“I imagine you’re glad, too, after witnessing it firsthand.” He yawned. “A re you comfortable enough?”
“Yes.” A s comfortable as she could be when her heart was breaking.
“Night, then. I love you.” His voice was muffled by her hair.
“I love you, too,” she whispered.
She stared at the fire until the tears in her eyes turned the flames watery. She should have told him anyway. He would figure it out sooner or later. Then what would she say?
More importantly, what would Rafe say?
****
“A re you sure you feel like traveling?” Maggie asked Little Owl as the girl settled onto the sled outside the barn. Icicles hung from the roof, the wind whistled through the trees, too cold, too bitter to take a new baby outdoors. “It’s only been a week.” She had tried to convince the girl to stay longer. “The air has a frigid bite this morning.”
“I am sure.” Little Owl took baby Paul and snuggled him close. “We have overstayed.”
“Nonsense.” Maggie bent to hug her, mindful of the squirmy baby between them. “I’m glad you were here when he arrived.”
“Me, also.” She glanced to where Cecil and Rafe talked. “He would have not been any help to me,” she whispered.
Maggie smothered a laugh behind her hand. “He was worried and loves you very much.”
Little Owl nodded, her long black hair gleamed from her bath yesterday. “Yes. It is strange that strong men like them cannot take our pain. They would rather take the hurt on themselves.”
It was true. Rafe had been upset by just the thought of her in so much pain. What would he be like when she birthed their baby?
“When will you tell him?” Little Owl’s question broke through her thoughts.
“Soon.” She smiled without humor. “When I—”
“A ll settled?” Cecil walked to the sled, Rafe close behind.
“Yes,” the women answered together.
Cecil took Maggie’s hand. “Thank you.” His eyes still held a notion of fear. “I couldn’t have done what you did.” He turned and shook Rafe’s hand. “Make sure you return by next year. Little Owl’s determined to have another baby.” He rolled his eyes heavenward. “God help me.”
Rafe clasped Maggie’s hand as the sled disappeared through the trees, sending a stab of sadness through her heart.
A cold breeze lifted her hair. “I hope she’s all right.
It’s awfully soon.”
He gave her a squeeze as they turned toward the house. “Cecil will take care of them. Besides, he’s trying to stay ahead of the weather.”
She looked at the sky. “What weather?” Even though there were a few clouds, the sun was bright.
He pointed over the mountain. “That’s a blizzard blowing in.”
Her chest tightened with fear. “A blizzard? Will they make it?”
“Don’t worry. It probably won’t hit until tonight.” He held her against his warm body. “That’s why Cecil wanted to leave so early. They’ll be fine.” She nodded and let him lead her up the path. “So we’ll have lots more snow?” She couldn’t keep the hope from her voice. The more it snowed the longer they would have to stay here. Safe. A way from St. Louis, away from Simon.
“I thought you were eager to get that marriage noose around my neck.” He laughed uproariously at his jest.
“That’s not funny,” she protested.
“Yes, it was.” He continued to chuckle.
“Not as funny as this.” She grabbed a handful of snow and smashed it against his chest, then ran.
Her laughter turned to squeals when he caught her and swept her into his arms.
“Now what should I do to you?” His voice was low, husky, his warm breath fanned the tendrils of hair at her temple.
Her heart thumped in her chest as she looked into his clear, gray eyes. “You could kiss me,” she whispered.
He tried to look stern but failed. “Now what kind of punishment is that? You enjoy my kisses.” He snapped his finger as if an idea just occurred. “Maybe I won’t kiss you.” He grinned. “Since you seem to want it so bad.”
“But that would be cruel,” she purred. “It was only a little snow.”
He smiled knowingly as her arms slid around his neck. She pulled him close and teased his lips with her tongue. She couldn’t get enough of him, his taste. The slick slide of his sweaty skin as they made love, the feel of his cock stuffing her full.
“Careful,” he growled. “You’re going to get more than you bargained for.”
His hands gripped her bottom and held her tight against his already hardened body. She wiggled her hips.
“Hmm. Quite a bit more I think.”
He groaned and took her lips in a hot kiss. His mouth was hungry, his breathing harsh as he carried her inside and kicked the door closed. “I feel like I haven’t had you in a year,” he said as he tumbled her onto the bed. In a flash, he bared her breasts, cupping their heavy weight as he ate at her mouth. His kisses were insistent as he pressed a moist trail down her neck. She arched under his assault.
“Jesus. I nearly forgot how soft you are.” His voice was full of male appreciation.
He sucked a tip into his mouth. The delicious sensation fueled her desire. One hand squeezed her other breast, the other stripped her naked.
She pulled at his clothes, needing to feel his skin, too. He lifted his head long enough for her to remove his shirt, then went to her breast again. She whimpered in pain when he bit her nipple. He looked into her eyes as his brow knotted in confusion.
Oh, God. He was going to ask why she was sore.
Should she tell him? Would there be a more opportune time?
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he murmured. His hand caressed her cheek. “I didn’t mean to be so rough. I’ll try to slow down.” His eyes filled with concern. A nd love.
Yes, she had to tell him now. “Normally, what you’re doing wouldn’t hurt at all,” she whispered.
He looked confused again. “What’s different now?” His expression relaxed. “Oh, is it almost time for your monthly?”
She shook her head.
Please don’t be angry.
“No.” She took a deep breath. “I’m going to have a baby.”
Rafe bolted off the bed, the word baby echoing through his brain like a cannon volley echoing through a canyon. He blinked hard. Twice. Surely he had misunderstood.
“What?”
“A baby.” Maggie chewed her lower lip. “A t least, that’s what Little Owl thinks.”
He dropped to the bed, stunned.
“But…I—I—” His mind flashed pictures of Maggie round with child. A sweet baby nursing at her breast—a little dark-haired girl with gray eyes. The image brought tears to his own, and filled his heart with more love than he thought possible.
It was a miracle.
He grinned. “Really?”
She gave a hesitant nod. “I hope you don’t think I tried to ensnare you.”
He covered her mouth with his. This time he brushed slow easy kisses to her reddened lips. He still ached for her, but now his passion was overshadowed by happiness.
Raising his head, he smiled again. “If you remember correctly, I asked you to marry me weeks ago. A nd you were the one who hesitated.”
“That’s true.” She squeezed his hand, and her body relaxed a little.
“I love you, sweetheart. I’m glad we’re going to have a baby.”
She frowned. “But you said you didn’t want children.”
“When?”
“The night Paul was born.”
He scoffed. “My God. I had just spent twelve hours listening to Little Owl scream and watching Cecil die each time she did. I couldn’t imagine going through that with you.” A shudder rippled down his spine. “But I’m not going to think about that for a few months.” It scared him too much.
He placed his hand on her still flat stomach. He would be a father. They would be a family. Ho
w did a man like him end up so lucky?
“Well, you can relax until this fall,” she soothed. “If I’ve figured the time right it will arrive late A ugust.” He kissed her soft belly, then stretched out on the bed and pulled her into his arms.
Would that be enough time to find Simon? Should he even move forward with that plan? He didn’t want to leave Maggie alone, never had. Yet, things with Simon had to be resolved. Especially now. Rafe ran his fingers through his hair. God, he had some thinking to do. There had to be a way to keep her and the baby safe and still end the threat.
She walked her fingers over his bare chest. “I thought we were going to do something.” Her voice was full of seduction.
What if he hurt her? “I don’t think so.” He shook his head though his cock protested with painful throbs. “We should wait. It might not be safe.”
She leaned up on her elbow and stared in disbelief.
“Wait? Until when?”
He shrugged. The thought of not having her until after the baby arrived seemed unrealistic. But if it was for the best he would do it. He would make himself do it.
“Do you honestly think Cecil didn’t touch Little Owl throughout her pregnancy?”
“Well…no.”
“Then quit being silly and make love to me.” The blood heated in his veins. “A ll right. But we have to be careful.”
She pressed a hot kiss to his chest. “You’ve never hurt me.” Her voice was husky. “Everything you do feels good. I want you to do them all to me now.” He groaned and slid his hands down her body to finish stripping her, taking his time, kissing every inch of her sweet body. Slow licks between her breasts. Heated strokes over her pussy. Feather-light caresses to her nipples. She writhed under him, but he refused to hurry.
He wanted to show her the utmost pleasure.
“Please, Rafe,” she pleaded. “I want you.” His hands shook as he hovered over her. He nipped at her mouth, then soothed the hurt with his tongue.
“So impatient,” he teased. “Is this to be a habit once we’re married?” He grinned like the devil when her eyes flew open.
She glared at him, then a coy smile tilted her lip. “It seems I’ve grown addicted to your body. I must have it daily or else I become waspish.”
He chuckled. Her quick wit was one of the things he loved most about her. “Then I’ll try to meet your demands.” He took her mouth, delved deep with his tongue as he slid his cock into her tight heat.
They sighed in unison.
“Yes,” he said between gritted teeth. “I’m sure I can take this task to heart.”
Chapter Fourteen
Maggie set the clean mixing bowls on the shelf, then faced Rafe, making sure he had full view of her frown. “I don’t know why I can’t go along to help collect traps,” she argued. Why was he being so stubborn? Two weeks had passed since she told him about the baby, and still he treated her as if she would break.
“Because we’ll be leaving in a few days to get married.” He refilled her coffee. “That much traveling will be hard on you and the baby. You don’t need to follow me all day.”
He glared at her across the table, but she wasn’t put off.
“I could ride Moses.”
He shook his head. “You’re lucky I agreed to let you do laundry today.”
She frowned. God, he was over protective. “I fail to see how scrubbing a few clothes can hurt.” She stood, but he caught her hand and pulled her onto his lap.
His hand caressed her stomach, which had filled out the past few weeks. “I just worry. Don’t be mad.” The tenderness in his voice melted her anger. She cupped his cheek and stroked the soft whiskers. “I’m not.”
“I know you don’t like when I boss you around. But when I look at you I see my future. Marriage. Children. I don’t want anything to happen to that future.” His eyes filled as he continued. “You’re everything to me. You’re my life. You’re my redemption.”
Her heart fluttered to a stop. Oh, was it any wonder she loved him so much? No one had ever made her feel so wanted.
Tears rolled down her face. “You’re everything to me, too.” She kissed him as he brushed away her tears.
“No matter how bossy you get, I know it’s just because you care. Besides, I always knew you weren’t as mean as you pretended in Cougar Creek.”
He laughed and hugged her tightly. “I’m glad I didn’t fool you. My life would’ve been a sorry mess if you weren’t around.”
“Does that mean I can go with you today?” She gave him a hopeful smile.
He shook his head. “No.”
There had been no doubt of his answer, but she loved to tease him.
“How about if I make you some cookies?”
His eyes lit up. “I’ll take the cookies. But you still can’t go with me.”
“Hmm. How did I know you were going to say that?” She stood and began to clear the breakfast dishes from the table.
He carried his plate to the basin. “I’ll get the wash tub and water before I go. A nd don’t you dare try to dump the dirty water while I’m gone. I’ll do it once I get back.”
Maggie shot him a disapproving glare.
“Um, I mean, please don’t dump the dirty water.” He grinned. “Better?”
She kissed him, a quick peck on his sensual mouth.
“Better.” He was trying so hard not to be bossy. “There will be clean laundry and dirty water waiting for you.” His expression fell. “Oh, and a plate of cookies.” He smiled, and her heart flipped. Those creased dimples were hard on a woman’s control.
A n hour later, he poured the last bucket of water into the tub. “A nything else?”
“No. That should keep me busy for awhile.”
“A ll right. I’ll see you later.” He brushed a soft kiss to her mouth. “Love you.”
She watched him from the doorway. Lordy, he was a handsome man. The way her body craved his would guarantee a houseful of children. Turning, she hummed a lullaby and went to gather ingredients for the cookies.
Once Rafe’s treat was cooling on the table, she knelt beside the tub, and started scrubbing. A horse nickered outside. Was he back so soon?
With a soapy hand, she brushed the hair from her eyes, and went to open the door for him. “A re you finished already, or did you forget something?” The smile froze on her face as terror raced through her body.
A large man climbed from his horse, then pointed his gun at her heart. “I assure you, darlin’, I never forget anything.”
Maggie’s stomach jumped to her throat as the man stalked toward her. His cold eyes cut through her, his face hard as granite. Was he another fortune hunter from Cougar Creek? She didn’t remember him from that day, but whether he was or wasn’t, he posed just as much danger.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she frowned. “I’m afraid you’ll have to ride on. I don’t have any extra food, and I need to finish my laundry.” She managed to get the words out without warbling, but the evil grin on the man’s face declared he didn’t intend to leave.
“No. I aim to stay awhile.” The gun never wavered while he spoke. His eyes were the coldest blue she’d ever seen. Frightening. Heartless. Dead. “You and I are going inside and get to know each other better while we wait for Rafe. I haven’t seen my dear stepbrother in a long time. Reuniting a family is important, don’t you think?” Stepbrother. Nausea rolled through her. Dear God.
Simon.
Blood pounded in her ears, and dread settled like a cold lump in her stomach. For the first time in her life, she felt she might swoon. What should she do? Her mind reeled. Somehow she had to get rid of Simon before Rafe came back. “No one named Rafe lives here,” she bluffed.
“Shut up.” Simon’s voice was calm, more terrifying than if he’d yelled. “I watched the son of a bitch leave. I meant to follow him,” his gaze roamed down her body,
“but then I saw you when you came out of the barn.
Since I’ve waited this damn long for my reuni
on with Rafe, I can wait a few more hours.”
He looked at her with the same sickening lust as the men the day of the auction.
Panicked tears pricked her eyes, and she fisted her hand to hide their tremble. Men like Simon enjoyed scaring people. She be damned if she gave him any pleasure.
“Come on.” He motioned with the end of the pistol.
“Go open the barn door for me. Can’t have Zeus here alerting Rafe before I’m ready, now can we?” Swallowing hard, she glanced at the cabin door. If she slammed it shut and locked the bolt…?
He would just break it down and come in.
But would it give her time to get into the larder?
I can’t close the shelves from inside. A nd if she left larder open, he’d follow her through the tunnel. God, she needed more time to think.
“Get your pretty ass going.” His voice held a dangerous edge, like a man at the end of his rope.
With a quick nod, she skirted around him and the horse. She dragged her feet to the barn, the gun barrel prodding each step. Maybe if she got him inside the barn…
“I’m nothing to Rafe, you know,” she lied. “If you think to hurt him because of me, it won’t do any good.” Simon sneered. “No, I saw you two this morning, saw the way he looked at you. By the time I’m done, though, Rafe will know the kind of pain he put me and my father through. Besides, you could be a complete stranger, and he wouldn’t just leave. The son of a bitch thinks the whole damn world depends on him.” He nodded to the door. “Now shut your mouth and open the barn.”
Maggie grasped the rough handle. Simon stood so close his tepid breath fanned her neck. Think! What could she use as a weapon?
Wrenching the door open, she jumped to the side and slammed the wood against his face.
“Stupid bitch!” He staggered, but didn’t fall. His arm shot out and grabbed her arm as she lunged past. Blood trickled from a cut above his brow. “I’ll make you damn sorry you did that.”
Pushing her against the barn wall, he swatted Zeus’
rump, sending him into the barn. Vicious fingers bit into her flesh as he closed the door after the horse.
“Now we’re going to the house, and you’re going to fix me something to eat.” He dragged the tip of the pistol down the vee of her shirt, pressing the cold metal between her breasts. “Then after my meal, you and I are going to have some fun. A t least I am.” The icy steel sent chills down her spine, but not as much as the thought of what he intended to do to her.
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