The Payment

by Mysty McPartland

  ELEVEN

  Only when he felt his flesh start to turn chilly did Dane move. His hand slid over his wife’s back and he waited for her to lift her head. He didn’t know how she would react, and he felt a little worried that she might just start screaming or shoot him for practically forcing himself on her. He grimaced. Hell, what else could she expect? Seeing her naked, he couldn’t have stopped himself.

  Reluctantly lifting her head, India’s gaze met her husband’s. She felt embarrassed and ashamed over her wanton behavior. However, when she saw the wariness and guilt in his eyes, she let out a breath. She hid her surprise over why he felt the way he did, but it also pleased her.

  “Are you all right sweetheart?” Dane asked when she lifted her head and looked at him. The breath he’d been holding slipped out of him, and he lifted his hand and cupped her cheek when he saw her eyes held no anger.

  “Yes well that certainly took me by surprise.” India whispered and felt her face warm, but she smiled when he chuckled.

  Dane pulled her mouth to meet his. “Mmm surprising but very, very satisfying.” He whispered before his mouth covered hers in a gentle kiss after lifting her mouth away he grinned at her. “Now though it’s time we return to camp, and I just hope our dinner isn’t ruined.”

  Dreamily, India slid off him and a little embarrassed over her nakedness she quickly found her clothes and started dressing.

  His hopes now high, Dane picked up his jeans and pulled them on, he couldn’t be happier or more relieved. His wife did seem upset or angry, and he now felt a little optimistic that their marriage just might work after all. Hell, he hoped so; he wanted her even more now after making love to her. Well shortly, he would know whether they might possibly have a future or not.

  Finished dressing, India turned back to Dane and saw him staring at the creek waiting patiently for her to finish. A small smile carved her mouth. She couldn’t help thinking that after the intimacy they just shared, it seemed a little late now for such discretion. “Shall we go back now?” She asked as she bent over to pick up her bags.

  Dane spun around, his eyes moved over his wife quickly and grinned, he reached out, scooped up the bags before she could, and started to walk back to camp. There were so many things he wanted to say and ask her, but he would wait until they finished with supper.

  For a moment India watched her husband walk away and admired the sight of his firm buttocks incased in his tight denims. Letting out a sigh she slowly followed. She knew now after having shared such intimacy that he would never let her go, and she suddenly realized she didn’t want to leave. She didn’t know how deep this attraction is between them but for the moment, she grew resigned to the fact that she wanted to give their marriage a chance.

  Back at camp, Dane placed her bags down, hunkered down in front of the fire, and grunted when he saw their dinner was still edible. He pulled the pot off the fire and went to reach for the plates. Surprised when his wife handed them to him with a spoon, he gave her a quick grin took them and dished up their dinner.

  After handing her husband their plates, she sat down on the stump. When he handed her a plate of beans, she took it with a shy smile. Nervously, India quickly ate her dinner, she wanted their future discussed and decided.

  Swiftly finishing his own meal, Dane placed the empty plate down beside his right boot before he turned to his wife. “India I know how angry and unhappy you are over being forced into this marriage. I can understand why you ran away, but I want you to decide what you want. Decide to give our marriage a chance, to have a future together because I don’t want to continue the way we have been.”

  He looked away and dragged his fingers through his hair before he turned back to face her. “I know what I did earlier was wrong, and I should have waited but hell. I’ve wanted you from the moment, I first saw you, and I truly want our marriage to work.”

  While her husband spoke, India could see his sincerity and she heard his honesty and knew it must be hard for this rough cowboy to say such things. Her head tilted to the side, she gazed at him thoughtfully. It pleased her that he now gave her a chance to decide what she wanted, and it made her heart flutter over hearing him say he wanted their marriage to work and have a future together.

  She already made her decision. However, for a few moments she contemplated a future with this man and grew even more positive, it would be the right choice. Placing her plate down on the ground, she rose to her feet and went to stand in front of him holding out her hand. “I would like that also Dane I would like for us to give our marriage a chance and have a future together.”

  His heart pounding in his chest when his wife didn’t speak up, warily he watched as she stood up and came towards him. His heart soared when she stood in front him and held out her hand. When she started speaking, his own hand lifted and taking hers, he held it tightly. When she finished talking, he gave her hand a little tug, and she tumbled onto his lap.

  Wrapping his arms around her, his mouth went to the corner of her mouth and nibbled tenderly. “I promise sweetheart you will never regret it.”

  A little gasp escaped her as she found herself sprawled over his thighs. India wiggled into a better position and sighed in pleasure as his lips played at the corner of her mouth. She lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck. “Mmm,” Was all she managed to answer as she felt herself once again yearning for the pleasure that this man could give her.

  Not needing another hint when he heard his wife’s soft reply Dane lifted his head, rose to his feet. He carried her over to the bedroll. He knelt down and placed her upon the blanket; lying down beside her, he took her into his arms and his mouth claimed hers in a hot consuming kiss. His heart felt light and he has never felt happier now that his wife finally agreed to give their marriage a chance.

  He broke the kiss and his mouth hovered over hers. His hand came up and buried in her hair. “This time, my beautiful wife, I’m going to take my time. I’m going to love you long and slow.” He whispered before his mouth once again covered hers in a hot consuming kiss.

  India gave a soft whimper in anticipation, her tongue danced with his as she felt the fire inside her gather momentum. The future, their marriage no longer mattered to her. What mattered is finding the blissful rapture in her husband’s arms once more.

  Dane kept his promise and now he lay with his wife sleeping in his arms. He felt extremely satisfied and immensely pleased. Their marriage might not have started out right, but now he grew positive they would be happy together. He could envision a bright and happy life together, one he wanted filled with happiness and love.

  A vision of his brother’s faces swiftly crossed his mind and a little of his happiness faded. For a time, he forgot all about his brothers but now remembering them, he knew he would definitely have a fight on his hands. He also realized he would have to tell his wife about his brothers and the confrontation she would have to face when they arrive home.

  He just hoped she didn’t change her mind. He wouldn’t blame her if she did. The boys were unquestionably going to be nasty and downright mean when they met his wife. He could only pray it would not come down to making a choice because God help him, he didn’t think he could choose, not now. He would find it impossible to give up his wife or leave his brothers and he hoped with all his heart it will not come down to him having to choose between them. It would tear him apart.

  TWELVE

  Near noon Dane decided to stop for lunch, he also knew the time came to tell his wife what to expect when they reached home. Just thinking about what he needed to tell her made his stomach knot. He pulled up his horse and dismounted. Dropping the reins, he went to his wife, lifted her out of the saddle, and placed her feet on the ground.

  Unable to resist, he kept his hands around her waist and lowering his head, he gave her a long lingering kiss before he let her go. Turning away, he went over to his saddlebags and pulled out some cheese and apples. He lifted the canteen off the saddle and went to join his wife o
n the fallen log.

  Bemused over her husband’s kiss, India sat on the log and sighed. She watched him from beneath her lashes and thought just how good looking he is, and even though he was big and powerful he had only touched her with gentleness. She felt her face warm as she remembered their lovemaking last night and this morning. Lord, it had been glorious, and she felt her stomach flutter just thinking about what they shared.

  Dane joined his wife and sat down next to her. He handed her some cheese and an apple, he ignored his own food; his stomach too twisted to eat. Hell there is no sense putting it off, it wasn’t going to change anything or get any easier. He blew out a breath. “India before we catch up with Tuff and Jasper, I think I better tell you about my brothers”

  After biting into her apple India turned to her husband and frowned. He looked so worried; she felt a tremor of fear race through her. Whatever he wanted to tell her must be ominous and she could only answer him with a curt nod.

  Hell this is far harder than he thought it would be. Dane turned away from her wary eyes and looked over the empty land. “Well yah see once our mother left, our father, Tuff, and Wong Li bought us up. Ever since our father died, Tuff and Wong Li are our fathers now. It’s just been us boys for so long and since our mother walked out there has never been another woman around.”

  “I see, just how many brothers are you talking about?” So far, India didn’t think she heard anything to worry her. She did feel sorry for her husband and his brothers over their mother abandoning them.

  Dane cleared his throat before he continued. “There are eight of us all together.”

  India chocked on her apple, managing to swallow it, she eyed her husband in astonishment. “Good Lord. Eight?” She muttered.

  His head turning, Dane couldn’t help grin over the stunned look on her face. “Yep eight, Jeff and Devon were adopted by our father.”

  Still stunned, India could only shake her head. Good grief eight men, no make that ten she couldn’t forget their fathers.

  “There might be a little trouble when we reach home. You see since our Ma walked out, we swore that there would never be another woman living in our house.” Dane hurried on hoping to finish the explanation quickly.

  Oh, oh this doesn’t sound good India thought, no it didn’t sound good at all. “I see.”

  Dane shifted uncomfortably on the log and drew his eyes away from his wife’s intent ones. “Damn it, it’s like this sweetheart, the boys are not going to be happy to know I’ve married or when they see you. They're going to pitch a fit.”

  Her lashes lowering, India drew in a harsh breath then opened her eyes. “I don’t think I truly understand the situation.”

  His eyes going back to hers, Dane reached for her hand and squeezed it lightly. “Our Ma is an absolute bitch. The only thing she thought about was herself and her lovers. Once our baby brother Tye was born, she took off. We haven’t heard from her or seen her since. She made our life hell before she left.” He could not tell his wife exactly what their Ma did, it was too shameful and to horrible.

  The pain and loathing in her husband’s golden eyes were easy to see and hear in his voice. Her hand came up, and she cupped his cheek. No matter what that woman might have done to her sons, determined India would not let the woman ruin what future she might have with this man. If forced to face so many mean and nasty men, so be it. “I see. Are you trying to tell me that your brothers aren’t going to be ecstatic when they see me and welcome with open arms?”

  His breath blowing out of him, Dane lifted his hand and covered hers. He nearly smiled over her teasing words and the laughter shining in her eyes. “No they’re probably going to give you hell, curse and be downright mean. I’m sorry I’ll understand if you want to change your mind. Hell I would if I were you.” Yet he prayed and hoped she wouldn’t.

  “Mmm, one woman and ten women hating men under one roof? Doesn’t sound very pleasant does it? Well husband, I guess I’ve got my work cut out for me. Don’t worry, it’ll be a snap, ten men will be easy to conquer.” India teased but in her heart, she grew apprehensive and all she could do is hope she might survive the coming ordeal, and it would not destroy her marriage.

  Dane dropped his hand from hers, wrapped her in his arms, and crushed her tightly up against him. “Nine sweetheart. There’s only nine left you’ve already conquered this one.”

  India burrowed her face in her husband’s shoulder. She wondered in amazement just what madness she so eagerly stepped into. She shuddered to think how her husband’s brothers were going to react when they saw her and learned that he had married her.

  After cuddling his wife for a few more minutes, Dane lifted her away and smiled crookedly he placed a kiss on her brow. “Come on sweetheart, we still have some riding to do before we catch up with Tuff and Jasper.” He let her go and gained his feet. Grasping her hand, he helped her to her feet and drew her over to her horse. He let go of her hand and placing his hands on her waist lifted her up on to her horse.

  “It’s going to be all right sweetheart. I’m sure once the boys get over their initial anger, they’ll welcome you.” He tried to look confident but inside his stomach knotted in dread knowing exactly how his brothers were going to react when they saw his wife.

  India didn’t believe her husband’s confident words, by the little he said to her, she knew, deep down, he wasn’t telling her the whole truth. She knew why he felt the need to liar to her and couldn’t be angry over it, she also wondered just what sought of woman their mother was, and what terrible things could she have done to her sons.

  She felt certain there is a lot more to her husbands’ and brothers feelings that he wasn’t telling her. Well, if she managed to survive the first meeting with the bunch of women hating men she might just find out exactly why they hated their mother so much. Whatever might have happened she knew it would probably not be easy to win the bunch of them over.

  For a moment, she wondered why she should even bother, but her gaze went to her husband’s broad back and she sighed in resignation. No matter what happened, she would fight for her marriage and her husband. The only thing that would stop her is if her husband’s brothers forced him to choose. If they did, she would leave. She might be starting to care for her husband, but she would never come between him and his family. He would only hate her in the end if she did.

  THIRTEEN

  Dane forced his brothers and his homecoming from his head and the last two days were the happiest in his life. Now though he knew that within a few short hours it would be all over. He saw Tuff and Jasper’s wagons up ahead, and he knew they would be arriving in Sherman and soon be home.

  He wished he could have more time with his wife, the bond between them is there, but it isn’t as strong as he would have wished it to be. Well he couldn’t do anything about it now but hope like hell his wife and his marriage will endure the coming confrontation with his brothers.

  Her stomach muscles tightening, India also saw the wagon’s up ahead and by the stiffness of her husbands’ body knew they were nearly at their destination. She wished she knew how to ease his tension, but she doubted anything she could possibly say or do would lighten the fact that they were soon going to face nine angry men.

  Tuff saw the dust out the corner of his eye and turned his head. He frowned when he saw the two riders coming towards him. Well, it seemed the boy caught up with his wife, now he just hoped Dane and the woman finally sorted out their differences. He would hate them to arrive home with anger between them. The other boys will latch on to it quick smart.

  As they drew closer, he let out a sigh when he saw Dane lean over, whisper to his wife, and saw her smile. Well, I’ll be danged, the boy did it. He grinned when they reached him. “Bout time yah both got here, we’ll be in Sherman shortly.”

  India blushed when she felt the old man’s twinkling eyes on her and his broad knowing grin. It only made the blush already warming her face grow even warmer. And all because her husband mentione
d what he would like to do when they reached home and she took a hot bath. Drat the man. “Tuff do you mind if I ride with you? I’m a little saddle sore.” She asked him, she wanted a chance to apologize to him, and she smiled in relief when he nodded and pulled the wagon to a stop.

  Dane swung down from his saddle and lifted his wife off her horse and onto the wagon. Once he tied her horse to the back of the wagon, he swung back onto his horse and rode ahead of the wagons.

  Tuff started the wagon moving and eyed the gal out the corner of his eye. “I see you and the boy have sorted things out.”

  “Yes we have. Tuff, I would like to apologize for my behavior and hope you will forgive me.” India spoke but kept her gaze on her husband’s stiff broad back and frowned. “Tuff, Dane told me what to expect when we arrive home, and I want you to promise me that if he is forced to choose between me and his brothers you’ll help me leave.” She swung around to look at him and smiled sadly when she saw the shock on his face.

  Tuff was right pleased with the gal's apology he felt relieved that Dane finally told her about his brothers and what to expect. He couldn’t hide his surprise though over her request and shifting the reins into one hand he rubbed his whiskered chin thoughtfully. “Well now that’s a mighty big thing yah asking me to do. I doubt I could tear the boy's heart out by helping yah leave.”

  India reached over, grasped his arm, and gazed at him pleadingly. “It would tear his heart out to choose. Please just think about it.”

  With a nod of his head, Tuff agreed and looked towards Dane riding ahead. The gal was right either way the boy is gonna be hurt. Hell what a damn mess.

  His whole body stiff with the tension growing inside of him as he rode through town, Dane pulled his horse up at the livery, swung out of the saddle, and after tying the reins to the fence post strode towards the building. “Pete where the hell are you?” He yelled and grunted when the man poked his head out of a stall.