Pioneer passion, p.14
Pioneer Passion, page 14
“Sorry, miss.” He lowered his eyes and murmured, “I didn’t know you were standing there. You must think I’m touched in the head talking to a dumb animal like that.”
Rusty, sorry for making the lad uncomfortable, replied, “No! I’m the one who should apologize for ease dropping. I admire anyone who takes a liking to animals.” She came forward and patted the mare’s neck and smiled. “I love horses myself. Though, I had owned just a mangy old mule and a few scrawny chickens, I treated them as if they were my friends. My name is Rusty.” She extended her hand.
The stable boy looked at it for a moment and she wondered if he would accept the greeting. He gulped, wiped his sweaty palm on his thigh, and shook with nervous vigor. A wide grin appeared on his face and she offered a smile of her own. The horse snorted and nudged the boy to tell him he was acting foolish. He seemed to have gotten the message and grunted, “My name is Buddy, Buddy Williams, Miss.”
“Glad to meet you, Buddy.”
Buddy smiled and swallowed hard.
“I’d like to take a ride; that horse will do.” She nodded to the golden sorrel. Buddy swallowed again, his eyes nearly bugged out and she had to stifle a giggle.
“Oh, no, ma’am,” he gulped. “I mean you shouldn’t go riding alone, the master wouldn’t like it.”
“Now, Buddy,” she purred, “I thought we were friends.” She formed her lips into a pout, feigning disappointment. Rusty hated taking advantage of the boy, seeing how flustered he had gotten over her nearness, but she had to get away for awhile.
Buddy cringed, but, nevertheless, he saddled Butterscotch, all the time talking under his breath that she shouldn’t ride alone. Rusty insisted she could take care of herself and patted the small gun she owned that was safely tucked in her split-skirt pocket. “I’m not a piece of fluff,” she barked over her shoulder, ignoring the stable boy’s meek protest and rode out on Butter-scotch. She felt he would inform his master and was sorry for the trouble she would cause him.
The day was warm. The sun brightened the sky making it a ceiling of clear blue and the flat lands of blowing Nevada grass stretched out before her. The warm breeze kissed her lips and Rusty wished she had her hat to protect her delicate complexion. The little fancy hat with silly plumes didn’t do anything but decorate one’s face. The horse trotted and she felt alive, despite all that had happened to her and how complicated her life had gotten since Guy entered it. When she reached the open land, she gave Butterscotch her head.
Rusty’s hair waved wildly, giving her a sense of total abandonment. She rode the sleek animal, feeling at one with the beast, and taking in the sensation of being in timeless space. If only she could remain there. The racing breeze invigorated her. The silly hat and all her problems were blown away with the wind. Spirits renewed, she galloped on, gulping unspoiled air cleansing her soul. So into her thoughts she didn’t hear the hoof beats of another horse until the rider was almost upon her. Turning, her eyes widened to see someone gaining on her but her hair obstructed her vision and she couldn’t see clearly who was barreling down towards her. Fear circled her heart, and she bit her lip until it throbbed like her pulse. Before she could get her weapon, strong arms wrapped themselves around her waist like a vice. Rusty found her body lifted from the saddle into contact with a hard chest.
Guy? her mind screamed.
Rusty was stunned momentarily as the rider reined his horse to a halt. Released, not too gently to the ground, she stumbled backwards. Gasping for breath, she landed with a thump on her backside. Her sore rump made her forget her fear; now she was spitting mad, saw red, and cursed a blue streak as she stood, wiping the dust from her smarting buttocks. It was her anger that prevented her from crying with total frustration and she continued to curse in an unladylike fashion brushing off her skirt. She was pissed for having the daylights scared out of her by of all people...him! After the initial shock wore off, she found her voice and spat back calling him every name she had heard her father use when he didn’t think she was around.
“Of all the stupid, foolish, nit-wit things to do!” he reprimanded, glaring angrily and then he slammed his hat to the ground. The irate cowboy bent to retrieve his crushed hat, punching it back into some kind of shape and slammed it on his head.
“Me? Foolish indeed!” she answered in a silly squeal. Her lungs still burned from riding hard. His harsh words inflamed his throat. “What did you think you were doing?” She blew at her annoying hair that stubbornly fell over her face. When it just fluttered and fell back in her eyes, she swatted it away with her hand. “You came up from behind, grabbed me from my horse for no reason at all! Are you crazy?!” she snorted. Now that was an asinine question.
“No reason?” he scoffed.
“You’re damn right!” she countered.
“You could have broken your neck riding like that. That’s the thanks I get for saving your pretty fanny. Or should I say foolish hide?” He snorted, and then hissed between gritted teeth, “And furthermore, if anyone around here is crazy, it’s you!”
Her eyes widened with injustice and she wasn’t finished lecturing him.
“Foolish hide! You nincompoop! I was in total control all the time,” she informed him in an indignant huff, swatting again at her unruly mane. With her hands on her hips, she spat, highly insulted, “I’m an expert rider. I was riding before I could walk.”
She suspected she looked like a wild woman because she surely felt the part. Backing up a few steps, he grabbed her wrists and pulled her back into the circle of his arms until his face was inches from hers and Rusty drew in a sharp breath; her legs turned to jelly. Her nipples strained against her blouse causing weird sensations in the pit of her stomach. She blanched, her anger crumbling.
Would he kiss her?
She proudly thrust out her chin, taking in such a deep breath that her breasts threatened to pop a button on her blouse, a sight that didn’t pass Guy’s notice as his gaze traveled boldly over her. She felt naked under his scrutiny and she trembled seeing the lusty gleam in his eyes.
He’s going to kiss me. Well, he better!
She wanted the kiss, but recalled his lover and stiffened, not wanting to feel this way. She shouldn’t let him kiss her after spending his time in another woman’s arms. Oh, but he smells so good; brown soap, leather, and himself. Any words of protest were lost in her tight throat. What was she objecting to again? Oh, yes. His whore! She hated Guy.
Why didn’t he kiss her?
Her pulse quickened and she felt as if she should run but her legs didn’t move. There were too many conflicting sensations accosting her senses and she blinked into his hooded gaze wondering what he was waiting for. She licked her lips, knowing what eternity felt like. Then, he kissed her and it was nothing like she thought it would be.
It definitely curled her toes! A low moan escaped and she felt an excited wave of passion that was completely foreign. Her senses reeled beneath his ardent kiss.
When had Guy dismounted, he was amused at the wildcat he rescued. Her green eyes were ablaze with flying sparks. She kept swatting at her unruly hair and he wanted to rub it between his fingers. God, she’s so sensual when she’s mad, he thought and he couldn’t help but chuckle even though he wanted to tan her hide for putting her life in such danger. With mixed emotions, he remembered the moment he had seen her racing across the terrain looking like a bronzed goddess her red hair flying like a flag.
He had roused early to take one of his father’s horses on a good run to forget the memory of the fight with his brother, but most of all, to wash away thoughts of a certain green-eyed devil from his mind. He could do neither. At first sight of her, he thought she was a mirage, an illusion from too little sleep and too much drink. When he realized she was indeed real, his heart stopped thinking her horse had run away with her and she was in trouble. He goaded his mount to a gallop, praying Rusty would not break her neck, he wanted the pleasure of doing that deed. That damn kid was nothing but trouble ever since that cursed day he laid eyes on her. Seeing her safe now, his temper rose and he was determined that she wouldn’t go unpunished for scaring the hell out of him.
Rusty’s chest heaving made his entire reasoning fly from his mind. All he wanted to do was crush her to him, feeling her breasts, and kiss those pouting lips. Although, she was young and alluring and he was the adult, he should know better. He should run but he couldn’t release her. Almost eighteen is old enough to know your mind, he told himself to justify his actions. Guy knew her mouth, like the rest of her, was virgin territory, and it was soft, gentle at first. He wanted only a kiss but when he felt those sweet lips against his, it was all over. He swelled like an inexperienced teenager and lost all control. She bewitched him. Fully aroused, Guy deepened the kiss, pressing his hot tongue between her quivering lips.
Rusty opened her mouth to give him better access to her honey cavity and her breath became his. His head spun tasting her sweet innocence, and was surprised by the intensity of the kiss. Devil take his soul, he wanted her more than any woman he ever wanted before. He had to take her slowly; she was a child in a woman’s body and that thought almost stopped him. Almost.
He looked deeply into her clouded eyes and said his voice grainy “You know I want you.”
She nodded.
“If you don’t want this I won’t force you. As God is my witness, I want to make sweet passionate love to you.”
Again she nodded.
“Are you sure?” he asked once more, not certain if he could stop now if she protested.
“I’m not the child you think I am. I have a woman’s feelings.”
He saw her blush at her candor and he kissed her again. She opened her lips, twisting her blistering tongue around his. Guy was the teacher and she was a fast learner. The feeling of her heart beating and her hard nipples against his chest was doing wonderful things to him.
If she only knew the effect she has on me.
Tensing momentarily, he thought he should be making love to her on a big, soft bed. He didn’t like himself very much at that moment, but she didn’t seem to mind. She was no prima donna; she was his wildcat. Before Guy was through, he would know every inch of her. He was convinced that once he tasted her sweetness, he would be able to get her off his mind. His brother was right; he was a bastard. Damn, but he wanted her! Her long body fit perfectly with his; she was made for him. After that thought, he didn’t think anymore. He felt her tremble and feared she was having second thoughts.
Rusty turned, removed her jacket feeling awkward.
Would she please him? Why did she have to be so tall? Was his lover petite? Could she go through with this? Would sharing a moment with Guy be enough? It would have to be. Feeling self-conscious, she wondered why she was torturing herself with this analyzing. Gathering her courage, she turned but he must have seen hesitation in her eyes because he pulled her towards him. Her lips trembled and he kissed her again.
She was a bowl of mush. She wanted Guy’s love. She needed it. Even being unsure of his feeling didn’t matter at that moment. She had all the love in her heart for him, and for now, that would be enough. This she thought wrapping her limp arms around his neck, feeling his throbbing desire against her stomach.
“Relax, sweetheart,” he drawled and eased her to the ground. “I promise not to hurt you anymore than nature requires. There will be some pain; just trust me.”
Guy scooped her up and carried her to the soft grass where he placed her feet lightly on the ground and he quickly removed his gun belt and shirt. Swallowing her anxiety, his fingers burned like fire on her back and she felt the heat of his skin. Rusty lavishly returned his touch, forgetting all her previous fears. Guy was here, with her; this moment would be preserved forever in her heart. He kissed her again and she wrapped her arms around him as if she were clinging for dear life; maybe she was. His nibbling on her earlobe made her dizzy. He opened her blouse, gently pressing a firm nipple between his finger and thumb. The sensation caused her to gasp in delight; her flesh was afire. Their heat was so intense she feared they would fuse together. Surely every bone in her body was already incinerated. Their tongues continued to explore each other’s mouths. She was like a child exploring fresh territory; it was so new to her.
Rusty didn’t know how it happened. By the time she opened her eyes, they were both naked. The breezes made her shiver, or was it the knowledge of their nakedness? She moaned, feeling an unfamiliar sensation consume her. This feeling, new to her, was causing havoc on her senses. This time she shivered with pleasure.
Guy kissed her breasts playfully, toying with her nipples with his hot tongue. Then slowly and deliberately, he worked his tender assault up her neck, over her jaw, and plunged his tongue through her swollen lips. He slipped his hand between her legs, finding her softness, and she drew in a deep breath as if someone had hit her. He held his own breath but let it out slowly and she closed her eyes. He eased himself over her and saw her eyes shut. Never had he spilled his seed prematurely before, but it was becoming more difficult for him to control himself.
He whispered, “Open your eyes, sweetheart. I want to see pleasure in them when I fill you with my passion. She did as he asked and when his hardness slid into her, hitting the barrier, he felt her stiffen. Although, sorry for her discomfort, he pushed swiftly and this time he was certain it was the pain made Rusty wince biting her lower lip, but she gifted him with a weak smile assuring him she accepted it bravely. He smiled in return and moved slowly at first, letting her get accustomed to the sweet invasion.
Surprised, but totally pleased, his partner thrust her hips along with his rhythm and abandoned herself so completely, he felt as if he’d burst into a thousand pieces. He did and by her cry of pleasure, he assumed so did she. He was happy to know she shared his passion and smiled, seeing her face glow from their love making.
“Sweetheart,” Guy coaxed hating to disturb her, for she lay in his arms like a contented cat. And why not? She was his wildcat. He traced the tiny blue veins in her soft breasts, marveling at her pale skin. Ah, those beautiful breasts. How blind could a man be not to have noticed? Even though she had bound them tightly, he should have suspected something; such a skinny kid had filled out the shirt so snugly. Her white flesh reminded him of cream, just as soft and just as delicious; her body would be branded in his mind forever. Rusty lifted her face to him and he was rewarded with an expression of pure pleasure. He wanted to make love to her again and the idea surprised him.
“Mmmm,” she sighed, and murmured, “I fear it might have been a dream if I open my eyes. I cannot believe what had happened and I’m in awe with the thrill and wonder of it all.” He chuckled lightly at her honest candor making him fell ten feet tall. But he had to admit, although not to the woman in his arms, it was the best sex he ever had. Rusty shivered and she seemed to be embarrassed again. “I’m cold,” was all she said.
He wanted to hold her longer to tell her things he never said to a woman before, but he only said, “It’s clouding up, we must hurry, it might storm. Come, dress quickly, I’ll never forgive myself if you get a chill.”
He remembered how closely he had come to losing her once. It surprised him how he felt emptiness when she left his embrace. He dressed and felt serge of guilt run through his veins, never having made love to a virgin before. Are you insane? Fear crept down his spine, not liking it for a minute that she had gotten under his skin. He became disgusted for his weakness making his arrogant self resurface.
“Hurry up!” he tersely ordered. Sorry he had snapped, Guy shrugged to cover up his self-loathing and he chose to ignore the confusion etched on her features. He knew if he looked at her, he’d take her in his arms again. And again. And again. Damn! He was a fool to fall under her spell. It won’t happen again.
Hearing the sharp timber in Guy’s voice, Rusty looked up from buttoning her blouse with total confusion. Why did he snap at her? Hadn’t she pleased him? Her eyes became watery, but she conquered her tears long enough to say, “What’s wrong?”
His voice was smooth but flat, he replied, “It’s nothing. I want to get home before it rains.” He walked to his horse without looking back at her, but she noticed that there were only a few clouds in the sky. “It doesn’t look like rain,” Rusty contradicted, frowning. Her heart constricted numbly.
Only moments ago she had loved the feel of him as they were one with each other. Now she was a woman and would never be the same. She still tingled all over, feeling every inch of her body alive. Was he now having second thoughts and regretted that he had made love to her? Son of a bitch! He was the most exasperating man she’d ever met. Even now, with her heart breaking, she wanted to hate him, but she couldn’t and chided herself for loving him. She thought she had enough love for both of them, how could she have been so wrong? Rusty fought back tears that lay heavily under her lids. So caught up in her thoughts, she didn’t hear the rider approach until he was bringing his horse to a halt. Kyle jumped from his mare and she had no doubt in her mind that he noticed her hair in a twisted mess. Her blouse was partly buttoned and her boots lying on the ground; it didn’t take a genius to surmise what had just transpired.
Mortified, Rusty watched as Kyle swung Guy around. The cowboy was completely taken unaware by his brother. Guy came back with a hard punch to his sibling’s stomach causing Kyle’s breath to whoosh from his lungs. Rusty knew it was a lucky punch, for Kyle was distracted a moment by her unkempt sight. The younger man’s concentration now back to Guy, he lunged and they toppled over onto the ground. They rolled around for a while, Guy wouldn’t let go and neither would his little brother. They grappled in the dust as Kyle tried to deliver a damaging blow to Guy. Tangled arms and legs disturbed the dirt and she coughed… and, she had seen enough!
“Stop it!” she screamed. She was fuming and angered that they were fighting over her! They refused to stop and she screamed again. “Stop it, you two!” she stamped her foot on the ground forgetting she was barefooted. Her heel was bruised on a rock. “Ouch! Damn!” In a minute she hobbled over to her boots, putting them on gingerly. Limping slightly, she picked up her jacket and put it on. “Kill each other, for all I care,” she railed, and then straightened her clothes, hoping they would beat each other senseless. That’s if they had any sense to beat. Albeit, she meant what she said, she watched as Kyle broke apart and got another good punch, hitting Guy’s right eye while cursing, “You bastard!”
