surely he’s bluffing about making Freya his heir.”
Thor paced with his face marred from concern. “It’s not like I would miss the official events.”
“Exactly.”
He stopped and frowned at me. “I love my country.”
“I never said that you didn’t.”
“Maybe I should go back and tell my dad what an ass he is for making ultimatums. But I’m not letting him boss me around anymore.”
“Good for you.”
“I’m not his fucking puppet.”
I leaned against the wall and nodded in agreement. “That’s right. And you know… if you don’t want to go to France for the summit, I wouldn’t mind taking your spot.”
Thor wrinkled his nose. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ve always wanted to see France for myself. If there’s an opening on the delegation, I’m definitely volunteering to go.”
“That’s ridiculous. You’re a Motlander. You couldn’t possibly be part of our delegation.”
“Why not? My father is a Northlander.”
“But you’ve never lived outside the Motherlands.”
“Hmm. I’m still volunteering. I’ve always envied you five for going each year.”
Thor was still pacing but slowed his steps. His gaze was darting around, and I imagined his thoughts were too. “The summits are great. That part I always enjoyed.”
“Yeah, but not enough to take your place as the heir, though. Right? I mean that would give your father the impression that he can boss you around and you didn’t want that.”
Thor moved closer and narrowed his eyes. “Are you trying some reverse psychology shit on me?”
“No, I just really want to go to France.” I smiled.
“Then go!” He threw his arms through the air and pushed out his words harshly. “I’m sure they would welcome you with open arms and then they would impregnate you and take your babies.”
Brushing my hair out of my face, I clarified, “I meant that I want to visit. I would never give up my babies.”
Moving closer to me, he lowered his voice and his question sounded like an accusation: “You are having kids?”
There it was again. Thor’s closeness made my body react with arousal and my mind was frantically trying to decipher if it was my own or I was picking up energy from him.
“Why wouldn’t I? I love children,” I breathed.
His gaze fell to my lips again before he looked deep into my eyes. “Are you having them the Northlander way?”
“That depends.” I didn’t break eye contact with him and for a long second, we stood locked in a moment that felt new and surreal to me. I was used to observing and categorizing my feelings without judgment. And yet, Thor brought out a dilemma in me that made me question myself. How could I hold resentment and desire for him at the same time?
Thor’s hazel brown eyes were stormy with emotions. “On what?”
With my spiked pulse, my voice sounded a little breathy. “It depends on whether or not I fall in love.”
“Meaning you haven’t so far?” He was studying me closely when I gave a small shake of my head.
There was something both imposing and intoxicating about Thor’s presence. His size and masculine features made him alluring to those of us women who were attracted to large Nmen.
“My problem is…” I began and straightened up. “That I’m attracted to Nmen physically, but not mentally. It’s the curse of my mixed blood, I think.”
“What do you mean?”
“What I just said. I find some Nmen physically appealing but the moment they open their mouth and start talking, I lose interest.”
“Why?”
“Because you Nmen live by old-fashioned values that I disagree with.”
“Hmm.” He leaned a tiny bit closer. “Is that how you feel about me?”
I didn’t blink my eyes when I answered honestly, “Yes, Thor, it is.”
The second he slid his finger down my arm, the heat at my core intensified. “Tell me, Linea, were you ever with an Nman?”
“No.”
“Would you like to try it?”
My lips tugged upward. “You’re incredible, do you know that? Two minutes ago, you paced and vented about the unfairness of your father’s expectations. Rather than go back home and face him, you’re searching for a way to distract yourself. I won’t have sex with you just to help you procrastinate. What’s so funny? Why are you smiling like that?”
“Because sex with you sounds like a good type of procrastination.”
My left eyebrow arched up. “Did you forget that you admitted to not liking me?”
“So?” He shrugged. “You basically said the same thing about me. You find me attractive until I open my mouth.” His hand stroked up and down my arm. “We don’t have to talk while having sex.”
Giving him a