Page 30 of Redeeming the Outlaw
She nodded, not daring to speak further for fear of saying something she might regret. Instead, she focused on the rhythmic sway of the horse beneath them and his arms around her, letting them lull her into a fragile calm.
When they finally arrived at their destination, Whit dismounted and helped Esther down from the horse. They found themselves in a secluded clearing, surrounded by towering trees which seemed to form a protective barrier around them.
“There will be no fire tonight,” Brodie said. “Get these horses secured. Matty and Digger, you up for first watch?”
“Sure thing, boss.” Matty took Brodie’s mount and led it to the far side of the clearing.
“Everyone else, get some sleep.” Brodie clapped his hands for attention. “We’ll regroup at daylight.”
Whit leaned forward toward Esther. “I will water the horse, and then I’ll be along to help you set up the tent.”
She grabbed the few supplies he tossed from the back of the horse. “I don’t want your help, Whitney Moore. You need to find somewhere else to sleep.”
“Good. You can set it up alone. As my wife, you’ll sleep next to me.”
“If you think after killing my family and what I just experienced, I’ll let you anywhere near me, you need to thinkagain.” She turned on her heel and looked for the best place to set up her small tent for the night.
He approached her with such speed she gasped when he suddenly grabbed her arm and twirled her around to face him. She took a deep breath to steady herself as Whit grasped her arm. His face glowed from the light from the lanterns. His piercing blue eyes bore into her, filled with intensity and something deeper she couldn’t quite name.
“You need to know your place, EstherMoore.” He held out the reins of his horse. “Digger, water my horse. I need to have a word with my wife.”
“She needs to gather firewood,” Brodie grumbled.
“In the morning.” Esther danced on her toes as Whit started leading them toward a secluded part of the clearing. “She’s dealt with enough tonight.”
“Whit.” Her voice was low and husky.
“Esther.” When he gruffly said her name, Esther felt a tingling sensation which traveled all the way to her toes. Despite the darkness, a small smile appeared on her face, subtly revealing her joy.
Without another word, they set up their small tent and once their temporary refuge was complete, Whit pulled back the entrance flap and gestured for Esther to enter. She patted out the rubber blanket as she crawled into the space, then reached behind her for the wool covering which would keep them warm while lying on the ground beneath.
Once the space was ready, she moved to the side and turned on her hip, facing the wall of the tent. Whit crawled into the makeshift bed beside her and closed the flap behind him.
“You need to get some rest,” he whispered.
“I don’t think I can sleep tonight. I didn’t want you next to mebecause I had to be mad about everything you said this evening.”
“I know.” Whit replied as his lips brushed against the back of her head. “I’m afraid he might kill us.”
“Brodie?”
As he nodded, the wool blanket rubbed against her cheek, its fibers scratching her skin.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close so she could feel the comforting beat of his heart against her back. His fingers curled between hers, securing her hand against her belly.
“I promise I won’t let anything happen to you,” Whit murmured.
The warmth of Whit’s body beside her was a comforting presence, but sleep eluded her. Her mind raced with thoughts of their uncertain future, and she knew she could not keep silent any longer.
“Whit.” She turned in Whit’s arms to face him, her fingers reaching up to trace the familiar lines of his bearded jaw in the darkness. She took a shaky breath, gathering her courage before speaking softly.
“I’m afraid we won’t make it out of this. Brodie and his men will...” Her voice broke as tears welled up, the images of violence she had witnessed still fresh in her mind.
Whit tightened his arms around her, one hand tangling in her long hair to guide her head to his chest. “Shh. Don’t think about it anymore tonight. We’ll figure a way out; I made a promise to you.”
“I have to ask you something.”
“What is it, darlin’?” he asked softly, cheek resting on her forehead.
