In Kansas on Thursday morning, Payton Slade curiously eyed the fat packet which had arrived earlier with his wife’s name on it. The Wadesville, Texas return address caught his attention. He knew that was where Dee’s older brother lived on a sprawling ranch, which was reputed to be one of the finest in the Lone Star State.
As he was heading toward the house, Payton abruptly halted and stared at the bulging envelope. What, his wicked mind asked, if it contained news of Randee? A surge of delight and eagerness was promptly replaced by dread. What if that cunning bitch had shown up at her uncle’s place in Texas and betrayed him to her kin, and they were warning Dee, or threatening to take legal action against him? He shuddered and scowled. He could handle his groveling wife, but Lee Carson or the authorities … Payton experienced a moment of shock and terror at the thought of being unmasked and punished, of losing all he had obtained. That petrified sensation enraged and hardened him, as did the memory of his stepdaughter’s humiliating trickery. He vividly recalled the wintry night she had guilefully enticed, seductively enchanted, and rashly duped him.
A mixture of powerful emotions raced wildly through his mind and body, but the most dominant one was erotic revenge because it encompassed so many feelings and desires: lust, vengeance, triumph, and pleasure. Never, he smugly decided, would Randee Hollis expose her dirty little secret and risk humiliation, or risk being held all or partly to blame for the sinful episodes. Nor would she risk shaming and hurting her mother, or forcing her mother to bear witness against her. Never would Randee challenge him without evidence, and there was none; he had made certain of it. If there was one thing that girl knew, it was how dangerous he could be, which was the obvious reason why she had not exposed him before escaping.
Payton grinned satanically as he begrudgingly admitted he was impressed by Randee’s courage and daring. His ravishing and tempting stepdaughter was a rare treasure to own and use. The girl was smart; she knew when to be afraid and when to be brave. She had spirit, fire, vitality; and he wanted to be the master of all her traits.
Intoxicating excitement charged through him and sent his mind to spinning madly. What if there was still a chance of locating that reckless vixen and bringing her back home as his slave? Naturally, the insidious man mused, after she was properly disciplined and cowed! When he finished with her punishment and subjugation, she would never again trick him or disobey him or leave him … or refuse him anything.
Payton hurried to the barn for privacy. His hands trembled with anticipation as he ripped open the missive, spilling most of its contents on the ground. He scooped them up and leaned against a stall to read them. He was astonished by the incredible enclosures. He nervously paced back and forth as he went over each paper, time and time again.
He laughed heartily as he murmured, “By God, girl, yore quite a woman, a real spitfire. You fooled yore step-pa once, but n’er again.”
Immediately Payton Slade mentally planned his journey to Texas to recover his beautiful stepdaughter and to look over his new property. After he checked out the Carson spread, he would decide which ranch to sell and where to live. He needed to take along a few of his men to deal with this “notorious outlaw” who was playing games with his golden treasure. He wouldn’t tell his wife anything about this business, until it was settled. Besides, she was still in bed from her miscarriage last week and didn’t deserve to be treated kindly after daring to lose his first child. If he could get Randee back under his control, he wouldn’t need to get his current wife “to breeding” again soon! Actually,” he concluded evilly, he wouldn’t need Dee Hollis Slade at all … .
Salacious dreams filled his distorted mind. He could be in Wadesville within a week, seeking control of both, his valuable properties. If he could get hold of Randee and the Carson Ranch, they could begin a new life where nobody had to learn he had been her stepfather before his wife’s— her mother’s— tragic demise … . In Texas, he would be far away from where he had committed so many as-yet-undiscovered crimes. He would be safe and happy, prosperous and powerful, rich and sated ….
It was late that same afternoon when Marsh finished his letter to President Grant. If anything happened to him, or to Willard Mason—one of the few men who knew his real identity—he needed to share the information he had gathered on the Epson Gang with someone he trusted above all others: his boss, the President. A small town was located not too far from where they were resting; he could mail this crucial missive there and also obtain current information on the gang’s actions, as he needed to learn where they were raiding this week. The next thing he needed to do was take Randee back to Fort Worth and place her in Willard Mason’s care, to be sent back East swiftly to join the newspaperman’s family, where she would be safe until this case was solved.
Marsh glanced over at the reclining woman who had stolen his heart and softened it. The sun was beginning to set, causing a seductive golden glow on Randee’s tawny hair and skin. The suffusion of honey-colored light which generously flowed over her was seductive, alluring, enhancing. He recalled her anger at his calling her a golden treasure, but that described her perfectly. Her green eyes were closed, unmoving. Her lips and skin were soft, inviting. Her flaxen hair fell gently to the bedroll upon which she was possibly asleep, presenting him with a favorable look at her silky throat. He wanted to spread kisses down it, across her face, over every inch of her from head to toe.
Marsh’s body and spirit ached for a union with hers. They hadn’t slept together—made love—in nearly a week. There had been no time or place or proper mood for it. He admitted the truth to himself: He didn’t want sex from Randee Hollis; sex could be taken anywhere and at any speed from any obliging female. He wanted to love her slowly and sweetly, swiftly and ravenously— but all with special meaning, with total giving and sharing and taking. Mercy, how he missed being close to her, physically and emotionally.
From the beginning, they had respected and accepted each other in all ways. They had valued each other’s strengths, and accepted each other’s weaknesses. She had always been there, was here, for him whenever he reached out for her.
Yet, his love and desire for her could get her killed. He had to break off their relationship while he still possessed the strength, means, and time to do so. He realized he had been distant— moody and unresponsive—lately, and that should work in his favor ….
Randee lay still and quiet as she wondered what Marsh was doing and thinking and feeling. To whom was he writing? About what? Why wasn’t he being a partner anymore— sharing information, thoughts, ideas, suspicions, his skills, himself? She perceived that something was happening inside that handsome head. Marsh had not made love to her since Wadesville. He had not touched her or been open since she killed that bounty hunter and saved his life. She sensed that he was getting ready to drop her, to desert her, to end their love affair and partnership. The sad blonde knew she would protest loudly and fiercely, but she doubted it would do any good this time ….
Randee sat up as Marsh announced, “Let’s head to a small town nearby so I can mail this letter. When we get there, I want you to hide and wait for me. I’ll need to visit the saloon for information, and you’re not allowed inside. I shouldn’t be gone more than an hour, two at the most. Then, we’ll head to that private place to camp so we can talk. There’s something we have to settle tonight.”
Dread—and relief— filled Randee at his last statement. He was being secretive about the letter, acting warily, and she thought it best not to press him until later that night. It was definitely time for them to have a talk, an honest and enlightening one. She nodded understanding and agreement, then stood to pack and leave.
Aware she had hardly spoken to him or looked at him today, he started to ask her what was wrong, then realized how contradictory that was. Obviously she was responding in like manner to his mood and behavior. He wanted to apologize, to comfort her, to explain, but he couldn’t. He had to stand firm and appear selfishly insensitive if he was going to persuade her to leave his side tomorrow.
Marsh slipped into the Texas Sentinel office and scanned the papers for the last week, discovering something curious about the gang’s raids. Secondly, the ebony-clad man sneaked into the stage depot and placed his letter to President Grant—under a code name—in the appropriate pouch. According to the schedule posted, the mail would be picked up tomorrow and should be … Marsh’s eyes widened and he stared at the poster on the wall before him:
STORM HAYDEN WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE FOR CRIMES IN NEBRASKA TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD
Marsh felt his respiration speed up, as did his heart rate. This wasn’t one of the old, false posters from a past mission. This one was newly printed, different, and his sketch was revealingly accurate. The reward was a lie. Somebody wanted him dead, swiftly, badly.
It was night, but plenty of light was available because the moon had been full yesterday. Marsh left the office and headed down the street, where his horse was waiting obediently. He never had to secure the stallion’s reins to a hitching post, which was a big advantage when he was forced to leave town or escape camp quickly. The animal was highly intelligent, exceedingly well-trained, and totally loyal.
Marsh went to full alert as he noticed other posters tacked up here and there, proclaiming perilous lies. Some enemy had been real busy during the past few days! He wondered if these false posters were everywhere by now. If they didn’t get him killed, they positively would compel him to straighten out this devious matter before continuing his mission. Maybe, he decided with a frown, that was the motive behind them— to slow him down or to halt him permanently from chasing the Epson Gang. The question was, who was responsible for them?
A shout to Marsh’s left seized his attention: “There he is! It’s him all right! Come on, boys, let’s earn us twenty thousand dollars!”
Marsh reacted instantly, taking cover behind a building and firing warning shots in the air. He whistled for Midnight, who came galloping to his rescue. Marsh knew he could not kill innocent but misguided people; even if his life was at stake. Yet, if he was chased and captured, he probably would be slain before he could convince the money-crazed mob of his innocence. The best thing was to make a run for it, then clear up this matter later, from Fort Worth. He leapt upon the stallion’s back and raced from town. Marsh wished he could have fled in the other direction, away from where his beautiful partner was hiding. He heard gunshots, shouts, and hoofbeats behind him. The pursuit was on, but he had to lead them away from his love.
Randee heard the thundering hooves coming in her direction, then suddenly veer off to the left. She mounted the chestnut’s back and topped the rolling hill before her. In the bright moonlight, she saw Marsh galloping across the open grassland with a group of seven men chasing him, firing at him! She observed the way her love headed back to the right, toward the trees, and realized he had skirted the area where she was concealed. She tried not to panic, because Marsh had a good head start on them; yet, he was not defending himself … .
Randee quickly and intelligently assessed their pace and direction, the perils involved in helping Marsh, and the chances of her success. She patted the chestnut’s neck and murmured, “Let’s help him, Rojo.”
The blonde rode swiftly and skillfully to intercept the rider and pursuers. It was apparent Marsh was not returning their gunfire, so he must have a good reason, one in which she mustn’t interfere. She couldn’t do anything to cause his capture or to force him to defend her. She needed to slow the men down, give Marsh time to lose them.
Randee topped another hill and checked out the situation again. They were galloping down the road which eventually curled back toward her, not far away. Marsh and Midnight had a good lead on them now. She left her mount hidden and hurriedly made her way to the dirt road. After securing one end of her rope to a tree, she stretched it across the road on the ground. Then, she concealed herself behind a large tree to keep Marsh from sighting her and halting. In the dark, and with the noise, he should miss her intervention, which was probably for the best.
After Marsh galloped past, with trembling fingers, she hastily raised the rope and secured the other end tightly to the second tree. She heard shouts and pounding hooves, and her heart throbbed fearfully. She ran toward the bushes and fell on the grass behind them, making certain she was out of sight, motionless and silent.
Yelps of surprise and pain filled her ears as the riders were yanked from their horses by the taut rope barrier and sent thuddingly to the hard ground. The men had been grouped closely, which disallowed reaction time to avoid being unhorsed and having the wind knocked from their lungs. She heard frightened animals whicker and paw the ground in tension, and heard a couple run off down the road as their owners tried to regain enough breath to shout to them to halt. Within minutes, curses reached her alert ears, and strange words ….
One man remounted quickly and went after the two runaway horses. The others dusted themselves off and checked for injuries. The cowboys were angered at being tricked and at losing their valuable captive. Until their friend’ returned with the two lost mounts, they cursed and fumed and planned what to do. The unanimous decision was to search for the cunning outlaw. Assuming the man they were chasing was alone, had duped them, and had continued his escape long ago, they mounted and galloped down the road again, taking Randee’s rope.
Randee waited until the sounds faded into near silence, then returned to where Rojo was secured. She mounted the mare and galloped to a hilltop to scan the area. Sighting a thick cloud of dust, she knew which direction the irate band of men was taking. Her keen gaze searched the area for any sign of Marsh, but found none.
The logical thing was to return to where he had left her and to wait for his return. But the men from town were riding in that direction, making it dangerous for her and Marsh to head that way. She pondered how they could link up again. Assuming she would guess why he didn’t return to her side, what would he expect her to do? Where would he look for her? If he looked for her …
Randee knew she was west of Fort Worth by at least a day’s ride. Wadesville was southeast of her present position; Fort Richardson was northwestward. “Which one, Marsh?” she murmured thoughtfully.
Recalling what he had said about “that private place to camp,” she tried to remember the mumbled direc-. tions he had mentioned before leaving her outside that little town. Her mind elsewhere, Randee had paid little attention to words which she had not realized she would need. She closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to envision the scene. earlier and trying to hear Marsh’s words.
Taking a chance she could locate the campsite, Randee headed eastward, away from the town and away from the last direction in which she had seen her partner heading swiftly. And his pursuers.
Shadows surrounded her and moved eerily in the breeze. She remained on full alert. She had to travel slowly and gingerly, as peril could be lurking behind any tree or hill. Randee rode for over two hours before reaching the location which she felt certain was the correct one. Before her, in the thick cover of trees and tangled underbrush, stood a small shack. Cautiously she approached it, and was relieved to find it empty. She looked around and heard nothing threatening.
After Rojo was unsaddled, the chestnut mare grazed on lush grass and drank water from a narrow stream nearby. Randee did not enter the shack, as she did not want to be entrapped there if danger arrived in any form. She made camp behind the unpainted wooden structure, which could last another five years in this climate. She did not make a fire and she did not eat. After spreading out her bedroll, the anxious blonde sat on it and waited.
Randee heard the sounds and movements of nocturnal birds, creatures, and insects. She was not afraid of nature, but she was afraid for her love. What if he hadn’t gotten away tonight? What if others had found him? What if he didn’t think to look for her here?
The moon had gone beyond its overhead position, telling her it was long past midnight. Still, she sat on the bedroll, staring into the darkness which surrounded her. She was too apprehensive to be sleepy or hungry. If Marsh didn’t appear by morning, what should she do?
After ambushing Marsh’s pursuers with the rope, she had been hiding close enough to the road to hear most of their words. What was all that talk about “wanted” posters and a huge reward for Storm Hayden? Marsh had told her that Nebraska outlaw episode was settled. And why were they saying to be careful not to harm the “female hostage” who was being forced to travel with him? Since she had heard the words “Sheriff Brody Wade’s fiancee,” didn’t that explain the perilous matter to her troubled mind? The men had talked of whether or not Storm Hayden was riding with the Epson Gang, which was now raiding east of Fort Worth, out of the target area. Randee went over many facts, speculations, and doubts. Too many things made sense to her …
Marsh’s voice sliced coldly and abruptly into her rambling thoughts, “You shouldn’t have come here, Randee, but I figured you would. It’s too damn dangerous to hang around me; our partnership is over. I can’t call off this quest, but you can’t continue it with me. Get away from me and this bloody mess before you’re injured or killed.”
“No,” she responded calmly, firmly. “We stick together.”
Marsh dropped to his knees before her and shook her shoulders. “Listen to me, you stubborn woman. You aren’t safe with me no matter which identity I use! I thought those fake ‘wanted’ posters had been destroyed long ago, but they’re being reprinted and circulated again.”
“By Brody Wade,” Randee disclosed confidently.
“How do you know that?” he queried, settling his seat on the soles of his boots. He watched her as she lifted her head to answer him.
“I don’t know where Brody got a copy of that poster or how he got it circulated so fast, but I’m sure he’s behind it. What does it say?”
“Lies,” Marsh replied angrily. “It isn’t the same one which was printed years ago. It has my current description on it and a hefty reward of twenty thousand dollars. Just like that bounty hunter said, so maybe he was only working for himself. There’s no telling how many of those posters are around, or how many men will try to collect on my head. Get back to Fort Worth and Willard, where you’ll be safe.”
“Everyone knows we’ve been traveling together, so I’m probably considered your sidekick, or whatever it’s called. If you send me away or desert me, I’ll wind up in jail, or be tortured for information about you. Surely you realize how tempting that much money is? Some people, will do anything to earn it, including killing me. I don’t know why Brody would endanger me, if he truly loves and wants me. Unless,” she began hesitantly, “it’s true what your pursuers said about me supposedly being your hostage and I’m not to be harmed.”
“Where did you hear that? When? How?” he demanded. “Did you sneak into town tonight before you came here?”
Randee exhaled loudly and frowned before she admitted, “This probably means you won’t speak to me again for three more days, but I’ll tell you anyway, so we can grasp what’s happening.” She revealed what she had seen and done that night, then remarked peevishly, “If you don’t like my second intrusion, it’s too bad. I had to try to help you; that’s what partners are for. Shut up and let me finish,” she demanded when he started to speak. Then she related the remainder of what she’d overheard.
Randee clarified her thoughts and feelings. “I think these raids east of Fort Worth are cunning tricks to fool us and the law. I don’t think this unknown boss wants control of the entire area around Fort Worth. I think he only wants the area you’ve got marked on that map in your saddlebag.” Her troubled gaze met his alert one as she asserted, “I think Brody Wade is a member of the Epson Gang, at least some kind of spy for them. I think he’s responsible for that trouble with the bounty hunter, for those fake posters, for Flossie’s death, and for these new raids outside the target area. And it’s all because I revealed too much to him while I was in Wadesville. So you’re right. I don’t deserve to be your partner, or even your friend. Because of me, Flossie is dead, innocent ranchers are dead, and you could have been killed. I should have confessed my stupidity earlier, but I was angry with you for all your deceitful actions and secrets. And I …” She faltered and lowered her gaze to gather the strength to continue.
“I really thought Brody loved me and would keep my confidence. I should have known what a bastard he is; that’s why I can’t stand him and wouldn’t marry him if he were the only man available. He’s probably warned Timms, Bush, Light, his boss, and the gang by now. Because of these loose lips and a missing brain, by now, they all know what we’ve been doing, what we know, and what we plan to do.” After making certain she made a complete disclosure to Marsh about her visit with Brody, she asserted, “So you see, Mr. Logan, I’m to blame for you getting your masculine pride stomped the other night and for you getting chased tonight. It’s my guess you were planning to end our partnership this morning, so do it. But don’t expect me to run to Willard Mason for protection. I’m going to do exactly what I set out to do: defeat that gang, by starting with the traitorous Brody Wade.”
Before Marsh could respond, Randee told him exactly what she had been thinking and feeling Wednesday night about him and about their relationship. “Whether you ever accept it or not, Marsh Logan, you aren’t perfect and you can’t survive alone! And if the only things I’m good for are sating your desires and having fun, then we have no real friendship.” She raced onward almost breathlessly, “I’ve tried to follow my father’s advice, but you make it so damn hard. Isn’t there a time limit on how long a woman has to be the lone giver? You don’t have to share everything with me, but can’t you share at least a little bit of yourself, besides when things are good between us?”
When Marsh lowered his chin and exhaled loudly, Randee— misunderstanding his reaction— shoved him forcefully, causing him to fall to the bedroll on his back. “Damn you, you headstrong rogue! Don’t get huffy with me because I’m speaking the truth and you don’t want to hear it! It’s time for an understanding,’ Mr. Logan! I was willing to return home after our two jobs and begin work on my ranch, learn how to run it alone and how to defend myself and my property. I was perfectly willing to let you drift in and out of my life whenever the mood struck you—which I hoped was often, because I enjoy you and being with you. I was willing to accept any part of you, big or little, frequently or only occasionally. No demands or promises, just a reasonable understanding, a tiny compromise. But no, you don’t think that’s fair to me because you believe only you would be getting what you want and need. Well, Mr. Logan, that isn’t true at all. My needs would be fulfilled, probably better than yours. Contrary to what you have convinced yourself to believe, I wouldn’t be sacrificing a family, respect, or anything else. If you get out of life whatever makes you happy, why do you need more?”
She quickly answered her own question. “You don’t. Even without commitments, I’m happy with you, happier than I would be enslaved to some husband I don’t love and to some boring existence as his shadow. I give you what you need, Marsh, so why are you miserable? So damn stubborn? So friggin’ blind to the truth and your good fortune? I’m not your slave or prisoner, and you aren’t taking advantage of me. If I decided not to wait around for you to change or die, then I wouldn’t have to. I’m a free woman, so I can do as I please. That’s my choice, Marsh. Surely you know me by now. I’m not a weak or foolish woman, a silly girl, a clinging vine, a beggar or a trickster. I’ve reasoned this out, and I’ve taken plenty of time to avoid a mistake. It’s only a compromise. For how long, I don’t know. It’s so simple, Marsh. You want me and I want you. If we can be together only for short periods, isn’t that better thansharing nothing at all? Or refusing to ever see each other again because we know we can’t have anything permanent? Life’s too short to be miserable. Real happiness is hard to find in most lives, so we have to grab it whenever and wherever it’s available. Why is our situation so impossible for this keen mind to understand and accept?”
Randee moved to his side, as he had not shifted since she had pushed him down, and he seemed to be paying close attention to her words and expressions. “Can’t you understand my feelings and believe me, Marsh? I don’t want to marry a man just to have a husband and children, to fulfill my duty to society as a woman. And I can’t fall in love with someone else until I no longer want you, and I’ll keep wanting you until I’ve had my fill. How can I, if you stay away because you feel guilty or intimidated by this bond between us? You should feel guilty only if I mean nothing to you or you’re misleading me. Neither is true. You can’t help the way you feel; I accept that, Marsh. I won’t try to change you, but I will try to have you as much as I can.”
“Is it my turn to get a few words into this conversation?” he asked, rolling to his side and propping his jaw on his hand. He watched Randee present her profile to him, then rest her chin on her raised knees. “There isn’t much for me to say, because you’ve summed up my same suspicions. I was having doubts about Brody Wade, and now I’m convinced he’s involved with that gang. Obviously they’re paying him a lot of money to do their dirty work, money he wants to use to buy a ranch for his new wife: one, Miss Randee Hollis.”
Her head jerked around, causing her flaxen hair to tumble wildly about her shoulders. “I’m not responsible for his greed and evil. If you’ll recall, the raids were going on long before I escaped to Texas.”
Marsh sat up and took a cross-legged sitting position. His tone and look were serious as he replied, “I know, woman, and I wasn’t accusing you of provoking him into becoming a criminal. What we need to learn is when Brody joined them and what he does for them. At first light, we should head for Wadesville, not Fort Worth. We’ll abduct him and take him somewhere private and force him to confess. Don’t you see, partner, your slips were perfect strategy. They made him race off to see his boss and friends to reveal what you told him. That’s probably where he went that night, not to pick up a prisoner. Now that he’s unknowingly exposed his hand, we can use him to entrap the others. Another thing, woman, I understand why you mistrusted me, but I can’t help being. secretive about some things. There’s a lot you don’t know about me. I’m sorry, but I can’t be open and honest with you any time soon; it’s impossible for several good reasons. So, you see I have good cause to feel guilty about our relationship. I do mislead you by withholding things, even outright lie to you sometimes.”
Randee’s mind seized on his words “several good reasons.” She was surprised by his casual admission of his devious behavior. Yet, she sensed that he did—or believed he did—have a valid motive for dealing unfairly, dishonestly with her. If she didn’t give up on him … Randee met his steady gaze and said, “Keep your secrets, Marsh. I only want to know one thing for now: Is our personal relationship real? I mean, do you honestly care about me and accept this bond between us?”
Marsh wondered what was the best, not particularly the truest, thing to say. “I don’t want to fool you or allow you to fool yourself, Randee. Deep inside, you’ll always be hoping and believing I’ll appear one night at your ranch and decide to stay forever. I’m a gamble, woman, and the stakes are high. Can you really put your life in limbo because of a dream about conquering me one day?”
Randee smiled and challenged, “Is it only a dream, Marsh? Can you look at me and swear you aren’t tempted to settle down with me? Or swear there’s no way or time you’ll ever leave drifting behind?”
Without his awareness, Marsh’s expression .and mood seemingly implied what Randee wanted to hear. He could not tell her the truth about his love and need for her, because he .was worried about her refusal to leave him if the time came when it was crucial. He had to find a way to keep them alive until he could finish this mission and could finish changing, and could yield to her. “It can’t be, Randee, at least no time soon. And if one of us is slain, it can never be.”
Randee knew Marsh had lost his family and was possibly afraid of losing someone else he loved. He was so wary, so intimidated by strong emotions. For a loner, that wasn’t hard to understand. She teased, “I’ll wait around for a while, Marsh, because you’re worth it.”
“It isn’t fair to— “ he began to protest, but was cut off.
“Stop telling me what’s fair to me! Let me decide what I want and need.” She laughed merrily before jesting, “By the time we complete our two jobs, maybe your magical grip over me will vanish. Then you won’t have to worry about using me or getting rid of me.”
“I don’t know how you manage it, woman, but you’ve done it again. Every time I’m about to put your safety and survival above my selfish desires, you find a reason why I can’t leave you behind. With all our enemies on to us, the only place you can stay is with me.” Marsh pulled her into his arms and ventured bravely, “We’ll have an understanding, Miss Hollis; from now on, I won’t think about or say how unfair our relationship is to you. I’m going to accept your word that you’re getting enough from me to make it worth your while. I’m not going to make you any promises or denials, but I will admit you’re very special to me, and I’d like to keep you alive and with me.”
Randee hugged him and asked, “Was that so hard to admit?”
Marsh’s arms encircled her body and held her closely and snugly. “You’re darn right it was. Don’t forget, this is all new to me, Randee, having a woman with me all the time. Even if you aren’t verbally pressing me, I feel like you’re doing it in other ways, and that makes me terribly nervous. You’re a cunning vixen. You’re getting me hooked on you so I’ll be miserable when we’re apart. Why didn’t I see it before?” he teased. “You’re the one being.unfair to me.”
“I would be unfair and dishonest only if I played guileful games with you, Mr. Logan, which I don’t. I never offer you anything which isn’t yours to take, as much as you desire and for as long as you desire.” She hinted seductively, “Even if I were trying to hook you, I am feeding you lots of pretty worms to sate your hunger.”
“Sate my hunger? It’s more like whet my appetite.”
“I guess that means I’m not very appealing or satisfying.”
Marsh leaned back and looked down at her in bewilderment. “What does that mean?”
“Either you don’t get hungry very often, or I’m not very good at whetting your appetite, or very skilled at sating it.”
“You must be joshing me, woman. You have my tummy growling and my mouth drooling in hunger all the time. I could make love to you six times a day and still want you all the other hours.”
At that staggering and stimulating disclosure, Randee’s stunned gaze locked with Marsh’s amused one. She witnessed the flames of desire which were burning brightly in his eyes. She felt the heat of fiery passion rising in his body, and she snuggled closer. She wanted him so much that it startled her, mildly panicked her, almost took her breath and reason away.
Marsh hinted meaningfully, “I checked out this area carefully before I rode in. Nobody’s around for miles, and no one should be stirring for hours. Would you like to take unfair advantage of me?”
Randee laughed happily as she replied in a seductive tone, “Nothing would please me more, Mr. Logan, than to ravish you here and now.” She unbuttoned his shirt and parted it, then pressed her lips to the golden flesh and ebony hair on his compelling chest. As her mouth trailed sensuously over his torso, her trembling fingers eased the shirt from his body and cast it aside.
Randee removed her own vest and shirt, and nestled her naked flesh against his as her lips wandered up his neck and sought his mouth. She urged him backward to the bedroll and lay half atop his virile frame. As she kissed him feverishly, her breasts brushed provocatively over his hard chest.
Marsh’s quivering fingers fumbled with the buttons on her skirt, loosened them, and shoved the sturdy material downward to expose her soft—but firm—buttocks to his grasp. He gently kneaded the silky flesh before shifting her body so his mouth could capture the smoldering peaks of her brests, which were hot against his flesh. He groaned as his hunger reached a ravenous level and he feasted wildly on the delicious buds.
Randee felt her head spinning blissfully as Marsh labored lovingly on her body, swiftly increasing their desires. It felt wonderful to be in his arms and possession again. Hope, joy, and rapture filled her. She refused to think about the perils which they were facing; all she wanted to know and feel was this special moment, this unique love.
Soon, their bodies were free of all garments and their spirits were free of all inhibitions. Their secluded haven was quiet and romantic; it was seductive and dreamy. The moon shone down on their naked bodies, and the scent of wildflowers teased their nostrils. A cooling breeze wafted over them, but their heat increased despite it.
Marsh’s teeth nibbled at her earlobe before his lips roamed to her mouth and greedily fastened to it. His manhood slipped skillfully into her receptive body, and her response welcomed him to her paradise and encouraged him to visit a long time. For what seemed like hours, he tantalized and stimulated them with his movements and talents. The pleasure and hesitation were almost painfully ecstatic, forcing him to use every ounce of his self-control. Suddenly Randee was clinging tightly to him and writhing wildly beneath him, and sending forth sounds which could only. mean she was ready to fall over the precipice of passion. Marsh cut the leash on his body and raced after her, swiftly catching her pace and location, and completing this blissful ride together.
Marsh did not cease kissing her and caressing her for a long time after the rapturous moment subsided into a peaceful afterglow of contentment. He held her tenderly in his embrace and closed his eyes, fully absorbing the uniqueness and strength of this moment and bond. He admitted to himself that Randee was right about him wanting and needing to settle down with her, was right about him being unable to stay away from her, even for a short time. Yes, he was hooked by her.
“Good-night, Marsh,” she murmured sleepily, nestling closer.
“Good-night, love,” he whispered against her silky hair. Marsh was content, yet worried. In his arms was the answer to his needs, but beyond them was a threat which could rip her from them. What a dilemma! She wasn’t safe with him or without him. Mercy, how he wished this moment could last forever, how he wished there was no such thing as the Epson Gang or his troubled past. How he wished he could ride home in the morning and introduce his love to his parents. He had already lost his family to that vicious gang, and if he wasn’t careful, he could lose his first and only love to their brutal evil.
Marsh glanced at the precious bundle beside him. A bittersweet smile claimed his lips. What a sly vixen you are, Randee Hollis. You kept chasing me until you convinced me I wanted to capture you. I do love you and want you, but I can’t let you die because of me. Somehow, I have to find a place where you’ll be safe until I can come back for you. Whatever I have to say or do to keep you alive, I’ll do it. …