Northern Star

Chapter 33

Early morning sunlight drifted through an opening between the curtains as Perry awoke. At first she was only aware of how wonderfully warm and rested she felt. Then, slowly, she realized where she was. Hunter's arm rested across her as he lay on his stomach beside her. She turned her head slowly to watch him sleep. This strong, complicated man looked so open and boyish now. His tight jaw was relaxed, his mouth slightly open. His sun-bleached hair curled across his forehead and along his neck. As she touched a single strand she realized how very much she loved him. Closing the inches between them, she lightly kissed his cheek. "I love you, Hunter Kirkland," she whispered as he slept. Someday maybe she'd say the words when he was awake.

Perry snuggled close in contentment and gazed lazily around the room. She had no wish to leave her warm nest or the man sleeping at her side. The room obviously had been Hunter's when he'd stayed here as a child. Though the toys were removed, books remained, lining the shelves along each wall. A beautiful pair of swords were crossed on one wall above the dresser. Perry could almost see him as a boy, fencing with his shadow. He could have fought many an imaginary pirate with such grand swords.

Wiggling around to see the other side of the room, she found sleepy gray eyes watching her. She loved the look of wonder on his face before he fully awoke, blocking out all his feelings from the world.

He moved onto his side and pulled her closer. Wordlessly he bent and lightly kissed her nose. When she didn't object, he allowed his lips to glide hesitantly across her cheek to her ear. "Good morning, my angel," he whispered. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very well, thank you," Perry answered without moving away. "And you?"

Hunter's tongue brushed her upper ear. "Except for your snoring, I rested well." He smiled.

"My snoring!" Perry pouted, knowing he was teasing her and enjoying the game. "I do not snore, sir."

Hunter couldn't resist the full, pouty lips; he closed the inch between them and kissed her softly. "You're so soft and warm beside me. I could live a lifetime waking up with you." He propped his head up and stared down at her flushed face. "Was sleeping with me so bad?"

"It was not the sleeping I feared," she answered. "I've slept with a man before."

Hunter's eyebrow arched, questioning.

Perry hastened to continue. "Many months ago in a barn loft. You were far different then." She touched his once wounded shoulder.

Hunter watched her closely. "Pull my shirt aside if you doubt my identity."

The game excited Perry, and her cheeks warmed under his gaze as she unbuttoned his shirt. With trembling fingers she pulled the shirt wide and brushed his warm flesh. Though he made no attempt to help or resist, his breath grew short as her hands moved shyly over the soft hair of his chest.

She removed the shirt from his shoulder and lightly traced the scar. His muscles rippled beneath her touch. The feel of him was like liquor to her already hazy mind. As her fingers moved, she felt the explosive atmosphere that always surrounded him, only this time she was the one playing with the match. She was the one setting him afire, and his warmth was burning through her fingers into her very core.

"It appears you are the same man I've slept beside," Perry teased as she timidly moved her hand back across his chest. "The wound has completely healed."

Hunter closed his eyes and absorbed her light touch like a man taking in the warm sun after a cold winter. Finally he whispered, "And how do I know you are the same woman who slept with me in the barn?"

His hand traveled from her shoulder to her waist, pulling her nearer. "She molded so perfectly against me, giving me her body's heat."

"Like this?" Perry leaned against him, laughing at his sudden loss of breath. As she moved slightly, allowing her soft curves to torture him, she added, "Do you believe I am the one?" Her fingers slid over his scarred shoulder. "Or need I move aside and let some other audition?"

The movement of her breasts against his chest as she breathed drove him mad as he answered, "You're the one."

She watched his eyelids slowly open and was shocked by the passion reflected there. No matter how long she lived, she'd never forget the first time she'd looked into those fathomless depths.

He studied her face, seeking an answer. "Lady, you're a puzzlement to me that makes my life both a heaven and a hell." He nuzzled his face in her hair and savored the fragrance of her tossed curls. "Could we not be honest with each other for a few minutes?''

"Completely honest?" she asked, knowing she was playing with fire just by being this close to him. Yet the flame fascinated her.

"Yes," Hunter whispered as he kissed her forehead and allowed his hand to slide just past her waist. "Completely honest."

"Who goes first?" Perry studied him. This could prove to be a very interesting game.

"I ask the first question, but you must speak the truth, totally. Swear." Hunter insisted.

"I swear." Already questions filled her mind. "I have nothing to hide."

Hunter's tone grew serious. "Did Wade rape you?"

Perry was shocked by his question. She never thought he would mention Wade. Would it matter to him if Wade had? "No," she whispered. "He pulled me across the yard while hitting me several times. It happened so fast, I don't remember how many times." Perry's whole body shivered. "He slammed me against the stairs. Each time I cried, he laughed, as if hitting me were great sport." Her words echoed the pain of remembering. "He was so angry that I would try to leave, I think he would have killed me if he'd caught me a second time."

Hunter's arms tightened around her, pulling her close. "It's all right, darling. I didn't want to bring back painful memories to you, but I had to know."

She cuddled closer to Hunter's warm chest, trying to block out her fear of Wade, but the nightmare couldn't harm her now, not while she was in Hunter's embrace.

They lay in silence for a while. Finally Hunter moved his hand slowly over her shoulder and down her arm to her hand. He lifted her fingers to his lips.

Perry looked up. "Now it's my turn to ask the next question."

Hunter nodded as he continued kissing her fingers.

"Why weren't you upset over losing Jennifer?" The question had been in her mind for days. How could he give up his fiancée so lightly? "Didn't you love her?"

Hunter smiled. "One doesn't love someone like Jennifer."

"But you were two days away from your wedding."

"I'd known for days I wouldn't marry her. Richard just solved the problem of why."

"But-" Perry began, only to be stopped by his fingers gently touching her lips. He traced her mouth with one finger, stopping a moment to pull slightly against her bottom lip. When her lips parted, she shivered against him and watched his mouth move in hunger for her. His finger pressed against her lips in the silent promise of the kiss that would soon follow.

"It's my turn now." He didn't remove his finger from her lips. "Only one question at a time."

Hunter's question came softly in her ear as he blanketed her with his chest. "Do you want me?" He moved, his entire body feeling her beneath him, then he settled once more to his side. He hesitated a moment, as though giving her a chance to flee. When she didn't move away, he boldly pulled her against him.

Before she could answer, his hand slid into her blouse and softly caressed her breast through her thin camisole. Her body arched to his touch and his exploring grew bolder.

"Don't!" she ordered as his mouth moved down her neck and shoulder.

"The truth," he demanded huskily as his fingers pulled the undergarment away and his palm moved in circles over her breast.

Perry sighed, knowing she could stop him by moving away, for nothing held her to his bed but her own need. She wanted to be closer to him. Her silent answer came as she timidly moved her hands to his neck and pulled his face to her hungry lips. His mouth explored hers lightly at first, teasing her until she twisted her fingers into his blond curls, pulling him closer.

A long kiss stirred the passion within them and fulfilled a promise. It grew savage with need and tender with desire. His mouth demanded her lips as his fingers explored her body.

Finally he pulled an inch away, laughing as he moved under the covers, replacing his fingers with his lips against her full breasts.

Perry cried out with delight as his mouth gently tugged at her flesh. How could she lie to him when her body gave her away so totally? She sighed with pleasure as his hands moved over her, pulling at the blouse that separated his touch from her.

After what seemed an eternity of pleasure he returned once more to her lips. At first his kiss was slow and tender, then his warmth turned to fire. He delighted in her breathlessness. "Answer me, lovely angel!" he ordered in a passion-filled voice. "Do you want me?"

She stared into the handsome face above her, then pushed him slightly away. "Yes, but…" She turned her face away, knowing she was denying herself the heaven of his lovemaking.

"But what!" Hunter shouted, suddenly angry that she would pull away from what they both needed, both desired. "The truth, woman, no more games."

Tears trickled down the corners of her eyes and fell untended into her hair. "But not without your love." Her words echoed with pain and anger. "I'm not the kind of woman who can give myself without love, and I'll not accept less."

"Lord, you want my body and my soul." Hunter lay back on his pillow, her words as cooling to him as a spring stream.

Perry's anger flared. She couldn't understand him. How could he show such tenderness yet never speak of it? "It's my turn," she said, sitting up in bed and pulling her knees to her chin. "Do you… do you care for me?"

Hunter folded his arms behind his head and stared at the ceiling. "This was a silly game. We get along much better when we're not talking."

Perry waited for his answer.

"I've never played any childish games of love. I always thought it brought more destruction and pain than joy,"

Hunter said, avoiding the question. "I remember my father after my mother died. They were very much in love. The pain of her death left him only a hollow shell." He couldn't look at her. "His suffering left no room for life within him."

"The truth!" Perry ordered. "Do you care for me?"

"You're a demanding wench," Hunter snapped, and his anger allowed him the willpower to look at her.

"You swore you'd speak the truth." Perry moved her fist to her waist.

The movement revealed the beautiful mound of her breast where her blouse gaped open. He saw the gold medallion he'd given her, nestling in her cleavage.

He reached for the chain. Perry squealed, hitting his hand away. "Answer my question, Hunter Kirkland."

He knew he was no different from his father or grandfather, in that he'd fallen hard for one woman, but he'd be damned if he was going to let her badger him into admitting it. He rose to his knees and with a sudden jerk pulled her beside him. "I'll answer your question!"

His mouth was fully on her lips as his hand twisted into her hair and held her still. His free arm pulled her against him. Her struggles only excited him as they pressed against each other. After a moment she clung to him, and he allowed his hands to roam freely up and down her body. Her wrinkled clothes did little to hamper his progress. When he'd kissed her until he felt her body melt completely against his, he raised his mouth and stared down into her face. "You are my heaven," he whispered against her cheek. "There are no games, no questions between us."

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. They were so lost in each other that the knock on the front door seemed a million miles away. Moments later the downstairs door opened and slammed closed, drawing them both from their dream.

Jumping from the bed, she started buttoning her blouse as she heard her name shouted from the hall.

"Andrew," she whispered. "It's my brother, Andrew."

She was halfway across the room when Andrew burst through the door. "Perry!" he shouted with joy, then froze at the scene before him. Hunter was shirtless on the bed, and it was obvious that Perry had just left his side.

She started toward Andrew, then stopped when she saw his shocked face. For a moment she couldn't understand his strange expression. Never had Andrew failed to open his arms wide to his little sister. Now he just stood watching her, as if he had never seen her before.

Moving a step closer, Perry whispered her brother's name once more.

Andrew turned to her, his face filled with anger. "I couldn't believe my ears when I heard from Dr. Moore that you were alive. Now I can't believe my eyes. Look at the disgrace you bring to our name. What kind of trash are you to let this Yankee bed you?"

Too shocked to speak, Perry glanced from Hunter to her brother.

Andrew would have tread more lightly if he'd seen the anger in the Yankee's face, but he had time and words for no one but his little sister.

Deadly calm, Hunter moved off the bed.

The redheaded doctor grabbed his sister's arm as she tried to move past him. He pulled her toward the door. "You're coming home with me!" His fingers dug into her arm as he shook with anger. "I'll not have any sister of mine playing whore to a Yankee."

"No!" Perry screamed. "No, Andrew!"

He couldn't see Hunter's approach, but Perry did. With lightning-quick force Hunter slammed his fist into Andrew's jaw. Andrew let go of her and whirled around, colliding with the wall. He heard Perry's scream as his eyes rolled back and his legs slid out from under him. Shaking his head from side to side, he tried to clear his brain. As his vision cleared, Andrew found himself staring at a sword pointed directly at his heart.

Perry stood frozen, watching as Andrew forced his sight past the weapon to the man beyond. Fiery gray eyes bore into him with such hatred, Andrew grew white with fear.

Hunter's voice was low yet crystal clear. "You are alive, sir, because you are Perry's brother. Do not challenge your luck, for I will not consider the kinship again."

Amazement showed on Andrew's face as his tiny sister moved fearlessly beside this blond madman and gently laid her hand on his arm.

"Hunter," Perry whispered lovingly.

Hunter didn't move his gaze from Andrew or lower his sword. "No one, sir, takes Perry from my side." His eyes burned in anger. "Anyone who touches her against her will shall not live another day on this earth. Do I make myself clear?" Hunter's voice was deadly earnest.

Andrew was obviously too frightened to speak. He nodded slowly and breathed a sigh of relief as Hunter lowered the sword.

Perry moved to help Andrew up as Hunter returned the sword to its place on the wall. "Andrew, I'm no longer a child. No man orders or owns me." Perry hoped Hunter would heed her words also.

Andrew straightened his clothes, trying to gain back a few ounces of his self-respect. "If you stand beside such a wild man, perhaps you need no protective big brother. I will not tempt fate again by accusing you of anything." A newfound respect echoed in his words as he addressed his sister. "Even in shock and anger I never meant to hurt you, Perry."

"I know you didn't, my gentle Andrew." She smiled, her thoughts full of Hunter's words. Though he had spoken in anger at Andrew, he told of how deeply he loved her. He might not have said the words of love, but she knew he felt them.

She moved beneath his protective arm, sliding her hand lovingly around his back and resting her fingers at his waist. She bore no shame for being with Hunter, and she wanted Andrew to understand this. "I would've wished the two of you to meet under less violent circumstances," she said, trying to ease the tension. "Hunter, my brother saved your life once. Do you think you could give him another chance?"

Hunter's eyebrow raised. "You were the Confederate doctor in camp?" His anger was vanishing with Perry's touch. Though Andrew paid no notice, she was slowly moving her fingers up and down Hunter's side as they talked. He found himself hard-pressed to think of anything but her fingers sliding along his skin.

"Yes, I treated you at Perry's request." Andrew straightened, pulling his shoulders back.

Hunter's anger diminished. He saw a defeated man standing before him, only tiny threads of pride holding him together. "I can't hate a man for loving his sister, even if you were harsh in your attack. Perry speaks of you with admiration." Hunter slowly extended his hand to Andrew. "I thank you, Dr. McLain. When I reached Philadelphia, the doctor said if it hadn't been for your excellent care, I'd have lost my arm, if not my life."

Perry smiled up at Hunter. She knew he was giving Andrew back a fraction of the pride the war had torn away.

"Dr. Moore tells me we could use a doctor with your skill. Will you consider staying at Three Oaks?" Hunter asked.

Gaining control of his voice, Andrew answered, "I like it here. Maybe it would be better to start somewhere new, now that the war is over.'' He coughed and attempted to make the question show only casual interest. "Do you plan on staying on here?"

Hunter laughed at his question and winked at Perry. They smiled, both knowing Andrew would be hoping for a negative answer. "I would like to, but my work is in Philadelphia and Washington. I plan to visit here often, however. I'm very concerned with the politics of this area. The election of the next governor in a few days may prove very interesting."

Perry watched as Andrew became more relaxed when the subject turned to one of his favorites, politics. "It will be a close race between Worth and Holden. Many of the men I've talked to are not even going to bother to vote. They say with either man as governor, North Carolina is in for a hard time."

"President Johnson has a special interest in this election, what with Raleigh being his birthplace and all," Hunter said, all too aware of Perry's stirring as she pulled from beside him and moved toward the door.

She smiled first at Andrew, then at Hunter. "Do you think you gentlemen could continue your discussion downstairs? I'd like to freshen up, then I'll cook you both breakfast."

Hunter bowed. "Yes, angel." Then, turning to Andrew, he added, "I'll show you to the kitchen, and maybe between the two of us, we can find the coffee." He bent casually to pick up his boots as he stuffed his shirt into his pants with his free hand.

The men moved down the hall as Perry crossed to her room. She removed her wrinkled blouse and skirt, deep in thought. She began absentmindedly combing her hair as she tried to remember everything Hunter had said that morning. Finally her hair was shining and beautiful. Perry removed all but her light camisole and began washing from the cool water at her nightstand. Pulled out of her thoughts by a light tapping at her door, Perry lifted her dress in front of her and said, "Yes?"

Hunter opened the door quietly and stepped in. "Perry, I have to talk with you."

"Not now, I'm dressing," Perry answered firmly. Even unshaven, he was by far the best-looking man she had ever seen. His blond curls were a mass of golden disorder, and she loved the morning look of him.

He smiled as his eyes rested on her bare shoulders. "If I promise to turn my back, may we talk?"

"Your word?" Perry questioned.

"My word," Hunter said as he slowly turned around and showed Perry only his back.

Timidly Perry lowered her clothes and began washing each part of her body with care. She kept one eye on Hunter's back as she bathed.

"I needed to tell you that Abram will arrive sometime today. I also must ride to Raleigh and see my grandfather's lawyer. He left small plots of land to each of the help. I need to clear up all of his paperwork.''

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Perry asked as she slipped off her camisole and reached for a clean one.

"No, I don't have time to explain, but I need to be in Raleigh for the election. I thought you might like to ride back to Three Oaks with your brother." Hunter stopped, as if in thought, leaving Perry to wonder if he was trying to say good-bye. "I would like to call for you in three days. We have much to talk about."

"If you like, I'll stay here and run the house. There is much to do. I need to talk with you about what you would like done."

"No," Hunter answered sharply, "I don't want you here alone. If Wade returns, this will be the first place he will come. I'd feel much better if you were at Three Oaks with Andrew.''

Perry slipped into her dress. "I'd better pack," she said, more to herself than Hunter.

"No." Hunter's order surprised her. His next words told her a great deal about the way he felt. "You have everything you need at Three Oaks. Leave your things here. I want to know part of you stays."

"All right," she answered, knowing she was getting into his blood.

"I'll tell Andrew you hadn't enough time to pack," Hunter reasoned. "I've already asked Hank to saddle a horse so you can ride back with your brother after breakfast."

Perry slipped her knife into her pocket in an action that had become habit.

"You'll need to carry your gun also, until we are together again," Hunter added.

Perry's headjerked up to study Hunter's back. "How…?" she whispered, then realized he was watching her in the mirror on the wall in front of him.

She stormed toward him. "Hunter Kirkland, you were watching me all the time." She raised her fist to strike him.

He easily dodged her swing. "Sorry, madam, but I kept my word. My back was to you."

"Hunter!" she squealed as she raised her fist to his chin.

"Take your best blow, lady, for I assure you the pain will be little to endure for the pleasure I've received." He laughed as she fumed.

"Or if you think me unfair, I'll let you watch me change clothes, and then we'll be even."

She burst into laughter at his plan of repayment for the crime.

He pulled her into his arms and lifted her off the floor. "Will I ever get enough of you?" he whispered into her hair. "Is there enough time in eternity for me to grow tired of the look of you?''

His lips found hers, and for several minutes there was no world outside his arms.

An hour later Hunter gently lifted Perry onto her horse. Andrew watched the way his eyes held hers. His hand covered hers as he spoke to Andrew. "Take very good care of my angel, Andrew."

Andrew thought the way they acted was improper, but he knew he would never again comment on their behavior. He felt sorry for any man who dared.