by Maggie Ryan
Somehow, she did. Perhaps Spanish wasn’t all that difficult to decipher or maybe the fact that he’d laid a single swat on her backside allowed instant comprehension. Whatever the reason, Jewel nodded. “Yes, I’ll be more careful.”
“See that you are,” Gabriel said, “I’ll see you in the morning. Get some sleep. Tengas dulce sueños, mi chica del oro.”
The kiss he then dropped on the top of her head had her reaching out to grip the counter the moment he slipped out the door. She might understand his threat—or promise—but she was having a hard time understanding her reaction to that last string of foreign words. She didn’t understand a single one and yet the way he spoke them, his treacle tone seeming almost a caress, had her pulse racing.
She’d promised to make all her own choices as she started a new life. But Gabriel was nothing like Malcolm. Where Malcolm had been only concerned about his needs or desires being fulfilled, Gabriel had listened to her dream and said not one word of ridicule for having one. He’d not hesitated to help Della and hadn’t ever once questioned her about why she refused to let Tompkins win. He’d walked into this house and instantly seemed to belong among the group who would help her live her dream. In fact, she could no longer imagine him not being with her every step of the way.
Walking up the stairs, she paused outside the door of the room she’d shared with Nettie. Hearing not a whisper of sound, she didn’t open the door. Nettie would need as much sleep as possible if she intended to wake when Della did. The room next door wasn’t as quiet, muted giggles and moans making it past the door and she smiled. Gabriel hadn’t even seemed surprised to hear the three would be sharing a room. Slipping into John’s old room, she found that someone had left her a gown at the end of the bed. After changing, she ran her fingers through her hair and then climbed into the bed, her mind once more returning to the very big, very handsome man who was her partner. Whatever he had said as he told her to get some sleep had her wishing she spoke Spanish and for the first time in months thinking that perhaps a life without someone to curl up with at night wasn’t what she really wanted after all.
***
The next few days saw Della slowly improving under Nettie’s unflagging care. She was not allowed to spend the entire day in bed as Nettie was a firm believer that life’s problems were best met head on. On the third day, Jewel came downstairs to find the quiet woman working with Nettie to prepare breakfast.
“It’s so good to see you up, Della.”
“I want to thank you, Miss Jewel,” Della said quietly. “I know you-you bought my…”
“Let’s not worry about that now,” Jewel said, accepting a cup of coffee. “Just keep getting better.”
“Please,” Della said, her lip trembling, “don’t leave me here. I know I’ll never be able to pay you back but I promise I’ll work hard…”
Jewel set her coffee down and drew the girl into her arms. “Again, I don’t want you to worry about anything but getting better. If you decide to come with us, you’ll be welcome. But, Della, if you wish to go…”
“Oh, no, I want to come with you!”
“Then you shall,” Jewel said, giving her a hug.
Later that afternoon, Jewel took a carriage in order to meet Gabriel at a livery. They’d been trying to decide whether it would be better to rent an additional wagon or to go ahead and make an offer for one that had been left by a group of prospectors. The men were returning home after their unsuccessful attempt to find gold. She was leaving the decision up to him but he’d insisted she at least look at the wagon as it would be the one she’d use if she needed transportation once in Culpepper Cove.
Disembarking the carriage, she was about to enter the livery when she stopped, her head tilting to one side. A smile spread across her face as the rousing music reached her ears. It reminded her of the night she, Opal, and Amy had gone from place to place to listen to musicians play. Not seeing Gabriel, she followed the sound, walking across the street and entering a building. A man was banging out a song on the piano while a woman sang. She didn’t recognize the song but it instantly brought a smile to her face. Spying a chair at an unoccupied table, she made her way to take a seat without even looking around. Her foot was tapping and her smile broadened as the duo slipped into another song with just a brief pause. This was exactly what she envisioned at her place. A piano being played by a very handsome man and one or more of her gems providing entertainment.
***
Gabriel had heard the arrival of a carriage and informed Mr. Lewis, the owner of the livery, that his partner had arrived. The two walked from the back to the front and stepped out the large doors. His expectation of seeing Jewel wasn’t met. Had he just thought a carriage had stopped? Looking in both directions, and not seeing her, he shrugged.
“I guess she’s not here yet,” he said.
“Well, I’m going to need your decision,” Albert Lewis said with his own shrug. “I’ve got another man interested.”
“I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Why don’t we look at the team? If we buy the wagon, I’m expecting a better price on the horses.” The two walked again through the space and out the back towards a small corral where several horses were milling about, shuffling into each other and tossing their heads. When Gabriel questioned their restlessness and questioned their ability to form a team, Lewis’s mouth tightened.
“It’s that damn music. All that racket stirs them up. I promise, the stock is good.”
Gabriel realized that he could hear music. “Is it always this loud?”
“Not usually during the day. But, well, it goes on late. I don’t know how any man can hear himself think but I suppose that’s not necessary if they are just rutting with one of those poor girls.”
His words caught Gabriel’s attention as he turned towards the sound. “Why poor?” When Lewis appeared not to understand, he clarified. “You said ‘poor girls’.”
“It’s not a good place,” Lewis hedged. “I’d suggest you take the two over at the back. They’ve pulled as a team before.”
Gabriel wasn’t listening. Jewel should have been here and suddenly he had an uneasy feeling. Leaving Lewis espousing about the horses, he returned to the front, praying he was wrong. Not seeing any sign of Jewel, he walked across the street, unknowingly following in Jewel’s footsteps but unlike her, he took note of everything and everyone around him. Good God, if he found her inside, she would be begging to be allowed to walk to Culpepper Cove.
After noting the two men just inside the entrance, both armed, he was not the least bit surprised when one snapped his fingers and a woman instantly approached. “How can I make you happy?” she asked, her words promising one thing while her entire demeanor promised another.
“Thank you, but I’m not…”
“Anything you want,” the woman interrupted. “Anything at… at all. And it won’t cost you but a penny.”
Gabriel shook his head. “I’m just looking for my partner…”
“She’ll do ya both,” the man at the door said.
A sudden crescendo had Gabriel looking from the small foyer towards another room as the music finally came to a stop. Spying a golden head, he shook his own. “Excuse me.” He didn’t wait for a response as he strode purposely towards the table. He reached it a moment after the man who’d been seated at the piano did.
“That was so wonderful,” Jewel said, her face turned towards the pianist, her voice showing her animation. “I’ve never heard most of those songs but they are just so… I don’t know, so happy! What was the name of that last one?”
“Oh Susanna,” he said, “It is a snappy tune.”
“Have you been playing long?”
“I’ve played all my life,” the man said, giving her a slight bow. “But I must say, not to someone quite as appreciative; or quite so unaware that she is stealing most of my audience’s attention.”
“Oh no, I’m sure that’s not true,” Jewel said. “I’m positive everyone was just as mesmeriz
ed as I.” For the first time, her gaze left the player and the piano. Gabriel watched as her eyes widened and her smile slowly disappeared as she took in her surroundings. He didn’t say a word as her gaze finally landed on him. “Oh…” she said.
“Yes, oh,” Gabriel said, “Let’s go.” When Jewel remained seated, he tensed as a man moved from the shadows. He instantly recognized him. “Jewel, come on, honey. It’s time to go. We’ve got an appointment…”
“Hey, this lady isn’t interested,” the man said, “you can go up with Mary or leave.”
“I’m not leaving without my partner. Chiquita, come to me. Ahora.” He didn’t take his eyes off Jewel as she finally nodded and began to stand only to have her way blocked.
“Let her pass,” Gabriel said, his voice flat.
“I don’t think so,” the man said, motioning for his partner. “I think Mr. Tompkins would be very interested to hear that she can’t seem to stay away from his establishments. First she steals Della and now she’s here? That can’t be a coincidence.”
Gabriel heard Jewel gasp and knew she hadn’t recognized the man. He’d seen him the night they’d rescued Della. He’d stepped out of the whorehouse and stood ready to do his boss’ bidding but had never spoken; disappearing back into the shadows when Tompkins had agreed to Jewel’s offer.
“Come on, she doesn’t mean any harm,” the piano player said.
“Shut up. This doesn’t concern you,” the man growled.
“I just heard the music,” Jewel said. “I didn’t know… I wasn’t…” When she attempted to move past, the man reached out and grabbed her arm, causing her to give a short cry. The next sound was a click as Gabriel drew and thumbed back the hammer of his gun.
“I’m not going to say this again. Let her go.” He locked eyes with the man who smartly decided that Gabriel meant business. He released Jewel’s arm and raised his hands slightly. Jewel didn’t waste a minute, dashing to Gabriel who used his free arm to push her behind him. “I’m not looking for trouble here. No harm done. We’re leaving.”
He took Jewel’s arm but kept his gun in his hand as he led her to the entrance, his ears tuned for the slightest sound. He didn’t take a deep breath until they’d crossed the street.
“I’m sorry…”
“Don’t, not now,” Gabriel said, “we’re not out of it yet.” He didn’t lead her to the livery. Instead, he walked as quickly as he could, Jewel almost tripping as she tried to keep up. At the end of the street, Gabriel sent a prayer heavenward at the sight of a carriage. Hailing it, he turned so that he was able to look back the way they’d come, cursing at the sight of three men.
“Gabriel, what about the livery…”
“The livery? Ay, por Dios! Do you have any idea…” Blowing hard, he stopped speaking, lifting her into the carriage the moment he yanked open the door. Giving the driver an address, he climbed in after her. He didn’t take his eyes off the men until they were no longer in sight.
“Gabriel, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Jewel, I am far beyond upset. You are like some little child… Nunca se deja de pensar!” At her confused expression, he said, “You don’t stop to think and you don’t pay an ounce of attention to your safety…”
“I do too!” Jewel protested. “I took a carriage!”
“Did you get out of the carriage and go where you were expected? No! You hear music and decide that entertainment is more important than meeting me.” Gabriel shook his head and again took several deep breaths, closing his eyes.
Jewel said. “I said I’d meet you and I did… well, I was going to but you weren’t there.”
“Jewel, please, don’t say another word. I’m trying hard to control myself.”
“But…”
He opened his eyes and saw her eyes widen at his expression. He didn’t speak but she swallowed hard and sat back against the seat, her eyes going to her lap where her fingers began to pick at her skirt. The silence was deafening and her discomfort was evident. When the carriage stopped, he opened the door and climbed out, turning back and offering her his hand.
“Why… why are we here?” she asked, as their destination became clear.
He bent forward and spoke so that only she could hear. “Because, chiquita, I thought that you’d rather not have your friends hear you getting your butt blistered.” He took her arm and led her towards the entrance of his hotel.
“What! You-you…” He had no doubt that she was going to say that he couldn’t and was a little surprised when she said, “Gabriel, please. I won’t do it again. You don’t need to sp… to do this. Just give me another chance…”
“Jewel, I’ve given you more than enough chances and you are giving me a heart attack. There is no question in my mind that not only do I need to do this; I am going to spank you.”
“I’ll hate you!” she hissed, obviously attempting to keep her voice down so as not to alert the hotel guests to what was happening as he led her across the lobby.
“I’d rather have you alive to hate me than dead because I did nothing to impress upon you the absolute seriousness of being aware of your surroundings. Hate me if you want, chiquita, but by Dios, I’m not going to let you keep putting yourself in danger. Why don’t you stop trying to think of a way out of your spanking and admit that you’ve had this coming ever since you stepped foot off that ship. If you decide that you didn’t deserve to have your ass heated after we’re done, we’ll discuss it.”
“Fine, then let’s discuss it,” she said, obviously misunderstanding his statement.
“We shall,” Gabriel said, continuing across the lobby. “As I said, after we are done.”
“What? I-I… wait…no! That means I’d already be spanked!”
“Correct, and continue screeching and everyone in this hotel will know exactly how naughty girls learn a lesson.” He watched her mouth open and then snap shut as her eyes darted around the lobby. He knew she was wondering if they were indeed privy to what was about to happen. Her cheeks flushed and she stopped pulling away. Nodding, he led her towards the stairs.
Chapter Eighteen
If asked, Jewel would have been unable to state what room number was Gabriel’s. All she could think about was his unequivocal declaration that he was going to spank her.
“What?” she asked when she realized that they were no longer walking down a long hallway and that Gabriel had spoken.
“I asked if you are all right,” Gabriel said, moving across the room to light a lamp.
He wants to know if I’m all right? How does that make any sense?
“No, I’m not all right! You are going to spank me! What kind of stupid question is that? I’m a grown woman who…” Her tirade was cut off as she saw him turn, his eyebrow quirked as she stomped her foot exactly like a naughty child.
He didn’t speak as he returned to her, took her arm and led her, not to the chair next to a small table nor to the bed but across the room. Reaching his destination, she felt her cheeks flush as he turned her and a hand at the small of her back pressed her into the corner next to the window.
“When you are through with your tantrum, chiquita, then we will discuss how grown women accept the consequences for their actions.”
Twirling around, she spat, “I will not stand in the corner!”
“You will turn around and put your nose in the corner immediately, or I shall spank you first…”
“Fine! Let’s get it over with!” Her attempt to step around him was thwarted as he took her arm again and spun her back to face the wall.
“… and after that spanking, you’ll spend time in the corner thinking about your behavior after which you will receive your spanking,” he said as if he’d not been interrupted.
When it dawned on her that he had just informed her that she’d receive not one but two spankings, she understood she would not be leaving this room until he had attended to her bottom. Despite that knowledge, she couldn’t seem to help herself as she gave her foot another
stomp and then stepped closer to the wall. “Fine, but you are being a bully!” His chuckle did nothing but heat her cheeks with embarrassment at her childish taunt.
“Nose in the corner, chiquita. Ahora.”
Her knowledge of his native language was growing as she understand the last word meant ‘now’. She’d heard it quite often though she realized it was usually said after he’d had to repeat his request. With a huff, she changed ‘request’ to orders. He didn’t bark them but as she looked up to see he hadn’t moved a single muscle, she understood he didn’t need to. With a louder huff to show her disapproval, she did as ordered. She’d never been made to stand in the corner before and it didn’t take but a minute for her to know she hated having to do so. It only took her another couple of minutes to count the flower blossoms on the patch of wallpaper she could see; another minute before her nose was itching and one more before she was done with this stupid exercise.
Stepping back, she rubbed her nose. “This is stupid and serves no…” She squealed when she was lifted off her feet and bent over a thigh the size of a tree trunk. Her hands flailed until they found a calf to grip a moment before she felt her skirts coming up and over her head.
“No! Please, I’m sorry!” she said.
Evidently he wasn’t as accepting of her apology this time. The hand she’d enjoyed pressing against the small of her back was now rapidly descending upon her bottom with smacks that had her yipping at each one. Her feet kicked but found no purchase as he continued to smack her left cheek then her right, repeating the pattern until she was begging to be allowed to return to her corner.
“The corner! Please!” she promised, “I want to stand in the corner!”
Without a word, he set her on her feet and she instantly took the few steps and pressed her nose hard against the wall. When her hands reached back to rub her injured posterior, they were taken and moved to the top of her head. Feeling her skirts being lifted again, she closed her eyes as they were tucked up into the waistband of her dress. She didn’t dare breathe but couldn’t stop a soft whimper when she felt the tie of her drawers being plucked and then the brush of the fabric as it slid over her tender, spanked globes and then down her legs. No, she wasn’t a child standing in the corner… she was a grown woman who had chosen to act like a child. A grown woman who had just had her bottom spanked and now had it bared to his view.
