by Austina Love
She stared up into his eyes and saw the open love he had for her. His concern was clearly for her wellbeing and not self-serving. Though she’d never seen his possessive side, she tried to view the situation from his perspective. If he deemed Gage a threat, then she’d respect his feelings.
“All right, you can come with me but will you at least wait outside? He’ll never talk to me if you’re standing beside me like a bodyguard.”
He shook his head with an easy smile. “I’ll do my best to be inconspicuous.”
They bid farewell to Remle and rumbled out of his driveway for their long ride south. Shye had requested they stop at the reservation first. She was anxious to visit her parents.
* * * *
Trip made a visual scan of their surroundings as they rumbled through the village on his Harley. He hadn’t been on the reservation in a long time. Most of his encounters over the years with Native Americans had been outside of government land, usually at festivals and Pow Wows held in and around town. He had a few private Indian friends that welcomed him to their humble homes from time-to-time where he’d enjoyed their cooking and campfire tales.
He noticed residents watching with cautious eyes as he carefully guided his bike along small roads and around narrow bends. So much poverty, he thought, but wouldn’t disrespect Shye by voicing his silent observations. His heart sank just knowing these people had been forced to live like this. He wondered if their spirits had been broken or if they’d resigned themselves to a life without hope.
She pointed to a small house with a wooden front porch. Two figures came into view as they drew closer. He pulled into the drive, parked the bike and cut the engine. “Is this your home?”
“I guess. You saw our farm…quite a different lifestyle on the reservation than on our own land.”
He held her hand as she slid off the seat. “I understand now why you’ve been fighting so hard to repossess your farm. From what I saw it’s a magnificent spread.”
“It is. And there is gold in the streams. The soil is rich for planting and the water is still pure for drinking. I want my parents to spend their final years on earth where all our ancestors have. There is an ancient burial ground in the very back corner of the property. If I cannot give them a proper burial I fear their spirits will not be free when the time comes.” She looked up with misty eyes that stole his breath.
“Shye? Is that you?” a woman’s voice called from the porch. She walked to the edge and peered into the yard, shielding her eyes from the sun with one hand.
“Yes, Ina, I’ve come to visit.” Shye took his hand and led him up the dirt walkway. “I’ve brought a guest.”
He recognized the Lakota word for mother from when Shye had spoken it before. Trip offered his hand in greeting but the woman didn’t accept.
“You bring this wasicu here…to our home?”
“Ina! He is my friend. It does not matter that he is white. Not all white people are bad.”
A tall slender man descended the small flight of steps to the yard. He stared Trip straight in the eyes. Though his skin had aged, the spark in his eyes shone brightly. Trip felt humbled by this man’s approach yet stood tall. If he rejected him because of his skin color then so be it, Shye would have to choose.
“Ate…please,” Shye pleaded softly. “I love him.”
“You are Wildflower’s tehila?” Her father spoke low and firm. “Do you seek to dishonor my only daughter without becoming her hignaku?”
“I would never bring shame to your daughter.” He looked to Shye for a little translation. “What does he think I am doing to you?”
An adorable shade of pink flushed her tan cheeks. “He is throwing some Lakota words at you to confuse you.” She shot her father a scolding look, then turned back to Trip. “He asks if you’re my lover without the promise of marriage. Hignaku is husband. My parents are very protective.” She frowned in open disapproval. “Aren’t you?”
“Shye…he is wasicu!”
Trip took a step toward them and squared his shoulders. “I would marry your daughter today if you gave me your blessing. I love her.”
Shye gasped and stared at him with wide eyes. He had hoped for a more romantic proposal but he could tell that his first impression on her aging parents would be the most important for everyone standing here right now. He refused to look weak by not giving a solid reply. He felt her rising anxiety as her grip on his hand tightened. Her father eyed him carefully for what seemed like forever.
“I am sorry that the white men tricked you into selling your farm. I have been helping Shye with her plan to get it back.”
“It is our tradition that a young warrior offers a gift to the family of the woman he seeks to take as his wife. Do you have something to show good faith in exchange for my daughter’s hand?”
“Please, Ate, don’t be so hard on him.” Shye reached out and touched her father’s arm.
He caught the twinkle in the man’s eyes and observed the closeness between them.
“It’s okay, babe. I have something that will most certainly please your father.” He released her hand and walked to his bike. Reaching into a saddlebag, he pulled out a large knife encased in a leather sheath, then returned to her side. “This knife was made for me by a Native American friend of mine. It means a great deal to me, but your daughter is worth everything I own.”
“Even that?” He pointed to Trip’s Harley.
“You want my bike?” His heart skipped a beat. For an elderly man, he had a good eye.
“Is my wildflower not worth it? In the old days, a warrior offered his best horse to the family. I have heard those motorcycles are sometimes called steel horses. Is this true?”
“Yes, some people use that term.” He glanced at his bike then back at her father. “Are you serious? Do you really want my Harley?”
“Are you serious about my daughter like you say?”
“Ate!” Shye chided. “Enough. You are only being cruel.”
“Hiya! After what has been done to us, I have the right to make sure my only daughter is not deceived as we were.”
Shye backed down immediately and stood quietly at Trip’s side.
“If you want the bike, it’s yours. I have plenty of money saved and can buy another. I would not dishonor your family by saying no.” If he had to surrender his baby to win Shye then so be it.
“Hiya,” her father said again.
“I don’t understand. I’m sorry.”
“No is hiya.” He smiled a crooked smile.
Trip repeated the word much to the man’s delight.
“Now you have spoken your first word in Lakota.” He wandered over to the bike and inspected it for at least fifteen minutes then strolled back to them. “Your steel horse,” he began with a mischievous grin. “Is a very impressive machine, however, I like the knife better. It will help me with my carvings and these old bones might rattle to pieces on a machine such as that.”
Trip couldn’t withhold a laugh. Not only was Shye’s father strong and protective but he had a sense of humor too. He held out the sheathed knife.
Her father slid the blade from the leather and gave a soft whistle. “You give this to me?”
“Yes. I am more than happy to present you with a gift as a token of friendship.”
“There is much good to be said over a generous man. Generosity is one of the most valued traits among our people. You have pleased me, and I give my blessing to you and my daughter.”
Trip gave a slight bow of his head. “Thank you. I will be good to her. May I ask your names?”
“My wife is Dancing Water and I am called Night Walker.”
“I’m Trip Viper.” He extended his hand again and this time her father accepted.
A bright smile lit Shye’s face as she hugged each of her parents. “Lila pilamayaye,” she said in a joyful voice, then gazed at Trip. “It means thank you very much.”
Her mother approached to place a soft kiss on his cheek. “Welcome to our ho
me. Come inside. I will prepare the evening meal.”
* * * *
“I really like your parents,” Trip said, as they lay naked in the cool grass gazing up at the stars after a moonlight swim. The lull of running water from the nearby creek blended with the sounds of night created a beautiful song.
“Even though my father gave you such a hard time and Mother cursed you?” She let out a little laugh.
He rolled onto his side, propped on one elbow. “They love you. And I meant what I said to them.” Staring down at her through half-closed eyes and sensually parted lips, he murmured, “I love you, Shye. I didn’t prepare for this moment but something tells me you’re the kind of woman who’d want a say in picking out her engagement ring. Will you marry me, angel?”
A rush of heat washed over her followed by a delightful tingle and flutters in her stomach. He hadn’t let on during their visit with her parents after dinner that he was still thinking about marriage. She presumed once he’d gained her father’s respect that the matter had been pushed aside. His proposal took her completely off guard. She hadn’t considered settling down and raising a family.
“I-I’m not sure if I’m ready to start a family,” she replied in a whisper.
“I want to be with you, Shye. We don’t have to start a family right away, if we never have children that’s okay too. We can even wait until the matters at hand are settled before deciding on a date.” His intense gaze made her shiver. Those gorgeous smoldering eyes heavily fringed in black lashes. “All I’m asking for is a promise of marriage…your pledge to be my wife once we get through all this.”
“Are you sure? Maybe you’re just feeling pressured by my parents. My life is crazy and you know what I am. Do you really want to marry a shifter?”
He lowered his head until their lips were but a whisper’s breadth apart. “I’ve never been more certain about anything, never wanted anyone as I do you.” His lips brushed hers as he spoke again in a sensually seductive voice. “I’m only going to ask you this one more time, babe…will you marry me?”
“Yes.” Her reply rode a quivering sigh. “I’d love to be your wife.”
His eyes searched hers for several breathtaking moments before their lips met in a tender kiss. She released a deep sigh and melted against his hard body as he pressed her into the soft grass. Curling her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer until the kiss deepened. He explored her mouth with his tongue while one hand caressed her body. His deft touch sparked her desire, making her long to feel him inside.
With a smooth shift of her body, she had positioned herself beneath him perfectly. He groaned when her legs slid behind his thighs to urge him closer. His hard length pressed against her thigh as he laid over her, kissing her with intense affection. She panted for breath as their passion mounted. Slowly, gently he pushed into her while easing back from the kiss. She sucked in a sharp breath as he filled her completely, sending a ripple of excitement to her core.
His arousal was clearly evident. She’d never felt this level of potency from him before. Each thrust drove deeper, forcing a gasp from her with each blissful stroke. Every inch of her feminine depths had been claimed by his virile masculinity. Within minutes she cried out as the wonderful tightening erupted into a series of wicked spasms that seized her body, taking it captive by his hot love.
“Shye…Shadow…” he uttered in a low growl seconds before his release. A surge of delectable heat flooded her deep inside, triggering another wave of idyllic sensations as they crested the wave of ecstasy together.
He didn’t let up until they were completely spent and soaked in sweat. Rolling onto his side, he held her close as they lay gasping for breath in each other’s arms. She couldn’t fathom anything more perfect. Making love to the man of her dreams on an enchanting moonlit night beside shimmering waters—just after he’d asked her to become his wife.
Chapter Six
Morning dawned too soon for Shye. She longed to bask forever in Trip’s loving arms. Lying entwined together skin-on-skin in the midst of nature, nothing had ever felt so right. She watched him sleep as the morning birds broke out in song.
Her parents had been gracious to permit them a night alone in a charming grove behind their cabin—the same place her father had prayed the night she heard the trees calling to her. She believed this place must be sacred for her to feel such peace. It was as if her parents had taken a little piece of their farm and brought it here to the reservation.
She wondered if the residents had been enjoying the money she’d left. Her nightly runs had blessed almost all the residents of this village and she hoped they’d share the wealth with those she had missed. In her heart she believed they would. Poverty had not tainted the spirits of her people.
Trip seemed at total peace since the first time they’d met. Long lashes lay sweetly on the high cheekbones of his ruggedly handsome face. Her fingers toyed with his hair then trailed over the bulging biceps, down his arms and over his muscled stomach. Her gaze followed her exploring touch.
“You tease me, woman,” he purred, taking her by surprise.
“I didn’t know you were awake.” Her cheeks flushed with heat.
“Mm…pretty hard to sleep with those dainty hands roaming over my body.” He smiled up at her then with ease lifted her so that she straddled his waist. “Make love to me, sweet thing…before our morning swim.”
Excitement raced through her at his initiative. “You behave as the young warriors of long ago…so at peace with nature. Perhaps there is Indian blood in your veins.”
An easy smile touched his face yet he said nothing.
She loved the perfect blend of sweet strength in this man. Having never made love to a man in this position she felt a little shy at first but he quickly vanquished her inhibitions with smooth and loving caresses. Before long the ache between her thighs had returned and she craved his hot passion again.
He gazed up at her with those sinfully seductive eyes while moving inside. She found it very easy to keep pace and enjoyed watching his face while they made love. His wildly tossed shiny black hair and a shadow of facial hair gave him an untamed appearance, making their morning tryst feel decadently forbidden.
Her hair tumbled forward, brushing the sides of his face. Reaching up, he slid one hand into the thick locks and swept them to one side. “You are beyond stunning,” he murmured between jagged breaths. “I look forward to waking up beside you every morning like this.”
“Mm…if every day as your wife will be like this…I can’t wait.”
Shye enjoyed a light breakfast with Trip and her parents before they decided to ride into town. Her father had been sitting in his chair on the porch using his sleek new knife to start a new woodcarving. Ina was at his side when they drove away, already working on Shye’s wedding dress. Her spirit rejoiced over the happy visit and their acceptance of Trip. Even more exciting was the wedding dress. Though she wore her soldier on the outside, inside her heart was still very much a woman’s. Donning a white doeskin dress handmade and intricately beaded by her mother was an occasion every Native American girl treasured—tomboy or not.
After an exhilarating hour-long ride, they rumbled into town free to walk about in public without hiding. Even so, he chose to park at the end of town under a shady grove. She gathered he didn’t feel comfortable here. He’d never actually mingled among the commoners but always stayed just out of reach from the first day she’d seen him—as if always on guard.
Shye pointed to a large brick building across the street from a burned out shell. “That’s Gage’s office.” She stared at the charred remains of the bank. “Wow…that RPG did an awesome job.”
“Don’t say that too loud,” Trip said with a teasing wink. “Looks like they contained the fire fairly well. None of the adjacent buildings suffered much damage.”
“I’m glad. I waited for everyone to get outside before firing. I didn’t want to hurt innocent bystanders.”
“I know, babe.” Hi
s gaze swept over the area. “I don’t see any sign of Draven. He’ll be keeping a low profile until the smoke clears.”
Shye looked up with sad eyes. “I’m sorry. I know you’ve waited a long time for justice and I sent him deeper into hiding.”
“No.” He placed both hands alongside her face. His eyes penetrated her soul. “Everything is as it should be. Draven is using your land for his drug running. Once you get that mattered settled he’ll be forced to find a new location and we can move your parents back onto the farm. Don’t worry, I’ll get him.”
“Will you want to live on the farm or start our life elsewhere?”
“Baby…” he said with a sensual sigh. “As long as I’m with you it doesn’t matter where we live.”
Standing on tiptoes, she placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Thank you.”
Strong arms lifted her off the ground for a hug. He buried his face against her neck and drew a deep breath before letting her slide to the ground.
“Are you sure you can handle Gage? Don’t forget the company he’s been keeping.”
“I’ve known him all my life. He may have fallen in with a bad crowd or made a mistake allowing Carter to involve him in this mess, but Gage would never harm me. He was nowhere near the farm when Pike held me captive there.”
A peculiar expression shadowed Trip’s face. She couldn’t quite discern it, but something in his eyes sent a chill up her spine. Shrugging it off as paranoia, she forced a smile.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” she told him, wishing she felt more confident than she did.
“I’ll be in the diner next door waiting for you.” He lifted her chin with a gentle finger, gave her a parting kiss and strolled across town.
They’d agreed beforehand to remain casual in public and not flaunt their deepening relationship. Both wanted to avoid any unnecessary gossip if possible. She watched him walk. He had a slight swagger in his step but not a hint of arrogance—just raw confidence swathed in undeniable charisma.