Yellowstone Romance Series - Bundle (# 2-5) (31 page)

“Put your arms around me,” he whispered. She obeyed instantly. Chase leaned down and kissed her again, slowly at first. She responded with a fever he hadn’t expected. It was going to drive him mad. He draped one leg over her thighs, keeping his full weight off her. His hand slid down her shoulders, across her stomach, and up to cup her breast. He heard her moan and arch her back into his hand. He kneaded gently and rubbed her nipple with his thumb.

His mouth left hers, and he trailed kisses down her neck, licking with his tongue. He felt her shudder. She moved her hands hesitantly up and down his shoulders and arms, and Chase felt a renewed tightening in his gut. His mouth found her nipple, and he ran his tongue over it until it was hard and peaked. He suckled gently, and Sarah gasped. Her hands reached up and grabbed at his head, holding him to her.

He paid the same attention to her other breast, and ran his hand down her stomach, past the slight curve in her hip, and along her thighs. Sarah squirmed underneath him.

“Easy, Angel,” he whispered. He kissed the valley between her breasts, then back up her neck, and finally found her mouth again. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, kissing him like she’d been doing it forever.

He pulled his leg back, and fumbled with the thongs holding his britches. Moments later his hand found her silky thighs again, and he gently nudged them apart. His hand trailed up her inner thigh, to the juncture of her legs. She stiffened slightly.

“Remember, tell me to stop, Angel,” he said, his voice hoarse.

“I don’t want you to stop,” she whispered.

Chase groaned and claimed her lips again, while his fingers probed her intimate folds. She was ready for him. He kicked his britches off and positioned himself over her, and hesitated. What if her hurt her? He knew there was no easy way the first time. All he could hope for was that he’d readied her body enough. He entered her with one swift thrust, crushing his mouth over hers to drown out her cry. Her body went rigid. So did his. He stayed motionless so she could get used to him.

“Sarah, are you okay?” he asked.

She nodded. “Is it over?” she asked quietly. Chase wasn’t expecting that.

“No, Angel, it’s only just begun.” Slowly, he began to move inside her. She gasped again and he felt her breathing increase. Chase clenched his teeth. He couldn’t hold back much longer. He reached his hands down around her hips, pulling her up towards him, showing her how to move in time with him. He buried himself deep inside her, and held her hips to his. When he felt her wrap her legs around his waist, he nearly came undone.
Not yet, Russell. This is for her.

“Chase,” she gasped his name, and her body began to shudder. Her legs trembled, and her breathing was fast and shallow.

“That’s it, Angel, just let it happen,” he whispered in her ear, holding her tightly. When the tremors slowed, Chase moved inside her, his momentum building with each stroke. He couldn’t get close enough to her. She was driving him mad. He clutched at her hips, pulling her up to him as he drove into her, until he shuddered in his own release. Spent, he collapsed on top of her.

Willing his breathing to slow, he stroked the hair out of her face and kissed her. She clung to him and he heard her sob. He stiffened and pushed himself up on his elbows.

“Angel? Oh, God, Sarah, did I hurt you. I’m…I’m sorry.”

“No, that’s not why I’m crying. I never thought…it was like this. Is it always like this?”

Chase relaxed, a smile forming on his face as he looked down at his beautiful angel. What had he done to deserve her? He was nothing but a screw-up.

“It can be,” he whispered. He rolled off her onto his back, and pulled her up close to him. Sarah rested her head on his chest.

He stared up at the ceiling, one hand behind his head, the other wrapped around the sweet woman nestled up against him, his fingers lazily stroking her arm. After what had just happened, his resolve was stronger than ever. He couldn’t go on with his life in limbo the way it was, but how could he possibly go through with his plans now? Sarah deserved a better man than him, he reminded himself firmly. He gazed down at her. She hadn’t moved. Her hair spilled over her shoulder and down her back, some strands tickling his stomach.

“Chase?” She raised her head to look up at him, her eyes wide.

“Yeah, Angel.” he kissed her forehead.

“My father will kill us if he finds out.”

He sucked in a long breath. “Then let’s not tell him,” he chuckled.

*****

Sarah stretched slowly, trying to work the soreness out of her arms and legs. She opened her eyes. Everything was still dark, but a small stream of light shone through the burlap covering the small window of the cabin. She was suddenly wide awake, realizing she wasn’t in her own bed.  A dull ache spread from the junction of her thighs upward. Memories of last night came flooding back.

She smiled slowly. Chase had made her his woman. She placed her hand over her abdomen.  A new awareness dawned of what all those tingling feelings and lightning jolts meant whenever Chase had touched and kissed her before. Her face flushed when she thought about her own boldness at coming to him.

She sat up and glanced around. She was alone in the cabin. She pulled her legs over the edge of the bunk, a little disappointed. Shamefully, she wished Chase were here to hold her in his arms. What was going through his mind? Did he feel the same joy and elation she felt?

 Her dress still lay in a heap near the hearth. How late in the day was it? Almost panicked, she left the bed and grabbed for her dress, pulling it on with trembling hands. She could barely tie the leather thongs at the shoulders. Why had Chase let her sleep? She had planned to return to her room before dawn. How was she going to get to the main cabin without notice?

Sarah peeled the burlap aside and glanced out the window. The mountain across the Madison was still covered in shadow. The sun’s rays had not reached it yet. It was still early, but not early enough. Her parents were surely awake. Slowly, she opened the cabin door. All was quiet. She darted across the yard to the main cabin, and leaned against the wall, her heart pounding. She inched along until she reached the window, and peered inside. Relief washed over her, and she exhaled slowly. The room was empty.

Quietly, she opened the door and stepped in. She was almost to her room, when her parents’ bedroom door opened. She froze.

“Sarah?” Her mother’s voice sounded surprised. Sarah’s heart dropped. She closed her eyes, and slowly turned to face her mother. The older woman’s eyes assessed her quickly, comprehension dawning in her eyes. Sarah hung her head. What would her mother think of her now?

“Do you…need to talk?” her mother asked softly, and took a step closer.

Sarah glanced up, her face hot. “N . . . no,” she stammered. The last thing she wanted was to discuss her experience with her mother. She only wanted Chase at the moment, talk to him. Her mother smiled at her and walked up to her. She put her hands on her shoulders. “Well, I’m here for you if you do.”

“Okay . . . Where’s Papa?” Her eyes darted to her parent’s bedroom. He wouldn’t be as understanding, seeing her standing here in a dress she’d never worn. A chill crept up her spine. Her father would recognize immediately what had happened. There was no telling what he might do to Chase.  They had gotten along well, better than Sarah could have hoped for, but what she and Chase had done without being wed . . . her father’s wrath would be merciless. “And . . . Where’s Chase?”

“They left before dawn this morning. They’ve been planning an extended excursion for days. Chase didn’t tell you?” Her mother’s forehead wrinkled.

Sarah shook her head. “He . . . never mentioned it.” She swallowed back her disappointment.  After what they’d shared, she just wanted him to be here, hold her, and tell her he loved her. Now it might be days before she could talk to him. “I . . . I need to change.” She turned and quickly entered her room, closing the door behind her. She squeezed her eyes together, holding back the tears that threatened. She laughed softly. All she seemed to do lately was cry. 

Why had Chase left her in his bed without waking her? Why couldn’t he tell her he would be gone for days? Chase was experienced when it came to women. Perhaps what they had shared wasn’t as meaningful to him as it had been for her.

Chapter 32

The familiar yellows and reds of the Yellowstone Canyon loomed before Chase. The roar of the Lower Falls grew louder by the second. It was a spectacular sight.

“I never grow tired of this view,” Daniel said, pulling his horse up beside him. Coming here on horseback rather than walking had cut the travel time in half from when he’d made this same trip with Sarah all those weeks ago. Daniel swung his leg forward and over his mount’s neck, and leapt lightly to the ground. Chase did the same, but he wasn’t as agile as the older man. Riding a horse was still something he hadn’t quite gotten used to.

“Yeah, it’s quite a sight,” Chase remarked.

“We’ve made good time,” Daniel said. “Do you wish to set up camp along the rim, or head into the canyon and begin the search?”

“Let’s get it over with,” Chase answered. “If we don’t find it today, we can camp down there and get an early start in the morning.”

Daniel nodded. He hobbled the horse’s legs with leather, so they wouldn’t wander too far, and removed their bridles. Chase slung his bedroll and rifle over his shoulder, and headed towards the rim. He stopped and watched the mighty falls plunge into the depths of the canyon.

Sarah had been in his thoughts the entire ride here. He still couldn’t believe she’d come to him last night. Being with her had been the most incredible experience of his life. She’d fallen asleep in his arms, and he held her all night, finally forcing himself away as dawn approached. He’d almost reconsidered his decision, but knew it had to be this way. He and Daniel had formulated their plan weeks ago, when they returned from burying Hawk. Everything he’d done since that time led to this moment. All he had to do now was help Daniel find the time travel device.

I’m doing this for you, Angel. You deserve better.

“Are you still certain this is what you want to do?” Daniel asked, standing next to him, peering down into the deep chasm.

“Absolutely,” Chase said firmly. “I can’t live like this anymore, Daniel, you know that. I love your daughter, but I’m not the man she needs me to be, or the man she deserves. You can understand why I have to do this, can’t you?

“Yes, I understand. But Sarah will be hurt deeply. I don’t wish this on her, either.”

“I would rather she be angry with me. That way, if . . . that way she can get on with her life. If she had known about this, she would have talked me out of it, or worse – asked to come with me.”

“She will not be told.” Daniel placed a hand on his shoulder. “Her anger will fall on me. The device will be disposed of properly this time. What happened to you cannot happen to anyone else. I will make sure it is gone for good.” Daniel paused, then said, “For as often as I have been here in my life, I never thought I would actually descend to the bottom of this canyon.” He grinned.

“The view from up top is better, trust me,” Chase said dryly. Inhaling deeply he stepped over the edge to begin his final descent into the canyon.

******

Sarah stood at the river’s edge, watching the soft swells of the water as it meandered on its way. An occasional circular ripple broke the surface as hungry cutthroat trout snatched at insects that had foolishly hovered too close.

When would they return? Each day, with each passing hour, she became more anxious. Three days had passed since she’d been in Chase’s arms, since he’d changed her forever. She ached for him to hold her, tell her that he loved her. Surely after what they had shared, he would ask for her to be his wife. She already considered him her husband.

The whinny of a horse drew her attention. She looked towards the east, where the Little Buffalo River converged with the Firehole to form the wider Madison. She smiled brightly, and her heart leapt in her chest. Her father’s horse emerged from the trees, ready to cross the river. Another horse followed close behind.

Sarah’s face froze. There was no second rider. Her father guided his mount through the river, leading the other animal behind. Sarah ran along the river’s edge.

“Where’s Chase?” she called, when she was barely within earshot. Panic filled her. Her heart raced wildly. She tried to see beyond the trees, beyond the Little Buffalo River.  What had happened to him?

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Where’s Chase, Papa?” She drew alongside her father’s horse. His look was hard and unreadable. Her heart sank. Something terrible had happened.

“We will talk at the cabin,” he said, and nudged his horse forward.

Sarah stood frozen to the spot. Breathing became painful. Did he get killed? No. She shook her head. Her father would have returned with the body. She watched her mother meet her father near the cabin, and they embraced after he dismounted his horse. Sarah raced to catch up.

Wordlessly, she stood before him, her eyes darting to her mother and back to him.

“He’s gone,
bai’de
.” He said quietly, and reached for her, pulling her in his embrace. She pushed away from him.

“What do you mean, he’s gone?” Comprehension filled her. “You went to the canyon.” Her father’s expression told her that her assumption was correct. “You made him leave. You never wanted him here in the first place.”

“Chase is a man who made his own choice, Sarah,” Daniel said firmly. “There was no influence from me. In time you will come to understand his decision.”

“I’ll never understand,” she yelled, turning away from him.

“He wanted me to tell you…he loves you, and you will always be in his heart. And he hopes you will find it in you to forgive him someday for what he had to do.”

“You found the device?” she heard her mother ask quietly.

“Yes.”

“Where is it now?”

Sarah wheeled back around. Maybe she could use it to bring him back.

“I disposed of it. For good this time. Nothing like this will ever happen again.”

“How? That thing was indestructible,” her mother said.

“I threw it into the Hell Mouth. It will be lost for all time now.”

“The Hell Mouth?” the older woman’s eyebrows furrowed. Then comprehension dawned on her face. “It’s called Dragon’s Mouth in the future. You’re right. No one will ever be able to remove it from there.” She shot an anguished look at Sarah.

A crushing sensation came over her. She gasped for breath, as if she was drowning. The images of her parents and her surroundings blurred.

“Sarah.” Her mother’s hand reached for her. Sarah yanked her arm away. She ran for the small cabin, stumbling as she went. Her hands trembled while she fumbled with the latch on the door. Once open, she slipped inside, and hastily closed the door behind her, welcoming the darkness of the room’s interior. She threw herself on Chase’s bed, clutching at the blankets that held his scent. She cried silently until no more tears would come. A cold numbness enveloped her. This had been his plan all along. He never intended to stay. The afternoon he had spent with her, she realized now, had been his way of telling her goodbye. Their night together had meant nothing to him. She had given herself to him completely, in all ways. Sarah swore she would never surrender her heart to another man again.

******

Sarah’s face materialized before his eyes, coming in and out of focus. He blinked, trying to bring her image into focus.

“Angel.” His hand reached out to her. She smiled at him. Slowly, her fingers worked the leather bindings on her dress. It fell in slow motion down her shoulders, over her breasts, then her hips, until it landed in a heap at her feet. She reached for him. Chase groaned. He wiped at his sweat soaked face, blinking away the burning sensation when the salty fluid touched his eyes.

This was the best high he’d ever been on. He’d have to get himself some more of this stuff. Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck, rubbing her body along the length of him. Chase’s breathing increased. He was no longer inside his own body. He watched everything from above, hovering in the air just out of reach. His corporeal image was pulling her to him with fierce intensity. Suddenly, his image changed into that of a man with a hawk feather tied in his long black hair. Chase gasped, startled.
You’re dead!
He wanted to scream, but no words came from his mouth. His breathing became erratic. Sarah seemed not to have noticed the change. An instant later, the image of Hawk changed into the form of a short trapper wearing a thick fur hat, his hands groping at her, laughing triumphantly.

“Sarah, no!” Chase gasped. Maybe she’d hear him. She pushed away, panic in her eyes. Chase’s body shook. The trapper morphed into an Indian with a cruel leer on his face, covered in war paint. His lance was poised in the air, ready for a lethal stab.

“Sarah, run!” Chase screamed. Sweat drenched him. His shirt clung to his chest and back. He bolted upright off the ground, his eyes darting around, not recognizing any of his surroundings. Strange images were painted on the walls all around him. The images began to move. They came alive. Scorpions were everywhere, crawling all over him. The images came at him in ever faster rapid-fire succession now.

Hawk Soaring appeared, telling him he wasn’t to blame. He’d done what he could. Another man might not have acted so bravely and gone after the cougar. The Blackfoot warriors stood before him, hanging their heads in defeat, raising their weapons in the air to honor him as a great warrior, one to be respected. He saw his own father, handing him his military dog tags, patting him on the head. “You’re a good kid, Chase. I’m leaving your mother because we don’t get along. It has nothing to do with you.” Coach Beckman yelled at him that he could do anything he set his mind to, even with him gone. “You don’t need me to tell you what to do. It comes from within you.” And finally Daniel, pushing him, drilling animal tracks into his mind, telling him in his firm and quiet ways to have patience when stalking his prey. The images came to an abrupt halt. Elk Runner, with his silly grin, offered his help, and suggested that he needed to fight his evil spirits with a vision quest.

Sarah stood before him once again. “Make me your woman, Chase,” she said quietly.

“You are my woman, Sarah,” he answered. “You always will be.” Suddenly everything went black.