“Hold on just a minute. Calm down so we can discuss our feelings like two adults.”
Kate poked her finger into his chest. “I have no more to say to you. Don’t ever come near me again! I can’t wait to be away from you! Your handsome face will never take advantage of me again, you blackguard, you scoundrel!” She stood and began dressing with her back to him. Her jerking movements gave credence to the fact she was fuming mad. She turned to leave with as much dignity as she could muster.
Before she could leave his quarters, David replied sadly, “You might as well stay here tonight. You are leaving in a couple of hours, long before the drums announce reveille. Take my bed and I’ll sleep elsewhere.”
Without giving her a chance to argue, he gathered his clothes and left her standing in the middle of the room. Waiting until he disappeared through the door, she plopped onto the bed and cried into the pillow. She beat the pillow with her fists as she thought how unfair her life. Not only had she lost her family, but now to lose the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with was devastating. The weight of the last few days was just too much to bear.
****
It seemed as if Kate had just dozed off when David stood over her gently shaking her. He looked haggard as if he had not slept. Face grim, he stuffed his hands into his pockets. It tugged at her heart for a second, until she remembered he had used her again last night. The man did not deserve her empathy.
He stepped away from her and announced in a weary voice, “Your escort is waiting. Lieutenant Emerson will help keep your fabrication until you arrive at my parent’s plantation. He will protect you and keep you safe until you get there. I know you don’t trust or like him, but he is a loyal friend. Here is a note explaining your predicament to my mother. She is a kind woman who will help you make the right decision about your life.”
She opened her mouth to tell him she didn’t need anyone to help her make decisions about her life, but decided to remain silent. Maybe she didn’t use good judgment when she decided to join the Civil War. She stuffed the note in the pocket of her pants hanging over a chair.
His voice softened. “Remember my offer is still on the table if nothing else works for you.” His hand wrapped around her wrist, his thumb resting against her pulse. “I think we would be happy together.”
She stared directly into his eyes. “Go to hell.”
Disappointment showed on his face. “Let me know if you change your mind.” With that said he left her to get dressed.
Minutes later Kate walked out the entrance to David’s quarters with her head held high. She mounted Betsy, and rode away without looking back. Lieutenant Emerson saluted Captain Harris and followed her with the other two soldiers.
David watched her ride away with a heavy heart. If only he would have met her before he pledged marriage to Abigail. Kate’s passion, devotion, and beauty made him want to spend the rest of his life with her. Maybe he could find a way to keep her in his life.
****
The sun was setting before Kate and her escorts stopped for the evening. Famished and weak from not eating all day, she couldn’t wait to have a meal and then go to sleep. Emerson helped her dismount causing curious stares from the other two soldiers from Kanway Company. Her legs trembled with fatigue as Mike led her into the small barn where they planned to spend the night. Not fully recovered from the two day ride back to their camp, her body screamed from the abuse of being on horseback all day.
Strong hands began to massage her legs until they began to feel better. Her face turned crimson when Lieutenant Emerson’s hands brushed the insides of her thighs. She tried to push his hands away as the memories of almost being raped by him surfaced. “I prefer you don’t touch me.”
“Believe me you will thank me in the morning. It will help get out some of the soreness.” He peered into her eyes as he touched her legs.
She snorted, “Every time you touch me I remember what you almost did to me at the creek. I will never trust you.”
His brown eyes softened. “Kate, I promise not to ever harm you.”
Abruptly, he turned his attention toward his men. She blushed when she saw them watching her curiously. Of course Emerson’s strange behavior had them confused. Without a doubt they had never seen him rub another soldier’s legs.
“Private Davis, go to the farmhouse and tell the family we will be staying in the barn tonight.” Davis had long brown hair that he kept tied back. He couldn’t have been much more than seventeen himself. She had not gotten to know him very well, but he seemed to be a good soldier, who did not ask too many questions and obeyed his orders.
“Corporal Jacobs, see if you can find us some fresh meat for supper. By the looks of the tiny farm house, I doubt they have enough food for themselves, let alone for us.”
She did not care much for Jacobs because he had a sneaky air about him. Maybe it was just her, but for some reason he made her feel uneasy. He reminded her of a weasel.
Now that she was alone with Lieutenant Emerson, she became nervous. Her distress was obvious as she sat on the floor of the barn wringing her hands together.
He exclaimed in a brusque tone, “You can relax, Kate. I have my orders from Captain Harris not to touch you in any inappropriate way, you are safe.”
Still able to see the scratches and bruises on his face, her blush deepened remembering how he got them. “I would feel better if you just keep your distance.” Tension lingered and she wished David would have sent someone else to escort her to Harris Plantation. But then he feared someone else would learn her gender and report her for deceiving them. She could understand the importance of secrecy, but her feelings for Emerson made her anxious.
“I can’t keep my distance when my orders are not to let you out of my sight until I deliver you safely to Harris Plantation. So get used to me being close until I rid myself of you.”
A tinge of annoyance in his voice proved he didn’t want to be her escort anymore than she wanted him to be her protector. Well, they were here now so they both needed to make the best of the situation. She moved to her pack and made herself busy by removing her meager belongings.
Corporal Jacobs and Private Davis returned at the same moment. Jacobs had been lucky with his hunting and carried two rabbits by the back legs. Blood dripped onto the plank floor of the barn.
Emerson took the rabbits from Jacobs and handed them to her. “I assume you know what to do with these.”
Instead of answering, she snatched the rabbits out of his hand and carried them outside. Did she know how to skin a rabbit? Of course she did. He knew she was a poor farm girl. No reason to rub it in.
When Private Davis stepped to her side, she bit her bottom lip to control her anger. There was no reason to take her frustration out on him. He offered, “I’ll skin ‘em if you hold ‘em.”
Emerson and Corporal Jacobs built a fire to cook their supper on the south side of the barn. She went through the Lieutenant’s saddlebags until she found some spices to flavor the rabbits. She skewered the rabbits with a stick and put them over the fire to cook.
Staring into the fire, she wondered what David was doing. Was he missing her? She hoped he felt as miserable as she did. Why could she not stop thinking about him? She was failing miserably at keeping him out of her thoughts.
When the rabbits were done, Kate pulled off a leg, and sunk her teeth to the bone. She closed her eyes and savored the tasty meat. A loud moan of pleasure interrupted the silence.
Emerson peered across the fire at her as he bit into another piece of rabbit. “You’re a pretty good cook, Private Monroe. This is the best rabbit I have ever tasted.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant.” She kept her eyes on her plate, too afraid to make eye contact. She devoured her portion of the rabbit with haste. “I think I’ll turn in for the night. I’m exhausted.”
Kate hurried to the barn hoping the men would stay by the fire long enough for her to have a private moment. From the time she joined the infantry, she ha
d been surrounded by men. She carried her bedroll over into the hay and unrolled it hoping she would be asleep before they turned in for the night. She was just getting comfortable when Emerson put his bedroll next to hers. Shocked at the audacity of the man, she cringed. “What do you think you’re doing?”
He whispered, “I’m protecting you. How better to do that than by sleeping right next to your hot, young body?” His sensual smile ruffled her feathers.
“You can protect me just as easy from across the room.” She pointed toward the other two soldiers trying to keep her voice low. “Go sleep over there. You make me nervous.” No way would she be able to sleep with him near. Worry bubbled in her stomach as she remembered his hands all over her body the night he found her bathing in the creek.
His laugh was deep and masculine. “I admire your honesty. But I do have my orders. Despite what you think of me, I take my responsibilities serious.
She scowled at him, and turned her back so she could get some sleep. Maybe if she ignored him, he would leave her alone.
For half an hour she tossed and turned trying to get comfortable. No matter what she did she couldn’t sleep. Even though she was extremely tired from the journey, her troubled mind would not let her relax. Would David’s parents accept her into their home?
“Kate, I can’t sleep, talk to me a while.”
“Only if you promise not to make any indecent remarks.” Annoyed, she rolled over and stared into his eyes glowing in the dim light of the lantern.
“Fine, I promise to be a gentleman.” Her unladylike snort at his being a gentleman caused him to chuckle. “Tell me what happened to your family.”
Voice filled with sadness, she replied, “The last few years have been tragic. First my parents died in a barn fire. Then my twin brother, Jake died two months after returning home from injuries incurred fighting for the South. My beloved grandmother died of influenza leaving me alone. My hopes were shattered of staying on my small farm when my neighbor, Bob Lewis forced me to leave.”
“Surely, there was someone that could help you. You didn’t have a neighbor who could take you in?”
“No, I have no one. I don’t expect you to understand. You are a man. You can do as you please. Because I am female I am expected to marry, even if without love. Not me, I want more than a man like Bob Lewis, who repels me. If someone would have helped me, I’m sure Mr. Lewis would have caused them harm. I couldn’t risk anyone being hurt because of me. That is why I deceived everyone. I felt I had no other recourse.” Life had been unfair for her in the past few months, but because of the war there were probably hundreds of stories as tragic as hers.
“Maybe I was a little hasty in judging you. I’m sorry you found yourself in such a terrible situation.” She heard the sympathy in his voice.
Every time she mentioned Bob Lewis her thoughts were bleak. She decided to change the subject. “What is David, I mean Captain Harris going to tell people about my disappearance?” Her face blossomed with color. Already suspicious of her relationship with David, she did not want him to know she had been intimate with him.
“His plan is to tell everyone that you ran away from home. Your rich grandfather found out you joined the infantry and wants his beloved grandson back home. He will make a huge contribution to the Southern Cause if you are returned home without retribution.”
“What if they ask my grandfather’s name?” She questioned.
“He wanted to remain anonymous.”
She sighed. “Sounds like a good plan, I hope it works. I don’t want anyone to get into trouble because of my facade.”
“Stop worrying. Tomorrow you will be safe at Harris Plantation.” Rolling onto his side away from her, he whispered, “Get some sleep. We will be leaving early in the morning.”
Seconds passed before he heard her soft breathing. Thankfully, she had finally dozed off to sleep. He admired her spirit and courage. Maybe he needed to be a little more understanding about her plight. She was forced to leave the home she had always known. She must be scared knowing she would be staying with complete strangers. He had always been curt or surly with her. Perhaps he should make the effort to be nice to her.
He suspected David slept with Kate. It would be hard to restrain from making love with someone so beautiful and curvy. What were David’s plans? He had thought it odd his orders were to escort her to Harris Plantation. He wondered if Captain Harris’ plans were honorable or if he planned to keep Kate for himself. It was doubtful his parents would allow anything scandalous under their roof.
Sleep eluded Mike as he lay on his back, staring at the barn ceiling. Kate’s beautiful round breasts and curvy derriere were so vivid in his mind. A body as lush as hers was meant to be savored. She had almost been his the night at the creek. If David had not shown up, he would have bedded her. She had the most amazing body he had ever seen. His desire for her was almost uncontrollable. It was going to be a long night. With the back of his hand he wiped the sweat from his brow.
If he touched her, he would have to face the wrath of Captain Harris. Besides, she could barely tolerate him. He ruined any chance he had of sparking her when he found her naked and alone at the creek.
Rubbing his still sore jaw, he grimaced. After being at the receiving end of David’s wrath he never intended to be again.
Chapter Six
A noise woke Kate. She moaned in pain as she stretched her arms over her head. Muscles ached she didn’t even know she had from the hours spent on horseback yesterday. At least the hay was more comfortable than sleeping on the hard, plank floor. It would feel wonderful to sleep in a featherbed.
She sat up and looked around the dark barn. Rubbing her hands over her face, she peered around trying to see in the dim light. She could just make out the tall form of Lieutenant Emerson lying next to her. The only light that filtered through the door came from the half moon. Across the room she could hear someone’s loud snoring. Maybe the snoring woke her. Then she heard the noise again. It sounded like a muffled sound. Instinct told her something was out of the ordinary. She slipped out of her bedroll, and tiptoed across the floor of the barn in her bare feet not wanting to wake Emerson.
The moon was throwing a little light when she stepped outside because it was partially covered by clouds. Shadows near the small farmhouse caught her attention. Sounds of a struggle penetrated the quiet of the still dark morning. It looked as if two people were fighting. She inched closer to get a better look.
Shocked, Kate saw Corporal Jacobs holding a young girl against the farmhouse while she was trying to get out of his grasp. He had his hand over her mouth to keep her from screaming. The young girl’s whimpers sent chills down her spine. The girl couldn’t have been more than fourteen years old. The front of her dress had been ripped exposing her tiny breasts. His other hand was roughly grappling at her. He lifted her dress and was fumbling with the front of his pants to free himself.
Mortified Corporal Jacobs was trying to rape a child, she ran across the expanse of ground, jumped on Jacobs’ back, and pulled his hair as hard as she could. “Leave her alone, Corporal Jacobs! She is just a child!” He threw her to the ground as if she were a rag doll. When her bottom hit the ground, she yelped in pain.
Teeth clenched in anger, Jacobs hissed, “Mind your own business, Private Monroe. Go back to the barn and leave me be.” He continued to fumble with his pants ignoring her.
Undaunted, Kate looked around for something to use as a weapon. She picked up a rock, ran at Jacobs, and hit him over the head with all the strength she could summon. Stunned, he fell to the ground on his hands and knees giving the distraught girl time to run back into the farmhouse screaming for her mama.
From the look on his face, he was in pain. A trickle of blood oozed onto his temple. He stood up on shaky legs, and turned his wrath toward her.
“Private, you are going to pay for interrupting my plans. She’s nothing but poor white trash. No one cares. I have stayed up all night waiting for her to be away
from her ma. You will learn to mind your own business when I am through with you.”
He picked her up by the shirtfront lifting her feet off the ground. When he raised his fist to hit her, she closed her eyes and waited for the impact.
All of a sudden, Kate fell to the ground. She looked up to see Emerson punch Jacobs in the jaw. The first blow knocked him off his feet. Emerson picked him up by the back of his neck and hit him in the stomach. Three more punches and he was rendered unconscious. He lay unmoving on the ground at Emerson’s feet, blood pouring from his nose.
Irritated, he strolled over to Kate and peered down at her. “What have you gotten into this time? I can’t even get any sleep when you are around. Explain why you are out here causing trouble.”
Angry that he would believe her responsible for interrupting his sleep, she shouted at him, “Jacobs tried to rape a young girl. I had to stop him!” She glared at him. “He is the one you should be yelling at, not me.”
He stared at her sitting on the ground looking frazzled, her uniform covered in dust, her toes peeping from under her pants. “You are either the craziest or bravest woman I have ever known. I just don’t know which description fits best.” He offered her his hand. She placed her hand in his and he pulled her to her feet, wrapped his hand around her arm, and all but dragged her back inside the barn. In a stern voice he ordered, “Wait here, while I take care of this.”
Without breaking stride, he sauntered over to where Private Davis was still snoring loudly. With his booted foot, he poked him in the side waking the startled soldier. “Go outside and revive Jacobs. He just tried to rape the young farm girl and I beat the hell out of him.”
It didn’t take but a moment for Davis to realize Emerson was furious. He donned his boots and left the barn in a hurry.
In a dark mood, Emerson left the barn and knocked on the door of the small farmhouse. Kate watched from the threshold of the barn as he was invited inside by the young girl’s mother. A half hour later he finally emerged.
Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) Page 9