Golden Torment
Page 54
Clint glanced at Harriet, stating, “She’s not under arrest; we’re really married. May I introduce Mrs. Clinton Marlowe,” he announced to everyone. “Now, I would like to be alone with my wife.”
“Clint!” Kathy playfully scolded him, blushing.
He looked down at her and savored the radiant smile on her face. “Sorry, wife. I guess youll have to teach this wild frontier rogue some manners. We’ve had damn little time together.”
Griff, Dray, and Jake carried the bags to her cabin. Jake ushered everyone out, saying he would explain. Clint closed the door and locked it, when turned to Kathy, inviting her into his protective and longing embrace.
He lifted her and carried her to the bed, gently laying her there. He blissfully tantalized her mouth until she was breathless. He gazed down at her and vowed, “No more golden torments, my love, just beautiful golden dreams for our future. I love you, Kat Marlowe,” he whispered huskily.
“Kat Marlowe…it has a nice ring to it,” she murmured.
She sighed wearily. He studied her pale face and trembling body. “How’s the arm?” he asked.
“It’s hurting like hell, Mr. Marlowe,” she responded saucily.
“Perhaps I should teach you some manners,” he quipped.
“That isn’t the lesson I have in mind,” she shamelessly chided him.
“You better rest, love. You’re still weak and hurt.”
“Rest?” she seductively taunted him. “I could have sworn you just vowed no more torments. Yet, here you are racking my body with torturous frustration. Have you no mercy, my handsome groom?”
“But you’re hurt, Kat.” he reluctantly argued.
“Then come and ease my worst pain,” she entreated.
“You sure?” he questioned, wanting her so badly his loins ached.
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. Except…”
“Except what, woman?” he pressed curiously, teasing at her lips.
“Except that I love you with all my heart.”
He was promptly out of his clothes, then gently undressed her. He placed her beneath the covers and joined her. He gingerly leaned over her and captured her inviting lips. He pulled away long enough to vow, “I love you with all my heart and soul, Kat Marlowe. At last, a priceless treasure is mine alone.”
“Nothing’s free, Jurrell,” she provocatively teased. “Is the price worth it? No more splendid uniform or carefree life?”
“It’s definitely worth anything,” he concluded.
“But I do like the name Landis Jurrell,” she pouted.
“Then we’ll name our first son Landis Jurrell Marlowe,” he cunningly solved that problem. “Landis was my father’s first name, and Jurrell was my mother’s maiden name,” he quickly explained.
She smiled serenely. “If you don’t get busy, Marlowe, there won’t be any sons,” she hinted, kissing him greedily. “Well have years to discuss our adventures together. This isn’t the time to talk.”
“God, how I love you and need you, Kat Marlowe,” he huskily murmured again, savoring the melodious sound of her name. Closing his sensual mouth over hers, he skillfully and eagerly fanned golden torments into fiery passion…
Hislorical Epilogue
This author has made every attempt to portray the vivid character and fascinating life of Harriet Pullen with accuracy and detail. Historically, Harriet Pullen left Seattle in September of 1897 to seek her fortune in Skagway. A thirty-seven-year-old widow, she headed for Alaska with only seven dollars in her pocket, leaving her four small children behind until she could afford to send for them. She was a strong and vital female with flaming red hair; she exhibited an adventurous, daring, resourceful, and independent air which rivalled any male pioneer’s. Though history has recorded little about this fascinating and courageous woman, she was lovingly labelled “Mother Pullen” and the “Mother of the North.” Her hotel, Pullen House, stands in Skagway to testify to her achievements. As in this story, she actually became famous in Alaska and the Yukon Territory for her bravery, endurance, and success. She began her fortune by baking and selling apple pies to the men there; later, she added to her success by actually transporting goods over the dangerous Chilkat and White Passes, braving all conditions and obstacles to make her imprint upon that vast and harsh frontier. As civilization and progress touched Skagway, she built a hotel and restaurant. Dan, one of her sons, was slain during World War I, and she lost her son Chester to a drowning accident. Later, Harriet purchased cattle and a farm to supply her restaurant with fresh foods and meats. A heartwarming legend, Mrs. Pullen can be viewed as a forerunner of equal rights for women and as an inspiration to all. May her memory and achievements be known forever.
Jack London, the famous American novelist, was stranded in Stewart for one year, during 1897-’98. He was a ruggedly handsome blond giant of twenty who fearlessly piloted the dangerous rapids of the Yukon River to carry prospectors to the gold fields. Jack left San Francisco to seek adventure and wealth in the Klondike, but never found gold. As a reckless and defiant youth, he allowed his health to deteriorate greatly in that treacherous environment, eventually suffering from scurvy. History has labelled Jack many things: a loner, a rebellious adventurer, a spendthrift, a serious and forceful man, and a talented writer. After leaving Alaska, Jack spent years travelling and absorbing ideas for his novels. But his later life was tragic: following two unsuccessful marriages and a battle against alcohol, he took his own life in 1916 at age forty. But his experiences in the savage and suspenseful Yukon gave him the insight and stimulation to write many of his best novels, including my two favorites: White Fang and Call of the Wild.
Other characters who actually lived during that eventful period and location were Moore, the lumberman and Harriet’s first boss, and Randolph “Soapy” Smith. “Soapy” was a legendary villain, known for his wild and devious exploits. Several mementos, including his iron knuckles and gambling equipment, are on display in Harriet Pullen’s Hotel/Museum in Skagway. Smith’s saloon was also restored to its original appearance. Following a dispute in 1898 over how he was handling his recruits for the Spanish-American War, Smith was shot and killed by one of his own men. Even today, when tourists go to Skagway or Dawson, they learn who and what Smith was.
Dawson was destroyed twice by fire: late 1898 and early 1899. It eventually became the seat of the territorial government. The railroad was completed in mid-1900. Although the United States began to evince interest in Alaska during the gold rush, the gold-boom was actually at its historical heights during 1897-’98.
My gratitude to these historical figures who inspired this tale of peril, passion, and Golden Torment…
Taylor-made Romance from Zebra Books
WHISPERED KISSES
(0-8217-5454-8, $5.99/$6.99)
Beautiful Texas heiress Laura Leigh Webster never imagined that her biggest worry on her African safari would be the handsome Jace Elliot, her tour guide. Laura’s guardian, Lord Chadwick Hamilton, warns her of Jace’s dangerous past; she simply cannot resist the lure of his strong arms and the passion of his Whispered Kisses.
KISS OF THE NIGHT WIND
(0-8217-5279-0, $5.99/$6.99)
Carrie Sue Strover thought she was leaving trouble behind her when she deserted her brother’s outlaw gang to live her life as schoolmarm Carolyn Starns. On her journey, her stagecoach was attacked and she was rescued by handsome T.J. Rogue. T.J. plots to have Carrie lead him to her brother’s cohorts who murdered his family. T.J., however, soon succumbs to the beautiful runaway’s charms and loving caresses.
FORTUNE’S FLAMES
(0-8217-5450-5, $5.99/$6.99)
Impatient to begin her journey back home to New Orleans, beautiful Maren James was furious when Captain Hawk delayed the voyage by searching for stowaways. Impatience gave way to uncontrollable desire once the handsome captain searched her cabin. He was looking for illegal passengers; what he found was wild passion with a woman he knew was unlike all those he had known bef
ore!
PASSIONS WILD AND FREE
(0-8217-5275-8, $5.99/$6.99)
After seeing her family and home destroyed by the cruel and hateful Epson gang, Randee Hollis swore revenge. She knew she found the perfect man to help her—gunslinger Marsh Logan. Not only strong and brave, Marsh had the ebony hair and light blue eyes to make Randee forget her hate and seek the love and passion that only he could give her.
Available wherever paperbacks are sold, or order direct from the Publisher. Send cover price plus 50¢ per copy for mailing and handling to Penguin USA, P.O. Box 999, c/o Dept. 17109, Bergenfield, NJ 07621. Residents of New York and Tennessee must include sales tax. DO NOT SEND CASH.
COMING SOON: ROMANCES THAT WILL MAKE YOUR HEART POUND
WHISPERS
by Lisa Jackson
(0-8217-5360-6, $5.99)
The last thing Claire Holland St. John wants is anyone digging into her life. But her father’s decision to run for governor of Oregon is awakening old ghosts and new scandals. Investigative journalist Kane Moran is proving the biggest threat of all. A man with a mysterious grudge against her family, the handsome, virile writer is asking too many questions for comfort, and arousing feelings Claire would prefer dormant. As long-buried secrets surface, Claire is drawn into Kane’s embrace—unable to resist a passion that could destroy her…or save her life.
NIGHT, SEA, AND STARS
by New York Times best-selling author Heather Graham
(0-8217-5325-8, $5.99)
It was fate that helped fashion executive Skye Delaney survive the crash of a Lear jet. It was also fate that stranded her on a Pacific island with Kyle Jagger, a seductive pilot who was both domineering and unexpectedly tender. In a sultry eden, where a man’s passion and a woman’s love were their only hope for survival, she succumbed to his caresses. Would a love born in paradise bring a lifetime of joy and happiness to two yearning hearts?
PRECIOUS AMBER
by Kathleen Drymon
(0-8217-5328-2, $4.99)
Terror fills Amber Dawson when she realizes that her stepfather intends to sell her to the first fur trapper who can pay the price. When a surly woodsman claims her, there is nowhere for the flame-haired Missouri beauty to run—except into the arms of a magnificent Indian warrior. Spirit Walker is enchanted by the maiden with hair of golden fire and takes her to his mountain home. There he brands his precious Amber with his body and heart.
RIVER MOON
by Carol Finch
(0-8217-5327-4, $4.99)
After a lifetime of being dominated, first by her father, then by her conniving husband, recently divorced Crista Delaney takes control: she becomes head of physical therapy in a far-off Oklahoma hospital. Nash Griffin, a former king of the rodeo, meets this spirited woman and finds only she can comfort his bitter soul. Can Crista trust Nash when all she’s ever known of men is manipulation? Will she be left with heartache—or with precious love.
Available wherever paperbacks are sold, or order direct from the Publisher. Send cover price plus 50¢ per copy for mailing and handling to Penguin USA, P.O. Box 999, c/o Dept. 17109, Bergenfield, NJ 07621. Residents of New York and Tennessee must include sales tax. DO NOT SEND CASH.
eISBN 978-1-4201-2742-3
ZEBRA BOOKS
are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Copyright © 1984 by Janelle Taylor
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the Publisher and neither the Author nor the Publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”
Thirteenth printing: March 1996
Printed in the United States of America