The Stafford Collection, Historical Western Romances (46 page)

“
I was preparing you.”

“
For what?”

“
For me,” he replied again, gently grabbing her hand and pulling it down to rest against the bulge in his pants. Amelia nervously traced the length with her palm. She was amazed and terrified by the hardness of it.

Chase twisted so that he was above her. Once again he captured her lips in a
soul-searing kiss. She felt his hands move over her chest releasing the buttons and exposing her chest to the cool night air. His mouth dipped down capturing a nipple between his lips as his hands continued south.

Amelia felt the cold air on her hips and realized that she was stark naked. Part of her brain wanted her to cover up and run back to camp,
but the other part wanted to be covered by Chase. The latter part won as she reached down grabbing his silky hair and pulling him up to capture his lips. Her hands ran down his rippled chest until they were blocked by his trousers. Nervously, she tried undoing the buttons. Her fumbling fingers were soon replaced by his deft ones. He quickly removed them and she slid her hands down to feel him without the barrier.

Chase gasped as her hand closed around his manhood. He gritted his teeth as her hand formed a circle and unknowingly mimicked the act itself. Not sure how long he could sustain her exploration he pulled her hand away and gently pushed her to her back.

Every sense Amelia had was alert as he covered her, and she gratefully accepted his kisses as she felt him part her knees. She could feel a heart pounding against her chest and was not sure if it was hers or Chase’s. She felt his member brush her thigh and the size of it startled her. Realizing soon that said part would be in her was causing panic to set in.

Sensing her
distress, Chase shifted them and moved into position between her legs. “Are you certain?” he asked, not sure if he trusted himself to stop if she said no.

Amelia hesitated before answering. She knew that this moment would change her life completely. However, this
place, this night, there was only one answer she would give. “Yes.”

Expecting him to plow into her like so many other stories she had
heard, she closed her eyes tightly and braced for the attack. It never came. She peeked her eyes open to find him watching her slightly amused. He bent over kissing her softly as he rested above her on an elbow giving her room to breathe. She felt his hand again at her core and opened her legs wider eager for more pleasure.

She was so aroused by his talented fingers she barely noticed when he exchanged them for a different part of his body. She gasped out loud as he pushed inside of her slowly. He grabbed her hand which she squeezed as her body stretched to accept him.

She felt him pause and was rewarded by a kiss as she looked up at him. She relaxed a bit as she was lost in his kisses as he pulled out a bit only to plunge in again to the hilt. She felt his body trembling above her like a loaded spring and knew he was holding back for her comfort. “Wrap your legs around me,” he directed gruffly. It took a few moments for the request to travel from Amelia’s brain to her limbs but eventually she moved to throw her ankles over his knees. This feat caused her pelvis to shift and splay her legs open wider, which in turn made her current position more enjoyable.

Chase started moving slowly back and forth and Amelia relaxed a bit as she trailed her hands across the span of his
back, feeling his powerful muscles. She felt his pace quicken slightly as did his breathing. His hands moved to her hips as he yet again increased his speed. Her head jolted with every powerful thrust and she wondered if anyone’s head had ever torn loose from their body doing the deed. To make sure that hers did not, she moved her hands up to hold onto it.

As if sensing her concern, Chase slowed to a more measured pace as he spoke soft words in a language that Amelia could not understand. He then shuddered and remained still as he relaxed on his elbows breathing heavily. He kissed her forehead before rolling to his back and lying next to her.

Amelia lay still feeling awfully cold since Chase’s warmth left her. She pushed herself up to a sitting position and reached for her shirt to cover herself. The realization that anyone may come to the river at any time was sending her into a panic.

“
You are well?” Chase asked her, seeing her despair.

Amelia feeling a bit better with her shirt on nodded.
“Yes, I am well. Um… you said something toward the end. What did you say?”

Chase hesitated a bit before answering.
“I spoke in my mother’s tongue. I said ‘you are my life.’”

“
It was very beautiful.”

“
As are you.” He leaned in to kiss her but froze before their lips met. “Someone is coming.” He tossed Amelia her clothing before he quickly donned his pants.

Amelia could hear the footsteps as well as she pulled on her bloomers and then her skirt. She was thankful that Chase had his back to her. Whether giving her privacy or standing guard she was not sure but was grateful nonetheless.

Jaelyn’s dark head poked around a tree as she whispered, “Are you guys done yet? I need to get coffee started.”

“
Coffee? In the middle of the night?” Amelia asked straightening her clothes.

“
It is almost dawn. This is the third time I’ve been to the river. You are losing your skills, Chase. Good thing I’m not a bear or an angry brother.”

“
I don’t know. I might prefer them than to deal with your sharp tongue.”

Jaelyn fetched the water as the three made their way back to camp. Amelia lay down to get a few minutes of rest while Chase started breakfast. They needed to eat well; it would be another hard day of travel. He was hoping to be back by the evening.

Everyone was in good spirits as they broke camp. Riley was holding his own as they went to their designated horses. Amelia chose to ride yet again with Chase. Riley raised an eyebrow at her choice but did not voice a protest.

Warren approached Sally holding his hat in his hand.
“My horse is rested if you would like to ride with me.”

Sally hesitated as she turned to look at him. So much more was hidden in his simple offer.
“Well I guess, I could join you, for the horse’s sake.”

She strode off with her head held high as Warren scampered behind her.

Thomas watched them with a frown. “Do you think she’ll be alright?”

“
I think it’s Warren whom you should be worried about,” Jaelyn replied as she kissed her him quickly before mounting her horse and taking the lead. Thomas mounted, still not comfortable with riding, and followed after her.

Warren helped Sally and her petticoats on the horse before he climbed on in front. Not trusting herself to
keep her resolve if she touched him, she instead clung to the saddle.

“
Sally, I know you’re angry and I don’t blame you. However, you need to hang on so you do not fall off and break that pretty neck of yours.”

Sally,
still spiteful, grabbed onto his belt strap instead of holding onto him. Warren sighed and put the horse in motion.

Amelia was not fairing so well. Sore from her early morning
romp, she squirmed in front of Chase with every jounce from the horse.

“
You need to sit still.”

“
I can’t,” she hissed back.

“
What’s wrong?” he asked slowing Troy to a stop.

“
It hurts.”

“
What hurts?”

“
I am not going to say it out loud!” she practically yelled and Chase was glad they had chosen to ride last. “Do you remember what we did?”

“
Yes.”

“
Well it hurts.”

“
Are you okay? Do you need Thomas…”

“
I DO NOT NEED THOMAS!”

A bit
panicky, Chase lifted her and sat her sideways with her legs dangling over his thigh.

“
Is that better?” he asked.

Amelia leaned sideways and snuggled into his chest.
“Much.”

Chapter 24

Roger awoke several hours later. Noticing the movement, Sabrina put down her knitting and moved to his side.

“
W…”

“
Shhhhh, don’t try to speak. You might tear out the stitches. I have to get the doctor. I need you to sit still and you’ll be just fine.” Sabrina hurried next door and knocked lightly before opening it and shouting “He’s awake!”

Returning to Roger
’s room, she was glad to find him still aware. “Dr. Reynold is coming; there was an accident at the corral yesterday. You ended up with a hunk of wood in your neck and the doctor saved you.”

Dr. Reynold entered looking fresh as ever. Sabrina stood up so he could exam Roger. After a physical exam he picked up his hand and directed him to squeeze to answer his questions. Once for yes, twice for no.

Anna and Jonathan appeared and were happy to see that his brain was fully functional as well. Dr. Reynold had been concerned he may have had some damage due to blood loss. It was getting awfully crowded in the room, so Sabrina slipped out to look for Brock and give him the good news.

She found him conversing with Samuel at the corral. It was almost completely repaired; it was much harder to replace men than things. She reached out for Brock
’s hand and grasped it excitedly.

“
Roger’s awake!”

Samuel let out a whoop of joy as he went to spread the news to all the men. Brock pulled Sabrina into his arms.
“I am glad. He still suffered a grievous injury,” he said cautiously, not wanting her to get her hopes up in case he did not recover.

“
He will make it.”

“
You need a break. We could have a picnic for lunch. Samuel showed me a pond not too far from here. I’ll hitch up the wagon.”

“
I don’t know, Brock. It doesn’t feel right going off and having a picnic when men are laying out dead in the house. Plus, I hate the wagon. I’d rather walk!”

“
You have to eat. Doesn’t matter where you do it. Moreover, it is not my suggestion; Samuel suggested it. Alma told him you needed a break for a while.”

Not wanting to argue, Sabrina agreed and forced a smile as she headed to the kitchen to gather food. Brock sighed watching her walk off.

Samuel was waiting by the stables as Brock walked up. “How did it go?”

“
Better than I expected. She wasn’t wild about riding in the wagon.”

“
Why don’t you take the carriage?”

“
What carriage?”

Samuel led him over to the barn. He motioned to
a pile of tarps in the corner. Pulling them off, he revealed a beautiful two seat carriage in pristine condition. The hand-stitched leather had been carefully polished recently.

“
Sabrina never mentioned a carriage.”

“
It was her mother’s. We’ve kept it stored and Warren had me clean it up for the wedding in case we needed it.”

Brock
hesitated; he was not sure how Sabrina would react.

“
It’s a mite more comfortable than that clunky wagon. I’ll help you pull it out,” Samuel said grabbing it and pulling it out with ease. The carriage was a beautiful wood and metal structure complete with a canopy. It sat on springs above large spindly wheels to help cushion the passengers from rough roads. Brock grabbed the other side and the men pulled it out of the barn.

Turning to the stable, they led the carriage horses out and harnessed them. Hooking them up to the draft
pole, Brock climbed into the seat and drove the team to the front of the house.

Alma and Sabrina were waiting on the
porch, their arms laden with baskets of food and quilts. Upon seeing the carriage pull up, the quilts dropped from her hands in shock. Alarmed, Brock went to her side where she stood covering her mouth with her hands.

“
I thought you said a wagon.”

“
I’m sorry, Sabrina; Samuel said the carriage would be more comfortable. We don’t have to…”

“
No, it’s okay. I’ve just forgotten all about it.”

“
It’s beautiful.”

“
My father bought it for my mother. She was always very delicate.”

Sabrina was standing still trying to keep her emotions in check. She did not know how she had forgotten the carriage. It held such vibrant memories of her childhood. Good memories. She was starting to realize that in suppressing all the bad memories of her family
’s death, she had suppressed all the good ones as well. It just hurt so much to think of them gone, so she never thought of them at all.

She turned to
Brock, tears once again running down her face. “Thank you, Brock. It’s perfect.”

Brock hugged her tightly before releasing her and helping her climb up into the seat.

Alma watched them with tears in her own eyes as she handed over the basket laden with food and quilts to load. She grabbed Brock’s arm and kissed him on the cheek.

“
Thank you for saving Sabrina.”

Brock shook his head.
“I didn’t do anything. Samuel saved her life.”

“
But you saved her soul.”

Brock nodded to the woman who was like a mother to Sabrina and climbed into his seat. He clicked his tongue and guided the horses down the long driveway. He felt Sabrina scoot closer to him wrapping her hands around his arm as she laid her head on his shoulder. He looked down happy to see her content.

“Is this better than the wagon?”

“
Much better.”

The heat of the day was arriving but there was a nice breeze. They did not speak much during the journey, one of the things she loved about Brock. He could appreciate the silence of nature without spoiling it with idle chatter.

The carriage lumbered down the worn trail to the pond. Halting the carriage, he lifted Sabrina down and handed her the quilts while he tethered the horses where they could graze.

Bringing the basket with him, he joined
her, choosing to sit next to her instead of across. “You know what this reminds me of?” She asked with a twinkle in her eye.

“
What?”

“Remember when
I was showing you that shanty when we first met? And you stripped down naked in front of me to go skinny-dipping.”

Brock raised an eyebrow.
“That’s not quite how I remember it.”

“Oh,
I’m sure that’s the way it went. I remember that day very vividly.”

“
What I remember is it being hot as Hades and being eaten alive by gnats.”

“
Yeah, that too,” Sabrina said smiling as Brock leaned over and kissed her mouth.

“
You tortured me so.”

“
I’m sorry,” Sabrina whispered as she kissed him back; all thoughts of food were forgotten.

***

Amelia was now riding with Jaelyn, and she was grateful for her silence. She had been closely watching Riley in concern as he hunched forward further and further in his saddle. She cried out as he started to slide sideways only to be caught by Chase’s powerful arm grabbing his and holding him upright.

Chase grabbed the reins stopping both of their horses. Warren rode up and jumped off to assist Riley down from the horse. Amelia slid down and ran to her brother. She was dismayed to see his pant leg gleaming wet with blood.

“Why is he still bleeding?” she cried in dismay as Warren lowered him to the ground while Thomas moved to assess him once again.

“
His wound keeps opening; we need to elevate his leg. He needs to drink more to replenish the fluid he’s losing.”

Thomas sat quietly in thought. He was questioning his decision to bring him back home. He hadn
’t considered how hard the trip would be on him.

“
How much longer ’til we reach Montgomery?”

“
At this pace? About five hours.”

“
I could take him on Troy and ride ahead,” Chase offered.

“
With that amount of weight you’d have to stop frequently. It wouldn’t save that much time,” Warren added.

“
Warren’s horse is strong,” Jaelyn spoke up. “What if we tied him to the saddle and Chase led him? He could cut that in half. What do you think, Thomas?”

“
Time is of the essence. They would move quicker without us greenhorns. We’re running out of options.”

Chase took the horses to get water while Riley rested. He reluctantly sipped at the water that Thomas offered. When Chase returned Amelia walked up to him and kissed him unabashedly.

“Ride swiftly.”

Chase winked at
her. “I always do.”

Mounting Troy, he double-checked the bindings they used to secure Riley
’s hands to the saddle. Chase grasped both reins and they were off. Amelia watched them until even the dust subsided.

A shadow passed over her and she turned to see Jaelyn next to her.
“Riley is strong. He will survive.”

“
Thank you.”

“
You are welcome, my sister.”

Turning,
they went to regroup for the last leg of the journey.

***

Brock and Sabrina returned from lunch. Alma and Anna were on the porch knitting and she joined them as Brock returned the carriage to the barn.

“
How was the picnic?”

“
Wonderful,” Sabrina said with a wide smile.

“
How was the food?”

“
The food? Oh, the food was good too.”

Alma smiled but Anna was distracted. She squinted as she looked off into the distance. She stood up suddenly.
“There’s two horses coming in fast.”

Alarmed,
Alma stood and rung the bell.

Samuel and several hands
appeared, fully armed.

Sabrina tried to decipher the figures as they came closer. It couldn
’t be their family, could it? Why were there only two? Cold fear gripped her heart as she recognized the lead horse.

“
It’s Troy.”

Brock had jumped bareback onto one of the carriage horses and ran out to meet them. Chase pulled the tired horses to a stop as Brock and two other hands on horses greeted them.

“What happened to Riley?” Brock asked as they arrived.

“
He was bit by a boar.”

Brock cut Riley
’s hands free as they transferred him to a fresh horse. He ordered the hands to take him to the house.

Brock stayed with Chase who was exhausted and bleak. He slipped off Troy and walked the great horse to help cool him down. Brock walked next to him sending his own horse back to the stables with a pat on its rump.

“What happened to Riley? Where are the others?”

“
A boar attacked him on the way down. We did not realize it was that bad. We tried to get him back home but he just kept getting sicker and sicker. The others are fine. They are slow so we split up. I rested Troy as much as I could.”

Brock nodded grimly as he patted Troy
’s sweaty neck. It was a risk that had to be taken. Warren’s horse seemed to be in worse shape. Its sides heaved and its muzzle was covered in foam. They needed to cool them down and get them back to the stable.