"Please, Hunter, please, I wouldn't ask if I had anyone else to turn to. I thought you were my friend." Hunter studied her blond hair, braided and coiled like a snake around her crown, long curls escaping the combs to trail halfway down her back. He had walked to meet her believing she had returned to him. Now he realized she had come only to ask his aid, that she had no intention of remaining beside him. He felt like a foolish young boy, humiliated and angry. But not so angry that he wanted her on her knees. It was the first time he had seen her surrender her pride. By that alone he knew how deeply she loved the child that had been lost to her. The words cut deep. Perhaps he should feel honored. She had traveled a great distance into his land, trusting him with her life and with the life of the child she loved. "Stand, Blue Eyes," he told her gently. She tipped her head back. Tears shimmered on her cheeks. "I'll do anything, Hunter. I'll serve you on my knees. I'll be your loyal slave forever. I'll kiss the ground you walk on, anything." He disengaged his hand from hers and grasped her shoulders, hauling her to her feet. "I want you in my buffalo robes, not making kisses in the dirt." Her eyes darkened. "I'll do anything." Hunter was about to tell her he would find Amy, that she need not beg, but her last words stopped him. He was not a stupid man. He searched her pale face. "I'll be your woman. That's what you want, isn't it? I'll stay with you. Freely. If you'll find Amy and bring her back to me. I promise, Hunter." Her desperation made him feel ashamed. She had come to him for help; he couldn't turn her away. He needed no reward for finding her sister. Yet he wanted this woman. And she was here, offering herself to him."