Renegade Wife

by Charlene Sands

  The younger girls had a place set up with dolls made of deerskin, and each doll had its own miniature cradle-board. Smiling Eyes handed Molly a doll and gestured for her to sit down. Molly sat down on the grassy ground and played with Smiling Eyes while Kane and Singing Bird looked on.

  “I don’t understand ‘temporary’ wife,” Singing Bird said to Kane. They stood several yards from the play area where Molly seemed to be enjoying the time spent with Smiling Eyes.

  Kane shrugged and wished he hadn’t told his mother about the arrangement he’d made with Molly. But Kane had never lied or purposely deceived his mother, and he couldn’t have her think he’d betrayed Little Swan’s memory in any way. He couldn’t have her think that Kane had found love again.

  “I have explained the bargain I have made with Molly.”

  “Yet, you give her a Cheyenne name.”

  “She is small—petite—like you, isn’t she?”

  “She is a woman who looks at you in a special way.”

  Kane glanced at Molly, who was obviously enjoying the outing and her time here with the tribe children. He hadn’t expected her to react with such calm and acceptance. After her fright last night, startled by Smiling Eyes, Kane had been certain Molly would have reacted differently, perhaps with fear and apprehension at seeing a true tribal village.

  Once again, Molly had surprised him. “She will leave when the time comes.”

  Singing Bird shook her head. “You say the words, yet you do not want it so.”

  Kane turned sharply to stare at his mother. “You forget about Little Swan? You forget that I had a wife once?”

  “And now you have another wife.”

  “Yes, for now, Molly is my wife.”

  Singing Bird faced him and looked into his eyes. “You have touched her the way a husband touches a wife. You have lain with her. I know this. She belongs to you now, son.”

  Kane closed his eyes. Yes, he had touched his wife. He had tried not to—tried to ignore the desire he felt for her. But Kane had no regrets. Not even now, as his mother made her point with him. He wanted Molly. He couldn’t deny it. There would be many nights to come where Kane would be alone, but for now and as long as Molly wanted him, he would make love to her. But he would not create a child. Yet, he couldn’t explain those intimate details with Singing Bird. Some things a man had to keep to himself. “It is hard to explain, Mother.”

  “Not so hard, Gray Wolf. It is clear to me. It is my son who does not see.”

  Hours later, Kane and Molly rode down the path leading back to the Bar J. In the distance Kane noted Mrs. Penelope Rose’s buggy leaving the house. Just leaving. Now, four hours after they’d left her with his grandfather.

  Bennett stood on the porch waving farewell. Kane glanced at Molly. She, too, had witnessed the exchange.

  “I thought Mrs. Rose came to see you this morning,” Kane said.

  Molly nodded. “And you, too. Remember, she brought us a ‘welcome home’ basket of treats.”

  “So what’s she still doing here?” Kane asked, as suspicion crept into his gut. Molly only shrugged. He hadn’t expected an answer from her.

  Kane and Molly approached the house. When Bennett spotted them, he turned around on the porch, heading inside the house.

  “Grandfather!”

  Bennett stopped and turned around slowly.

  Kane dismounted and, after helping Molly down from Sweet Pea both approached the porch.

  “Afternoon,” Bennett said, his eyes narrowing against the streaming sunlight. Kane couldn’t read much more in his expression.

  “That’s just it, Grandfather. It’s afternoon. What was Mrs. Rose still doing here?”

  Bennett slumped, his face paled and the coughing began.

  Molly rushed to his side, holding onto his arm. “Oh, dear. He’s having another attack. Get him some water, Kane.”

  Kane stood stock-still, watching his grandfather.

  “Kane, he needs water,” Molly scolded.

  Kane wasn’t sure what his grandfather needed at the moment, perhaps an alibi, but after several more seconds Kane entered the house and came out quickly with a glass of water. By that time, Molly had seated Bennett onto the porch chair and she continued to hover over him.

  Kane handed Bennett the glass of water.

  “Thank you, boy. Seems the worst is over now.” He sipped the water.

  Molly explained. “Your grandfather had an attack this morning and Mrs. Rose wouldn’t leave him until Lupe returned to the house.”

  “Where was Lupe?” Kane asked. These days, Lupe never left the ranch when Kane was off the property. She worried too much over Bennett.

  “I sent her over to the Wilkinsons’ place. Seems one of their young’uns took sick and Elena Wilkinson needed help, what with the five other children she’s got.”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you, Grandfather,” Molly said, glancing up to give Kane a sharp look.

  Kane twisted his mouth, ready to comment, but Molly shook her head and he thought better of saying something he might regret. The two had been alone in the ranch house all morning. And in truth, his grandfather’s illness seemed awfully convenient at times, but he’d keep that thought to himself for now.

  “I think you need to rest.” Molly put out her hand.

  Bennett rose slowly and took Molly’s hand.

  “Did you have a nice visit with Mrs. Rose?” Molly asked cheerily.

  He shrugged. “She chatters all the time.”

  “Still, I’m glad she stayed with you. It was nice of her.”

  “Yes,” Bennett agreed, “I didn’t say she wasn’t nice.”

  Kane watched as Molly helped his grandfather up the steps. “Kane, are you coming?” she asked, glancing back. “We need to settle him into his room.”

  Kane scratched his head, then bounded up the porch steps to take hold of his grandfather’s arm. “I’ve got him, Molly,” he said as he led him into the house and up the stairs.

  He heard her mutter quietly. “Well, it’s about time.”

  Kane entered the house before dusk, yanking off his hat and hanging it up on a hook in the kitchen. He’d been out on the range the entire afternoon, checking fences, watching the herd, and helping their cookie, Sully, make repairs on the chuck wagon. “Hola, Lupe.”

  “Senor Kane. I cook a nice meal for you tonight.”

  Kane nodded, looking at the spicy meal Lupe had in store for supper. Stomach grumbling, his mouth watered, and he could think of only one thing better than digging into Lupe’s fare. “Molly around?”

  “No, Senora Molly is up in her room. She has spent time with Senor Bennett, and now she rests.”

  Kane didn’t want to eat alone. Hell, he worked like a demon to get home early tonight.

  To see Molly.

  She’d been on his mind all day, and in truth he didn’t much like the power she had over him. He wanted her. He wanted to take her into his arms, make love to her and witness once again the lusty look of completion on her face when he brought her to pleasure.

  “Lupe, do me a favor?”

  Lupe nodded. “Qué?”

  “Make up a tray for Molly and me. I’m going to clean up and then bring the meal up to our room.”

  Lupe grinned, nodding. “Sí, sí. Senora Molly will like, no? And so will you, perhaps even more?”

  Kane grinned back. “Gracias, Lupe.”

  With that, Kane exited the hot kitchen, heading for the water barrel and looking forward to sharing a meal with Molly.

  And more.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kane held the tray in one hand, opened the bedroom door with the other and quietly walked into the room. He set the tray down on the nearby table then stood over Molly’s sleeping form. A mass of coppery curls spilled over her pillow, her face soft and serene in the setting light. She’d removed her dress and slept in a tangle of sheets in her thin chemise, the gauzy straps slipping down her shoulders, exposing her translucent skin. The tip of on
e small perfect breast peeked out, teasing, tempting and tormenting him.

  Kane swallowed down, his pulse escalating. He uttered a curse and turned to exit the room, leaving his sleeping wife in peace.

  “Kane?”

  At the sound of her voice, he pivoted around slowly to find Molly sitting up in bed, her hair loose and wispy around her face as she struggled to lift the straps of her undergarment. But Kane had already seen enough to set his nerves on edge.

  “Don’t go,” she said softly, blinking her eyes several times. “I’m awake now.”

  “I brought up supper.”

  “Oh, I guess I napped too long. Has everyone already eaten?”

  Kane shook his head. “No, but I thought we’d have the meal in here. Together.”

  Molly reached for her robe, setting her arms in the sleeves, and swung her legs off the bed. “Don’t be silly. I’ll get dressed and we’ll eat downstairs.”

  Kane walked over to the bed, sat down next to her and slipped her arms out of the robe. “There’s nothing silly about wanting some privacy.”

  “But where will we eat?”

  Kane gestured to the bed. Molly’s eyes grew wide as recognition dawned. “We’ll eat in bed.” Then her face contorted as she questioned him. “Won’t that be…difficult?”

  Kane shook his head. “Lupe made up a tray with everything we need.”

  He walked to his side of the bed and sat down, removing his boots and socks. Then he stood to unbutton his shirt and tossed it off. Next came his belt, and all the while Molly watched him. The unabashed look in her eyes made him ache. She followed his movements, her gaze sweeping over him like licking flames.

  Kane drew her into his arms, bringing her up on her knees to kiss her lips gently. “Are you hungry?”

  Molly glanced at the food and nodded. “It smells delicious.”

  Kane lifted up and brought the tray to the bed. He sat down again and spread out the small tablecloth Lupe had sent up. Setting down the tray, he sat cross-legged and Molly did the same. They ate from one big dish, facing each other and speaking of the day’s events. Molly enjoyed the food, relishing each bite. Kane couldn’t help noticing her expression as she chewed and swallowed, the look of sheer delight on her face. Kane had never enjoyed a meal more.

  “Kane, I was thinking,” she said, her eyes taking on a vibrant glow, “that maybe I could help you with the children.”

  Kane stopped eating. “What children?”

  Molly smiled. “The Cheyenne children, of course.”

  Skeptical, Kane asked, “What could you do?”

  Molly set down her fork and adjusted her position, leaning in slightly, hands in lap, her face animated and full of excitement. “I could teach them. We could set up a little school and I could teach them our language, how to read. There’s so much they could learn.”

  Kane shook his head. “No.”

  “No?” Molly frowned instantly, the glow in her eyes diminishing. She slumped back. “Why not?”

  Kane shook his head again and continued shaking it. “No, Molly. It wouldn’t work. You don’t know anything about them. They are different from—”

  “They’re not so different from white children. I saw them today, Kane. I know I could teach them. We could have morning sessions.”

  “No, Molly.”

  “But you claim you want to help them.”

  “I do,” Kane said, raising his voice. “But not your way. And you…you fear them. I saw it in your eyes today.”

  “Yes, I admit I was a little afraid, until I met them. Then I realized that they aren’t different from other children I’ve known. White or Indian, children are children. I’ve always yearned to teach, Kane. I think I’d be good at it. Perhaps if you trust me, the children would learn to trust me as well.”

  Kane tightened his lips. “Trust no longer comes easy for the Cheyenne.” And Kane thought about the time when Molly would leave the ranch. He thought of her reuniting with her brother. What would happen to her little school then? She would be here only a short while, giving the children hope, a taste of what they might have and then it would be time for Molly to leave.

  “Will you think about it?” Molly asked softly. “Please.”

  Kane relented, softening to her plea. “I’ll think about it.” But he wouldn’t change his mind.

  Molly loved Kane, but she didn’t love his stubborn nature. How could he not the see the benefits of teaching the children? He’d said himself he wanted to integrate them, maybe not into the outside world, but so that they may work alongside the others on the ranch. What better way to achieve that goal than by education? The more she thought about setting up a school for the children in the village, the more she wanted it.

  Molly took a bite of Lupe’s cornbread cake, the flavor pungent and sweet as it went down. Kane watched her as she chewed, his eyes no longer harsh from his refusal, but soft like molten silver. That look sent tingles to her toes. “Have some,” she said, breaking off a piece and lifting the cake to his mouth. He opened and accepted the cake, licking at her fingers. And when he finished chewing, he held her hand to his mouth and sucked on her fingers, taking one at a time, laving them with his tongue.

  Flames erupted inside her belly, the heat traveling lower creating an ache between her thighs. “Oh, Kane,” she sighed, and before she knew it, Kane had removed the tray of food and was beside her on the bed. Gently, and with little effort, he pulled down the straps of the chemise that she’d struggled with all evening to keep up. Exposed to him, he looked his fill, his hungry gaze devouring her.

  “So beautiful,” he whispered in a rough voice.

  And while he faced her, both on their knees, he flicked his thumb over one nipple and her whole body reacted, every nerve tightening with desperate need of him.

  “I like putting that look on your face, Little Bird.”

  Molly’s breaths grew rapid as he stroked her breasts, and when he brought his mouth down to suckle, heat whipped through her, a piercing arrow aimed straight toward her woman’s center. A pleasured moan escaped, “Kane.”

  He laid her down on the bed and kissed her, his body partway covering hers. He had yet to remove his trousers, but Molly felt his need, the powerful surging of his manhood. He wasted little time, his hand finding her heat. With deft fingers he stroked her, until she moved with his beat, lifting up, meeting him. He brought her body to the edge, where any moment she might slip off.

  “We’ll try something different tonight,” Kane whispered into her mouth. He lifted up, removed his trousers and lay down beside her.

  Even through the waning light, Molly saw his powerful erection, the silky fullness that displayed his magnificence. He helped her remove the chemise that had fallen to her hips, then he reached for her, lifting her up and over until she straddled him.

  “Take me in, Molly,” he beckoned, his voice hoarse.

  And she did. She took all of him, filling herself full.

  Kane groaned. “So good.”

  Molly sighed, the sensation bringing a new series of tingles, more powerful, more absorbing.

  “Now move on me, sweetheart. Any way you want.”

  Grateful for the dimming light, Molly blushed until she was sure she was tomato-red. This new position exposed her, making her more vulnerable, yet more powerful than anything she’d ever experienced in her life. “Oh, Kane.”

  Kane helped her. He placed both hands on her hips and set a slow grinding pace. She moved on him now, up and down, learning, testing, until she found her rhythm.

  Kane released her hips and brought his hands up, each thumb flicking the very tip of her breasts. She moved faster now, harder, pumping up and down, breathless, and it was difficult to tell whose moans grew the loudest, for Molly was deep in a world of her own. She threw her head back, riding the wave, immersed in pleasure almost too painful to bear.

  Her release came fast, but endured a long time. And when she finally looked down at her husband, his eyes were on her fill
ed with smoky heat.

  She fell onto his chest, exhausted, then rolled to her side. Kane had given her fulfillment. She reached out to him.

  She would do the same for him.

  And they would not create a child.

  Kane woke with Molly cradled in his arms. Morning sun streamed in, the bright light through the curtains making him squint. She stirred and turned in his arms. He held her as she lifted her lids, focusing her eyes only to smile at him.

  “Good morning,” she said.

  “Morning.”

  “Is it time to get up?”

  Kane shook his head. “There’s time. Rest some more.”

  Her curls fell loosely onto her face. Kane reached up to move her hair aside, putting the strands behind her ears. The bouncy curls refused to be tamed, falling forward again.

  Molly giggled.

  He frowned, not from disobedient hair, but from the dewy look in Molly’s eyes, the sexy way she peeked through that thick curtain of curls. He wanted her again. She was like an addiction he couldn’t quite control. Kane had given in to his weakness for her once and now it was as though he couldn’t stop.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, lifting up to a sitting position.

  “I have work to do. I must go.”

  Molly touched his arm and smiled. “Stay in bed a little longer.”

  He shook his head. “Molly, I can’t.”

  Her lips pursed into a delicate pout. “Can’t or won’t?”

  Kane kissed her deeply then looked straight into her eyes. He spoke slowly trying to get his meaning across. “If I stay, it won’t be to rest.”

  “But why?” she asked, and then it dawned on her. “Oh!”

  Kane hated leaving her. He wanted to snuggle in bed and make love again. “Get your rest. I’ll see you tonight.”

  When he swung his legs off the bed, Molly reached for him, speaking from behind. Her soft touch seared through his skin. “I’m not tired, Kane,” she whispered. “Not in the least.”