Chapter 17
Late that afternoon, Lucky headed for Buffalo Creek, a small tributary that made its way down to the Blue River.
“How are you feeling?” He asked to be polite, but already knew. Tempest had drooped in her saddle a little more with each passing mile. They’d stopped only twice. Yet, she’d never complained, no matter how rough the ride.
“Don’t ask.”
“We’re near camp. I’ve stayed there before. It’s some distance from the road and provides good concealment. There’s also fresh water, shade trees, and plenty of grass for the horses.”
“Sounds like paradise.”
“I’ll be glad to get out of the saddle, too.”
When they came to the creek, he led them under the spreading branches of pecan, oak, and ash trees. The scent of wildflowers filled the air. Red-winged blackbirds rose into the air and swept away on a whoosh of wings. He rounded a thick clump of blackberry vines and came to water trickling over rocks to collect in a deep pool below. Tempest stopped beside him. Their shadows cast long, dark shapes across the creek.
“Beautiful,” she said. “Thank you for bringing us here.”
“Good place to rest.” He eased out of the saddle, feeling creaky from the long ride.
“I’m so stiff and sore, I may need help getting down.”
“I’ll take care of you.”
“Thanks. I don’t want to be in this saddle all night.”
“No chance.” He led Miko over to the creek. “Let’s let our mounts drink first.”
While the horses drank their fill, he untied the blanket and saddlebags from his saddle. He carried them, along with his canteen, to an ancient oak tree. He kicked aside debris under the green canopy to make the area smooth, set everything down, and spread the blanket.
“That looks cozy,” she said.
“I’ll put your blanket on top of mine and it’ll be even better.”
He carried over her things, and then stretched out her blanket. It wasn’t a feather mattress, but it beat bare ground by a mile.
When he turned back, she was watching him, violet eyes deep and fathomless. He’d managed to keep his thoughts in line till now. Here on a little creek in Indian Territory, she totally belonged to him. Nobody else could snag her attention or lure her away. Besides, she needed him, she was dependent on him, and if he didn’t mistake the look in her eyes, she wanted him.
Different time, different place, different lady, he wouldn’t give it a second thought. He’d make them both happy. But she was a Spirit Rattler. He didn’t know what might interfere with her special power. Rattlers were notoriously drawn to each other, but they also powerfully affected each other. He didn’t want to take a chance with the mission, but he didn’t know how he was going to resist her, either.
“Lucky, the horses have had their fill. I really want to get down now. Please help me.”
“Hang on. I’ll set Miko to grazing first.”
He quickly took off the gelding’s bridle and saddle. He led the horse a short distance to a meadow thick with grass, and hobbled him so he wouldn’t go far. When he walked back to Tempest, she was gripping her saddle horn and standing up in the stirrups.
“How are you doing?”
“I’m trying to limber up so I can get down.”
“Let’s move your mare close to the blankets. That way, you won’t need to walk so far.”
“Thanks.”
After he led Anna under the oak, he glanced up at Tempest. “You ready?”
“No. But here I come.”
“I won’t let you fall.”
She swung her right leg over the saddle, but when she stepped down, she fell backward. He caught her, both hands spanning her waist. She felt small and vulnerable, strong and sensual at the same time. He wanted nothing more than to lower her to the blanket, slowly remove her clothes, and explore every curve and valley of her body.
“My boot heel’s caught in the stirrup.”
Jerked back to reality, he slipped her foot free. He held her waist while she stepped down and got her feet firmly planted on the ground.
“Thanks.”
“Anytime.” He dropped his hands and reluctantly moved back.
“My legs feel rubbery, but I think I’m okay.” She took a few steps, but her legs buckled and she started to fall.
He caught her again. This time he made no pretense of keeping his distance. He put an arm around her shoulders and the other under her knees. He lifted her and held her tightly against his chest. He stood still, unable to go forward, unable to go back. She was his eternal present and he never wanted the moment to end.
“Lucky?”
He blinked, jerked back to reality again. He gently set her down on the blanket, and then abruptly turned his back. He grabbed Anna’s reins and led her away in frustration.
Tempest was too much temptation. He couldn’t think straight with a hard cock always at the ready. He had to make a decision. Make her his ladylove or get her to Fort Coffee another way. Rattler was calling to rattler. He wouldn’t be able to resist the ancient dance much longer. He might be strong, but he had his limits.
He took his time with Anna, but finally he had to let her graze. He walked back to where he could see Tempest, but she couldn’t see him. She looked like a temptress reclining in an idyllic nature scene in a painting. She’d taken off her hat, emptied her saddlebags, and set out food on red-check napkins. Big Jim and Saul were right. She’d be perfect for their artist.
As he watched, she drank from her canteen and water trickled down her chin to wet her blouse. No corset. He could see the outlines of two perfect mounds with hard tips. She dampened a handkerchief and cleaned her face. She fiddled with the first button of her blouse, then the second, third, and he could see the upper slopes of her breasts and deep cleavage. She wiped across the exposed area, back and forth, up and down. His prick grew harder as he imagined licking and sucking and nibbling her soft, warm flesh.
He took a deep, steadying breath. Did he seduce her? Make her belong to him? Spoil her for any other man?
She tossed down her handkerchief and buttoned her blouse.
That didn’t make a damn bit of difference. Out of sight was not out of mind. He adjusted his blue jeans, for all the good it did, and walked toward her.
She glanced up and smiled, her violet eyes lighting up at the sight of him. She was made for bed sport. And he was made for her. He felt the predator in him rise up and snap his leash.
“You look hot, tired, and sore,” he said, walking up to her.
“I’m all that.”
“No point in wasting a perfectly good pool of water.”
“It does look enticing.”
“We’re all alone out here. Nobody to see what you do.”
“But what about you?”
“Me?” He shrugged, pretending innocence. “I can take a nap or a walk.”
“Aren’t you hot, tired, and sore, too?”
“Or I can join you.” And he smiled a predator’s smile.