"You'd better keep her tied." "Why?" A yawn stretched Hunter's dark face. "Because she's looking skittish." "She's naked." Sheathing his knife, Hunter flopped on his back and shaded his eyes with one arm. "She won't run. Not without clothes. I've never seen such a bashful female." "The truss up their females in so many clothes, it would take a whole sleep just to undress one. Then they have them wear breeches under the lot. How do they manage to have so many children? I'd be so tired by the time I found skin, I'd never get anything else done." "You'd think of something," Hunter said with a chuckle. "You know, once you fall asleep, she could go for your knife. You want to wake up with your throat slit?" "She's more likely to kill herself than me. You know how they are." Hunter's mouth lifted at the corners. "Her honor is gone. A man has seen her naked. As as it sounds, that's how they think." "Want some help watching her?" Hunter threw back his head and laughed. "Just wake me when the shade leaves, you horny old man. Come anyplace close and I'll tell Maiden of the Tall Grass. She'll burn your dinner for a month." Loretta watched the other Indian leave, her heart slamming wildly with relief. It was short-lived. Hunter turned onto his side and snaked an arm under the buffalo robe, catching her around the waist. He was fully awake now, and she had no idea what to expect from him when he pulled her close. She scarcely dared breathe, she was so frightened. He snugged his hand beneath her breast and nuzzled his face against the back of her neck. "You will sleep now, Yellow Hair," he whispered. "I must rest. It will be a very long journey home."