White Wind by Susan Edwards Page A

pride. Be warned, Sarah. Watch your sharp tongue or you will be punished.”
    Sarah knew she deserved the tongue-lashing, and bent her head to stare at the ground. “I’m sorry, Golden Eagle. I was not thinking of others. I shouldn’t have said anything. The horses will make such a small gift compared to their losses. Pa always said my tongue would get me into trouble. You have every right to be angry with me…” She stammered, her voice breaking off.
    Cupping her face with both hands, Golden Eagle gently raised her head and gazed into watery blue eyes. When he saw the hurt and confusion, as well as the emotional exhaustion that threatened to overtake the girl, his anger fled. “The day has been long. Come. Sit and eat. We rest for a short time.”
     
    By the end of the third day of hard, grueling riding, the trio arrived at the base of the hills. Knowing Sarah had reached her limits, Golden Eagle stopped early for the night. Tomorrow they would reach his tribe. He knew where they would be even though they’d been separated many days.
    After taking care of the horses, Red Fox left to hunt their evening meal while Golden Eagle led Sarah the short distance to water.
    Sarah stood at the edge of the gentle flowing stream, the clear inviting water slowly turning inky as daylight faded.
    Turning in frustration, Sarah sighed and tried one last time to reason with her newly appointed guardian. “Be reasonable, Golden Eagle. You can’t expect me to bathe with you standing here. I gave you my word that I wouldn’t leave. I won’t go far or stay in too long. Please…”
    Golden Eagle leaned his back against the rough bark of a large tree near the edge of the stream. He leisurely scratched his back and folded his arms across his dusty chest. “Do you wish to clean yourself or not? We don’t have much time before Red Fox returns with our dinner.”
    Sarah turned her back on Golden Eagle and looked over her shoulder. Her chin lifted as she coldly said, “The least you could do is turn your back if you do not have the decency to leave.” Her eyes dared him to refuse this small courtesy.
    Golden Eagle turned his back on the suddenly shy white girl, shaking his head. Why the whites felt shame over their naked skin, he’d never understand. Only in the cold of winter did his people feel the need for much clothing to cover their bodies.
    Hearing a quiet splash behind him, he turned, stretching his arms high above him before crossing his ankles and leaning back against the tree. His sharp eyes quickly spotted Sarah in the twilight.
    He found himself mesmerized by the sight of her. Silvery hair turned to liquid gold as the strands flowed with the current of the water when she dipped her head back. The smooth softness of her throat lay exposed to the moon’s kiss. His eyes were drawn to the pale flesh of her back, gleaming in the moonlight, shiny and sleek from the water.
    Golden Eagle’s hand lifted with the urge to reach out and stroke the soft silky flesh. He glanced down at his own dust-covered body and grinned. He quickly shed his breechclout and moccasins and silently sank into dark cold, swirling liquid.
     
    Washing dust, bits of leaves and twigs from her long hair, Sarah was careful to keep her back toward the bank. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment alone, knowing she’d not be able to remain much longer. Already her teeth were starting to chatter with cold.
    She wouldn’t put it past him to fetch her out if he thought she was taking too long. But the cold water felt so good to her worn and sore limbs. Every joint, muscle and bone in her body ached. She swore she’d never voluntarily mount another horse in her life.
    Rising slightly after rinsing her hair, she straightened and opened her eyes.
    A gasp of shocked outrage escaped when she saw Golden Eagle standing before her, eyes riveted on her bared breasts.
    Cheeks flaming and her heart hammering against ribs, Sarah crossed her arms and sank into the