“We’ll have to get us a couple of wagons, then, once we kill those bastards and have that treasure all to ourselves.”
“Huh.” Colin pretended as if that was something he’d not thought about. “Yeah, you’re right. Where would we get wagons?”
“In Tahlequah. There’s a stagecoach trail you’d find, if you rode east for a time. Then it would be north into the town. Don’t have any idea how far, really. Won’t know till we find the gold.”
“And you said it wasn’t far from Tahlequah to St. Louis, Missouri?”
“No, it’s some distance—near to three hundred miles. But there’s a rail station that’s not that far—take you either to St. Louis or points west, depending.”
After all he’d endured, Colin felt confident that once he got to Tahlequah, he’d be able to hire the wagon and a guide. He’d have Bodine’s horse, and two horses ought to be able to pull a wagon filled with gold.
He kept his smile to himself and fell silent, his eyes on the trail and the ever sinking sun.
They smelled the fire first. Dusk had fallen, and with it, their ability to make out the trail. But the smell of a campfire spurred them on. They followed the scent onto a ridge. Here, the night air felt chillier and the slight breeze stiffer than it had been all day.
Bodine had pointed out the clouds to the west, remarked that it might rain that night. Colin didn’t care one bit about his comfort at this point. Nothing could stop him now, certainly not a little rain.
Bodine held his hand up. They were downwind from the whore and her guides, but Bodine kept his voice down anyway.
“This here ridge ends just yonder. Best if we go on foot, as I reckon we’ll see them as soon as we reach the edge of it.”
“Right.” Colin dismounted, tied off his horse. He followed Bodine and approached the edge of the cliff. While Bodine got down on his belly, Colin stayed back, waiting.
“Yep, that’s them. Don’t see no reason they’d be camping in a cave, but there they be.”
Cave. Some of the journal he’d read so many years ago came back to him then, and he knew why they were in the cave.
That’s where the gold had been hidden.
“So, where are we, exactly? Are we in any danger of being found out here easily by passersby?”
“Not likely. Nothing out this way much but rocks and ridges. I’d say the town’s due east, likely not even a full day’s ride from here.”
“Good, then,” Colin said.
“Just trying to see what those bastards are up to. It looks like they’re nekked.” Bodine’s words whispered, and Colin could see the man’s attention was riveted on the people less than a quarter mile away.
Colin looked around him and spotted what he wanted on the ground not three feet away from him. Bodine remained lying on his belly, his attention focused on the scene below.
He’s made it easy for me.
Colin picked up the rock and took the few steps necessary to bring him even with the outlaw.
Bodine must have sensed his presence, for he shook his head, but still didn’t take his eyes off the others.
“What in the Sam Hill you figure they’re all nekked for?”
Colin slammed the rock down on Bodine’s head with all his strength.
Bodine died silently, blood and gray matter oozing from his head.
Colin dragged him away from the edge of the ridge, out of the way, and returned to take his place.
One down, three to go.
He’d wait, let them sleep. Wait until nearly daybreak to make his move. He smiled, knowing his goal was within reach. That whore and her friends were going to go out with a bang, and they wouldn’t even know what happened till they faced each other in Hell.
Colin settled in to wait for the approach of dawn.
* * * *
Warren stretched out, supporting his weight on his elbows behind him, and watched his lovers. All three had chosen to leave their clothes off after their swim, giving themselves and their garments a chance to air out.
Night had fallen, and the fire cast a golden glow on Adam and Amanda and, he guessed, himself. He couldn’t remember ever feeling so relaxed or so aroused.
“I’m not going to spend another moment tonight thinking about that gold,” Amanda said.
They’d been discussing it, of course, and whether or not they’d be able to dig it out of the rubble—if indeed it was actually there.
“So what do you want to talk about instead?” Warren asked. Since his cock had stiffened and currently pointed at the clouds overhead, he thought the question almost rhetorical.
Amanda shot him a sly, teasing glance. Adam didn’t disguise his gaze. Warren felt his cock react to both lovers’ interest.
“How about we talk about what you would like to do about that loaded gun you’re carrying there, Lawyer Jessop?” Amanda asked.
Warren felt his grin widen. “Funny you should ask that, Miss Dupree. As it happens, there’s something I’ve wanted to do since the first time the three of us got together.”
“Name it,” Adam said.
Warren loved it when Adam’s voice took on that dry, husky tone. It meant he’d been aroused to the point of near madness. Warren could understand how he got into that condition. They’d not touched each other beyond the comforting these last two days. Both he and Amanda needed to make sure Adam’s injuries healed first.
Now, as Warren read the signs of growing need on them both, he felt his heart trip and his belly tighten. There were so many ways to arouse his lovers without even touching them. Warren used one of those methods now, his smile slow, his words soft.
“I want my mouth on your balls while you fuck Amanda. I want to taste you both at the same time, drink you both at the same time.”
The fire gave enough light Warren could see the effect his words had on them. Adam’s cock bobbed, and Amanda’s nipples tightened into sweet little buds.
“My God,” Amanda breathed. He knew his words would arouse her. She loved having his mouth—or Adam’s—on her cunny. Of course, she loved having their cocks inside her just as much.
They’d laid one of the blankets out by the fire. Warren got to his feet and went over to Amanda, offering her his hand. She gave it, and he pulled her up and into his arms.
He kissed her, his mouth ravenous on hers, his tongue sweeping and tasting every bit of her mouth. She wrapped her arms around him, bringing her body flush with his so that no air could get between them.
Adam came to them, pressed himself against her back, and with his hands, managed to stroke and arouse them both.
Warren released her and Adam turned her into his arms, fastened his mouth on hers. Warren moved, facing them both, so he could spread teasing kisses on their necks and tiny, tasting licks on their necks.
“It feels like it’s been forever,” Adam said.
“I know,” Amanda responded.
Amanda fisted his cock, and stroked it.
“You didn’t have to wait for me,” Adam said. His lips left Amanda’s and sought Warren’s.
Warren kissed his lover, the taste of him carrying a slight flavor of their woman, their combined essence feeding the deepest of needs.
“Yes, we did,” he answered when he drew back. “Another time, perhaps not. But neither of us could enjoy what we have together when you were hurting.”
“I love you.”
Because he was watching, he caught the slight flinch on Amanda’s face when Adam said that. And as he watched, she pushed away whatever thought had just threatened her.
“I love you both,” she said. “No matter what, never doubt that.”
There would be issues, Warren thought fleetingly, once this adventure they were on was done. Nothing he could do about that now. All he could do, all Adam could do, was offer everything and pray it would be enough.
Adam scooped Amanda into his arms and brought her down to the blanket. Though they’d never discussed how Warren would take and give what he wanted, Adam pul
led Amanda to her side, so they faced each other.
Warren reclined beside them, his head pointing in the opposite direction, and moved Amanda’s right leg so it draped Adam’s hip.
Reaching between his lovers, he caressed Adam’s cock, then moved it, putting it just where it needed to be. Then in one solid thrust Adam was inside her.
The scent of them together teased Warren’s appetite, fired his hunger. Placing soft kisses on Amanda’s bottom, using one hand to stroke Adam’s hip and ass, he maneuvered himself until he was flush against them, until he completed the circle the three of them had become together.
Soft kisses soon turned to lazy licks as Warren took in the flavor of Amanda, spiced with the scent of her juices as Adam fucked her in a slow, steady rhythm. Lost in them, needing more, he nuzzled her bottom, his tongue finding and seeking her tiny rosebud.
Amanda moaned and whimpered, and Warren pressed his hardened cock against her back, just below her neck, a gentle grind that sent shivers down his spine as his hot flesh slid against her soft skin.
Needing more, needing all, Warren bent forward and nuzzled them where they were joined. Their aroma intoxicated him. Humming his pleasure, he tasted them, using his tongue in broad, generous strokes to lap up every delicious drop of juice he could.
“Oh, God.” Adam’s oath touched Warren’s heart, his soul. Knowing he pleased both lovers, he opened his mouth, sucking their flesh, one arm thrown over them both, holding them both close for his intimate kisses.
A scream, sharp and feminine, rewarded him. Adam’s hips plundered, and then he held fast, and Warren drank their release, their flavor now one, and his forever. On and on, the spasms racked his lovers, and he held them, sipped them, reveled in their connection.
“Mother of God,” Adam said.
Harsh breathing filled the night as Warren slipped to his back, feeling sated and desperate for release at the same time.
He didn’t have to wait long. As if energized by the strength of their release, his lovers moved, touched and stroked and embraced him. Together, they used tongues and lips on him. Taking his cock into their mouths in turn, caressing and licking and then sucking his balls, Warren had no time to savor, to hold close the heady arousal they gave him.
His release exploded from him, an all-consuming white-hot fire of rapture that burned off all that had burdened him, all that had been dark and hurting within him.
Like a Phoenix. The thought slithered through his mind.
And then he was cocooned within the heat and the heart of his lovers, and he knew that somehow, he’d been made new and fresh and whole again.
Chapter 23
Adam came awake, every nerve ending in his body vibrating.
He blinked, took in the darkness that still blanketed them, a darkness that seemed just a little less intense than when they’d finally fallen asleep.
Without moving his body, he let his eyes scan their encampment. They lay together inside the mouth of the cave, having settled there after loving. The rain had held off, apparently, and the fire he’d banked just before rejoining his lovers still glowed in large embers.
Danger.
He listened, his senses sharp, but heard nothing. He could see nothing beyond the dull glow of the fire, for clouds had swallowed every hint of the moon and stars.
Adam couldn’t explain the sensation of impending doom, but he didn’t for one second question his instincts, or doubt them.
Quietly, he reached out, gently touching first Warren and then Amanda.
“Shh,” he warned. He waited until their eyes had opened, until they’d blinked away the sleep and met his gaze.
“Not a sound. Just move, slowly. Don’t stand, just roll toward the interior of the cave.”
Though he could see curiosity, even a touch of worry in his lovers’ eyes, they each nodded. Warren moved first, for they’d fallen asleep, as they often did, with Amanda cocooned between them.
Once Warren rolled past the cave opening, he stood. Because they’d been concerned there might be rain in the night, they’d each donned a little of their clothing. Warren stood in his drawers, and by the look of him, every sense he possessed had gone on alert.
Amanda moved next, not even making a sound when some of the small rocks that littered the cave floor dug into her barely-covered flesh. In short order, she joined Warren, and Adam smiled when Warren wrapped his arms around her from behind, replacing the warmth she’d just lost moving away from their bed. Her chemise covered her, but only came to just below her knees. He thought he could see her shivering and regretted the necessity that had forced her from the warmth of sleep.
Adam took his time. He’d slept in his trousers, with his Colt within easy reach. He took a moment to move the gun first, his motions slow, precise, so that he could roll to it. Working his way toward the others slowly, tucking the blankets into elongated heaps as he went, he prepared to join his lovers. Before rolling the last little bit, he made a quick check. They left their boots just inside the entrance to the cave, and he thought they might be able to grab them without alerting whoever was out there and coming toward them.
If they had to run, they’d best have something on their feet.
There was no doubt in Adam’s mind that someone was out there, a threat, and was approaching.
Amanda moved silently, putting her back to the cavern wall and inching forward until she could stretch out one slender hand and reach their footwear.
By the time Adam joined his lovers, she’d returned to Warren and had put on her own boots.
Adam nodded to let her know he appreciated her quick thinking. Once he had his boots on, he motioned them farther back into the cave. He put his finger to his lips and he saw by their expressions they understood.
Any talking, even whispers, could be amplified by the rock surrounding them and maybe alert their enemies.
They waited, still and silent. Adam strained to listen, and once or twice he thought he might have heard something.
Careful, cautious, he copied Amanda’s earlier movement and pressed himself against the wall, easing forward.
Breathing slowly, he prepared to inch that last little bit forward to risk a look outside, hoping to get an idea about what had set his senses screaming.
He found a notch in the rock and peered out.
At first he didn’t see anything. But then, slowly, a single shape seemed to form out of the faint, thinning darkness.
The man walked slowly, with purpose, toward their fire. At the edge of it he stopped, held something out and down to the embers, then looked up.
The expression in Baker’s eyes screamed madness, and Adam focused on what he had in his hand.
Realization hit, and Adam silently swore. Baker’s head wasn’t turned toward him, but toward the bedrolls.
Adam quickly tucked his Colt into the waist band of his pants. He only had one chance to get it right.
Launching himself at a dead run, he tackled Baker, knocking the now sizzling stick of dynamite out of his hand. They hit the ground hard, and Adam swung his right arm, hand fisted, aiming for the man’s face.
Baker growled and came up from the ground, throwing Adam off as he scrabbled and reached toward the dynamite.
Adam saw the wick still burned slowly, the sputtering fire inching toward the explosive. He kicked out, hard and fast, kicking the man in his thigh.
Baker stumbled and recovered, then shot his left hand out, a short, fast jab that caught Adam on the side of the head.
“I killed Gladstone and I’m going to kill you and his bastard!” Baker spat as he jumped on Adam, straddled him, and wrapped his hands around his neck.
Adam brought his hands up and grabbed Baker’s wrists. He pulled hard, putting every bit of strength he had into prying his attacker’s hands off his throat.
Baker lifted his hips from Adam for just a second and Adam brought his knee up, hard.
“Bastard!” Baker hissed in pain, but barely took a moment before raising his
right fist and bringing it down toward Adam’s head.
Adam jerked to the side, and Baker’s fist hit rocky ground. While Baker shook his hand, Adam heaved his hips and legs off the ground, caught Baker between his legs, and then wrapped his legs around the man, squeezing as hard as he could.
The sizzle and crackle of the burning wick sounded closer as Adam wrestled in the dirt, scrabbling for the advantage.
“Warren! Dynamite!” Adam gave in and yelled for help. He hoped to God Bodine wasn’t waiting beyond the fire’s light, ready to kill his lover.
“Jesus!” Warren cursed.
Baker screamed with rage, pulled back his fist and let it fly, this time catching Adam beside his nose in a punch so hard Adam saw stars.
“No!” Baker pushed himself up, spun and reached for his gun.
Adam shook his head, catching the tableau unfolding in a heartbeat. Warren stood on the other side of the fire, trying to tug the wick from the dynamite. Baker faced him, raising his arm, gun drawn. The sound of the weapon being cocked sounded like a crack of thunder.
Adam rolled, caught Baker behind the knees, pitching him forward. The gun fired and the shot went wide, the ping of a ricochet echoing as Baker shouted a curse and fell forward into the still burning embers.
Screaming, ablaze, Baker rolled clear of the embers, and raised his gun toward Adam.
Adam stared down the barrel of death and jerked when the gunshot exploded. He blinked, his mind slow to register that half of Baker’s head was gone.
Turning his gaze, he saw Warren, arm extended and gun still aimed at the dead man.
Adam collapsed back on the ground and tried to catch his breath. Warren came and squatted next to him.
“You all right?” Warren asked.
“Yeah. Fucking lunatic.”
Warren chuckled. “I take it you mean the man I just killed?”
“Yeah. Amanda?”
“Safe. You think Bodine’s out there?” Warren asked.
“Hasn’t fired at us,” Adam said. “But we should check it out.”
“Yeah.”
Warren stood and offered a hand to Adam, who took it. He let his lover pull him up and tried not to groan with pain as he moved.
Covington, Cara - Love Under Two Lawmen [The Lost Collection] (Siren Menage Everlasting) Page 19