by Stephy Smith
His heart was in his throat and the need to join her was so great, Sam had to fight his own body to keep from going to her. He wanted to take her into his arms and hold her so close she would never be able to escape his grasp. The need to tame the wild heart beating within her was more than he could take. He knew, if he did, it would take away some of her beauty.
He couldn’t take much more, his heart couldn’t take it. Glancing around, he spotted the trail this woman had used to return to camp when he'd arrived. Sam pushed himself off the ground and made his way down the path.
He sat on a fallen log and listened to the music behind him, staring up at the stars and moon. It was all he could take to watch the woman making love to the fire with her movements. Desire and longing for a love so deep was evident on her face. He couldn’t fulfill the need she displayed. However, the need to try was tempting him. It was too high of a price to pay to hold her in his arms.
The risk of losing his affection to this woman had already begun. If he married her, his ability to think and act on his own were sure to depart from him as well. She already placed her hold over his heart and he wasn’t confident enough he could fight her. Furthermore, he wasn’t sure he wanted to.
Every man in camp would be after her. Why did her father send for him? This Aisley woman could have any man she wanted. Sitting on the ground, Sam leaned his head back against the log and closed his eyes, daydreaming of the long haired beauty. Her innocent sensuality haunted his thoughts as she danced her way into his mind, and his life.
The men in the camp were admirable musicians and both the men and women were beautiful dancers. Some of them played guitars, accordions, flutes, and violins. The dancers wore hand cymbals on their fingers. Each member stood out from the others, displaying his or her own talents yet enhancing the abilities of the others.
But none could compare with Aisley. She was no longer the sweet little girl he once knew. This Aisley was grown, beautiful, and provocative. To win her passionate attention would be an asset to any man’s vardo. To watch her dance…
Many Gypsy women danced for the gaje in taverns for pay. But, only under the watchful eyes of their husbands to ensure no vile touch of non-Gypsy hands would take place under their guard. Sam slept restlessly as his mind took him into uncharted territory. He fought to keep Aisley from the hands of the unclean.
If he married her, he would need to keep her away from the gaje, even in his dreams. The disturbing thoughts jolted him awake. Prepared to give an answer to her father, Sam had made up his mind. He made his way by the light of the moon back to camp. He was trying to shake the vivid memory when he entered into the protective circle of the vardos.
There in the moonlight, standing, leaning against a cypress tree, was Aisley, staring at the stars. Her silhouette beamed as the light surrounded her in angelic fashion. Sam’s breath caught in his chest as he stopped for a moment admiring her, then he continued in her direction.
“You should be asleep,” Sam said nervously, keeping his distance so as not to be dragged into her spell. Her gaze was a soft caress and her smile was of genuine intrigue.
“It’s so peaceful this time of night, I like time to myself so I can think.” She tilted her head toward him. Then she turned her focus back to the full moon. His body quaked with excitement and intrigue as the moonlight played around the woman who had taken over his every thought.
Sam pushed his hands deeper into his pockets, not trusting his own body. He stood a few feet away and took a deep breath. Telling himself to walk away, he found himself drawing closer until he stood inches from her. It was as if a string was reeling him in and he had no choice but to follow where it led. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into him, to taste her sensual lips and never let go of the power she had instilled in his very being.
Aisley’s eyes glowed with the intensity of the same fire she had danced around. Her lips parted, full and inviting; she raised her gaze to meet his. He reached to touch her. He wanted her closer, but he fought the urge to pull her into his embrace. His arms fell to his side because he was afraid to let himself touch her skin. He was afraid he wouldn’t ever let her go.
His resistance wavered. He lifted his hand to her face and caressed her cheek. Sam couldn’t stop himself as he kissed her with more desire than he had ever known. Her body responded to his as she kissed him back, releasing years of innocent passion within him. He knew he had to stop before things got out of control.
Passion sparked into roaring flames as their tongues clashed in heated desire. Sam swallowed her soft moans as her body melted against his. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. His arms encased her waist, daring his mind to try to let go. Breaking the kiss, he ran his thumb across her soft cheek and gazed at her peaceful face. His hand followed her jaw line, down to the hollow of her neck.
His blood pulsated with each moment he let his hand linger upon her soft, warm skin. A needy desire settled in his soul. The beauty was in his clutches, her fingers entangled in his hair, tugging his lips back to hers. Her lips parted and he willingly let her take control. She slipped her tongue in his mouth and started another heated round.
Sam knew he must stop or there would be no turning back. As he pushed back from her, he could see the confusion on her face. He turned on one heel and was gone, but not before seeing the tears resting on the brim of Aisley’s eyes and slowly escaping to make their way down her delicate face.
Standing behind a cypress, he watched as her tears glistened in the moonlight and rolled down her soft cheeks. His heart constricted at the thought that he had caused the pain etched on her face. He never meant to hurt Aisley. To justify his actions, he told himself it was best for both of them.
He was going to refuse the offer of marriage to her anyway. He was a strong man, but wasn’t sure he was strong enough to fight off the gaje who would be overwhelmed by Aisley’s beauty, her graceful movements and with a voice like that of the angels when they sing.
It was hard for him to stand by and do nothing for her. He couldn’t protect her from the gaje in his dreams; he surely couldn’t risk her life in the real world.
****
Aisley watched through her blurry eyes as she suppressed the need to scream. His hasty retreat and rejection confused and stunned her.
The tight knot in her stomach worked its way up to her chest. Dew collected on her feet as she walked to the black cypress and sat on the log, waiting for the sun to rise. She shivered as the eerie feeling of watchful eyes came over her. Ignoring the feeling, she thought about what had happened back at camp. There were so many questions with no answers.
Why would he do that to her? He was the one who kissed her. He was the one who pushed her away. Was her kiss so bad that it repulsed him? How was she ever going to face him again? Why did it matter anyway? He was a stranger. An enchanting stranger that she had no business becoming involved with, one who would break the hearts of many as Sierra had said. There were plenty of beautiful women in camp. He might prefer one of them to her. The thoughts were nevertheless painful and the intensity of the kiss should never have happened as far as she was concerned.
It was her first kiss. And she liked it, never wanted it to end. But it had and now she couldn’t shake the empty, cold void taking the place of his warm embrace. She had leaned into him. What must he think of her, acting like a love-struck child? Her body had practically begged him for more than his touch.
She ran the rest of the way down the path to the lake and lay upon the dew-moistened grass. Her sobs shook her body until she cried herself to sleep.
****
Sierra walked up behind Aisley. “Why didn’t you wait for me this morning? Aisley, what’s wrong? You’ve been crying. I’ve never seen you cry before.”
“I need to be alone, Sierra. I’m not worthy of friendship,” Aisley whispered. She rose from the ground and followed Sierra back to camp. Stopping short of her friend and her mother, she listened to their conversation.
“Something is wrong with Aisley. It’s like her life has been stolen, leaving an empty shell to walk the earth.” Sierra bit her bottom lip.
“I will go to her.” Rosanna reached out and patted Sierra’s arm.
“What’s wrong, Aisley?” Her mother met her at the mouth of the path where she had stopped and pulled her into an embrace.
“Oh Mama,” Aisley sobbed into Rosanna’s hair.
“Tell me what has happened to break my lovely daughter,” Rosanna’s voice was soft and soothing.
“I’m so sorry, Mama. I have brought shame upon the family.” Aisley’s voice was shaky and full of grief. “I should be banned from the tribe.”
“Now, now my child. You didn’t bring shame. You’re growing up. You liked the kiss, no?” Rosanna held Aisley at arm’s length and looked her in the eye.
“Yes, but he didn’t.” Aisley’s chest tightened, especially since it was her first kiss.
“Did he say he didn’t like it?”
“No, but he wouldn’t walk off if he liked it.”
“You have much to learn about men. They run from women.” Rosanna hugged her daughter again. “Wipe your tears. Things between the two of you will get better with time.”
“I don’t ever want to see him again.” Aisley shook with convulsions as she tried to suppress her sobs.
“Rosanna, what’s wrong with Aisley?” Aleandro tilted his brow.
“Love. Lust. Infatuation, whatever you wish to call it,” Rosanna said.
“The look on her face isn’t love.” Aleandro glanced at Rosanna.
“Quit talking about me as if I’m not here. Why don’t you ask me what is wrong?” Aisley glanced from her mother to her father. They were staring at each other. She got the feeling neither one of them had heard a word she said.
“Little do you know, Aleandro. I know our daughter. She will be all right. You need to leave well enough alone.” Rosanna pointed a finger at her husband.
“Love? Who is she in love with?” Her father ran his calloused hand over her hair.
“I’m not in love, Mama! He’s just…a beast.” Aisley tried to keep her voice low.
“Sam.” Her mother said.
“Where is he? I’ll hurt him for causing pain to our daughter.”
“You have done enough, Aleandro, you started the fire, let it burn.” Aisley gasped at her mother’s words.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Aisley patted her toe on the ground. She raised her arms and crossed them across her chest.
Rosanna motioned for Aleandro to sit next to Aisley. “When you and Sam were very small, Oscar and your father watched the two of you. Sam would take you by the hand and lead you around the camp. There was a fondness, an unbreakable bond.”
“Why is this the first time I’m hearing of this? What have—“
“We decided to set up your wedding as is our custom, Aisley.” Aleandro lowered his head.
“I am to marry Sam? What if I choose not to? What then, Papa?” Anger flourished with each word spoken.
“Aisley! Do not speak to your father in that tone. At the time it was a good thing, I think it still is, if you will give Sam a chance. The fondness still burns in your eyes and you will grow to love him.” Rosanna rested her hand on Aisley’s shoulder.
“I will never love that man! If he cannot tolerate my kiss, I won’t accept a man who does not love me.”
****
“I have to go into town on business. I’ll be gone for a few weeks, training horses.”
“Are you going to tell Aisley?” Aleandro glared at Sam.
“I was hoping you would tell her for me.” Sam turned to look at Aisley. She sat across camp, weaving baskets with the other girls in the caravan. Her smile had out-shown the others’.
“I think that’s your place, not mine.” The anger in Aleandro’s voice worried him. What had he done to Aleandro? He was the one who should be angry with the blacksmith for requesting him to meet with his spellbinding daughter.
“She may not listen to me. Aisley has been avoiding me for the last couple of weeks. I have no idea what I have done to her.” Sam lowered his head.
“My wife instructed me to stay out of yours and my daughter's affairs. You must take it up with Aisley.” Aleandro slammed his hammer against the horseshoe he was working on.
“How am I to make her listen to me? She is your daughter. What goes on in that head of hers?” Heat crept across his cheeks as Aleandro let out a loud laugh.
“I don’t have answers for your questions, Sam. When Rosanna ignores me, I persist until she tells me what wrong I did to her.”
Sam drew in a long breath. “I hope this works, sir.” He turned and sauntered across the camp. The pulse in his neck pounded against his shirt collar. His feet grew heavy as he neared the group of women.
His gaze fixed on the way Aisley’s slender fingers threaded the reeds through one another. She tilted her head and nibbled on her bottom lip as she worked. The sun enhanced the reddish-gold streaks in her hair.
Sam’s heart fluttered at the sound of her laughter. Her eyes displayed bright stars as she lifted her brown eyes toward something one of the other ladies had said. A bout of uneasiness fell over him. Would he ever be able to light up her eyes that way?
When she glanced in his direction, all the happiness faded from her face. Her lips pinched. The furrow of her brow deepened. Aisley fumbled with the basket she was weaving.
He wanted to turn away. There was no denying he was the cause of her distress. What kind of man was he anyway? Her feelings shouldn’t matter to him. The memory of the kiss filtered into his mind. One unforgettable, lip-tingling kiss lingered in his memory.
“Aisley,” Sam said. “May I talk to you in private for a moment?”
“Can you not talk to me here?” Aisley asked in a calm voice.
“No.”
Aisley took her time at putting her weaving down and standing up. Sam reached down to help her stand and laid a gentle hand on her back to guide her away from the prying eyes of the young group of women surrounding her.
“What do you want, Sam?” Aisley gazed at him. Her full lips scrunched into a thin line.
“I have to go away for a few weeks.” He shifted from one foot to the other.
“What does that have to do with me?” Aisley’s glare was more than Sam could bear. Hurt and anger were evident in her eyes before she could swiftly replace the emotions with a look of indifference.
“Aisley, I never meant to hurt you. I don’t even know what I did to cause it.” Sam looked down at his feet, arranging the soft dirt into a smooth circle with one foot. He knew if he took a chance to look in her eyes one more time he wouldn’t be able to leave.
“What makes you think you did?” Aisley’s words were harsh. He raised his gaze to her. He didn’t have to explain his coming and going to her. If she wanted to be angry, he could be, too.
“Can we talk about this when I get back?” He knew he had something to say and he felt it was important for her to hear, although for the life of him, he couldn’t imagine what it could be.
“If we’re still here, I’ll think about it.” Sam reached out, grabbed Aisley’s arm and kissed her soundly on the lips. Aisley’s body relaxed against him. Her lips softened and her breath quickened. The beating of her heart began to pound, matching his, beat for beat. Her reaction betrayed the words she had spoken. Sam side stepped around her and headed to his horse. If she didn’t want to talk, then he didn’t either.
Riding away from Aisley was hard on Sam. He felt the sting of her words and knew she was still hurting inside. It took every ounce of energy to continue. He forced himself to focus on the job he was required to do when he got to Jefferson. He would have to shake this emptiness to ensure the horses he was to train and cure didn’t receive the negative energy his body was sending out.
Out of the range of the caravan, Sam turned his head back to the camp. He was hoping to get one more glance of the beautiful young wo
man who made his heart skip a beat and his blood hot with desire. He hastened the pace of the horse. The sooner he took care of his business in Jefferson, the quicker he could return to the camp and settle the matter once and for all.
Ever since he was a young child, horses were an important part of his life. His talent in tending and curing the illnesses of equines served him well over the years. He had learned how to trade a good animal for a sick one, and then collect the money to make up the difference. With time and patience, he built them back up to excellent condition and sold them later for a higher price than he originally paid.
Sam paid attention at the horse fairs. He was experienced in pointing out the advantages of his horses to potential buyers and could find the faults of the horses he wanted to purchase.
He tried not to let his emotional state rule his mind and heart while dealing with buyers and sellers. But his thoughts kept returning to Aisley and his inability to understand exactly what was going on between the two of them. All he knew was his heart longed to see her and be near her, while his mind told him he needed to stay away from the mystical woman. She was too much for him and he had no right to ask her to step down into his world.
Her spirit was wild and free like a young horse’s. Sam knew that the wrong handling could destroy a horse’s spirit forever, turning a beautiful creature into a hard and difficult beast. He worried that he might mishandle Aisley and kill the joy he could see in her soul.
Chapter Three
Through her lowered lashes, Aisley watched Sam leave and fought back the sting burning her eyes. Her heart constricted as the heaviness built within. Suddenly, she felt loneliness over take her, sending her heart into a revolt worse than she had ever felt. She fought the urge to run after him and beg him to stay.