“He must have been mad not to find you irresistible.” He bent and planted a kiss on her stomach. She nearly flew apart as tears of wonder trickled out of the corners of her eyes. No one had ever touched her or made her feel this way.
Finally, he pulled the covers over both of them and turned her toward him. “Come here,” he ordered softly. “Let me hold you.”
She went shyly, anxiously, into his arms, biting her lip to keep from crying out the longing that swelled in her heart. It was a feeling she’d never have imagined. He was hard and smooth and warm… so warm. And he smelled clean, but his body had a scent special only to him. If she lived to be a hundred, she’d never forget it. Never, never.
Tears welled in her eyes. No one had ever cared before. No one had held her, comforted her… loved her. Not since she was a girl. She slid her arms around him and squeezed.
His hands gently threaded through her hair, fingered her back, her buttocks. There was a quickening low in her belly, a warm bursting of pleasure. She pushed her hips toward him, seeking more.
“My poor baby.” His voice was hushed and raw as he pressed his hips against hers, answering her quest. He brought her leg up and draped it over his thigh. There was a wet, heavy sensation between her legs, causing her to shudder with anticipation. Every nerve in her body seemed to come alive there.
His hand moved between them, his fingers touching her. The feeling was such a shock and so arousing, she could barely draw a breath. He caressed her, finding secret exciting places on her body she never knew existed. Gripping his shoulders, she squeezed, certain that if she didn’t hang on, she’d lose control and fall not only off the bed, but off the edge of the world.
She was lost in a torrent of sensual response. Something was going to erupt inside her, and she swam toward it, pushing herself against his hand. Suddenly she was on the brink. The thought of losing such total control frightened her, and she tried to pull back.
“No,” he whispered, pressing his mouth over her breast. He rubbed her nipple with his tongue, flicking it back and forth and around the nub. Splintering desire burned a path from her nipple to that place between her legs.
“Let it go, Rachel. Don’t fight it. Come on, sweet baby, don’t fight it…” He cupped her with his hand, pressing the base of his thumb against a spot that seemed alive with longing.
The eruption came, sending her out of control, tightening her muscles as spasm after wonderful spasm wracked her. Finally, a warm glow, like the feeling of hot candle wax, exploded through her.
She slumped against him, burrowing her face against his shoulder. She felt him lift her hair off her neck. The cool air against her skin made her realize she’d been sweating.
Daring to peek at him, she found him watching her, his expression incredibly gentle.
“You’re crying.” He wiped her tears with his thumb.
“I… I had no idea,” she whispered, her voice still shaky. She felt him hard and hot against her stomach. Her gaze shot to his face again. “Oh, dear,” she murmured, suddenly realizing that he’d pleasured her, but had gotten no pleasure himself.
“I’m going to remedy that,” he answered, a sultry smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “If you don’t mind.”
Sliding her arms around his back, she snuggled close, pushing her hips against his feverish root. This time when he entered her, there was little pain, only some residual discomfort. But she welcomed it.
Wrapping her legs around his back, she welcomed his thrusts, rising to meet them.
He stiffened over her, his grunts of pleasure sending her blood singing through her veins. They lay quietly, pressed together. Finally he rolled onto his back, his eyes still closed.
She raised herself on her elbow and looked down at his chest. His scars were deep, white, and had healed poorly. Tracing them with her fingers, she felt tears press the back of her eyes. “Who would do such a thing to you?”
He was quiet for a long while. Finally he answered, “There are some who believe I deserved them.”
She shook her head. “What did you do?”
A grim smile cut into his face. “I tried to help a friend, and forgot my ‘place.’ ”
“Your place?” She lifted her gaze to his high, hard cheekbones.
“I forgot that as a half-blood I was supposed to be neither seen nor heard.”
“Who did this to you?” She ached to bend and kiss him there, but she wasn’t sure he’d let her.
He took a deep breath, enhancing the muscular expanse of his chest. “Soldiers.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, lying back on the bed.
He chuckled beside her, but the sound seemed forced. “Leave it to you to apologize for something you couldn’t possibly be responsible for.”
But she felt responsible, in a detached sort of way. Both her husband and her father-in-law were military men. And she knew how they both felt about Indians.
Rachel awakened slowly, feeling both warm and uncomfortable. She hadn’t shared a bed in years, and she’d never shared one with a man. She didn’t have to open her eyes to know that Jason’s arm was around her, holding her tightly against his body.
Opening her eyes, she looked at the window. It was still dark. Her gaze found the wall clock, and she saw that it was almost five. A tiny prick of panic stirred her complacency. She had to leave before anyone saw her. She tried to move away.
“Not yet,” came the muffled response.
“But Jason,” she argued, “someone might see me.”
“Talk to me, Rachel. Tell me about your mother and father.”
The poignant memory hadn’t faded. “Someone told you.”
“Earl said they’d been murdered by Indians.” He paused a moment. “Tell me about it.”
She uttered a shaky sigh and began her story. She told him of her happy life before she’d turned eight, of the love and affection given her by her parents. She talked of Elbee, and how much her family had loved and trusted him. She spoke of the farm, her aunt, her cousin, George. Finally, she told him of the night Elbee betrayed them—the night he had their home burned and her family massacred.
“Why do you suppose this happened?”
“I’m not sure,” she answered. “Thinking back, I’d say it was probably because so many farmers had come in to take the best land for planting. You know, taking it without thought for the Indians who’d lived on it for hundreds of years.”
“Do you think he meant to kill you, too?” Jason stroked her breast casually.
“I don’t know. Probably,” she added, the pain of Elbee’s betrayal still making her sad.
“How did you manage to get away?”
He continued to stroke her, and she began to feel the newly familiar lassitude. “He was carrying me through the corn and lost his grip when I hit him in the face and pulled his hair.”
“And he didn’t search for you?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’ve thought about that, and if he’d wanted to, I’m sure he could have found me. Surely he was far more clever than I was.”
“Maybe he didn’t want you to die.”
The statement shocked her. “But… but why did he betray us, then?”
He drew in a deep breath, blowing it out against her hair. “Maybe he had to go along with the others, make it look good.”
“But he killed my mother and father, Jason. I saw him. He shot them right in front of me.”
“Yes, I don’t doubt you. Maybe it was a less painful death than if others from his tribe had done it.”
She heard her mother’s screams and her father’s curses. “I suppose, but… but it’s hard for me to believe he killed them because he had to, or let me live because he loved me.”
“Were you an only child?”
She shook her head. “I had a baby brother, Lucas. He wasn’t even old enough to walk. They killed him, too.”
“You saw his body?”
“No,
of course not. He was buried with Mama and Papa, though. That’s what I was told.”
“Who found you?”
“Neighbors. I guess I was crying… out of control. I don’t even remember that part. It wasn’t until late the next day, though. I was really cold. I do remember that. Then… then I was sent to live with my uncle Gabe and his family. I stayed with them until I married Jeremy.”
Jason was quiet behind her, but continued to caress her. “I want to make love to you again before you go.”
She sucked in her breath as his fingers found that place between her legs. It came alive instantly. Though the emotion was new, she sensed she was already prepared for him. Feeling him harden behind her, she pressed against him with her buttocks.
He pulled her tighter, one hand caressing her breasts while the other touched her there. She moaned, arching her back and pressing her bottom harder against him. He positioned himself, and entered her from behind.
She gasped as he filled her, still fondling her with his fingers. He pressed deep, thrusting and moving, while his fingers worked their magic as they’d done before. But somehow, there was something else. An eruption stronger than the one she’d had earlier began somewhere deep in her pelvis, and as she felt it come, she bucked out of control, Jason’s arms around her the only things keeping her centered in the universe.
He watched Weber’s widow slip cautiously around the side of the building and race down the street toward the cafe. His upper lip curled in distaste. The alliance he suspected was one forged in hell. Everyone knew that.
Letting the ragged curtain fall back into place, he turned and crossed to the fireplace, his movements catlike. Lighting a lamp, he rested it on the floor and turned his attention to the loose brick in front of him.
As he worked the brick away from the wall, he thought about the brilliance of hiding Weber’s money there. No one would look; no one would suspect. He let his mind go back to that fateful morning of Weber’s murder and he couldn’t suppress a vicious grin. His plan had been brilliant. But then, he was brilliant, brilliant in ways other people didn’t understand. And he’d had the perfect alibi. He hadn’t been within miles of the cottage all night long, and he had witnesses who could back him up.
He pulled out the leather pouch, replaced the brick, and with the lamp in his other hand, moved into the deepest, darkest corner of the room. Once there, he put the lamp on the floor and settled down to count his money.
Rachel stood before the mirror in her room. Did she look any different? She frowned. Her eyes—they… they were shiny. Sucking in a shaky breath, she decided she’d have to keep busy all day. That way, no one would take a good look at her. How could anyone not know what had happened to her? She felt so different. She felt beautiful for the first time in her life.
The thought of working beside Jason all day sent shivers down to her toes. This new need was so wonderful. She didn’t understand how people in love could hide their feelings from those around them. Why, she knew the minute she saw Jason, her feelings would show in her eyes, on her face, and in places where, thankfully, no one else could see. The sensations he’d awakened in her were glorious. Oh, what she’d been missing all these years… but then, would she have felt the same way with Jeremy? Somehow she didn’t think so. Maybe she should have, but she surely didn’t think so.
She unconsciously twisted her wedding ring around on her finger. The thin gold band had become a part of her. But after last night, she didn’t feel right wearing it. She didn’t want to wear it anymore, but she didn’t know if it was right to take it off. Screwing up her courage, she pulled the ring off and dropped it into her small jewelry box.
Giving herself one last scrutinizing glance, she squared her shoulders, opened her door, and stepped into the cafe.
“Lord have mercy, Nancy, didn’t you see that mess up in that corner?” Ivy, her arms akimbo, stared at the juncture of the ceiling and the wall. “There’s enough spider makins’ up there to knit a good-sized sweater.”
Nancy shook her head and ambled to the corner, a rag tied to the end of a broom. “You know I don’t see as well as Jessie. Why don’t you have her do the cleaning?”
Ivy clucked her tongue. “We go through this every week, girl. Jessie don’t see anything when it comes to cleaning corners.”
“Well,” retorted Nancy, “apparently I don’t, either.”
Rachel crept behind the counter and poured herself a cup of coffee. Ivy caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of her eye.
“Well, there you are.” She peered at Rachel. “You feeling all right?”
“Yes,” Rachel answered, avoiding Ivy’s eyes as she gripped her cup in her hands.
Ivy frowned. “You look a mite feverish.” She crossed to where Rachel stood and touched her face. “You sure you’re all right?”
Rachel gently pushed her hand away. “I’m fine, really. I scrubbed my face extra hard this morning, that’s all.”
Shaking her head, Ivy didn’t look convinced. She went back to nagging poor Nancy.
Rachel took a seat at a table in the back and watched the activity. Bram Justice, the saloon owner, came through the door promptly at seven o’clock. Ivy had always said she could set her clock by him.
He smiled at Rachel. “Morning, Miz Weber.”
She nodded. Guilt coated her stomach. She hadn’t paid him anything yet, and she couldn’t let it pass without saying something.
“I really will have some money for you soon, Mr. Justice. As soon as… as soon as I get paid.”
He sat down at the table next to her. “Ah, yes. I hear you’re working for the doctor.”
“Yes, and I… I expect Jeremy’s pay voucher any day now,” she answered, hoping it was true.
“You’re an honorable woman, Miz Weber. I have no doubts that you’ll pay me when you can.”
Jessie sauntered out from the kitchen to take his order and Rachel glanced at the door, flushing as Jason walked into the restaurant. Every feeling he’d awakened in her the night before, and earlier in the morning, flooded her. Their glances met briefly before he looked away. His eyes were warm, but his expression guarded. He took a seat at the counter facing Rachel. Her heart raced madly.
“Morning, Jason,” Jessie called as she came around the counter with Mr. Justice’s coffee. “The usual?”
Jason grinned at her. “Nope. I’m hungry as a bear this morning. Bring me the usual plus an order of biscuits and gravy on the side. And,” he added, “cook up a mess of those delicious fried potatoes.”
Jessie looked at him as though he’d lost his mind. “In all the years I’ve known you, you’ve never had more than one egg, a dry biscuit, and coffee in the morning.”
“Oh, that reminds me. Bring me two eggs this morning.” He gave her an innocent smile as she clunked the mug of coffee down in front of Bram Justice.
Rachel bit the insides of her cheeks to keep from smiling. Because of her, he was hungrier than usual. She’d felt just the opposite, too excited to eat. A fluttering of warmth burst forth in the pit of her stomach. The warmth turned to ice water when she looked over and saw Abner Bailey, the banker, walking briskly past the window.
Crossing her fingers, she hoped he wasn’t coming into the cafe. He was more formidable than Mr. Justice. At least when the saloon owner saw her, he tipped his hat and smiled. The banker would give her a cool, appraising look, as if telling her that if she didn’t pay up, she’d find herself in jail. Oh, she knew she was being dramatic, but her conscience bothered her. She hadn’t been able to give either man anything yet. As unpleasant as it was to think about, she’d have to ask Jason when he was going to pay her.
As Rachel hurried to work, the bitter March wind pressed against her face. She pulled her hood in close around her and scurried to the office, stepping inside. A fire glowed behind the glass door of the stove, sending its warmth over Rachel’s skin.
“Oh.” She closed her eyes briefly and sighed. “This
feels wonderful.”
“And to think I haven’t even touched you yet.” Jason’s voice was edged with humor.
She smiled and blushed. “I… I meant that it’s nice and warm in here.”
He stood by the glass cabinet, obviously searching for something. Turning, he gave her a hot gaze. “Not as warm as it could be.”
Oh, how was she going to endure such wicked, wonderful punishment? Flustered, she took off her cape and hung it on the coat tree.
“Are we scheduled to see anyone this morning?” She walked purposefully to his desk and looked at the charts.
“Not unless someone comes in, unannounced.”
The fact that his practice wasn’t exactly booming didn’t seem to bother him. Yet, she couldn’t very well ask him for money if he didn’t have any. Most of his patients had no money at all. How was he going to pay her?
She cleared her throat. “Jason,” she began, hating what she had to ask, “I know… I know I shouldn’t ask, but… but when will I get—” She couldn’t say it. She felt like a fool.
“Paid?” he offered.
She nodded, feeling the blush steal into her cheeks.
He was at her side immediately. “Don’t be embarrassed. It’s my fault. I should have paid you after the first month, which was three days ago.”
She couldn’t believe it had been only a month since she’d started working for him. She’d learned so much in that month. She’d learned not to fear every Indian who walked the streets of Pine Valley; she’d learned to stand up for herself a little bit; and, most exciting of all, she’d learned that what she’d felt for Jeremy had been nothing compared to what she already felt for Jason. She’d fallen in love.
“I… I don’t mean to harp on it—”
“Nonsense. I’ll have the money for you by tomorrow morning.”
She looked around at the empty office. “I feel awful asking for it, but I… I do need it…”
His gaze followed hers. “You’re worried that I don’t have it. Is that it?”
Giving him a small nod, she turned away.
Heat of a Savage Moon--The Moon Trilogy--Book Two Page 16
