Echoes of the Heart

by Webb, Carole

  ***

  Could it be hoof beats she heard? Glancing outside she saw Cash’s backside while he rode off in the distance looking like he had been born riding a horse. She had heard a horse arrive but thought it Diane coming in the back door. Maybe he had come to see her. No, it must have been another reason. Why is my heart beating so fast? I despise him, good riddance. I will never let him touch me again.

  After Wayne left, she sat alone with her thoughts and wondered why she felt so disappointed that Cash had ridden off with no concern at all for her welfare. The selfish arrogant oaf!

  Twenty-four

  Raeden’s few days of rest passed slowly. She needed to get back to finish the gowns, and vowing their completion, she would work late.

  Setting up a cot in her workroom to sleep, she worked late into the night. Diane had voiced her objection as Raeden insisted she could avoid the cold night air if she stayed over night. After all, she did have a gun and knew how to use it.

  After completing her final assignment of Caroline’s gown, she put everything neatly in its place.

  With the gala affair just three days away, Raeden felt energized. She would wear the green velvet gown from her unused trousseau. The situation made her laugh. What a narrow escape, she had almost ruined her life. Now success in New York seemed closer than ever. She decided she would go next spring, even if she had heard nothing regarding the letters she had sent.

  The shade closed on the window, she wore a heavy robe over her petticoat for sleeping, banked the fire in the stove then brushed her hair to a lustrous sheen. The noise of footsteps drumming on the planks outside drew her attention. No one would come to the store this late.

  Her heart struck against her ribcage at pounding fists on the front door. Get your gun, its right under your pillow. Gun in hand, she stood by the door shaking with trepidation. “Open the damn door, Rae. I know you are in there.”

  She knew that voice. What does he want now? Cracking the door a few inches, he shoved it open banging against the wall then stepped inside to stand directly in front of her. His feral eyes pierced into hers causing a rush of alarm and forcing her to step back.

  Raeden would never allow him to know her fear. She straightened her back and threw her chin up in defiance while pointing her pistol directly at his chest.

  “Just what in the hell are you doing here dressed in your robe? Are you crazy? You can’t stay here alone overnight.” With a flick of a wrist, he snatched the gun from her hand. “What are you doing with this? You will shoot someone or yourself, and I certainly do not intend it should be me.”

  The anger in his voice made her hands begin to shake. I would not mind shooting you, you cranky old bull, scolding me as if I am a child. “I fail to see it’s any of your concern, Marshal. I want you to leave.” She watched the muscles in his neck tense and a tick develop in his right eye. Hah, he is even angrier now. Good.

  His jaw twitched while he snarled through gritted teeth. “It is my business, Raeden. I’m responsible for the safety of all in this town and you are no exception.”

  “As I said before, Marshal, what I do is no concern of yours. I neither want nor need your protection; I can take care of myself.” She snatched the gun back, holding it down by her side.

  She saw a glint of humor flash in his dark eyes. He is laughing again. He makes me so mad.

  Mischievous eyes scanned her body then he grabbed her hair pulling her head back and laid a long possessive kiss on her mouth. Her knees felt like rubber when he finally let her loose. “Suit yourself.” He left the store.

  Her hand flew up wiping his kiss from her mouth. She slammed the door behind him and turned the latch. The nerve of that man. Will he never give up? Cursing the day she had met Cash, she settled in to rest before dawn opened the busy day ahead.

  Vivid red and gold rays streamed through the edges of the blind. She had overslept! She ran to unlock the door then into the washroom and threw on her clothes. The bell on the door signaled someone entering so she ran her fingers through rumpled hair then turned to see Billy, his eyes slowly dropping to her chest. Before she walked passed him, the bell rang again. When she moved past Billy, he sounded amused while he casually waved a finger in front of her chest.

  “You may want to button up before you go out there.”

  She saw her bodice half-buttoned and grasped her dress to close the gap. She could feel the fire rise to her cheeks. “Oh, damn.” With awkward fingers, she reached for the buttons just as Cash entered the doorway, looking placid and collected. She drew her hands up to run her fingers through her hair while she held her breath.

  His voice mocked her while he stood staring with a hateful look, making her cringe. “Don’t let me disturb you.” This time he did not laugh when he turned his back to walk away.

  She returned to the washroom and bushed out her hair. This is so embarrassing. She washed her face then entered to find Billy at the counter waiting to buy.

  “I think Cash may have had the wrong impression.” He appeared undaunted.

  While she wrapped his goods in brown paper, he continued to smile. He leaned over the counter and kissed her cheek then covered his mouth hiding a laugh. When he left, the sound of his chuckle made her feel like a dunce. The men in this town must think I am a joke.

  She dropped her face in her hands shaking her head, a little miffed at Cash’s lack of concern. He could have been a little bit jealous. He really did not care at all.

  Twenty-five

  Bathed and dressed for the big event Raeden stood before the mirror admiring her gown. The deep-green color showed off her eyes and the cut accentuated her small waist and full breasts where a small jade pendant hung just above the crevice between them. She had pinned the sides of her hair up letting ringlets frame her face. The remaining tresses draped in thick chestnut curls down her back.

  She heard Cash had left town to move a prisoner. At least he could not spoil her evening with his gibes and sarcasm. She would have a great time.

  A forest green cape draped over her arm, she met her aunt downstairs. Diane looked stunning in the blue gown Raeden had made and Mike so dashing in his western tuxedo and glossy black boots. They held hands and glanced at each other like lovers. It’s what I want if I ever get married, a man to love me like that after so many years.

  Diane always her mentor had shown Raeden women could be strong and successful, more than some man’s trophy. She would accept nothing less.

  She had arranged to meet Jimmy Hathaway, the doctor’s nephew at the ball. On the way into town, they chatted gaily, all anticipating a fun evening. She could hardly wait.

  Massive pillars stood around the enormous porch of the double-story mansion ablaze with lights. Carriages and fine horses encircled the drive. The voices from within beckoned through the night air, inviting their arrival. The music peeled softy through the sounds of the crowd.

  Jimmy met Raeden at the carriage and lifted her down. He looked so handsome in his fancy suit with a narrow ruffled white dress shirt. Excitement filled her senses when they walked over the threshold into the foyer lined with tall beveled mirrors. The throng of people milled around with broad smiles and the sound of laughter and conversation, drawing her inside.

  Jimmy removed her cape, scanned her bare shoulders and neckline then sucked in a breath. “You are beautiful, Rae.”

  “Thank you, James, and you are very handsome.” He beamed with pride escorting her into the crowd, his hand around her waist.

  Food of all kinds stood on long wooden tables along the right side of the ballroom. Musicians in the corner played while couples danced on the wooden floor polished to a lustrous shine. Padded Victorian chairs lined one wall.

  At the far end of the room, two huge carved doors swung open into a glass enclosed carpeted area sporting a large oak bar.

  A young girl passed with champagne in cut glass flutes. Jimmy lifted two from the silver tray and handed one to Raeden. “Would you like to dance?”

&n
bsp; “I would be delighted.” They walked to a table and sat down their glasses.

  “I don’t care much for this stuff. After we dance, I’ll go get some whiskey.”

  “I like champagne. Do all the men in the Dakotas drink only whiskey and beer?”

  Jimmy chuckled. “I guess you could say so.” He guided her onto the floor. Raeden felt energetic gliding around the ballroom and enjoyed the sound of the taffeta petticoats crinkling under her full skirts. After all the days of hard work, she felt relief from the pressure.

  Raeden took delight in watching all the beautiful gowns she made floating around the dance floor. She could tell the women felt proud in their new attire, confident it would bring in more business.

  Wayne hurried to her side when the dance ended. “May I have the next dance, Rae?” A jealous glare flew from Jimmy, which Wayne ignored.

  As the evening progressed, Raeden ate little, however she consumed several glasses of champagne. She flirted and danced with many arduous suitors, laughing with abandon as the liquor went to her head. It seemed a long time since she danced and acted frivolous dressed in a ball gown, drinking champagne.

  When she felt she might collapse, Billy pushed past the young men collected around her. “May I have the next dance, Rae?”

  “Wait a minute, Billy. She’s here with me.”

  Billy stood in his face, daring him to object further. “I don’t see your brand on her. Get out of my way, or I will knock you flat.”

  Her face flushed hot, she felt exhausted as she hurriedly stepped between the two men. “I need a rest, James. Would you care to escort me outside for some fresh air?”

  His lips tilted upward creasing his eyes. “Of course, I’ll get your wrap.” He tossed a predatory glare at Wayne and Billy before he walked away. It did not take long before he rushed back. A yearning glance poured over her frame while he draped the cape over her shoulders then she placed her hand over his arm, leading her outdoors.

  The covered porch surrounded the entire house. Soft lights burned behind them while she stood near the rail feeling lightheaded from the drink and so much dancing.

  Jimmy closed the distance between them to place an arm over her shoulder, drawing her close. She snuggled under his arm and placed her own across his back, enjoying the nearness as the moon spread its glow into the night.

  Jimmy urging her against his chest lowered his head to kiss her and she did not object. His lips begged for possession. She felt nothing. Why didn’t his kiss take her breath away?

  Twenty-six

  Cash rode back after delivering the suspect thinking about what he had become. He knew his anger had grown in the past few years and wondered if he would ever find peace.

  He’d labored hard on the ranch with his father and ran wild with the Indian boys in the hills and prairies testing their manhood. At an early age, he learned their language and became close to Dull Knife and his family, a wife, two sons and one daughter.

  Little Cloud, the Chief’s daughter and a princess of sorts, had the air of an angel. He had loved her since childhood never letting his feelings show.

  His time away at school after the death of his mother seemed endless waiting to return to the ranch and his friends and to breathe in the fragrance of the country he loved so well.

  After his father’s fatal accident five years prior, he wed Little Cloud and settled down at the ranch. Their life a happy time, he rejoiced at the news he would become a father within the year and anxiously awaited the arrival of their first-born.

  When his wife died in childbirth and his beautiful son two days later, he went crazy with rage and tried to rid himself of the guilt he could have somehow prevented their deaths. After selling most of the livestock, he drank too much and became a reckless drifter, a hired gun, thrashing out anger at the least provocation until he finally came to his senses two years prior. He’d given up his life as a wandering gunman, took the position as marshal and buried the pain inside where he hoped it would stay.

  He had scores of women during his rampage, never allowing himself to get close. After using them, he tossed them aside as if blaming them for his discomfort, vowing never to let his heart break again.

  His attraction to Raeden made him feel unfaithful to his wife’s memory. He doubted the animosity and cynicism could ever leave him and for his own sanity, he must leave her alone.

  Should he? She had given herself to Billy in the store. Perhaps he should just take what he wanted and rid his mind of her once and for all.

  Finding it impossible to concentrate on his work at the desk, he went to the saloon. After a half dozen shots, he still could not erase the picture of Raeden and Billy, so he tossed back another then stood to leave.

  Feeling certain she would attend the party in the evening, throwing herself at every man in the room, he strode to the door still steady on his feet while jealousy burned in his gut along with the liquor.

  He rode out to see for himself and salve his conscience regarding the plans for Raeden he would soon carry out. Why should he stand by and let every other man in town have what he had been wanting, needing?

  Sitting astride Rabbit smoking a cigar, he could see through the windows of the mansion, boiling with rage. She threw herself like some Jezebel at every man in the room, dancing and laughing making them drool, following a cat in heat.

  Even Billy and Wayne made fools of themselves, ready to fight over the bitch.

  He watched Jimmy and Raeden walk onto the porch arms around each other while the anger and frustration mounted and jealousy flared. When she kissed Jimmy, he wanted to choke her. This had to stop! He could tolerate no more of her brazen behavior.

  Charging the porch, he flew off the filly and yanked Raeden from Jimmy’s arms. His fist delivered a blow to Jimmy’s jaw and he fell backward onto the porch, hitting his head against the wall.

  Raeden gasped and backed away, her eyes wide and her mouth agape as she stood looking down at Jimmy while he struggled to regain his feet then at Cash. She tried to speak but no words would escape.

  Jimmy’s hand went to his head and he started to stand. “What the hell are you doing, Cash? Have you gone crazy?” His question drew no response, just a frightening glare from glowing predatory eyes.

  The noise drew the guests’ attention as they peered outside watching the scene. Mike was among them, a wide smile on his face.

  Cash grabbed Raeden’s wrist and jerked her off the porch toward his mount. She struggled to free her arm, yelling obscenities and kicked with fury when he lifted her onto the saddle and sat behind her ignoring the protests. He increased his grip while she squirmed.

  “Have you gone mad? What’s wrong with you, Cash?”

  He ignored her protests making her more furious. His arms tightened around her chest to subdue her into submission until she could hardly breathe. Every time she tried to speak, he did the same.

  She wanted to kill him and eventually, she would get her chance. How dare he ruin her evening?

  He dismounted in front of the livery and snatched Raeden from the saddle, pulling her down. She lost a shoe and shrieked when her bare foot hit the boards while he dragged her into the stable.

  Too angry to be afraid, her fists bounced off his chest. “What do you think you are doing, you filthy brute?”

  He held her forehead away in the palm of his hand, avoiding the claws near his face. Her question unanswered, she watched his face grow more terrifying by the second while he yanked her into a stall covered with fresh straw. He pushed her farther then she lost her balance and fell her skirt flying up over her knees.

  When he unbuckled his belt, tears of rage burned her eyes as he strode the length of the stall toward her, his dark eyes burning hateful stares. She bit her lip to stop the tears. She would never cry in front of him.

  In a heartbeat, he dropped over her grabbing her wrists and held them above her head in one strong hand. His body pressed her into the straw beneath, she could hardly breathe. When she bega
n to protest, he covered her mouth with a rough penetrating kiss.

  Her lips felt bruised. When he finally released them, he glared into her eyes. “You little slut! You’ve been teasing and flaunting yourself all over town. Now you’re going to get what you want.”

  She continued the useless struggle beneath him as his angry words cut into her heart. “Why do you object, my sweet? You don’t mind passing yourself around to every other man in this town. You should relax and enjoy yourself.”

  Undesired tears rolled down her cheeks while she continued her futile efforts against his overpowering strength. He tore the front of her gown open with his free hand and lowered his mouth to her heaving breasts searing her skin with rough kisses while keeping her hands pulled tightly above her head.

  He shred the remainder of her garments and unbuttoned his jeans exposing his bulging manhood and she could feel his hot breath on her neck, the smell of whisky betrayed his mood.

  Thoroughly outraged, Raeden yelled into his face. “You drunken bastard, get off of me this instant!” As soon as she finished screaming, he covered her mouth drowning out further protests with a demanding passion, taking her breath away. Raeden found herself suddenly kissing him back. His hand roamed over each curve to rest on her breast for a moment before he cupped it in his hand kneading gently, urging a gasp from her throat as he continued his caresses.

  Releasing his grip on her wrists his hand moved beneath her head raising it to him and smothered her with a kiss softer than before. She shuddered under his demanding passion, making her crave more.

  Her stomach bunched in knots and her skin burned when his lips moved to her ear lobe, gently nibbling while his breath felt warm against her skin when he whispered. “Touch me, Rae. I want to feel your hands on me.”

  She hastily unbuttoned his shirt and he shrugged it off and tossed it aside. Her arms encircled his neck and grazed over his shoulders and along his spine. His tongue traced a path along her jaw until he reached her lips. His tongue probed deeper searching every corner until she returned the gesture and drank in his taste.