intoxicating

(word count: 1303)

Serene woke up tangled in Finan's arms, she sighed in contentment. She cuddled into him, the cold air brushing against her skin but yet her body was warm. Finan stirred, his strong arms wrapping tighter around her. She leaned up to kiss him, feeling the scratch of his beard against her lips. He groaned into the kiss, his hands running through her hair.

They stayed like that for a while, enjoying the closeness and warmth of each other. She gazed up at Finan, taking in his rugged features, the way the morning light made his skin glow. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

Finan brushed his lips against hers, his tongue dancing with hers. His hands moved down to her hips, pulling her closer against him. Serene moaned into the kiss, feeling her body respond to his touch. She ran her fingers down his chest, tracing the defined muscles beneath his skin. The cold air of the morning was forgotten as their passion flared, consuming them both.

They broke apart for air, panting heavily. Finan gazed down at Serene, his eyes dark with desire. "Yer the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I never want this moment to end."

Serene felt her cheeks flush with pleasure. "You're not so bad yourself, Irishman." she managed to say, her voice still unsteady. She ran her fingers along his jawline, tracing the familiar contours of his face. They lay there together, lost in each other's gaze, the world around them fading into the background.

As they continued to embrace, the warmth of their bodies began to chase away the last remnants of the night's chill. Serene felt a newfound sense of contentment wash over her, as if everything in her life had been leading up to this moment. Finan's strong arms were like a secure harbor, protecting her from the world outside. She could feel the rhythm of his heartbeat against her chest, steady and reassuring.

Finan's fingers traced patterns on her back, his touch gentle yet firm. She arched into it, her body craving more of his touch. He leaned down, nuzzling his face into her hair, inhaling deeply. "You smell like flowers," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Like the sunshine after a storm." his voice husky with desire. "It's intoxicating." His lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Serene threaded her fingers through his hair, feeling the silky strands slip through her fingers. She tilted her head back, offering him easier access to her neck. He obliged, his lips and teeth leaving a trail of kisses and tiny bites along her skin, each one sending a jolt of pleasure through her. Her breath hitched as he found her sensitive spot, sucking gently on it.

She had expected herself to flee as soon as the act was done, but she found herself wanting more. Finan made her feel safe, good.

Her breath hitched as he continued to lavish attention on her neck, nipping gently at the sensitive skin beneath her earlobe. His touch was both gentle and possessive, as if he wanted to mark her as his own. She arched her back, moaning softly as the sensations cascaded through her.

 Suddenly their tent flap opened, Sithric entered and froze as he saw the two. He cleared his throat with a smirk. They both turn, Serene gasped and Finan threw himself infront of her, covering her. "Brida's here." The young Dane chuckled and left.

Finan growled, pushing himself up. "I'll have words with him." He stalked off, leaving Serene alone and confused. She didn't know what to think, she had never been so intimate with anyone, let alone a man. With everything that has happened to her she never expected to be. The feelings he evoked in her were overwhelming. She didn't want to think about what this all meant, not now.

She sat up, gathering her clothes and pulling them on. She was still trembling from the passion that had consumed her and Finan. As she buttoned her blouse, she couldn't help but wonder if what they had just shared was real or just a moment of insanity brought on by the stress of their situation. She wanted to believe it was real, that there was more to their connection.

She stepped outside the tent, finding Finan sitting a short distance away, his back to her. He was silent, his shoulders tense. She walked over to him and tentatively placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned to her, his eyes blazing with anger and something else she couldn't quite place. "What do you want from me?" he growled. "Is this some sort of joke?"

Serene felt her cheeks flush with shame, Skade smirked at the two a distance away."I don't know what to say," Serene whispered, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the camp. " She said if I did not, Uthred would die." She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "I am sorry if I have caused you pain." She looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of understanding or forgiveness.

Finan stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he reached out and took her hand. His grip was firm, but not painful. "You did not cause this," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "She is an evil witch."

He stood, pulling her up with him. "Come," he said, leading her away from the others. "We have much to discuss." He sat down on a nearby boulder, tugging her down beside him. "I want to know why you did it," he said, his voice gentle now. "What made you agree to such a thing?"Serene swallowed hard, her throat tight. She looked at Finan, searching his eyes for understanding, but found only anger and pain. "I was desperate," she whispered. "I had no other choice." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "I knew that if I did not do as she said, Uthred would die. I could not bear the thought of being the reason he died."

" Why did she want you to do that of all things?" he asked, his voice raw with emotion. " She meant for it to torture me." Serene looked down at her hands, feeling a weight of guilt, and the grief of her childhood pressing down on her.

"She knew about my past," she finally said, her voice barely audible. "She...she used that against me. She told me that if I didn't do as she said, Uthred would die." She began to sob, her shoulders shaking as she tried to hold back the tears. " He fell from his horse because I would not bed you."

Finan's grip tightened on her hand, his eyes burning with pain. He looked away, trying to control his emotions. "I understand," he said finally, his voice hoarse.

They sat in silence for a long moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Serene wiped away her tears, struggling to regain her composure. Finan's gaze drifted back to her, and she could see the conflict in his eyes.

"I do not blame you for what you did," he said finally, his voice steady. "You were only trying to protect him." He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "But know this, Serene. If you ever find yourself in such a situation again, you must come to me first. You must trust me to help you find another way."

His words cut through her like a knife, and she looked up at him, surprised by the intensity of her feelings. "I will," she whispered. "I promise."

(authors note)

Heyyy y'all so I'm back I know I haven't really published this book in a while, but I'll try to work on it!! I hope you enjoy and have a great day or night!!!!