by Jerri Hines
Plates lay upon the table, silverware, glasses, all in preparedness for a meal. He hadn’t realized how hungry he had become. Jane walked in from the kitchen.
“I hope you don’t mind. I have prepared a simple lunch with the supplies that Mr. Parker brought. Sit,” she said simply. Within minutes, she had placed before him bowls of peas, fried tomatoes, okra, corn, and hot cornbread.
Warren didn’t hesitate. “Never turn away a hot meal.”
No, don’t suppose he would either, but his eyes remained upon Jane, such an odd one. How could he tell Warren he had no desire for her to be gone? No, it was strange how he had taken to her and in fact it was his dilemma.
* * * *
Night had fallen. Everything had been set for the evening. The horses fed; the dishes cleaned. Warren promised to bring a cow next time out, although Sumner didn’t see the necessity since he wasn’t planning to be around here for long. But there again, the girl might enjoy fresh milk.
Jane prepared another fine meal for supper. She was a good cook, but he expected she had cooked from an early age.
Walking back from the barn, he found her sitting on the porch, smiling up at him. In the fading light, she looked beautiful. She had taken off her cap, leaving her hair down in a braid over her shoulder.
For the life of him, he couldn’t get the thought of having her in his arms out of his head, with her firm breasts pressed against him…her body arching instinctively to his.
Warren hadn’t even suggested it would be harmful to leave a young, innocent in his care. Perhaps, Warren thought it the lesser of the evils in her life.
“Thank you for the supper, Jane. I was thinking of retiring for the night.”
“I will do so shortly.” Rising, she moved over to the railing and stared out into the coming night.
Go, leave her. Instead, he came up behind her. “Are you feeling well? I know you still have the effects of the bump upon your head.”
“I have recovered,” she whispered. “It is not what bothers me. I feel so lost. I had thought I would at least have my grandfather’s land after…”
“We are working on a plan to remove you from this area. I know of people where you would be safe and won’t have to worry until after this war is finally over.”
Turning, her eyes met his. “I don’t want your pity.”
“It isn’t pity I feel for you.” With the words, all his good intentions dissipated with a strong craving to have her back in his arms. He gently caressed her cheek. “Run, Jane, from me.”
She made no movement to leave him. She lifted her face up to his. He needed nothing else for his lips to descend upon hers. He would have stopped if she pulled away. She did not.
His kiss deepened, devouring her with his lips. His hand lowered, caressing and smoothing along the curves of her body.
“I want you, Jane,” he whispered. “More than I have ever wanted another. You feel it also…this longing between us. Tell me you do.”
“Yes, Sumner, yes.”
He talked no more, but swept her in his arms and answered the dictates of his body. In quick strides, they were in the bedroom, making quick work of the barrier that lay between their bodies and their desire.
Untying her gown, Sumner watched it fall loose about her legs. She stepped out of it with only her shift while he made short work of his own clothing. Stripping off his shirt, he took only time to pull off his boots before he was by her side once more.
Her scantily clad body eagerly awaited him, and she completely unaware the devastating effect she had on him. Cupping her face in his hands, he took possession of her warm, yielding lips.
“Are you afraid?”
“Not of you…not of this.”
His lips touched her again, coaxing her lips apart. Holding her firm, his teeth teased her, played with her, as his tongue entered with an invasive intimacy, answering his deep primitive urge. His stirring passion wanted to bury himself in her soft, round breasts, his hips in her thighs. His arousal controlled him.
He broke from her and lingered briefly over her lips. He reached down to the hem of her shift and pulled it over her head. His eyes reveled at the sight before him and he found himself with a growing impatience to possess her with the fire burning in his soul.
As he had in the morning light, he eased her upon the bed, but this time, she lay naked, concealing nothing…fully aware of his desire.
In her eyes, there was no mistaking her apprehension. Her shallow breathing betrayed her nerves, but she made no move to leave him and cried no tears. He removed his pants and eased down bare skin beside her. She trembled when his body touched hers.
He wanted to reassure her in some manner. Gazing into her eyes, words did not come. He leaned over and kissed her gently, barely brushing against hers…at first.
His hands moved upward and cupped her breasts. Her bare thighs moved against the scorching heat of his manhood. His restraint challenged, he took fierce possession of her body.
His mouth claimed hers and ravished it while his fingers circled her breast. He brushed his thumb over her erect nipple inciting a sweet cry of pleasure. He boldly explored her nakedness, learning its secrets, kissing her most sensitive places, and taking pleasure in her every tremor, every ripple, and every quiver of passion. Yearning sweltered with escalating intensity.
Consciousness narrowed on the heat making him tight and hard. His lips savored the sweet taste of her skin, moving downward. She rose upward encouraging him until he finally had her perfect breast in his mouth, suckling her to the point where delirium caused her to cry out. Whispers of her madness begged him for more. Her breaths quickened, faster, faster, urging him on. She grabbed hold at his shoulders.
“Oh, please, please, please,” she begged.
With the plea, he literally took her prisoner. In the back of his mind, his thoughts ran rapid, be gentle, easy, but he was neither. It was as stark uncontrollable forces exploded within him. He touched her everywhere. His caresses lowered to her stomach, thighs, inexorable down her body.
He stroked the inside of her thigh and she uttered a little cry that thrilled him. He firmly pushed her legs apart, brushed his fingers down between her thighs and slid down her cleft into slick moisture. She was hot and damp and ready for him. He wanted to bury himself into her, lose himself in her.
She seemed to come alive with each stroke, craving an unknown pleasure. Her body responded to his touch as if it knew what it wanted whether she knew or not. She arched off the bed with a muffled shriek. She pressed up toward him and spread her legs, moving to his touch, rocking closer.
He moved on top of her and lowered his hips between her thighs. His hardness pressed into her. Her eyes widened as he began to move in a rhythm, sheathing himself fully in her clinging body. For a moment, she tensed. Did he hear her utter a tiny cry? But her hands tightened upon his back, urging him, wanting him.
He was caught up in her silky skin, the fragrance of her body, the soft dampness of her breath against the side of his face. He took her as the sturdy old bed shook beneath them. Holding her leg to his hip, he thrust even deeper, ravishing her, dominating her with every reentry until their fierce, wild fervor blended together as one.
The end came with a rush of completion like nothing he’d ever felt before. He stayed deep inside of her unable to move for a second. A final kiss, a visceral tremor, he collapsed alongside of her. Rolling over, he pulled her to him and cradled her in his arms.
For a time, he found he couldn’t speak. He caressed her head, wiped the tears that had fallen from her eyes. Finally, he said, “The next time will be better for you. I was selfish, but will remedy it soon enough. I promise.”
“I trust you,” she said in a voice no louder than a whisper. Her arm wrapped around his chest. She made no utterances of love or the need for him to say so.
They lay together for a long while, but sleep did not come for Sumner. He lay awake contemplating his action. He hadn’t felt this content in a long
time or maybe he had never felt this way.
What was happening to him? He had only met this girl. He had much in front of him. She had men chasing after her, dangerous men. Moreover, where was his conscience? He had taken her innocence, and he felt no guilt. Glad she had never been with another.
She moved in her sleep, cuddling closer to him. Devil be had! He wanted her again.
Gently pushing her hair back, he began placing small kisses along her neck. Her body instinctively edged closer to his, encouraging him. He let his hand roam freely upon her body. This time he would take her slowly. Give to her the pleasure she had given to him.
Chapter 4
A month had passed since the first night with Sumner. Once more Jane’s life had changed drastically. Against all the old morality of her upbringing, she had taken him as her lover—a momentary escape from the pain that ripped inside of her.
Jane walked back from the stable, her thoughts never far from Sumner. She wondered if he would return this night. The nights were long when he wasn’t beside her. She didn’t know his mission and asked no questions. She feared the answers.
She told herself tomorrow didn’t matter. Today was all she had. What she would do if he never returned, she didn’t know, but she didn’t know what she would do before he had come. Though, now, it was different.
Never would she utter the words that she felt deep within her heart. He had made no promises and made it clear he eventually would leave, but she was undeniably, unquestionably in love with him.
Warren brought all the provisions he had promised. She thought it odd when he brought a set of boy’s clothing, but Sumner said it was only for if the necessity arose that she would have to hide her identity.
Endless hours had been spent in Sumner’s arms. She told him of her life before, simple but happy. He talked of his father, his mother and of his half-sister that lived in England.
“I have a son,” he confessed the last night they shared together.
The whole of her body tensed with the words which meant he had a wife! Her manner eased as he went on.
“Caleb is three. I haven’t seen him in a long time. His mother, my wife, was killed as your family in a raid.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. You must have loved her greatly.”
“Let us say I understand the need for revenge.”
A tinge of pain shot through her upon the utterance, for the hatred within his voice echoed throughout her heart. Could she be jealous of a dead woman?
As a need rose in her to relieve her soul, she began, “Do you know what I feel the guiltiest of? It was I that brought the destruction upon my family. I nursed a wounded man that lay on the side of the road months before the raid. My cousin, Reese found him when he was coming back from Bluffort.
“The man had been shot blindly as he rode. He called for help, and Reese heard him and brought him home. I cared for the man until he was healthy enough to travel. When he was sufficiently well, my grandfather gave him enough money to go to his home outside of Camden. His name was Joseph Williamson. He’s Bloody Benny’s brother. He was there that day. As I was crying over my brother, my family, I looked up and saw him riding up to me. We saved him, and he destroyed us.”
Sumner held her tight and let her tears fall. He whispered and soothed her with talk of his childhood, telling stories that took her mind far away from her own thoughts. They talked most of the night. The other part he made love to her. Never did she feel so alive as she did in his arms, with his touch. She sighed. Oh, she hoped he would return this night.
She climbed the steps to the house with thoughts of Sumner, but only made it as far as the door before she heard a familiar sound of horses galloping up the road. Horses. Oh, Good Lord…horses!
Rushing in the house, she shut the door soundly behind her and leaned against it. She had to get out of here, but before she caught her breath, she saw a dark figure looming in the hallway. He walked straight out of the shadows toward her. He was no stranger. Bloody Benny had found her.
Jane could not feel her heart beating, nor did she know if she was breathing. Frightened beyond measure, she stood frozen to her spot.
“Aye, my pretty little miss, where did we leave off when we were interrupted?”
He showed his teeth in what she assumed he thought was a charming smile. Jane was nauseated. Hurriedly, she rushed back out the door, only to be greeted by the whole of the Williamson gang. Behind her, laughter erupted. She ran.
Bloody Benny easily caught her and whirled her around in his grasp. She screamed an uncontrollable, unending scream. He clasped his hand over her mouth to silence her. Desperately trying to free herself, she twisted frantically, but to no avail.
“I don’t mind fight in a woman. Do ya boys?” Bloody Benny declared. A loud roar erupted that made Jane cringe. His hand moved upward and pressed against the fabric over her breast. “Don’t worry we will have our private time before I let the boys enjoy themselves.”
Laughing with his companions, she seized her opportunity. She kneed him in the groin, quick and hard and then ran.
“Little bitch!”
Falling, she scrambled to her feet. He struck her from behind. She crawled to the porch steps. He towered over her and reached down, pulling her up by a fist full of hair. A piercing screamed escaped her.
Suddenly a shot rang out. Immediately, one of her assailants fell off his horse, sprawled dead on the ground, shot in the head. She recognized the lifeless figure. She would never forget his face… the one who struck Troy down with his sword without mercy so many times…so many times.
Horse’s hooves sounded in a slow rhythm upon the gravel. She looked down the road as the horse came into view. He had returned. Sumner was back.
* * * *
Sumner reloaded before he moved ahead. His greatest fear on leaving her alone stood before him. His heart skipped a beat when he saw clearly that Bloody Benny had her in his grasp. He had no time to contemplate a plan, only react.
Only a couple of months ago he was alone, sure of his purpose, until he met her. He couldn’t get her out of his mind. He dreamed of her while he slept, even with her in his arms. He had loved Mary in his own way, more so she had loved him greatly. He mourned her when she died, but this girl…
He didn’t know what she had done to him, but he had a need for her. He certainly wasn’t about to let anything happen to her.
“Let her go. Now!” Sumner demanded.
He felt all eyes upon him, but his lay on Jane. She rose to her feet, but a hand upon her shoulder kept her from moving.
“Afraid she ain’t goin’ nowhere at the moment, Mister,” Bloody Benny said. “I don’t know if you noticed, but you are quite outnumbered.”
“I counted before I shot. If you haven’t noticed, my barrel is aimed at you. The way I have it figured is I can take you out and around five others before one might take me, but at that point you won’t be around. You have five seconds to let go of her.”
Bloody Benny glanced around, but slowly his grip relaxed upon Jane. Writhing away from him, she ducked out of his reach and ran to Sumner’s side. He stayed mounted and didn’t release his aim. Her hand gripped his leg.
“Now,” Sumner said. “I would appreciate if all of you would mount up and take the body with you. Leave.”
“Do you think this will be over once we ride off?” Bloody Benny challenged.
“Perhaps we could make a trade of some sort to make you happy. I want no trouble, but you have come after my woman. I can’t have that.”
“What do you want from me?”
“I want you to stop looking for her. What has she done to you compared to what you have done to her? I will keep her from attempting to take your life again and…”
“Yes. Do tell me what you have that I would commit to such an offer?”
“Your horse.”
“My horse? You still have him?” Bloody Benny’s voice lit up.
“Give your word you will leave Jane alone,
and I will guarantee the safe return,” Sumner bargained. “Think of all the time you have wasted chasing her. You have already taken her family from her. What more can you take from her except her life. You destroyed her family when she helped save yours. Didn’t your brother tell you the care she gave him? When everyone left him for dead, her family, the ones you cut down in cold blood, saved him. Where, man, is your honor?”
Bloody Benny’s face tensed, his eyes hardened. “You question my honor? You don’t know what those damn Rebels have done to me…my family…”
“But it wasn’t her or her family.”
Benny grimaced staring down upon Henley’s lifeless body. He pressed his lips together. “It wasn’t me. It was Henley. I didn’t know until my brother and I caught up with them at the end. My brother stopped Henley from cutting her down. It was why she was left alive, but I didn’t recognize her as she came after me. She tried to kill me! Shot me! How do you think I should react? Show weakness?”
“Weakness in leaving a woman alive? Take your horse and leave. It is in the stables—quickly. Leave her alone or I will hunt you down, and you will wish you were dead,” Sumner turned fierce eyes upon Bloody Benny. “You would find me a formidable foe!”
“Do I know you?” Bloody Benny asked tilting his head slightly trying to get a better view; Sumner didn’t answer, but stared at him without emotion. Then Benny laughed. “Fine. I will take the deal. Martin, go see if Squire is in the stables. Ward, pick up Henley.”
Sumner didn’t relax, nor did he take his gaze from Bloody Benny. Bloody Benny’s manner changed upon the sight of his horse when his man led him from the stables.
“In that wasn’t how I wanted to ease my frustration this night,” Benny’s eyes fell back upon Jane. “But I have to say my temper has eased with finding my horse alive. I had thought for sure she would have sold my horse or shot him dead.”
Bloody Benny walked slowly off the porch and down to where his horse was led. He patted his side. “Well kept. I appreciate that.” He shrugged in an offhand manner. “I will hold to my word for I am a man of honor. I won’t come for the girl again. Sleep well.”