Free Savage Desire (Savage Lagonda 1) by Constance O'Banyon Page B

favors. She would one day marry, and have children, just as he would. The thought of her lying in another man's arms, as she was now lying in his, made him feel anger. She stirred in her sleep. He rested his lips on her soft cheek. I love you, Mara, he thought, wishing he was free to tell her.
    The next morning Mara awoke before daybreak. Tajarez was not beside her. Her eyes searched the darkness, looking for him. He always moved so quietly; she was startled by his sudden appearance. He bent over her and lifted her from the robe, then he secured it to the packhorse.
    He mounted his horse and held his hand out to Mara. She was surprised when he did not swing her onto the back of the horse as he usually did, but instead, held her in front of him.
    Mara leaned against him, feeling his arms go around her as the horse started off at a gallop. She looked into his face and could not mistake the soft look in his eyes. Was it possible that he loved her?
    "You love me. I know you do. You love me," she cried, throwing her arms around his neck.
    His lips came down on her roughly, taking her breath away. She was laughing and crying at the same time, as her heart sang with joy. She ended the kiss, pulling away from him.
    "I would follow you anywhere, leaving my home and family. I would live in the most humble teepee and work my hands to the bone for you. Take me with you, for I cannot bear to live without you."
    She saw the look of pain that crossed his face, as if he had understood what she had said.
    "I can see it in your eyes, you are going to leave me, and I will never see you again. How can fate be so cruel to cast you and me into different worlds?" She touched his lips softly. "I will not cry and beg you not to go when the time comes for you to leave. I will make you proud of me. You must have your reasons for not taking me with you."
    They rode in silence until late afternoon, when he pulled up his horse and dismounted with her in his arms. He set her on her feet and turned her toward the fort that was barely visible through the trees.
    Mara turned back to him. "So this is good-bye." Her heart was saddened, but she would keep her promise not to cry. "Hold me for a just a moment," she-whispered.
    Tajarez's arms went around her and he pulled her to him. Raising her face to his, he studied her features so he would remember every detail—not that he would ever forget. He became torn, undecided. He could take her upon his horse and ride away with her. His heart rebelled against leaving her. He was torn between his father's wishes and his own desire. He knew he would have to sacrifice his happiness for the Lagonda tribe. After all, had he not been taught from childhood that the good of the people came before the royal family's needs and wants?
    Seeing the deep sadness in his eyes, Mara decided not to add to his pain. She would walk away from him and not look back. Touching his face gently, she smiled. "If only I knew your name. Please tell me what you are called."
    He did not respond.
    Mara shook her head sadly. "Good-bye, then, my love. Think of me sometime."
    Turning away, she walked slowly toward the fort. With each step she took, she resisted the urge to look back at him.
    Tajarez watched, wanting to call her back. Once she entered the fort she was lost to him forever. All she asked of him in parting was his name. He was willing to sacrifice the rest of his life for his people, but he would break only one law, his vow of silence.
    "Mara!"
    Hearing her name, Mara turned around quickly and looked at him.
    Walking slowly toward her, he draped the mink robe around her shoulder, then reached up and removed the golden armband from his arm and handed it to her.
    Mara held the armband tightly in her hand. It was still warm from the heat of his body.
    He touched her hair, then let his hand drift down to her cheek. "Mara," he spoke softly. "Tajarez."
    Mara opened her mouth to speak, but he had already turned away and mounted his horse. With a