boats. Initially the horse tossed his head and whinnied, but finally began to settle.

  “He’s afraid to board,” Ulrick declared. “Bring Frey. We’ll take them on together.”

  The man holding Ulrick’s horse led him across the beach, then the two men walked the pair on board without incident.

  “Ailith is such a pretty name.”

  Startled, she spun around.

  The stocky warrior stood only a few feet away. As his dark eyes ogled her, a sneer crossed his lips. Black hair fell past his shoulders, framing a face bearing ugly scars, two of which crossed his forehead giving him a perpetual frown.

  A chill pricked her skin.

  She didn’t like him.

  Not one bit.

  “A pretty name for a pretty female,” he continued, moving his eyes up and down her body.

  Painfully aware her nipples were sharp against her thin dress, she crossed her arms, silently cursing the hot blush crawling up her face.

  “My name is Gander,” he declared, stepping closer.

  He smelled musty, like dank ground.

  Instinctively she backed up.

  “You’re like a nervous filly,” he said huskily. “Ulrick’s a fool leaving you by yourself. I wouldn’t have done that. If you were mine, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight for a moment.” Then lowering his voice and leaning toward her, he whispered, “If you ever need a friend, I’m easy to find.”

  Before she could respond, he abruptly turned and marched away.

  “If I ever need a friend, it sure as hell won’t be you,” she hissed under her breath. “It won’t be any of you,” she continued, staring around at the brawny barbarians. “I need to get out of here.”

  Use your wits.

  “Yes, Father,” she whispered as his words rang loud in her head. “That’s what I’m trying to do. There has to be a way.”

  Her only chance to escape a second time was to play along until an opportunity presented itself. But as the thought floated through her head, she couldn’t deny how she’d felt when Ulrick’s lips had pressed against hers, and his arms had engulfed her in his powerful hold.

  The most extraordinary sensation had fluttered through her stomach.

  A sensation she wanted to experience again.

  Though the fluttery feeling had lasted only seconds, it had left her weak, then moments later, as she’d placed her arms around his neck and pretended to return his kiss, it had returned.

  But she reminded herself how much she hated him.

  He had torn her from her village.

  The conflicting emotions surged through her heart.

  Taking a breath and gathering her wits, she pivoted on her feet to see if he was on his way. He was still talking to his men, but as she studied him, she noticed he boasted bigger muscles than the others, and he towered over them. As if sensing her gaze, he turned and looked back at her, th
en nodded his head, and with a last word to his warriors, he marched across the beach toward her.

  “No wonder you’re their leader,” she mumbled to herself, watching his long stride carry him forward. “You could pulverize every one of them if you wanted to.”

  “I didn’t want to leave you, but I didn’t want you near the horse,” Ulrick declared as he approached. “He’s a young stallion. They can lose their heads.”

  “You handled him so well,” she replied, meaning every word, “and you won his trust so quickly.”

  “I understood what was scaring him, but enough about that. Has anyone bothered you?”

  Her heart skipped.

  She didn’t want to be blamed for Gander’s visit, but if she lied and Ulrick found out she might be in even worse trouble.

  “Your hesitation tells me someone has,” he said, lowering his voice. “Who was it? What did he do? What did he say?”

  “I did nothing to invite his attention,” she said hastily. “I swear it.”

  “Just tell me what happened.”

  “You believe me, don’t you?”

  “Of course I believe you. Tell me, Ailith. It’s important. Point him out to me.”

  Though still worried, she took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and looked him in the eye.

  “He said his name was Gander. I noticed he was staring at me, but I looked away, then he came up and started talking to me.”

  “What did he say?”

  Ulrick’s tone had been measured, but a scowl had crossed his forehead.

  “Uh, he said Ailith is such a pretty name, but I didn’t know he was behind me until he spoke. It scared me.”

  “Go on. What did he say next?”

  “A pretty name for a pretty female,” she murmured. “It made me very nervous.”

  “Did you reply?”

  “No, I said nothing the whole time he was here.”

  “Good. Keep going.”

  “That’s when he told me his name was Gander, and, uh, then he said you were a fool leaving me by myself. He said if he owned me he wouldn’t have done that, and he wouldn’t have let me out of his sight.”