Read Wanted by the Viking for Free Online Page A

enough though, she missed his touch. And his warm body to sleep next to at night. Not that she'd ever admit that to a living soul.
                  A solitary farm was up ahead, barely visible in the fading light. As she got closer Kendra could see that it was abandoned. There was a large hole where the thatched roof had caved in. But the barn looked otherwise intact.
                  She guided Marshmallow inside and looked around. It was filthy but had a partial roof and looked clear of wild animals. She sighed and led the donkey to the far corner where there were a few partitions creating stalls where animals had been kept.
                  "Well my friend, this will have to do."
                  There was another stall next door where she laid her bags down. Then she made a thick pile of stale hay and spread a blanket on top for she and the baby.
                  Rowena.
                  The name was growing on her. It was fitting somehow, to give life to the name of her mother.
                  She looked around the barn, hoping to find a bucket for water or something to feed Mallow. But when she turned, the donkey was contentedly munching on the straw that had been left there. Tomorrow would be soon enough to find water and see about something to eat. Perhaps they could even stay here for a few days and rest... the ordeal with the slave master had taken a lot of energy from her.
                  She fed Rowena a few sips of goat’s milk and lay down beside her, pulling the child onto her belly. Her eyes closed softly and she fell into a light doze.
                  When she woke it was dark inside the barn. Dawn was just beginning to light up the sky, diffusing soft light. She could barely see her hand when she held it in front of her face. But she could hear the sounds the men were making outside.
                  A scuffling sound alerted her to the more immediate threat.
                  Someone was in the barn. Her heart was pounding. She knew that her luck had finally run out.
                  "Kendra?"
                  She stifled a relieved laugh. It was Grayson. How the man had tracked her down was beyond her. He was determined, she had to give him that.
                  The baby didn't appreciate the intrusion, no matter how benign, and let out a loud squeal.
                  "Hush now."
                  She kissed the baby again and wrapped the blanket around them both, tying the child to her chest. Then she eased quietly to her feet and into Marshmallow's stall.
                  "Where are you woman?"
                  She giggled breathily and slipped her hood over the head of her donkey. The light was growing now. It wouldn't help her escape, but it might provide some amusement. Grinning wickedly, Kendra snuck back into the other stall. Grayson must have seen her red cloak immediately because she heard his footsteps approach at a run.
                  "The sight of your red cloak inflames me…"
                  She stepped out of the stall to observe as Grayson slipped his arms around the donkey.
                  "What the?"
                  She laughed and he turned, scowling. But the relief on his face was plain to see. The way her heart leapt at the sight of him was another matter altogether.
                  Who would have thought it?
                  She had missed the oaf after all.
     
     
     
     
     
    ********
                 
     
     
     
                  Grayson stared at his woman. His ornery, sneaky, trick playing woman. Then he let out a loud whoop and scooped her into his arms.
                  By Odin he was glad to see her!
                  "You are unharmed?"