Taming the Barbarian

8

            Dax stretched as he woke. Tess had drifted off into a peaceful sleep in his arms, her cheek resting on his belly, her arms hugging his waist. Dax had not dared move a muscle out of fear of waking his sleeping beauty. She looked so peaceful. He had slept wonderfully beside her. It was strange as he contemplated the most unusual desire he had to cater to the woman sharing his bed.

He wanted to see her smile, he realized, wanted to make her laugh. More than anything, he wanted her to want to stay with him. To view him as more than a brute monster that murdered her husband. More than the self-assured barbarian that had ripped her from her home and enslaved her to his will; but, how could she? After all, he had done to her; she would never look at him the way the others did.

            The morning sun peeked through the hole in the tent top. The day had begun, and there was work to be done. He had no more time to dwell on uncomfortable truths. They had a village to build. Dax stroked Tess’ face. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and she shifted ever so slightly, but her eyes did not open. She was going to be difficult. It would seem. Dax moved into a sitting position, trying to disturb her sleep.

            Nothing.

            After a few more attempts to rouse her Dax concluded that there had been no reason to remain so still. This woman could sleep like the dead. Nothing else working Dax decided it was time for drastic measures. Lifting her into his arms with no more than her chemise on, Tess lay relaxed in his embrace like a child's doll. Picking up his cloak Dax carried Tess outside, ducking his head to clear the tent entrance. He carried her to the nearest rain barrel and dropped her into the icy water.

            A shrill scream echoed through the camp. Drenched to the bone, Tess splashed in the freezing water trying to get her footing. Laughter roared from the lookers-on as they went about their business. Tess stood up gasping from the cold and sopping wet. Her long hair is hanging in dripping clumps over her face. The soaking wet cotton clung to her curved frame. Tess reached up using the heels of her hands to push her hair from her face and wipe the water from her eyes. Her tiny body shivered from the sudden chill. Whistles and crude comments came from the men in the area gathering around for the show. Her white cotton chemise had become almost transparent from the water.

            She shot him a furious glare like daggers from her eyes. The hateful scowl twisted her pretty face. “Good morning, sunshine. It is time to earn your keep.” Dax smirked sadistically. “Did you sleep well, my Lady?” He patronized her.

            “Why you ignorant…” Tess snapped her rant cut short when Dax put his hand on the top of her head and pushed her back under the cold water. Her arms flailing for a brief moment to cool her temper, and he let her up. Pushing her hair from her face, Tess lashed out trying to claw at his face. Leaning back to avoid her clumsy attack, Dax pushed Tess back under the icy water.

            Letting her up, he leaned into her. “Is the tantrum finished?” He asked calmly. He was the master and she the thrall and she would do well to remember that. As much as Dax loathed admitting it Kenium had been right; this self-righteous English blue blood needed to learn her place. He could not allow such insolence to go unpunished in front of his countrymen. It would make him appear weak and not in control. They would question his leadership and dedication on the field. Such weakness would not be tolerated.

            “Why you son of a…” Tess growled, Dax pushed her head back under the water for a moment and pulled her back up.

            Tess gasped for air, her will broke, and she stood limp and silent. “Are you quite finished?” He asked again. She simply nodded, her body shaking violently from the cold. Her arms hugged her chest for warmth. “Good.” Dax helped Tess from the barrel, her bare feet placed in the dirt. He quickly wrapped his heavy cloak around her miniature form and rubbed her arms, trying to warm her quicker. “Now go dry yourself and dress. Take a few minutes to warm yourself by the fire and then find Susie and Hanna; they will guide you through what is expected of you today.” He said smoothly as if he had not just woken her rudely and humiliated her in front of the entire camp.

            Dax walked Tess back to the tent, lifting back the flap and escorting her inside. His charming smile only irritated her further. “You are a nasty callous man. Why are you picking on me this morning?” She complained.

            “I am not picking on you.”

            “You are like day and night.”

            Tess quietly cursed Dax under her breath as she pushed past him moving to the dying fire for warmth. Dax took a moment and stepped inside, crouching beside her as she warmed herself by the dwindling fire. “Now do not be so hateful darling.” He spoke sweetly, placing his hand on her back. Tess pushed his arm away as she scowled at him holding her hands over the flames.

            “Do not be hateful? I was not the one forcing you into arctic waters. I will likely catch my death of cold now.”

            “I tried waking you in other ways, but you are a stubborn sleeper.”

            “I am not.”

            “This was the only thing that worked. There is much work to be done today, and we will need all available hands. I had to wake you. We rise early here when there is work to be done each day. You will get used to it, darling.” Dax promised his tone apologetic now that he was out of the view of the camp.

            “Do not call me, darling.” Tess snipped “And do not throw me in the water ever again.”

            “Just remember who is master here.” Dax cupped the back of her head and kissed Tess hungrily, she was a spitfire, and he regretted he only had a few moments to spend ravishing her. His pulse sped up when Tess shrugged off the cloak, her arms lacing around his neck. She pressed herself against him, returning his urgent longing, Dax reached up to pry her arms from his neck. He had to get to work, he, unfortunately, did not have the time for pleasantries, but she felt so arousing pressed against him. Her wet clothing is dampening his own, but he did not care, she felt glorious in his arms. Why was the first time she responded to him have to be now when he had not the time to appreciate his hard-won victory. “I must go, darling.”

            “No.” Tess breathed against his lips, pushing her hips to his. “Please stay.”

            “I cannot find a sweet dove.” He confirmed trying to convince himself more than her. “There is work to be done and my back is needed.”

            Tess grinned tugging the lace of his breeches open. “There is work to be done right here.” She smirked. Dax responded with a throaty groan. “Please Dax, just a few moments or so,” Tess whispered, pressing against him.

            His resolve snapping Dax laid Tess back against the dirt floor stretching out over her. He pushed his breeches down his legs, exposing himself, his mouth kissing down her neck. Tess clung to him, her hands spread out over his back.

            A gruff male voice yelling for him from outside startled them both. What was he doing he had not the time to do this properly? Dax kissed Tess softly. “This is not the time for this sweet dove.” It was all he could do to pull away from her as the voice yelled for him once more. Dax scrambled to his feet tripping as he yanked his breeches up and tied the leather lace tight.

            Tess scurried onto the bed, pulling the fur covers over her for cover, afraid of the booming voice followed by laughter. Dax lowered his tunic over his waistline and reached for his battleaxe; an amused smile graced his face. “Do not fret; they will not enter. They say the work will not wait. So, get dressed, the others will be expecting you.” He lifted the tent flap, drinking her hot, flushed features in. A final sight that would keep his mind occupied all day. “Take your time,” Dax said granting her leniency he was sure to hear about later. At that particular moment, he would have given her anything she had asked. It was best he left quickly before she asked him to release her once again.

            Dax ducked his head and stepped into the sun. A small gathering of his countrymen was smirking knowingly at him. “If you are quite finished following your c**k, would you care to lend us that strong back?” One mocked, slapping Dax hard on the back. He staggered forward with a chuckle and followed the men to the surrounding woods with his battleaxe swinging at his side.

            “Did you put her in her place?” Helom snickered quietly lingering behind with Dax, taking their time as they followed the others toward the surrounding woods.

            Dax smiled sheepishly; he had never hidden anything from Helom. “I think she put me in mine.” He admitted finding the notion oddly invigorating; his smile gave him away.

            “Be cautious, my dear boy; strong women can be a handful,” Helom warned amusement in his voice.

            Dax lifted a questioning brow. “I am surrounded by strong women all the time; I have never had issues with any.” Dax clarified. All Norse women were strong, some evenly matched with men. They were often equalled in the physical labour, in running each settlement, fierce in battle, and as wild and crude as any man among them. He was used to strength.

            Helom shook his head and squeezed Dax’s arm. “Not physically strong lad… willful… spirited. A woman can be physically weak and still be stronger than any warrior. They can be hard to control.”

            Dax laughed at the idea. “Do not worry about me, old man. I am in control. I assure you. I am the dominant one.” He assured his sergeant father.

            Helom smirked. “So many women and yet you know so little.” He stopped Dax, feeling that there was one lesson, yet he could still teach the boy. “You may be dominant,” he began tapping his pupil on the forehead, hoping to have the knowledge sink in, “but the submissive is the one in control.”

            Helom rested his battleaxe over his shoulder and hurried to catch up, leaving Dax lagging confused and dumbfounded. The old man must be losing his senses. Tess in control, the very idea was preposterous.

***                               

            Tess sat wrapped in the furs of Dax’s bed, horrified by the way she had behaved. She had been so annoyed with Dax for his rude awakening, but when he had kissed her so demandingly, he had drawn a response from her only it had not been the one she should have given him. She should have slapped him, but after a night of naughty dreams, his kiss had sparked a fire inside her. Her entire body had felt more alive than she had ever felt. His touch made her quiver with need as he stretched out atop her.

            Her resistance had snapped like a brittle twig. She had begged him not to leave her. Had it not been for his demanding countrymen, she would have given herself to him. It was disturbing how much she had wanted him. Thank god he had stopped before it went any further. But he would return and then what? Could she resist him? Could she stop herself from making a grave mistake?

            Oh god, Susie had been right, she had become a w***e. She had allowed him to lower her from her God-given station in life. No, she couldn’t allow this to happen twice.

            Tess got up and began to dress, leaving her wet chemise draped over the chest to dry. The wool dress was itchy against her bare skin, but it would have to do. She had nothing else to wear.

            She made her way to the thrall tent where she spent the day avoiding eye contact with the other women who had been teasing her about her icy bath in the rain barrel. Tess kept her head down and went about the cooking and washing she was expected to do. She was thankful for the work to be done, it gave her a reason not to talk with the other woman, and after she did not respond to their teasing, they had just given up and left her alone about the matter.

            Still, she could not stop thinking about her dreams or the way Dax had felt in flesh and blood. His kiss had been intoxicating. How would she fare against him when he returned?

            The day had come and gone, and the sun had set yet the men had not returned, and Tess was counting herself lucky. She decided it was time to go to bed. She was exhausted from the day’s work. She let down her hair, running her fingers through her long locks to remove the tangles. She had done her best to restart the fire, but she had never before had to do it, and it seemed a lot harder than it looked.

            After a half-hour of failure, Tess crawled into the bed and pulled the blankets up around her shivering. She wasn’t meant to live this way. She was meant for better. She deserved to own more than one dress. She deserved breakfast in bed, in a real bed, not just hay on the ground. She deserved fresh eggs and chocolate, oh how she missed chocolate. She missed having her bed warmed and a roaring fire she didn’t have to start. She deserved a lady maid to brush her hair. She deserved a comb or a warm bath.

            There was nothing about her old life that she did not miss. She had not appreciated how good she had had it until it had all been taken away from her. She was not meant for labour. Tess looked at her water-wrinkled fingers and sighed. Her once soft hands were now dried out and rough.

            She could not get to sleep; she was so cold. Then the tent flap opened, and Dax came in. Tess pulled the blanket around her tighter to hide her from his sight. The smile on his face when he saw her made her smile; she could not fight it. First, he put his axe aside and looked at the stacked wood in the fire pit. “Why did you not start a fire?” He asked, dropping to his knees to start one. “You must be freezing.”

            “I could not get it started.” She confessed.

            “That is because you have no kindling.” He said gathering some twigs and moss. She watched as he lit the fire with ease, leaning over to blow on the meagre flame bringing it to life lightly. Soon he had a fair-sized fire lighting up the tent and Tess could feel the air warming.

            Dax pulled off his tunic and crawled into the bed with Tess. She put her hands on his chest, trying to push him away as he leaned in for a kiss. He seemed confused and rightly so after the disgraceful way she had behaved that morning. “We must talk.” She said, keeping him at arm’s length.

            “Must we?” He asked, trying to kiss her once more.

            “Yes.” She said, dodging his lips.

            He sighed and leaned back, stretched out beside her and propped up on his elbow. “Fine, what about?”

            “About this morning.” She said extremely aware of his hard muscles beneath her hands. It made it hard to focus on what she had to say. “It should not have happened. I was not thinking.” It was strange, but the disappointed look in his eyes made her feel rotten. “It is just…” It was strange, but all of her reasons seemed foolish at that moment. “I do not even know you.”

            Dax laughed. “You wish to know me better?” Oddly she did? There had to be more to the man than a raging libido. “Alright what would you like to know?” He asked, reaching out to brush her tangled hair behind her ear.

            “Where are you from?” It was the only question that came to mind.

            “A small coastal village in Norway.” He said, coming to his feet and walking over to the chest. He picked up a hide skin purse and removed the bone comb he kept inside then returned to the bed. “Come here.” He ordered softly taking her hand and drawing her into his lap.

            Tess sat with her back to Dax, his legs on either side of her. She almost purred when she felt him drag the comb through her long hair. “Do you have family back home?” She asked, enjoying the grooming.

            “I have my mother and sisters.”

            “Is your father here?”

            “My father is dead.” He said with little feeling.

            “I’m sorry. Did he pass recently?”

            Dax gently worked the comb through the matted tangles trying not to pull. “He died while I was a boy, lost at sea.”

            “It must have been hard.”

            “Helom brought me into manhood. He taught me to fight, took me to sea. I was lucky to have him.” 

            “Still, you must miss your father.” She said, finding him oddly disconnected.

            “He died well.”

            “I do not understand. You do not miss him?”

            Dax sighed and worked the tangles loose. “He is in a better place; I hope to one day to join him in the afterlife. I like to think I do him proud.”

            “I don’t understand you people. How does the killing and sacking towns make anyone proud?”

            Dax laughed. “We are a warrior nation sweet dove. We live for the fight and to die in battle or lost at sea is an honourable death. Dying a coward in your bed as an old man will ensure you a seat at Hel’s table.”

            “Who?”

            Dax shook his head. “It is not important.” He said, brushing her dark hair over her shoulder and pulling her back against him. She should have resisted, but he simply held her. She could not help herself. Tess felt his breath on her ear as he held her. She looked up at him over her shoulder, and he smiled that disarming smile that made her knees weak. Her gaze fell to his lips. She grew warm thinking about the way he kissed her.

            Stop it; she scolded herself. She had to stop thinking of him this way. But how when he looked so good, like a seductive fallen angel? A man that fell from grace to hold her. Tess looked away, trying to get a grip on her senses. “Why do all the thralls have such short hair?” She asked, trying to keep the conversation going. She had noticed not one of them had hair long enough to tie up.

            “It is tradition, a way of displaying their status as thralls. Only maidens are allowed to wear their hair long.”

            She had to ask. “Then why have you not cut my hair?”

            “I like your hair.” He smiled. “I like everything about you.” He said, nuzzling her neck and sending shivers throughout her. “I like your eyes. I like your skin.” He whispered, caressing her shoulder and pushing her dark hair aside. “I like your swan-like neck.” He said kissing the column of her throat. Her eyes fluttered shut as his lips grazed her neck. It was growing considerably harder to resist his advances as his hand moved over her shoulders, down her arms and over her belly.

            She opened her mouth to protest when he slowly lifted her skirt her thighs. His hand slipped beneath the folds of her dress, moving up the inside of her upper thigh. His fingers grazed her now damp womanhood. It was a sensation like no other it took her breath away.

            “You will like me too.” He whispered against her ear. “The way I will feel inside you.” His fingers stroked her intimately, and Tess shuttered. She should stop him, but she could not move. His sinful touch held her captive. Tess gave a little gasp when she felt his fingers press into her silken folds. Never before had she been touched in such a tantalizing way. Not even by her love, Lord Raymond. The memory brought Tess back to the world. How could she allow Dax to touch her in such a way? It was a betrayal to the man she loved.

            Tess' hand closed around Dax’s wrist trying to stop him but when his thumb stroked the bud of her s*x Tess almost died. She melted against him as his fingers thrust in and out of her. His lips caressed her neck and made Tess tremble with need. A need for something she did not understand. She could not stop him now if she tried. The sensation he inflicted was mind-blowing, and soon, Tess could not think. She could do nothing but grind her hips against his practiced hand.

            Dax whispered sweetly into her ear, causing her to tremble. He spoke in his tongue. She did not know what he said, but it sounded seductive as he nibbled at her ear. His other hand cupped her breast through her dress. Tess melted back against Dax as he massaged her bosom and manipulated her throbbing womanhood.

            Tess’ flesh felt hot as the bliss began to build. She could not stop herself from moaning with pleasure. She was barely aware of Dax’s rigid erection pressed firmly against her bottom; the gyrating of her hips rubbing her bottom firmly against his arousal. He was breathing heavily as he did his best to take things slow. She heard a throaty groan as he held her against him.

            Then it happened, a wave of euphoria washed over Tess, and her whole body trembled. Her eyes are practically rolling back in her head as she gave herself over to the sensation. It took a few moments for the pleasure to fade. What they had just done was a sin… but lord helps her she hopped the angels were looking the other way.

            Suddenly Dax moved away from her and stood up. It was strange how abandoned she felt by the distance between them. There was a heat in his bright eyes that ignited a fire in her belly. Dax reached down and took her by the hand, lifting her to her feet. Standing in front of Dax, Tess felt her body sway against his, her hands flat against the span of his solid chest. His flesh felt hot against her palms.

            Her head fell back as his fingers caressed her neck and moved down over her shoulders, pulling the clips that held up her dress free. The woollen fabric fell to the floor around her feet. Her chemise was still on the chest where she had left it that morning. She was nude as the day God had made her, and it excited her in a way she could have never predicted. His lusty gaze raked over her supple body, and she thought she heard him purr. His hands moved over her bare shoulders and down her arms before wrapping around her waist and pulling Tess hard against him.

            Flesh to flesh threatened to consume her. She was mindless with desire. A desire Dax seemed eager to satisfy. His lips captured hers, and soon, they were locked in a heated embrace. His tongue is duelling with hers in a sweet battle neither were willing to forfeit.

            Her hands moved down his chest and came to the strained lace of his tout breeches. She wanted so badly to feel him fully against her. She twined the lace about her finger and pulled it free. Her hands are moving over his narrow hips. She pushed his breeches down his powerful thighs. Never breaking their kiss Dax stepped out of his breeches, his arousal against her belly.

            When her tiny hand closed around his rigid length, Dax sighed and closed his eyes. His forehead rested against hers as he enjoyed her touch. It was empowering to have such control over him. Tess stroked his member from tip to base and back once more, drawing a strangled groan from Dax.

            A white bead of desire formed at the head of his p***s. She rubbed her thumb over the sensitive tip, and Dax’s grip tightened around her waist. Without warning, Dax lifted Tess off her feet, pulling her legs around his waist, bringing his manhood against her throbbing s*x. Her hands plunged into his golden mane, pulling him close as her mouth ate at his.

            With such ease, Dax knelt and laid Tess back against the furs, settling between her legs like that was where he belonged. She felt him pressing against the mouth of her womanhood. Slowly he pressed into her, filling her, stretching her tender tissue to accept his invasion. It was sensational until Dax reached the barrier of her virtue.

            He paused a moment before pressing on. Her eyes widened with the pain he caused. A tear is rolling down her cheek as he sank deeper into her. Dax remained motionless until the pain passed, kissing the tear away. It felt as if the pain would never fade but fade it did, and when it did, Dax began to move slowly inside her.

            Tess’ eyes fluttered shut as she gave herself over completely to his wicked will. Before she knew it, she was moaning and panting. His hands combed her body caressing and teasing every inch of her sensitive flesh. Soon she was bucking beneath him trying to take him in fully, her fingers digging into his back as she reached the height of pleasure like none she had ever known.

            Dax’s stamina was unmatched as he tormented her through the night until she cried out. When she could take no more, she found herself begging for sweet release. Dax groaned and arched his back as he came, his body shaking violently as his seed poured into her.

            Dax dropped onto the furs beside Tess, motionless and quiet. His eyes closed. Had he fallen asleep? A chill came over her as their bodies began to cool. Tess pulled the furs up around them, and she smiled when Dax pulled her into his arms. His eyes still shut. Her head on his chest Tess was lulled to sleep by the steady beat of his heart.