Indian Summer was not only my first historical romance, it was my first published novel. After it was completed, I felt compelled to write another story for Sailfish. He was so incredibly lonely and needed a high spirited woman of his own. It took me awhile, but I finally finished Savage Heart. Below is an excerpt from this sweeping historical romance.
Sailfish is desperately in love with Gabriella Deza-Enriques, the daughter of the Spanish Governor and wife of his closest friend. Even though he knows she is married to another, he still loves her. Meli is a young woman he meets while on the road to visit St. Augustine for Gabriella’s birthday. She is injured and he saves her life. She’s not ungrateful, but she does have a way of getting under his skin.
Sailfish woke at noon the next day, to find Meli lying next to him. Her green eyes held humor as she gazed at him. He sat up slowly, wondering what she found so humorous.
“You snore,” she giggled. “And talk in your sleep. Who is Gabriella? Is she the one you love?”
“What does it matter? She’s married to another man.”
“Ah. Was she your woman first?” Her green eyes sparkled merrily.
“No.”
“So, did you try to steal her away from the other man?”
“No.”
“Tell me what happened and I’ll quit asking you,” she teased.
“And what fun would that be for you?”
Sailfish said no more, setting about breaking their primitive camp. He kicked dirt over the coals of their fire, pouring water from the river onto the dirt.
“I’m better today, thank you,” she said by way of making conversation.
Sailfish ignored her, going about his business with a singularity of focus unmatched by many.
“Why, that’s very good to hear, Meli.” She lowered her voice, pretending to be him. “Do you think you can walk all right on your own?” She kept her voice low, standing in a manly fashion with her hands on her hips. She captured his cadence and movements well, including the casual toss of his head.
“Why yes,” she turned her body, taking a more feminine stance. She batted her eyelashes. “I believe I can walk just fine today.”
Despite himself, Sailfish laughed at her, unconsciously tossing his head. “I hear insane people are very popular in towns. Perhaps they will pay to see you talk to yourself.”
© 2016 Dellani Oakes
Historical Novels by Dellani Oakes 
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
Thank you!