The Trailrider's Fortune

by Shannah Biondine

  "I'd recollect those words—" Rafe squinted at Sparkle's boss. "Next time you feel inclined to pull a weapon. Don't give many second chances."

  He entered her room to find Sparkle had taken off the torn dress. She wore a pale yellow robe covering every inch from her chin to her bare feet. In the dim lamplight, she looked all of about fourteen, pure as the driven snow. But also mad as a peeled rattler. She crammed some folded things into a valise.

  "What the hell do you think you're doin'?"

  She sighed without turning to look at him. "This job's been sour ever since Frazer took over. Thanks to tonight's little exhibition, it's time to move on again. Maybe Ellsworth."

  Dammit, she couldn't take off. Well, she could, but he didn't want her to. "He'll forgot the uproar in a day or two."

  "You think so? Will Art Thompson forget it, too? And the other girls? I should have let the deputy cart you off to jail."

  "Reckon that's what I would've done," Rafe surprised them both by admitting. "Sorry I frightened you."

  "You didn't." She stopped packing and turned to face him. "I'm not afraid of you. I know everyone else is. They probably have good reason to be."

  "But you don't." She continued folding clothes. Rafe eased onto the edge of her bed, trying to change her mood. He sensed she was listening, despite her feigned air of indifference.

  "You know, you’re a pretty resourceful gal. That 'parlor game' bit was downright clever." No response. Just more packing. "I feel bad about rippin' your dress and them seein' you like that. Hell, feel bad I saw you like that. Not that you ain't the prettiest gal in town, but…" He realized he was only getting in deeper. "Admire your spunk. Thought you should know that."

  "Spunk? Try stupidity."

  "You ain't stupid, Sparkle. You're one of the smartest people I ever met. You can do somethin' even college professors and politicians or educated folks can't. They can't see the future."

  She snorted. "Right now I'd say my own's sketchy, at best. I'm not going back to Topeka, that's for sure."

  "What's wrong with Topeka?"

  "I used to work in a saloon there. A madam ran it. She wanted a special friendship. I didn't. I like men."

  "You ain't gotta move on, Sparkle. Don't want you leavin' on my account."

  "Then how about you leaving on mine? You said everything this morning. Eloquently. I'm not going to tell you anything about this Mr. Stan Brockman, so there's no—"

  "Dan," he corrected softly. "Dan Hoffman."

  "Whatever. I'm not going to help you hunt people down like wolves, so you can either shoot them or be shot by them. I'm not paying for another stupid bundle of red trash or listening to more of Benton Frazer's insults. And I'm not going to wear this stupid wedding ring, or pretend I give a damn about some stupid gunslinger—ugh!" She'd been trying to jerk the ring off her finger, but it didn't want to budge.

  She abruptly burst into tears. Rafe thought by rights she should have been crying before now, out in the hallway. Having some maniac rip her dress, then threaten to either shoot or rape her. That maniac wasn't feeling so bold and snarly any more. His stinging pride had quit smarting, until he was actually feeling pretty damned penitent. He also couldn't think of what to say. He'd give five hundred dollars for a line of flowery gibberish, but none came to mind. He settled on a mild observation. "You sure do say 'stupid' a lot when you're riled."

  "Oh, hell."

  A sudden thought dawned, something that might appease her. "Darlin', you got ladies countin' on you to tell their fortunes, friends who care about you here. Even Frazer. He likes you, or he never would've let you stay on. The second my sorry ass disappeared down the street, he'd have tossed you back out again if he didn't like you. It's damned near impossible for a man not to like you."

  "You don't. You said some pretty horrible things to me this morning."

  "I'm a horrible person. Just ask anybody. Stands to reason I'd say horrible things, don't it?"

  Sparkle gave him a look of reproach. "You're funning me, Rafe Conley."

  "Only a little." His eyes held hers. "I do like you. Call you darlin', don't I? Don't even call my horse that."

  She sighed, unable to completely suppress a smile at his teasing. "The problem is that I like you, too. And I shouldn't. I don't even want to."

  "See, even you think I'm a horrible person." Her fist whacked his wounded upper arm. "Hey, that hurt!"

  Her eyes were defiant once more. "Then we're even. You hurt my feelings this morning and humiliated me in front of everyone downstairs tonight. Tomorrow every employee in this place will be asking what you did while we played 'outlaw' up here." She dropped her gaze to the floor.

  "Only if you let me stay," he pointed out.

  Her gaze came back up. "I should have let Frazer shoot you."

  She was damned irresistible when she got going with her tough act. Rafe pulled her onto his lap, wrapping one arm around her waist. "Already been shot once in this town, but if you truly feel I got it comin'…"

  "Oh, let me up and stop trying to be funny," she groused.

  A callused hand stroked her hair. "Nope. Hushin' up usually suits me fine, but I want to tell you somethin'…about how I got shot."

  "I know how you were shot. By a horse-thief, brandishing a gun."

  He ignored her sarcasm. "I got shot because you weren't around and I needed you."

  "What?" she searched his face.

  "I needed…this. I needed to talk to you, spend some time with you. I hadn't seen you in so long. I knew I could sleep here in your bed, everybody reckonin' you're my wife. But the other gals looked at me sort of funny, like meat on the hoof."

  He stopped and swallowed. "I was only foolin' downstairs before, Sparkle. I was feelin' ornery. Red-haired gal didn't mean nothin' to me. Maybe just tryin' to prove somethin'. Dumb."

  "What does that have to do with the shooting?"

  "I visited one of the other saloons, and…I went upstairs with a gal there."

  "How nice." She struggled to get off his lap. "I really don't need to hear this. I need to finish packing my things."

  "Will you just shut up a minute and let me finish?" He dropped his voice. Damn, it was hard getting this part out. "She was fine until my shirt came off. I promised the scar wouldn't rub off on her. She said problem was I'd be rubbin' it all over her." He closed his eyes. "Looked at me like I was some monstrosity. So I left there and…went lookin' for someone to bring in." He opened his eyes again. "Nobody dares look at me like I'm some freak when I got my peacemaker out. I get respect then, by God."

  "Oh, Rafe." Sparkle reached for his hand and entwined their fingers.

  "Damned fool Nebraskan, out to get his head blown off. Just like you said. But a big man, all the same. Not some plug-ugly a woman won't let near her."

  Sparkle had been ready to leave town that very night. She'd decided to let him speak his peace, then ask him to see her to the depot. Say her farewells to Ruby Ann and Brenda, give back the wedding band, set off to make a fresh start in yet another cow town. She'd never expected this story, or the tenderness it inspired. She slid her free arm up around his neck and spoke gently.

  "You don't need to prove you're a man. Deep down, you know you don't have to prove anything, don't you?"

  He released her fingers. "Knowin' it and livin' it are two different things."

  She said nothing for a long moment, then rested her hand on the front of his shirt, silently willing the scar and everything beneath it to heal.

  Rafe instantly both stiffened and relaxed. His muscles went rigid beneath her fingertips, yet he closed his eyes and let a small sigh escape his lips. Sparkle had never seen anyone react in quite that way. He seemed to both welcome and deplore her gesture. "I'm sorry." She drew her palm away. "Does that distress you?"

  Rafe's eyes were still closed. He groped for her hand and put it back against his chest. "Naw, it's just that for a long time now, I thought no gal would ever want to touch me like that. Especially not one who knows."
He hadn't opened his eyes. "You are touchin' me right over it? Can't always be sure about what I feel there."

  "Yes, I am. Can you feel this?" She turned her face and leaned closer, pressing her lips to his. They'd kissed several times, but he'd always initiated contact. This time she kissed him, and his response was immediate. Both arms wrapped around her waist and he pulled her back with him onto the mattress. He groaned as his mouth and tongue took total possession of hers.

  His hand slid along her ribcage to cup one breast. The nipple puckered under his rough palm. Sparkle had nothing beneath the thin cotton robe. If he undid the buttons, he could have her naked in half a second.

  And suddenly she wanted that. She was dying to feel his hands on her bare skin. Hadn't she wanted it, longed for it, even back in the hall earlier? Hadn't that been the true reason she hadn't covered herself when he'd torn her dress? Hadn't some wicked part of her yearned for his hands to reach out and claim her?

  Admit it, Sparkle. You want him. You've always wanted him, in the most unladylike way possible.

  She tore her lips from his and stared into his eyes, which were open now and burning into hers. "Would…would you lock the door and take your gun off?"

  She didn't have to ask twice. She blew out the lamp and they silently disrobed. Sparkle slipped beneath the covers first and waited, her breath catching as Rafe stripped off his jeans and she felt the mattress dip.

  His voice was husky with emotion when he spoke in the darkness. "Free mare ain't the same horse once she's saddle broke, darlin'. You're offerin' somethin' only one man can ever take from you. If I take it, nobody can ever give it back. You understand that?"

  "Yes."

  "Most times the gal wants it to mean somethin'. Reckon this time I want it to mean somethin'. It will to me."

  Sparkle swallowed, thrilled yet a little daunted by what he'd revealed. "It's my first time, but I understand."

  "Do you?" A rough palm reached to caress her cheek. "Ain't never had a steady gal. You're already the closest to that, with folks thinkin' we're married. Things won't ever be the same afterward. Don't be tellin' yourself this will quench my thirst, cause there's a good chance I'll only want you more."

  "Is that bad?"

  "It might be. Maybe you should think on it. You're a damned pretty gal. There's plenty of men."

  "Did you really miss me? Being close together and talking?" He didn't answer, but reached to pull her into his arms. She felt the answer. Even half drugged and in pain, he'd wanted to hold her. Even half angry and unsure what to do next, she wanted to be there in his embrace. Her doubts began to dissolve; the feeling this next step had been inevitable solidified.

  "I think we're already friends. You lied before when you said we weren't. I need my friend tonight, Rafe. You."

  He took a deep breath. "Where'd you hide the sheepgut that gal from across the way gave you?"

  She hesitated, realizing she'd completely forgotten about this bizarre part of the ritual. "In my top drawer. But I don't…I mean…"

  "What's the matter? You change your mind? If you ain't ready…"

  "No, it's just…Wait—you surely must—Oh, how silly of me," she gushed in relief. "Of course, you know what to do with it."

  He snorted a soft wheezing laugh and got up to rifle through her drawer. "Yep. I know what to do with it. It's a man thing, won't bother you. I just can't find it. Ah, here we go."

  He was back in the bed a moment later, lean hips pressed to her lower body boldly as he gathered her against him and kissed her. It was incredible, this new sensation. Skin rubbing against bare skin. Rafe's tongue stroking hers, his hands moving over her, awakening her nerves, leaving her tingling and wanting more.

  She gasped as his lips left hers and moved down to tease one of her nipples. "Rafe."

  His answer came in a reassuring whisper. "Any gal who ain't afraid of my gun pressed against her shouldn't be afraid of my lips, either. I won't hurt you, darlin'. You'll like it. Relax and give me a minute to show you."

  His tongue swirled over the bud. Sparkle clenched her thighs together and gripped his shoulders with both hands, relaxing her taut fingers as his mouth melted any last resistance. The feel of his lips on her breast was foreign, but exciting. Pleasurable. He'd been right. She liked the feel of his tongue sliding so wet and hot over her flesh.

  She stretched her arms out at her sides and inhaled, lifting her ribcage. "You're right. This is…wonderful. Don't ever let me forget how this part feels."

  "Darlin', all the parts feel damn good. But don't worry," he chuckled, flicking his tongue across a taut nipple. "I'm real fond of this myself. You'll have to fight to keep me away from your little beauties."

  She tried to sit up. "Oh. They're small, though. The other girls are all so buxom. Mine are—"

  "Perfect." He drew first almost an entire globe, then just the stiffened crest between his lips. He latched onto the nipple, tugging slightly as his tongue teased the nub. Sparkle caught her bottom lip between her teeth. "Sensitive and perfect," he murmured. "Don't hold your reactions in, Sparkle. Show me. Tell me when you like somethin'. There's so much to like."

  He kissed and caressed every part of her. He was patient, teaching her delights she hadn't guessed were possible. Then he rolled onto his side and turned her to face away from him. "The way we were sleepin' last night, like two spoons. Lie just like that. Be easier on you this way."

  Sparkle remembered too vividly the feel of his hardness against her bottom. It was there again, but this time the tip of his arousal probed and separated her flesh. Now she knew exactly what Rafe had secretly imagined as he lay beside her the night before. He'd imagined making love to her this way. The thought made her tremble.

  His breath was warm on her shoulder. Coaxing her softly, he began to tease her nipples once more with both hands. She moaned openly and arched her back, unable to stop herself from wantonly offering her backside. Rafe bent one knee and forced his muscular thigh between hers. Cocking his hips, he sent his erect manhood up to stroke her lower region, making her tissues swell and stretch. Her body wanted to close around him, she knew it instinctively, yet the thought frightened her. She knew the first time brought pain.

  He teased and toyed with her nipples, commanding her to wrap her leg up over his. His lips branded fiery kisses on her shoulder and neck. She heard the insistent low growling of a mountain lion and discovered the sound came from her own throat. Her hands rose to grip his as they clasped and massaged her breasts, but he pulled free. She felt his hands move down to her hipbones.

  "Ease back against me now." He held her pelvis and guided her, pulling back and down as he thrust forward and up. She sobbed as something tore and he abruptly filled her, stretching her, worsening the ache.

  "Rafe," she hissed his name in something close to terror.

  "It's all right, darlin'. Stay still, I'll help ease it." He didn't move his hips, but used his fingers—God, but they were talented fingers!—to renew her desire. The pain of his bold intrusion dissolved in moments, lusty need taking its place.

  Need for what, she couldn't have said. She only knew she wanted something desperately and only he could give it. "Rafe, I feel so peculiar. Bunched up. It doesn't hurt now, but I want to tear my own skin off. Am I crazy? Is it supposed to be like this?"

  "Just hang on, sweetheart." He began to move then. Easily at first, sliding smoothly in and out until Sparkle picked up the rhythm and began to move, too. His languid strokes brought heightened arousal rippling through her body from its very core. Every inch of her tingled. And there, where Rafe was rubbing so sweetly, so hotly…Sparkle gasped as unexpected spirals of pulsations burst from the center of her body.

  Rafe pivoted slightly and kissed her deeply. He waited until her climax subsided, then cajoled her onto her back. "You still with me, darlin'? Hurt gone?" He was lying fully on top of her. His arousal hadn't abated, she discovered as his pelvis rocked against hers once more. He withdrew completely, then filled her again. "Spa
rkle?"

  "The pain's gone," she whispered. "I feel like…kissing you in the dark alone here in my bed all night now," she teased, recalling how she'd forbidden it before. Her arms slid around his neck and she kissed him wantonly, feeling braver, more sure of what was happening now.

  Rafe had never tasted a sweeter woman. Hadn't felt this hot and randy since his teens. His strokes were harder and deeper now. She didn't resist, but moaned and clung to him, arching upward. He'd waited so long, wanted her so much, but she was worth it. Better than his torrid dreams back at the ranch in his bunk. Hotter than he'd dared to imagine.

  She slid her hands over his lean flanks and he cursed. He'd lose control soon. He wanted to pleasure her, ensure she wouldn't fear a man's needs. He'd given her a climax, but held his own back. He wasn't sure he could rein in his passions much longer. She was ready for him, meeting his thrusts, clutching at his ass with both hands.

  "Go on and take me," he panted. "All of me…Take me, Sparkle. Deeper. Put your legs around my waist." Her legs encircled him. She clasped him to her, and Rafe had never felt so weak and mortal—or been so glad of it. Her bed would be a fine place to die.

  "Tarnation, but you're an incredible place for a man to lose himself, LaFleur." The first pulsations of his orgasm took him plummeting over the brink of sanity. He gulped for air, shuddering, and gave a final deep thrust.

  Sparkle's fingers tensed on his buttocks and she cried out beneath him. He moved to lave a taut nipple, then collapsed, gathering his wits and breath.

  His voice was rough to his own ears. "You let me put my brand on you. That makes you my woman now. Catch you pantin' and moanin' like that under anybody else, I'll aim straight for his heart. And I don't miss like Bowlegs Barker."

  "You're crazy."

  "Yeah, about you. But you're too damned fine to share." He patted her hip and rose from the bed. "Be right back." He unlocked the door and slipped into the hall.