Never Surrender Read online

  Kate only glared at him.

  “You may be learning after all.” Taima couldn’t keep the smile from forming on his lips, or resist the temptation to taunt her. She was beautiful when she was angry. “Perhaps I’ll begin taming you tonight, right here.” He weighed the opportunity. “There is no one around to hear your objections.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!”

  He tightened his grasp on her wrists again. “I thrive on dares, so don’t tempt me. We will sleep in my lean-to tonight.”

  “We?”

  Her cold stare covered him like an icy breeze.

  Taima slowly exhaled in a sarcastic chuckle. “Do you think after this little escapade of yours that I would allow you to sleep apart from me? Perhaps this high altitude is affecting your mind...or are you always so naive?”

  Though darkness shrouded them, he allowed his gaze to travel the length of her doe-skin-covered body. Her nearness heated his blood. He knew this wasn’t a good idea, but proceeded anyway. “Though it would be easier to kill you, I will receive more pleasure by keeping you alive, knowing you will hate every day of your life from this point on whenever I decide to touch you.”

  * * * * *

  Kate stared up at him. He’d made her blood boil she was so angry. Yet, those anxious feelings from her dream came back to haunt her whenever she was this close to him. Her heart raced and every fiber in her body tensed. There had to be a reason he affected her so, but damned if she knew.

  Standing in the dark, she could only see the outline of his body. She stepped back and looked around though he held her wrists. Dare she pull away from him and attempt to slip into the surrounding blackness?

  “Don’t. I’d be on you like a cougar after its prey. And I don’t think you’re too anxious to find yourself beneath me.”

  He’d done it again. Anger sparked every nerve in her body like an electrical charge. “What do you want from me?”

  He stared at her a moment. “For now...silence would be a pleasant change.”

  “Don’t get your hopes up.”

  Taima stared at her, but said nothing, and she stared back. She couldn’t figure out why he had bothered to come after her like some prize when he continually told her how much trouble she was to have around.

  Her heart still raced like a rushing river...and what had he meant by stating he would tame her?

  Damn him, anyway!

  Kate pounded her fist onto Taima’s chest. “What do you want with me?”

  His fingers released her wrists only to hoist her over his shoulder. Blood rushed to her head and she beat her fists against his bare back. How dare he treat her this way!

  “Damn you, put me down.”

  “Not until you learn obedience, woman, along with a few other manners. Do all the women of your race act like you?” Taima asked as he walked into the copse of pine, headed toward his lean-to.

  “No. You just got lucky!”

  “Like I said earlier, I will tame you, wild one. You will learn.”

  “You think too highly of yourself, Taima. I won’t learn from your savage ways,” she spat, and pummeled his back.

  Suddenly, Kate landed on her feet, but Taima’s fingers wrapped around her upper arms, pulling her face close to his.

  She froze as his firm mouth took hers. Shock tangled with a torment of confusing emotions that emanated from the pit of her stomach, twisting their way upward as she willed herself to move.

  Too quickly his tongue pushed past her lips and swirled against the sensitive skin inside her mouth, brushing her tongue in the process, pulling it against his own. A shiver ran down her spine, and her knees weakened. His tongue swirled through her mouth a second time.

  Just as quickly, he pulled away, leaving her stunned.

  Shocked.

  Her lips remained parted. She stared up at his dark face wondering how he could hate her so yet do what he just did.

  “Don’t provoke my anger again tonight...or you may get more than you bargained for.”

  “Why, you arrogant--”

  Taima’s hand grasped her hand before it reached his cheek while his fingers painfully grasped her chin. “You don’t learn fast, do you? Or did you enjoy that savage kiss?”

  His warm breath spanned her cheeks. She refused to answer, yet wanted to scratch out those blue eyes that drew her into his web of intrigue. His brutal kiss had more than aroused her, yet she would rather die than let him know that. She stood in silence within his grasp.

  “I thought not. The feelings are mutual, White Woman.”

  He took a better hold on her wrist and gave it a yank as he moved forward, nearly pulling it from the joint.

  Kate had no choice but to follow or risk having her hand separated from her body. Provoking him to further action certainly wasn’t her goal.

  She touched her tingling lips; they felt tender and swollen from his roughness. He’d shocked her, but it wouldn’t happen again, for she would be on her guard from now on. If he hated her so much, than so be it. She’d mind her tongue, or she could get herself into worse trouble. At least, that much she had learned.

  Resigned to her dilemma, she walked with him to the fire at Ahanu’s lean-to, her wrist still firm in his grasp. “Nechan, you may come with us, or stay with Ahanu tonight.”

  The boy timidly looked at Kate. “I will stay with Ahanu.”

  Kate had so hoped the boy would come with them. At least then she would be safe from his savage touch. She glanced at Ahanu and his wife, hoping for their intervention, but they each looked back at the fire. This battle against Taima would be one she’d have to fight on her own.

  “Then I will see you in the morning, my son.”

  After entering Taima’s lean-to through the buffalo hide, which covered the entrance, he pressed her down to sit among soft furs on the floor. She complied, quickly glancing at his belongings around them...his bow and arrows, his warrior’s shield, his scent that filled the area.

  He sat beside her and the warmth of his body touched hers. Kate stiffened, hoping he wouldn’t think to prove another point. Memories of the raids against her own kind festered in her mind like an old wound, but just as disturbing was how she’d reacted to his kiss. How could she have allowed herself to be affected by such a brutal man? Worse, how could her body so boldly betray her?

  Taima’s hand took her by the shoulder and pulled her down next to him, and Kate gasped.

  “I’m not going to rape you; I told you before I don’t force myself on a woman, but neither am I allowing you to escape from me tonight.”

  His arm coiled around her waist like a snake and pulled her back against his chest; his body heat seared her flesh even through her doeskin. He draped a blanket over them. “Now lay still and get some sleep.”

  Kate thought for a moment. “You speak more like a white man than an Indian. Why is that?”

  His body stiffened against hers. “You’ve caused enough trouble without asking questions that are none of your business.”

  She’d obviously hit a nerve, but decided not to pursue the answer tonight. Giving Taima her back, she gripped her edge of the blanket and held tight, ignoring him. Breathing slower to calm her loathing, Kate fought the urge to scoot away from his side--and his touch. But an action like that would likely send him atop her to hold her in place.

  Suddenly, Taima’s fingers splayed over her ribs.

  Kate ceased breathing.

  Her heartbeat sounded like drums pounding in her ears. Would he savagely take her as they lay together? She dared not move.

  “You can breathe. My thoughts are only on getting sleep this night. I’m sure I’ll need my energy to stay one foot ahead of your games tomorrow.”

  Relieved, Kate slowly exhaled.

  His fingers spread out further, skimming the bottom of her breast as he pulled her tightly against him and the simple caress caused her to gasp. The taut muscles of his chest and stomach pressed firmly to her back. Taima’s breath fanned her neck.

  Im
mediately, she tugged the blanket to her chin.

  The low chuckle in his chest vibrated against her spine. His fingers gently squeezed her ribs, then relaxed. His touch quickened her pulse and she hoped he thought it was her fear. How could she even think to go to sleep while he continued his torment?

  Though tired from the long day and the fact she hadn’t gotten much sleep last night, she was sure the blessed blackness would never come. She prayed for un-tormented sleep, with no visions of the warrior from her dream as he sat atop his horse.

  When Taima’s fingers massaged her ribs a second time, she covered them with her own and attempted to push his hand down to her waist, if not remove it all together.

  “Leave it be, Woman,” he growled close to her ear. “I will release you when I’m ready...and I will touch you when I please.”

  Again, fear vibrated through every nerve of her body. He meant business and she continued to taunt him at every turn, but she hated being controlled constantly. She wouldn’t put up with it and he’d know that first hand tomorrow...if she lived that long!

  Chapter Five

  Kate pulled her lower lip with her teeth. Blood pumped furiously through her veins as her heart raced. She couldn’t believe Taima actually thought she’d lie quietly while his hands freely roamed her body.

  “Had you decided to stay put the first time, you wouldn’t find yourself beneath my touch.” His warm breath fanned her cheek; heat from his palm penetrated the thin hide of her dress. “Should you choose to ignore my orders again, you may think what you like. You decide, woman. Now...lay still. I, at least, would like to get some sleep tonight.”

  The tension knotted every nerve in her body as she lay there with him, his hard chest pressed against her back, his firm thighs molded behind her own. She waited for him to make another move, to taunt her again, make her flesh tingle beneath his touch.

  Finally, Taima’s breathing slowed to an even rhythm. The pressure of his hand moved to her hip, though not in a threatening manner, and Kate eased the built-up tension in her muscles. She listened to the serene wilderness and the whispering of the pines. Taima’s breathing kept an even pace with the breeze blowing through the branches outside.

  An owl hooted in the distance, responding to a howling wolf, or possibly a coyote. Did it prowl nearby?

  Suddenly, the cry of a mountain lion echoed in the remote offing. Against her better judgment, Kate inched further into Taima’s embrace. She wondered how he could possibly sleep through all the creepy noises.

  Then a deep chuckle erupted from his chest.

  How dare he find humor in her fear? How dare he find it funny that the wilderness frightened her?

  She jabbed her elbow at his ribs before he had time to ward off the attack. Though he laughed, the pressure of his hand tightened on her hip.

  Disgusted with her predicament, she bent her arm beneath her head and lay silent--the best way, she thought, to deal with this man. Slowly, fatigue and heavy eyelids threatened to close off her world for the night; she couldn’t fight it any longer. Yet, with Taima beside her--as much as she hated it--she’d be safe from any wild animals until morning.

  Cloaked in restless sleep, Kate shivered and pulled the blanket tight. The warmth at her back sent her cuddling against it and she returned to her dreams.

  Kate stirred sometime later with stiff muscles. Opening her eyes to the bright morning, her face was mere inches from Taima’s. The sternness had disappeared from his now sleep-relaxed features. Smooth skin darker than hers stretched over high cheekbones, black brows feathered above long lashes and a straight nose. Native American features, yet his English was almost as clear as hers, Kate mused. His past interested her.

  Her gaze rested on his full lips. Slowly, she inhaled, her toes curling as a hot wave swept into her belly. Taima made her feel desired though she had tried to fight it. She wondered at his actions, at what prompted him to kiss her. It couldn’t be that he found her attractive because he always told her he did it to punish her since he thought she hated his touch.

  Did she hate it? Kate wondered.

  Her eyes traveled to the two-inch scar, which cut diagonally across the left side of his jaw. Another half-inch scar marred his cheekbone.

  Battle wounds?

  Animal attacks?

  A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of him being mauled by an animal or cut with another’s blade.

  Two scars on his chest below each collarbone piqued her interest. Kate knew these could only be scars from the sacrificial Sun Dance she’d read about. She’d ask him later about those. The peaceful man who lay next to her was the opposite of the hateful savage she saw when he was awake.

  Glancing up again, Kate met questioning blue eyes set into tanned features, which changed to a look of wonder. His gaze traveled down her face to her chest and a flush heated her skin. She quickly pulled up the blanket to shield herself and looked away.

  A warm finger beneath her chin forced Kate to face him again. “I think it’s only fair that I look, as you did.”

  Embarrassed, Kate rolled away when he released her, allowing her to rise. She glanced back at Taima as he stretched; her lip curled, ready for an argument. “I’ll be right back,” she said.

  “You know what’ll happen if you aren’t.”

  Annoyed, she rolled her eyes and stepped from the lean-to. Knowing Taima as she was beginning to, he’d likely follow her.

  Thankfully, he didn’t.

  Leaving the cover of the trees behind her, Kate raked her fingers through her hair, pushing the stray strands away from her face. When she stepped from the trees into a clearing, Taima sat before his fire with his son. Walking toward them, she glanced around.

  Prairie dogs poked their heads from various burrows, checked the area for danger, then quickly scampered away. Overhead, ravens played in the shifting winds, flying sideways and sometimes directly toward one another--free to go where they wanted.

  Just as she wished to do.

  Ignoring Taima, Kate strode into his lean-to though her stomach growled when she smelled their bread and meat. She refused to give in and sat upon the furs.

  * * * * *

  Taima waited for Kate to reappear and when she didn’t, he stormed into the lean-to. “You don’t want to eat?”

  She didn’t answer.

  Annoyed, he pulled Kate up and raked his fingers into the nape of her hair, forcing her to look at him. Malice darted from her green eyes like arrows intent on killing him. Surely, evil spirits possessed this woman.

  If just his touch seemed to punish her, then so be it. Nothing he’d done so far had bothered her more. Could she possibly hate him that much for being Indian?

  The detestable expression in her eyes never changed as he pulled her against his chest, crushing her soft breasts. The heat of her body too easily penetrated the leather vest he wore; too easily heated his blood. The silkiness of her hair threaded between his fingers. As Taima glanced at her parted lips, he remembered the honeyed taste from their last kiss.

  She nervously moistened her lips--a simple gesture that sent blood surging through his body though he tried to will away any intimate thoughts.

  He clenched his jaw and inhaled a calming breath.

  Damn her. It had been too long since he’d lain with a woman for him to be playing this type of game with her.

  Ignoring his conscience, Taima lowered his head and kissed her, brutally forcing his tongue past her lips to sweep the silky flesh of her mouth. His fingers braced the back of her head. Kate’s tongue fought his advances, but he refused to let her win; only deepening the kiss to punish her further. She wiggled within his arms, attempting to be released.

  His heart raced though he tried to distance himself from contact with the white woman. He took one more harsh sweep of her mouth before he ended the kiss.

  Raising his head, Taima stared at Kate through narrowed eyes, slowly inhaling another calming breath. Her lips were pink and swollen. Clearly shaken from his
punishing attack, she gasped for air as she raised her dark lashes to meet his gaze.

  “You animal!”

  “Come out and eat with us. My son asks about you,” he said, ignoring her furious outburst.

  * * * * *

  A few hours later, still not trusting Kate, Taima had tied her wrists behind her and walked to Ahanu’s lean-to. Ahanu glanced at Taima with a raised eyebrow. Taima had become accustomed to his friend’s knowing smirk. In Shoshone, Taima said, “Tie her ankles as well and keep her tied until I come for her, lest she give you any more trouble.”

  Kate looked from him to Ahanu and back. Narrowing his eyes, Taima stared at her. “Remember my promise should you try to escape again, White Woman,” and he strode away to care for the horses.

  Lost in thought, he rubbed the animal’s legs as he tried to rationalize his behavior toward Kate. Perhaps he should trade her for valuable knives and cooking utensils next time the tribes gathered at Green River. Then she wouldn’t be a constant reminder of how her woman’s body enticed his thoughts away from his wife. He’d been faithful to her memory for three years now.

  “You need to deal with your feelings, Nechan.”

  The soft, low voice of his father brought Taima from his musings, angry with himself that he didn’t hear his father approach. He didn’t look at Sakima, knowing his eyes would tell his father more than Taima was ready to deal with at the moment.

  He continued to massage his horse. “I appreciate your concern, Noshi, but my feelings will be ignored. It only weakens a warrior to be worried with unimportant matters.”

  “My visions tell me otherwise, but you’ll know the proper time to deal with the white woman.”

  Taima rose and turned to his father. “I want nothing to do with your visions regarding her.”

  Sakima’s solemn eyes never changed. “You will...one day,” he said, then turned and strode away.