“Come on, have a sit and rest awhile.”
Pushing the weird feeling away, she walked over and sat. “Dev?”
“Yes, Madeline?”
“Do you really think it’s normal for us to sit naked in a cave on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere and watch...” Her gaze swiveled to the TV, “…Oprah?”
“Well, what do you think is normal, Miss Sayers?” Amusement flowed in his words. “I can change the channel, if you want?”
She took a swig of her drink and looked over at him for a long moment. “Yeah, how about a movie?” Devon clicked the remote as she took another drink. Setting her beer on the side table, she tucked her legs under her and curled up next to him as he placed his arm around her.
This is surprisingly pleasant and comfortable. Amazingly, her whole body relaxed, and Madeline closed her eyes. “Forever,” she murmured with contentment while she remained tucked neatly under his arm.
“Forever is a long time, Maddy,” he whispered to her hair.
CHAPTER FOUR
Madeline sat upright in the silk-sheeted bed and looked around. “Dev?” The cave remained silent. He left again. “It figures.”
“What figures?” Devon stood at the end of the bed. He wore leather Indian pants, and two painted stripes swiped his cheeks.
Mystified by yet another sudden appearance by this man, Madeline paused, but the way he was dressed derailed her wondering. “You’re dressed like an Indian.”
“Yes, Madeline.” He grinned.
“Why?”
“I’m supposed to show up at an event.” Devon faced away from her, and she saw the vibrant, multicolored swirl decorating his bare back.
“What is that?”
Without an answer, he went over to the kitchen. “How do you like your eggs?”
“What?” Madeline’s brain could not catch up with the conversation as she remembered the same symbol from the flyers at the post and realized the similarity to the ones painted on Phoebe’s box.
Devon chuckled and flipped some eggs in the pan. “Over medium, it is!” He set the plate on the table.
Madeline drew the sheet closer and tucked it in around her chest.
“Come on, it’ll get cold.”
On the table sat juice, coffee, pancakes and eggs. “You cooked for me?” She gazed at the beautiful buffet of food and sat at the table.
“Why, yes. You really cooked for me yesterday. I figured I could cook for you this morning.”
Her head rose, and a strange tightening squeezed at her chest with the smile and the twinkle sparkling from his eyes.
“What’s the matter; you hate eggs, right?” Devon turned away and grabbed a mug. “Dammit, I knew I should’ve served fruit instead.” He poured coffee into his cup and sat down across from her. “You can still eat the pancakes.”
At a total loss from the effects of all the newfound emotions, Madeline avoided his penetrating gaze.
He frowned, appearing concerned. “Are you okay?”
Stifling her nervousness, she raised her glass and took a sip. “It all looks wonderful.” She could barely swallow the orange juice due to the lump in her throat.
Devon sipped his coffee and studied her.
She suddenly felt hungry and steadily worked on the food.
“Good?”
Madeline nodded and wiped her mouth with her napkin.
Devon came around the table and lifted her from the chair, tearing away the sheet, baring her to his gaze. Drawing in a deep breath, she looked into his dark eyes as he lifted her to his chest and her breasts met with hot, smooth skin. Setting her to the floor, he smoothed his hands over her nipples, and they hardened under his warm palms. Lowering his lips, he latched onto one while supporting her back.
His mouth, it’s like a hot brand. She basked in the sensation of his hot mouth on her skin as he switched to the other breast and circled his tongue around it.
He raised his head and gazed into her eyes. “Your skin was made just for me to taste.”
Oh, how I want this man, Madeline realized with a jolt. I have never wanted anything like I want him. Not even all the deals I’ve ever made.
Stepping back, Devon gave her a warm smile that made her feel weak all over again. She wanted to feel nothing, but a twisted ball of emotion grew inside her. What the hell is the matter with me? He turned away and she couldn’t stop the sudden emptiness as it climbed in and clenched at her chest. This is ridiculous. Tugging at the sheet with a frustrated huff, she tucked it back around her.
Devon held out a long dress on a wooden hanger.
“And, what is that?” she asked, wincing at the nervous squeak in her voice. Snap out of it, Maddy!
“It’s for you.”
“What do you mean?”
Devon stepped closer. “It’s for you to wear.”
She reached out to touch it and her hands shook. “It’s an Indian dress?”
“Good guess!” He laughed. “Put in on.”
The marvelous hum of his chuckle caused a flutter in her throat. “I don’t know, Dev.”
“You don’t know?” He tilted his head.
“I’ve never worn leather.” Madeline studied it. A strange twinkling glittered from all around the seams. Devon let out a vigorous laugh.
Her gaze shot up just in time to see him doubled over with hilarity. “What’s so funny?”
“It’s not that kind of leather.” He swiped at his tears.
“You know what I meant.” She grabbed the dress from his hands.
“Yes, but I just got an image of you in that kind of leather.” His laughter faded, and his expression changed. “And it was really hot leather.”
Her distraction over the dress caused her to miss his meaning entirely. She’d never seen one like it before. The light fawn color was so unusual, and the material was soft, like suede. “What is sewn into the seams?” she asked, holding it higher to see it better. The hem was decorated with shiny gems. ”Are these what I think they are?”
“Yes, at least a hundred tiny diamonds.”
“A diamond dress?”
He swiped a leftover tear. “Yeah.”
“And you want me to wear it?”
“Yes.”
She dropped the sheet. “Okay.” Hesitant, she gazed suspiciously over at him.
He crossed his arms over his bare chest, thoroughly enjoying the nude conversation. “What?”
“It’s not a...” Her voice trailed away.
Devon reluctantly drew his eyes from her delicious body. “Not a what?”
“You know? A funny dress?”
His smiling stopped. “Funny?”
“Yeah, funny, like the lightning water?”
“What? So, you think I just want to get you all horny again?” he teased.
Madeline gulped. “Yes...I mean—no!”
Laughter erupted from him again. “I’m guilty, though. I really do want you to get all worked up. So hot and so—“
“Stop that!” she shouted. “I mean it. I just want to know what the hell is happening!”
“Yes, there is something happening.” Devon took a careful, measured step toward her. “The truth is? In a way—it’s an extremely serious dress. A wedding dress.”
“A what?”
“Yes, I want you to be…” he paused.
Madeline gave in to the panic and jumped all the way back to the table.
He grinned at her. “Oh, I see that really scared you.”
“Scared?” she sputtered back.
“Yeah, I suppose you weren’t ready for this.”
“Ready?” she repeated in a shrill voice.
Devon shook his head with a smile. “Well, you see, um...” Stepping back, he looped his hands behind his back. “I want you to be my bride.”
“Bride?” Madeline repeated, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.
“I thought you felt the same way.”
Her chest constricted again. “The same way?”
�
��Do you realize you are repeating back everything I say?” Humor sparkled from his eyes.
“I’m just in shock. I mean, I’ve only known you for...” Madeline gulped.
“Forever.”
Astounded, her mouth fell open.
“Drop the dress, Maddy.”
Her fingers obeyed, and the dress fell to the floor.
Devon tugged her to him and lowered his face to hers, his hot mouth smothering hers, their tongues melding together.
Her heart pounded wildly as breathless exhilaration swept through her. He rubbed his hands over her arms and warm wetness squeezed out between her thighs from just a simple touch of his hands.
He removed his lips and hands. “See?”
“Yes, but how can this be?”
“It just is.” Devon stood back.
The sense of loss enveloped her again, as her gaze followed him. What the hell?
Halting at the cave door, he faced her again. “I know I didn’t get down on bended knee, and no long stint of dating occurred.”
She drew closer, drawn by his words.
“But, sometimes in this world, Maddy, something happens, and it’s unexpected.”
It was Phoebe’s very words—she put her hand over her mouth.
“I will wait for a short while, and I know it’s not really enough time for you to consider something like this. But you’ve made your most successful business deals in less time.” He left the cave.
“How did he know all that?”
Is this even real—am I dreaming?
She spun around in a bewildered circle, light-headed. A mural-sized drawing on the far cave wall caught her attention. It was Devon, riding a horse, flying toward clouds. She studied the strange word written beneath it. Ananza? That woman at the post said I experienced Ananza.
Devon’s horse whinnied from outside the cave, and she remembered him extending his hand to her from its back. “Afraid?”
She clutched the diamond dress a little too tight, her knuckles going white. I am scared. The realization floored her. I’m terrified! Defiance rose as she tugged the dress over her head. “He doesn’t scare me, dammit. No one does this to me!” When she smoothed the dress down, it fit perfectly, as though made for her. “Made just for me.” Devon’s sensuous words when he’d kissed her earlier.
“He’s just messing with me, again.” He likes to scare me. I think he gets off by pushing me just to see what I’ll do. Like the previous night, when he’d taunted her and whispered into her ear while she was out of control from the aphrodisiac pool. It’s only a dare, right?
She went over to the mirror, picked up a brush and ran it through her hair furiously as her defiance grew.
We’ll see who is afraid! “I’m ready!” she called out.
CHAPTER FIVE
Hualapai Forest Trail
At the horse’s struggling endeavor on the rocky slope, Madeline clasped her hands tightly around Devon’s waist. She loved the feel of his hard body next to hers. Hanging onto him, she felt as if her body wanted to melt into him. Different sensations assailed her senses, and the pine scent of his silky black hair was exhilarating. The heat from his smooth skin penetrated through the leather dress.
During the long horseback ride, every nerve in her body was piqued with a life all its own, tingling with constant anticipation as though her body literally yearned for contact with him.
After the rather treacherous rocky climb downward went on for a while, the horse made it to the bottom and righted itself.
“It’s okay now. It just got a little steep,” Devon reassured her.
The landscape had altered considerably from a stark, dry desert to a forest-filled wonder. A brilliant, emerald green glimmered from all around as trees shrouded a sparkling river. The pine-scented air soothed her skin with a soft, cooling caress.
“Where are we?” she asked with a dazed lilt in her voice.
“Near my first home.”
Madeline looked all around. “What happened to the desert hell?”
He smiled. “We left it.”
“Well, shit, how long did I sleep?”
“Maddy, why do you use that language?”
Mystified, she sat up straighter. “What language, English?”
He shook his head and maneuvered the powerful black stallion through some heavy boulders. Devon tugged the reins and halted the horse. He swiftly jumped down, grabbed her waist and set her to the ground.
Madeline gawked at the landscape overflowing with trees and flowers. The river bubbled with a chiming quality, the sound rippling along the banks like a calming melody. “No really, Dev, where the fuc—”
Devon whistled at her. “We’re in the Hualapai, and this is the Colorado.” He motioned to the river. “The land of the tall pines.”
“What are you, an Indian guide?”
Wearing an amused expression, he shook his head and walked along a path in front of the shimmering river.
“Wait, where are you—?”
“Shh.” Devon placed a finger to his lips and strolled away.
Her legs wobbled like jelly from the long, hard ride as she followed and saw him sit down beneath the trees.
He hooked his finger at her and pointed at his lap.
Madeline sat down and scooted backward until her back met with his chest.
With a sigh, he wrapped his arms around her, leaning his chin on her shoulder.
They looked out at the flowing river in reverent, shaded silence for about ten minutes. Madeline had never experienced such a peaceful thing. She drew in a fresh, pine-scented breath and simply allowed the peaceful serenity of her surroundings to soothe her.
“Maddy?” he spoke against her ear.
She shivered at his hot breath. “Oh? So, we can talk now?”
“Yes, big mouth, but keep it low.”
Madeline smiled at his teasing.
“What do you want from life, Maddy?” When her body stiffened in his arms, he laughed. “Oh, it’s that complicated, huh?”
“Yes, it might be.” Uncertainty overwhelmed her and she lowered her head. “What’s happening, Dev?”
He gave no answer as he suckled the skin along her neck and caressed her breasts through the dress.
“Mmm,” she moaned low as he lifted her dress. “Oh, no, you can’t.”
Devon did not reply as he tugged the dress up and over her head.
Frantic, she hugged her arms over her bare chest. “We’re outside, Dev!”
“I want to see you in the daylight.” He stood her upright.
Nervous and huddling down, she gasped. “What if someone sees?” Hearing a swooshing sound, she gaped at his leather pants when they landed at her feet. Devon nudged her toward the cool water, but she faltered at the edge.
“Come on, it’s simple river water,” he assured her and pulled her in, towing her into the flowing current. He lay back in the water and floated, holding her across his outstretched body.
“Dev! What the hell are you doing?”
“Shh, do you see the colors?”
She relaxed back against him and peered up at the sunlight slanting through the trees and the green of the leaves changing hues. They drifted along faster and faster, until the greens in the glimmering sun blended with the blue of the sky. A few stark, white clouds appeared, and the vision became a kaleidoscope of blended colors.
“Yes.” Admiration of the natural illusion overwhelmed her senses.
“If you really look, you can see all the colors of the world.”
At the familiar expression, she bolted upright. “What?”
“Maddy, don’t, we will—” They spun sideways, his hands slipped away, and her head dunked under the water. She was stolen from him by a strong, relentless current. Show you all the true colors of the world. Remembering Phoebe’s words, she struggled to swim upward while the water grew darker and deeper. I’m going to drown. Water filled her mouth and nose as the river swirled around her.
Madeline opened
her eyes to a concerned looking Devon. Pine needles pinched at her bare skin when he rolled her onto her stomach. His hands pushed at her ribs with a forceful, forward motion, and water rushed out of her onto the forest floor. Coughing, she struggled for air, wheezing as the last bit of water trickled from her mouth.
His hand smoothed her wet hair. “I’m sorry, Maddy.”
She coughed again and released a massive sigh. “My fault, I just can’t go with...” She pulled at another breath, “…the flow.”
Devon chuckled at the clever gist of her words. “Yes, this is all new to you, I suppose.”
She winced at the pine needles pricking her skin. “Oww.”
He lifted her up. “Aww, this isn’t good.” He carefully picked the pine from her bare skin. “Always in...”
“Trouble?” she finished for him, her voice raspy.
“Yes.” He grinned.
“But, you’re always there to get me out of it.” Madeline winked at him.
His smile fell away as he concentrated on removing the needles from her belly. “Maddy, I’m not what you think.”
“Oh, yeah?”
He nodded as his fingers brushed some more pine from her thighs.
“You mean you are not the wonderful, good-looking man who wants to marry me?” Her voice sounded a little strained.
“Well, I don’t know about the good-looking part.”
“So, the proposal was just a joke, right?”
His eyes darted to hers. “Hell no!”
“So, what are you, then?”
He looked into her eyes. “I don’t know if you can understand.”
“Are you an outlaw?”
“No,” he scoffed.
“You’re already married?” Panic shot through her at the possibility.
“No!”
“Then, you are not Devon... um?” She met his eyes. “What is your last name, anyway? ‘Cause if I’m gonna marry you, I should know what name I’m gonna carry.”
Devon looked directly at her. “I guess I don’t have one.”
“You don’t have one?” Her tone rang with sarcasm. “Is it gonna be Madeline No-Name, or what?”
Gazing up at the boughs of the trees, he winced at her joke. “Yeah, I guess I do have one.”
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