The Danegeld — Cyn Hadyn

Danegeld: A tax levied in Anglo-Saxon England from the 10th to the 12th century as tribute to the Danish invaders. Rosilyn Hugh de Lassy, a former Special Operator and now sole owner and operator of de Lassy Inquiries, can proudly trace his family tree back to the Normans who helped William the Conqueror win at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Like his Norman ancestors, if Ross wanted something he went after it and he wasn't afraid to work hard to get it. When Nels Rainer Kirkegaard, possessor of a PhD in History, talented artist and skilled wood-worker, inherits his grandfather's furniture business, he is surprised by the stipulation that he has one year to sow some wild oats before assuming the leadership of the company. In a chance encounter in a Washington, DC pub, Norman and Viking meet, and Ross surprises himself by hiring Nels to help him renovate the rundown monstrosity he intends to turn into office and living quarters. When Nels' silver blonde hair and Arctic blue eyes make him the target of a sex slave ring, Ross is compelled to rescue him. He is very good at finding things and no self-respecting Special Forces operator would leave a friend behind. However, while searching for clues to discover where his handyman was taken, Ross finds one of Nels' pen and ink sketches and realizes the Dane could become more to him than just a friend. Ross has a major decision to make when he finds Nels. Should he, like his Norman ancestors, pay the Danegeld and live in harmony with the Viking or refuse and live at war with himself?