Page 16 of Redeeming the Outlaw
“I believe you, Whit.”
He closed his eyes, thankful he had arrived when he did. He would protect her. He’d lay down his life if he had to.
Chapter Five
Esther woke with a start, her eyes flying open as the morning sun filtered through the canvas tent. For a moment, Esther felt disoriented and unsure of her whereabouts. Then it all came flooding back.
The men grabbing her outside the church and bringing her to their camp. Whit appearing out of nowhere and announcing they were married. She was so angry and scared she couldn’t think of anything to do but attack him.Then there was the kiss!
At the mercantile, he told her exactly what he would do if she spoke out of turn. She knew now those were not just empty words or exaggerations.
“I’m going to kiss you so hard all thoughts will go right out of your head.”
When he pulled her close and kissed her passionately, she couldn’t think. She forgot everything but being in his arms. She could still feel the imprint of Whit’s lips on hers. The firm pressure had awakened such foreign feelings within her. A flush rose on her cheeks as she recalled the way he had held her close, his muscular arms encircling her as desire flared between them.
She knew it was sinful to harbor such thoughts about a man she barely knew, especially one who was part of the outlaw gang which dragged her from her home against her will. And yet... when she looked into his piercing blue eyes, she sensed a goodness in him which called to her heart. There was more to this complex man than met the eye.
Esther sighed deeply as she rose from the thin bedroll. Though she was still angry at being taken from her home, part of her was thrilled at the thought of seeing Whit again. She chided herself for such foolish notions. He was an outlaw, no matter if he had shown her unexpected kindness. She must not lose herself to girlish fancies, not when her virtue and reputation were at stake.
Whit was already up and gone, his side of the makeshift bed cold. Outside, she could hear the camp coming to life. A horse whickered and snorted as men’s gruff voices called to each other. Pots and pans clanged as someone prepared breakfast over the crackling fire. The aroma of fresh coffee drifting through the morning air finally pulled her from the tent and she crawled out, dragging her paletot behind her. As she stood, shaking out the wrinkles in her rumpled skirt, she sent up a silent prayer for guidance.
As she approached the fire, she recognized the young man who fixed a plate of beans for Whit, slicing strips of beef into a large skillet.
“Morning, ma’am,” he said, standing as he wiped the knife offon his shirt. “Coffee?”
“Thank you. I need to relieve myself first.”
“Don’t go too far.”
“Austin, was it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She looked around the camp. “Where’s Whit?”
“He rode out early this morning.”
Esther tried not to be concerned he would leave her alone, but she trusted Whit when he said he would protect her. “All right. I’ll be back.”
“Use those bushes over there,” Austin said, pointing to a clump of yew bushes at the edge of the clearing. “Make sure I can see you.”
She lifted her skirt and strode to the bushes, taking in everything she could. She didn’t see any rock formations, houses, or other identifying landmarks which would tell her where they were.
The forest was silent, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze and rushing water. She knew they were somewhere near the river. If she could get to it, she could follow the water’s edge and find help.
Taking a deep breath, she looked around to see Austin watching her. She gave a little wave and disappeared behind the bushes, making sure her head was where he could see her.
Esther finished her business behind the bushes and made her way back to the campfire. The scent of coffee and sizzling meat made her stomach rumble, reminding her she hadn’t eaten since yesterday. She would need her strength if she was going to make a run through the woods.
Maybe she could even steal a horse.
“Here you go, ma’am,” Austin said, handing her a tin plate with beef, beans, and biscuits.
She ate slowly, watching the men go about their tasks around the camp. Though they were outlaws, they seemed like ordinary men, laughing and joking with each other. All except for the one called Snake. His cold eyes followed her every move, making Esther shiver under his icy stare.
“When will Whit be back?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Austin shrugged as he turned the sizzling meat in the pan. “Hard to say with him. Could be an hour, could be at sundown.”
