Page 51 of The Last Warrior

He nodded slightly. “If he moves, I would ask that you come and seek me out, no matter where I am, for I would like to feel this also.”

“I will do so,” she murmured, realizing any tendency she might have had in the past to remind him about the child not being his had evaporated within her.

“Are you eating the right foods?” he asked.

“I eat well.”

“But you must dine on very specific foods when you are with child. Foods which will ensure he will be healthy. Meat from the buffalo and certain plants should be part of your diet, for these will aid his growth and nourish his spirit.”

“Truly? I have not been aware of this. And these foods are commonly known amongst your people?”

“All of our women know and seek to learn this knowledge when they are carrying a child. If you would like, I will ask someone from my tribe, for they will remember what these special foods are. And then if it pleases you, I will seek out these foods for you. Tell me, do you keep your thoughts on deeds which are happy?”

“I try to do so, but it is not always so easy.”

“But it is good that you try. For you would want your child healthy of mind, as well, I think.”

“Yes,” she agreed, patting her stomach.

He took her hand in his. “I will seek out the wisdom from the old women of my tribe. And now I think I should take you back.”

“Back? So soon?” Wasn’t the night only beginning? Why did he want to take her back?

“It may be soon to return you to the party, but I feel it is the right action for me to take.”

“Why? Why do you say this? Mr. Cody’s festivity means nothing to me and I have been enjoying myself…with you.”

“I too,” he said, although he was frowning. “Perhaps though a little too much. It would be a simple deed for me to take advantage of you, especially after your confession to me this night.”

“But—”

“I must not encourage you into lovemaking. Understand this: many times the old men of my tribe have told us boys that to take a woman who is carrying a child is bad. It could harm the child, and it might cause the mother to miscarry. It could incite both of their deaths. I would not take the risk with you.”

“But my doctor said I could…without risk to the child.”

Black Lion was silent for a moment, until at last he nodded. “The white man’s ways are strange to us, for a Lakota man would never seek his pleasure from a pregnant wife, for fear of damaging both…if not physically, then perhaps spiritually. But know this, if my honor did not keep me from it, you would not have to offer yourself to me, for we would have already made love…now…always…”

She swallowed. “Black Lion… Thank you…I think.”

“You do not need to thank me. It is the way I have been taught.”

She scoffed a little, blowing out her breath. “I was raised knowing I should save myself for my wedding night—and look at what I have done. As you say, you may have been raised in a particular way, but you honor it. And there’s the difference.” She bobbed her head. “There’s the difference.”

“Do not blame yourself for what has happened to you. The roles of men and women are often opposed, and because of the way a man is, he will try to seek his pleasure regardless of his respect for the woman or her reputation. But if a man loves a woman, it is his duty to draw a line when it comes to passion, for it is well known a maiden pushed too far is easily convinced. It is why she must be so carefully guarded by her family. An honorable man marries the girl of his choice.” He grinned at her. “Please recall this again: I married you.”

“Yes, so you did.”

His smile turned solemn. “And now we should go back, while I still possess the will to stop.”

“I suppose you are right, and I am certain you have more experience than I do in this matter. But come, it is dark here, the moon is shining in a very romantic way, and I am wanting one more kiss. Surely you could afford to give me a kiss without…”

He inhaled deeply, but he nodded all the same. “Perhaps I could do it,” he said judiciously.

She caught her breath as he bent over her and positioned his open lips over her own.

Chapter

Fourteen