by Paty Jager
“We’ve got a lot to tell you.” Zeke grasped her hand and pulled her protectively against his side. Instead of pulling away, as she would have a month ago, she snuggled into him. He’d proven he would never leave her, even when faced with the worse.
“What do you have to tell me?” She wrapped her arms around Zeke. His solid body and warmth gave her a sense of strength and home.
“It’s too late today to take these men and money back to Monument.” Gil motioned toward Cutter’s dead body and a shack. “Let’s find some food and these two can fill us both in on your pa.”
“That’s an excellent idea.” Barton motioned to follow him. He set out at a brisk pace for the building on the far end.
She leaned into Zeke. “I take it what he has to say is good news?”
“Yes and no. Yes, your pa wasn’t an outlaw, but he is dead.” Zeke squeezed her. “I’m sorry.”
Tears didn’t come. She knew he was dead. That was one thing Cutter said that she believed. If Jack Marsh got his hands on her father, she didn’t doubt for one minute the man had killed him. She peered behind her at the tree-dotted canyon walls. He wouldn’t be happy until she was dead as well.
She squared her shoulders. That was fine with her. When he came looking for her, she’d take an eye for an eye.
****
They’d finished a meal of biscuits, made by Barton, and salt pork, which Gil had scrounged up. Maeve looked around the table at each of the men grinning at her.
“My pa was a Pinkerton? A man who enforced the law?” She still couldn’t believe it, even though it fit the image she remembered of him. She clutched Zeke’s hand. “He would have come back to us if Marsh hadn’t killed him.”
“Yes, just like his letter said. He didn’t run out on you and your mother, and he wasn’t a miner,” Zeke said pointedly and raised an eyebrow.
“So you can’t hold that against my brother any longer,” Gil said, leaning back in his chair and stretching his legs.
“How’s Darcy? When is the baby due?” She was glad Darcy had kept a level head when she realized who Maeve was and gave her message to Gil so quickly.
“She’s fine. I wish she was more like normal women.” He frowned.
“How so?” She knew when Gil met Darcy he thought she was a young man, but she didn’t understand his consternation about her being with child.
“She insisted on going with me to Monument to deliver a prisoner. Told me if I left her behind, she’d just follow me.”
Zeke slapped Gil on the back. “You should be used to that by now.”
“I thought with her condition and all, she’d quiet down some, but she seems to be worse!”
Maeve caught Zeke staring at her. “What?”
“Just wondered if you’d be as contrary when you’re in the same condition.”
Her face heated, and her insides quivered. What would it be like to carry this man’s child?
“I’m gonna go check the prisoners and then me and Barton will bunk in the next shack over and take turns keeping an eye on them.” Gil stood, tipping his tin cup and swallowing the last drop.
Barton stood. “I’ll go with you.” He extended his hand to her. “I am most happy you’re back with us Miss Loman.”
“Thank you. Please call me Maeve.”
Barton smiled and left the shack behind Gil. She stood to clean the table. An arm looped around her waist, and she landed on Zeke’s lap.
“Those can wait.” The expression on his face and the heat in his eyes made her shiver with anticipation. His lips claimed hers, and she forgot everything—her pa, Cutter, her need for independence. She wanted to bask in the notion this man could make her happy. Tilting her head back, she gave him access to the sensitive skin under her chin.
“I have an idea.” His words vibrated against her neck, making her lower region ripple in response.
“What.” Her mouth was so dry the word came out as a bark.
“I’m going to get some buckets of water, and then I’m going to wash all the trail dust off of you.”
She snapped out of the languid trance. “I’m sorry. I didn’t—” Zeke placed a finger on her lips.
“Just pull the curtains and wait for me.” He stood, placing her on her feet beside the table. Zeke flashed a devilish grin and disappeared out the door with three buckets.
The door closed, and she hurried to close the curtains on the one window. She returned to the middle of the room. The shack housed a table and chairs, potbellied stove, and two narrow beds built against the wall. The walls could use some mud caulking, the last rays of sun slanted through the boards. Should she disrobe waiting for him? But what if someone came in, like Marsh? A shudder chilled her at the thought of the man finding her naked. No, she’d wait for Zeke. He’d protect her.
The door banged open. Standing in the doorway, carrying three buckets slopping over with water was a man she would forever hold dear. He grinned from ear to ear as he placed the buckets on the floor and turned to secure the door.
Contentment washed through her as she watched his broad back. This man would never leave her. Never make her feel unwanted.
He faced her. His emotions illuminated his face and burned in his eyes. Like a cougar, he stalked across the room.
“Do you want your bath warm or cold?” His husky voice made her stomach quiver.
“I don’t think either one of us has the patience to start a fire and warm the water.” She began unbuttoning her blouse.
Zeke licked his lips as his gaze locked on her long fingers slowly, seductively, opening her blouse. He ached with want.
Clearing his throat, he said, “Keep getting out of them clothes.” Then turned to put his hat on a peg by the door and place a bucket of water on the table. He hunted around the room for a cloth, but couldn’t find one.
A soft thud brought his gaze back to Maeve. She stood by the table in the lacy underclothes he’d bought her. It seemed like a year since he’d ventured into that dress shop.
“I can’t find a cloth to wash you with.” His breath caught as she grasped his large hands in her long, slender ones.
“Your hands will do just fine.” Maeve peeled the chemise over her head, rolled the drawers down to the floor, and stepped out of them. She stood before him like an alabaster figurine. A shy, yet, come-hither smile enticed him and released his pent-up passion.
They had all night, and he intended to use every minute of it showing her what she meant to him. “Sit.” He pointed to the chair next to the bucket and table.
Without hesitating she sat. Zeke glanced around the room and found a sizeable kettle by the stove. He placed the kettle behind the chair and tilted her head back. With great care, he untied the rawhide holding her hair in a braid and worked the twined strands loose. Her dark mane fell in waves toward the kettle.
Maeve slid her bottom to the edge of the seat, lowering her head to rest on the back of the chair. He gawked at her long, white, reclining body. Her stomach muscles fluttered, and her legs spread slightly to keep her on the seat. His cock strained at the buttons on his Levis.
Zeke inhaled, bringing his gaze back to her hair. He raised the bucket and poured.
“Oh!” Maeve nearly shot out of the chair. “That’s colder than I expected.” Her rosy nipples puckered and her stomach sunk as she sucked in air.
“Sorry, do you want me to heat it up?” He wanted to rest his hand on the dark hair at the juncture of her legs and suckle the tantalizing breasts.
“No. I’m ready for it now,” she said in a whisper. He worked his hands through her soft hair, scrubbing her head and watching the rapid rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. He poured more water on her hair and twisted the strands to wring the water out.
“Close your eyes,” he whispered close to her ear and dipped his hands in the bucket. Drizzling water onto her forehead, he watched the rivulets make tracks in the dust on her face. He scooped more, washing the dust from her peaceful face and on down her neck to
her shoulders and chest. He used his hands to push the dirt and water down her skin. The dirt floor became a puddle, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was Maeve’s silky, hot skin under his hands.
Maeve sighed as the spot between her legs throbbed with each inch Zeke’s hands washed and caressed her body.
“Stand.” The one word broke into her lethargic haze.
Zeke held out his hand, helping her to her feet. He stood her over the kettle and slowly poured water down her body. It splashed around her feet, making the floor muddy. He placed the empty bucket on the floor and carried the kettle of dirty water to the door.
“Now, it’s my turn.” He stood by the chair, undressing. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he revealed his tantalizing body, button-by-button. He tossed his shirt to the side, shoved the top of his long johns down to his waist, and sat on the chair, pulling off his boots and socks.
She ran her hands over his muscled shoulders and down his back. The thought of running her hands all over his body as he had hers made her quake and burn.
He shucked his pants and drawers and sat in the chair his legs sprawled and all his male glory rising toward the ceiling. She wanted to wash that magnificent appendage first, but knew she should start at the top and work her way down.
She used a cup to dip and pour water on Zeke’s head. She worked her fingers through his curls and massaged his head watching his lips curve in satisfaction as his maleness became thicker.
Drizzling water over his face, she used her hands to push the water and dirt from his scratchy stubble of whiskers. Her fingers stopped on his lips. The contrast of the rough bristles against the pads of her fingers and then his soft, supple lips sent tendrils of heat swirling in her belly. What would it feel like on her lips?
She bent, gently rubbing her lips across the whiskers on his cheek, then touched his lips. The sensation made her wet between her legs. She straightened and stared at Zeke. His open eyes watched her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, putting a hand on her hip. The connection of his calloused hand on her skin started another jolt of sensations coursing through her.
Her whole body hummed. “I’m…” she touched the spot between her legs and brought her hand up. Her fingers were slick.
A smile as broad as his face lit up his eyes. “Hurry this bath along, so I can relieve your problem.”
She picked up a bucket and poured it slowly down his body. His maleness became less rigid, but by the time she’d wiped him all down and stood him to rinse his back, it was evident Zeke was more than ready to fulfill her desires.
He swept her into his arms and carried her to one of the beds. “When I realized Marsh and Cutter took you, it was all Barton could to do make me see waiting for your return was the best option.” He placed her on the bed. “Tonight, I want to show you what you mean to me.”
“And I will show you,” she purred and took him in her hands.
“Oh Lord! Don’t do that or I can’t promise you any fun.”
Maeve laughed. She loved the fact she had that kind of power over the large man. Cutter had fallen for wiles she didn’t know she had and showed her the kind of power a woman possessed, if she used it right. And watched herself. With the man looming over her, she wanted to use her powers to bring him pleasure he’d never dreamed of.
Zeke’s arms circled her body, crushing her breasts against his hard chest. His rigid length pressed between her legs as he kissed her breathless.
Chapter 20
Stars filled Maeve’s head. Her body shook from the surge of heat and sensations. Just when she thought the miracle was over, her body tightened and sparks shot to her fingers and toes, exploding from where Zeke filled her. She bit his shoulder and clung to him with claw-like hands as the wave washed over her.
“I wanted to show you a good time,” she panted as another wave of sensations warmed her body.
“Sweetheart, believe me, you are.” Zeke suckled her breast and waited. It would be dawn before long, and he knew his brother wouldn’t want to waste any daylight. The night had been full of passion and little sleep. He wasn’t complaining.
“Watch me.” He rose up on his hands on either side of her head and slowly entered and retreated. She licked her lips and writhed under him, her hips pressing upward, taking him in to the hilt.
Her eyes glazed over and her breathing came in pants. He held on just long enough to explode at the same time she convulsed around him. He growled. His body went limp, and he collapsed on Maeve, seizing her lips and demonstrating his emotions for her.
She turned her head, gasping for air. “Please, can’t breathe.”
“Sorry,” he rolled to the side, gathering her in his arms. Kissing the top of her head, he held her tight. He didn’t want to spend another night without her in his arms. “After we help Gil get the outlaws to Monument, we’ll go to Baker City, tell your ma about your pa and then how about a wedding?”
She stiffened in his arms. Was she still going to fight him on marriage?
“I was thinking more along the lines of helping Gil and going back to McEwen and teaching school.” He heard the anxiety in her voice.
“You don’t plan to tell your ma about your pa?” He’d start there and work his way to the marriage question.
“I think she knew what he did and kept it from me only to keep me disillusioned. I’ll not go back and question her. I’m sure it will only bring me more pain since that’s what she likes to inflict upon me.”
Zeke turned Maeve to face him. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her soft curves against him. “She can’t hurt you anymore. You know the truth. I think you’ve felt it in your heart the whole time.” He kissed her. “Your father loved you. He wouldn’t have left you voluntarily.” He kissed her again, longer, deeper. “And I love you and won’t leave you.”
She sighed and snuggled her head against his chest. “I know,” she whispered.
“Then why don’t you want to marry me?” He pulled back to scan her face.
“It’s not that I don’t want to marry you. I love being in your arms and feeling your strength. It’s- well- I don’t want to lose my independence.” She stared him full in the face, defying him to say something.
Zeke knew how important that independence was to her. He laughed. “Woman, you think I don’t know that? I’d never stifle your independence. If you want to go back to teaching I don’t care as long as you’re in my bed at night and there to discuss things. Shucks, if you want to run for mayor, I’ll vote for you and help you campaign.” He cuddled her close. “I just don’t want to lose you.”
Her arms twined around his neck. “I’ll try not to get lost.” Maeve’s lips caressed his, and he was lost in the feel and taste of her.
“Sun’s peekin’ over the canyon wall, time to go!” Gil shouted and banged on the door.
Maeve jumped and Zeke laughed. “We’ll be out shortly.”
“Barton’s got coffee and biscuits. But if you aren’t out soon, you’ll go without.”
“Guess we better get dressed or get left behind.” He gave Maeve one more squeeze and let her roll to the side of the bed. When she stood, he couldn’t resist smacking her pretty, little backside.
“Hey!” She jumped away from the bed and wiggled the delightful package as she bent to retrieve her drawers off the floor. The sight made him stiff and he groaned. Maeve grinned at him over her shoulder and he laughed. The little flirt knew what she’d done.
“Tame that animal and get dressed,” she said, tossing his flannels to him.
He smiled and dressed, watching her and raising his eyebrow when she glanced his way. He loved the playfulness that had emerged. This was the feisty woman he knew lurked under her unexpressive teacher’s mask. They managed to get dressed quickly and set off to the other shack for food. His stomach growled. He’d worked up an appetite with all the activity during the night. Maeve’s belly growled, too. He glanced over at her. The cute smile playing on her lips was more than he co
uld resist.
He pulled her into his arms, kissing the upturned corners of her mouth before taking full control.
“I hope you two get hitched soon,” Gil said from behind them.
Zeke raised his head and grinned. “I’m afraid being married isn’t going to make me want her any less.”
Maeve blushed and slid from his arms. He watched her hurry to the shack.
“She going to marry you?” The worried tone in Gil’s voice didn’t escape Zeke.
“I hope so. We’re still working it out.” He knew it would be a matter of showing to Maeve she wasn’t losing anything and only gaining by getting married.
“The news about her father should’ve helped.” Gil started toward the shack.
“It did, but she’s still got a notion being married will take away her independence.”
Gil snorted. “She needs to have a talk with my wife. I swear she’s the most independent female a person could come across.”
“Good Idea. I’ll bring her by your place when we get through in Monument.” He smiled. Yes, a good dose of Darcy would show Maeve being married didn’t take away any of her independence.
****
They’d been on the trail several hours when sitting in the saddle became unbearable for Maeve. She and Zeke had made love several times during the night. She’d never forget how wonderful it all was, but her lower regions couldn’t take another minute in the saddle. Especially after the torturous ride with the outlaws.
Gil and Zeke rode at the head of the line of outlaws tied to their horses. Zeke led the horse Cutter’s body was thrown over. Barton rode in the back with her. He’d regaled her with stories about the Pinkerton’s and some of her father’s jobs with the agency.
The horses splashed through a small stream. A grove of cottonwood trees dotted the area and spread away from the stream. “I need to stop. You go on, I’ll catch up.” She reined in her horse and hopped out of the saddle.
“Let me ride up and tell the others.” Barton urged his horse forward before she could tell him it wasn’t necessary.
