Kiss Of The Night Wind

by Taylor, Janelle

  He replaced the top on the canteen and hung it over the saddle horn. “I know what I thought and felt when I saw it.”

  Carrie Sue met his engulfing gaze and asked, “What was that?”

  His smokey gray eyes enlivened as he grinned and eyed her head to foot. “How it didn’t do you justice. You’re one beautiful woman. I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since we met.”

  She smiled and asked, “Was that all that came to mind?”

  “Nope. I realized you were in deep trouble and would need my help to survive, if I could convince you to accept it. We’ve spent a lot of time together, Carrie Sue, and I think I know you by now. You may have done some things you’re wanted for, but not all of them, and not because you wanted to do any of them. Isn’t that right?”

  “I guess a man like you would know that half the stuff said and written about people like us isn’t true, or it’s greatly enlarged. It all started out so innocently, T.J. All I wanted was justice and revenge. The Hardings killed my parents and took our land, but the law didn’t do anything to them. I was bitter, and too young to know any better. So was Darby. Somewhere along the way, everything got out of control and there was no turning back. Twice before I tried to start fresh, but Quade’s detective always found me and sent me on the run again. Sometimes I wished it were over any way possible.” She leaned her head against the tree and closed her eyes to relax.

  T.J. observed her profile and mood. He hated tricking her like this, but it was necessary. He had sworn personal revenge on the Stover Gang, and it was his lawful mission to defeat them. To get to Darby and his men, he had to strengthen the bond between Carrie Sue and himself so she would trust him completely and lead him to those murderous bastards. If this beauty was telling the truth about her entanglement with her brother, he would try to find a way to help her when this matter was settled, though it wouldn’t be easy. After all, she was guilty, was an outlaw. If the crimes against the Hardings were the only ones involved, he wouldn’t have a problem getting her a pardon. There were countless other charges, including three murders he needed to avenge. He knew she hadn’t killed anyone, but she was an accomplice. She knew what those bastards were like, but she had stayed with them.

  T.J.’s keen gaze scanned the horizon in all directions. If anyone remembered this redhead on the stage, and who could forget a beauty like her, other men were probably on her trail right now. He had to be careful until those posters for her were withdrawn, if Joe could get them pulled out of circulation so he could do his job. But something else troubled him—her acting skills. He had fallen for her ruse just like everyone else, and she hadn’t confessed anything even after their passionate night, until today when she was forced to do so to escape. Even now, she was on guard, and that worried him. Had she tried to sneak out of town and lose him? To spare him from a criminal life because she loved him? Or to flee to her brother alone?

  He glanced in her direction and she appeared to be dozing. Lordy, she looked so innocent and vulnerable. But he had witnessed the spitfire in her and he was aware of her reputation. He had observed her skills and he knew a desperate person was the deadliest of all enemies. What if she was fooling him more than he was fooling her? What if she was suspicious of him and was pretending she wasn’t? What if she was letting him tag along only until she could elude him? Worse, maybe he was duping himself, being dreamy-eyed, because he wanted to believe her story, wanted to trust her, wanted to help her survive so he could have her later. But could he, after betraying her and using her? Would she be able to understand and forgive him?

  Carrie Sue sensed powerful emotions in the air. Now that she was on the trail again, her instincts were alive. Merciful Heavens, how she wanted and needed to believe T.J., but could she afford to do so? She felt guilty about making him prove himself, but her life depended on it. She sighed heavily and stretched.

  T.J. revealed, “I may as well confess something right now. Quade Harding is the man who had me barbwired to that tree. When he hears you’re with me, he’ll be furious. One day, I’m going to kill him. He’ll pay for what he did to both of us.” He smiled when she moved closer to him. “You know something strange? We have the same enemy and our lives have been similar. We both lost our parents and we both got into trouble, and we both wound up in the same place at the same time. It’s almost like some force has been pushing us toward each other.”

  “Maybe that’s why we find each other irresistible,” she jested.

  “Could be, woman. Let’s get moving before Shibell tracks us here.”

  They journeyed until it was nearly dark and made camp in a treed area near the bank of the San Pedro River, about six to ten miles north of the road between Dragoon Springs and Tucson. Fortunately, the river—which could often nearly dry up—was flowing tranquilly at this time of year. T.J. tended the horses while Carrie Sue built a small fire to prepare a meal of canned beans and coffee. The moment they were ready, Carrie Sue doused the fire.

  Along with the biscuits which Carrie Sue had sneaked from Mrs. Thayer’s kitchen on her way out, she and T.J. ate the simple beans and drank black coffee. For the first time, trail food didn’t seem so bad or—each decided—maybe it was the company they were with tonight. He washed the dishes in the river while she refilled their canteens. In case a swift start was needed, everything was repacked. The horses were nearby, watering and grazing contentedly, and the serene mood encompassed T.J. and Carrie Sue.

  “You want to take a swim and cool off before we turn in?”

  She smiled at him and answered, “I always say take advantage of water when you’re near it. We’ll probably sleep better afterwards.”

  T.J. grinned at her, a grin which said he had more in mind than a late night swim. “I’ll meet you in the water.”

  Carrie Sue knew what she wanted tonight, him, and she was quivering with anticipation. Maybe this situation was crazy and dangerous, but she had to have him! In view of her stormy existence, they could be parted or slain at any time. For now, for a while, she couldn’t leave him or resist him. Yes, that made her vulnerable, but she had to take this risk. She headed for the river’s edge and undressed near a tree. She knew, and so did he, that no one should ride by this spot this late at night. She stepped into the cool water and submerged her body to her neck. She liked the feel of the sand under her feet and the sensuous splashing of water against her bare flesh.

  T.J. surfaced before her, within inches of her body. She gasped in surprise and bolted upwards, the water striking her above her waist. Her eyes were transfixed on his handsome face where moonlight was playing over his solid features and enhancing his good looks. Just a glance from him seemed to awaken every sleeping emotion within her and whetted her appetite for the loving only he could give. His eyes seemed to burn into her very soul, into the core of her being, to ignite her senses into flaming desire. “I couldn’t tell you were there.”

  “Old Apache trick,” he jested with a devilish grin, his gaze caressing her as his hands yearned to do. She had really gotten to him and he ached to possess her. No blaze of passion could burn brighter or fiercer than his for her. She had kindled a flame within him the first moment he sighted her, and he doubted that the ensuing wildfire could ever be doused. But that was a problem he would deal with later. “You’re even more beautiful than I imagined you were beneath that simple dress at the home station.” His arms encircled her waist and he sank slightly in the water to nestle his right cheek against hers, crushing her supple curves against his broad chest. He closed his eyes and inhaled the sultry scent of her salty body. Except for her infamous reputation, he knew little, if anything, about this mysterious and irresistible vixen. He wanted and needed to know everything about her, but he had to move cautiously.

  Carrie Sue’s fingers came up to rest lightly on his shoulders. Her naked breasts pressed against his collarbone, her stomach snuggled to his taut abdomen. Despite the cooling water around them, she felt aflame with blazing desire. She trembled as his lip
s nibbled at her ear and trailed slowly across her jawline to her chin, before they sealed over her mouth. She had promised herself never to trust another man, not after her grim experiences with them. But how could she not trust this man she loved and craved? Merciful Heavens, could she even trust herself?

  They touched lightly, questioningly, leisurely. Their bodies ached to be joined, but neither wanted to rush this moment. His mouth was soft and smooth and stimulating as it claimed hers. They shared numerous kisses which increased their hunger. Their lips parted and they gazed at each other: hesitating, longing, burning.

  Her fingers slipped through his dripping hair, brushing it away from his face. His hair was full and thick, nape length, as black as a moonless midnight. Her eyes slid over his features, and her fingers followed the trail of her gaze, encouraging her lips to join the stirring journey. She felt him stiffen a moment, then relax as a moan escaped his throat. The midnight sun glowed on his torso and was reflected in his smokey gray eyes. He was like a wild stallion, an unbroken mustang, who allowed her to approach him and ride him. His frame was sleek and hard, yet supple. No ounce of extra fat detracted from his magnificent form. She traced the hairy path over his hard chest.

  T.J. pulled her toward him. He had to feel her, taste her, inhale her. She couldn’t be a vicious outlaw, not this proud and gentle creature. His mouth found her cheek first, then her lips, nibbling at them and mutely inviting her to do the same with his. His kisses were deep, greedy, pervading, and she responded in the same manner. His tongue enticed hers to mischievous play. His hands left her waist and drifted up her bare arms, delighting in the wet slipperiness which enlivened his senses. He sent them roaming over her shoulders and down her chest. Her wet skin was silky to his touch, responsive to him. His hand cupped her breasts and gently kneaded her taut nipples as his mouth labored tenderly down the silky column of her neck.

  A tingling chill raced up Carrie Sue’s back, which arched toward him when he lowered himself into the water so his mouth could taste the sweet rosy brown buds that were blooming beneath his toiling lips. His mouth seared over her tingling flesh with a white-hot heat which threatened to drive her mad. He was so warm and so tempting, so pervasive. His touch was tantalizing on her sensitive skin and it aroused every inch of her being. His tongue skillfully fluttered over her breasts like a delicate butterfly’s wings. His hands shifted to her buttocks and pulled her tightly against him. Her head was spinning with pleasure and happiness. Countless sensations washed over her. She felt hot as a boiling pot, taut as a calf-rope during branding, and as giddy as a child at Christmas.

  T.J. stood before her, eight inches taller than she was. His quivering hands untied the bandanna around her head and loosened her fiery mane. He spread the blazing glory around her shoulders and admired it as his fingers savored the texture. The flaming locks seemed to hint at Carrie Sue’s leashed sensuality, her fiery nature, her imprisoned soul, her secret self which had been jailed with all men except him. Only from love could she have given herself to him. Without a word, he lifted her in his strong arms and carried her to the blanket which he had spread for them before entering the water. He lay her on it and gazed down at her, his hungry eyes traveling her full length. She didn’t appear the least bit shy or inhibited with him. She reached for him and drew him down to her, boldly, possessively, enticingly. His heart pounded, sending fiery blood racing through his veins.

  T.J.’s mouth fastened to hers and his hips pressed against hers. Carrie Sue felt his manly hardness and it heightened her desire to feel him within her. His ebony hair fell forward and grazed her face. Beads of water dripped from him and trickled down her face into her hair. His caresses were amazingly soft, yet urgent. His respiration was erratic, and it excited her to know how aroused he was. She thrilled to his masterful touch, his titillating kisses, his caring mood. He gently stroked her breasts, then suckled them without mercy.

  Carrie Sue was breathing fast and shallow; her heart was thundering. His mouth and hands seemed to be everywhere at once and she was awash with searing passion. Stirring moans kept reaching her ears, some of them hers and some of them his. She pressed against his body; she clung to him; she ached for him to be inside of her. She shuddered, and so did he.

  The Texas Rogue entered her slowly and sensuously, and the blissful sensation tore away her light restraint as she gasped for undizzying air. She clutched at him savagely as he gently set his pattern and pace. It was as if they were melting into each other like slabs of butter beneath a hot sun. They were one, joined in spirit and need. Her head tossed and her body writhed as if she would perish if he didn’t feed her ravenous hunger soon. He moved deeper within her, his movements strong and skilled. The daring desperado caught his rhythm and responded feverishly.

  T.J. wanted to surrender himself to Carrie Sue’s spell, but he would lose all control if he didn’t concentrate. He pushed himself deep within her as the beautiful redhead wrapped her legs around him, pleading for a race to passion’s summit. Their bodies were locked together and moving rapturously as if one. He needed to withdraw a few minutes to cool his torrid flesh, but she wouldn’t release him even for a moment.

  Carrie Sue squirmed beneath her handsome Rogue as his lips brushed her breasts. She knew his restraint was stretched tightly, but she couldn’t control herself as he filled her with wonderful strokes. She clasped his head between her hands and lifted it, wanting to stare into those smokey depths when that special moment of ecstasy arrived. She fused her gaze to his, as snugly as her body was sealed to his. She smiled when he kissed the tip of her damp nose. Then, the explosion came, long, deep, achingly sweet, powerful.

  As she cried her victory aloud and meshed her mouth to his, his strokes became swifter and more forceful. His mouth feasted ravenously on hers as his body shuddered with his own release. His face moved to her neck as he gasped for air and continued his movements until he was fully sated. Her fingers stroked his dark, wet head and she smiled as she felt the throbbing pulsations cease within her.

  T.J. rolled to his back and carried her along with him. His breathing was labored and his body was drenched with sweat. He was totally exhausted, a wonderful and thrilling fatigue.

  Neither spoke nor moved as they shared the closeness of this serene aftermath. They listened to the songs of nocturnal insects and birds and the rush of the nearby river. They inhaled the sweet fragrances of the flowers that bloomed around them. The trees overhead were still, as no breeze stirred them at this peaceful moment. The night was cooling steadily, as was their flesh as it dried. Their respirations slowed to normal and their bodies relaxed fully.

  T.J. knew this proud woman couldn’t demand, and probably wouldn’t request, a commitment from him. Her hazardous existence didn’t lend itself to one. But she was the kind of strong woman who would not compromise over love, over trust. She would settle for nothing less than the one man who unleashed her inner soul and bound his heart to hers. When he stroked her silken body and experienced the overpowering force of their raging desire, he knew he was the one man who could earn her love and share it forever, even without marriage. He was the one man who could fulfill her, and she could do the same for him. But he was also the one man who could hurt her the worst, who could selfishly use and then cruelly destroy her.

  He couldn’t run away with her, no matter how badly he wanted her or how much he loved her. He couldn’t become a hunted man, always looking over his shoulder. He couldn’t let the Stover Gang continue their crimes, or get away with the murders of Arabella and Marie, or of Carolyn Starns and that Texas Ranger, a man he had known and worked with in the past. He had to stop them; he had to punish them. And this woman was the only path to victory.

  Carrie Sue sighed peacefully and sat up. She gazed down at T.J. who was resting with one hand behind his head. She smiled and said, “I’m going to take a bath and get dressed. It’s getting cool and we might have to take off in a hurry. I’ll be back shortly.”

  He caught her hand and ki
ssed her palm before letting her rise to leave his side. He watched her naked body as she headed for the river. A curious loneliness chewed at him. He closed his eyes and imagined his life without her, then dreamed of what it could be with her at his side forever. He had experienced so many bitter times. He had endured such misery and loneliness. He had been so empty, so hard, almost unfeeling in many ways. He had found his brother, only to lose him again before their reunion. He had lost Arabella and little Marie to brutal deaths. Now, he had found the one woman who could change his life, but he was going to lose her; it was inevitable. Bitterness attacked his gut. Why did that flaming redhead have to be Carrie Sue Stover? Why couldn’t she have been born Carolyn Starns? Why had taunting fate thrown them together after her life was ruined, when she had little hope for survival and freedom? Why couldn’t they have met years ago when her only criminal deeds were against Quade Harding?

  He wanted to help her, but how could he? She had dug a pit and cast herself inside, and he didn’t have a rope to haul her up with and couldn’t think of how or where to obtain one. What a stupid thing for a lawman to do, to fall in love with a fugitive!

  Catching the Stover Gang had seemed hopeless until he had met Darby’s sister. If he could spare Carrie Sue somehow, he wouldn’t use her to get at them. But he couldn’t pardon her or get her a pardon, not after the things she’d done; so he might as well let her unknowingly help him get his task done quickly. Maybe, in the eyes of the law, that would make up for some of the wicked things she’d done.

  He had come a long way from that quiet and terrified kid who had been kidnapped and half-raised by Apaches. He had come a long way from the white Apache warrior he had become before age thirteen. A boy grew up fast and hard under such harsh and demanding conditions, or he didn’t survive them. He had come a long way from that “half wild rogue” at an orphanage in a San Antonio mission. He had traveled even further than the tough and embittered youth who went off to war, where he met the man who had become President of the United States. His journey had carried him through days of trouble and into the jail from which he was rescued by President Grant and befriended by several unique lawmen. Their trust in him had changed him forever. He couldn’t look the other way when such malicious crimes had happened. He couldn’t betray Grant, McNelly, Collins, Peterson, Clarke, and others close to him. He couldn’t betray himself and what he knew was right and just, not for a woman he couldn’t have.