We both knew the challenge of wars—we’d lived through far too many battles. How could I let Roman go with anything resembling confidence and certainty?
I shoved aside my fears and deepened the kiss, the stubble of his beard scraping and tearing against my skin.
I didn’t care. I welcomed the marks of our passion—I would savor the sting of pain until he returned to me.
As our kiss continued, fiery heat and compelling need roared between my legs. I longed to take him inside me where we both could hide.
His hands found my shoulders and pushed while his lips stayed glued to mine. We were engaged in our own personal war. Neither of us wanted to part from the other.
I let out a long moan, the sound vibrating against his lips.
Finally, breathless, Roman wrested away from me. Lips parted, he studied me with longing in his eyes. “I don’t want to go.”
“I don’t want you to, either. Please stay.”
He licked his lips. “I have to go, Olivia. You know that. I’m duty-bound to help protect the tribe. This war between the Sioux and the Kiowa has gone far too long.”
“I know,” I whimpered.
“Wait for me, Olivia. Wait for me. I will return to you as soon as I can.” After one final look passed between us, he brushed his lips against mine and departed.
I knew I wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep. Whether it was pregnancy hormones or the weeks of toil taking a toll on me, I couldn’t shake this feeling of dread. I lay there, shivering and fretting, listening to the raindrops patter against the walls of my teepee.
“Olivia!” Emily’s voice shook me out of a drowse.
“What is it?” I said through a fog of fatigue, peering through the dark.
A dark shape approached me, then Emily snuggled beneath the furs.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she whispered.
“I couldn’t either. I’m so worried. I have this persistent dread in the back of my mind,” I said, grateful for her warmth.
“That’s why I’m here. Marcellious made me promise I’d take good care of you while the men are away,” Emily said.
“Marcellious said that?”
Emily nodded. “He cares about you and Roman. I tell you, he’s a changed man.”
“I believe you,” I said. I wouldn’t tell her I couldn’t let go of what Roman had told me—Marcellious was born of the dark, as was Roman, but he seemed to carry more of it.
At least, that was what Balthazar had said, but he couldn’t be trusted.
“So, who’s left behind?” I said, brushing aside a few strands of Emily’s blond hair that tickled my nose.
“Oh, you know—women, children, and youths.” Emily wriggled her foot between mine. “Do you think the remaining tribal members could protect us if needed?”
“Doubtful,” I said. I stroked her glossy hair. “I can certainly fight, but as we all know, I’m with child.”
“Well, hopefully, it will be as Marcellious said—they’ll form an alliance of peace and return before the day turns to night.” Emily rolled on her back, untangling her legs from mine.
“I sure hope so.” I rolled on my back, too, and we both stared up at the night sky through the small opening at the top of the teepee.
A drop of water landed on my cheek, startling me. Most of the water ran down the smooth poles erected to create the structure and slid down the lining. I made a mental note to check on the poles later, once I was up and moving around.
A wide smile spread across Emily’s face.
“What are you so happy about?” I said, glancing at her.
