Page 24 of That Fateful Ride

Her nod removed his hand. He understood and respected privacy but damn it, he wanted to know more about her other than what he did. Hell, even as Robert, he knew very little about her.

“We live in Copper Junction.”

He knew where that was located. There was an Army post a day’s ride from there. Many Blacks lived in Copper Junction. That stopped him for a moment before he shook it off. He didn’t care about the color of her skin. Only how it felt beneath his fingertips.

“Your mother let you do this?”

“Mama knew without Robert’s income life would be even harder. We couldn’t take in enough wash to make up the difference.” Her words were straightforward and blunt, unashamed. Her fortitude amazed him like how she just accepted what was her lot in life.

“And your father?”

She moved with her shrug. “Not sure.” Cy knew it was difficult especially without a father. He went to offer his apologies when she continued. “Last we heard he was on his way toward Boston.”

“What’s he doing there?”

“He works for a major in the Army.”

A jolt struck him in the heart. Something he could never be again. A solider. Gulping back his own pain, he held her tighter. “Good for him. Do you see him often?”

A heavy sigh. “We haven’t seen him in over a year.” She shifted nearer and laid her head on his chest while her fingers moved idly over the damp fabric of his shirt. “What about you?”

“I was in the Army.” She tensed slightly but said nothing. “I got injured and while I can walk and ride shorter distances, I can’t withstand the rigors of Army life. Not anymore.”

“You miss it.”

Not many knew that. “How can you tell?”

She laughed gently. “You still act like you’re in the Army. Strict regimen.”

He supposed it was true enough. “It’s how I grew up. My old man was in the Army as well.”

“Was?”

“He died three years ago.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. He was a mean bastard. When he died, my ma said she was leaving this godless frontier and returning home.”

“And where was home?”

“Charleston, South Carolina.” She grew so still he tightened his hold on her. “You okay?”

“Sure.” She lied and he knew it for her voice was anything but fine.

The horses whickered and she bolted up. They strained to hear anything beyond the storm. She moved away and he struggled to see her. It was no use. Therefore, he went by sound. His leg ached a bit but it had been so worth it.

He caught her by her horse and slid an arm around her waist. “Come lay with me.” The feeling of her in his arms was one he had gotten addicted to very quickly.

He lowered his head and placed light kisses along her neck. She quivered and he continued his tender assault. When she sank into him with a slight whimper, he lifted her and carried her back to the blanket. She was like fire in his arms, burning him. He wanted so much more.

Their mouths melded as he lowered her down, her arms twined around his neck as mewls poured from her throat.Once more, he told himself.

The rain had stopped when he woke. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up. With the storm passed, he could see more and he scowled. He was alone. Rebecca and Polaris were gone.

He got up and finished dressing a second time before he gathered his things. Leading his horse to the door, he opened it and peered out. He could see the storm moving off to the west. It would be nightfall soon. He swung up on his gelding and headed back to the station.

When he rode in, he immediately saw the dun out in the corral and breathed a bit easier. It didn’t last long for when he went around toward the front of the barn, he saw her with another rider, Hank, leaning close to her, his face near her breasts.

---