Chase the Moon: A Historical Romance

by Lynn Hubbard

  To Amelia’s relief they turned and staggered away. Chase watched them until they were out of sight. He cursed himself for letting his guard down. It could have ended very badly.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry, I should have been more careful.”

  “You will not blame yourself for the sins of men. We need to go.” Worried about Amelia’s safety he grabbed her arm and they headed back to the hotel.

  Amelia frowned stepping into her vacant room. She didn’t even get a kiss good night. Seeing Sally’s empty bed made her even more ill. Damn vagrants. She lay down to face a long lonely night.

  ***

  Warren stood up to answer the knock. He kept one hand on the handle of his revolver and his other on the doorknob. Finding Sally on his stoop, he laid his gun on the washstand as she stepped into the room pushing the door shut behind her.

  Without a sound, she stepped forward and lifted her face up to his eager for a kiss. His mouth came down more eager and urgent than she was expecting. She had to pull away to catch her breath.

  “My Goodness Warren, you are full of surprises.”

  “I do hope you are not a tease Sally, it has been an awful long time since I’ve had a woman.”

  “I am not a tease. I just choose to follow my heart even though my brain is screaming for me to leave.”

  “I would prefer if you stayed.” Warren said again tasting her lips and pulling her body against his. Proving to her how much he wanted her to stay. Sally gave into the sensation and before her mind was aware, she was naked on his bed.

  Sally closed her eyes tightly. She felt him prodding at her entrance and dimly, wondered if he needed any help. She soon felt a burning sensation as Warren entered her slowly. Her hands wandered to his shoulders and she squeezed tightly trying to distract her mind.

  She felt him shift her legs a bit and soon his pelvis was touching hers. He propped himself up on his elbows as he waited for her to respond.

  Sensing this she opened her eyes to look up at his handsome face. Then he ruined the moment by opening his mouth.

  “Damn you’re tight. If I didn’t know better I would think it was your first time.”

  He saw a blur and then he heard, more than he felt the hand that slapped his face.

  “You lousy bastard! You think I am a whore? Some soiled dove? Get off of me NOW!” Sally raged as her eyes filled with tears.

  Warren’s face had whitened, except for the handprint on his cheek.

  “Are you stuck on stupid? Off. NOW!” Sally said pushing against his bare chest to no avail. Warren gently retracted and hopped to his feet in a graceful move that made Sally even madder. She scrambled on the ground like a fish out of water looking for her clothes and trying to cover herself all at once.

  A mostly dressed Warren tossed them to her before he retreated from the room to give her some privacy. Her sobs tore through his heart as he left. What the hell had he been thinking?

  ***

  Amelia stirred as the room to her door opened and shut loudly. She peered through the dim light from a candle as Sally fell to her bed sobbing. She hesitated not knowing whether she should attend to the girl or not. Her debate ended and she left her bed to sit on the edge of Sally’s.

  “Are you okay? What happened?”

  “Warren.”

  “What did he do? Did he force himself on you?”

  Sally forced herself to a sitting position as she accepted the handkerchief Amelia handed to her. She mopped her face and blew her nose as she hiccupped trying to catch her breath.

  “He is such a snake. He lay with me then he called me a whore. Which I am not! I mean I have never, until now.” She squeaked out dissolving back into a pile of sobs on the bed.

  Amelia rubbed her back until she quieted. She did not know what to say. It was not like Warren. Yes, he was ignorant at times but never intentionally cruel.

  “I don’t know why Warren would behave as such. I know from Sabrina that he can be harsh. That is one reason why she ran away in the first place. I will talk to him in the morning. It has been a long day for all of us try and get some rest.”

  Amelia returned to her own bed her sleepless mind swirling with worry.

  She awoke to pink rays peeking in through the window. She frowned she had missed the sunrise. She vowed to make sure she caught it tomorrow morning before they left for their trip back to Montgomery. She looked across the span and was glad to see Sally sleeping soundly. She rose and dressed to go down for breakfast. She thought it would be best to eat in their room this morning.

  She was happy to see Chase at a table drinking coffee and eating.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  He stood up pulling out a chair for her to sit in. Her hair was a bit mussed and shadows darkened her usually shinning eyes.

  “Not much sleep huh?” He asked.

  She shook her head as she picked up his coffee and sipped it, needing a boost before her own arrived.

  “No I guess Sally and Warren had a falling out.”

  Chase snorted. “I heard everything and so did Riley. Kinda hard not to when Warren’s room is next to ours. I guess it’s good Thomas was on the other side. He is quit protective of his sister.”

  “Well I heard Warren was a complete arse.”

  “Yup.” He said stealing his cup back.

  The waiter came by, the same one from last night, and she ordered biscuits, country ham, eggs and grits to take up to the room. Chase added the same for Riley who was still resting his leg. “Oh and lot and lots of coffee!” She added as he walked away.

  “Hungry?” Chase teased.

  “Oh I am very hungry.” She said not meaning for it to come out as alluring as it did. His eyes darkened and she was pleased by his response. The food soon arrived and she had the bill added to Warren’s room for spite. Chase helped her carry it up the stairs to her room and set it on the table by the window. She walked him to the door and thanked him with a kiss promising to meet him later on the beach.

  “I’m sure that one of the men has an extra swimming suit for you to wear.”

  “A swimming suit? What is that?”

  “Special clothing to wear in the water. What do you normally wear when you swim.”

  “Nothing.”

  “Well that would cause a scandal wouldn’t it?” She teased as her mind drew a picture of him fully exposed in the waves.

  He kissed her forehead before returning to his room with Riley’s meal.

  She was glad to see that Sally was already awake and getting ready to face the day.

  “Hungry? I brought us some breakfast. Thought we could have a little girl time.”

  “Starving.” She admitted turning to take a plate laden with food from her roommate. She took a dainty bite as she sipped at her coffee.

  “Do you feel like going to the beach? I’m gonna meet Chase down there after I have a chat with Warren.”

  “Please don’t talk to Warren, I would die of embarrassment! The less people that know I’m an imbecile the better.”

  “You are not.”

  “Yes, I am. I am the one who went to his room after dark. Hoping he would let me in. Well, be careful what you wish for.” She muttered taking another bite of biscuit.

  “I’m sure he did not mean what he said. Warren tends to have bad judgment when dealing with woman. I’ve heard tales from people who have seen him in court and he is ruthless.”

  “If he didn’t mean it, where is he? Shouldn’t he be stopping by to see me?”

  “Ah, if you want me to delve into the male ego we would be here for hours. Get ready. We’re going to the beach and I won’t take no for an answer!” Amelia stated as she slipped out of the room and headed up the hallway to knock on Warren’s door.

  It was opened by a fully dressed Warren. His eyes were darker than usual and his chin was set as he clinched his teeth.

  “What?” He asked curtly.

  “We need to talk. Do you wanna discuss this
in the hallway or room? It doesn’t matter much to me.”

  With a curse Warren open the door just wide enough for Amelia to slip in before closing it and latching it behind her.

  “I have nothing to say.”

  “What? How is Sally after you ravaged her last night? Oh she is just dandy.” Amelia answered her own question sarcastically.

  “I didn’t force her.”

  “I suppose not, but I believe calling her a whore was not the best use of words.”

  “I didn’t call her a whore.” He whispered a bit harshly as he ran his hand through his short red hair in frustration.

  “Well whatever you said had the same implications as such. We are going to the beach, when you get your head out of your arse you may join us.” Amelia said turning swiftly and leaving the room. In her anger, she had not noticed Chase had stepped from his room and he had to grab her arm to keep them from colliding.

  She was about to mumble and apology but the words stuck in her throat as she noticed his attire. He had borrowed Riley’s dark blue swimming suit, which came to his knees. The woolen outfit looked ludicrous on him. Most men wore them to cover their white pasty bodies but covering up Chase’s taunt flesh was a sin in itself. He had a scowl over his handsome face and Amelia covered her mouth to hide her smile.

  “You look…great.” She said with a fake smile as a giggle escaped her throat.

  “It is the latest fashion form Paris I’m told.” Chase replied. However, his carefree words did not match the intensity of his stare. Chase took a threatening step toward her and backed her up against the wall.

  “You’re not ready yet. Do you require assistance?”

  “Yes.” Her breath caught in her throat as his warm mouth plunged done over hers. Amelia’s hands had a mind of their own as they crept up over his broad shoulders and wrapped around his neck pulling them closer.

  A door creaked open and Chase released her so fast she almost fell. She was forced to lean against the wall until her legs were strong enough to support her and her mind reminded her how to walk.

  She forced a quick smile at Riley as he stepped out of the room he shared with Chase.

  “Good morning!” She quipped as he raised an eyebrow. He was dressed similarly to Chase but he looked more comfortable in the garments. She could make out the white bandage around his thigh and noticed he was favoring the leg still.

  Her smile faltered and her brow furrowed in worry. “How’s your leg?”

  “Oh I’m fine, seems like you’ve been running around the hotel checking on everyone except your wounded brother. If it wasn’t for Chase and Thomas I’d probably be dead by now.”

  “Oh hush! You’ll live!” She encouraged kissing his cheek as he grunted. With a lingering look at Chase she disappeared back inside her room.

  Her heart ached hearing Riley shuffling down the wooden hallway with his injured leg. She hoped the sea salt did the job. She could not imagine losing a sibling. She did not know how Sabrina could stand it.

  She was glad to find Sally already dressed and working on her hair. She went to her satchel pulling out her own swimming suit and dressing quickly. Wool always made her skin itch and she hoped she wasn’t one big welt when she arrived at the beach. The tempered weather was one of the reasons why she loved San Francisco. She could not imagine living where it was cold for six months out of the year. She would itch to death.

  She tied her hair back into a ponytail and gathered some towels and a blanket to sit on. Sally did the same and they left the room together. They could hear noises coming from Thomas and Jaelyn’s room. Apparently, swimming was not on their mind.

  Sally was in better spirits and was soon chattering away as usual. Amelia was more alert as they walked down the boardwalk. She was weary after the encounter last night. She carried her dagger ready in her hand. The blanket she had draped over her arm covered hid it from sight.

  She relaxed a bit as the water came into view. She could see more people out today and her eyes searched for Chase. He was not hard to find. His darker complexion stood out amongst the others.

  His keen eyes were focused on her as he watched their approach. He had forgotten about the shifting sand and fell backwards as it was washed away from under his feet. Amelia laughed and he reappeared sputtering and grinning. He made his way towards them; the wet wool clinging to his large frame. Amelia tried not to stare as it emphasized more than his physique.

  She spread out the blankets far enough away so the water would not get them wet. Feeling secure, she left her dagger in her shoe as she slipped them off and left them on the sand. Sally and Riley were forgotten as Chase grabbed her hand pulling her into the water. She squealed and froze as the water reached her thighs. Chase laughed.

  “This was a good idea. I wonder what Brock and Sabrina are up to?”

  “I’m not sure about Brock, but I’m sure Sabrina is going stir crazy. She could never stand being cooped up inside.”

  She turned watching as Riley slowly made his way toward them. “Is the water helping?”

  “If making it burn like a son of a bitch is ‘helping’ then yeah it is.”

  “There are blankets if you wanna go rest.”

  “Good enough.” He replied making his way towards land.

  “He’ll be fine. He’s strong.” Chase added watching his wounded friend shuffle back to the beach.

  Amelia turned to look up at him. “I hope so. We’re leaving tomorrow. I hope the ride back isn’t too much.”

  “We’ll he doesn’t have much choice. Sabrina will kill him if he doesn’t show up for the wedding.”

  Amelia laughed, she could visualize Sabrina killing Riley, and it was not pretty. At that moment a larger wave crashed into her and she shrieked as she was knocked off her feet. Chase grabbed her as the strong current tried to suck her back underwater.

  “Are you okay?” He asked seriously.

  “I’m fine, as long as we don’t get lynched.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Amelia gestured to the people nearby frowning at them. “Usually women and men swim separately.”

  “What fun is that?”

  Amelia smiled again leading him to shore so she could catch her breath. It was astonishing how much energy one could use up just trying to stand in the small waves. Amelia knew how to swim but never really liked swimming in large bodies of water. She remembered one instance when she was younger, she watched as a boat had returned from the sea. They carried a man off who was practically bit in half. His skin was a pasty grey, he had bleed out from the bite of a fish. Nature could be so cruel. She shuddered and Chase put his arm around her thinking she was cold.

  When they returned to the pallet Sally was there as well as Riley who was lying on his back with his arm blocking the sun from his eyes. Sally had collected an impressive pile of seashells. Of course, the Seashells from the ocean are more vivid and plentiful but it was quite apparent she had worked very hard for her stash.

  Amelia sat down to rest and Chase sat next to Riley on the other pallet. He had his leg unwrapped and his suit pushed up to get some air to his wound. Amelia looked at it closely. It looked awful to her, but according to Thomas’ last report, it was less awful than it had been.

  The foursome rested a bit more before heading back to the hotel so they wouldn’t fry in the sun. She couldn’t tell if Sally was disappointed or relieved that Warren didn’t show up. Chase stood shaking the sand off the blanket with a few flicks of his strong arms. Sally and Amelia folded them and carried them back to the hotel.

  Chapter 20

  Sabrina woke up still pulling away from the last threads of sleep. Reluctant to leave the comfort of Brock’s warm arms just yet she lay still listening to the birds calling to their mates.

  She felt a fluttering inside of her. Her eyes opened wider as she held her breath waiting for validation. Then again the same movement came, so subtle only she could feel it. The baby. Her baby.

  Everything had seemed so sur
real until this moment. Yes, she knew she was expecting, but still there is nothing that compares to the first time you feel your child move. Your world changes in that instant. It is not about you, it is about them.

  With her eyes damp she turned to Brock kissing his bare chest. His hand moved slightly to trace her face with his thumb. The only give away that he was fully conscious. Well, not the only give away, she thought seeing the covers tent above his crotch. With a wicked smile she slid her hand down his chest and grasped it tightly. A small groan escaped Brock’s throat as he reluctantly squinted one eye open to the morning sun.

  “Good morning.” She stated cheerfully as she continued to massage his length.

  “Every morning I wake up with you in my arms is good.”

  “Well, this one is gonna be even better.” She said breathlessly as she carefully moved to straddle him.

  Brock watched his mate in wonder as she slowly lowered herself onto his thick shaft. His hands grasped her hips guiding her to her destination. His heart was beating like a drum and he matched his movements to mimic it. Faster and faster in a great symphony of nature. He felt Sabrina place her hands on his chest for support as her breathing increased. She trailed her nails down his chest and to his hips so she would have more leverage as she held on for dear life. Her muscles tightened and then shuddered around him as he cried out his need. Sabrina lay on his chest spent as he kissed her forehead and tucked her in so she could rest. Dressing quietly he slipped out of the room to head downstairs.

  The kitchen was in full swing when he arrived. Alma was fixing her mouth watering biscuits and gravy. His mother was frying eyes and country ham while Dr. Reynold was setting the table. Looking for his father he found him coming through the back door with fresh roses to adorn the table. Brock gritted his teeth as he watched his father struggle with the door while juggling his cane and the flowers. He knew better than to step forward. He had been admonished for his help too much lately. His father had to learn on his own to live with his new leg. It was more awkward than his old one, but he was grateful to have, it as well as his life.