Savage storm

by Conn, Phoebe

  Jason wished to go no farther and turned to pull her into his arms as he whispered, "And this is my right, Gabrielle." He kissed her then, very gently, his lips barely touching hers before he drew away. He didn't care what had inspired her to meet him, she had; and he wanted only to make love to her as tenderly as he had the first time. He kissed her cheek then let his lips slowly tracethecurveof her throat. She relaxed against him, her arms encircling his slim waist to hold him close. He raised his hands to her temples, sifting the silken strands of her glorious auburn hair as his mouth returned to hers. She was so lovely, so very young and dear. He enfolded her in a tender embrace, pressing every inch of her splendid body against his lean frame and longing to enjoy the same closeness of spirit. As before, she slipped her hands beneath his soft deerskin shirt to caress his bare skin, and he wished there were some way to make her understand what he could not seem to speak in words. He wanted only to hold her in his arms, to cherish her

  sweetness and savor her beauty, but his mind filled with far more erotic images and he could no longer hide his growing desire.

  Gabrielle responded readily to Jason's deep, sensuous kiss. She leaned against him, drinking in his intoxicating taste with such pleasure she made not the slightest objection when he drew her down upon the soft grass at the river's edge. She was aware only of the joy of his touch as his fingertips stripped her garments away and then slid over her bare skin. As before the magic of his loving was so compelling she was lost in its spell, so completely his she no longer heard the sound of the water rushing over the rocky river bed but felt only the pounding beat of her own heart as its frantic rhythm called to his.

  The twilight was deepening to darkness, and no one else would be likely to stray so far from camp. Still, Jason knew the beautiful creature in his arms deserved far more consideration than he was able to provide. He longed to make love to Gabrielle in an oversize feather bed where he would have no fear for their comfort or privacy. He held her in a fond embrace, wanting her to feel the joy of the moment as fully as he did, but soon her enchanting smile enticed him to put aside all caution and plunge deeply into the mysteries of love. Needing no more than the invitation in her sultry glance, he followed the instincts he could no longer bear to ignore. Her lissome body welcomed his far more easily this time, with a smooth, sweet rush of heat which enveloped him in a magic all her own. He was enchanted by the graceful beauty in his arms, his heart hers for the asking, but he was too lost in pleasure to speak in any language except that of love.

  Gabrielle dug her fingertips into the taut muscles of Jason's shoulders as the rapture which throbbed within her slender body swelled to a shuddering peak. She called his name in a breathless moan, her passion as primitive as his. Wild and savage, it bound them together in an ecstasy which seared their souls with the blazing heat of the same brilliant fire which fused their bodies into one. The star-filled heavens seemed to

  swirl about them, carrying them aloft on a cloud of pleasure so rich its memory would fill her heart forever. Cabrielle prayed the night would never end for she thought she would surely die when the light of morning burst upon them and forced them to be two polite strangers once more.

  Awash upon the same turbulent tide of exquisite sensation, it was a long while before Jason could again think clearly. He was still filled with a contentment so profound he dreaded spoiling its peace by speaking. Finally, he knew he had no other option.

  "I must get you back to your wagon, we've been gone far too long as it is," he whispered softly, his lips pausing to caress the smooth swell of her breast before he sat up.

  Cabrielle reached for his hand, pulling him back down beside her. ''Jason, please wait. Let's not go back." Not now she longed to say, not ever.

  Jason hesitated only long enough to kiss her once again before he denied her request. "I am thinking only of you, Cabrielle. I care little what gossip circulates about me but there can be none attached to your name." He brought her palm to his lips, kissing it gently. "Now do not argue. This is only the first of many such nights, I promise you. Just come with me now, for the pain of parting will be no less sharp if we delay it."

  Cabrielle slipped from his arms, unwilling to argue, but the risk of gossip was the least of her concerns. She could think only of the love he gave so generously, of the tenderness of his touch, the devotion in his kiss. She did not want to have to deny what she felt in her heart. Their passion had been real, an emotion so strong she could not suppress its expression any more than she could deny its existence. She went quickly to the fresh, sparkling water, splashing it generously upon herself to wash away the fragrance that was more his than hers. She remained silent as she got dressed, neither wanting or needing his assistance this time.

  As the moon rose higher in the sky, Jason could see Cabrielle's expression more clearly and his heart fell for he

  knew she had not accepted his plea for prudent caution. When she was ready to go back, he laced his fingers in hers, holding her hand tightly as they walked back toward the circle of wagons. The sounds of music and laughter still floated upon the breeze. Pleased that he had not kept her away as long as it had seemed, Jason bent down to give her one last kiss, but she pulled away quickly and was gone, leaving him filled with a loneliness so overwhelming he did not even notice Clayton standing nearby until his friend spoke in a low, threatening tone.

  "You should not have disregarded my warning, Jason." He stood in the shadows at the back of the tent where he'd positioned himself to await Jason's return. "I make it a point to see the young ladies several times each day. I especially like to make certain they are accounted for at night, but tonight I noticed immediately that Gabrielle was missing from the group. I'm most assuredly not the only one who made that observation."

  Jason raked his fingers through his curls. Were it any other man challenging his right to be with Gabrielle he would have settled the matter with his fists, but that tactic was inappropriate now. "Stay out of this. Clay, I mean her no harm."

  "No harm!" The older man exploded angrily. "We are responsible for the welfare of these young women, for their health and safety to say nothing of their chastity! How far have you gone with Gabrielle, are you simply taking her for walks in the moonlight while you tell her amusing stories or have you seduced her as well?"

  His expression hardening into a furious mask, Jason responded hoarsely. "That is not a question I'll answer. Now excuse me, I've got things that need to be done."

  Clayton stepped forward to block his way. "Damn it, you owe me the truth and I demand you tell it right now!"

  Jason took a deep breath and his gray eyes gleamed fiercely like Toledo steel. "The truth is a long and complicated tale, one

  I have given my word to Gabrielle never to repeat. She regards me as gentleman enough to honor that promise even if you do not. Now stand aside or I'll walk right over you."

  Jason's voice was low, his threat so convincing Clayton moved out of his way without giving him any further argument, but both men knew the issue had not been settled between them.

  ^/u^/Uejo^JJJ

  Gabrielle rejoined her friends with the same ease she'd left them. Her appearance was flawless still, and when Clayton Home stopped by to remind them all how swiftly dawn would come, she returned his inquiring glance with a gaze so steady and free of guilt that he turned away without drawing her aside as he'd meant to do. He was certain if he could not make Jason see reason he would have no better luck with a young woman as confident as she.

  As soon as he'd given the order to turn out, Jason rode down the line of wagons, wanting only to see Gabrielle. When he waved to her she smiled prettily, but he wanted to make certain she noticed he was alone. He'd invited each of the brides to go riding at least once, and since the practice bothered Gabrielle he would cease to do it. He did not recall that he had ridden with the others to prevent undue comment on the time he spent with Gabrielle. However, Clayton's hostile stare did not lessen, and the two men did little more than nod
as they passed each other in their travels about the camp.

  With only one more day's ride ahead of them until they came to the spot where they'd ford the Platte, Jason wanted to make certain Gabrielle's every thought was focused solely upon him and not upon the young man who had died there. When the wagon train began the afternoon journey, he deftly

  cut her horse from the others and remarked with a wicked grin, 'This is a fine afternoon for a race. Miss MacLaren."

  "Superb!" Gabrielle repHed and needing no further encouragement she sent Sunny into a long easy stride, his gallop so graceful the yards melted away beneath his flying hooves.

  Jason hoped just once to beat the gorgeous pair, but although Duke gave his best, he could not overtake the spirited red horse. Fortunately, Gabrielle had no wish to defeat either Duke or his master by too humiliating a margin so she pulled her stallion to a halt as soon as they'd left the wagon train far enough behind to insure their privacy and waited for Jason to reach her side.

  Weaving his fingers in her long flowing hair, Jason leaned over to kiss the lively young woman he found impossible to resist. His gesture was filled with affection despite the brevity his position in the saddle demanded.

  "I have missed you," he exclaimed with a delighted smile. "I wasn't certain you would come with me today since I've had so little opportunity to speak with you in the last two days. I hope you did not perceive my desire for discretion as neglect."

  ''Do you think I would be here if I had?" Gabrielle asked coyly, her glance a mischievous one.

  "No!" Jason cried out in mock anguish. "But you are here and let's not waste a moment of the time we have to share." He led her only a half mile farther along the trail, to a spot upon a rise where they could overlook the river but at the same time be shielded from view. Letting their mounts graze, Jason untied the blanket he'd rolled up behind his saddle. Having had no need for a tent for several days, he'd made the switch in gear, knowing no one would question the use he planned for the soft woolen spread.

  Placing the blanket upon the grass he patted the spot next to him as he sat down. "Come here, my pet."

  Gabrielle raised a hand to shield her eyes, surveying the deserted landscape which surrounded them. "I keep thinking

  of those Indians you admire so greatly. What would they say if they discovered us making love?''

  Jason chuckled at the absurdity of that prospect. *'I really don't know, they might be discreet enough to wait until we finished before they made their presence known. Then again, if they wanted to attack us, that would certainly be a marvelous opportunity to do so. You needn't worry, however, for I have seen no sign of their presence for several days."

  Alarmed, Gabrielle turned to face him. "Before then you had?" she asked in dismay.

  "Yes. The Pawnee have winter villages on the South Platte, but in the summer they follow the buffalo since it is their primary source of food and hides. I've seen small hunting parties several times when I've gone ahead to scout the trail, but they have had no great interest in us. You should have a good opportunity to observe some Indians firsthand when we reach Fort Laramie. Now stop worrying so about them and please come and sit down here beside me."

  He'd tossed his hat aside, and pulled his shirt off over his head, not wanting to stop later to peel off layers of clothing Gabrielle would find in her way. Just looking at her made his breath quicken, but he did not want to appear too eager for her kiss so he lay back upon the blanket to get comfortable as if he had the entire afternoon to spend with her.

  Gabrielle stood where she was, but she began to disrobe with the slow, graceful gestures which were so much a part of her charm. She let her dress fall to the grass, then her slips, then as she bent down to unbutton her shoes she spoke softly. "Is it the danger which you enjoy so greatly, Jason, the risk of discovery which makes my kisses so sweet?"

  Jason could barely speak. He'd seen women who'd earned a fortune by pleasing men attempt the same artful seduction with far less success than this auburn-haired beauty was demonstrating now. This was a strip tease so erotic but so subtle he could only stare, hoping she would finish before he was driven by the force of his desire to simply leap up and

  throw her down upon the blanket. She'd spoken, but he'd scarcely heard her words. He realized she was hesitating, her fingertips at the bows which held her camisole in place, and he answered quickly, wanting her to slip the lace-trimmed garment from her shoulders to expose more of her marvelous figure to his view. His voice was hoarse with desire as he spoke. "No. It is you alone, Gabrielle, simply your charm and beauty that I want so badly." She cast the last of her garments aside then and came to him. Her kiss as desperate as his, she pressed her now-nude body along the length of his.

  Jason pulled the lithe beauty across his chest, savoring the cool smoothness of her skin against his own far more warm flesh. Her long, shimmering red hair fell about his shoulders, veiling the sunlight from his view, but he saw only her enchanting smile. He hugged her tiny waist tightly as if he feared she might still slip away. Never had he thought any woman could do what she'd done to him. How could he have thought she was the one who needed lo be taught the lessons of love when she knew how to give it in such abundance? Her fingertips slid down his sides, then to his belt, and he was sorry he did not know how to disrobe as enticingly as she did. But he did not stop her and she swiftly stripped away the last barrier which remained between them.

  Gabrielle covered his face with light kisses. Enjoying the taste of his deeply bronzed skin, she let her tongue slide down his throat to the dark curls which covered his chest. He had the most splendid of male bodies, firm and strong, and she wondered if she could give him the same gift of rapture he had given her with no more than lavish kisses the first time they'd been together. The muscles of his flat stomach grew taut beneath her lips, and when he wove his fingers in her hair to hold her close, she understood what he wanted without being told. He was so easy to love, and love him she did, her devotion growing ever more bold with each beat of her heart. Her mouth was warm, soft, and teasing as her tongue caressed his flesh, and knowing how greatly she was pleasing him, she did not stop

  until he could stand no more. He was completely incoherent, calling her name in a slurred moan as he drew her into his arms and forced her down upon the folds of the soft blanket to dominate her body with the considerable strength still left in his. He did not want to rest alone on the bed of ecstasy she'd created, so with a tenderness born of awakening love, he caressed her body with a slow, knowing touch until he felt her shudder with pleasure. Then he abandoned himself to the madness of possessing her, confident of how deeply his joy would be shared.

  Again at perfect peace, Gabrielle reclined languidly in Jason's arms, enjoying the heat of his body as greatly as that of the sun. Were she to become tan all over, she would have no way to explain such exposure, but she cared little for that small problem. Some clever idea would come to her mind should she ever need an excuse for the golden color of her fair skin. She swept that trivial concern from her mind as she continued to savor the closeness which had grown between them. That bond of trust seemed to deepen each time they were together, and certain he would answer her question seriously, she said softly, "Jason, my aunt told me nothing of the beauty a man and woman can share and truly I do not think she even suspected it. I know you must have considerable experience, but is it always like this?"

  Jason propped his head on his hand to look down at his bewitching companion, his smile filled with amusement as he responded. "You mean the feeling of pleasure so intense you can neither laugh nor weep but only crave more no matter if the cost be your very soul?"

  Gabrielle slid her fingertips across his chest, and he caught them in his hand, drawing her palm to his lips. "Yes, that is precisely the way to describe how I feel in your arms, but is it the same for you when you make love to other women?"

  Jason had to consider her question for no more than an instant. He had kept no count of his sexual encounters
, for truly, other than seeking momentary pleasure, there had been

  no meaning in them. "I have never made love to another woman, Gabrielle, only to you." The coarsest of verbs came to his mind but he would not speak the word to her. "I have known other women, been with them that is true, but never, never was it as superb as it is with you. It was never making love, but only fulfilling the most primitive ofman's needs." He leaned down to kiss her then, his passion so tender he wanted never to have to return to the noisy confusion of the wagon train and the seemingly endless weeks of travel which still lay ahead.

  Gabrielle knew then without doubt that no man would ever give her the pleasure she had found in his arms, but she could not understand why Jason did not speak of love, of staying together, of being husband and wife instead of lovers stealing precious moments to spend together. She waited quietly in his embrace, gazing up into his clear gray eyes, seeing the reflection of the blue of her own as she prayed he would be moved to finally speak of love.

  Instead, Jason sighed sadly. 'The hours pass too swiftly when I am with you and we nuist be on our way without another moment's delay. Now hurry and dress and then there is something more I must tell you."

  Puzzled, Gabrielle hoped it would be exactly what she wanted to hear, but sadly it was not. As Jason rolled up the blanket and secured it behind his saddle he began to explain. "Clayton saw us together the other night. He saw nothing more than that goodnight kiss, but he is the suspicious sort and, knowing me, fears the worst."

  Gabrielle swung herself onto Sunny's back, sorry Clayton had chosen that particular word to describe their relationship. '*He would considerate it 'the worst' if he knew we were lovers?"