A Promise of Thunder

in and against her, feelingthe delicious heat curl through him, burst into flame and consume their bodies. He had been celibate for a long time after Summer Sky’s death and had managed to control his urges without undue discomfort. But somehow wanting and needing Storm far surpassed anything in his experience or memory.
    Bitter regret sighed through Grady as he waded from the river, gathered up his soiled clothes, and returned to the cabin wearing only his breechclout. He hoped Laughing Brook had already retired, for he felt too emotionally drained to spar with her. His heart was heavy with the burden he had accepted when he had denied Storm’s request to ignore Bull’s challenge. He knew then he could lose Storm, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined she would callously walk away from their relationship without a backward glance. She had too much to lose if she left.
    Yet in the end it hadn’t mattered. Storm obviously didn’t care enough about him or their homestead to work out their differences.
    The cabin was dark when he entered. Both beds at the far end seemed occupied, so Grady gave them little more than a cursory glance. When he entered the bedroom he didn’t bother lighting a lamp, for the moon was at its fullest and illuminated the room quite adequately. Slipping off his breechclout, he slid between the cool sheets. A curse left his lips when he realized he wasn’t alone.
    “Dammit, Laughing Brook, what does it taketo convince you I am not interested in having you in my bed?”
    “I do not believe you, Thunder,” Laughing Brook said softly. “You have not had a woman in many weeks. Don’t I please you?”
    She leaned up on her elbow, and Grady felt the soft flesh of her bare breasts brush against his chest. He groaned in genuine agony and tried to reach for anger in his weary soul, but could find none. Not for Laughing Brook, who cared for his son without complaint. His anger was directed in another direction, toward a woman who cared so little for him that she had abandoned him when he was sick and helpless.
    “I do like you, and you are very pleasing, Laughing Brook. That’s why I won’t take you to my bed. You are more like a little sister to me than a lover. You played with my own sisters when they were growing up. I feel no special bond with you outside of friendship.”
    Laughing Brook frowned, trying to make sense of his words. “You need a woman.” Her hand slid boldly down his stomach, feeling the muscles jump beneath her fingertips, then lower into the wiry thatch of black between his legs. When her fingers curled around him, he jerked violently. A delighted gurgle bubbled past her lips. “See? I do not lie. You are ready and I am willing. Thunder, why do you resist?”
    Why, indeed, Grady thought harshly as his whole body began to tremble beneath her touch. With more restraint than he thoughtpossible, he flung her hand aside. “I already have a wife and I refuse to ruin you. Jumping Buffalo is my friend. I will not violate his trust. I assume you are still a maiden. Your virginity rightfully belongs to your husband.”
    “I will be your second wife,” Laughing Brook offered. She was growing desperate now, realizing her seduction wasn’t working.
    “As I have said, a man is allowed only one wife in the white world,” Grady explained patiently.
    “Storm is no wife to you!” Laughing Brook contended. “She left willingly enough. Is there no white man’s law that deals with such things?”
    “If Storm wants a divorce, she will have to pursue it,” Grady said stubbornly. “Leave me, Laughing Brook, before I do something I will regret.”
    “You are no warrior,” Laughing Brook spat derisively. “A warrior takes what he wants.”
    “What I want is for you to leave my bed. Now. Your action tonight tells me that it is time you returned to the reservation. I’m sure there are men aplenty waiting for your return. You are very beautiful, Laughing Brook. Any man would be proud to have you for his wife. You deserve better than serving as second wife to a man who would only use you for one purpose.”
    “If you are the man, then you can use me in any way you please. I love you. I have always loved you.”
    She slid atop him, rubbing against him like a cat in heat, bringing every part of her body into intimate contact with every part his. Grady grit his teeth and nearly lost the ability to think. He
did
need a woman. His body burned and ached with that need, so