Get swept away by Joanna Fulford’s
VICTORIOUS VIKINGS
No man could defeat them. Two women would defy them!
DEFIANT IN THE VIKING’S BED
Proud warrior Leif Egilsson is enslaved by his enemies and vows his revenge on the woman responsible. Lady Astrid will become his slave—and will pay the price in his bed!
SURRENDER TO THE VIKING
Securing ships and weapons, powerful Viking Finn must take a bride in return. The fiery Lara may have to walk meekly to the altar, but she’ll fight their unwanted attraction each step of the way!
In memory of Jane Croft, writing as Joanna Fulford
DEDICATION FROM BRIAN,
HER LOVING HUSBAND
To Leonie Martin, Rosie Gilligan, Sue Pacey, Carol Vardy, Ann Norman, Gaynor Roberts and Graham Godfrey, who supported Jane throughout her writing career and me since.
Surrender to the Viking
Joanna Fulford
Previous novels by the same author:
THE VIKING’S DEFIANT BRIDE
(part of the Mills & Boon Presents … anthology, featuring talented new authors)
THE WAYWARD GOVERNESS
THE LAIRD’S CAPTIVE WIFE
HIS COUNTERFEIT CONDESA
THE VIKING’S TOUCH
THE CAGED COUNTESS
REDEMPTION OF A FALLEN WOMAN
(part of Castonbury Park Regency mini-series)
HIS LADY OF CASTLEMORA
CHRISTMAS AT OAKHURST MANOR
(part of Snowbound Wedding Wishes anthology)
DEFIANT IN THE VIKING’S BED *
* Victorious Vikings
Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
Contents
Chapter One
Rags of mist drifted across the dark waters of the fjord and hung among the trees below the promontory, and the first rays of sunlight tinted the distant mountains pink and gold. At any other time Lara might have enjoyed the scene and the peace that attended the start of the new day, but just then her thoughts were turned inwards, her body moving automatically through the drill that Alrik had taught her. Her brother was absent but she had put their former lessons to good use, rising early to practise every day until the feel of the sword in her hand was as familiar as a distaff or a drop spindle.
No one in the hall would be stirring yet, and the promontory was far enough from the buildings to make discovery unlikely. If her father learned what she had been doing these past months his displeasure would be great. Lara grimaced. The tension between them was bad enough. They had barely spoken since their last argument a week ago...
‘You’re eighteen years old already and like to be an old maid, yet you continue to frighten off every suitor who offers for your hand.’
‘Frightened men have never held any appeal, you see.’
‘Don’t be flippant with me, girl,’ replied Jarl Ottar. ‘Indeed you would be well advised to mend your ways and cultivate some womanly charm.’
‘Am I not charming, Father?’
‘I’ve seen she-wolves with milder temperaments than yours. No man wants a sharp-tongued harridan for a wife.’
‘Then they are free to choose milksop brides if they wish.’
‘It is a woman’s place to be dutiful.’
Lara’s eyes flashed indignation. ‘Asa was dutiful, wasn’t she?’
Her father frowned. ‘Your sister did what was required of her. She understood what was due to her family.’
‘Don’t try to hide behind the family. Asa was forced into that marriage to satisfy your political ambition.’
‘It was a necessary alliance to prevent more years of feuding.’
‘You might as well have thrown her into a pit of vipers, but you will not use me as you used her.’
Lara lunged, thrusting the blade deep into the imaginary form of her erstwhile