Eva moved beneath him, and he rolled off of her, then scooped her body close to his. She snuggled against him and sighed. “I didn’t hurt you?” he asked.
She looked over her shoulder. “Are you kidding? That was the best.” She snared his arm and pulled it around her.
His dragon spirit preened at the unabashed compliment. As for him, Balthazar wanted nothing more than to continue exploring what he and Eva might have together. She gave him something to think about, something to hope for.
Chapter 5
Eva finally found Thorsson after searching the house and surrounding grounds. The stone shed was located some distance from the back of the house. He sat on a leather stool, his broadsword gripped in both hands as he held it over a spinning stone wheel. Sparks flew in all directions as he touched the edges to the wheel, sharpening it.
“Very old fashioned,” she commented as she stood at the door.
“Sometimes the old-fashioned ways are the best.” He held up the weapon and tested its sharpness with his thumb.
“For an Ulfberht sword, I would agree.”
He glanced at her. “You know your weapons.”
She stepped inside. “I know my history.” The sword glinted in the sunlight streaming through the small window, showing no visible signs of rust. “A magnificent specimen.”
He nodded his thanks and picked up a small, smooth stone, using it to file out rough patches.
She watched him work. “A family heirloom?”
“That it is.” He smoothed his hand over the steel.
The pommel had unrecognizable runes. “What are those?” she asked, tilting her chin. “Your family name?”
“Our name and proverb.” He lifted the sword so the blade pointed up. “Loyalty and Strength.”
“And what about those?” She pointed at a smaller set of runes etched in the round base.
“Another motto. Vikings loved them.” He slid the weapon back into its scabbard, stood up and stretched his arms over his head, then looked at her. “Is there something you want to speak to me about?”
“I need to go to Reykjavík today.”
Thorsson remained silent for several moments and just looked at her, his pale blue gaze as icy as the glaciers in the northern regions. “Did I say something funny?” she asked.
“No, just unexpected.”
Eva sighed. “Look, my father and I had a successful expedition in the peninsula. There’s a possibility that Balthazar’s scale might be amongst the artifacts.”
“It’s a big risk you’re taking.”
“I believe it’s a risk I have to take. He needs his scale, and we need him to protect us from Ti.”
Thorsson strapped the broadsword to his back and headed towards her. She stepped to one side. “What has Lord Balthazar said to your request?”
“He doesn’t know.”
He stood in front of her, his chest level with her gaze. “Are you going to tell him?”
“No.”
“I see.” He walked around her.
Eva resisted the urge to smack his arm and hurried after him. “Thorsson, we can’t just sit here and wait for Ti to show up. Without that scale, Balthazar doesn’t stand a chance.”
“Lord Balthazar has us and his younger brother.”
“Yes, but don’t you think he should fight his own battles? He’s a dragon for God’s sake!”
The security guard turned on her. “Don’t you think I know this? My ancestors dedicated their lives to protect Lord Balthazar and his family, and I will do no less.”
“But don’t you think if there’s the slightest chance I can find that scale, we should take it?”
Thorsson looked out over the empty green landscape, his expression unreadable. Why would he even hesitate? Finally, he sighed. “I will not leave Lord Balthazar alone, but I will send two of my security men with you.”
Eva sagged with relief. “Thank you. And don’t tell Balthazar about our conversation, please.”
“As long as you promise me that you will follow my men’s instructions implicitly. If there is any chance that Lord Ti or one of his colleagues finds you…” He pointedly looked at her arm.
“The bruise is almost gone, Thorsson. They won’t be able to track me.”
“Nevertheless, you will take precautions. And I will be in constant communication with all of you.”
She nodded.
“Very well.” He started back towards the house. “You will meet my men at the garage in half an hour. Where is Lord Balthazar?”
Eva felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “Still sleeping, I think.”
Blond eyebrows almost disappeared into his hairline. “I will make no comment on the matter.”