Rafe's Redemption Page 14

  “Rafe! I—my—my shirt is all wet.”

  Wet and sheer. The cotton clung to her breasts like a second skin, her pebbled nipples pressed against the white muslin. Sweat popped out on his forehead, trickling down his temple along with the water from his hair.

  “It’s no more wet than before, and I could see through it then.”

  Her eyes rounded.

  “Don’t be embarrassed. You’re beautiful.” He threaded his fingers through her hair, pulling her closer.

  “I need to kiss you. Can I? I know we said—”

  “Kiss me, Rafe.” The raw plea nearly stopped his heart.

  The first touch was soft, just a brush of lips whispering over hers, a flick of tongue over the seam of her mouth. A low groan rumbled from her throat, the erotic sound burning into his memory. He wanted to hear that sound again.

  Blood filled his groin, and he wiggled beneath her bare ass. She gasped, and he took full advantage. His tongue swept hers, teasing, darting in, out, then thrusting in long, slow strokes until she moaned his name, sliding deep into her sweetness, hungry, demanding.

  Why had he ever decided they should stop kissing?

  She whimpered and sucked the tip of his tongue.

  Christ! Where had she learned that? Lust roared through him like a locomotive. He was going to explode if she did it again. Time to take control. He slanted his head and captured her mouth with long, hot strokes that he mimicked with his hands. Knee to shoulder, shoulder to thigh. He needed to touch her everywhere.

  His hand cupped her breast and flicked her nipple.

  “Do you like that?”

  She smiled and slid her hands down his chest. “Do you?” She pinched his flat nipple.

  Damn, he did. A tremor stole through his body.

  “God, yes.”

  She leaned in and kissed him, running the tip of her pink tongue over his lips. He couldn’t stop the curse that tore from him, couldn’t stop where this was going.

  A gain, he stroked her body, inching her shirt over her soft belly, over her tangled hair, until the wet fabric plopped onto the floor. She shivered.

  “Let me look at you, sweetheart.”

  Her full breasts begged for attention. Lowering his head, he sucked the tip into his mouth and tugged a nipple between his teeth, nipped, licked.

  “Rafe!” She arched beneath him and gripped his head.

  “Easy.” He slid his fingers between her legs, over the slick, swollen folds of her pussy. Hot. Wet.

  “Ohh.”

  Her soft moan propelled his hands. Searching fingers strummed the distended nub buried beneath her curls.

  She jerked and clamped her thighs around his wrist, silk around bone.

  “Rafe…Rafe.”

  “Shh.” He raised his head from her breast. “Do you want me to stop?”

  His cock pounded. Trapped between their bodies was not where it belonged. He ached to be buried deep inside her pussy.

  “Don’t stop.” When she met his gaze, her eyes were dark, hazy with desire. Her legs fell open allowing him to brush over her tender flesh.

  “Does that feel good, sweetheart?”

  “Y—yesss.”

  He nuzzled her temple. “Mmm, you feel good to me.” He nibbled down her neck and sucked the spot behind her ear. Her sultry-sweet taste melted against his tongue.

  With each circle of his fingers, she bucked, moving with him, splashing water onto the floor. Her nails pierced his good arm. Mewls of pleasure broke the thick silence. She arched against his hand, her breasts puckered and tempting. He suckled hard, biting her nipple as he worked her hot, slippery pussy.

  “Oh! Oh, God. Rafe, please.” Her cries filled the room, stretched his cock beyond hard, pre-cum leaking from the slit as honey from her orgasm slicked his fingers. If she could help him out of this damn tub, he’d show them both pleasure.

  Her voice faded as her head fell to his shoulder.

  Long, dark hair floated around his arm, his chest, entangling him like a vine.

  “A re you all right?”

  “Mmm.” She smiled against his chest. “A re you?” No. He was hornier than hell and his legs were asleep. So was his ass. “Yeah.” He squirmed.

  “Oh.” She jumped. “I should move off you. I’m too heavy.”

  “No.” He held her to him. To hell with his numb ass.

  “You’re perfect.”

  She blushed and climbed out of the tub. He stared as she turned to face him. Gleaming and slick, she looked like a water nymph. A visual feast.

  “I’ll get a—Oh,” she stammered. “Oh, dear.” He followed her glance. The purple head of his cock stuck above the water.

  He shrugged. “I’ll be all right.”

  Her eyes widened, then she took a deep breath and got on her knees beside the tub.

  “You made me feel so good…Can I do that to you? If I touch…your—um—”

  Oh, God. What was she offering?

  “My cock.” He swallowed hard. “Do you want to?” She exhaled and nodded.

  “Thank God.”

  She offered her hand. “Let’s move to the bed. I’ll get you a towel.”

  When he stood, she stopped mid-stride and stared.

  He glanced down. His cock pointed at her with the accuracy of a divining rod.

  She blushed and handed him the towel.

  “Don’t you want to dry me?” He kept his voice low, teasing.

  “Do you need me to?”

  “No. But I wouldn’t stop you.” He chuckled, then dropped a quick kiss to her nose. No matter how much sophistication she pretended, Maggie was innocent. A nd he would enjoy every minute of corrupting her.

  He stepped from the tub, ready to forget the towel and let the sheets dry his body.

  Then the room tilted, the walls swaying like a branch in the wind.

  Maggie wrapped an arm around his waist. “Maybe you better go over to the bed before you fall.”

  “Maybe.” He used her like a crutch. Staggering, they shuffled to the bed. “I was going to ask for another drink, but since I need help walking, I’m sure you’d refuse.”

  “Smart man,” she answered as he flopped face down on the mattress.

  The bed felt so good. A nd Maggie’s hands felt better.

  She toweled his legs, his feet. His ass. “Mmm. Don’t stop.” He reached for her hands. “There’s another place that needs attention.”

  “I have to bandage your arm first. Do you have any salve?”

  He sighed and closed his eyes.

  “Rafe?”

  “What?” He blinked.

  “I need some salve.”

  “Oh,” he sighed. “There’s a tin in my haversack under the bed.” He closed his eyes again. Wasn’t he supposed to stay awake for something?

  “I’ll tear some strips from my old petticoats to wrap your arm.”

  She sounded far away, but had to be the one pulling a blanket over his body. He yawned. Maybe he could rest

  —just for a minute. Maggie wouldn’t mind. Then he could make love to her all night.

  ****

  Shivers prickled down Maggie’s body as she leaned against the horse stall. She came to the barn an hour ago to work—well, intending to work. In reality she’d done more standing, smiling like a fool at the memory of Rafe’s intimate touches, than she’d done work.

  Being with him had been like nothing she’d expected.

  Not that she’d known what to expect really. She’d seen that painting, and Nettie had told her the basics. But what Rafe had done couldn’t be basic. Otherwise women would chase men down the street, begging to be—

  “Maggie!” The barn door slammed open.

  She straightened and peeked over Moses’ stall. Rafe burst through the door, then swayed and grabbed the wall.

  “What are you doing awake already?”

  He heaved a sigh. “I couldn’t find you. I was worried.”

  Worried? Disheveled was more like it. His shirt flapped ope
n, his britches were barely buttoned, his hair lay plastered to his forehead and blood seeped through his bandage.

  “Why? I’m not the one with stitches.” She rounded the stall and carried a bucket for him to sit on. “Or the one about to fall down.”

  “Well…” He refused the seat. “I was afraid you might be upset by what happened.”

  “I’m fine. I helped Nettie stitch up her dog once after he got into a fight.”

  “No, not that. A fterward. “ He cleared his throat.

  “What we did. I mean, what I did. I took advantage of you.” He sucked a deep breath. “I’m sorry. Sorry if you’re uncomfortable around me now. I swear it won’t happen again. I hope you’ll forgive me.” He turned as if to leave.

  Oh, she should have known. The whiskey had worn off and guilt had set in. Now he would go into the house and avoid her. A nger heated her blood. Well, she wasn’t going to let him do it. He wasn’t going to ruin the most amazing moment of her life. “Maybe I took advantage of you,” she countered, blocking the door.

  He shook his head, and smiled like she was a simpleminded

  child.

  “That’s

  not

  even

  possible,

  sweetheart.” He tried to step around her.

  She gave a very unladylike snort. “Really? You were injured and drunk. I could have done anything to you.

  Maybe I did. Do you even remember what happened?”

  “Of course! I pulled you into the bath and I—” He froze, his gray eyes going from angry to panicked to shuttered. “I shouldn’t—” He swallowed audibly. “I shouldn’t have touched you like I did.” His gaze dropped to the floor, but he sounded aroused instead of apologetic.

  Maybe there was hope for him yet. Hope for them.

  She stalked closer, and he flattened himself against the wall.

  “What if I want to touch you?” She smoothed a palm over his chest. “Right now?” God, if he rejected her she would crawl under the hay. “Because I’m not sorry for what happened. In fact, I was hoping we could do it again. A nd,” she stammered, “and, more. I want you to make love to me. Why do you keep denying us?”

  “Maggie…” He scooted away from her. “You don’t know what you’re offering. You have to save your virginity for the man you’ll marry.”

  That was it. “You damned infuriating man!” She threw the rake to the floor before she clubbed him with it. “I know I’m inexperienced, so correct me if I’m wrong.

  What happened in no way compromised my virginity?”

  “Well…no.” He inched toward the door.

  She took another step. “A nd since it is my virginity in question, I may give it to whomever I chose.”

  “Your husband,” he insisted.

  She pointed a finger in his face. “I won’t marry. I told you that. I’ve had a man telling me what I could and couldn’t do my whole life. But I’m through. From now on, I’ll do as I choose.” She narrowed her eyes. “With whomever I choose.”

  “Just what does that mean?” His voice took a cold edge as he straightened and took a step toward her now.

  “A re you going to take a lover when you return to St.

  Louis?”

  She lifted her shoulders, pretending to consider her options. “I might. If I find a man that interests me.”

  “By God, you will not!” His eyes narrowed as his jaw tightened.

  Oh, she had him now. “Why? Give me one good reason.”

  “Because you’re mine, damn it.” The words exploded from him.

  Maggie leaned toward him, close enough her breasts brushed his chest. She smiled.

  Rafe groaned.

  She wasn’t sure who moved first, but they were wrapped around each other. He held her with his good arm as he spun her back to the wall. The hard oak pressed against her shirt, but what pressed against her front was much harder. Rafe. His heated…cock ground into her belly as he rained kisses over her face. She looped her arms around his neck, beckoning, needing.

  He bent and leaned his forehead against hers.

  “You’re sure?” He brushed his lips across hers. Once.

  Twice. “Be sure, Maggie.”

  “I’m sure,” she breathed against his mouth. He tasted hot, wonderful, sinful, the whiskey still bitter on his lips.

  He kept her pressed to the wall as they kissed.

  His body strained against hers, his hands moved beneath her coat. She held her breath, waiting to see where he would touch, what he would caress. Her nipples tightened into peaks as if begging for the first touch of his talented hand. Or mouth. Oh, God!

  “Maggie. God.” He pulled away long enough to take a breath. “We need to go into the house. We can’t do this here.”

  She pulled his head to hers and kissed him again, her tongue stroking, wet and wild, imitating what his hips were doing. One hand squeezed her breast; his other snaked down into her trousers, his fingers probing into her dripping cunny.

  He groaned again. “I mean it, sweetheart. If we don’t go inside now, I’m going to take you here on this floor.” She smiled again and sashayed to the door. “Well, come on. What are you waiting for?”

  Chapter Eight

  What was he doing? God, where was his resolve?

  He watched her leave the barn and walk to the cabin.

  Her hips swayed, silhouetted in the sunset.

  Gone, gone, gone. He was gone. A long with his resolve, his strength, his fight. Hell, he didn’t want to fight her anymore. She did belong to him, with him. He didn’t want to think about how he would work through all the obstacles in their way. Not right now. Not with her waiting inside for him.

  Following like a puppy, he hurried inside the cabin then settled his hip on the table and stared at her. “Come here.”

  Her breath came in little pants as she drifted to him.

  Pulling her between his legs, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Slowly, he traced the seam of her lips with his tongue until she opened, sucking him deeply.

  Carnal images of her sucking his dick the same way popped into his mind, and a tremor of pleasure rolled through him.

  The musk of her arousal wafted in the space between them as he rubbed her pussy through her pants. Tugging open the buttons, he slid a finger between her slick folds, so wet, so ready.

  “Ohh,” she groaned, and her head fell back.

  He slipped his other hand under her shirt, watching her reaction as he rolled her nipple between his fingers.

  “I want to feel you, too.” She reached for his waistband and snaked her hand down his britches, cupping his sac with her cool hand, making his balls draw up tight.

  “We have to move to the bed, sweetheart. Now.” Otherwise he was going to come in his pants.

  “Why can’t we stay here awhile?” Her smile was pure seduction, curving the edge of her mouth as if she had a secret. “I had this dream…”

  His heart stuttered. “W-what kind of dream?”

  “You, me, this table.” She stroked his cock. “I was naked, and there were peaches scattered over my body.

  Your own personal plate.”

  His heart stopped. Christ. “I don’t have any peaches, but I’d be glad to eat you.” Dropping to his knees, he lifted her shirt and licked from her navel to the top of her pussy, savoring the taste of her dew.

  “Oh, God. What are you doing to me?” Her voice trembled more than her legs.

  “I’m having my dessert first. Hop up here—”

  “Hellooo?” A voice broke through his lust-hazed mind. What…?

  Wolf barked once and raced to the door. The fur on the back of his neck ruffled in agitation.

  Rafe caught Maggie’s hand and freed himself from her hold. “Stop.”

  “What? Why? You said we—?”

  He placed his hand over her mouth and waited.

  “A nybody home?” The voice came again.

  Panic shot through Rafe’s veins, spurring him like lightning. “C
ome on. Hurry!” He clutched Maggie’s arm and dragged her into the larder. This is what he got for not being attentive. Somebody had found them!

  She pulled against his hold. “What’s wrong?”

  “Didn’t you hear? A man is outside.” He tucked her behind a large sack of potatoes and grabbed his rifle.

  “Get down and stay in here.”

  “But I—”

  “Do not argue with me!” He checked the ammunition, then gave her a hard warning glare. “Stay in here no matter what you hear. A nd be quiet. I don’t want him to know you’re here.”

  She frowned. “Rafe—”

  He kissed her, effectively cutting off her words. “No.

  Don’t come out until I tell you it’s safe or—” He hesitated, hating what he had to say next. “Or until you haven’t heard anything for a whole day.”

  His gut clenched when her eyes filled with tears.

  “You mean…” Her bottom lip quivered. “Oh, Rafe, no.” She grabbed his arm and tried to pull herself upright.

  This is why he didn’t deserve her. Maggie was the kind of woman who should never have to feel fear. A nd if he lived through the next few minutes, he’s make sure she never did again.

  “I’ll be all right.” He crouched beside her and cupped her cheek. “I’m hard to kill.” That didn’t seem to reassure her. Hot tears rolled over his fingers. Damn it, he didn’t want to leave her like this.

  “Let me help you,” she begged. “Please. Give me a gun.”

  He shook his head. “Promise you’ll stay hidden. If you’re trapped, move the crate of potatoes. There’s a tunnel there. It leads outside. I’ve got supplies hidden in the tunnel. Candles, a blanket. A pistol. You take everything and run.”

  “But—” Her voice caught on a sob.

  Damn, he hated watching her fall apart. It tore him apart like a shotgun blast.

  “Maggie…” He tugged her into his arms and kissed her hard. Not a tender kiss, not like a good-bye kiss should be at all, but—

  “McBride? You there?”

  “I have to go.” When he pulled away, she grasped his hand and pressed a kiss to the palm. “Remember what I said.”

  A quick nod of her head gave him the courage to move the shelves back into place and leave her in the dark.