Page 87 of Viking Unchained

“Oh, can I come help?” Magnus asked, as if it would be a privilege.

“I suppose,” her father said, clearly disappointed that he wasn’t going to get her alone . . . yet. He left through the back door, accompanied by Magnus carrying a huge broadsword, which caused her dad’s eyes to about bug out.

Finn then tugged on her arm and pulled her into the hallway. “Do you want me to speak with your father?” He was tracing a forefinger along her jawline as he spoke.

“About what?” Even as she was alarmed, she leaned into his hand, relishing the soft caress.

“My intentions.”

“What? Don’t you dare. I don’t even know what your intentions are. And none of that matters anyhow, if your intentions don’t jive with mine.”

He just smiled and hunkered down a bit, kissing her softly.

“I mean it, Finn. You and I have unfinished business. Don’t be jumping the gun here.”

“The only jumping I will be doing is into your bed furs, sweetling.”

“That’s another thing. Yikes! Stop that.”

“Stop what?”

“Touching me there.”

“So, what was the other thing?”

“We can’t sleep together in my parents’ house.”

He frowned. “Why not?”

“Because they wouldn’t approve.”

“Did you and Saint Dave not share a bed here?”

“Of course we did, but we were married.”

“Ah.”

“What does that mean?”

“You are withdrawing your favors to gain a marriage proposal.”

“I am not!”

“I think I care for you, Lydia, but marriage . . . I vowed never to wed again. Besides, my time will be consumed soon with SEAL training.”

“You think you care for me? That’s big of you.”

“Sarcasm ill suits you, Lydia. I will speak to your father, and all will be well.”

“If you do, I’ll never speak to you again.” At the contemplative expression on his face, she added, “And I won’t have sex with you, either.”

“You did in the barn.”

“That was a lapse in judgment.”

“Spectacular good judgment, if you ask me.”

“Just out of curiosity, since marriage is out of the question, what exactly would you be telling my father?”