Capture An Eagle

Available at THE Wild Rose Press

ariah Kelly cocked her head, ignored his offer and asked, "Silver Eagle, why do you dislike me?"

Her thick, fiery mane framing that unforgettable face, her voice echoed as if in a dream.

Spirits, kill me now.

He could no longer remain aloof and distant. No one would know how hard he had fought his attraction to the forbidden woman gazing up at him with such bewilderment, such distress.

For the first time in his life, Silver Eagle abandoned his duty and dropped the reins of a halter-broke horse. One that did not belong to him.

Focused on Mariah's grass-green eyes, he willingly stepped into the path of that bullet, the one that would surely find him if Tanner or Mr. Kelly discovered the passion so long hidden in his heart.

"I no dislike, woman." He reached out and swept her supple body against his.

Though startled, her beautiful eyes wide, she did not struggle. No, she waited and watched as he slowly lowered his head...and claimed her lips.

Her gasp of surprise fueled his desire. He deepened the kiss. She did not pull away. She did not stop him. Instead, her arms circled his neck, and she kissed him back. The tiny sound in her throat mingled with his moan of pleasure.

He smelled of leather, wild sage and prairie wind. His hard body pressed the length of hers sent heat raging through Mariah's veins. Never in her wildest imaginings had she thought to be kissed like this, so all-consuming, so full of passion... and by Silver Eagle.

Reveling in the press of his hard body molded to her softer curves, the familiar sounds of the woods: birds chirping, leaves rustling in a faint breeze faded away. She brushed aside thought of the danger to them if caught like this. All she wanted, all she needed, was right here in Silver Eagle's arms, in his delicious kiss.

Her fingers sank into his thick, coarse hair as he slanted his head to gain better access to her mouth. She found her tongue boldly dueling with his and felt the evidence of his desire press into her soft flesh. She gasped at the thought of making love with him. The stiff coils of the bullwhip anchored at his side rubbed her pelvic bone.

She rode his thigh, intimately caressing her mound. Deep in her core, sensations new to her tightened, and she moaned. Her slight sound triggered Silver Eagle's better judgment. The gods knew someone needed to exercise restraint. He jerked his head up and stepped back, holding her at arm's length, dark eyes stormy. His wide chest heaved, as did hers.

"Go. Find Tanner. Go home."

Before she could even find breath to utter a word, he whirled and stalked away. It was then she saw the horse peacefully cropping grass at the meadow's edge. She watched Silver Eagle catch up the trailing leads, and without breaking stride, coil the long leathers in his hands and walk into the woods.

She stood as if planted, swallowing hard. Gradually, nature's sounds intruded. Fingers pressed to her kiss-swollen lips, she relived the feel of his hard body crowding hers, her body singing with heated sensation. The tingling warmth of his lips lingered on hers.