Face of the Viking

By David Cousland

Freya Campbell had often dreamt of becoming a model but had always been too shy or timid to try, the arrival of Stefan, a tall, good looking, blond haired Viking on a motorbike at the office door could change her life forever; her first real man and a love life perhaps, bright lights, fortune and fame with her face on the cover of magazines; the world was at her fingertips if she only had enough courage to go for it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Cousland
• Release date: May 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311894502

David Cousland

Born in the industrial Midlands in 1950, I was educated at Dudley Grammar School (to the best of their abilities)before going on to work in the banking industry. The latter years working on plastic card payment schemes. Married (twice) with two daughters and three grand-children, my hobbies outside of the family and writing include golf and travel, occasionally combining the two when searching for golf balls that have strayed way off line. Although I have no musical ability whatsoever, I do love listening to music be it live or recorded. Highlights- seeing Cher in Las Vegas; Stevie Wonder in Brisbane and meeting Rick Wakeman.

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Face of the Viking

By David Cousland

Copyright © 2013 by David Cousland

Smashwords Edition

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author

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The moral right of David Cousland has been asserted.

With gratitude and thanks to:

Cover models– : Sabrina Taylor, StarNow.co.uk

Stefan Lipman, StarNow.co.uk; Agency - Jonathan Arun Ltd

Sabrina's cover photograph by:

Garry Jones Productions

Model Mayhem Number 2220654

Cover design: Andrea Gelmini of gelminidesign.com

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER ONE

On a hot, sunny, Thursday afternoon in mid-August, around four 4 p.m. Freya Campbell was sitting at the reception desk of the Central London advertising agency Maximillian’s completing her work for the day, or so she thought.

As with many receptionists, very little gets past Freya, she is the agency's first line of defence. She stands around five feet four, with long wavy light brown hair, almost always neatly tied back, blue eyes and an almost permanent tan. In her early twenties, although her shyness, greyish dress-sense and heavy looking reading glasses hide her appearance and make her look quite stern and many years older.

Her concentration was broken by the door buzzer sounding. She tutted at the interruption and glanced across to the glass door to see a motorcycle courier outside waving a large envelope and clipboard at her.

She pressed the intercom button asking the rider rather curtly. I need to see your ID and can you remove your helmet please?

She reluctantly got up and moved closer to the door to check his ID. At the same time, he removed his helmet, shook his head allowing a mane of long, wavy blond hair to fall around his neck and shoulders. His chin was carrying a short, neatly trimmed, pointed beard.

He smiled, waving the envelope and board once more. Delivery for Suzi Keen that needs to be signed for please.

Freya opened the door, her jaw dropped a little as she gazed at the six foot something, blond hunk in front of her. He waved his clipboard for a third time, can you sign for this please, if it’s not too much trouble?

Sorry, yes, come in, no, hold on a sec, I’ll get Suzi for you. Have a seat for a minute. She was almost stammering as she picked up the telephone to call her boss’s office.

Suzi, there’s a courier here to deliver an envelope for you, can you come down and sign for it please? I think you need to see him. She looked back at him smiling and feeling a little embarrassed. Visitors to the agency didn’t normally have this effect on her.

Suzi replied that she was rather busy, can’t you sign for it Freya?

I can, but I think you should come down here and sign yourself. She smiled back towards the seat nearest the door, Can I get you a drink, while you wait?

Just a cold water please, that would be great. It’s very hot out there. Will she be long? He replied with an accent she didn’t recognise.

He watched closely as she sauntered across to the cold water dispenser, her bottom wiggled a little, as young ladies always seem to do without any effort. His eyes never left her bottom other than to slide up and down her legs. As she turned towards him they moved upwards studying her breasts, he wished a few more buttons were unfastened, the blouse gave nothing away.

Your drink, she said, as he moved his gaze up to her face.

He just grinned and nodded, his fingers deliberately holding hers against the plastic cup for as long as he could.

The door to the stair well opened sharply. I don’t see why you couldn’t do it Freya. I am rather busy you know. She glanced across to him, Where do I sign?

As he lifted his head Suzi exclaimed. Oh my God, that’s the face of the Viking – perfect. We’ve been looking for you for months, don’t move – don’t let him go Freya.

That’s what I thought too, I knew you would want to see for yourself.

He looked amazed at the sudden rush of activity. What is going on? What was she talking about?

Have you any more deliveries to make? Sorry, I didn’t make a note of your name, can you tell me please? I need to complete my records. Freya still appeared flustered and nervous.

No I have no more, this is my last drop today and my name is Stefan Sandstrom. What is this all about?

Suzi reappeared and took Freya’s chair. Very sorry about that, good afternoon, right then, I’m Suzi Keen, manager and partner here, let me explain. She took a deep breath shuffling a few papers in front of her. Firstly I assume you know this is an advertising and photographic agency.

He nodded in response once more and rolled his eyes, with a sort of of course I do, I can read labels, expression on his face.

Secondly, we’ve been looking for a certain look, a face that could sell one of our client’s products and you might just fit the bill.

His name is Stefan, Suzi, advised Freya, and he’s finished for the day I believe.

Great! Stefan, can you give us half an hour to take some photographs in our studio upstairs? Nothing dodgy or anything like that, it’s for advertising, there’s no commitment, let’s just take some shots and have a look, see what the camera thinks. Suzi smiled at both Stefan and Freya. Oh, and would you be able to bring your bike along as well? Take it round to the back door please. I think it could be great in the shots too.

He shrugged his broad shoulders. Well, I’m not sure, but I guess half an hour should be Ok, can’t do any harm. What do I have to do? How do I get to the back door?

Suzi was gesturing right and left, explaining how to get to the yard and rear door forgetting there were a number of one-way streets in the surrounding area.

He looked at Freya with a smile that would have melted a glacier. Come and show me? I have a spare helmet, it is very warm out there and will only take a couple of minutes.

As she tried to back away, Suzi pushed her forward. Go on Freya, it’s only round the corner.

No, no, I’m not dressed for a motorbike am I? I don’t know who he is or anything about him either. She argued. I don’t even have a jacket with me.

Come on, Freya wasn’t it? I’ll leave my ID and wallet here so they can call the police if I don’t bring you back and you can have my registration number. He smiled and held out his hand, come on, you’ll have to show me or I may not be able to find the right place.

I don’t know, I’m not happy about it. She paused, looked at Suzi and back at the courier. Oh, Ok, Ok, stop nagging, I give in, but please be careful. They walked through the door, down the three steps and across the pavement with Stefan holding her hand tightly.

I usually go first but I think you should get on now and then put the helmet on.

Freya looked terrified and very awkward trying to keep her balance while lifting her leg over the saddle and holding her short skirt down in front of her at the same time. Stefan helped her fasten the chin strap and asked her to slide back a little so that he could climb aboard.

Once in the saddle he placed his hands against the outside of her thighs, pushing them into him. Hold on tight, squeeze your legs together a little, relax and put your arms around my waist.

She felt the bike’s engine throb as it roared into life, he adjusted a mirror before taking a quick glance over his shoulder and pulled out into the traffic.

Freya squealed as the bike roared along the street, zipping past and dodging between pedestrians, cars, buses and trucks.

Her skirt flew up revealing a lot more than she would have liked, but she didn’t dare move her hands to push it down again.

He continued for three or four minutes, although she thought it seemed like an hour, before making two left turns to take them back towards the office building. As they waited at a set of traffic lights he asked if they were going the right way.

I don’t know where we are, I’ve had my eyes shut since we left. Will you slow down please?

She felt his leather glove pat her cold thigh just before he pulled away much more slowly this time.

Just along here and into this yard I believe. He pulled into the small yard, braked and stopped at the door. You can let go now and get off first, we’ve arrived Freya.

She managed to remove her helmet and clamber off the bike somewhat ungainly.

You swine, she said, I thought you were going to go slowly, not zoom off. My legs are freezing and you’ve made me wet my knickers. You scared me to death.

Sorry Freya, I won’t do it again. I promise said an apologetic Stefan.

Huh, you won’t get the chance, you rat. She hit his arm as she spoke, before throwing the helmet back to him, but he thought he glimpsed a hint of a smile at the same time.

The door opened, Suzi said they were OK to use the studio and had permission to bring the bike in. Tony, one of the team’s junior assistants, helped push the bike into the lift and out into the third floor studio.

Freya dashed away. Back in a minute, she called as Suzi looked towards her, closing the door behind them.

She had a little accident on the bike, smiled Stefan as he looked around.

He had never seen a photographer’s studio before and was amazed at the numerous lights, stands, tripods, reflective umbrellas and a vast array of other equipment lying around and a large fan standing in the corner.

Right then. We don’t have much time so let’s get started, said Suzi. Bike here I think, let’s make the lighting look stormy, moody and thundery to start with. Stefan, helmet on and get on your bike please. She took shots with a number of cameras before asking him to remove his helmet. Give you hair a shake, Stefan. Could we have the fan on Tony?

Freya returned as many more shots were taken with his long blond hair billowing behind him. Undo the top a little, let’s look a bit more, err something, whatever! Suzi reached forward to the top of his leathers, pulling his zip down just a couple of inches and took more shots.

Maybe not with the vest, otherwise looks good but needs more, Freya, climb up behind him please.

Her appearance had changed since she climbed onto the bike the first time, her hair had been neatly tied before she put on the helmet, now it looked wild, dishevelled and windswept; her specs were also missing, left downstairs on her desk.

At one time Freya had fancied the idea of a modelling career after leaving school but she never thought she would be glamorous or even tall enough to be a catwalk model. She had been talked out of it many times, by her parents, who thought she should get a proper job. This afternoon, she wasn’t prepared for suddenly being thrown into the deep end, she hadn’t calmed down from the terror ride on the bike. This hurried opportunity today made her feel very nervous and embarrassed.

Don’t be shy Freya, I know you wanted to try modelling, let’s have a go and see how it looks, I’m not going to ask you to go naked or anything, just the same as I said to Stefan earlier – nothing dodgy, no commitment, just a few photos. Leave your hair as it is. Suzi guided her over to the bike taking another batch of shots, some with the fan on and some without.

Freya, undo your blouse, are you ok with that? There’s no-one else to see you, just the four of us here. I’ve never noticed how great you look with your hair like that. I’ve always thought of you as my little angel but suddenly you’re so different. Very photogenic – beautiful. Suzi’s cameras clicked as she took photos from every angle. Now, pull it out from your skirt, unfasten it all and let it blow in the wind.

She was beginning to feel only slightly more comfortable and confident, just managing to force a smile as Stefan’s hand moved down to stroke her thigh. My skirt’s blowing up again like it did outside. Everyone must have seen my knickers.

Yes, they were pink, very nice, said Stefan cheekily.

How do you know? asked Freya.

I saw them in the mirror, I suppose I should confess that I changed my mirror so that I could look at your leg when we were going along.

Never mind your knickers, can we get on please? interrupted Suzi. Lean forward Freya, right into his back please.

That feels nice, whispered Stefan looking back over his shoulder, pink bra as well.

So now you’ve seen my bra and knickers, are you happy Mr Sandstorm?

It’s Sandstrom not Sandstorm and yes I am happy thank you. Stefan’s hand stroked her thigh again and squeezed gently. She had seemingly been quite oblivious to the previous contacts, either concentrating on holding on to him or unbuttoning her blouse, but she certainly noticed this time giving a little gasp of excitement in return.

Freya, just a few more please, throw your blouse over here, stick your chest out and Stefan, put your hand back on her leg with her hand on top of yours. Once again she circled the room taking shots from every angle. I guess that will do for today, we’ll have a look at what we’ve taken and see what we can do. OK guys thank you all very much.

You can take your hand off my leg now Stefan, we’ve finished. Freya was still trying to lift his hand away, or maybe she was holding it still, as Suzi said, Oi, you two, that’s enough. You can put your top back on now Freya.

Suzi asked Stefan where he was from, thinking his accent may have been German. I was born near Rottnen, Sweden but we lived near Malmo mostly

I don’t believe it, he doesn’t just look like a Viking, he is a real one. Suzi was excited about her find. See you tomorrow guys, Stefan can you come in here tomorrow morning?"

I should be doing some deliveries, can I ring you when I know where I’m going?

Ok great, replied Suzi what time will that be, any idea? I’ll be here about eight but the door will be locked until Freya gets in. She handed him a business card writing her personal mobile number on the back. Call me, just call me in the morning.

As Stefan and Freya manoeuvred the bike back into the lift, the closing door nudged her into him. He took his first opportunity to wrap his long arms around her and pull her even closer, kissing her and holding her bottom tightly.

That was a little premature Stefan, if you don’t mind, said a surprised Freya, stepping back from his grip.

Well, I’ve seen your legs right up to the top, your knickers and bra as well. I’ve stroked your legs a few times and you had your arms around my waist. You didn’t complain about any of that, I thought you might like a kiss, I certainly did. He shrugged his shoulders as she tried to tidy her hair a little.

It wasn’t just a kiss was it? Your hand was groping my backside as well. She sounded offended by him grasping the opportunity, almost as if he should have asked for permission first. She would never have given that.

Ok sorry, I overstepped the mark a little, I apologise. He paused for a little while before asking. So Freya, would you like to come for a quick drink with me before I take you home? I don’t drink at all when I’m on the bike, it’s just stupid, but you can have whatever you like.

Hold on Stefan, a quick kiss and a grope in the lift and now you want to take me home. Besides, my car is in the basement car park. If you take me home, I’ll have to catch the bus tomorrow.

Even better, he said, in that case, what do you have for breakfast? I’ll take you home, stay with you, make love to you all night and bring you back in the morning. Is that a great idea or not?

"You’re very pushy Mr Sandstorm and no, it’s probably not a great idea thank you. Anyway we can’t go to a pub. They wouldn’t let you in dressed in leathers. But, alright, if you promise to go slowly