Passions Wild And Free

by Janelle Taylor

  “And I’m a greedy vixen,” she replied with a laugh.

  “Since it’s getting late, we’d better camp here for the night. You start supper while I take a look around,” he suggested happily.

  Randee watched him get up, rinse off in the nearby stream, and dress. She admired his lean, hard frame. He was so utterly enchanting, she couldn’t be blamed for her weakness for him. She liked the new glow in his eyes and the sunny smile on his lips. His expression was one of possessiveness, and that delighted her.

  Marsh glanced at her and said, “Up and dress, woman. I’m not about to leave you lying around like that to tempt any passerby to steal what’s mine. In case you don’t know it, I’m a selfish critter.”

  Randee grinned at him and obeyed, bathing and dressing quickly. As he mounted and left, she sighed dreamily. She liked this brave change in Marsh, one she shouldn’t point out to him.

  While Marsh scouted the area, Randee prepared their meal. They ate upon his return, gazing at each other across the campfire and smiling frequently. For the present, both were totally content. They made love again and slept peacefully on bedrolls, side by side.

  The following morning, Randee awakened to find Marsh resting on his side, propped up on one elbow, and watching her with a grin on his face. She smiled and asked merrily, “What are you looking at?”

  He bent over and kissed her nose before replying, “You, woman. You constantly intrigue me. I’ve never met any female with more passion and fire than you have.”

  “I hope that’s a compliment, Mr. Logan, because you taught me all I know, so far.”

  “I best remain your only teacher, woman, or …”

  “Or what, partner?” she asked, suppressing her laughter.

  “I’ll tan your hide,” he informed her with a chuckle.

  “Then, make sure you hold class often, so I won’t have to go looking for lessons and pleasures elsewhere.”

  “Is this often enough?” he inquired huskily as he rolled her onto her back and moved atop her, sealing their lips. …

  Following a late start that day because of a lusty bout of lovemaking, they rode at a swifter pace, with few stops, in order to make camp that night at a lake not far from Brownwood.

  As they ate supper, Marsh told her, “I didn’t want to get into town after dark, so we’ll ride in tomorrow and check things over.”

  “Don’t forget, you promised we could have our washing done and sleep in a real bed.”

  “So I did,” he replied, and caressed her cheek. “To prevent gossip and trouble, we’ll need to take separate rooms at the hotel.”

  “Separate rooms?” she echoed in disappointment.

  “Don’t fret, my hot-blooded vixen, I’ll sneak into your room after dark. Frankly, I’m getting used to sleeping with you and I like it.”

  “So do I,” she readily admitted, delighted that he could.

  “But tonight, we’d best stick to our own bedrolls. We’re close to town and somebody could drop by.”

  They had made love twice yesterday and once this morning, so it wouldn’t be so difficult to refrain tonight. “Does that mean no swim and bath?” she asked.

  “Let’s not take any chances tonight. I wouldn’t want to call attention to us by having to kill some lusty intruder who couldn’t resist you. I’ll get you one at the hotel tomorrow.”

  “I suppose we should turn in. We have a busy day ahead.”

  Marsh embraced her and kissed her, then tucked her in for the night. “Sleep well, Randee, I’ll be nearby.”

  How she longed to say, “I love you,” but it was unwise. “Good night, Marsh,” she murmured, her tone and gaze filled with the emotion that she didn’t give voice to.

  At dawn on Tuesday, there was another brutal raid on a ranch just below Fort Richardson, the first one since the attack on Friday above Fort Worth.

  They reached Brownwood before noon and headed for the hotel. Marsh said, “I’ll get you registered and carry our things to our rooms. Then I’ll take the horses to the stable.”

  “What’s our story, if anyone asks?” she inquired cautiously.

  “I’ll register as Marsh Logan and you’ll be my cousin Randee Logan. We’re heading for Austin to make a cattle deal. Hopefully we won’t attract too much attention.”

  “Maybe you’ll go unnoticed because Durango doesn’t normally travel with a companion, particularly a woman.”

  Marsh looked as if he was about to say something, but changed his mind. “Is there a problem?” she asked.

  Marsh hated lying to her, especially now, but he couldn’t reveal himself to her. “If I get into any trouble here, get out of town fast and meet me back at the lake.”

  “You will be careful, won’t you?”

  “I promise to behave myself,” he teased to relax her.

  The town was quiet on a Tuesday morning. Yet, those who were around noticed the arrival of the beautiful woman and the gunslinger. Marsh’s profession was readily noted from the way in which he wore his guns and carried himself. They halted before the hotel and dismounted, then collected their belongings and entered the clean structure.

  After signing up for two rooms, Marsh carried their possessions upstairs and left them there. He had paid for Randee to have a bath and food brought to her room, and for a local laundress to come over to pick up their dirty clothes for washing and ironing.’

  He tied his garments in a bundle and left them with Randee. “I’ll see to the horses. Then I’ll get a bath and a shave, maybe get this hair trimmed if I like the looks of their barber. It makes me nervous for anyone but me to get near this neck with a sharp blade. I’ll join you for supper at six. Get some rest and do whatever chores you women usually do while men are out.”

  “Yes, sir, Cousin Marsh. You want me to meet you downstairs?”

  “At six sharp, woman, and don’t be late this time,” he jested.

  After the laundress departed with a promise to return their clothes the next morning, Randee eagerly devoured the delicious meal which she was served. Later, a large tub was brought to her room and filled with warm water. Randee locked her door, stripped, and stepped into the inviting tub. She used the fragrant soap, which her uncle had purchased for her, and scrubbed with delight. When her hair and body were clean, she dried them and wrapped a bath sheet around herself while she worked with her hair, plaiting it for waves and fullness. Anticipating a lively night in Marsh’s arms, Randee stretched out on her bed and took a nap.

  After leaving their horses at the livery stable, Marsh had his shave, haircut, and bath. Then, he dressed in clean clothes: a powder-blue shirt and dark pants. The ebony-haired man picked up a telegram, then returned to his room to read it. He was not surprised to learn that a large company was indeed purchasing many of the ranches which had been terrorized by the Epson Gang. Located in Fort Worth, the Mid-Texas Land Company was run by a lawyer named George Light, but the “owners” and their plans were confidential. Marsh’s contact— Willard Mason— said he would keep working on their identities, but was unsure of how to obtain them from the tight-lipped lawyer.

  Marsh wrote a letter to his contact in Fort Worth, as he didn’t want such news put into a telegram, which could be intercepted more easily than a sealed letter. He requested that a U.S. Marshal Foley Timms be checked out, and also asked that any available information on Quantrill’s Raiders be gathered and held for him. He said he would arrive in Fort Worth in seven to ten days. He also requested that a map be drawn up showing the locations of the land company’s purchases.

  Marsh walked to the stage office and paid for the letter to be delivered to Fort Worth. When he heard talk about the destruction of the Red River Station, he decided this was a good time to share that news with Randee, leading her to believe he had just learned about it. He no longer felt … threatened by Brody Wade’s hold over her, and revealing this information now could prevent trouble between them later. He hoped Randee would keep her word about no pressure on him until he could work
out some details in his life, if he survived this mission.

  Marsh sat at the table, drinking coffee and wondering what was keeping Randee. Surely he had given her plenty of time for her chores. He had told her to meet him at six sharp, and it was nearing six thirty. Crazy thoughts raced through his worried mind. Had she decided to end their partnership and drop him? Was she still upstairs? Was she afraid to be seen with the “Durango Kid”? Had this whole situation been a clever trap set for him by those devious State Police, who didn’t want anybody exposing them? No, there was no way anyone could know his real identity. Yet, Randee Hollis was a highly skilled expert for a Kansas farm girl, and that daring notice in the newspaper …

  “Don’t beat me, Cousin Marsh, but I fell asleep. That bed was so comfortable, I couldn’t resist trying it out,” Randee quickly explained her tardy arrival. “I’m sorry.”

  Marsh looked at the exquisite creature before him. She was the perfect image of innocence and beauty. She was wearing the dress she’d had on when he’d retrieved her from the stage. It was a little rumpled, but she looked breathtaking. Randee leaned forward to whisper, “If you don’t stop staring at me like that, Mr. Logan, someone will suspect a shameful secret about us. They’ll probably tar and feather two cousins who bed down together.”

  Marsh chuckled, rose, and seated her politely. He bent over to whisper in return, “Then, don’t look good enough to eat when a man’s starving. I was getting worried about you.”

  As he reclaimed his seat next to hers, she smiled and teased softly, “Good, ‘cause that means you missed me. Tell me all the news.”

  “Later, when we have privacy.” When she smiled eagerly, he playfully warned, “Behave yourself, woman, because we’re attracting too many stares. Or I should say, you are.”

  “Let’s not be ornery because we didn’t get a nap, too,” she teased.

  “That isn’t the reason for this nasty mood. I warned you long ago, men do crazy things when they get jealous.”

  As she shook her napkin and placed it in her lap, she replied softly, “Then, don’t get jealous. After all, you have no reason to.”

  “Are you sure about that? It seems there’s a respectable sheriff waiting for your return with hopes of marrying you.”

  Randee glanced at him oddly and her smile faded. “Are you trying to ruin my supper even before it’s served? Forget about Brody.”

  “Sorry, Randee, that was naughty of me. I’ll explain later.”

  Randee leaned toward him and said almost inaudibly, “Listen to me, Marsh Logan; you don’t have anything to worry about where other men are concerned. I’m yours for the taking, any time and any place, and for as long as you want me. Is that clear?”

  Marsh smiled and said, “As clear as new glass, Cousin Randee.”

  Their food was ordered and brought to their table by a middle-aged woman in a drab cotton dress. Eating silenced them for a while, and both savored the tasty fare, including a berry pie.

  After their highly pleasing meal, ‘Marsh suggested they take a leisurely walk to appear like normal guests. Randee accepted his arm, and they strolled down one side of the street and up the other. She felt the taut alertness in the man beside her, although he appeared perfectly relaxed to everyone they encountered. She noticed how the men eyed his strapped-down holsters and seemed to cringe in fear, and how the women eyed his handsome face and flushed with undisguised desire. The neat, clean-shaven rogue tipped his hat, smiled, and spoke to everyone they met during their walk.

  When no one was around, she asked, “What are you up to?”

  Marsh glanced at her and asked innocently, “What do you mean?”

  “Don’t pretend with me, Marsh Logan; I know you too well.”

  He chuckled heartily and said, “Checking over the layout for my business tonight. You remember, pick up a little dynamite?”

  “What time and where do we strike?” she asked.

  “Not we, me,” he corrected her. “I can get in and out quicker and safer alone. I’ll come to your room after it’s done.”

  Randee knew it was useless to argue his valid point, so she nodded acceptance of it. It was nearly dark by the time they reached the hotel and went to their separate rooms.

  It seemed like hours passed as the nervous blonde awaited her lover’s arrival. She wished she had asked him what time he was going to pull off his theft, so she wouldn’t worry unnecessarily. The moon was just leaving its full stage, so it was still bright outside. As she anxiously paced her room, Randee hoped he was dressed in his black outfit so he couldn’t be sighted easily during his … crime. She wondered what she would do if anything happened to Marsh, as she had been the one to suggest using dynamite to compensate for their being outnumbered.

  She brushed her long hair again and fluffed it around her shoulders. She was wearing her last clean gown, but she wished it were prettier. Perhaps she could buy a lovely one before leaving town tomorrow. “Don’t be silly, girl,” she said to herself, “that would surely give you two away.”

  Randee scolded herself for fretting constantly, as Marsh Logan was the Durango Kid, a man with matchless skills and prowess, a man who couldn’t get caught during a simple robbery in a small town! She dabbed on more of the enticing cologne from her bag, and sprinkled some on the bed covers and pillows. Noting the late hour, she wisely doused the lanterns and forced herself to sit down, as her pacing might be heard below. Soon, she heard several gunshots and stiffened. She trembled and her breathing grew erratic. Quickly, she cautioned herself to calm down, or Marsh would arrive to see her panicky again.

  An hour went by, and no Marsh. Randee peered outside, but could see nothing because her room was on the side of the hotel and a view of the front street was impossible. She dared not pace and make the floor squeak, but her nerves were shattered by fear. She prayed for Marsh’s survival. Maybe he had been forced to make a run for it. He had told her to meet him at the lake if trouble arose.

  What if she couldn’t? What if they came and arrested her because she had entered town with him? She would never betray him to the law, even if they beat her or threatened to hang her! Would Marsh try to rescue her? What if they were both captured? They had promised not to endanger each other, but would either of them keep that hasty vow?

  More time passed, and Randee knew that Marsh should have returned by now. It was almost two o’clock in the morning. She couldn’t get those gunshots out of her mind. What if he was injured badly or … ?

  “I love you, Marsh Logan. Don’t you go and die on me.” She sat on the tiny sofa with her arms wrapped around her updrawn knees and with her chin propped on them. She closed her eyes and prayed, Please, Marsh, come back to me safe and sound.

  Chapter Eleven

  Randee jumped when a hand nudged her and a voice whispered, “You can stop worrying, partner. I’m home without a single scratch.”

  Randee lifted her head and stared into the darkness, desperately needing to see for herself that he was all right. She laughed softly to conceal her quavering voice and murmured, “How do you do that? I didn’t hear a thing.”

  Marsh sat down beside her and drew her into his arms. He noticed her trembling; yet, he teased, “Probably because you were dozing, when I thought you’d be pacing the room with worry.”

  Randee cuddled against him. “I was, until I realized how much noise I was making on this creaky floor. If anyone’s below me, they would think it odd, don’t you imagine? Are you sure you’re all right? I heard gunshots hours ago. And yes, I panicked.”

  Marsh stroked her silky hair as he explained, “I’m fine, honestly. I was just delayed by a few helpers who decided to rob that merchant on the same night I had chosen. I barely sneaked away before they awoke the guard outside. It seems he’s been robbed lots lately and was prepared for trouble tonight. I got in and out fine, but those other fellas didn’t fare so well. That shooting rousted the sheriff and deputy, so I had to hide until they ceased their search. It would have been difficult to ex
plain what a stranger was doing on the street after midnight, and following a robbery. I’ve got the dynamite concealed outside of town. We’ll pick it up as we’re leaving. I even left him money to pay for it, but I imagine those bumbling fools took it.”

  “Why would you do that?” she asked, mystified.

  He playfully tugged on a lock of tawny hair as he replied, “I’m a gunslinger, woman, not a thief..I was merely making a late-night purchase, one I didn’t want to explain to that merchant.”

  “Thanks, Marsh,” she whispered, snuggling closer to him.

  Marsh didn’t have to ask why. He knew. “I’m sure you’re exhausted. Do you know what time it is?”

  “Past time for my loyal and talented employee to fulfill his duty to me,” she merrily quipped. “I had a nap, remember? If you’re too …”

  Marsh silenced her with a ravenous kiss and tight squeeze. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He stood her beside it and removed her nightgown before laying her down. Quickly, he removed his ebony garments and joined her.

  They laughed softly as the bedsprings squeaked and the floor creaked. “Sounds like we’ll have to be real careful tonight.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re missing the wide open spaces and all that privacy?” he teased, kissing her ear and tickling her ribs.

  While suppressing her giggles, she jerked to and fro as she tried to capture his mischievous hands. “Stop that, Marsh, or we’ll have our neighbor below complaining.”

  “About squeaking bedsprings? You could be having a restless night,” he murmured, then sensuously assailed her ear and throat.

  “If he’s over sixteen, he’ll recognize a certain pattern.”

  “Randee Hollis, what a wicked mind you have,” he roguishly accused, then caressed her from neck to thigh.

  “It’s all your fault, Marsh Logan; you’re a bad influence on an innocent lass.”

  “Am I now?” he queried, tickling her again.

  “Yes, you are, and I love every minute of it, except this one.”