“Reading. I’ve had plenty of time for reading. You have been gone two weeks.”
“You don’t have to tell me how long I’ve been gone. I can count. I’m sure the major was very solicitous while I was away, inquiring as to your needs and wishes. Have you learned what solicitous means?”
She shook her head. She could feel the edge of the dresser pressing against her hips. Caleb towered over her; for some reason he was trying to intimidate her. That was more than enough to raise her ire. Analisa straightened, ready to do battle, ready to clear the air.
“He was very polite, yes.”
“Coming up with all sorts of suggestions and ways to keep you amused? Outings to the reservation to visit the poor and the downtrodden? That sort of thing?”
“Among others. There’s to be a party. A dance in honor of Captain Boynton’s sister.”
“And Williamson asked to escort you? I’m sure he hoped your husband would still be away.”
The searing hatred that suddenly flashed in his eyes warned her not to push him further.
“Of course not.” She tried to temper her tone, but failed, as her own anger mounted. What kind of woman did he think she was?
Suddenly, as if he’d slapped her, her heart constricted inside her breast. Caleb sounded no different from the people of Pella. Because she’d been raped and had borne a child of that rape, they assumed she would not care about her reputation because she had none to care about.
She let out a heavy sigh. Stubborn pride strengthened by long years of facing such prejudice helped her maintain her proud stance, but she could not meet his eyes and so simply looked away.
Caleb reached out and grabbed her shoulders, his fingers biting into the tender skin beneath the gray batiste. He wanted to shake her, force her to deny that there was anything between her and Frank Williamson. Instead, he studied her profile. Her mouth was set in a stubborn pout, the lush bottom lip all but begging him to kiss it. Standing so close, he could smell the subtle fragrance of her flowery talcum. It was his undoing.
Slowly, he released his iron grip on her shoulders and lined his right hand to her chin, gently turning her face until their eyes met. Caleb dipped his head until his lips touched hers, tentatively at first, unsure of her acceptance. When he felt her arms slide beneath his and her hands press against his spine, Caleb deepened his kiss, pulling her closer, molding her to him, thigh against thigh, their hearts beating wildly against each other in welcome, saying all that their words left unsaid.
His tongue explored the depths of her mouth, his skin felt warm from the bathwater, and Analisa reveled in his clean scent as his damp hair brushed her cheek. The days of separation had heightened her need for him, and she sensed that same pulsing need in Caleb. He held her so tightly, bending her over the dresser, that she felt as if she would break in two. Sliding her hands to his sides, she pushed against the solid wall of him, trying to break free.
Caleb’s lips released hers. He raised his head but did not relinquish his hold. “You’re mine, Anja.” He ground the words out, his voice low, threatening. “I won’t let anyone else have you.”
“No one else wants me.” She fully believed her own words.
He straightened, his arms still around her waist, as he held her possessively. “Either you’re playing me for a fool or you’re more naive than I thought.”
“Caleb, why are you treating me like this?”
“Like what? I have every right to be jealous. You are a beautiful woman.”
“I am your wife. Not some ... hoer.” She waved her hand in frustration. “I don’t know the English. I am not some woman who goes from man to man. Caleb, you are my husband.”
“What choice did you have, even in that?”
“You gave me a choice. I chose to marry you.”
“Yes, but you were forced into it by that spineless minister who catered to the whims of those controlling the collection plate. If you’d had a real choice, you’d never have chosen me. I was the only one around and the first to ask. We’re from two different worlds.”
He released her and took a step backward, but his eyes never left her face. The bodice of her dress outlined the ripe swell of her breasts, drawing his attention away from her thoughtful stare. Her figure had filled out since their arrival at the fort, the little weight she’d gained adding a lushness to her form that had been lacking before. She was rounded now, softer, while retaining her strong Junoesque stature. A sense of wonder overwhelmed him at times when he realized she was his. Perhaps there was something behind Ruth’s belief in a destiny charted by the stars; maybe his marriage to Analisa proved it. Never could he have foreseen marriage to a woman like her. Perhaps their meeting had been part of a plan set in motion long before he passed out at her door.
His own mother, Gentle Rain, had been a typical Sioux woman. Small of stature, her body had been soft and lush, much like those of the other women he’d known in his youthful summers while he lived among her people. He’d surmised early on that if he ever took a wife, she would most likely be Sioux. The women he’d met in his father’s social circle in Boston had not been much to his liking, and he’d sensed that he was nothing more to them than an exotic curiosity, someone to experiment with, but not a man they would seriously consider marrying. Even his wealth had not been enough to disguise the fact that he was a half-breed.
Now, as he studied his Dutch wife, with her shining sun-kissed hair, her pert nose, her lips tender from his kiss, he felt his heart swell with pride and determination. She was his, but he would have to guard her well, for Analisa was quite unaware of her own beauty and powerful sensuality.
“Forced into it?” She repeated his words. “No one forces me into anything, Caleb. Not anymore. I take care of myself and Kase. I listened to you that day, and believed I was doing what was right for my son, but I was not forced.”
“But now you are out of that life. Here no one knows you, Analisa. You can start over if you want to, without being haunted by the past.”
She shook her head, unsure of what he was hinting at.
“I have started over, Caleb ... with you.”
She couldn’t fathom the reason behind his words. Hadn’t her kiss told him all he needed to know? She longed for him to stop talking and take her into his arms again. Should she reach out to him, tell him with her body that he was the man she desired, the only one she needed? Uncertain, afraid of being condemned by her forwardness, she stood immobile, waiting for Caleb to move. Perhaps she was becoming too free in her desire for him. Was it wrong to lust after one’s own husband? She hoped not, for if it was, she was surely lost.
Reaching out, she touched his shoulder, her fingertips thrilling to the satin smooth feel of his skin. “Caleb ...”
The words she was about to speak were cut off as the back door slammed shut. They heard Kase running through the kitchen.
“Mama? Mama, I’m back. We shot a rabbit!”
Without another word, Analisa dropped her hand and turned away from Caleb to go to her son. She stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her, allowing Caleb to dress in privacy before Kase charged in, eager to see him.
“Papa’s home, Kase. He’ll be out in a moment.”
“I have to tell him all about the rabbit. Tor shot it, and then we rode over and picked it up. It’s all ready for you to cook. He let me watch him skin it, and he’s going to give me the fur. Do you think we could make something out of it?” Kase chattered to her over his shoulder, leading Analisa back into the kitchen where Tor Jensen waited with the skinned rabbit.
“Will you stay to dinner, Tor, and help us eat your catch? My husband returned this afternoon. I’m sure he’d enjoy your company.”
The young private blushed and shook his head. “No, tanks, Mrs. de la Vega. I have to report back.” In his accented English, he explained, “Riders just came in with news the paymaster’s wagon been attacked by Sioux before the guard detail reached them. The driver been killed and the pay chest st
olen.”
Analisa blanched as she fought to keep her tone light. “It looks as if your pay will be late again this month.”
“Someting always keeping me from getting paid, but nutting this bad happened before.” He laid the rabbit on the drainboard and turned to leave. “Well, I suppose we all be out on detail tomorrow, chasin’ after the Indians and findin’ nutting. Tanks for the offer of dinner, Mrs. de la Vega. Good night, ma’am.”
“Wel te ruste, Private.”
Absently, she bade him good night in her own language and attempted to hush Kase. The boy wanted to relate every detail of his day while she tried to collect her scattered thoughts. Had Caleb been with the party that attacked and killed the paymaster or had he been on his way back to the fort by that time? Perhaps knowledge of the ambush was the reason behind his ill temper. She began to prepare the evening meal, quartering the rabbit and browning it with the onions in the skillet. Kase gave up trying to capture her attention and went to pester Caleb while his mother cooked. The pungent smell of onion browning in butter filled the air, but she was oblivious to the scent, her hands working at the task while her mind churned.
Analisa shook her head, wondering how a day that had begun as usual could suddenly be turned upside down by Caleb’s return. Their argument remained unsettled, and she now faced the additional worry about the attack and Caleb’s possible involvement in it. First things first, she decided. They would eat a quiet supper for Kase’s sake. Then after the boy was tucked in, things would be settled. She’d make certain of that.
The small house chilled with the increasing hours of darkness The scent of onion and boiled cabbage lingered in the rooms as Analisa made a last tour of the house in the darkness, checking on the fire in the stove, securing the latch on the front door. Kase was safely tucked in bed. He fell asleep nearly as soon as his head hit the pillow. She guessed he dreamed of riding and rabbits, and she felt content knowing that the boy had been happier since their move to the fort.
Supper had ended quickly. Caleb had eaten as if he had not seen food for the past two weeks. Perhaps he had not. Kase’s early enthusiasm had waned as exhaustion overtook him, and he’d asked to be excused as soon as he finished eating. The boy had sat on the settee, where Caleb read him a story while Analisa cleared the table and washed the dishes. When she returned to the parlor, both Kase and Caleb had been gone; she’d found Kase asleep in his bed. Now it was time to lock up and join Caleb.
The lamp was out in the bedroom. The moonless night swathed the room in inky blackness. Her arms extended before her, she felt her way to the far wall and began to unfasten her dress. Dropping it to the floor, she stepped out of the voluminous folds of material and then shook it out softly and hung it on a hook. Her long cotton petticoat went next, and she was left standing in her silk chemise and pantalets. She bent to remove her shoes, struggling with the hooks in the darkness, unwilling to light the lamp “and disturb Caleb. She could hear him breathing softly from across the room. She reached for her nightgown, letting her hands search for it in the darkness. When her fingers recognized the texture of the cotton and the shape of the gown, she took the nightie from the hook.
Never had she gone to Caleb nude. It seemed far too daring a step. A considerate lover, he knew how inexperienced she was, and Analisa sensed that much of Caleb’s light humor and gentleness when they were together was meant to put her at ease. She would have to let him know somehow that he’d banished her nightmares. She never feared the act of love, because of his tenderness, and never would she fear Caleb. Maybe he didn’t realize how much she cared for him. She had doubted if that was possible, but now she wondered if his harsh words earlier had stemmed from jealousy. Could he believe she would look twice at another man after having known his love?
She hung the nightgown back on its hook. The evening chill in the room began to seep into her skin. She shivered, briskly rubbing her arms to ward off the cold. Her skin was dimpled with goose bumps. Hastily she slid down her garters and stockings. The silk pantalets whispered as they slipped off of her body. She drew the camisole over her head and laid it aside. Hurrying now because of the cold, she pulled the pins from her hair and shook it free. She would not brush it out tonight, for if she had her way, it would be mussed very soon anyway. She felt above the hooks for the shelf and dropped the hairpins somewhere near the edge. She was ready.
The bed dipped as she entered it, and the sheets felt cold against her skin. Caleb’s warmth radiated near his body but did little to heat her side of the bed. He was so still she could not tell if he was asleep or merely lying in silence. When he made no move to touch her, she debated with herself over her next move. Should she reach out to him? Would he think her brazen? Before she could decide how to approach him, Caleb’s voice reached out across the darkness.
“I’m sorry about the way I acted today, Anja.”
He made no move to touch her. They lay as still as statues, close but without making contact. Analisa felt her skin tingle all down the side closest to him.
“I think I understand now,” she whispered. “I have been thinking about everything you said. Are you jealous of the major?” Her voice sounded incredulous as she spoke to the ceiling.
“I’ve never been jealous before, and when it hit me I couldn’t really believe it. I have such strong feelings where you are concerned.” He sighed into the darkness but did not move toward her. “I made a fool of myself, I guess.”
“No, Caleb. Never that. I must admit, your temper frightens me, but not so much as your silence. I didn’t know how to deal with it.”
“Yes, you do. You take on that stubborn Dutch pride and look me square in the eye. Don’t ever stop standing up to me when I need it, Anja.”
“You know I care nothing for Major Williamson, don’t you, Caleb? He’s a friend and is concerned about us.”
“You might think of him as a friend, but I’d wager to guess that he would not think twice about cutting me out. He knows me only as Don Ricardo, Analisa.” She felt him prop himself up on his elbow and look down at her, his outline barely discernible. “He probably can’t figure out what a woman like you sees in a greenhorn like the professor.”
Her laughter floated on the air. “Yes, but I know you are nothing like the man you pretend to be, and that is more than enough for me. Please don’t be jealous anymore, Caleb. You have no need.”
“No? Somehow I’ve been lucky enough to marry one of the most beautiful women in the world.”
“One of the most beautiful?”
He leaned over her and unerringly found her lips in the darkness. “Definitely the most beautiful.”
His arms encircled her and he pulled her close. His hands explored her nude form, tracing the outline of her shoulders, her waist, and the swell of her hip.
“What’s this?”
Shy in the face of his question, suddenly embarrassed by her own boldness, Analisa shrugged in his arms, thankful for the darkness.
“You’ve been lying here like this all the time and you let me rattle on, apologizing?” His lips teased hers.
“Yes. I ... I really missed you, Caleb. I was so worried that something would happen to you. All I wanted earlier was for you to hold me, to ... well, you know. And all you did was rant and rave and act like a beast.”
“Ha. I guess I did that.”
“Yes, you did. I decided I should take things into my own hands, but once I got into bed, my courage died.”
“Perhaps you should take things into your own hands now?”
Slowly, silently, she slipped her hands between them until she found that part of him which always drove her to such heights. She cupped him with her hands, gently massaging him until he groaned low in his throat.
“Anja, sweet Anja.”
He pressed her onto the pillow, his mouth assaulting hers, his tongue dipping and tasting her sweet nectar. He moved his lips to her breast and heard her gasping for release. He drew gently on one ripe peak and then the other, teasin
g her with his teeth. She whispered his name over and over in a joyous litany of welcome.
She beckoned him to enter as she opened her legs and moved sensuously against him, rousing him to a throbbing urgency. No longer able to withstand her whispered encouragement, Caleb thrust between her thighs and found the moist warmth that would guide him to her very core. He drove his length into her, sheathed at last in the honeyed depths, and followed her lead as she began to move against him, faster, faster, until he could no longer hold back the force driving to burst free.
As he reached the summit of ecstasy, Analisa called his name and clasped him to her, tipping her hips higher in order to fully receive his precious gift of love.
Analisa savored the pulsing sensations deep inside until they slowly began to fade. She peppered his neck and shoulder with kisses before he lifted his head and kissed her thoroughly. Feather-light strokes of his hair teased her face as the raven tresses hung free. He whispered against her lips.
“Now I’m really too tired to move.”
“Perhaps the Dutch are stronger than the Sioux.”
“No doubt about it. Besides, I’m only half Indian. My blood is thin.”
“But your body is not. You’re too heavy.” She pushed against him, shifting his weight off of her ribs.
“You weren’t complaining a minute ago.”
“A minute ago you were not lying here like a deadweight.”
He rolled off her to his own side of the bed and pulled her close to rest her head in the crook of his shoulder. She pressed her hand above his heart and measured its steady beat until she drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Twelve
“Fine. If you won’t take me, I’ll find someone who will,”
“Can you ride?” Zach peered up at Analisa, a skeptical look in his one eye. He didn’t bother to stand when she approached, just sat where he was, perched on the edge of the stoop that led to the back door of the trader’s store. The twisted cutting of wood in his hand was as thin as the gnarled fingers that clutched it. He continued to scrutinize her as he reached into the deerskin sheath hanging from his belt to pull out a razor-sharp ivory-handled knife.
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