Elaina chuckled, “What on earth are you talking about, Running Wolf? I actually consider you a friend too so you do not have to feel out of line because you see me as one too. And why would I run away? Why would I feel pressured?”
“Uh...” Running Wolf looked everywhere but at her.
“Running Wolf?” Elaina quirked a brow, “Do you walk on egg shells around me because you are worried about how I would react and because you think that I will feel pressured and run away or something?”
“I… I didn’t say that. No, no, you didn’t hear that from me.”
Running Wolf let go of her hand and tried to back away but she was the one who held him back this time, “You do. It’s written all over your face and your eyes speak volumes. Come on, Running Wolf, you should not feel that way toward me. I know I've been through a lot, and trust me, I am grateful that you are thoughtful of me, but you do not need to feel like you can’t tell me anything, or how you really feel. If you have something to say, say it. And if you want to do something, do it. I don’twant you to feel like you need to hide anything from me.”
Running Wolf swallowed hard and shook his head. His mouth was dry and he managed to say, “There’s no way I can do that.”
She rolled her eyes, “Well, why don’t you try it and see? I’m not going to go wild or run away. So, what is it? What do you want to say? What is it you want to do?”
“I...” Running Wolf paused.
“Oh come on, Running Wolf,” she chuckled, “Aren’t you the head warrior anymore? Do it, say it.”
She tugged at his hand.
Without giving it any more thought, Running Wolf wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. Her breasts were crushed against his chest with nothing but her deerskin dress between them as his lips found hers. His tongue dipped into her mouth, searching her wetness and meeting her tongue. She gasped and she opened her mouth wider, letting him explore more. Her hand which held his connected with her other hand around his neck and she pulled him down as their kiss deepened. His now free hand found its way to her hip and he pulled her closer to him, not as if they could get any closer. Their bodies were already melded together.
Running Wolf and Elaina kissed breathlessly, unable to break the bond between them. It was minutes later before they finally came up for air. Running Wolf stared deeply into her eyes and he stroked her hair. Their kiss had even been more beautiful and delicious than he ever imagined.
“Tastes like honey and everything nice,” he heard himself say.
She laughed and pulled out of his hold. She almost stumbled and he caught her. Alarm rang in his head, “Oh no, are you okay, Elaina?”
She shook her head, “My legs are just wobbly right now. Ineed a moment to regain my senses.”
He laughed and pulled her into a tight embrace. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to kiss you and hold you as close as this.”
She pulled out of his hold gently and looked up at him, “Running Wolf, I...”
“I understand, Elaina. You don’t have to say it. You have no idea what is going on between us, and neither do I. I know you have a lot on your mind, so I do not want to confuse you any further. How about we just take our time and just see where this is headed? We will find our way to our destination, we are bound to. I mean, I am as confused as you about what is going on in this head of mine, what's going on with this heart of mine. All I know is that I feel warm with you. I simply cannot stop staring at you, and thinking of you,” Running Wolf said softly as he stroked her cheek.
She nodded, “You are right. I have no idea how I feel or what I should feel, or if I should even be feeling the way I am feeling. Yes, I agree. Let’s see where the wind blows us and let’s see if we can make sense of our feelings.”
“Perfect,” Running Wolf whispered just before he bit on her lower lip gently. She was surprised but only for a moment because she equally sucked on his lip. His laughter was covered by her kiss. Once again, they held each other as they kissed deeply.
This time, he was the one that pulled away. He winked at her and said, “Don’t you need to check on Jessica?”
“Hey!” she slapped his shoulder playfully, “So, maybe you were right and she was actually fast asleep and just minding her own business.”
“Oh is that so?” he chuckled as his hands rubbed her shoulders. She mumbled with satisfaction, leaning into his touch, “Then why did it take you so long to return? You were scared, weren’t you?”
“Uh hmm… super scared of what I’m feeling. If it weren’t for you...”
He chuckled as he showered kisses on her bare shoulder, “I wouldn’t have had the courage to kiss you if you hadn’t challenged me to basically stop being a coward and say how I feel and do what I want to do. So let’s conclude that it was both our doing, what do you say?”
She sighed and nodded, “I think that’s just perfect.”
He laughed and pulled her into a hug again. She struggled against him playfully, “I can’t breathe.”
“Oh sorry!” he jumped back and cradled her face, “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
She chuckled and shook her head, “I’m fine, Running Wolf. It was just a joke. Do you not know jokes? I am amazed that the head warrior of the Northern Choctaw Tribe does not know what a joke is. Completely amazed.”
Running Wolf shook his head, “You are not going to let that go anytime soon, are you?”
