Tense moments passed as the Indians continued to talk. Then, Makinna's fear seemed to melt away as she felt Tykota's body soften into hers. She felt his every intake of breath against her breasts, and somehow she felt he was breathing for them both. She had such faith in Tykota's power that she believed the two warriors would not have a chance against him. Tykota would keep her safe.
Silently, she waited, knowing he could not move off her or the sound would attract the Apaches' attention. She could still feel the touch of his lips on hers. The sweetness of it was almost unendurable. It was as though he had kissed her good-bye.-
Tykota raised his head when one of the Apaches moved closer. He tightened his grip on his knife. With a look of profound sorrow, he placed the tip of the knife to Makinna's breast. Her eyes widened as she realized the signifi cance of his action. If the Apache found them, he would plunge the knife into her heart to spare her an even more hideous fate.
His lips silently shaped the words, "Do not move."
She licked her dry lips and nodded, wanting him to know that he must not hesitate to kill her if their hiding place was discovered.
Tykota gazed deeply into Makinna's sky-blue eyes. She seemed to understand and trust him to do what he must. He dipped his head, pressing his lips once more against hers. Her lips trembled beneath his, but she did not pull away. He wanted to save her, wanted to have her with him until the day he closed his eyes in death, but if they were found by the Apache, this moment was all they would ever have. He would never know the sweetness of her body.
He laid the knife at his side where he could grab it if he had to. Afraid he would never have the chance again, he moved his hand across the breasts straining against her bodice. Silently, he opened the neck of her gown and lowered his head, his mouth touching one rosy tip gently, almost reverently.
Her arms slid around him, and she bit her lips to keep from crying out as a flood of feelings rocked her body. She realized that he was distracting her from the danger and taking her mind off the knife he might have to use.
His tongue aroused her nipple, and her hands clenched in his dark hair. The sensation that moved through her was liquid and hot, and she arched her body to fit snugly against his.
Even while Tykota was tasting the sweetness of Makinna's breasts, he was aware of every movement the Apaches made. He knew when one warrior knelt down to examine the ground, and he also knew that the sun had dropped behind the mountain by now, casting the land in shadows.
The Apache called to his companion, and Tykota raised his head, pulling Makinna's gown together. What was he doing? He had to keep a clear mind if they were to escape detection. He gripped the knife anew. If the Apache discovered their hiding place, he must not let them take Makinna alive.
Makinna felt the breath of death brush her. Strangely, she was no longer afraid, only deeply sad because Tykota's death at the hand of his enemy would be much worse than hers at his hand.
The Indian poked at the bush with the butt of his rifle, and Tykota gripped the knife and placed the point against her breast once more.
Minutes passed with the slowness of hours. Then, to Makinna's surprise, the two Apaches walked away and climbed back up the hill, where they joined their companions. But Tykota did not move the knife until he heard them riding away.
Makinna closed her eyes as relief washed over her. "Have they really gone, Tykota?"
"Come," he said, rising and taking her hand. "It is safe to return to the cave. It is too dark for them to search further tonight."
He led her up the steep hill and into the cavern. There in the darkness he turned her to him. She hoped he would take her into his arms and kiss her as he had earlier, but his voice was cold and distant when-he-spoke.
"You know I would have killed you if they had found us?"
"I know that."
"We were fortunate this time-next time we may not be."
She felt like crying, because he had stepped away from her. "I know that, too."
"You should not have come out of the cave without me. You were aware of the dangers."
She nodded, even, knowing he could not see her in this darkness. Or could he?
Makinna slid down to her knees and leaned back against the rock wall. It was clear to her that Tykota had only kissed her to keep her from being so frightened of the Apache. He had used his sensuality, and it had worked only too well,
Makinna silently waited for him to continue. She didn't have to wait long.
"We have to talk," he said, moving away from her and standing at the entrance to the cave.
She stood up and walked over to him. "I know."
"First, I will ask you to forgive me for what happened between us."
She came up beside him. "There is nothing to forgive. I know why you..-. kissed me."