Part 16 (1/2)

”I figured since we already broke a couple of rules.” He lifted his head, looking her straight on.

”I guess.”

”I won't do it again,” he said, it was like he could sense her discomfort.

Tammy nodded. She could breathe easier again.

Chapter 18.

Six days later ...

Tammy got busy tidying the shelter. It wasn't so much tidying as it was rea.s.sembling. The wind had howled a bit last night. It had blown off a couple of the long leaves that made up the roof. Thunder had been extra jumpy, he'd leapt up several times during the night. She didn't think he'd slept very much over the last few days. She wanted to suggest that they go back but she didn't want this to end or to change. She had a bad feeling.

A branch snapped behind her and she jumped. ”It's me,” Thunder said. ”I brought breakfast.” He held up a fish.

”Is that ...”

He nodded. ”It's a salmon.”

”Wow! You caught it?”

”Don't look so shocked,” he laughed. ”Yes, I did and with my bare hands.” He stood taller. ”Here.” He threw the thing at her and she caught it, giving a yell as her hands clasped over its scales. She almost dropped it.

Thunder chuckled.

”It's not funny,” she smiled, trying to hold onto the fish, it was heavy.

”You can put it down,” he was still smiling. ”I'll clean it when I get back.”

”Where are you going?” She hated being left alone, even for a second. The back of her neck seemed to p.r.i.c.kle, like someone was watching.

”He's nowhere near us.” Thunder walked towards her. ”I would scent him if he was.”

”He might be downwind.”

”I'd hear his heartbeat.”

”He's snuck up on us before.” Tammy had become a bit paranoid about Cloud over the last couple of days. She could sense that Thunder was on edge and it worried her. He could be lurking anywhere.

Thunder narrowed his eyes on hers. ”I won't let him get within an inch of you.” He took the fish from her and put it on the ground. ”I'm going to be over there, just up the way.” He gestured behind him. You're welcome to come with. I saw some wild spinach growing there. I thought it might be a nice accompaniment to the fish.”

”Sounds yummy. I'll stay here, but ...” she gripped his hand, ”don't go too far.”

”Never.” He kissed her and her belly did a flip flop. Thunder pulled back, he kissed the tip of her nose before turning and walking away. He did things like that often. He kissed her nose and put his forehead to hers. He touched her as much as possible and not just s.e.xually, he'd hold her hand, pull her into a hug or sling his arm around her. The way he looked at her made her feel special. Again, it wasn't just the l.u.s.tful, desire-filled looks, it was also the tender ones.

Things were happening quickly. Thunder was filling a s.p.a.ce she hadn't even known existed but they needed to slow down. There was no rush.

Tammy picked up the fish. It weighed a ton. She was going to clean it. She and her father used to fish on some of those camping trips and she'd watched him gut the fish. It had always made her feel ill, so she'd never actually done it herself. Thing was, Thunder was so d.a.m.ned sweet. She had to smile just thinking of him. He fetched them food. The deer, a rabbit, this fish. He foraged for vegetables. Mainly roots that tasted like yams.

She headed to the river's edge and set the fish down. Tammy pulled the knife from its sheath and sliced the fish open. Next, she reached into its belly and pulled everything out, trying not to breathe or to think about what she was doing. She worked quickly, allowing the innards to wash away. Then she rinsed out the cavity.

She'd watched a couple of those cooking shows on television and had seen how the guys sometimes sc.r.a.ped the scales off of fish. This salmon had a smooth feeling skin. It would probably be easier to cook if she left it on.

An arm snaked around her middle and she tensed up, preparing to scream if need be.

”You didn't have to do that.” Thunder kissed her neck.

”I wanted to.” Tammy put the fish down. She rinsed her hands and turned slightly so that she could look into his eyes. ”You built our shelter. You do all the hunting and gathering. You make the fires and cook the food. You keep me warm at night.”

”It's my job to take care of you.” His eyes took on that soft look.

It had been a long time since someone had taken care of her. A very long time. Probably not since she'd lived with her dad. ”We're in this together, we're a team. It's a two-way street.”

”Thank you.” He kissed her cheek. ”I was thinking.” He kept his arm around her and pulled her up as he rose.

”Yeah, what's up?”

”Maybe we should head back. I'd love to hide out with you forever but my people need me. I'm sure they will be worried by now. Also,” he cupped her cheek, ”you deserve to sleep in a warm bed.”

Finally, it was out. One of them had to say it first. They couldn't stay here. Having said that, she knew there was another issue to address. ”What about Cloud?” It had to be said. There was a part of her that was thrilled they were going back to civilization and another part that liked being out here with Thunder.

He frowned. ”I'm not sure why he hasn't made an appearance. I really thought he would've by now.”

”We don't need to go back. I don't mind sleeping in our shelter. I don't mind either way.” She sucked in a breath. ”I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't make this decision because of me.” She was worried about being sent home. She hated the thought of not seeing Thunder again.

”It's twofold ... I need to let my people know that I am safe. I trust my second in command to handle things in my absence, but I'm sure that they are worried.”

She nodded.

”And ... I want you in my bed.” He put his arms around her. ”I don't want you to have to gut fish, although ...” His arms tightened around her. ”I found it s.e.xy watching you do it. You are incredibly s.e.xy, period.”

”I smell like fish guts and you think I'm s.e.xy?” She had to laugh.

”Yeah I do. I think that I will always find you s.e.xy regardless of the circ.u.mstance. I'm going to miss seeing you in just your t-s.h.i.+rt though. You have very s.e.xy legs.”

”Hairy legs,” she snorted.

”s.e.xy. I couldn't care less about a few hairs.” He clasped the backs of her thighs. ”And an incredible a.s.s.” He cupped her b.u.t.t cheeks. ”Come to think of it, I prefer you naked.” He kissed her and squeezed her a.s.s. One of his hands slipped between her legs.

Tammy moaned. From pulling out fish guts to so turned on that she could barely remember her own name in no time. He slipped a finger inside her as he deepened the kiss. G.o.d, but he was good with his hands and his mouth ... he pushed one of his thighs between her legs, his finger slid in deeper. Thunder pulled back, his eyes were glowing. ”I have to rut you one more time before we go back.” He nuzzled her neck. ”I'm never going to get enough,” he whispered against her skin.

Tammy moaned again. Her heart hammered in her chest. ”Are you worried that this will be our last time?”