A Man of Dreams, a Woman of Passion

by Rebecca Jacobs

  She grabbed a pillow as she made her way to the rear of the wagon. Jacob offered her a hand down, and then snatched the pillow with his other hand. "No pillows." He carried her around to the front, and in a short time they were underway. Caroline already had tears in her eyes, and within the hour she was sniffling and he had had enough! "That is more than enough of your theatrics, Mrs. Willis. Either you stop crying immediately or I am going to give you a reason to cry! You are acting like a baby and I shall not tolerate this sort of behavior for another second. Do you hear me?"

  "I cannot help it, Jacob. You were too harsh with me and I have never known such pain! Sitting is painful, and when the wagon hits bumps, it is even worse. I would rather walk!" she declared.

  "In those slippers? Your feet would be bruised and blistered within the first mile," he scolded. "Now stop that infernal weeping!" Caroline cried even harder and Jacob lost his patience. "Fine. Since you wish to cry, I shall give you reason to do so. He jerked her over his knee, right there on the wagon seat, and Caroline struggled for her release. She was screaming at him to stop! "I shall not stop until you realize I mean what I say," he promised, fighting with the fabric of her dress and petticoats until he was gazing at her bared bottom.

  "Please do not, Jacob! Have mercy! I cannot bear more pain!" she begged. "Please spare me, Jacob! I shall try harder to please you!" Caroline was nearly hysterical.

  Jacob was stricken when he saw the sorry state of her backside! She had bruises, and she had angry red lines crossing nearly every inch of her pale white skin. The tender skin between her legs and butt cheeks were indeed raw. Jacob was indeed too harsh as she claimed. It was no small wonder she was crying. He was amazed she had not come at him with a whip and taken the skin off his back for using her so abominably. He carefully stood her up, and then climbed down from the wagon. He held up his arms to help her down, and the mistrust he saw in her green eyes made him feel like the worst piece of horse dung alive. "Come to me, Caroline," he said, his voice deeper than normal.

  "You are not going to switch me again?" she asked fearfully.

  "No, honey, I am not." She allowed him to lift her down from the wagon and stand her on her feet. He went to the wagon and found a tin of salve. "This will not feel good at first, Caroline, but it will provide some relief, and most of all, it will help you heal."

  "You mean to place that on my...?" Her face turned scarlet. "No! I shall do it myself!" she held out her hand for the tin. Jacob simply grabbed the hand she held out and pulled her over to a fallen log. He took a seat, and even though she resisted, he easily turned her face-down across his lap and pulled up her skirts once again.

  "Now, hold still, Caro. I do not wish to cause you any more pain than necessary." She cried and begged him to stop, but Jacob did a thorough job of applying the ointment. He turned down her skirts, and then he helped her up and simply held her against him while she cried. "I am sorry, honey. That was necessary; you were indeed raw in places." She finally quieted and he held her at arm's length so he could look into her red-rimmed eyes. "I beg forgiveness, Caroline. I was too harsh with you. I did not have enough care with your delicate, fair skin. I was much too severe last night, and I promise I shall make it up to you in some way if you will forgive me this time."

  Caroline could see the sincerity in Jacob's dark eyes and she quickly smiled. "I forgive you, Jacob. I did disobey you, and I not only put myself in danger, I risked your life as well. I shall have more care and heed your words from now on." She stood on tiptoe to kiss him, and was surprised when Jacob wrapped his arms around her and lifted her to kiss her properly. And then, to her everlasting surprise, he helped her into the back of the wagon and made sure she had a nice soft pallet to lie upon as they traveled. He even opened the flaps and rolled up the canvas so permit her fresh air to breathe.

  The next few days were pretty much the same. Jacob applied the ointment three times a day, and gradually, Caroline's soreness was gone. She was finally able to sit beside him on the wagon seat, and Jacob was relieved when she did not complain even once. He also noted that she adjusted her idea of 'close to camp' to match his. All in all, they were doing well. As they made their way west they got to know each other better and talked of many things. Jacob was forced to admit that he would have been terribly lonely if not for Caroline's presence.

  One time they met up with a group of trappers and Jacob was thankful that Caroline was asleep in the back of the wagon. The men were friendly enough, but as one crude fellow put it, they were heading for civilization because it had been too long since they had been with a woman. Jacob did not like to dwell on 'what ifs'. He knew that keeping Caroline safe would be more difficult the farther west they traveled.

  One morning a few days later, Caroline woke up grumpy and she did not know why. She went about fixing their breakfast as noisily as possible and she stomped about the camp in a snit. Jacob asked her what was wrong several times but she simply snapped 'nothing', or did not answer him at all. With several sisters, it did not take Jacob long to realize that it was his wife's moon cycle. Not one of his sisters was a bit 'nice' during her time and he simply avoided them then. How did he avoid his wife, however, when she was traveling with him? He thanked her for breakfast, as usual. And then they started traveling for the day. Caroline was uncharacteristically silent, and but by midmorning, she was crying. "Caroline, are you in pain?" he asked immediately.

  "I am a terrible wife and you hate me!" she bawled.

  "Now, what brought that on?" he asked, puzzled. "You are not a terrible wife and I do not hate you!"

  "You have not touched me at night!" she accused.

  "I have been trying to be a gentleman and give you time to get used to me," he explained, and then added, "I am very attracted to you, Caro, and it has been a lesson in patience not to rush you."

  "Seriously?" she asked.

  "Seriously."

  "How do I know you are not just saying that?"

  "I do not lie."

  Caroline looked at Jacob suspiciously, and he chuckled. "What is so funny?" she demanded.

  "If only you knew how much I really do want to make you mine," he told her with a perfectly straight face. "I am tempted to stop this wagon and show you."

  "I cannot right now," she admitted, her cheeks turning pink.

  "I have sisters, Caroline. I figured that out already," he informed her. "Do not worry. I shall still want you in a few days time." That seemed to mollify her for the moment, and he leaned over and kissed her cheek. For whatever reason, that little kiss put a smile on her face and she chatted away like normal.

  They traveled companionably for the next several days, in spite of the fact they were crossing mountains and encountered some colder weather. Jacob was pleased to realize that his wife had enough common sense that she brought along heavier shoes and dresses. She also did not complain although he knew she had to be as chilled as he was when they rose in the mornings.

  "Caroline, we will need to be even more on our guard now," Jacob said as they went to bed. It was cold outside, and they were sleeping inside the wagon for the extra warmth the canvas provided. In the morning, they would finally be through the worst of the mountains and would be much warmer. "There are many different Indian tribes between here and where we will eventually settle. Not all of them will be friendly."

  "I still wish to be with you, Jacob," she insisted, reaching up to caress his cheek. "We shall face this new life together."

  "We will," he agreed, and then lowered his mouth to hers. She returned his kiss with a passion that surprised him, and he sensed that she was using her body to tell him she was ready to become his wife. He kissed her again, taking a bit more of what she was offering, and he was instantly ready to claim the woman as his. Jacob took a ragged breath and said quietly, "Are you sure, Caroline? If not, this is the time to speak up, while I still have enough control I can stop myself."

  "We are married, Jacob, and I long to be your wife. We have waited long enough n
ow," she answered. "I want to be yours."

  "I shall be gentle, Caro," Jacob promised.

  "I trust you, husband," she said with a smile. Jacob wasted no time divesting them of their clothing, and although it was cold outside, they were warm as could be as they discovered each other's bodies. Jacob encouraged her to touch him, and while she wondered how on earth his body would actually fit inside hers, she trusted him when he told her it would. He let her know that he loved her breasts, and she was truly shocked to learn that his tongue and lips felt even better on her nipples than his fingers!

  Jacob was gentle as he pulled her legs apart to touch her. Caroline moaned, but after her first shock, she permitted him even greater access to do as he pleased, and she was soon writhing in need as he slipped his wet fingers in and out of her willing and eager body. He positioned himself between her legs, and kissed her deeply as he probed her tentatively.

  Caroline felt a lot of pressure and stretching as he put his manhood inside of her, and she suddenly knew what he meant by 'pain' when he pushed a bit harder and met with resistance. She wanted to cry out for him to stop, but before she could do so, he kissed her again, and with one terrible push, he was settled within her. The good feelings of earlier were gone and she felt nothing but burning pain.

  "Shhhhh, honey. The worst is over now, and it will never hurt again, sweet one. Relax now, and your body will accept me fully, and the pleasure will return. I promise. You are so brave and sweet," he spoke softly, and continued to say the sweet, soothing words she needed to hear. He kissed her, and slowly, to her disbelief, all the wonderful, glorious feelings of earlier returned, and her passion was rekindled to an even greater degree. Jacob was caring of her, and waited for his own pleasure until her body climaxed around him, and she called out his name in an endless litany of wonder. He permitted himself to spill his seed then, and held her afterwards, content to know she was truly his own sweet wife.

  Caroline felt truly safe in Jacob's arms as she fell asleep, wondering if she might already be carrying Jacob's child within her womb.

  They were both all smiles the next morning when they woke, and when Caroline wondered if he would love her again, he kissed her and said, "Your body needs some time, honey. I am a big man, and you are a small woman. I want the next time we come together to be nothing but pleasure for you."

  "You were wonderful to me last night, Jacob."

  "You gave me something very special, honey. I am not sure I deserve someone so precious in my life."

  She giggled and said, "I was thinking the same of you, Jacob! I guess we are both lucky to have each other."

  The day started out perfectly, but less than two hours later they heard loud singing. "Get in the back of the wagon and stay hidden, Caroline."

  "But why?" she asked.

  "Do it now, young lady, or I shall spank you soundly the first opportunity I get!" Jacob was quick to reply, keeping his voice down as he pulled aside the flap and practically dumped her inside. "Stay down and be quiet. That is an order."

  It was only a couple of minutes later that the big, beefy man rode into view. Jacob silently felt sorry for the mule carrying the man.

  "Good day, stranger. Where might you be headed?"

  "I have not yet located the site, sir," Jacob answered with a polite smile, although he did not trust the man one little bit.

  "I see. Looking to settle hereabouts?" he asked.

  "No, deeper in Ohio Country," Jacob said, refusing to give the man any sense of direction.

  "All alone, then?" the man asked.

  "Yes," Jacob replied, feeling no guilt for lying. His instincts were screaming at him that the big man was dangerous, and he was pleased that he had the foresight to hide the pretty Carolyn from the stranger's beady black eyes.

  Inside the wagon, Carolyn was steaming and furious that Jacob would hide her as if he were ashamed of her. Why he did not want to claim her as his wife she did not know, but for a penny she would peek outside and say hello to the gentleman. She was just about to do so when she remembered the lesson Jacob gave her in obedience. He switched her. Of course, he felt bad afterwards, and she doubted he would ever do that again. But still, did she actually want to risk a punishment just to show how displeased she was with Jacob? No, she immediately answered herself. She would wait until they were once again alone, and then she would give Jacob a piece of her mind and tell him she did not appreciate being hidden like a black-sheep relative!

  Jacob made polite conversation with the man, whose eyes kept darting about him constantly. He was thankful that it was past time for breakfast, and much too soon for the noon meal. He did not find it obligatory to offer to share a meal with the sly man. After a few minutes, he said he needed to be moving along to make the best of the daylight hours, and the man nodded in agreement. Jacob hurried his oxen, but the moment he thought himself free of the man, he felt a sharp pain just above his temple. The world went black, and he fell from the wagon seat.

  Just that quickly, the big man climbed from his mule to the seat of the wagon and headed the oxen back in the direction they came only minutes ago.

  Caroline did not know what to do. She had heard Jacob fall from the seat of the wagon, but she did not know if he was dead or alive. She also knew that she did not wish to be found in the wagon when the thief stopped. She did her best to move without being heard, and then jumped from the back of the wagon, praying she would not be seen, and praying that Jacob still lived.

  Chapter Six

  Caroline ran quickly to hide herself behind a tree and when the wagon moved on, she let out a sigh of relief and ran as fast as she could to reach Jacob's side. She found him lying on the ground, and he was unconscious. There was a huge bump on the back of his head. She was thankful she had thought to bring a skin filled with water, and she quickly tore off a strip of her petticoat to bathe Jacob's head. It took her at least five minutes to bring him around.

  "Jacob, you are safe now," she said soothingly, continuing to bathe his face while tears ran down her cheeks.

  "Caroline...?" he said, confused. His memory returned with a jolt and he sat straight up. "What happened? You are crying! Did that bastard touch you?" he asked in concern, pulling her close to hug her reassuringly.

  "No, he was not aware of my presence. I heard you fall from the wagon seat, and I moved to the back and jumped to the ground and hid, hoping he would not see me. He did not."

  "Did you harm yourself?" Jacob wanted to know.

  "No. I am crying because I feared you would not wake up. You were unconscious for the longest time," she confessed, tears welling in her green eyes once again. "I was frightened for you."

  "I am fine, honey. You were brave and smart to do what you did," Jacob praised her, and then got to his feet. "I do not suppose you brought any sort of weapon with you?" he asked wistfully, and then his dark eyes widened when she handed him a knife. "You think of everything, Caro. I am proud of you, wife." He looked at her and then said, "I think you should remain here while I go after our wagon," he said calmly.

  "No, I shall come with you, Jacob. I am afraid to be alone here, and I want to be with you in case I can help in some way."

  "I shall permit you to accompany me, Caroline, but you shall remain hidden when I confront that man. I would not have you fall into his hands if he should best me. You shall not permit that to happen. Understand?" He held her arms and gave her a gentle shake. "Will you obey me, wife?" he asked.

  "Yes, Jacob," she replied dutifully.

  They walked quietly, Jacob reading the tracks, and following them. Just as he suspected, the thief turned from the trail, hoping that Jacob could not track them. Jacob was sure he intended to search the wagon for valuables, take what he could use, and leave the rest. And that was what the beefy man was doing when Jacob spotted the wagon through the trees.

  "You stay right here, Caroline, and no matter what happens, you do not reveal yourself. Keep down and stay hidden." When she did not respond, he pointed a fin
ger at her and shook it, "Mind me, Mrs. Willis, or I shall spank you soundly."

  Caroline wanted to stick her tongue out at her husband, but she did not. She had enough sense to keep herself safe, and she did not appreciate being spoken to as if she were a little girl. She watched from the relative safety of the trees as Jacob crept up on the wagon. She knew he was being careful not to step on any branches that could snap and give himself away.

  Jacob tried not to make any noise that would tip off the big man. There could even be another man or two working with the thief who clouted him over the head and stole the wagon, and Jacob was going to have to be careful. After listening and watching, he determined the beady eyed man was alone. He stepped out of the wagon, carrying the chest that contained all of Jacob's money. When he saw Jacob, the heavy man dropped the chest and pulled out a knife and ran at him.

  Jacob drew his knife and barely jumped out of the way when the other man lunged at him. The other man was light on his feet for someone who was so heavy, and it was obvious the thief was experienced at fighting.

  "Boy, you should have had more bloody sense than to come after ole Ketch. I'm going to carve you into little pieces," he threatened, his accompanying laugh sounding evil.

  "You took what is mine and no one takes what I worked for," Jacob stated. "If you want to live you will leave now."

  "And the puppy dares to threaten the bull!" Another evil laugh just before he lunged, knocking both Jacob and himself to the ground. He raised the hand holding his knife high, prepared to sink it into Jacob's throat.

  Caroline had been hiding in the trees as ordered, and doing her best to keep silent and not call attention to herself, but when she saw that Jacob was in danger, Caroline screamed and jumped to her feet and rushed forward to help him. She startled the big man, and he stared at her in shock, giving Jacob the chance to shove him away and jump to his feet. Caroline ran to the wagon to get her whip, but by the time she found it and took it from the side of the wagon where it hung draped around a barrel, the fight was all over. Jacob used his knife on the careless man and he would not rob anyone else.