Savage storm

by Conn, Phoebe

  you can always leave messages with Clay and Til check with i him when I'm in town. That way we needn't see each other. Now what is it you plan to do? If you're going to California with Beau just say so."

  Gabrielle took a sip of her coffee, then set her cup and saucer I aside. She was enormously pleased that her strategy had i worked, for Jason was talking to her in so intelligent a manner she knew he'd listen to what she had to say. "We discussed what I'd like to do only briefly once, but I'd rather raise horses than anything else. I know I can do that alone here, but I do not want a divorce, Jason. The fact that you want to continue working as a scout seems very reasonable to me. I did not ask you to become a farmer when we married. That was your decision, and if you are unhappy with it, of course you should reconsider it now. As far as I am concerned, I will be happy to have you here whenever you can come home. I don't want this farm to seem like a prison to you. I know you enjoy your freedom and I'll make no demands upon you that restrict it.'* Jason's expression turned slowly from confusion to shock. "You expect me to stay married to you? To let you live here, just come and go as I please when I know exactly who will be here when I'm gone? Oh no, that idea is absurd, Gabrielle, and I'll not even consider it."

  Gabrielle rose slowly then carried her cup and saucer to the sink. "I told you Beau has gone to California so he'll have no part in this. I think I've suggested the perfect arrangement for us, and I insist you give it more serious thought. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed." She walked into the bedroom then and closed the door before Hfting her hands to her mouth to keep from screaming. She'd made the most generous offer she could, but she'd not weep and throw herself at his feet. Love seemed to matter not at all to him, and she'd not use an unborn child to convince him to remain with her. All she'd truly be if he accepted her terms was a mistress, but that seemed to be the only hope she had and she'd seized it eagerly.

  497

  Jason remained at the table, thumping his spoon upon the tablecloth as he tried to make some sense of Cabrielle*s last remarks. It appeared she was going to steadfastly deny anything had happened between her and Beau. Could that possibly be the truth? Even if it were, she was still willful and defiant, causing him an equal amount of grief for every moment of pleasure they shared. He got up and walked over to the fireplace to toss another log on the blaze. Taking a deep breath to clear his mind, he tried to recall what it was he'd wanted before he'd left to go after the Giyuse. Most of all he'd hoped to drive Beau out of their lives. Now Gabrielle had said repeatedly that the young man was gone. He'd rebelled at the restricted life the farm required, never intending to let her suspect his true feelings until he'd thought a divorce was inevitable. Now she'd set him free to live as he chose. By some strange quirk of fate he'd managed to have all his wishes granted so why did he feel as though he'd lost everything that made life worthwhile? Had any of what Gabrielle told him that night been the truth? Could she want him as a husband so badly she'd settle for his attentions on a part-time basis? That would present problems of another sort, he realized. She was far too desirable a young woman to leave alone for long periods of time. Apparently Michael Jenkins had come to see her that very afternoon. Would he come back the moment he knew she was alone?

  "This is lunacy!" Jason knew he was simply borrowing trouble, something he always advised others not to do. He paced the large room for several minutes, then looked over at the bedroom door, wondering if Gabrielle had locked it. He couldn't deny how greatly he'd missed her, for despite the bitterness of their arguments she ignited his passions as no other woman ever had or ever would. Would she have made herself so attractive that night if she had not wanted to invite his attentions? Since she had offered terms for a marriage that were so favorable to him, why should he hesitate to accept

  them? If he did, he would have this maddening creature for his own.

  Cabrielle was seated in the middle of the bed, brushing out her hair, when Jason came through the door. "Did you want something?" she inquired innocently.

  "Only you." Jason flashed a sly grin as he turned down the wick on the oil lamp, leaving only a soft circle of light which barely reached the bed. "Since we shared the same bed last night, you should have no objection to my joining you now."

  As Gabrielle got up to replace her hairbrush upon the dresser, Jason caught her wrist and pulled her close. "If you do have some objection I suggest you voice it immediately or it is going to be too late."

  If he'd expected her to try to escape his grasp, he was disappointed for Gabrielle laid her head upon his chest, the soft swells of her body melting against him as she whispered, "Fve no objection whatsoever."

  Jason gave her a warm hug, then stepped back. "Climb into bed." He waited for her to move away before removing his shirt carefully so as not to cause his arm any more pain. He laughed as Gabrielle carelessly tossed her nightgown aside before getting under the covers, and in a moment, he was nude and had joined her. He drew her into his arms, the confusion which had filled his heart vanishing as their lips met. She was simply the beautiful young woman he adored. He held her cradled tenderly in his embrace as he gazed down into her eyes. In the darkness her sultry glance was so enticing he let his fingertips wander slowly down the silken skin of her lithe body until he knew his touch would bring the madness only her total surrender would end. She moved against him, but he held his own emotions in check, seeking to satisfy his curiosity before sating the desires his powerful body had been denied for so many days. His lips brushed hers only lightly, creating a need for deeper kisses he withheld. He felt shivers of anticipation course down her spine as her breathing quickened, but he did

  i

  not replace the slow gentle caress of his fingertips with the deeper pleasure his muscular body could provide. His smooth, sweet touch lured her to the brink of rapture and held her there, suspended, as he whispered. "When I am the worst of husbands, why do you want me so badly?"

  Gabrielle heard his question only faintly, as though he were miles away rather than in her arms. What he was doing was the most exquisite torture for he'd created a desperate longing in her just to use her weakness to his own advantage. He'd aroused her emotions to a peak only to ask a question she felt her desire to preserve their marriage had already answered. Flames of anger leaped at the edges of her newly found composure, but she forced them away, not letting her temper overcome her reason. Seeking the only way he offered to end the torment of desire he'd created, she clung to him as she whispered softly in his ear, "I love you."

  Jason was as shocked by that confession as he had been to discover her a virgin when they'd first made love. The emotion in her husky voice washed over him, creating a sea of wonder so deep he could not control the fury of his own response. His mouth captured hers in a shattering kiss, and he moved swiftly to conquer her vibrant body as well as her defiant heart, finally giving expression to the torrent of emotion raging within him. Her love was a prize he'd never dared dream would be his, and the thrill of her words inspired a passion so intense he was lost in its beauty. Only later, when reason had returned, did he relax his embrace and draw back, afraid that he might have hurt her in his quest to give her pleasure. But one glance at her radiant smile was all he needed to reassure him that his fears were groundless.

  "I would have said that long ago had I known how desperate you were to hear it," Gabrielle purred softly.

  Jason kissed her again, his mood now a far more tender one. "I swear I fell in love with you when you knocked upon our door in Kansas City, and it has been agony to think you would

  never love anyone but Beau."

  "He is a charming boy, Jason, but you are the man I want for my husband." Gabrielle drew his mouth back to hers, sealing her words with an unspoken vow of devotion. "I have loved you for a very long time too. Please forgive me for lacking the courage to admit my feelings to you, but I had no idea they would be returned so sweetly."

  "Oh, Gabrielle." Jason tightened his embrace, nearly crushing her with
an enthusiastic hug. "I love you more with each new day, or should I say night?"

  Gabrielle laughed throatily as she put her hands upon his chest in a playful attempt to push him away. "I love you too, my darling, but I must ask you not to be so forceful with your affection or I shall be so bruised Til not be able to get out of bed in the morning."

  Jason laughed at that possibility and then lowered his voice to a seductive whisper. "If you can't leave our bed, then neither will I."

  "Your company would be very nice, but I'm afraid it would get rather crowded in here after a while," Gabrielle advised.

  "Crowded?" Jason leaned back to observe his bride's teasing smile and suddenly knew exactly what she meant. "You mean you're certain now? We are going to have a child?"

  "Yes, now I'm certain." Confident of his love, Gabrielle no longer had a reason to keep such a secret from him.

  "When did it happen, do you know?"

  "Do you remember when we were at Fort Walla Walla and you came to meet me? I asked you to kiss me goodbye, but you took our farewell much further."

  Even with Gabrielle snuggled so warmly against him, Jason could not help but shiver as the cold wind of fear swept over him, leaving him as confused as he'd been only an hour earlier. "Tell me the truth, Gabrielle, is this the real reason Beau left you? Because you're carrying my child?"

  His tension was so easy to feel that Gabrielle wasn't angry.

  **I did not tell Beau, or anybody else, Jason. This is our baby and I wanted you to know first." She covered his face with light kisses. "I love you; that's why I refused to go with Beau, not because of the baby."

  "I'm sorry, I did not mean to insult you again."

  "Do I seem insulted?" Gabrielle slipped from his arms, her tantalizing touch and teasing kisses supplying the answer to her own question. She adored him and wanted to show it, but he quickly caught her in an easy grasp and tossed her upon the pillows.

  "Did you really mean what you said tonight? That you won't mind Hving here while I ply my trade as a scout?"

  "Of course, I know that is what you truly want to do."

  "Then I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you," Jason admitted slyly.

  "Disappoint me? In what way?"

  "I'm not ever going to leave you, Gabrielle. The whole damn Army can get lost on the plains for all I care, I'll not go out looking for them."

  "Why, Jason, do you truly think you'll be content here?" Gabrielle reached up to push his curls off his forehead with her fingertips, the same gesture she'd often seen him make. He caught her hand in his then and brought it to his lips.

  "Duke is a fine stallion; there's no sense in Sunny getting all the mares you want to buy. I rather like the idea of raising horses because it will be a damn sight more exciting than raising crops ever was."

  Now Gabrielle knew Sunny was the far superior of the two stallions. His conformation was perfect, his color handsome/ and his greater speed easily proven; but she held her tongue. She knew the difference in the quality of colts their horses sired would soon prove her point effectively without her ever having to utter a word of argument against her husband's plan. My aunt would be proud of me for finally conquering my temper, she thought, recalling the dear lady with a wistful

  smile. "I wish my aunt could have met you, Jason."

  "I think Fm damn lucky she didn't," Jason mused thoughtfully. But the mention of her aunt made him curious. "As I recall, it was your temper to which she objected most strenuously, but Fve seen no evidence of your usual fiery disposition in the last two days. Is it motherhood which has made such a difference in your temperament?"

  Gabrielle hesitated to confess the truth to him, but after several of his enticing kisses she spoke. "I was afraid I'd lose you if I became as angry with you as you were with me. It's not motherhood which has made me so cautious, simply desperation."

  Jason gave her another hug, this time being far more gentle. "I love you, Gabrielle. Do you understand that now? You needn't change the way you are to please me. If I upset you, scream at me as you always have, for I will love you still."

  "Is that a promise?" she asked hopefully.

  "Yes. Now isn't that enough conversation for one night?" Jason hoped his bride would not take offense at his teasing hint.

  "I'm sorry if I've been too talkative but it is simply that I enjoy being with you again. When I left Liberty I never expected to meet a man as wonderful as you. I've really missed you, Jason. Welcome home."

  Jason thought Gabrielle was sometimes delightfully innocent for such a complex young woman. While she had the manners of a perfect lady, she was a wanton seductress in his bed. She was the most fascinating of female creatures and he wished to hear all she wanted to say, but morning would be soon enough to listen.

  "Good night, my love."

  He pulled her into an affectionate embrace, giving her a good-night kiss so passionate she quickly realized that although he had ended their discussion he was clearly not ready to go to sleep. Nibbling his ear playfully, she let him

  know she wasn^t the least bit sleepy either.

  When Saturday arrived, Gabrielle dressed in the stunning gray suit she'd worn for her wedding; then she helped Jason^ put on his suit. His arm still caused him considerable discomfort and she knew he could use her assistance. He was in a festive humor for he was to be the best man for Clayton and for Michael as well. Her own mood was not nearly so ebullient, however. Recalling her last visit to church, she tried to think of some way to warn him of what her reception would be.

  "Jason, did Clayton tell you Iris was with him the day he came here and met Beau?"

  Jason handed his tie to her and stood still while she tied it for him. "No. Is that important for some reason?"

  "Well, yes." Gabrielle did her best, then stood back to admire his appearance. "You look splendid," she finally offered with a shy smile.

  Jason readily saw that Gabrielle was preoccupied about something and he wanted to know what was troubling her. "I know you and Iris have never been friends, but Clay adores her and she seems to be delighted with him, judging by the times I've seen them together. Since Erica and Michael are getting married too, why don't you simply forget Iris and concentrate on celebrating with them."

  "I have done my best to ignore Iris for several weeks, Jason, but she's told anyone who will listen that I had a lover living here with me while you were away. You'll see the way people react to my presence in church, and I don't want you to be hurt by it."

  Jason's expression darkened to a menacing scowl as he considered the pain such malicious gossip had obviously caused her. "Why didn't you tell me about this before today? I would have gone into town and insisted Iris retract her lies. You may be gracious enough to ignore her slander, but I'm certainly not."

  "I had hoped the story would have ceased to circulate by the

  time you returned home, but I am afraid it hasn't. I don't want to cause any bad feeling between you and your best friend. Please don't say anything to Iris. In time the people of Oregon City will learn which of us deserves their respect."

  Jason saw no point in arguing the issue. "Let us simply go into town and see what happens, Gabrielle. Perhaps the fact that we are together will silence whatever gossip there may have been." That sounded reasonable to him, but the moment they stepped through Clayton's front door the stares they received changed his mind. Losing Clay's friendship seemed like a small sacrifice compared to the damage to his wife's reputation, and when she went upstairs to see if Erica needed any assistance, he took the man aside.

  "I'm going to speak with Reverend Murdock. I don't think he'll want to perform a ceremony for you and Iris when she is so lacking in Christian spirit."

  "What?" Clayton was aghast at that threat. "What are you talking about?"

  "I'm talking about the scandalous lies she spread about Gabrielle. I expect her to retract them immediately." Jason smiled knowingly. "I don't envy you your task. Clay, but perhaps, in time, you can make a lady out of Iris.
"

  Clayton grew flustered, "If Iris has been indiscreet, I can assure you it will not be repeated, but—"

  Jason was nearly a head taller than the older man and he now straightened up to his full height to emphasize the seriousness of his words. "I mean it. Clay. You must speak with Iris immediately. First she must apologize to Gabrielle, and then I want her to admit to each of those she entertained with her imaginative gossip that her tales were complete fabrications. She mistook my wife's childhood friend for her paramour, a ridiculous error which has embarrassed Gabrielle needlessly and infuriated me."

  Clayton gestured helplessly. "Damn it all, Jason, had you been there you would have assumed the same thing!"

  ''Assuming a beautiful woman is not also a virtuous one is a grave error. Clay. Had I been there this ugly rumor would never have gotten started! Iris is going to put a stop to it before your wedding or there will be none. Either she apologizes to Gabrielle or I am going to Murdock. The choice is yours."

  Clayton knew Jason too well not to know his threats weren't idle. He left his study and in a few minutes' time returned with Iris. When she saw Jason she smiled coquettishly until she realized his expression was far from civil. As he stated his terms, she grew pale and then turned to Clayton, "I'll not take any of it back!' she shrieked. "How dare you let him treat me this way?"

  Clayton grew stern as he addressed the volatile young woman, "Perhaps I am responsible for this regrettable situation, for I overheard the vicious innuendos concerning Gabrielle and should have realized they could have had only one source. Now cease your complaining. March up those stairs and apologize to Gabrielle and whomever else you can find before it gets any later or it won't be Jason who calls off our wedding but I!" The fury in his expression convinced her immediately that he meant precisely what he said.