The Filly & the Gambler (Book Fifteen of Brides of the West Series)

by Rita Hestand

  "I have such an ache below now…" she murmured.

  He smiled against her soft flesh, "That's good darlin' because I have the same ache. And we're going to put it to rest, real soon like."

  She heard a noise and she jerked up against him, "What if someone comes?"

  He smiled with satisfaction, "Then you better moan loudly so they know not to come up here."

  She chuckled again, and he smiled against the softness of her skin.

  "But our horses, they'll know we're back." She whispered.

  "Doesn't matter, we're married, remember?" He taunted her.

  She smiled, "I think I’m gonna like being married."

  His lips were busy exploring her small but beautiful body. He found her perfect in every way, and he couldn't get enough of her.

  He'd thought about this moment many times, but now that it was happening, he didn't want to think any longer, just feel and look at her.

  His hands went all over her now, exploring, feeling the satin of her skin, the heat that came with it.

  But this was her first time and he wanted her ready and willing. He'd never hurt her, but he intended to make thorough love to her. He moved his head to her belly and licked her belly button, then back up to her breasts that seemed to salute him they were so tight with need. He reached down and parted her legs. He needed to make sure she was wet and ready for him. He knew instinctively that she was a virgin, and her first time had to be nothing short of wonderful.

  "Cole?" She called his name, the ache growing inside her.

  "Yeah," He whispered.

  "If I'm not good enough for you, you can have the annulment."

  He reached to touch her cheek, lovingly. "I think we can quit talking about annulments and divorces. I want you as my wife. I'm claiming you, and that's the end of that kind of talk between us. I want you Gabby, all of you."

  Once he was sure she was wet and hot, he came back to her and slowly entered her. Breaking the barrier didn't even bring a whimper now. But he felt it, and he knew she had. Now he would bring her as much pleasure as she could stand. Strange, but he'd never wanted a woman this badly before. He was in love….

  He stroked her with his manhood, plunging slowly at first, then as she moved against him and lifted herself to him, he rode her like a wild stallion, as she thrashed about beneath him wanting more, making her own muscles move in a way that pulled him deeper inside her. It was instinct not knowledge. And it was love not lust.

  Pure instinct drove her now. The need to please and the desire to love him, gave her the strength to please him in every way.

  The expression on her face was priceless as he looked at her in the throes of her own passion, just the sight of her face made him reach an orgasm for one long, and lingering moment. He'd never seen a more beautiful site than his wife at this moment. He held her there for as long as was possible and gently let her ease back into herself once more.

  He smiled, kissed her lips and whispered, "We're one now darlin'. I've finally claimed you as mine."

  She smiled such a satisfied smile, "I never realized how wonderful it might be…"

  "Did I hurt you?"

  She smiled to herself, "I think I was too busy to notice…"

  "That's as it should be. Are you sorry?" He asked.

  Her eyes flew open, and she stared up at him, "Never!"

  They lay together and went to sleep for a short while until they heard people down below.

  He put his finger to her lips to quiet her.

  "Seen the boss?" one of the men asked.

  "Nope." Slim said, "I got a feeling supper might be a tad late tonight."

  "Why is that?" the other man asked.

  "Never mind George, I'll tell you in a couple of years." Slim chuckled.

  Chapter Seventeen

  "Do you mind if I ride over and check on things at my place?" Gabby asked the next morning after being thoroughly made love to half the night in Cole's bed.

  Her young face reflected satisfaction and happiness. All fears evaporated now. A completeness surrounded her, making her feel freer than ever before. She was stronger too, in that she knew she loved her husband, and that he loved her too. That feeling was monumental.

  Everything that stood between them was wiped away now. Polly and her father were no longer important in their marriage.

  "No, want Pedro to go with you?"

  "He can if he likes." She told him, "but it isn't necessary."

  "Gonna ride Dodger?" He asked as he finished his breakfast.

  "I thought I would, if that's okay. I'll be gone about half a day. Roscoe gets onry if I don't pet him a bit." She smiled.

  "Roscoe?" He asked.

  "My hog, remember?" She grinned at him.

  "Oh, well, can't have that can we," he smiled. "Take your time and run into any trouble, let me know. How old is that hog?"

  "I raised him from a baby, he's nearly seven years old. I just thought with the chickens gone, he might get a bit lonely."

  Cole laughed. "Only you would think that." He kissed her solidly on the lips now, not bothering to look around to see if they had an audience. And they did, Pedro, Slim and Juan were standing there smiling.

  "Be careful," he murmured in her ear.

  She smiled, "Thanks cowboy."

  He smiled.

  She had to get away, even for a bit. She had to think about what had happened between them and how it was changing everything about her life now. She realized quickly that she had nothing to fear, she knew Cole loved her even though he hadn't said the words. She hadn't either, but last night he spoke without words. Words would come later.

  Her fears of not pleasing him vanished when he curled her in his arms, kissed her and sighed against her. It had been heaven and just thinking of it made her smile. He was right, everything had come naturally. She never dreamed making love could be so enlightening.

  Married life agreed with her, she quickly decided. She couldn't wait to tell Martha about it. She'd heard rumors from some of the women at church when she was younger how women, 'grinned and bared it'. She'd had a fear all her life of ever being with a man, now she realized how pleasurable it was, she enjoyed it.

  Some people might think they put the cart before the horse, but she was content. Their lovemaking had been more than she could ever hope for. And it didn't take long for her to lose some of her shyness about it either. She so wanted to please him in every way. Today she looked at the world differently. Her smile reflected her feelings. Pedro noticed. "The Senora is happy today, is she not?"

  "Very happy, Pedro."

  "It is good, senora. I am happy for the both of you."

  "Thanks Pedro." She grinned.

  There were no words needed between them, Pedro knew that life had taken its course with them and it was as it should be.

  She and Pedro took off when Cole headed for the back pasture.

  Cole watched the sun catch fire to her hair and he smiled, "God, she is so pretty. How'd I get so lucky?"

  He didn't think much about her until noon, when he checked back at the house and they weren't back. Well, they weren't on a timetable, maybe she was enjoying being there and forgot the time. He'd give her a while. Pedro was with her and as much as he thought of her, he wasn't about to let anything happen to her.

  But when late afternoon came and there was no sign of her or Pedro, he got worried.

  Slim saw his expression. "Boss, want me to check on them and see what's holding them up?"

  Cole shook his head, "No, I think I better ride over."

  "I'll make sure we got the rest of the fence line fixed, no worries." Slim called as he rode back to the pasture.

  "Thanks, Slim," Cole hollered.

  But as Cole neared Harmon's place, there was no sound. Nothing. It lent an eerie feel about it. What the hell was wrong here? He could feel some unknown tension in the air. His eyes scanned the yard. He put his hand close to his gun, as the feelings assailing him now were ominous.

 
Nothing stirred.

  The door to the house was open. That wasn't right.

  He dismounted, looking about the place. George and Charlie should be about somewhere, but there was no sign of them. No smoke from the chimney, nothing, no sounds.

  Cole drew his gun. Something wasn't right.

  He went inside, that's when he saw Pedro lying on the floor. He rushed to his side and rolled him over. Pedro groaned, as blood covered his arm.

  "What happened?" Cole demanded when he saw the blood on Pedro's arm.

  "Banditos, two of them, came in, demanded we leave. Said it was their land. She refused, and they grabbed her, I tried to stop them, and they shot me."

  "Where's George and Charlie?"

  "Don't know…. boss. We'd just got here when they showed up. Didn't have time to talk to them."

  "Which way did they head, do you know."

  "I couldn't hear everything, senor. They said something about Austin."

  "What were they doing here?" Cole asked, helping Pedro to his feet, and sitting him down in a chair when he could barely stand.

  "Said Harmon lost this place to them in a poker game, and they were going to take control of this land."

  "They took her to Austin. I don't understand, why?" Cole demanded to know as he squeezed Pedro's good shoulder.

  "They want her to sign the papers over to them. Said they'd get it done in Austin, then the land would be theirs free and clear." Pedro grunted. "A legal."

  "Alright, can you ride back to the house?"

  "Si, I am so sorry senor. I tried to stop them."

  "It's okay, Pedro. But if she signs that paper, they will kill her, sure. I've got to stop them. I should have stopped them the first time I saw them." Cole frowned at himself.

  "I think they mean to do more than kill her Cole. The way they were talking."

  "I'll kill them with my bare hands if they do. Come on, let's get you home. I'll get a couple of the boys to go with me…"

  "Good. One of them is very fast with the gun." Pedro warned him.

  "He better be really fast, or he'll be a dead man." Cole swore under his breath. "Don't talk anymore Pedro, we need to get you a doctor."

  He helped Pedro up and then seeing how hurt he was, decided they had better ride double.

  Pedro was in a lot of pain, he didn't know it, but his elbow was shattered. Cole saw the bone protruding. He needed a doctor and fast.

  Cole held him up in the saddle all the way back.

  When he arrived, the men were just coming in.

  Slim saw them riding double and rode out to help.

  "Boss, trouble?"

  "Yeah, we need to get a doctor out here for Pedro. He's been shot. It's bad, I had to hold him in the saddle. He's lost a lot of blood. Then I need someone to run back to Harmon's place and find George and Charlie, make sure they are alright. I also need you to go with me."

  "With you?" Slim asked.

  "They took Gabby with them. They're trying to steal her land, Slim. It's those two I told you about before."

  "My God, boss, can they do that?"

  "Only if she signs and I don't think she will. If she doesn't, they'll kill her or worse." Cole told him.

  "No, they won't boss. We won't let that happen." He nodded and rode ahead to tell the boys.

  The boys jumped into action. Bill rode over to Harmon's. Joe fetched the doc for Pedro. Pedro laid on the couch.

  "Rest easy Pedro, Joe went to get the doc. He'll be back soon. Juan is here, he's staying with you. Don't get up or move around. Understand, you got a nasty wound there, and I'm sure it's painful." Cole frowned as he got a blanket and covered Pedro. Juan came to sit beside Pedro and gave him some whiskey.

  "Let him have as much as he needs, he's got to be in a lot of pain. He may pass out, that's okay, probably best. Joe will be back soon so take it easy. Slim and I are going after Gabby."

  Juan nodded, "Be careful senor." Juan told them.

  "Don't you fret, we will." Slim winked at him.

  Cole checked for ammunition, and his best revolver. He saw Slim was ready and since Slim had all the men scattering, they rode toward Austin.

  "You know these men, Boss?" Slim asked that night as they camped.

  Cole took his saddle off his horse and led him to the creek for water. When he came back, he nodded. "I met them briefly at Harmons a while back, but I don't know them personally. They came up to Harmon's place once when I was there. We run them off then, but I should have done something about them then. I knew they'd be back. They supposedly won the land in a poker game. But as soon as they told me all the eyewitnesses were dead, I knew something was wrong."

  "Why do they think that's their land?"

  "Harmon put up the place as collateral, according to them. I can't believe Harmon would do that."

  "I don't believe that, either. That old man wouldn't give that land up for anything. Not with his daughter alive." Slim shook his head.

  "No, but they killed all the witnesses in that game. So, it's their word against ours."

  "Oh man…. why did they take her?"

  "Because since all the witnesses are dead, no one can prove whether Harmon lost the place or not, so they want her to sign over the deed. Then they'll…."

  "No, they won't. We'll get them. We ain't gonna let them get her or the deed."

  "Right," Cole tried to smile, but his worry over Gabby had him tense. Last night had been the best night of his life. Gabby had bloomed like a flower in his arms and she let all her inhibitions go when he made love to her. It was such a perfect night. She meant more than anything to him now. And he'd die to protect her if necessary. He was sure of his feelings for her now and no one was going to hurt her and live.

  Love made the difference, he reasoned. All his nights with Polly were just that, nights of lust. But one night of love showed him the extreme difference. With his eyes wide open, he could finally admit his feelings. Only he hadn't last night. Now he sincerely wished he had. Realizing he might not get that chance now, he regretted not saying anything to her about how he felt. But his uncle once told him that you never tell a woman you love her when you are making love. Tell her when she does something stupid instead. Tell her when she least expects to hear it. Cole smiled to himself. But he had told her, just not in words. He hoped she realized it.

  But his reasoning was solid as a rock. He didn't want to make love and then tell her he loved her. He wanted to pick a special time and place to say it, so it meant something other than sex. He wanted her to know beyond a doubt just how much he loved her.

  "Boss, she's a good lady, and she's good for you too. I hope you know that already." Slim interrupted his thoughts.

  "I do."

  Slim nodded. "I knew you wasn't stupid."

  Cole smiled now, trying to relax, but he wouldn't feel happy until he got Gabby back. He was sorely worried about what they might do to her between here and Austin.

  But Cole's mental attitude right now centered on two men that he didn't know and getting his woman back. His face mirrored his concern.

  "We'll get her back boss." Slim assured him.

  "You know, I'd like to catch them in the woods, before we get there. " Cole told Slim.

  "I know a back road that is faster. I don't know if we'll beat them there, but it sure will save time. Still, it's rough going in places. You want to try it?"

  "Yeah, I think we are up to it." Cole told him.

  Slim nodded.

  When Cole stared into the fire, he thought out loud. "You ever been in love Slim?"

  Slim grinned at him, "You think I'm so different than most men? Of course, I have. I am…."

  Cole's head came up and he stared at his foreman. "Miss Martha?"

  "It's that obvious?" He asked with a flush to his cheeks.

  "I noticed you and her…. seem to get along well."

  "I want to marry her, Cole. I've wanted to for a long time, it's just I had nothing to give her, no home of my own, nothing. But I'm saving m
y money now and one day when I get my own place, it'll happen for us. She's a good lady and I want to get her out of that saloon life and enjoying her life. I got a feeling we could all be one big happy family together boss."

  "About that, Slim, you've been with me a long time now. Longer than any. And I've been thinking."

  "Oh, about what?" Slim poured himself some campfire coffee and stared at him.

  "What if I gave you some acreage on the back side of my property. Then you could build you a house and get married."

  Slim studied him a long moment, "Now why would you do that?"

  "Selfish reasons I suppose. You are a good foreman, I don't worry when I'm away from the ranch, all because of you. If we worked together, you could build that home you want, and not have to wait, and I'd have a hand I can trust for a very long time. And Gabby would have a good friend to talk to and be around. Like you said, we'd be one big happy family. Gabby has no family left. Neither do I. Don't have any kids yet. And you are right we need to get Miss Martha out of that saloon. She doesn't belong there. I've been thinking of giving all the hands some land, to build their homes on. So, we could sort of form that family. I know it sounds funny. Especially coming from me, but Gabby has shown me that family is important. We've worked together, had good times together and bad. I trust every one of you. And you've become my family. We all work on the place, why not all live there too. I have enough land, my ambition isn't to own all the land in Texas, just a piece of it. I know how hard it is for a cowboy to make enough money to get their own spreads going, but I got a feeling if we all work together, we could live quite comfortably there. With everyone having a share in the land, everyone would work harder to make it pay off."

  "Well, I wasn't planning on leaving, you."

  Cole eyed him with precision now. "If you love Miss Martha, then I'd love to see you settle close and together you and me could take care of both places. Not to mention the fact that the two women could take care of each other too. Kind of like a partnership. What do you think?"

  "I think it's too generous to speak of." Slim shook his head.

  "Maybe, and just maybe I'm selfish enough I want to keep you around for a lot more years. I want to do it, Slim. I chose all my men carefully. And I haven't had a moments problem with anyone. Other ranchers in the area, they have problems all the time. People quit, get mad, go broke. I'm lucky. I don't have to worry one moment. Eventually, I'll offer the others some land, if they continue to stay on. But I'd like you to be the first. Besides, I'd like to see Miss Martha out of that saloon too, with a home of her own. So, what do you say?"