“I know. That won’t be hard for you with a man like me?”
“It couldn’t possibly be easier or more enjoyable with any other man alive. You’re very attractive, Navarro, and you have so many appealing qualities and traits. It won’t be difficult at all to play a romance with you.”
“Even after all I’ve told you?”
“Because of all you’ve told me. You trust me and like me enough to open up to me. And your past made you the man you are today. Don’t you see, those bad times and experiences strengthened you, and they taught you the skills and instincts you use. Without all of that, you wouldn’t be the Navarro Breed standing here with me; you wouldn’t be here period.”
He grinned. “I never thought of it like that, but “you sound right.”
“I am right. Everything bad that happens to us either defeats and breaks us or it makes us better. Terrible experiences force us to move to other locations where new experiences can take place. How we accept and deal with the old ones affect what the new ones will be.”
“Yep, a wise and unique woman, a real lady.”
Beth smiled. “Thanks. This is for practice,” she said, then clasped his face between her hands and lifted herself on tiptoes to kiss him.
Navarro’s arms encircled her waist and pulled her close to his body. He meshed his mouth with hers and savored the tasty kiss and warm embrace. She wasn’t mistaken; it was going to be easy to play his husband role, if he didn’t allow his wayward emotions to forget it was only an assignment.
As his lips roved her face and neck, Navarro thought about what a good influence she was on him, just as Jessica Lane had been. Jessie…He had actually forgotten about her in the company and arms of another woman! But why did he feel as if he were cheating on her and betraying their love when Jessie was married to another man, when his marriage to Beth wasn’t for love or for real or by choice? It was a strange and unsettling sensation. He pulled away, smiled, and teased, “That’s enough work for today; you did fine; you told the truth when you said you’d have no trouble with our roles. I’m glad you’re willing to stay and work with me.”
“Thank you,” she said, and forced a return smile. She hoped he didn’t sense how he had gotten to her. Surely there was nothing wrong or wicked about being attracted to him, being attracted to each other, if they didn’t act on those carnal impulses.
“How’s the arm doing?”
“Fine, thanks to your magical medicine pouch and knowledge. We’d better get moving; the horses are rested by now.”
“We don’t have much farther to ride today. I just figured this was the perfect spot for telling you about my Indian blood to see if it mattered.”
“It doesn’t, and I’m grateful you trust me that much.” But you still lefl gaps in your story. I noticed when you hesitated and when you mussed your hair and your body stiffened for a moment. You’ve had such a hard, painful, and dangerous life. But you have many more secrets, and I wonder if you’ll ever share them with me or anyone. Perhaps whomever you did with in the past used or held them against you, so you’re reluctant to take that chance again. In time, you’ll learn I’m completely trustworthy.
“That full moon is so eager to show her pretty face she can’t wait until dark. Nothing is much nicer than sleeping under one.”
“Does that mean we’re going to skip Bowie Station tonight?”
“Nope; it’s a scheduled stop. You want to stay on roads and near towns during the remainder of our ride?”
“No, why?”
“Sure you want to ride through wilderness and camp in the open?”
“Of course; I have a rescuer with me if danger approaches.”
He caressed her cheek without thinking. “You can trust me, Beth, because I won’t let any harm come to you.”
“I know.” At least not the kind of danger you mean. You’re so tempting, Navarro Breed. I wonder what will happen between us when we are alone for days on end…
Chapter Eight
Beth was relieved when they left Bowie Station so Navarro could stop playing his necessary role in public. His lengthy soul-baring yesterday must have been difficult and draining for him. He had been rather quiet—but polite and nice—in private last night. She hoped he wasn’t worried about her thoughts and feelings about him after his shocking revelations. She would work hard to prove to him that his troubled past did not matter to her.
They journeyed along an old stage-wagon road for a while, then headed overland. They passed beyond the verdant Chiricahua Mountains and crossed the San Simon River. They rode onward into New Mexico in the Chihuahuan Desert whose landscape lacked the splendor of the Sonoran. They were fortunate it was spring, as summer heat at midday and sparse water holes were a fierce hardship in an arid region. They weaved their way around prickly pear, sotol, yuccas, mesquite, scrubbrush, and other vegetation in the almost intimidating territory. The ground was a mixture of various size rocks and brownish sand; that added to the other obstacles of nature made their progress slow and cautious. Most of the time, they rode in single file, so talk was impossible.
Beth was glad she’d donned pants, chaps, and a duster to protect herself from the harsh climate and hostile terrain. Today, Navarro’s manner of dress was also different and eye-catching: fringed buckskin pants, shirt, and high-top moccasins in a chamois color and snug fit that called attention to his muscular and virile physique. The garments made him look taller and more rugged, a man matched to the current conditions. She had a hard time keeping her gaze and thoughts off him. She couldn’t comprehend why it was like that with Navarro Breed and hadn’t been with Steven Wind; maybe it was because she had known Steven so long and well before marrying and taking to the trail with him. Surely that was the only reason her new partner so intrigued and captivated her.
They halted for the night about forty-five miles below and southeast of Lordsburg, in the Animas Mountains. The only reason they had made a good distance was by using old trails on occasion. Navarro chose a secluded and sheltered spot far from any ranches and small towns, and near an excellent water source for drinking, bathing, and refilling canteens. She glanced at the tall peaks and steep slopes and was delighted they wouldn’t have to trek over them, as her partner knew the trails and passes in this territory. As they made camp, he told her Animas was Spanish for Departed Souls.
Once more Beth’s gaze scanned their surroundings and she jested, “I can’t imagine any soul wanting to haunt a wilderness like this.”
Navarro chuckled at her expression and tone. “I doubt they do. ‘Course it’s different in the sacred mountains near Phoenix.”
As she unpacked supplies, she asked, “What do you mean?”
“Superstition Mountain, home of the Apache Thunder Gods. So many whites have gotten lost and died in her hills and canyons that most are afraid to ride in. They used to believe Indians picked them off and buried them in secret, until the Indians were locked away on reservations and white men still kept vanishing in there. It’s not too far west of San Carlos Reservation. The Lost Dutchman Mine is located there. Ever hear of it?”
“No. Tell me,” she coaxed as they cooked their evening meal. He seemed to be in a talking mood again, which more than pleased her.
“It’s said two men found an old Spanish mine richer than any discovered before; they died without telling anyone where it is, if it really exists. Many people have searched for it but never found a clue or a speck, but lots of gold and silver was located nearby.”
As they chatted about that rumor and ate, Navarro recalled how fragile, dainty, and feminine she’d been in Tucson and other towns along their way. But she didn’t seem to mind getting dirty, sweaty, and mussed. She seemed to take the trail’s demands and hardships in even stride. She appeared as much at ease in pants, boots, and saddle as she had in dress, slippers, and cozy towns. In Tucson, she’d acted frightened and distressed in the face of peril; in the open, she didn’t seem afraid or unsettled by anything or anyone, even of getting wou
nded. She was a constant amazement, delight, and mystery. He was getting to know her better, but there was far more beneath her surface than he had seen or felt so far. Perhaps no man, and surely not one like him, could replace Steven Wind in her heart and life.
Beth was cognizant of the tight leash he kept on his emotions, a task he did better than she. Heavens, she’d be glad to be herself again, and she would be with one final change tonight…
“We have time for a lesson or two if you’re not tired.”
“I’m ready and willing to learn anything from you, Navarro.”
I doubt you mean “anything,” woman. “I’ll show you a few tricks about knives, but it’ll take lots of practice after our mission for you to get skilled with them.”
He set up a target and collected their knives. “Weight and shape are important for the one you’ll be throwing; been my experience, the straighter and lighter, the better for accuracy. Some men hold the handle and some the blade; I like using the blade. Grip it about halfway back between your thumb and fingers; let the side of the first one lay against the metal and spread the tips of others along the blade with the last one at the point. Grip it firm and tight for control. Pretend that rag is a man’s chest or back, center is his heart. If he’s a threat, go right for it. If not and you just want to wound and stop him, go for the shoulder. Throw it with force and speed, much as you can muster or she’ll lose her path. When she’s aimed, point your hand level with your target for a short distance and up a mite for a long trip; that takes care of any drop she’ll make en route. You aim, draw back over your shoulder, sling forward, and release at the level you chose earlier. Like I said, speed and force send her straight and true. If it’s necessary to use a knife, you don’t want it just glancing off or pricking him.”
As he talked, he demonstrated the instructions. He fetched the weapons after each bout, always recovering them from the target’s center.
“You try it,” he suggested, and positioned her body and weapon.
The first few knives went wild, landing nowhere near the white cloth. After a few more tries, she came closer but never touched the target. She surmised part of her problem was due to the unsettling effects of his touches, voice, and close proximity. To her pleasure, not once did Navarro become impatient, amused, or annoyed.
“As I said, takes a heap of practice. We don’t want your shoulder getting sore, so you can work on it another time. Just don’t try it on a man until you’re trained. Riles one to get a bloody scratch.” He chuckled.
“You’re right; I can hear it fussing from this short spell. Now that I know what to do, I’ll practice in privacy later. Thanks.”
“You want some hand-fighting tips?”
“Yes, please, if you aren’t too tired and it isn’t a bother.”
“Best to show you how to defend yourself before we shadow those snakes. Most men you’ll fight will be taller, bigger, and stronger than you. You’ll have to use tricks to make up for those differences. Ever’body has weak spots you can attack: nose, throat, eyes, groin, knees, and right here,” he said, tapping his hand in the kidney area at the rib cage. “You hit a man there with force and he’ll buckle on you; not at first, though—takes a few minutes. Put two fingers out straight when you poke him in the eyes.”
He chuckled when she blinked and jerked back her head at the unexpected action. “Quick reflexes; that’s good. Just hope your target doesn’t have ‘em, too. With the nose and throat and groin, use a balled fist and strike with the hand knuckles, not the fingers or you can break ’em.”
Beth noticed he made light contact with her nose and throat but pulled back his fist moments after it started toward her private region. He glanced at her smiling face, shrugged, and grinned about the near slip in propriety. She told him in a mirthful tone, “I get your meaning. Go on.”
“Use any weapon you have: teeth, nails, feet, head, everything. Don’t be afraid of getting blood in your mouth when you bite, ‘cause it may save your hide just to slow an enemy for a moment or two. Gives you time to find a rock or limb to use, or to throw dirt in his eyes. Stand here a minute.”
Beth watched and listened while he explained how to kick a man’s knees in front or stomp the inner side with her boot heel.
“Same goes for the groin. Kick with speed and force. Never hold back, woman, or you won’t disable a bigger and stronger target. Every strike has to come from all you have because you’ll tire faster and easier than he will.”
She waited while he spread a blanket on the rough, sandy ground.
“Lie on your stomach.” After she did, he knelt beside her. “If you get him down like this, use your knee to grind into his backbone. Press hard and deep ‘cause you don’t weigh much. Hurts like heck and you’ll have him yelping for mercy. Stand up.” He noticed she always obeyed without hesitation, and he was glad. “If he grabs you around the waist from behind, use your head to smack him in the mouth or nose, whatever you can reach. Hard and fast, woman; remember that’s the key to unlocking a win.”
Beth felt the full length of his virile and muscular frame against hers. She enjoyed having his arms around her and hearing his voice at her ear. She hated to break their contact when he released her and turned her to him. His hands cupped her shoulder joints and his gaze locked with hers.
“If you’re facing him, pretend to…swoon, I think you womenfolk call it. Soon as he’s off guard, knee him in the groin or butt his belly with your head. Either one knocks a man down or steals his wind. You’re not trying to best him, just gain time to recover or pull a weapon to even the odds. Don’t get cocky and play with him or you’ll be defeated. If the situation doesn’t look promising, take him down by surprise, then get your feet moving to a hiding place. Show me how good you are with a rope.”
Beth took the rope he lifted from the ground. She flung it over every object he asked her to snare with ease; as she was talented and experienced with one.
“Perfect. Can you lasso an escaping man or a galloping horse?”
“Take off running and you’ll see.”
He did and, ten feet away, found himself grabbed by the ankle and tripped. He removed the rope, stood, and grinned at her as he dusted off his clothes and hands. “You’d make a superior ranch hand with that skill. Let’s see if you can do it twice.”
Having retrieved and rolled the rope, Beth nodded. That time, she lassoed his chest and pinned his arms to his torso. In a slow and playful manner, she drew in the lariat with her prize, closing all distance between them. “Of course, if you were my real target, I’d have my pistol out and pointed at your belly by now. I do appreciate you not yanking and running since I’m not wearing gloves to protect my hands from burns and blisters.”
“I remembered you were working barehanded, so I thought I’d better go easy on you. You gonna tie me up or release me?”
Feeling mischievous and bold, she looked him up and down. “Since you appear trustworthy, I suppose I’ll let you go, this time.” She watched him loosen his bond and lift it over his head, chuckling as he did so.
As they returned to the blanket and he rolled the lengthy weapon, he said, “Too bad you don’t know anything about wrangling and branding; hogtying a man is a quick and easy way to capture and disable him.”
“Show me, please.”
“Goes like this…”
Before Beth could think or react, Navarro had her on the blanket on her stomach with her wrists bound behind her and her ankles secured. “See, quick and easy for a strong man.”
“And an agile one. Wish I could use this trick, but that’s not realistic.”
He undid the knots and she turned to her back and met his gaze. “I know a few you can use. Up, woman.” He extended his hand and brought Beth to her feet as he stood. “Remember that back-knee attack?” She nodded and he guided her through the movements. “If you can’t snare his ankle and trip him before you use it, just slam your boot into that tender spot. While he’s down, jab your elbow into his neck or
skull, like so.”
Beth felt his elbow make gentle contact with the sunken area at her nape. Then, he let her demonstrate everything on him.
Navarro was aroused by their touches and the way she looked at him when their gazes met. As she worked, her breathing was rapid and shallow, her cheeks extra rosy, and perspiration glistened on her face. He knew she was giving this her best efforts. Strands of dark hair escaped her long and heavy plait and fluttered with her exertions. Her eyes glowed with excitement and determination. At times, the material of her shirt strained over her breasts and called attention to her femininity. Shu, he’d love to stretch out atop her, hold her, and kiss those full lips. He realized he was getting too close to doing exactly that so he said, “That’s enough lessons and practice for tonight. We don’t want to injure that arm.”
“Thanks for helping me, Navarro. This might save my life someday. Every time I use these skills, I’ll remember you.”
“When you’re fighting a foe, woman, think only of him or you’re dead.”
Beth nodded. “Right now, I think I’ll go wash off this trail dust and work sweat. That water I sat on the fire ring should be hot.”
“Is that stream too chilly for you?” he jested.
“For washing my hair, yes. I won’t take long. Keep the fire going so I can dry it and get warm afterward. Desert air gets cold at night.”
“Call out if you need help, and don’t go too far.”
She knew from his serious tone and expression that the “help” he mentioned referred to her safety, not personal and sensuous assistance. As she sought the best spot for her task, she wondered if he’d like the change he’d soon witness, if he’d like the real Bethany Wind better.
When she returned to camp with a cloth around her head and in her nightgown, Navarro said, “I’ll take a short ride to give you privacy. I won’t go far and will be back soon.” He didn’t want to watch her dry and brush her mane, as he knew from observing Jessie how sensual that could be.
Chase The Wind Page 16