But obviously she took it that way because a second later she slapped his face.
He blinked in surprise, his eyes narrowing as they focused on her. "I wasn't insinuating--"
"Oh yes, you were! You think just because I'm a captive that means I'm sleeping with one of them, don't you?" she hissed between clenched teeth. "Not that I'd be ashamed of doing...that."
He truly hadn't meant to be offensive, yet as she continued her tirade, he found he couldn't keep the smile from coming to his lips as her cheeks turned a deeper shade of red.
Her nostrils flared as she took a deep breath. "What I am trying to say is that these are good people. Gray Hawk has treated Jordan and I with nothing but respect. I am not having...relations with anyone, but if I were, I wouldn't be ashamed. They are just like any other men. In fact, they are better than any I've known."
"And have you known many?" he asked, unable to keep the amusement he was feeling from his voice.
"Of cour--" The word died on her lips. Her eyes widened with sudden understanding. "No," she gasped, clearly outraged.
Her small, white teeth bit into her lower lip. Seeing her annoyance, his gaze dropped to her neck where her pulse beat erratically. "Well, I'd be more than obliged to help you out."
He wasn't sure who was more surprised at his blunt declaration, him or her--the way she looked at him with horror made him think the latter.
Before he could say anything else, she gasped, turned and walked away.
What was the matter with him? He never talked to a woman that way...ever. Why did this little filly ruffle his feathers? Where was his compassion?
Stifling the urge to follow her and apologize, he decided the best thing he could do was to let her cool off.
PULLING THE blanket up around Rebecca's chin, Jordan knew this would be one of last times she'd have with the little girl.
Tears burned the back of Jordan's eyes. She already missed her.
"You'll make a good mother."
Jordan looked up at the sound of Gray Hawk's voice. She tried to smile, but failed. "I love children."
"Do you mind?" he asked, motioning toward the fur beside her.
"Her uncle will stay for a while. He wants a chance to get to know her. Should she wish at that time to leave with him, then we will have to let her."
Jordan wrestled with her thoughts. She was happy for Rebecca, but at the same time she wished she would stay. The past week had been tolerable because of her presence, but once she was gone--what then?
His fingers touched her jaw softly, turning her to face him. "Tell me what it is that haunts you," he said, his eyes probing. "Tell me so I can help." His look was so intense and his fingers so gentle, she wanted to give him everything, yet at the same time she couldn't release the memory of him with Running Deer.
"I don't know what I want," she said hopelessly. "I mean I do, but I'm afraid."
"Afraid of me?"
She shook her head, meeting his stare. "I'm afraid of myself. My body betrays me every time you're near. Like now, my heart is pounding like a drum."
His gray eyes smoldered as he leaned toward her, his hand urging her closer. His warm breath fanned her cheek, sending an excited shiver down her spine. With feather lightness his lips touched hers. Heat filled her, coursing through every vein of her body, making her lean into him. His hand moved down her neck to her breast, cupping it, his thumb moving across her rigid nipple that strained against the soft doeskin. Pressing hard against his hand a moan escaped her lips. He tasted wonderful, his mouth exceedingly gentle, yet probing, wanting, demanding more.
Yet as the seconds ticked by, a nagging in the back of her mind brought her back to reality. Just last night he'd been with Running Deer, and now he expected her to forget? She pushed against his chest. "I--that was wrong." She shook her head. "This can't happen."
Eyes that had been soft before were now hard. He looked ready to say something, but then without a word, he stood and left.
A moment later the flap of the entrance was ripped open and Kari marched in. "Do you know what he said to me?"
Jordan shook her head, not trusting herself to speak.
"He thinks that I've...that I've." She stopped abruptly and took a deep breath. "That man actually thought I had...well that we are having relations with the Indians. Can you believe that?" Kari pulled the braids from her hair, then jerked a brush through it. "How dare he?"
"Why would he say that?" Jordan asked.
"I don't know," Kari said, looking perplexed and agitated. "He is such a...he's so arrogant."
"But it takes a brave man to face an entire village to save a niece he's never met."
Kari's shoulders slumped. "Yes, I suppose it does, but that doesn't change the fact that he's absolutely obnoxious." Lying down, she put her arms beneath her head. Silence ensued as they both became lost in their thoughts, then Kari went up on her elbows. "Sometimes I wonder how we ever got into this mess. To think there was a time we spent our days drinking tea and talking about boys. We didn't have a worry in the world...except Patricia."
It was the first time Kari had mentioned Virginia since they'd left, and it was odd considering all they'd been through that Jordan didn't regret leaving and had no wish to return. But did Kari feel the same? "Do you wish you would have stayed in Virginia?"
Kari shook her head. "This isn't exactly what I expected, but at least we're together." She let out a heavy sigh. "And you're not married to that awful Mr. Johnson."
"Amen," Jordan agreed.
"You'd probably even be pregnant by now."
"Kari!"
"I remember well the way he looked at you that night at dinner." Kari shuddered, sharing Jordan's sentiments. "I swear it even gave me the creeps to think of you sharing his bed."
"Luckily I don't have to worry about that. Even if Mr. Johnson and your father did find us, they certainly wouldn't have anything to do with us now."
Kari laughed. "Can you imagine Patricia? Once she heard we'd lived among the savages she'd faint. She would make up some grand story to tell all her friends, so that no one would know we had been taken captive by the Indians. Or perhaps she'd use it to her advantage by making sure we never set foot in her house again."
Jordan knew Kari was right. It hadn't taken her long to come to the conclusion that her step-aunt hated her from the moment they first met. She had no doubts that Patricia had been the one to plant the idea of marriage to Marvin in her uncle's head, and in time she would have seen Kari married off as well. Probably to a man who lived an ocean away. Patricia obviously didn't want any reminders of the life Frederick had before she and the twins came along.
"Do you think that someone is searching for us now?"
Jordan could hear the anxiety in her voice. Ironic that they should fear their only family more than the Indian that held them captive. "Knowing your father, I would have to say yes."
Kari's sigh filled the teepee. "I'll never go back...no matter what."
Chapter 10
SHANE WOKE to a pair of dark brown eyes staring upside down at him. He wasn't sure who was more startled, he or the child who went running from him as though he'd seen a bear.
Sitting up on his elbows, he was surprised he'd slept past sunrise. Actually, it was the latest he'd risen in weeks.
The village was alive with activity. Men, women, and children were filing out of teepees to start the day. His gaze moved to the one Rebecca shared with Jordan, her cousin, and the half-breed. He wondered not for the first time what the relationship was between them. Especially since some tribes were well known for marrying more than one woman. The blonde was adamant about not having "relations" with the Indian, but how could they all be living under the same roof and have nothing happen? If that was the case, then Shane had to give the man credit for his willpower. The women were attractive, particularly the blonde who'd confronted him yesterday.
Shane glanced over where several men were gathered, the half-breed among them. His appearance w
as striking. Tall, lean and strong, he didn't look the type to back down from a fight. It didn't surprise Shane that the man had gone into a camp full of his enemies and come out rescuing woman and child right under their noses.
As though sensing his perusal, the half-breed looked at him, his gunmetal eyes cold. Shane nodded in greeting. The man nodded in return before turning his attention back to the conversation.
Shane rolled up his bedroll and blankets then stuffed them in his saddlebag hoping Rebecca would wake soon. He was anxious to get home. Joining others at the fire, he ignored them as they did him. He had too much time on his hands, and as usual his thoughts turned to Lily, his wife. A petite woman, Lily had shared his excitement of ranching, and had a head full of dreams just like himself. Side by side they built their farm in the Wyoming countryside. A legacy they would pass onto their son.
Married only two short years, she had died giving birth to their son, Tanner.
He smiled at the thought of his boy. Tanner, a handsome young man with his mother's quick smile and deep dimples, not to mention an ornery streak that ran the length of Wyoming. Little girls from throughout the countryside blushed whenever his son went to town with him, making Shane dread the years to come.
He wondered how Tanner was doing without him. Though he was only fourteen years old, his son had grown up surrounded by males. Even now, Hank, Shane's foreman, watched over him like a mother hen.
When Shane had left in search of Rebecca, Tanner asked to come along. Feeling he was too young, and not wanting to put his son's life in danger, Shane had told him no, insisting he stay and help Hank and the other hands prepare a room for Rebecca. Shane knew Tanner tried to show some enthusiasm toward having his young cousin come live with them, but again the all male environment was about to be invaded. He could only hope things went well between them. He'd become accustomed to having just the two of them in their spacious home--a home built for he and Lily and the four children they had planned to have. It would be different to have a young girl underfoot, but they would manage.
Thoughts of his ranch slipped away when from the corner of his eye he saw the flap to the half-breed's teepee open and the white women step out. Jordan held Rebecca's hand in her own. Their hair was plaited identical, their dresses so alike, they could have passed as mother and daughter, or even sisters. Shane watched as Jordan glanced toward the group of men, her gaze lingering on the half-breed. It was the first time Shane had seen the man's face soften. But when she quickly looked away, all softness disappeared. Shane lifted a brow, curious.
Shane's glance instantly moved to the blonde who'd confronted him yesterday. The thin doeskin dress hug provocatively to her curves, stopping just below her knees. She wore moccasins, and Shane found himself staring at the expanse of skin that was exposed between the hem of her dress and the tops of her moccasins. Her calves were well-defined, much as he guessed her thighs would be. Her legs were long and she was taller than all of the Indian women in the village he had seen this far, though he doubted she'd reach to his collar bone.
Filling his mug with coffee, he smiled when he looked up to find her watching him. She was stirring something in a black kettle, her movements methodical, her look pure ice. She then poured a bowl full of the fare and surprised him when a moment later she walked toward him. Instinctively he readied himself to get a face full of whatever it was she held in her hands.
She smiled, though it appeared strained, and asked in a too-sweet voice, "Would you like something to eat, Mr. Catalono?" Her jaw was clenched so tight he wondered why her teeth didn't snap. It was obvious she had been asked to serve him, no doubt by the half-breed who watched their every move.
He raised a brow. "That depends, what's on the menu?"
Her eyes narrowed, obviously realizing his question held a double innuendo.
"I didn't ask. I usually don't, I just eat what's available."
He glanced down at the bowl in her hands. "Is that because you don't like knowing what's in your stew, Miss..."
Her eyes widened, and he could see the wheel turning in her mind.
"Well, are you going to tell me your name?"
"Hoffman," she blurted, pushing the bowl at him. Their fingers touched for a second and she jumped as though burned.
He smiled. "See, that wasn't so hard. Nice to meet you, Miss Hoffman."
Her mouth opened, but she quickly snapped it shut. Another few awkward moments passed before she blurted, "I'm sorry for yesterday. I had no right to speak to you as I did. I know that you came to get your niece, and it is a very noble thing indeed. I was just concerned--"
"Apology accepted," he said, smiling at the blush that raced up her neck. "Miss Hoffman, how is it you and your cousin came to be captives, and what exactly is expected of you?"
She appeared more relaxed now as she watched him tentatively. "We take care of Gray Hawk's needs."
He almost smiled, but refrained. "His needs?" he repeated, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.
"Yes." Her eyes narrowed into suspicious slits. "But not in the way you're insinuating."
"The man is sharing his teepee with two beautiful women."
She shook her head. "Indeed, Mr. Catalono, it seems your mind is venturing somewhere it should not be...again."
And how right she was. He couldn't help think how soft her skin must be, how silky the texture of her hair was, and how wonderful it would be to kiss those rosy lips of hers. Her tiny nose was so delicate, her cheekbones so accentuated, she seemed as fragile as a china doll. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, Kari Hoffman was a lady and it was high time he started treating her as such.
"I'm afraid to even ask what you're thinking now, Mr. Catalono," she said, shifting on her feet, looking more uncomfortable with every second.
This time he did smile. "I'm thinking that I'd like very much to be your friend."
Her jaw slacked open in surprise before she quickly snapped it shut. A tiny smile slowly came to her lips. "All right, Mr. Catalono, friends it is."
When she turned and marched away, he thought perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if they stayed around for a day or two.
JORDAN COULD still feel the touch of Gray Hawk's lips on her own. Who would have thought a man as strong and powerful as he could be so gentle? Her skin still tingled from where his hands touched her so intimately, and now she wished it had never happened. At least then she wouldn't have an idea of what it was like. But now that she did, it was almost impossible to get him out of her thoughts.
She glanced again at the men across in the clearing, practicing with their bows and arrows. Remembering his touch, her stomach tightened and a warmth filled her. A warmth that steadily worked its way downward as she watched Gray Hawk standing with a bow stretched tautly, every muscle in his body flexed as he aimed for the target. He released...and it hit dead center. She smiled, unable to help herself. The man was good at everything he did.
As though sensing her perusal, Gray Hawk glanced over at her. Their gazes met and held for a moment, before she quickly looked away.
She could feel his stare, but refused to look again. He would not hold any power over her. He had a woman to satisfy his needs. He only wanted her because she was his captive and he wanted to prove he owned her. Her hands clenched into fists at the same time her eyes were covered by a pair of hands and a small body pressed against her back. "Guess who?"
Glad to get her thoughts away from the man who disturbed her so much, Jordan asked, "Could it be a fairy princess?
The sweet sound of angelic laughter filled Jordan's ears as Rebecca let go. Jordan blinked a few times to find Rebecca standing in front of her. "Look at what my Uncle Shane gave me," she said, holding out a doll for Jordan's inspection.
"She's very pretty. What's her name?"
Rebecca cocked her head. "I was thinking Annabelle. What do you think I should call her?"
"I think Annabelle is a perfect name! I couldn't have thought of a better one myself." Jordan's heart me
lted when Rebecca put her arms around her neck. The girl had been affectionate these last weeks, but all day she'd been more so than normal. Looking down at her plaited hair, dressed in her Indian clothes, she wondered if Rebecca could once again live a normal life at her uncle's ranch. Jordan remembered the day she had first met her Uncle Frederick. He was nice at first, but as the years progressed he had become resentful to the point she dreaded seeing him. But she had a good feeling about Shane Catalono. She was confident he would give Rebecca a good life.
Even then Jordan was going to miss her.
"Why are you crying?"
Jordan wiped away the tears that had escaped down her face and forced a smile. Already she felt the loss. She knew her attachment to Rebecca came from their shared sorrow, being Crow captives and having both lost their parents when they were so young. "I just got some dust in my eyes."
Rebecca looked skeptical. "Oh, my Uncle Shane says he wants to talk to you as soon as possible."
"Good, I'd like to talk to him, too," she replied, grateful for an excuse to get away from her captor's piercing gaze.
"You'll like him," Rebecca said, grasping her hand. "He calls me Pumpkin. Isn't that a strange thing to call somebody?" Her expression was so serious, and she looked so grown up, Jordan couldn't help but laugh and suppress the urge to hug her close.
They found Shane standing off by himself, brushing down his horse. His strong back seemed more intimidating the closer they came, until Jordan considered waiting until she was more comfortable with the idea of Rebecca leaving before talking with him.
Hearing them approach, Shane turned, his hand still on the horse, then with a final pat to its side, he dropped the brush into a bag. "I was wondering when we'd get some time to talk." His tone was low and pleasant, making her relax instantly.
Rebecca looked up at Jordan with an endearing smile. "I told him all about you."
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