Staring at her with impenetrable blue-black eyes, the warrior on the black nudged the animal a pace forward. With that relentless eye-to-eye contact, he held her pinioned where she stood. For what see...
Somewhat revived by the water she had been forced to consume, Loretta sat astride the mare, suffering the confines of Hunter’s arm around her waist and the familiarity of his hand on her midriff. His...
Something deep within Loretta knotted, twisted. She hugged her middle and tried desperately not to think, to deny the reality she could not accept, that Hunter, the legendary killer, was a man who tho...
She knew no horse of Tom’s could catch him. Like his sire, he ran like the wind.
Please, Tom whispered. There’s other gals you can steal. Don’t take this one. Let her go home to her family. Breaking off, he licked his lips. She ain’t done you no harm.After a long while, Hunter ret...
One Indian was taller on horseback than all the rest, broader across the shoulders and chest. She kept her gaze on him. A month ago she would have fled in panic. She would never run from him again.
My gawd, Henry! Tom cried. You ain’t seriously sayin’ you’d keep her here?A flush crept up Henry’s neck. Of course not.Rachel glanced uneasily at her husband, then back at Tom. How long would it take...
My dear child, the priest inserted, it’s not often one of these--he threw a meaningful glance at Hunter-- offers to make an honorable woman of a captive. Wouldn’t it be wise to accept?I’m in no need o...
Memories of those first few days washed over her. Of his arm around her while she slept, the heat of his chest against her back, how terrified she had been. Suddenly the stars above her blurred, and s...
Make me a story.Hunter, I don’t have a stitch of clothes on, she squeaked.One of his dark eyebrows flicked upward. You must have clothes to make stories?No. I guess I…well, it might help me think.He s...
Let the find the lots of land, plenty for all, and plant dead trees there. This is Comanche land, and it cannot be given or bought.And we say it can. As you’re so fond of saying, it is not wise to fi...
Less than an hour later the girls were nearly ready to leave. Amy had just gone out to saddle her horse, and Loretta was about to join her, when Amy burst back inside the house, slamming the door behi...
Late the fourth evening, Many Horses visited Maiden’s lodge. At first Loretta sensed that Hunter’s father was taking measure of her, and she was suspicious of his motives for coming, but soon Many Hor...
I’ll do anything, Hunter. I’ll serve you on my knees. I’ll be your loyal slave forever. I’ll kiss the ground you walk on, anything.He disengaged his hand from hers and grasped her shoulders, hauling h...
It took us two days to gather them! On foot! I will never hear the last of it! You call that no harm? Whatever punishment I choose, my woman deserves it, and more. Name me one woman you know who has r...
It is not the way of a Comanche to beat his woman, he rasped. Just as it is not his way to let her go away from him.
I want to go home very badly.Loretta fixed her gaze on her captor’s medallion. All around her, the smell of his world permeated her senses, leather, dust, smoke, and unidentifiable foods. She was prob...
I think it’s plumb loco, that’s what! The paddle thunked rhythmically against the sides of the tub, making such a din that it nearly drowned Amy out. If you marry up with that old man, you’ll be suppi...
I swear it before God--I’ll eat and I’ll stay beside you, forever into the horizon.You will not fight the great fight?No, I won’t fight.He slipped an arm around her waist and drew her against him. Ah,...
I have such great love for you, little one. Such great love.I love you just as much, Hunter. I thought I’d die when you left me.You will go from this place with me, walk in my footsteps?A strained sil...