Page 79 of The Last Warrior

At last, he commented, “Why would you think this of me?” When she didn’t answer, he went on to say, “Perhaps you should finish what you were saying.”

“Oh, very well, if you must know…” she sighed, “…you seem to treat me as though I am as attractive as a sack of potatoes.”

“But I—” He stopped, and a look of cognizance gradually came over his face. After a while, he said, completely deadpan, “Actually, I have always found potatoes quite appealing, and a sack of them would be almost more than any man could resist.”

“Meaning that you think I am now ugly.”

“Meaning I find you beautiful…and appealing.”

“Then why do you…? Are you not…?”

“Why am I not making love to you at every chance I have?”

She gave him a sheepish glance. “Well, you did tell me you intended to lure me to your… The truth is, I hardly feel lured.”

“Indeed?”

“I fear it is true. You are very polite, very considerate of me, very…”

“…understanding?” It was his turn to sigh. “You are trying to find and help your grandmother. I would aid you in your search, since your condition hardly makes this easy for you.”

“Yes, but⁠—”

“And there are other dangers here as well—animals, the countryside, scouts who are out looking for us. Do not doubt me, I have every intention of luring you to my sleeping robes, but I would do so at a safe distance from the white man’s scouts.” He came down onto his knees before her, so his face could be on a level with hers. “Besides, I have seen how tired you are when we stop to rest. I would not add to your troubles.”

“Oh. I suppose this is very nice of you, but you still haven’t answered my question.”

“Have I not?” He picked up her hand, pressing it within his own. “Then let me be clear on this: I think you are the most beautiful woman of my acquaintance, and I am grateful every moment of every day that I had the presence of mind to propose to you the first moment I ever saw you. I intend to keep you as my wife. I always have.”

She leaned in toward him, and he reached up to smooth the backs of his fingers over her cheek. He said, “You brighten my day.”

“Indeed? Hmm…” she moaned, as he slid his fingers down over her neck. She shut her eyes, sighing again. “More…”

“More of what?” he asked, his voice low and husky. “More talking, or more of this?” His lips captured hers.

“I think I like…the last one,” she whispered, “best.”

Even before the words had left her mouth completely, Black Lion had risen onto his knees and was folding her into a deeper embrace. “Then you forgive me for what Rabbit Leggings said?”

“No, but it does not matter right now. I seem to…need this.”

“I too,” he agreed, nestling her head against his shoulder. “I too.”

He picked her up from where she sat on the log, and held her closely in his arms, much as a man might hold his bride. Carrying her to the shelter, he kicked back the pine branches that served as their doorway.

The lodge was small, it smelled of earth and pine and trees, and they would have barely been able to sit upright within it. Yet it was a haven. Fragrant boughs and his robe served as their bed, and, as he set her upon its softness, he followed her down to the mat.

She didn’t have time to think, for he immediately pressed his lips over hers, nudging her mouth open so his tongue could dance with hers. He smelled of earth and wind and pure, fresh air, and, when she responded with all of the excitement within her, a growl escaped from his throat, the sound of it sending shivers of yearning over her skin.

Oh, to be closer to him, to feel his strength next to her. She snuggled in closer to him, but it still wasn’t enough. No matter how near she set herself to him, it didn’t seem intimate enough. She moaned at the inadequacy, not certain what she could do to attain the inseparability she craved.

At last, a thought occurred to her. “I think we are both wearing too many clothes.”

“Too many?” He frowned at her. “Do you not recall what happened the last time you complained of my shirt and asked me to take it off?”

“Yes, I do remember,” she answered without so much as a smile.

She noted the exact moment when realization dawned on him.