She pushed open the tavern doors and found them right away. They had a table with four chairs and had left a seat for her with an ale in front of it. A smile filled her face as she walked across the tavern. She didn’t even care about the lustful glances she got from the dirty, smelly men. They could look all they wanted tonight, not even they could sour her mood tonight.
She plopped down on the chair in time to hear the end of a story from Jack.
“And she punched me in the ribs twice then gave me a black eye. I didn’t stand a chance,” Jack said then lifted his ale.
“You’re something else, Rachel,” Chuck grinned.
“Jack also exaggerates,” she lifted one eyebrow then took a sip of her ale. “Did he tell you he was really drunk? Normally he’s a lot quicker than I am. Like with the Drahlbeere. You saved my life Jack. It was stupid,” she laughed. “But thank you.”
“My pleasure, boss,” he lifted his ale to toast and they all raised their mugs as well.
“So I was thinking,” Dave started. “There’s a contract in the next town over, Teralane. It’s about a day’s walk to the east. It pays one hundred silvers. Four ways is twenty five each.” Dave looked at Rachel apprehensively then added. “What do you say boss?”
“What do you think Jack?” she asked. If Jack was leading her to the man, she would follow. He would know what to do.
“Me?” he swallowed his ale hard and let out a cough.
“Yeah, I trust your judgement. Think we can do that again? You’ll be there to stand in the way if I get clumsy again right?” She looked at Jack, waiting for his answer, her gaze full of gratitude and something else that Jack couldn’t quite place.
Jack was lost in her eyes for a moment. Something had changed in her and maybe it was how he was treating her now. Why hadn’t he met Dave months ago? She was actually paying attention to him now.
“Sounds like a plan,” Jack said. “We could go around the country rescuing towns and saving up money. What would you save for?” he asked Rachel.
“I want a house. Maybe a house by the ocean or a river. I like to eat fish. My dad…” Rachel lowered her head and her voice waivered. “My dad used to cook fish for us every Sunday.”
“That sounds nice. I think I’m going to get a farm,” Jack quickly added, trying to save Rachel from her own thoughts. He knew that her dad was a sore subject. He was either dead or had left her. It had something to do with her running, and her bounty, but she would never tell him details about it.
“A farm by a river. That could work,” she replied.
Was she really thinking they’d still be together? Was she suggesting that they share the farm? The butterflies in Jack’s stomach were doing some kind of dance and he suddenly didn’t want any more ale. He didn’t want to get stupid again and make her angry. Not when things were going so well.
“Of course, I’d have to move in right beside you,” she added and Jack’s stomach fell. “I couldn’t leave my sidekick without supervision. What would you do without me? Burn your soup and eat raw meat?” She laughed loudly and everyone but Jack laughed with her. “Just kidding, Jack, I’ll teach you how to cook someday. It might take years, but someday.” She took another drink and Jack forced himself to drink the rest of his.
“I’m a little tired,” Jack said and rubbed his chest. “I need to change the bandages too.” He stood up and Rachel stood with him.
“I’ll be back at camp in an hour or so. Just want to have a little fun first. I don’t get to come to town much. I’ll help you with the bandages if you’re not sleeping,” she said kindly and patted him on the shoulder.
“Thanks,” Jack replied sadly and headed to the door.
He saw Rachel walking toward the back of the tavern and up the steps. What was she doing? He had assumed that she was going to drink and laugh with Dave and Chuck but she walked right by them. Rachel pulled out a silver and handed it to an attractive brunette who was clearly a prostitute and walked into one of the bedrooms upstairs. What the hell? Was she gay? The realization that she might be gay filled him with joy. Maybe she wasn’t interested in him because he was a guy, not because he was, for lack of a better word, ugly.
Jack walked carefully to the back stairs and climbed them. He casually walked to the door Rachel had entered and opened it quietly. No one from below could see him, the exception being someone who stood by the front door as he had. He peered inside and saw Rachel lying on the bed. She was covered and Jack counted his blessings. Seeing her naked would send him over the edge. That was the last thing he needed. The naked image of the gorgeous woman who didn’t know he existed. That image would haunt him and torture him. Then he noticed someone was under the sheets and Jack watched, mesmerized as Rachel’s face was wracked with pleasure.
“Yes, like that,” she sighed. Her breathy voice sending shivers through Jack. If only he could be the one to make her sound like that.
“Shit, you’re good!” she exclaimed and Jack shut the door.
That was it. She was gay. He felt a weight lift from his chest. She wasn’t interested because she liked women. Jack couldn’t hide his smile as he walked out the door. He headed back to camp and felt like his troubles were over. He could live with being ‘just friends’ with Rachel if she was gay. Maybe he’d even quit thinking about her so much, eventually. Jack laughed loudly in the silent darkness. It would take a long time to quit thinking about her but at least the tension and frustration would be gone. He could never have her but it was ok now. She was just gay.
Chapter 6
Jack woke in the morning to the familiar smell of oatmeal with fruit. It smelled wonderful and predictable. Rachel had made breakfast. He got up and winced as he pulled the bandages from his chest. The wounds were healed enough. He wasn’t a baby, it would be better to let them dry out. It would leave a nice scar but they would heal faster and he needed to be in top shape to help Rachel with their next contract.
He grabbed his bowl and spoon then helped himself to some food. He sat beside Rachel and smiled at her knowingly. She returned his gaze and confusion set in.
“What are you so cheery about?” she asked. “You didn’t get drunk and left before I did. Did you meet someone on the way back here?” she joked.
“No,” he smiled and leaned in. “I know you’re gay,” he whispered, unable to contain it any longer.
She raised one eyebrow and looked at him.
“I’m not gay,” she replied, trying to keep her voice down.
Now Jack was the one looking confused. He blurted it out before his brain caught up to his mouth.
“But I saw you…” As he realized what he had just admitted, he forced himself to stop.
“You, jerk!” she yelled then grabbed his arm and tried to lift him up but he was a lot heavier than she was. Jack gave in, stood and followed her while she fumed.
“What did you see?!” she paced back and forth and glanced at Dave and Chuck who were giving them concerned glances.
“You paid a whore to umm do things,” he said meekly.
“You little shit! You spying little jackass!” she yelled and felt she needed to explain to Chuck and Dave. She pushed Jack aside then yelled to them. “Don’t worry I won’t hurt him too much!” she yelled to Dave and Chuck then pulled Jack farther away.
“What I’m about to tell you. You can’t tell a soul. No one, not Dave not Chuck. No one. Ever.” She stared him in the eyes, her gaze unblinking.
“You have my word,” Jack looked at her worried. What had he stumbled into? This seemed serious. And what did she mean she wasn’t gay?
“I’m not gay. I just don’t want to get stuck with a kid. I’m on the run. I can’t put a kid through that,” she lied. She wanted to tell Jack. If anyone would understand, if anyone would believe her, it would be Jack. She just couldn’t do that to him. He was kind, actually quite a bit kinder lately and generous. He risked his life to save her. He didn’t deserve the horrible truth that was her life. “So, I get a little relief
from a prostitute once in a while. That doesn’t mean I’m gay.”
“Why don’t you get a guy to do it?” Jack asked sincerely.
“Because guys will expect something in return, something I can’t give.” Rachel looked like she was lost and full of worry.
Jack wondered why this bothered her so much. There was more to it but Jack was just happy to hear something, anything about her life. She even refused to tell him her last name. This was the most honest conversation they’d ever had about her.
“You could return the favor?” Jack looked at her knowingly.
“Eww, why would I do that when I can pay a prostitute one silver,” Rachel looked like she smelled a rotten fish. “Besides, they’d still expect more.” She lifted one eyebrow and looked at Jack condescendingly.
“Not all guys,” he said honestly, with a silly smile.
“Really, name one,” she said, not understanding what Jack was meaning.
“I’d do it for free, no strings.” Jack said it before he thought again. Sometimes it seemed like his mouth had a mind of its own. He was always getting into trouble because, as his father had said ‘His mouth wrote checks his ass couldn’t cash.’ It seemed very appropriate and very accurate. He couldn’t count the number of times he’d had his ass beat because of some remark he had blurted out. That was a long time ago, before he’d grown up. Although he could hold his own now, he still couldn’t keep his mouth shut.
Rachel looked at him with gratitude for about half a second before she hid the emotion. He really would, wouldn’t he? He would be the one man different from the rest of them. Then she realized that it would be a mistake. Even if he never asked her to return the favor she’d feel guilty. She never felt guilt with a prostitute. The woman got her silver and that was the end of it. No emotion, no attachments. It was a transaction and nothing more. She couldn’t afford to get attached to someone, not even Jack, though if she had to pick, it would be him. She looked at the ground. If she had any choice in this at all, it would definitely be Jack.
“I’d never ask you to do that but I appreciate the sentiment,” she replied.
“I understand,” Jack said meekly and started back toward the campfire.
“I don’t think you do, Jack. She grabbed his arm and spun him around. If things were different,” she kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. I appreciate it but…” again she couldn’t finish her thought. Jack didn’t deserve to suffer the truth of her life. “If I ever change my mind…about a guy. You just better know what you’re doing. I pay good money to have it done right.” She smiled and he returned her look with new hope in his eyes.
“You could always just buy a draught.” He was referring to a potion mixed by seers to keep a woman from getting pregnant. Most seers sold them and although it wasn’t a good idea to use them too often, they could keep a woman from getting pregnant for a few days, maybe even a week.
“You think I have twenty silver to blow? For one night?” she raised both her eyebrows and looked at him like he was insane.
“Yeah, that would be twenty whores. I can even see the math on that one,” he snickered.
“Right?” she laughed and put her arm on his shoulder.
Jack made up his mind as they walked back to the camp. He’d save it for her. He had nothing to spend money on. Saving for a farm was dumb. Maybe someday, but Rachel was more important. He could easily steal something and sell it. He just needed to find another slaver and be more careful this time. Then he remembered their new job. He’d have twenty five silvers in a day or two. He’d have plenty.
It was funny how his life had changed. He had been a dishonorable thief just a little over a year ago. One disappointed glance and a few harsh words from Rachel and he quit stealing from peasants without even realizing why. He even disliked thinking about what he used to do. Just the thought of it caused revulsion, not because he felt guilty but because of the look on Rachel’s face. He never wanted to see that look again. He wasn’t a good guy but for her, he’d try.
Rachel eyed Jack deviously as they rejoined Chuck and Dave. He saw the expression and his heart pounded in his chest. What was she thinking? Was she reconsidering his offer? Before Jack could torture himself any longer she spoke.
“We haven’t practiced in days. What do you say?” she smirked at Jack. It wasn’t what she wanted to ask him but maybe the adrenaline of sparing with him would take her mind off the images he’d sparked in her mind. What would it be like with Jack instead of a woman? One side of her mouth raised, almost a smile, as she thought about it. Would he be any good? Would she care if he wasn’t? She doubted she’d even care. If it was him between her legs, someone she wanted, it wouldn’t matter. She’d teach him and be happy to do it. That would be part of the fun. Her smile continued to grow until she was very aware of how she was looking at Jack. She turned away and walked to an empty part of the field near them. She forced the thoughts away, it wasn’t possible, fun to imagine, but very impossible.
Jack’s heart was going a mile a minute. What was that look from Rachel? That almost looked like lust for half a second. What she actually considering taking him up on his offer? He didn’t care if she returned the favor. About that he had been completely honest. He’d do that for her any time without reward. Well, he would want some reward but her gratitude and more of that look would be plenty. Maybe he’d been mistaken. Maybe that look had been something else. What if he’d only seen what he wanted to see?
Jack smiled and finally answered. Had he seriously been just staring at her this whole time? He’d barely registered the question, that look was far too distracting.
“Sure, I could use some practice.” Truthfully, Jack loved to practice with Rachel. It was the only time they were physically close. Apart from the occasional friendly kiss on the cheek, this was the only time he touched Rachel. Then Jack remembered that winter was coming again. They used to snuggle together for warmth every night. His stomach did flips. Would she want to do that again this year? Last year he hadn’t realized he was in love with her yet. What would it be like this year?
Jack took a spot a few feet from Rachel and lifted his fists.
“Go easy on me,” he smiled.
“Don’t be a wuss,” she laughed. Dave and Chuck looked on full of excitement.
Rachel shifted closer to Jack, keeping her guard up. He threw a punch at her waist and she dodged. It was far to the left, she’d barely even had to move to avoid it. Sometimes it seemed like Jack was going easy on her. Was he really this bad at fighting?
Rachel threw a punch and Jack dodged. She’d aimed at his face but he moved just enough that it caught him in the shoulder.
“Nice one,” keep your feet steady, Jack said. He was about to say more and Rachel could see it on his face, but he stopped.
Rachel threw another punch at his stomach and Jack took it squarely, without moving. He doubled over and let out a groan.
“Damn, that was good,” he grunted.
“Get up, sissy,” she said as she danced around.
He smiled and straightened himself again.
“I said go easy on me,” he laughed.
She came in for another one and Jack instinctively spun around her and slapped her on the ass. His heart raced as he realized what he’d just done. Not only had he moved too quickly to keep up his rouse but where he’d hit her…that had been a bad idea.
She turned around grinning.
“Oh I see how it is,” she mocked. “I’m not one of your waitresses.” She stuck out her tongue and moved in closer.
She threw a series of blows and Jack let every other one hit. The shoulder he dodged but he did it in a way that her left hook got him in the jaw. Then she punched again at his face and he dodged that to leave his side open. Her left hand wasn’t as strong as her right, he could take the hits from that and keep going. He had to make it look good or she would stop. She couldn’t know he was letting her win or it would hurt her feelings. Why did he do it? The look on her face
. It was worth more than the small bruises and sore muscles. It was worth every painful moment.
Jack took a step back and Rachel grinned cunningly at him.
“Had enough?” she asked.
“Nope. I’m getting better. I dodged a few that time,” he laughed. His face hurt and his ribs hurt but he wasn’t about to let this end.
Rachel had been right, sparring did take her mind off her attraction. At least it did at first. The more they fought the more Jack’s muscles distracted her. He was building up a sweat now and his shirt clung to his muscular body. She wanted to run her fingers up his arms, along those muscular shoulders and down his chest to his stomach. She wanted his hands to…Jack broke her fantasy as he stepped in closer.
The Fire Maiden's Desire Page 5
