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Ireland, 1181
To secure peace for her clan and protection for her mother, chieftain’s daughter Auder Ó Reilly agrees to marry a powerful Norman baron. Though she desperately hopes the alliance will work, Auder worries she won’t be able to please her husband in the marriage bed—a fear she admits to her friend, handsome Viking Gunnar Dalrata. Auder has no difficulty imagining sensual delights with Gunnar, but she doesn’t believe he would ever think of her that way. Until the night of Bealtaine, when Gunnar whisks Auder away to introduce her to the true pleasure of making love…
Pleasured by the Viking
Michelle Willingham
About the Author
MICHELLE WILLINGHAM grew up living in places all over the world, including Germany, England and Thailand. When her parents hauled her to antiques shows in manor houses and castles, Michelle entertained herself by making up stories and pondering whether she could afford a broadsword with her allowance.
She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, with a degree in English, and received her master’s degree in Education from George Mason University. Currently she teaches American History and English. She lives in south-eastern Virginia with her husband and children. She still doesn’t have her broadsword.
Other Books By
If you liked this story by Michelle Willingham, try more of her sensual historical romances always available in eBook format:
The MacEgan Brothers Series
Her Irish Warrior
The Warrior’s Touch
Her Warrior King
The Viking’s Forbidden Love-Slave
Her Warrior Slave
The Warrior’s Forbidden Virgin
Taming Her Irish Warrior
Surrender to an Irish Warrior
The Accidental Series
An Accidental Seduction The
Accidental Countess
The Accidental Princess
Also Available
Innocent in the Harem
Enjoy more passion through the ages with the sensual Mills & Boon Historical UNDONE titles on sale now:
A Scandalous Liaison by Elizabeth Rolls
Arabian Nights with a Rake by Bronwyn Scott
Bitten by Desire by Marguerite Kaye
The Virgin’s Pursuit by Joanne Rock
Innocent in the Harem by Michelle Willingham
Taming Her Gypsy Lover by Christine Merrill
The Laird and the Wanton Widow by Ann Lethbridge
The Highlander and the Sea Siren by Marguerite Kaye
Convenient Wife, Pleasured Lady by Carole Mortimer
Craving something a little longer? Find more historical romantic adventure from Mills & Boon Historical at www.millsandboon.co.uk or your local bookstore.
Interested in writing for Mills & Boon Historical UNDONE? Send your submission to [email protected].
Author’s Note
The Vikings have always had a strong presence in Ireland, all around the coastal areas. By the medieval era, they had blended in with the Irish tribes, intermarrying with them.
“Pleasured by the Viking” is the story of Gunnar Dalrata, a Viking warrior who falls for an Irishwoman, Auder Ó Reilly, whom he knew years ago. The awkward, adolescent girl has transformed into a stunningly beautiful woman, but Auder is promised to another man. Gunnar’s protective instincts are on edge, for he has no intention of letting her go.
I always enjoy hearing from readers and you may e-mail me at [email protected] or by mail at P.O. Box 2242, Poquoson, VA 23662 USA. Visit my website at www.michellewillingham.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.
Chapter One
Glen Ocham, Ireland 1181
Twilight descended, casting shadows upon the cashel in a fading veil of gray. It was a spring night of celebration, a time when the Irish gave thanks for their prosperity. But for Auder Ó Reilly, it was the beginning of the end.
Her skin was frigid, for the life she’d known was slipping away, like water from between her fingertips. In two days, she would travel north to the Norman settlement governed by Lord Miles de Corlaine, Baron of Maraloch, to be his bride.
The very idea of surrendering herself to the Norman made her shudder. Aye, she would protect the lives of her kinsmen, by forging this alliance. They would be safe from invasion, their lands joined together. And Lord Maraloch was a wealthy man who could give her everything she would ever need.
But that wasn’t the reason she’d agreed to marry him.
Auder’s gaze settled upon her mother, who was sitting apart from the other women. Halma Ó Reilly’s thin face held a serene expression, but there was pain and loneliness beneath it. The shadow of humiliation from her husband’s misdeeds surrounded her still.
It’s not your fault, Auder wanted to tell her mother. You don’t deserve to suffer for what Father did.
She wanted to see her mother laughing again with friends. She wanted her to have a reason to lift her head up, knowing that her daughter had created peace where there had been a threat. And for that reason, she’d agreed to the marriage.
Halma had protected her in so many ways. Could she do less for her mother?
Auder crossed the cashel until she sat beside Halma. The matron’s green eyes stared at the others who were feasting and gossiping. “You haven’t touched your food.”
“I’m not hungry.” Halma patted her hand. Concern lined her face, and she added, “Auder, I’m not so sure you should marry this baron. We don’t really know the man.”
“It was my choice, Mother,” Auder pronounced. “I’ve agreed to accept the honor.” Though she tried to summon a smile, she couldn’t. Right now, she felt as though she were disappearing from her own body.
“You’re a beautiful woman,” her mother said, touching Auder’s cheek. “You could have your choice of any man here. Why would you give that up?”
For you, she wanted to say. To take away the shame you’re feeling right now. To give you a reason to be proud again.
“None of the men here interest me,” she lied. “And don’t you believe the lives of our clan members are more important than my personal feelings?”
“You have the choice to say no,” Halma said. “No one will force you into this marriage.” Her face grew tight with worry. “Or his bed.”
A shiver