Chapter Sixteen #2
He shook his head. The fact that she felt whatever this was did not mean that much.
He had to tread carefully so as not to hurt her or drive her away.
Oh how he longed to see that cute, nervous smile of hers again.
Running Wolf groaned and turned back to the shed.
If he kept thinking about her, he was bound to not get any work done.
She distracted him so much. And he did not even want it to stop.
He loved the way she made him feel. It would be good if he could be finished with everything so he would be able to spend as much time with her as possible by the time she returned.
He did not want to overwhelm her but he also wanted to spend time with her.
He would just have to be careful not to scared her, he decided.
A happy tune in his head, Running Wolf turned back to the work.
I cannot believe all the thoughts running through my head right now, Running Wolf found himself thinking.
Just weeks ago, I was more than willing to let go of my life.
Now, I have no idea what I am doing but I know that I want to hold on to my life.
I have a newfound purpose, to help Elaina.
It is the only thing that actually gives me happiness.
Running Wolf smiled to himself softly some time later as he heard Elaina’s approaching footsteps.
He did not turn around but rather, waited for her to speak.
He had been equally engrossed in his thoughts and the work before him but nothing got past him.
There was a reason he was the head warrior of the Northern Choctaw Tribe.
“Here you go,” Running Wolf’s head snapped back at the sound of her voice. He smiled as he gratefully accepted the gourd of water that she was stretching out to him.
He took a taste and his eyes widened, “This isn’t water, and it tastes really good.”
“It’s honey water. I made a little yesterday. You could use some of it. Thanks a lot for today. You helping me, it was really nice of you and I am truly grateful for your constant presence. I really hope you know that.”
“I do know,” Running Wolf smiled, “And it is fine. You do not need to thank me every single time. I am glad to always be here for you, to help you. I consider you one of mine, Elaina...”
She quirked a brow and he cleared his throat, “By that, I mean that I consider you one of my people, a friend. Yes, that's what I am trying to say. You do understand what I mean right?”
“Of course, I do,” she nodded slowly.
She was about to leave but he caught her hand and gently turned her toward him, “I’m sorry. I guess that came out wrong. I meant… uh… I meant that you are my friend, you know. I really hope you don’t leave here because I spoke out of line or you feel I’m putting too much pressure on you and...”
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’t want 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. I need 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?”
She smiled as she stroked his chin, “Nope, not anytime soon. And I don’t think I will get tired of it either.”
He smiled and sighed at her soft touch. In a strangled voice, Running Wolf said, “I should leave now.”
“Can’t you stay longer?” she pouted.
Running Wolf took her hands and kissed them, “You have no idea how much of an effect you have on me, Elaina. I think it is really best if I leave now.”
She smiled knowingly and stepped back, “All right, but I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Of course. Not even wild horses can keep me away. Speaking of wild horses, I should introduce you to my black stallion, Wolf.”
“Why am I not surprised that your horse is called Wolf?” she teased him.
“It is what it is,” he shrugged. He looked up at the pinkish sky. He turned back to her and planted a soft kiss on her lips, “Take care of yourself and Jess. And stay safe.”
She nodded, “You too. I’ll see you tomorrow, Wolfy.”
“No, anything but that,” He slapped his forehead. Her laughter accompanied him as he left the yard. Running Wolf looked back at the house fondly and letting out a happy sigh, he turned to the path ahead of him.