by Lynn Hubbard
“Lovely day.” Riley greeted her as thunder crashed nearby.
“I’m glad you’re feeling good enough to joke.”
“I’m right as rain.” Riley retorted as Amelia swatted him half heartedly. The glow from the fire light lit his features and his eye twinkled brightly at her. Gone was the feverish pall from the night before.
Chase sat next to her again and she leaned into his warmth as the wind howled thru the cracks between the boards.
“When will this be over?”
“Shouldn’t last terribly long, the clouds are moving quickly it should be over soon. It’s good rest for the horses.”
“Horses. Is that all you think about?”
His eyes seemed to darken as he turned to her, “No I do think about other things.”
A chill stole down her spine from his deep timbre. He lifted his hand to trace her smooth cheek, “You should rest.” He advised as he moved to the door to keep watch.
***
Amelia’s eyes fluttered open and it took her a couple of seconds to realize where she was. Sitting up as she looked around she became fully awake, she was in the dilapidated barn. The sun was shining once again and a patch of light lit through the crack and landed on Riley’s face next to her, who was still asleep. She placed her hand on his forehead and was relieved to find there was no fever. She could hear the others outside readying for the journey and turned to shake Sally awake.
Sally pushed herself up grumbling about how the humidity frizzes her hair. The two left Riley to rest as they joined the others. Stepping out, Amelia was taken away by the beauty of their surroundings. The earth seemed more lively greener, as if it had been cleansed by the rain.
“We need to move.” Warren’s strained voice floated over to them. Neither of the girls was too thrilled by the thought of more hours in the saddle with their already bruised bottoms. But it was for Riley’s sake that they traveled at such a frenzied pace.
Thomas and Chase went to get Riley as Warren pretended to be busy checking the horses. Jaelyn joined the women. “You want to ride with me?” She gracefully offered Sally.
“Yes, thank you.”
“I believe that Chase has room since Riley is to ride with Warren this go around.” Jaelyn added not even trying to hide her mischievous smile.
Amelia felt her face getting warm, from the heat of the day she was sure. “Yes, since he has room.”
There was a commotion as the men came out of the barn with Riley and they turned to watch.
“I don’t need to be babied. I’m feeling much stronger; I’ll ride my own damn horse!” Riley insisted as Thomas frowned at him in worry. He had never lost a patient before and he was worried he would use up all of his strength traveling.
“He will do fine. If he falters we will stop.” Chase said ending the argument. He received a nod of thanks from Riley and a frown form Thomas. Riley was able to mount needing just a little help as the rest followed suit. Chase practically leapt on the horse effortlessly as Amelia clambered on behind him. She would have preferred to ride in the front but Sally and Jaelyn were watching her closely for any reason to tease. Not to mention there were worse options than wrapping her arms around Chase’s rippled body.
She was relieved to know that they would arrive back to Montgomery tomorrow. She could not wait to climb into the feather bed waiting for her. She was not looking forward to another night in the rough.
With Chase’s larger frame blocking her view of most everything she looked up at the sky. It was beautiful, the sky was a cornflower blue with large clumps of white clouds placed here and there. The only thing missing was a rainbow.
They rode mostly in silence, each lost in their own thoughts and worries. She kept a close eye on her brother who was not riding as straight and tall as he normally did, but was doing well. Amelia was exhausted and her back ached as much as her bum by the time the sun began to fall in the sky. It was nearly nightfall before Chase found a suitable spot to camp by a river. It looked much the same to her as other spots that he had discounted however, she was just grateful to be off the mighty Thor. Chase helped her down and she almost collapsed as her wobbly legs refused to hold her weight. Chase grabbed her quickly to support her.
“Are you alright? Why didn’t you tell me you needed to rest?”
“I will not be burden.”
“You are never a burden to me.” Chase whispered taking a step closer and tasting her lips. He pulled away reluctantly to aid Riley as he dismounted.
Amelia was exhausted and skipped supper to rest. Chase’s dark eyes followed her with concern. She awoke sometime in the night. She lay for a while unable to regain sleep as she listened to the crickets and the bullfrogs creating their nightly symphony. The sound of water melded into her thoughts and she was tempted by the promise of a cool bath.
Making sure everyone else was asleep; she grabbed her toiletries and stole away down the path to the river. The moon was out and guided her steps as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. She was at the water’s edge when a hand closed around her wrist. She would have screamed except for another hand covering her mouth and Chase’s husky voice whispering her ear.
“It is me.”
Amelia’s heart was pounding as leaned back against his chest. Whether it was from fright she was not sure. Taking a deep breath she turned in his arms. She had to tilt her head back to look up at his face since he was so close. She was expecting one of his wonderful kisses but instead was met with words.
“I need you.”
“Then take me.”
She almost gasped as mouth crushed against her detailing his need as his tongue slipped between her lips and the warmth of her mouth. He mind was in a whirl as she grasped his strong shoulders trying to support herself from the wondrous assault. She gasped for breath as he released her lips and started kissing her cheek and down her neck. She was grateful for the iron like arm around her back supporting her. She felt his and slid beneath the waist band of her riding skirt and then down beneath her bloomers to cup her mound.
Reactively she grabbed his arm in surprise. “What are you doing?”
“I want to make sure you are ready.”
“Ready for what?”
“For me.”
Amelia was awfully glad it was dark, she was sure her face was burning brighter than the sun right now. She was not ignorant about the mechanics of sex but she had never heard about this! A gasp stole from her mouth as he moved back to cover it with his own. He continued to kiss her while his fingers, which at first were gently rubbing her silky curls suddenly pushed them aside and slid between her folds.
Amelia’s knees collapsed from the shock of it and would have fallen if Chase had not been holding her tightly. He turned his head breaking the kiss, and could have sworn that his chest was shaking from laughter.
Angry at his poking fun at her reaction, she moved to pull his hand out of her bloomers. “Shh, It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”
Amelia who had been rendered speechless released his arm but refused to look at him. He had been tracing slow circles inside of her and it felt really, really good. She was going to hell for sure.
Unsure of what to do with her hands she put them on his shoulders as she buried her face in his chest in embarrassment. During one pass, his finger hit a spot that sent a shiver through her entire being. Sensing her reaction he zeroed in and kept repeating the motion until she dug her nails into his shoulders begging him to stop. Feeling her shudder and leaning all of her weight on him he pulled his hand free and lowered them onto the mossy embankment.
Her heart was pounding in her chest as she was finally able to speak. She turned to Chase who was lying next to her trying to gauge her reaction. “What was that?”
“I was preparing you.”
“For what?”
“For me.” He replied gently grabbing her hand and pulling it down to rest against the bulge in his pants. Amelia nervously traced the length with her palm. She was amazed and terri
fied by the hardness of it.
Chase twisted so that he was above her. Once again he captured her lips in a soul searing kiss. She felt his hands move over her chest releasing the buttons and exposing her chest to the cool night air. His mouth dipped down capturing a nipple between his lips as his hands continued south.
Amelia’s felt the cold air on her hips and realized that she was stark naked. Part of her brain wanted her to cover up and run back to camp, the other part wanted to be covered by Chase. The later part won as she reached down grabbing his silky hair and pulling him up to capture his lips. Her hands ran down his rippled chest until they were blocked by his trousers. Nervously she tried undoing the buttons. Her fumbling fingers were soon replaced by his deft ones. He quickly removed them and she slid her hands down to feel him without the barrier.
Chase gasped as her hand closed around his manhood. He gritted his teeth as her hand formed a circle and unknowingly mimicked the act itself. Not sure how long he could sustain her exploration he pulled her hand away and gently pushed her to her back.
Every sense Amelia had was alert as he covered her, she gratefully accepted his kisses as she felt him part her knees. She could feel a heart pounding against her chest and was not sure if it was her or Chase’s. She felt his member brush her thigh and the size of it startled her. Realizing soon that said part would be in her was causing panic to set in.
Sensing her distress. Chase shifted them and moved into position between her legs. “Are you certain?” He asked not sure if he trusted himself to stop if she said no.
Amelia hesitated before answering. She knew that this moment would change her life completely. However, this place this night, there was only one answer she would give. “Yes.”
Expecting him to plow into her like so many other stories she had heard she closed her eyes tightly and braced for the attack. It never came. She peeked her eyes open to find him watching her slightly amused. He bent over kissing her softly as he rested above her on an elbow giving her room to breathe. She felt his hand again at her core and opened her legs wider eager for more pleasure.
She was so aroused by his talented fingers she barely noticed when he exchanged them for a different part of his body. She gasped out loud as he pushed inside of her slowly. He grabbed her hand which she squeezed as her body stretched to accept him.
She felt him pause and was rewarded by a kiss as she looked up at him. She relaxed a bit as she was lost in his kisses as he pulled out a bit only to plunge in again to the hilt. She felt his body trembling above her like a loaded spring and knew he was holding back for her comfort. “Wrap your legs around me.” He directed gruffly. It took a few moments for the request to travel from Amelia’s brain to her limbs but eventually she moved to throw her ankles over his knees. This feat caused her pelvic to shift and splay her legs open wider, which in turn made her current position more enjoyable.
Chase started moving slowly back and forth and Amelia relaxed a bit as she trailed her hands across the span of his back feeling his powerful muscles. She felt his pace quicken slightly as did his breathing. His hands moved to her hips as he yet again increased his speed. Her head jolted with every powerful thrust and she wondered if anyone’s head had ever torn loose from their body doing the deed. To make sure that hers did not, she moved her hands up to hold onto it.
As if sensing her concern, Chase slowed to a more measured pace as he spoke soft words in a language that Amelia could not understand. He then shuddered and remained still as he relaxed on his elbows breathing heavily. He kissed her forehead before rolling to his back and lying next to her.
Amelia lay still feeling awfully cold since Chase’s warmth left her. She pushed herself up to a sitting position and reached for her shirt to cover herself. The realization that anyone may come to the river at anytime was sending her into a panic.
“You are well?” Chase asked her seeing her despair.
Amelia feeling a bit better with her shirt on nodded. “Yes, I am well. Um.. you said something toward the end. What did you say?”
Chase hesitated a bit before answering. “I spoke in my mother’s tongue. I said ‘you are my life’.”
“It was very beautiful.”
“As are you.” He leaned in to kiss her but froze before their lips met. “Someone is coming.” He tossed Amelia her clothing before he quickly donned his pants.
Amelia could hear the footsteps as well as she pulled on her bloomers and then her skirt. She was thankful that Chase had his back to her. Whether giving her privacy or standing guard she was not sure but was grateful nonetheless.
Jaelyn’s dark head poked around a tree as she whispered. “Are guys done yet? I need to get coffee started.”
“Coffee? In the middle of the night?” Amelia asked straightening her clothes.
“It is almost dawn. This is the third time I’ve been to the river. You are losing your skills Chase. Good thing I’m not a bear or an angry brother.”
“I don’t know I might prefer them than to deal with your sharp tongue.”
Jaelyn fetched the water as the three made their way back to camp. Amelia lay down to get a few minutes of rest while Chase started breakfast. They needed to eat well; it would be another hard day of travel. He was hoping to be back by the evening.
Everyone was in good spirits as they broke camp. Riley was holding his own as they went to their designated horses. Amelia chose to ride yet again with Chase. Riley raised an eyebrow at her choice but did not voice a protest.
Warren approached Sally holding his hat in his hand. “My horse is rested if you would like to ride with me.”
Sally hesitated as she turned to look at him. So much more was hidden in his simple offer. “Well I guess, I could join you, for the horse’s sake.”
She strode off with her head held high as Warren scampered behind her.
Thomas watched them with a frown. “Do you think she’ll be alright?”
“I think its Warren whom you should be worried about.” Jaelyn replied as she kissed her husband to be quickly before mounting her horse and taking the lead. Thomas mounted still not comfortable with riding and followed after her.
Warren helped Sally and her petticoats on the horse before he climbed on in front. Not trusting herself to lose her resolve if she touched him she instead clung to the saddle.
“Sally, I know you’re angry and I don’t blame you. However, you need to hang on so you do not fall off and break that pretty neck of yours.”
Sally still spiteful grabbed onto his belt strap instead of holding onto him. Warren sighed and put the horse in motion.
Amelia was not fairing so well. Sore from her early morning romp she squirmed in front of Chase with every jounce from the horse.
“You need to sit still.”
“I can’t.” She hissed back.
“What’s wrong?” He asked slowing Thor to a stop.
“It hurts.”
“What hurts?”
“I am not going to say it out loud!” She practically yelled and Chase was glad they had chosen to ride last. “Do you remember what we did?”
“Yes.”
“Well it hurts.”
“Are you okay? Do you need Thomas…”
“I DO NOT NEED THOMAS!”
A bit panicky Chase lifted her and sat her sideways with her legs dangling over his thigh.
“Is that better?” He asked.
Amelia leaned sideways and snuggled into his chest. “Much.”
Chapter 24
Roger awoke several hours later. Noticing the movement Sabrina put down her knitting and moved to his side.
“W..”
“Shhhhh, don’t try to speak you might tear out the stitches. I have to get the doctor. I need you to sit still and you’ll be just fine.” Sabrina hurried next door and knocked lightly before opening it and shouting “He’s awake!”
Returning to Roger’s room, she was glad to find him still aware. “Dr. Reynold is coming; there was an accident at the
corral yesterday. You ended up with a hunk of wood in your neck and the doctor saved you.”
Dr. Reynold entered looking fresh as ever. Sabrina stood up so he could exam Roger. After a physical exam he picked up his hand and directed him to squeeze to answer his questions. Once for yes, twice for no.
Anna and Jonathan appeared and were happy to see that his brain was fully functional as well. Dr. Reynold had been concerned he may have had some damage due to blood loss. It was getting awfully crowded in the room so Sabrina slipped out to look for Brock and give him the good news.
She found him conversing with Samuel at the corral. It was almost completely repaired; it was much harder to replace men than things. She reached out for Brock’s hand and grasped it excitedly.
“Roger’s awake!”
Samuel let out a whoop of joy as he went to spread the news to all the men. Brock pulled Sabrina into his arms. “I am glad. He still suffered a grievous injury.” He said cautiously, not wanting her to get her hopes up in case he did not recover.
“He will make it.”
“You need a break. We could have a picnic for lunch. Samuel showed me a pond not too far from here. I’ll hitch up the wagon.”
“I don’t know Brock, it doesn’t feel right going off and having a picnic when men are laying out dead in the house. Plus, I hate the wagon, I’d rather walk!”
“You have to eat. Doesn’t matter where you do it. Moreover, it is not my suggestion, Samuel suggested it. Alma told him you needed a break for a while.”
Not wanting to argue, Sabrina agreed and forced a smile as she headed to the kitchen to gather food. Brock sighed watching her walk off.
Samuel was waiting by the stables as Brock walked up. “How did it go?”
“Better than I expected. She wasn’t wild about riding in the wagon.”
“Why don’t you take the carriage?”