Stolen Ecstasy Read online

  Until recently, Rebecca had not doubted Bright Arrow’s love for her and their children, for he had proven it many times. But she had feared the uncontrollable resentment that could sprout and grow within him, seedlings of fury born of frustration and bitterness toward himself and his tribe. She would do anything to keep their love from being destroyed. Despite all their troubles, they had been happy until his exile. But from the changes demanded of him ensnaring vines had germinated; it seemed as if he were being slowly and painfully choked.

  Something would have to be done to rescue her love once more—but what and how? She couldn’t force his tribe to recall him. She couldn’t free him by demanding he leave her or by running away. Was there no way? She was all too aware that time was running out for him, for them. Yet she was helpless to stop its inevitable passage.

  Rebecca thought about the innocent children inside their cabin, children denied their grandparents and their heritage. Although they were living between two worlds, the girls had been given Indian names. Little Feet was six, Moon Eyes was four, and Tashina was sixteen months. As if Fate were determined to further punish Bright Arrow, it had denied him a son that could ride with him and train at his side, a boy to share that special bond between father and son. And that same Fate had given his parents another son just before Bright Arrow had left home. Sun Cloud, now seven, would one day become the Oglala chief in his place. Perhaps the birth of another son had given the council the courage to banish her defiant love. Perhaps it had given Gray Eagle the heart to accept such a foul deed. But even without his birthright, Rebecca knew Bright Arrow would gladly return to his people.

  Surely her husband had been punished enough by now? Surely his family and tribe missed him, perhaps needed him? He was a warrior, a protector of his people and lands. He should be at his father’s side! He had been condemned to a life of nonexistence. Surely they could find forgiveness and acceptance in their hearts? Was love such a mysterious emotion that they could not comprehend it? Didn’t they realize what they were doing to him? Didn’t they care?

  Perhaps if she went to Gray Eagle and Shalee and pleaded with them to send for their son… No, her husband would be furious with her. It was not the Indian way for a woman to interfere in a warrior’s affairs. His people would not respect one who begged or groveled or rejected the vote of the council. Yet she knew he couldn’t go on like this. It was his haunting silence and the increasing distance between them that frightened Rebecca. She dreaded to imagine what another year in the cabin would do to her husband, to their marriage. Fate owed them something, for Fate had thrown them together! In her Bible it said, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy… bearing precious seeds.” They had shed more than their share of tears and endured more than their portion of pain; they had borne three precious seeds. It was time for the seeds of fury and denial to blow away; it was time to reap a much deserved harvest of joy and peace.

  Rebecca rested her head and shoulders against the wooden surface behind her. She closed her eyes and recalled blissful moments from their bittersweet past. Bright Arrow had captured her during a raid on her uncle’s wagon train. He had stood proud and powerful before her after slaying a soldier who was trying to rape her. She had been mesmerized by his handsome physique and drawn to his gentle manner. He had appeared as a earth-bound god before her absorbing senses, a provocative blending of blacks and bronzes. His body had been sleek and hard, and his jet eyes had shone with victory and intrigue. It had seemed as if no power in existence could prevent their attraction to each other.

  Abruptly, another warrior, a cruel and hostile brave, had laid claim to her. Yet a magical and mystical bond had been forged between Rebecca and Bright Arrow in those brief moments when they had gazed into each other’s eyes. As he fought the challenging warrior to retain her, she had escaped into the forest. She had run and walked for hours, trying to be free of the grim sight left behind in the clearing. Bright Arrow had pursued her and captured her. Despite his awesome strength and power over her life, he had awakened a never-ending passion within her as he claimed her body later that night. In the following weeks, many hours of sensual pleasure on his mats had deepened the bonds of that first rapturous night. Soon she not only belonged to him in body, but also in heart and spirit as well.

  Bright Arrow’s parents, especially his father, had resisted their union. The dauntless Sioux chief had done all within his power to influence his son to part with her. Other tribe members had tried to encourage him to send her away, to sell her, even to slay her. Nothing and no one could persuade him to be rid of her.

  He had loved and desired her so greatly that no taunts, jests, reasons, or pleas could compel her departure. Rebecca remembered how hard she had worked to prove her value and loyalty to her captor and his people, but nothing had obliterated the fact that this object of their future chief’s forbidden desires was white. Bright Arrow had been advised and threatened by the council; still he had held fast to her. How could she have resisted or denied such love and sacrifice on his part? She could not.

  The time her love had been captured by the soldiers to ransom for Chief Gray Eagle, she had risked her life to save her love’s. Later, when her ruse had been uncovered, he had returned to the fort to rescue her! When his council had realized that Bright Arrow’s feelings were growing stronger and bolder with each day, they had attempted a desperate and final measure “to free him from the evil white spirit who enslaved him and blinded him to his duty and destiny.” The council had demanded her departure, by trade or death or release. Otherwise, Bright Arrow would be exiled, banished until he could sate his lust for her and return to his people free of her distracting magic and evil allure. Bright Arrow had tried to call their bluff. For years he had waited for his tribe to call him back; but not a word had been sent.

  In the beginning, here, at their cabin, they had been happy; they had been free of insults and demands. Oh, they had loved and shared a passion and zeal to make the gods envious! They had experienced a burning love a man and a woman could hope to find only once in a lifetime. How could anyone have expected them to sacrifice such feelings?

  Born a creature of nature, Bright Arrow had been eager to make love in any place and at any time. He especially enjoyed lovemaking beneath the stars and moon or in the sheltering forest in early morning or mid-afternoon. As Rebecca drowsed on the bench in the warm sun, her dreamy mind recalled one such delightful union…

  It was shortly after the noon meal and the girls were napping. Tashina was seven weeks old, and they had not made love since the month before her birth in midJanuary. It had been a mild winter, and early March seemed almost like spring. Bright Arrow had suggested a walk while the girls slept. He grinned mischievously as he tossed a blanket over his right arm and held out an inviting hand. His dark eyes twinkled with lights of promise, and Rebecca smiled and tingled as she slipped her smaller hand into his large one.

  Together they strolled a short distance from the warm cabin. The air was crisp and refreshing. Nature was taking on a new face of supple greens and birds sang joyfully as they realized that winter was past. Bright Arrow halted his movements and dropped the blanket to the ground. He stood within inches of her, yet he didn’t touch her physically. His softened eyes seemed content to roam over her flushed features, engulfing her in waves of anticipation his magnetic gaze always evoked. As if she were a prize filly, he appreciatively examined her. A warm glow covered her body, chasing away the slight chill in the air.

  Bright Arrow lifted his finger to touch her lips, to ever so slowly move over them. His hands captured her face and tilted it for a full view. The dam that had held Back their desires for so many weeks was shattered, allowing a surge of passion to spill forth. And still his probing gaze caressed her face with a matchless tenderness, which caused her heart to race with her respiration. His hands moved at a snail’s pace down her throat to lightly grasp her shoulders. Deftly he unbuttoned her dress and removed each of her garments. Without taking his eyes f
rom hers, he cast the clothing aside. His fingertips drifted sensuously over her bare flesh, enticing tremors throughout her body.

  Bright Arrow leaned forward and fastened his eager mouth to hers. His tongue darted between her lips and played tag with hers. He kissed her eyes, then tormented her earlobes. Leisurely his lips traveled down her neck and teased the flesh over each shoulder and across her collarbone. When his seeking mouth found a taut nipple on a passion-sensitive breast, a moan came from Rebecca’s parted lips. Soon warm breath and moisture tormented both points until she shivered with longing and pleasure. Strong bronze hands journeyed down her sides and eased around her hips to take hold of firm buttocks. He carefully kneaded them as his mouth worked at her breasts. Rebecca’s head swayed from side to side as the tension mounted within her hungry body. She was aware of each caress, each kiss, each stirring movement. They produced glorious sensations which only birthed a longing for more, an aching which drove her senses wild.

  Bright Arrow’s lips wandered down the cleft between her breasts, halting briefly to tease her navel before continuing along a deliberate path in search of another peak which mutely demanded his attention and talents. He laid his coppery chin against the auburn softness which surrounded the precious mound like a lush forest. His smooth cheek caressed it. As exploring interlopers, his fingers parted the reddish brown forest which guarded her most private territory. His tongue skillfully invaded the smooth area and lovingly labored to bring her to the height of eagerness, and it was with gloriously agonizing difficulty that he held back from sending his nearly uncontrollable shaft into her enticing cave of wondrous magic.

  Rebecca’s body quivered with delight. Her breath came in quick, short gasps as his tongue and hands brought tantalizing sensations to her. Soft moans and pleas escaped from her mouth as her tongue moved over her dry lips again and again. For a time, she thought she might faint as the sensual provocation increased.

  Suddenly the blissful torture ceased as Bright Arrow straightened to remove his garments. He hastily spread out the blanket and turned to reach for her. Rebecca’s golden brown eyes were glazed with a fierce craving that matched his own. As she started to kneel to take possession of the tempting treat which beckoned to her to sample its nectar, Bright Arrow gently grasped her shoulders and shook his head. He breathlessly warned, “Not this sun, little heart. I fear my hold over him is strained too much.” As her hand encircled the torrid flesh, he shuddered and hoarsely whispered, “Later, when our passions do not burn as wildfires.”

  Rebecca understood and accepted his precaution. It had been so long since they had been together like this, and both were starving for this sensual meal. She lay down without modesty or hesitation. Her eyes journeyed up the full length of his iron-muscled body. While he took a moment to cool his flaming senses, Bright Arrow observed her intense study of him.

  His legs were firm and smooth. His hips were narrow and his stomach taut and flat. His manhood stood erect and proud, a large, smooth staff displaying its readiness and greedy appetite. His hairless chest bespoke his immense physical strength, as did his muscular arms. His was a body honed to perfection, for agility, for victory. His arresting face with its ebony eyes, full lips, and magnificent bone structure enchanted her. Shiny, midnight black hair teased the nape of his neck. His bronze flesh was stretched tightly over his splendid frame like a hide staked for tanning, its smooth lines broken only by rippling muscles. He was such a stimulating male, and Rebecca knew he belonged to her. Her pulse quickened with joy and love.

  Rebecca’s gaze fused with Bright Arrow’s, her tawny eyes speaking messages of love and urgency to his ebony ones. He joined her on the blanket, and the chilly breeze was ignored in the heat of shared passion. Again he lavished his attention upon her lips and breasts until she begged for their union. His finger tempted her lower peak to stand rigid and quivering beneath his caress. Finding her ready to accept him, he lay atop her, and gently slid his hard maleness into her receptive body, creating a sensation of bliss which almost erupted into a blazing, allconsuming fire.

  Rebecca’s body arched upward, taking his entire length. As he moved with care and experience, she matched her rhythm to his. Bright Arrow whispered raggedly, “I love you, little heart. I have missed this closeness with you. You have enslaved my heart and body.”

  At such moments, Rebecca knew he didn’t resent the sacrifices he had made in order to have her. As they fondled each other, they hungrily sought fulfillment. It was joyous to share such a special union. Each was aware of the other’s needs, giving and taking for mutual satisfaction. Wildly and skillfully they rode the waves of titillating desires. The world receded for a time as Bright Arrow and Rebecca Kenny came together to blend bodies and spirits.

  From many days and nights of lovemaking, signals had been learned and now were given mutely, given with responses and touches. Each sensed how close to rapture the other was, and they adjusted their loving attentions to meet at the peak of passion simultaneously. Prisoners of desire and enchantment, they remained bound together as ecstasy assailed and consumed them. Their bodies blended time and again until every blissful spasm ceased and they were enveloped in the warmth of contentment and sated senses.

  Bright Arrow’s lips brushed over Rebecca’s mouth several times. He kissed the tip of her nose and each closed eye. He trailed kisses over her cheeks and brows. He whispered words of love and satisfaction into her ears. He was always tender and sensitive after making love, as if he hated to release her until compelled to do so. And, as they had so many other times after a union, they lay entwined on the blanket, silently and lovingly holding each other, savoring their triumphant joining…

  As Rebecca shifted her numb buttocks on the wooden bench, reality came back in shocking force. She opened her eyes and glanced around the clearing. Bright Arrow had not returned from the stream. She felt so lonely, so frustrated, so dejected. The dreamy recollection had stirred in her body fierce hunger. It had been so long since they had made love passionately, uninhibitedly, thoroughly. She longed for such feelings and experiences to be shared again.

  Why had Bright Arrow lost all interest in lovemaking? Why did he pretend to be sleeping many nights or too exhausted other nights? Why did he turn a deaf ear or cold shoulder to her whenever she became amorous? He had created her sensual appetite and had fed it for years! Why starve her now? Why did he refuse to share this special part of himself? The distance and coolness between them tormented her. She squeezed her eyes tightly as tears ran down her cheeks. She feared it would never be that way between them again.

  The early spring weather was still cool, but the afternoon sun felt warm and relaxing. Rebecca sat in deep thought for another hour, then arose to enter the cabin and begin their evening meal. If a change was to be made in their lives, the decision would have to come from him, she decided. All she could do was show Bright Arrow how much she loved him and needed him, for she did still love and desire him. Yet she couldn’t help but pray for the return of the man he had been long ago; she couldn’t help but resent his faded image.

  Lately he had become quieter, more remote. He had lost all interest in making love to her, in talking with her, in sharing her company. He paid little attention to the children or to his chores. He spent hours alone in pensive study. What was he thinking and feeling?

  A storm was brewing within him. Icy fingers seemed to grasp her heart and to squeeze it painfully as she comprehended that love was not enough for a man like Bright Arrow. She asked herself how long it would be before he confronted this same reality? How long before his dissatisfaction erupted into a violent explosion? When that time came, how would he deal with the situation? Would be hold her responsible for his living death? Would he betray and desert her? Would he sacrifice all he possessed to regain his past glory?

  She wept, for by asking herself such questions and by experiencing such feelings, the heartrending state of their relationship was finally revealed to her.

  Chapter One
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br />   June 22, 1804

  Despite the mild breeze from the forest which encircled the cabin and clearing, the summer heat and mugginess encouraged the small children to be fretful. Rebecca couldn’t recall a year when it had been so hot this early in the season. She wished Bright Arrow would return home and take them to the nearby pond for a swim and picnic, or at least for a refreshing walk in the woods. Surely that wasn’t too much to expect from a dutiful husband and father! This downward spiral of Bright Arrow’s was drawing her to depressing and perilous depths which she didn’t want to visit. She was rapidly approaching the point where her maternal and survival instincts would compel her to make a drastic choice: her children and herself or her misguided mate.

  When Bright Arrow went hunting, he always insisted that Rebecca and the girls remain inside, with windows and doors barred. Today she was too vexed to obey his orders. These last few months, atop the past few years, had been as merciless and demanding on her as they had been on him! He wasn’t the only one affected by their predicament. She was as torpid and gloomy as he. Besides the cabin chores and caring for her girls, there was little else to feed her emotions or to challenge her mind. It was becoming harder to conceal her ill feelings, contain her resentment, or retain her hope.

  It was lonely and depressing here in the wilderness, especially with a husband who hardly seemed to notice his wife’s presence. Rebecca yearned for her love’s touch and smile, his tenderness and attention. For months he had been making love at her, not to her, making love as if it were a duty he wanted over as quickly as possible. And lately he hadn’t touched her at all. At first she had tried playfully and sensuously to seduce him; he had pretended to misread her signals. With this added tension, she accepted the fact that it was only a matter of time before her own simmering fury exploded, only a matter of time before she no longer tried, or cared.