Tykota's Woman (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  Coloradous took Tykota's face and turned it toward him. "I suppose the women consider you quite handsome. That might well give you a swelled head."

  They both laughed at the bawdy reference.

  "Come, Tykota," Coloradous said, rising. He led them past the grazing horses. "I want to show you something."

  Tykota followed Coloradous around the bend of the river and stopped, staring in awe at what he saw. There was a small earthen dam, not enough to keep the river from flowing down to the valley, but enough to feed ditches that led to a thriving field of corn.

  "This," Coloradous said with pride, "is the way I have been spending my time. This can be done in the valley, and we can grow our crops even in years of drought."

  "I saw something like this in England, but I never thought to apply it to our valley." He stared at his brother. "You are truly a man of vision."

  Coloradous seemed pleased by the praise. "My vision tells me right now that I am in need of food. Come, my brother, we dine on fish and corn cakes."

  Tykota's heart lightened. It was like old times to enjoy the companionship of his brother. He only wished that Coloradous was a bit less reserved. But Tykota knew that his brother was showing respect for his chief. He would have to become accustomed to such treatment not only from his Coloradous but from the rest of his people as well, no matter how alone it made him feel.

  The first time Inea took Makinna about the village, the white woman received many curious stares. But as the days passed, people seemed to accept her and would even nod and smile at her. At first, she was embarrassed at how little clothing the men and male children wore, but she gradually became accustomed to it.

  Makinna and Inea had been riding for hours through the countryside, and Makinna was enchanted by what she saw. Farmland, nut and fruit trees, and pastures rich with cattle.

  It was almost sundown when Makinna reined in her horse and glanced up at the magnificent cave dwellings that had been masterfully carved out of the mountain.

  "Inea, I never would have thought any civilization could exist in such perfect harmony with nature. I can see why the Perdenelas would want to guard their way of life from the rest of the world. You have everything you need here: crops, game, tranquility. It's like a paradise."

  "Other than the summer I spent with Mrs. Silverhorn, this is the way I have always lived. But I saw many wondrous things in your world. Your roads and carriages, your wooden houses and split-rail fences, your dresses and suits of woven fabrics, your furniture and fireplaces."

  Makinna nodded. "Our worlds are very different," she said, realizing just how deep the divisions were between her world and Tykota's.

  They rode a little farther, and Makinna halted to gaze into the river. The water was so pure and clear that it reflected the valley on its smooth surface. She glanced up at Inea. "When am I to see Tykota?"

  "I do not know. He has many people who need his advice."

  "I... should speak to him about leaving." Makinna's gaze went to the cliff dwellings dug out of the mountain. Some had porches and open rooms attached. Wooden ladders and stone steps made them accessible. She wanted to remember everything about Tykota's valley, to bum it into her mind. "Will you tell Tykota that I'm ready to leave?"

  "I wish you-" Inea broke off and smiled. "Look! You can speak to my brother yourself. He is riding toward us."

  Makinna turned to see two Indians on horseback emerge from the woods. She had not seen Tykota since the night he had taken her to the medicine woman. She wondered if he had been trying to avoid her, or if he was really as busy as his sister believed.

  Tykota halted his horse beside them. He was no longer dressed in white man's clothing. He wore buff-colored breechcloth and knee-high moccasins. His long dark hair was circled by a wide leather band with a golden eagle. He was all Indian. And he was so handsome that her heart pounded in her breast.

  "Makinna," he said, giving her a smile that would melt any woman's heart. "You are looking well." He glanced at Inea. "How are you today, little sister?"

  "I am well, thank you." Her eyes went to the other man, and she cried out in joy. "Coloradous! Tykota has brought you home. I was sure he would."

  Makinna looked at the second Indian, startled by how much he resembled Tykota.

  Tykota introduced them. "Makinna, I would like you to know my brother, Coloradous. I am sorry, but he speaks very little English."

  Coloradous smiled slightly and inclined his head. He spoke to Tykota in their own language. "Brother, if you do not want this woman, I will take her."

  It was meant in jest, but Tykota's eyes glinted dangerously. "Ride on with our sister. I will remain to speak to Makinna."

  Inea and Coloradous exchanged glances, surprised at their brother's jealous possessiveness of the white women.

  Coloradous sobered as they rode away. "I fear Tykota loves that woman." He shook his head sadly. "She is certainly well enough to leave, yet Tykota keeps her here."

  Inea frowned. "Our poor brother. Our laws forbid him to have her."

  In the gathering darkness, Tykota lifted Makinna from her horse. He smiled when he felt the corset beneath her gown. "You are wearing too much clothing again."

  She averted her eyes. "The same can't be said about you."

  He set her on her feet. "Are you really feeling well enough to be out riding?"

  "Yes. I was just telling your sister that I am well enough to leave."

  He guided her down the riverbank and stood beside her. "Are you so anxious to leave us?"

  She wanted to tell him that she never wanted to leave, that she would gladly stay here with him forever. But her stubborn pride formed her words. "My sister must be out of her mind with worry for my safety by now."

  "I sent word to my mother to let your sister know you had come to no harm."

  "Oh." She sat down and plucked at a long blade of grass. "It is lovely here."

  He sat down nearby. "Yes, I think so."

  She looked up at him and found him watching her closely. "You will remain here?" she asked.

  "I must."

  "I see."

  He reached out and touched her cheek. He hadn't meant to; it just seemed necessary. "Will you leave so soon, Makinna?"

  She fought against the tears that were forming behind her eyes. "You tell me, Tykota."

  His hand dropped away. "Yes. I will make arrangements for you to go. In two days' time."

  "Will you take me yourself?"

  "As far as Biquera. My mother will see that you get to El Paso from there."

  Her heart was breaking. He seemed so distant, and anxious to see the last of her. "Thank you."

  They both fell silent, watching the water.

  "Makinna, I suppose you will one day want to marry?"

  She drew in a breath, wondering how he could ask her such a question. Wounded, she answered with bitter sarcasm. "Yes, of course. Every woman wants that, didn't you know? We are born to have children and please some man in bed." Upon making the outrageous statement, she saw the stricken look in his eyes.

  He stood up, reached for her hand, and drew her up beside him. She was speechless as he took her into his arms. He laid his face against hers and said in an anguished voice, "Would that I were that man. I would sleep with you beside me at night so I could touch you as I am only able to do in my dreams." His mouth traveled down her cheek to the corner of her lips. "I would fill your belly with sons and make all your days happy."

  A sob was building up inside her, and she threw her arms around him. "I want to lie beside you! I want to have your sons! I don't want to leave you!"

  With an agonized murmur, Tykota tightened his arms around Makinna. "I have stayed away from you," he said, going down to his knees and pulling her down beside him, "because I knew I could not keep my hands off you if I saw you again."

  Her eyes were wide with wonder. "You love me-you do!"

  Her words were sobering. He could not let her know the depth of his love. Because he had to send
her away. But he would taste her lips and hold her for a moment, then he would let her go. "It is desire I feel for you, Makinna," he said almost harshly.

  She parted her lips and moved closer to him. "Then desire me, Tykota."

  His lips were on hers, probing, covering, devouring. It was as if a floodgate had opened, and every emotion he had held back came spilling out. Makinna was ripe and ready for a man, and he wanted to be that man.

  Makinna was quaking as he opened her gown and buried his mouth against her breast.

  She found herself lying on the soft grass with Tykota beside her. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips.

  He groaned her name and pulled her to him. At this moment, he would die for just one more taste of those lips.

  The last flicker of sunlight gave way to darkness as Tykota unhooked Makinna's gown and pushed it down over her shoulders, giving him full access to both her breasts. While his mouth settled on the one his fingers caressed the other.

  Makinna writhed as burning desire overwhelmed her. She bit her lip to keep from crying out from the sheer ecstasy of it.

  There was no moon and the only light came from the twinkling stars that sparkled in the heavens and reflected in the river.

  Tykota moved back to her lips and kissed her with all the passion that had been locked in him for so long. She grasped his head, holding him tighter against her, feeling she would die if he did not take all of her.

  "Beloved," he murmured in her ear, kissing her earlobe while he unhooked her undergarment with trembling hands. He dare not deflower her, dare not know the depths of her delicate beauty, but just once, before he sent her away, he had to look upon her, touch her, caress her, as if she were truly his woman, for all time. The sacrifice he had to make was great. At least this much he could grant himself, the memory of her naked in his arms.

  He cupped her breasts, covered them with kisses. "I have ached to touch you in this way."

  Makinna sighed as he removed the last of her clothing. Soon she lay naked beside him, and she felt no shame when he looked at her with admiration. When she felt one of his hands leave her breasts and spread across her stomach, she thought she would die from the unknown fluttering within her heart.

  "Makinna," he said, his hand sliding lower, "you were created for a man to love and cherish."

  Unable to speak for the tightening in her throat, Makinna reached out to him and placed her hand against his muscled chest, then slid it down to his taut stomach.

  At her intimate touch he clasped her tightly against him, pressing her naked body against the throbbing erection beneath his breechcloth, trembling and gritting his teeth to hold himself in check. He knew he should not have gone this far, but he couldn't seem to stop himself.

  Makinna moaned and threw her head back, biting her lip to keep from crying out as a powerful tingling started in her toes and worked its way up to the very core of her womanhood.

  To gain control of his own desires, Tykota took her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing her fingers one by one, and then the palm of her hand.

  Makinna shut her eyes, her entire body coming alive. Surely this could not be wrong when it felt so right. She was born to be loved by Tykota. Surely he must feel it, too.

  Tykota raised his dark gaze and looked into her eyes, and the softness she saw there brought tears in her eyes.

  "You know this is wrong," he whispered. "We are from different worlds. No one will accept that I love you."

  Her fingers slid through his, and she arched toward him. "I don't care what the world thinks. I love you."

  He inhaled a deep breath, despising himself for what he was doing. "We cannot be together, Makinna. I cannot do this to you and then send you away. What do I do about us?"

  She placed a hand on his bronzed cheek, knowing that if he didn't love her, nothing in the world would matter. "Just love me, Tykota."

  He closed his eyes, savoring her soft touch against his cheek. She would never know the depth of his love for her. She could never belong to him. His voice came out in a harsh whisper. "Love you? I can't take a breath without thinking of you. Nothing has any meaning if I am not with you."

  Her heart was beating so fast, she could hardly breathe. "Oh, Tykota, Tykota," she said, tears now spilling down her cheeks. "I would have wanted to die if you did not love me."

  He scooped her into his arms. "I cannot love you as you wish. But I will give you a gift to take away with you. It will show you the depth of my feelings for you, and it will leave me something to remember on those nights when I ache for you."

  He waded into the river, kissing and caressing her. "We will swim with the stars tonight."

  The river was dark and reflected millions of stars. And when he lowered her into the water, it did seem that she was surrounded by stars. They were above her, below her, all around her. It was magical.

  But she forgot about the stars when Tykota pulled her against him, his hardness pressing against her and making her cling to him with weakness.

  Slowly his hand went between her legs, and he caressed her there, creating a desire so strong that she collapsed against him.

  "I will show you the depth of my feelings for you, Makinna. I will worship your body. But when you leave me, you will be a maiden still, for I will not take my pleasure with you."

  She did not understand. She only knew that he was carrying her to a higher plane of passion. He dropped his dark head to kiss and suckle her breast, while his wonderful hands worked magic on her trembling body.

  Tykota knew it would take all his willpower to satisfy Makinna while leaving his own body unsatisfied. She could not imagine the restraint he was exercising over his own desires. But he was about to show her what the beauty of love could be like.

  There, submerged in a river of stars, Tykota caressed, kissed, and gently stroked Makinna into submission. She gave little sobs as he touched her so intimately, her body quaked, and she fought to get closer still to Tykota, instinctively sensing there was even greater pleasure to be had if their bodies could be joined. But Tykota held her away from him.

  Makinna stared into his passionate eyes. "Please," she whimpered. "I want-I want you to

  "Shh," he said, bending his head to her lips. "Let yourself feel, Makinna. Let me make your body sing." He was fighting his own battle to keep his fierce arousal from taking over his thinking. Tonight was for her; he would deny himself in order to pleasure her. His lips moved over her face, tasting the saltiness of her tears.

  She threw back her head as he slid a finger into her hot, moist core, and he watched her eyes widen with wonder, her breathing come out in small gasps. When he touched her maidenhead, he pulled back. That he would leave undisturbed, even though she should be his, and he should have the right to break through that barrier. Instead, he smothered her mouth with his.

  He had not expected her to reach down, her hand to close around his thick erection. He gasped, closed his eyes, and slammed her body against his. "No, Makinna. You must not."

  "Why?"

  He let out a gasp when her hand softly stroked him, and he wanted to plunge into her and claim all she offered. He took a deep breath and tried to save them both. Said words he knew would wound her deeply and break his own heart. "Is this the way you will act with other men, Makinna? Will you offer yourself to any man who comes along with a bulge in his trousers?"

  She froze. "I... what?"

  He pulled away from her. "You heard me."

  She was quiet for several moments, and when she spoke, her voice was trembling with bewilderment and anger. "Do you think because it was easy for you to undress me that I would let another man do the same? No, Tykota, I will not offer every man what you do not want. I thought you knew me better than that."

  "You were too easy, Makinna. I could have had all of you tonight if I had wanted too. You were more than willing."

  Disillusionment, anger, and sadness fused together in her mind and wound their way through her heart. "Is this the gift you wante
d to give me, Tykota?" she challenged, deep hurt in her tone. "If this is the best you can offer, then I reject you and your gift."

  He wanted to speak, wanted to tell her what was in his heart, and that by hurting her, he had wounded himself. But he knew this was the only means he had to send her away. He must not give her any hope that they could ultimately be together. He had to kill his soul to let her go.

  He said nothing.

  Makinna quickly waded out of the river, scrambled up the hill, and retrieved her clothing. She heard Tykota beside her, but she refused to look in his direction. She managed to fasten all hooks and closures although her hands were trembling. She wanted to cry, but she would not.

  "You do not need to come with me," she said, walking to her horse. "I can find my way back alone." In one smooth motion, she mounted the pinto. "Good night, Tykota. I hope you can make arrangements to get me away from here as soon as possible."

  He was beside her, grasping her reins. "Makinna, wait. There is something I want to say to you."

  "You have said quite enough," she said, backing away from him. "I will never forgive you for tonight."

  Her cutting words wounded, but he forced himself to explain. "I can love no one, Makinna, as much as I must love the Perdenelas. Can you understand that?"

  "I don't have to understand, Tykota. You can find another woman to torture."

  "It was not meant to be torture, Makinna."

  She jerked the reins from his hand. "But torture, it was!" She kicked her horse in the flanks and rode away at a gallop.

  Tykota stared after her. He had never cried that he could remember. But he could feel tears in his eyes now. He had come to the realization that love was the most powerful emotion of them all, and he was desperately in love.

  It was dark inside Huara's lodge, but Makinna managed to make her way across the room without bumping into anything. She removed her clothing and lay down on the soft mat. The tears she had kept in check now flowed freely. Oh, how cruel Tykota had been. At first he had been loving and kind. What had happened to make him lash out at her with words chosen to wound? And wound they had, deeper than he would ever know.