Blind Redemption by Violetta Rand Page A

wild dogs.
    With Erling mortally wounded, Aaron could now focus on finding Amelia. When he finished here, he’d deal with that breeches-wearing shrew that wouldn’t get the hell out of his head. It would serve both women right if he left them here. But there were better ways to punish foolish females.
    After a short search, he found Amelia crouched behind a cabin with six other women.
    “Jarl McNally,” she greeted him without surprise, almost as if she’d expected his appearance.
    “Come,” He grabbed her arm. “Your mistress waits.”
    “Mine or yours?” She smiled.
    He didn’t appreciate her insinuation. Did the wench want to stay in this dirty sprawl of a place? He tightened his hold. “Save your words for later.”
    Kara stumbled out of the woods to find Aaron’s men with their horses. They offered her water and barley cakes. She accepted a water skin and choked down every ounce her belly could hold.
    “Where did you come from?” one of the guards questioned.
    She pointed, still breathless. “Aaron . . .” She drained the skin. “The jarl rescued me and told me to find you.”
    “Tayte Olavson.” The soldier bowed.
    “I’ve never been so happy to meet someone.” She wanted to kiss him. “I’m Kara Dalgaard, daughter of Jarl Erik the Bald.”
    Two conscripts snickered. She threw them a reproving look. Why were they whispering like gossipy women? By Odin, did Aaron reveal things he should have kept to himself? Although she wanted to throw her arms around him and thank him for rescuing her, as soon as she saw him again, she’d demand answers first. Ignoring their rudeness, she settled on the ground, happy to be off her feet. Sweat and dirt covered her body. And she smelled horrible. She swore she would never wear chainmail again. Every time she did, bad things happened. She grunted and squirmed, finally pulling the hauberk over her head and left shoulder, before her long hair got snagged in the metal loops.
    “Bloody, bloody hell.” She tugged again. “Ouch.”
    Someone approached from behind. She didn’t need to look to know who it was. After three more failed attempts to get her hair loose, she growled in frustration. One more try. With a final tug, she ripped several tufts of hair out. Aaron’s laugh made her look up.
    “I’ve heard it said on many occasions that we can be our own worst enemy.”
    As arrogant and proud as ever. “Will you laugh if I’m left with a patchwork of bald spots?”
    He tapped his chin as if he were seriously mulling the thought over in his head. “I would.” Then he rested his hands on her shoulders, making it even harder to think.
    “Are you going to help me?”
    He laughed, squatted beside her, then lifted the armor off. “I suspect this outweighs you.” He dropped it and pulled her into his arms. “What are you doing here, Kara?”
    She snuggled closer to him. “I don’t want to discuss anything right now.” She exhaled, feeling peaceful for the first time in weeks. Who should she praise? The gods? Jarl McNally? Fate?
    “Do my eyes deceive me?” he asked. “Are you happy I’m here?”
    Her head fell against his shoulder. “Please don’t tease me.” Not now. Not after everything she’d endured. Erling Solheim was the worst kind of man any woman could meet. Cruel and coldhearted—maimed beyond healing.
    Aaron pulled away just enough to look down at her. “I’m not playing. I need to know why I found you in that camp. Where are your brothers?”
    She’d felt uncomfortable around Aaron since the first time they met. Now, under his scrutiny, her insides squirmed with every sort of emotion she could possibly feel. Should she tell the whole truth? Disclose how she’d blindly set out to visit her kinswoman with the intention of finding him first? Or leave out that one detail?
    “I’m not angry, Kara.” He eyeballed her. “I’m eager to know what happened.”
    Weeks had gone by without contact with her siblings. She knew so little about