Renegade Wife

by Charlene Sands

  Kane approached, shaking his head. “No, Molly. No excuses this time. You were damn lucky. If you’d fallen on harder ground, hit your head on a bigger rock, you and I wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

  “You mean argument,” she said, the fire in her eyes, lighting.

  “Okay, argument.”

  Kane sat down on the bed and began unbuttoning her dress.

  “Wh-what are you doing?” she asked.

  “Checking for injuries. Now, lay down and be still.”

  For once, Molly did as she was told and he slid the dress from her shoulders. “You need a lesson in listening.”

  “You mean I need a lesson in obeying you.”

  “Hell, yes. That would be a start.”

  Kane glanced at her throat and shoulders, then gently turned her over to view her back. He set her back down, outlining one rather large brownish purple bruise, just over her right breast. “You’re going to be sore here,” he said, his finger retracing the bruise. “And here,” he traced along another smaller bruise.

  He heard Molly’s intake of breath. She responded to his touch the way no other woman ever had. And she gave him full access to her body, conveying her trust in him.

  Kane rose from the bed. He wasn’t here to seduce his wife. He was here to teach her a lesson, to admonish her for once again, putting herself in danger. He poured water from a pitcher and soaked a cloth, then strode back to sit on the bed and set the cool cloth on her chest. “I need to know why.”

  “Why?” Molly asked, her fingers brushing his as both held the cloth in place.

  “Why do you do the things you do? Why do you get yourself in so much darn trouble?”

  “I—I d-don’t know. Headstrong, I suppose,” Molly said, but with no apology in her voice. She simply stated it as fact.

  “And tonight? Why’d you go running off tonight?”

  “I wasn’t going for Charlie, if that’s what you were thinking,” she defended.

  Kane shook his head. “If you were, then you packed lightly. You wouldn’t have gotten too far without provisions. No, I know you weren’t running off to your brother.”

  Molly stared out the window, her lips trembling, her eyes filling with moisture.

  “Why?” Kane pressed and, with her eyes diverted, he looked his fill at his wife. Her shoulders glistened in the faint light, a stream touching on the softness of her skin, the frailty of her beauty. She lay there exposed to him, yet not with her body this time, but with her heart. And Kane knew that whatever Molly had to say to him, he would listen intently.

  She turned to look at him then, one sole tear escaping down her cheek. “It’s just…everything.”

  Kane pursed his lips and leaned back, perplexed. “Everything?”

  She nodded. “It’s not being able to go after Charlie,” she said slowly. “And this bargain we’ve made.” Another tear escaped. “I hate lying to your grandfather everyday.”

  Kane listened as she went on. “And you, you’re the worst of all.”

  Stunned, Kane took a moment to let that set in. He’d always prided himself in doing his best, and to hear that he had failed Molly in some way rattled him. “Me?”

  She nodded without hesitation. “You’re my husband. But, you’re not really. You proved that again, just this afternoon. You go off every day and every night. I’m lonely and bored most of the time.”

  Molly sat up, then rose from the bed to walk to the window. She stared out, holding her dress with one hand to keep it from slipping down her backside.

  She made a lovely vision, standing there against the moonlit night. And the gentle sobs she tried to hold back tore into his gut.

  Kane’s anger vanished in that one second and suddenly he came to see Molly’s plight with wide-open eyes. She saw her life as it truly was—a woman dependent on finding her only kin. A woman, who within a short time would have no home and no means of employment. She wasn’t a deceiver, yet she’d been expected to deceive an old man and live her life as a lie. Kane saw all those things in Molly and so much more.

  He strode the distance to the window and faced her. There in her eyes, he saw all he needed to see. Willingly, Kane shed his defenses, breaking the barrier that separated him from his wife.

  Kane knew what Molly needed. It was the same with him. It was what he’d fought against for weeks. For the time they had together, he would be a true husband to her. And then, perhaps the lie they lived would not be such a great one.

  “Molly,” he said, unfolding the fingers that held her dress in place. It slipped to the floor in a puddle around her bare feet. She stood before him in a thin chemise and a layer of petticoats. “I will be the husband you need.”

  Molly’s intake of breath, a bit unsteady because of her sobs, gladdened his heart. Her lips parted in a slight smile. “And I’ll be the wife you desire.”

  Those bold words shot straight to his groin. His body tightened, the shaft of his manhood growing hard as stone. Kane bent to kiss the bruises on her chest, his hands palming the soft round mounds of her breasts. Molly threw her head back, allowing him full contact, and Kane knew at that moment, that he would never fight his desire for her again.

  Within moments, Molly was bared to him, her beautiful body fully exposed for his viewing. Kane kissed her lips over and over while his hands roamed freely, once again absorbing her softness, learning her textures. She wrapped her arms about his neck and drew up closer, her breasts crushing his chest and her woman’s mound teasing the tip of his erection.

  Kane had never known such desire before. He groaned and reached around her backside to bring her fully against him. Both moaned at the heady pleasure, standing there against the window with moonlight spilling in, oblivious to any world but the one they created with each other.

  “I can’t breathe,” Molly said, kissing him fully on the mouth. “And it feels wonderful.”

  Kane cupped her derriere and lifted her legs. Automatically they wound around his waist. He walked her over to the bed and even through his buckskin pants her female form tormented him. He laid her down on his big bed and, standing over her, he removed all of his clothes.

  Chapter Twelve

  Molly held her breath watching Kane undress before her. He kicked off his boots, then with steady hands removed his buckskin shirt, the fringe catching a thin stream of light as he lifted the garment over his head. Bronzed and rippled with muscles, Kane was a man to admire. Molly’s heart raced. Her body reacted. The anticipation of having Kane join her on the big, wide bed left her giddy and eager.

  And when he removed his pants and she witnessed the full extent of his desire, Molly couldn’t help but think him a powerful warrior, a man who belonged in an untamed world—a man she would love with the whole of her heart, regardless of their differences, regardless of the unholy alliance they’d made.

  With outstretched arms, she beckoned him and the returning smile he cast her warmed her heart. Kane joined her on the bed and kissed her with hot, hungry lips. Molly lay there, bared to him, giving up her body as well as her heart. Kane stroked her with gentle loving hands, touching her skin and searing her soul. She moved with him, finding the pattern he set, the rhythm. Together, they glided in this world of lusty strokes and emboldened moves. They touched and explored each other, finding ways to pleasure one another, murmuring sweet words until their sounds became more anguished, their touches more demanding.

  Kane whispered to her hurriedly, repeating his words from before, “I will be the husband you need.” He cupped her between the legs, and with deft fingers found the center of her womanhood. She cried out from the sheer pleasured force of his stroking. But Kane did not stop there, he continued kissing her in places that made her body tense with joy. His lips moved onto her throat, her shoulders, and then he spent time laving each breast, making each peak pebble and come alive from his ministrations. She ached from the tormenting pleasure and moved alone now, setting a pace of her own. Higher. Higher.

  Kane wh
ispered, “Let go, Little Bird. Fly.”

  And Molly did fly, her body and soul reaching up to grasp the highest cloud, her world filling with wonder and grace.

  “Kane!” she screamed at that exact exhilarating moment, and his mouth came down to muffle her cries.

  She sank slowly to the bed and gazed up at the man she loved. He smiled and kissed her lips and somehow Molly felt as if she’d pleased him, when it seemed obvious to her that he had been the one to do all the pleasing.

  “There’s more,” he said, nibbling on her throat. “If you’re willing.”

  Molly moved her body, spreading her legs, ready for Kane’s lovemaking. “I’m willing,” she breathed out, and within moments, she and Kane were joined.

  She closed her eyes, relishing the feel of being one with her man. She loved the sensation, the tingles that swept through her body, the feeling of being possessed solely by this man. And when Kane moved, his manhood filling her full, her body accepting him in all ways, Molly’s heart soared to new heights.

  He was her husband. She was his wife. This was real.

  Molly had never known such utter joy. She moved with him, trying her best to please him in every way, allowing her instincts to take hold. She kissed him passionately, stroked his shoulders, his back, absorbed his strength, enjoyed his beautiful body until once again they moved in a world of their own, faster and harder. Molly let go all of her inhibitions, until once again she felt herself flying.

  Kane kissed her one last time.

  And to her surprise, he left the warmth of her body.

  He flopped onto his back, lying very still.

  “Kane?” Stunned, she rose up to look at him.

  He shook his head and spoke softly. “We cannot create a child.”

  Molly’s joy evaporated, realizing that her reality and Kane’s were so different. Yes, they were married and yes, they would make love. But Kane had never deceived her of his feelings. He didn’t love her. He didn’t want her child. Molly had to face facts and learn to accept that Kane offered her all that he possibly could.

  Was it possible to love someone so very much and experience hatred at the same time? Molly thought so, because deep down inside, Kane had injured her beyond repair. Her heart bled from the loss. But he’d always been honest, giving her no reason for false hope. And for that Molly was truly grateful.

  She sat there for a moment, making a decision. She could either keep a fine distance from Kane, making herself miserable or she could accept what he offered and rejoice in the time they had together. Molly chose the latter. She would have time to be miserable later on once they’d met all the terms of their bargain.

  For now, Molly decided to hold on to what she could.

  “You didn’t fly,” she whispered, surprising herself at her brazen remark.

  “No, and it will be this way,” he admitted.

  Molly laid a hand on his abdomen. “Show me how to help.”

  Kane gazed at her, a bit surprised, but also with a hint of appreciation. “You would do that?”

  Molly nodded, wondering if what she suggested was somehow forbidden or, worse, abhorred. “Is it all right?”

  Kane covered his hand over hers and began her lesson. And soon she learned it was not only all right, but for a man like Kane, perhaps it was a blessing.

  Kane woke in the minutes before daybreak, finding himself in a tangle of sheets and Molly’s limbs. Decidedly, not a bad place to be. He closed the small gap of their bodies, snuggling up against her, placing an arm around her waist. Her female scent mingled smoothly with the aftermath of their lovemaking, flavoring the air with an alluring mix. He breathed in deeply and silently sighed.

  Molly slept nude beside him, a fact Kane had trouble ignoring. Kane leaned in to kiss her cheek before he rose for the day, but Molly made a provocative sound, a little whimper that alerted his body in a very male way. He marveled at how she responded to his slightest touch, how she gave as much as she received. He still reeled in pleasant shock at Molly’s bold behavior last night. She had brought him unforeseen satisfaction so innocently that Kane also marveled at her unselfish nature.

  Kane kissed her again, nipping at her earlobe. He sensed her smile, and when she covered her hand over his and guided him to her breast, he knew that this morning would start out far better than the last.

  Kane palmed her breast, weighing the size and firmness to Molly’s soft moans. Then he brushed his thumb over one rosy tip, flicking it gently between his fingers until it grew firm and hard. He stayed there for a time, satisfying all his playful urges, creating a tempting picture for him to view—Molly’s body readying for him.

  Kane was beyond ready to take Molly, his shaft growing hard at first contact with his naked wife. But he continued this soft play as the new day approached, touching and molding and caressing her as she pretended to lie lazily in bed, only her soft sounds and sighs of pleasure giving her away.

  Kane’s shaft nudged her from behind, there was no help for it and he thought of all the different ways he could make love to her. He envisioned new positions for both to try, but there would be time for that. Molly was too new to lovemaking and so Kane shoved those thoughts away, and gently turned her onto her back.

  He rose above her and her acknowledging smile was all he needed. He entered her carefully, feeling the tight squeeze of their joining.

  “Oh, Kane,” she whimpered right before he took her in a long heady kiss.

  She felt right and so good, that when he moved inside her welcoming body, a satisfied groan escaped. His need for Molly was great and he showed her in each loving move, each powerful thrust, his yearning and desire. It was then that he realized he would make love to Molly every night they had together. It was as if the choice had been taken from them. Kane knew he could no longer sleep in bed beside her and not make love to her.

  “Ah, Little Bird,” he called out when the time was right. He knew that his little bird would, once again, fly.

  Molly rose with Kane, feeling still quite playful. Kane helped her dress, but in truth he did all he could to keep her from dressing, pulling at her dress to kiss her shoulder, swatting her behind instead of helping with her petticoats and pulling the wrong way on her chemise to expose her breasts.

  Finally, after minutes of indulgence, she stood in front of the cheval mirror to find a rosy glow of color on her face, despite the one nasty bruise on her forehead. Kane came up from behind to view her. They gazed at each other in the mirror. “I didn’t do such a bad job of dressing you.”

  “You didn’t dress me. Undressing is your specialty.”

  Kane only smiled and she turned to him. “Have breakfast with me.”

  He nodded. “I think I heard my grandfather come down. We’ll have breakfast together.”

  “It’ll be good to see him up and dressed.”

  And with that, Molly knew she’d have Kane for a few more minutes before he rode off for the day. Already, she missed him. Since they’d returned home from their “honeymoon,” they hadn’t eaten too many meals together or spent any real time together.

  And ten minutes later, they shared the breakfast table with Bennett. He looked much better than he had yesterday and it gladdened Molly’s heart.

  Bennett spoke to her at first glance. “Good to see you two having breakfast together.”

  Lupe had put out quite a spread. Thick bacon strips filled one plate, while spicy potatoes filled another and, of course, Lupe’s handmade tortillas were stacked a dozen high. Kane grabbed several—Bennett, too—and Molly decided by the grumbling in her stomach that her appetite matched both the Jackson men. She filled her plate as well.

  “Yes, and I’m glad you came down for breakfast this morning, Grandfather,” Molly said. “Are you feeling better?”

  Bennett attempted a small smile. “A bit. What happened to your head, dear girl?”

  “Oh?” Molly reached up self-consciously to touch her bruise. “I took a fall.”

  “Molly went
riding,” Kane said to his grandfather, “late last night.”

  Bennett turned to her. “By yourself?”

  With reluctance, Molly nodded.

  Bennett cast her a look of concern then he focused his attention directly to Kane. “Why’d you let her go out without you, boy?”

  “He wasn’t home,” Molly said too quickly, then realized how that must have sounded. “I got restless and went for a ride. Everything was fine, really…until I saw a little Indian girl.”

  Bennett glanced at Kane, narrowing his eyes. “She saw an Indian girl.”

  Molly explained. “She took me by surprise, that’s all. I don’t think she meant any harm. But Kane, you didn’t give me a chance last night,” she began, then cleared her throat. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I mean to say, after you took me home, we never discussed her.”

  Bennett grinned.

  Kane smiled.

  Molly wanted the earth to swallow her up whole.

  “I mean to say that after I fell, and you took care of my injuries, I was too…too—”

  “You were too tired to ask,” Bennett finished for her.

  Relieved, Molly slumped in the chair. “Yes, that’s what I meant to say.”

  Kane bit into a tortilla. “You didn’t find time to ask this morning, either.”

  Bennett coughed, spurting out his coffee, but with a distinct and satisfied twinkle in his eyes.

  Molly glared at her husband. “There’s time for an explanation now. Do you know anything about her?”

  “Yes,” Bennett agreed with a bit of glee. “There is time for your explanation, Kane.”

  Kane finished his coffee and leaned back, taking his sweet time to answer, but Lupe rushed into the room and interrupted. “We have a visitor. Senora Rose is here to see Senora Molly.”

  Bennett stood. “Penny is here?”

  “Sí,” Lupe said, nodding her head.

  “Well, show her into the parlor.”

  Lupe dashed off and Molly looked at Kane. He shrugged as if to say he didn’t know what was going on.