Page 50 of The Last Warrior

“Invigorating?” He seemed to mull over the meaning of this word. “It is good you feel this way. In the days of old, before the white man’s liquor stole away our vigor, a warrior took pride in all matters concerning his appearance, and such included the way he was perceived by others.”

She nodded. “Yes.” Because she grew tired of trying to second-guess herself and him, she threw away all caution, and whispered, “Kiss me again.”

He was not slow on the uptake, and within moments he had enfolded her fully in his arms, bringing her body in close to his. “Let us make ourselves comfortable.”

To this end, he eased her onto the ground, which was made soft by the pine needles, leaves and snow.

He did not raise himself over her fully, but rather lay by her side, with only his upper body pressed to hers. “Is your position comfortable?” he asked, even while he smoothed his lips against her cheek, then moved steadily toward her ear.

“Somewhat,” she answered softly, barely able to think when his lips were making magic over her. “I do believe, however, that a pillow would be quite to my liking.”

He at once obliged her by removing his jacket, folding it carefully and placing it under her head. Immediately, the scent of horseflesh, fresh air and the unmistakable fragrance of his distinct masculinity assailed her. Excitement burst within her. But all she said was, “It’s perfect.”

They shared a sweet smile, until at last she said, “I feel I should like to inform you I have been searching within myself for…courage.”

“Courage?”

“Yes. I fear that if I tell you what is happening with me, you will not like me very much.”

“Not like you? Such will never happen, for I already like you. Nothing can change my feelings for you. Nacece, I have liked you from the very first moment I ever saw you.”

“Have you? Still, I am uncertain.”

“I understand, but tell me anyway. I promise, regardless of what you say, I will always like you.”

“Truly?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “I have your word?”

He nodded. “You have my word.”

With as much dignity as she could muster, she said, “Very well. It is this: I do believe if you were to agree, I should not object to having an affair with you.”

“An affair? Ah, I see.” He grinned at her. “But we already have an affair,” he countered, and even as he said it, he leaned down to kiss her, an overture she returned eagerly.

Coming up for breath, she thought she should be very clear on the subject. “I think I mean more than an affair.”

“More?”

“Like…the marriage bed…perhaps…”

He was quiet for a long, long time. She became nervous.

At length, however, slipping down to lay by her side, he murmured, “I, too, would like to have this pleasure, very much. But you must know I am bound by honor. An honest man does not take his pleasure with a woman who is with child. After you have the babe⁠—”

“Yes, yes, of course. I am certain you are right about this. I should never have mentioned it.”

“Hiya, no, my heart is happy to hear you feel free to speak to me about this. We should always be honest with each other. And perhaps it is not wise for me to tell you this: I, too, crave the same as you. But there are some acts a man must not do when a woman is in your condition.”

“Yes, again you know best, I am sure.”

“But it does not mean,” he continued as though she hadn’t spoken, “that I cannot kiss you like this.” No sooner had he said it than he opened his mouth over hers, his tongue dipping inside, tasting every inch of her, while his hand eased over her cheeks, her eyes, her ears, tracing over her nose, on down to her lips, which were plump and wet from his kisses. His hand continued its journey down to her neck, to her chest, which was more exposed than usual due to the cut of her evening gown.

She moaned. “Feels so good.”

“Hau, it does.”

She smiled, and, as he returned the gesture, he made a foray over her, moving his hand downward, avoiding her chest—as though in respect to her—but coming to rest on her stomach. He whispered, “How is the little one? Does he stir?”

“I have not felt very much, but it is still somewhat early in my pregnancy, and I am told I may not be aware of his or her movements until I am a few more weeks along.”