That evening as the four of them finished a meal, they went to their hut to rest. "This will be our home for a while."
Hannah made her bed on the other side of the fire from Lone Wolf, but he pulled her up and looked into her eyes. "I am sorry Hannah, but they think we are married. They will expect to see us sleep, side by side." He told her.
Hannah gasped. "Married?" she gulped. "Did you tell them that?"
"No," he stared into her eyes. "I did not. I will not force myself on you Hannah. You will be safe as before." He promised. "They assumed, I could not argue the fact. I decided to leave it that way as it did no harm for them to think it."
She nodded, after all she was merely a slave. She knew Lone Wolf never lied to her and she did trust him. But after that kiss, she also felt something new between them. The desire in her kiss left her wondering what it might be like to be Lone Wolf's wife. It was the first time she even considered the thought. And it left her more than a little curious.
Would he treat her differently? And love, could she love him now? More importantly, could he ever love her?
But lying next to him wasn't so bad, she decided, except she knew now she wanted to be in his arms too. That shocked her and pleased her. For Lone Wolf never rejected her.
Confusion kept her awake that night though.
Lone Wolf heard her sighs and turned to her. "Having trouble going to sleep?" He asked with a slight smile.
"A little… " she murmured.
"
Something bothering you?"
"No… of course not." She turned over, but it didn't help. She couldn't sleep. That darn kiss was causing much too much trouble. She must put it out of her mind once and for all.
"Come here," he told her finally when she continued to flop back and forth.
"What are you doing?" she asked as he pulled her to him.
"Nothing, but you slept well in my arms in the cave, you will sleep well in my arms here too." He smiled.
With reservations she let him guide her down beside him. He put his arm around her and pulled her close.
She didn't object, but she did fall asleep quickly. Just being locked inside those big strong arms of his, made her relax and close her eyes.
He smiled and held her close all night.
By morning her head was under his chin, and she was cuddled up against him, curling into him, welcoming his strong arms around her. It had been so different, she suddenly realized. When she slept with Liam he didn't touch her. He never cuddled her.
She had to quit comparing Liam with Lone Wolf. There was no reason to compare.
He stared at her when his eyes opened and smiled.
"Sleep well?" he asked when her eyes connected with his.
She started to get up, but he settled her down. "I know I slept like a baby, and you?"
"Yes," she barely managed to admit.
Deer Runner was kissing his wife good morning as they scrambled to their feet.
"Let's give them some privacy." Lone Wolf told her.
They were presented with breakfast by the chief's wife and the men were getting ready for a hunt. Lone Wolf told them he'd go, and he was sure Deer Runner would go too.
He looked at Hannah after he got his gear together. "Help the women if you can. I'll be back directly."
She nodded.