by Webb, Carole
“Yes, they’re here, but we can send them back.”
“I’ll just take them with me.” He dropped bills on the counter when Diane brought out the ring box. He picked up his purchase, pushed his hat back and casually strode to his mount.
After informing John about his promotion, he collected his belongings from the hotel room, now for John’s use and rode to the ranch, feeling free at last from the burden of the past few years of living in his own solitary confinement.
Raeden alone did this for him, liberating his heart to allow her entrance and capturing his soul in the process as well. He knew from now on she was the only woman he would ever love.
***
Already late for the second Session of Congress, he swiftly went through the motions to getting everything in order for Slim to take over the expanding operation at the ranch. With Slim in charge, Cash would have no worries, leaving him free to collect his bride in St. Louis and pursue his new endeavor in Washington until the Session concluded.
The train ride to St. Louis left him too much time to think. Wintering in Canada had to be difficult for the Cheyenne. Sitting Bull had been shot to death on the Standing Rock Reservation and he feared for his friends’ safety. He would have to work fast once in Congress to halt the troops due in the Badlands the following spring.
Congress called the special second Session to begin the first of December. Since he was already overdue, the retiring senator would attend until he could take over the seat.
He arrived in St. Louis the day before Christmas, booked a room at a hotel then shopped for Raeden, choosing a multi-carat emerald pendant matching her eyes, with identical earrings and bracelet wrapped in fancy gold paper. He would surprise her with a visit on her birthday and hoped she would come willingly to his bed.
Cash had the address left with him by Diane when they attended the failed wedding, now knowing now the cause—she drove her ex-fiancé mad.
He had missed being with her and feeling her beneath him. He missed the look of sheer abandon in her large green eyes during the throws of passion, her desire for him driving him wild. Her soft heart and compassion for others had taken him by surprise, making it so easy to love her as almost everyone did.
Nevertheless, the lingering doubts plagued his mind and caused misgivings when he remembered the bitter spite tossed at him, a dagger of resentment perforating his shell.
Regardless of his welcome, he had no intention of leaving her in St. Louis.
Forty-four
The festive air of Christmas in St. Louis, blanketed in white and decorated with bright lights had a healing effect on Raeden, encircled with the love and comfort of friends and family. She had not realized how much she missed shopping in the large department stores and walking down sidewalks lined with tall, lighted buildings.
Sophia had an enormous supper in the making for the evening and Raeden insisted on helping her mother. Many guests would arrive including some of her old childhood friends.
Gazing out her bedroom window overlooking the talc-covered grounds of the garden, a sudden twinge of loneliness shrouded her thoughts. She would be in New York City by New Year’s Day, leaving her family and old friends behind. What would it be like starting a new life alone in the city, no friends or family for support and the monumental task before her? Glancing about the room of her youth, she became aware of how much she had changed in the past months away from her home.
She shook her head free of the daydream and opened the armoire to pull out a heavy cerise gown trimmed in silver to lie out on her bed along with black silk lingerie and stockings. She reached for ornate high-healed black slippers to complete the ensemble.
Opening the jewel box on her chest of drawers, her eyes dropped to the delicate band of gold, reached out and grasped it to lay in the palm of her hand. She once again let herself feel love for the obelisk broad-shouldered man with the sly glimmer in dark eyes shaded with long lashes, penetrating her soul.
When tears stung her eyes, the ring dropped as if burning her fingers and she snapped the lid closed. Why could she not just forget him and purge her system? It’s not fair I should still feel this way after all these weeks. She had once heard time healed a broken heart. How long will it take, anyway?
Fending off the melancholia, she again reached into the jewel case, setting aside a jet crystal Baroque necklace with matching earrings.
Curious what Cynthia would be wearing, she walked down the hallway clad in a blue silk wrapper and slippers and knocked on her door.
Also dressed in her robe, Cynthia smiled when Raeden entered. “I’m glad you’re here. Help me pick out a gown.” Raeden grasped her outstretched hand and they walked to her French provincial armoire made of cherry wood with bright brass handles.
After sorting through numerous gowns in her wardrobe, she chose one she had made for her sister last January. It was made of heavy cream-colored muslin with pale blue lace trim and full sleeves of the same lace lined with gauze so her rosy skin would show as a shadow underneath. “This would be perfect, and with your pearl necklace and earrings. What do you think?”
“Yes, and with my new satin slippers, Chris will love it.”
“I’m sure he will appreciate what is inside the dress, too. Sit down and let me help you with your hair. Perhaps we can weave a pale blue ribbon through your curls and pull some of them up from the sides to drape down in back.”
Raeden thought her sister had splendid silky blonde curls, soft pink skin and a curvaceous figure. She would make a beautiful bride.
She returned to her room to style her own hair and tied a black silk ribbon under her curls into a slender bow just above the hairline.
She guessed Christopher’s arrival when she heard Cynthia bound down the staircase. Raeden gazed at her reflection in the mirror and frowned. After adding smidgen of color to her lips, she joined the crowd forming in the brightly decorated parlor. A Christmas tree stood in the left hand corner covered with glimmering ornaments and tinsel hovering above hoards of cheerfully wrapped packages.
The banquet table covered with a lace runner stood along the length of the wall to the right of the entrance holding numerous chafing dishes warming various entrees and side dishes with baskets of freshly baked rolls. Another table forming an L-shape along the front of the room sported petite fours, marzipan, pies and puddings with a large punch bowl of eggnog laced with rum.
It looked to be a grand evening, and she planned to make the best of her last social get-together while in her hometown with her family and friends. As she mingled, an old childhood friend and admirer bent to kiss her cheek. “Westin, what a pleasant surprise.”
Of average height with chocolate-colored hair and dark brown eyes, trim and good looking, he held her at arm’s length with his hands on her shoulders. “You look stunning, Rae.”
Her cheeks warmed at his gaze. “Thank you.” At least he did not mention her eye!
“Let me get you something to drink.” He walked back with a double malt scotch for himself and a glass of wine, which he handed to Raeden. He casually draped an arm around her bare shoulder.
A loud knock sent her father to the front door and the voices carried into the reception room. “Good evening. You must be Mr. Newell. I’ve come to see Raeden.”
His voice, it can’t be. What is he doing here? With no place to hide, she stood her ground, a haughty slant to her chin.
“Why don’t you come inside and have a drink?” Her father glanced in her direction. “Raeden, my dear, it appears you have a guest.”
She nearly fainted at the sound of the last person she had expected to see then turned to meet piercing ebony eyes. Her cheeks caught fire and the flames spread to her chest, as she stood paralyzed and mute. Her pulse throbbed in her ears as she gaped.
His black western suit tailored to perfection over a straight physique made him look dashing, almost perilous, standing a head above the other men in the room.
When he removed the silver-banded
black felt hat, raven hair reflected in the light. Is he trying to embarrass me again? Don’t panic. He can have one drink and leave. Her heart began to pulse, rapidly beating against her chest as her eyes roamed over his handsome face and had to admit, she was happy to see him.
“Raeden, aren’t you going to introduce us to your friend?”
Words failing, she continued to gawk, her heart pounding so hard against her rib cage she knew everyone could hear. This can’t be happening.
His eyes never left hers. “Well, darling, it seems I am always finding you in the arms of another man.” Westin’s arm flew off Raeden’s shoulder. Turning to her father, he introduced himself. “I’m Cash Rydell, Raeden’s husband.”
Everyone stared in silence as a shriek escaped her before she tore out of the room holding her dress to her knees. Slamming the bedroom door behind her, she paced the floor wringing her hands and talking under her breath. “I will kill him for this. It’s Christmas, how could he? I will never be able to face my friends again after this outrage.”
Cash threw open the door, kicking it closed behind him and stood staring with lust in his eyes. “You certainly look lovely tonight, my sweet?”
Her temper flared in a violent outburst. He could just stand there looking so smug. She would show him. “How dare you barge into my family home like a demented rogue and make such a spectacle!”
His voice remained controlled, heightening her frustration. “I didn’t barge in. Your father invited me. I believe you’re the one making a spectacle. Don’t you think it’s about time I met your family?”
She stamped a foot and dropped fisted hands to her side. “No, I don’t. I want you to leave this instant.”
“I think we need to talk, don’t you? You’re making a fool out of yourself. We can go to my hotel room and discuss this privately.”
Discussion, what is a joke. He intends to bully me into submission. I won’t let him do it. “You have a lot of nerve to come in here and expect me to leave with you.” She turned her back on him hoping he would leave.
“You can come along peacefully or I will drag you out and you know I will do it.” He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him, a grin curved his lips. Her hand went numb from the tight grip on her wrist as he pulled her downstairs.
Too many people around now, I will take care of him later. Just wait until I get him alone.
He led her through the crowd of curious on-lookers then stood by the door. “If you all don’t mind, Raeden and I will be leaving. We have crucial matters to discuss that can’t wait.”
Cynthia retrieved her wrap and handed it to Cash. A smile curved her pink lips.
Irritated by Cynthia’s manifest betrayal, she stood rigid as he draped the cloak over her shoulders and bid good-bye to her father.
Cash pulled her outside to a waiting hansom and lifted her off the ground. She made a weak attempt to struggle at the same time inhaling his clean masculine aura. The hard chiseled muscles wrapped around her, made her resolve weaken. Why could he take her breath away when she wanted to fight him? The deep longing inside always flared when he touched her. At this moment, she wanted him more than anything else.
He placed her roughly on the seat, jumped in beside her, gripped her hand tight then gave the driver instructions to return to the Everett Hotel.
***
An entire group of astonished people stood in the parlor when Raeden’s father spoke. “I guess she has finally met her match. Shall we go into the dining room now?” He turned abruptly to conceal a grin from his wife and noticed everyone in the room, including Christopher, smiling and attempting to hide their amusement.
Sophia excused herself with a sick headache. Samuel escorted her to the bedroom then returned to dine with the others. At least the evening had not been boring and they would all have a topic of discussion for months to come.
Forty-five
Driving through the streets of the city, Cash pulled her closer, his muscles rigid with tension pressed against her thigh. She found herself snuggling into his warmth and laid her head against his arm, basking in the nearness she had been missing for weeks. Without warning, he released her hand, encircled an arm around her and crushed her to his chest. He grabbed a handful of hair and pulled her head back while hungry emblazed eyes roamed over every feature of her face and caught her gaze for a moment. She could feel his breath before his lips devoured hers in a kiss, making her dizzy. Instantly pliant, her body melted into his while she returned the kiss with equal fervor, thirsty and wanting. Would he dare take her here in the carriage?
He groaned and released her so she pulled herself onto his lap wanting to be closer. She wrapped her arms around his neck, laid her head on his shoulder and sighed, elated he had not found her repulsive after being fouled by those hideous villains.
She could feel him swelling against her thighs, under the spell she could cast over him, at least for now and she loved the power. She ran her fingers through his thick black hair and inhaled his spoor. He smoothed her hair and ran a lock through his fingers staring down at her face.
Located on Fourth and Locust the Everett Hotel boasted all the modern amenities including electricity, elevator and telephone. Its towering height and illuminated windows loomed above them into the moonlit sky.
He lowered her from the seat, his hands encircling her small waist, paid the driver then ushered her through the grand lobby with enormous chandeliers reflecting off Rosetta stone floors. “I didn’t think we would ever get here.”
He swooped her into his arms, tore up the stairs to the second level, carried her over the threshold, kicked the door closed and kissed her before setting her down to remove his coat. She slid her cape to the floor and they both scrambled toward the bed, shedding clothes along the way.
She laid on the bed holding her arms out in invitation, while his eyes roamed, devouring every inch of her body as she lay naked and trembling under his feasting glare. Her knees parted, eyes pleading while he splayed his body over hers, manhood ready. She clenched his hair pulling his mouth to hers as he plunged into her silky dampness. A growl rumbled through his throat as he drove deeper, faster propelling her into a new dimension of indulgence. “Rae, it’s been so long.”
She groaned in ecstasy, quickly rising into heaven, her fingers clawing into his back while his body stiffened, quivering his own release as he swore under his breath.
He lifted his weight and stared into her eyes then dropped his lips over hers while his penetration moved in a slow circular motion, prolonging their union and she felt herself soaring again. He partially withdrew then thrust deep filling her completely, driving her into sheer madness. She burst from within, calling his name. The walls of her passage contracted around him and his lips covered her mouth when she cried out.
When her body relaxed, he rolled to his back urging her onto him not breaking contact while her knees settled around his hips. She nuzzled her face into hollow of his neck wanting the feeling to last forever. “Cash, where did the new scar on your leg come from?”
He stroked her hair then ran his hands along her shoulders the down her back, making her shiver. “Just a little scratch. It’s nothing.”
Even if they had only used each other for mutual pleasure, it didn’t matter to Raeden. The spell remained unbroken while she sat up and let her hands graze over the soft hair on his chest then lower around his naval. He lifted her arms over her head and very slowly ran his hands from her wrists to her breasts teasing the taut rosy pearls then over her slender waist finally rounding over her derrière, squeezing her bottom. She knew he wanted her again.
He withdrew turning her to her back and lowered his mouth to her breasts, his tongue sliding over the firm mounds flicking their peaks then lower hesitating on her naval, searing her flesh.
Cash spread her thighs easing her legs over his shoulders while he kissed the smooth sensitive skin. His tongue brushed over moist curls exploring each fold, flicking across her swollen bud. Her back
arched into his administrations while she moaned and once again slipped into the realm he could take her. Oh, my God. Do men really do this? His tongue drove deep into her slick heat while she wadded the covers into her fists crying out his name. She shuddered uncontrollably as he continued his onslaught.
He slid her legs from his shoulders, kissed his way back to her mouth. She could taste them both—it excited her. She reached between his thighs, grasped him gently stroking while he rolled to his back. Her tongue paved its way down his body and curiosity urged her mouth around him, eager to return the pleasure he had shown her. She ran her tongue over the smooth surface. He inhaled through his teeth and she took delight in the control she possessed. When she brought him into her mouth, a surge of heat pulsed through her veins as he held her face and groaned.
Suddenly lifting her from him, his voice deep and husky, “You need to stop, sweetheart.”
Laying her face down, he lifted her hips entering her from behind. His hands slid up the smooth damp skin of her back then down to her waist, pulling her further onto his hard searing shaft. She moved with his rhythm and pushed into his thrusts driving him deeper. At the height of yet another breathtaking climax, he exploded inside her, his pleasure sounding in her ears as he moaned.
Long arms enveloped her possessively while she laid in the curve of his arm. Both spent and sated, wet bodies entwined, she fell asleep after he blew a soft whisper into her ear. “I love you, Raeden. Don’t leave me again.”
***
She woke wrapped in his arms, content and rested. When she eased from his hold, he stirred then settled, remaining asleep. He looked so peaceful. The lines of tension had gone from his face and long black curled lashes most women would envy fanned over the high cheekbones of the most handsome man she had ever seen.
Raeden shimmied into the dress crumpled on the floor and ran her long slender fingers through tangled tresses on her way out the door, quietly pulling it shut, leaving it unlocked.
