Marsh ceased his sport and began to press kisses over her satiny skin. “How about this one?” he asked, his mouth and hands roaming her body freely and wildly.
Randee thrashed upon the bed, driven mindless by his lips and fingers. Suddenly she didn’t care how much noise the bed and floor made. She allowed Marsh to do anything he pleased, because everything he did pleased her. She felt totally uninhibited, utterly responsive, and blissfully receptive to this man whom she loved and desired passionately.
Every time Marsh made love to Randee, he enjoyed it more, even though each experience seemed the ultimate in lovemaking. In the past, taking a woman just once had satisfied his desire for that female. But with Randee Hollis, he couldn’t seem to have her enough, or have enough of her. It was as if she gave him matchless pleasure and total satisfaction; yet, each union only increased his desire for her, like some magical potion that whet his appetite for a treat he could never devour completely, for which he could never sate his hunger.
Randee’s senses spun dizzily as Marsh lovingly labored on her body, stimulating her in ways he hadn’t used before… . Every time they fused their passions, she couldn’t imagine anything feeling better than the past union of bodies and spirits; yet, each time was more wonderful than the last. How could she absorb more pleasure without bursting with joy and rapture? What Marsh was doing now with his hands and lips was causing colorful stars to dance happily before her closed eyes. She loved this man deeply, in and out of bed, and she could not imagine her life without him.
Marsh was starving for her, but her responses were entreating him onward to explore bolder ground with her before feasting greedily at her banquet table. She smelled like wildflowers. She was as soft as costly silk. She tasted like honey, all over. She was driving him mad with the urge to take her wildly and freely. She was a wanton innocent, who stirred his blood more fiercely than any challenge had.
He entered her masterfully, and she locked him within the demanding embrace of her legs. With tantalizing slowness, to avoid that noisy, telltale pattern she had teased about earlier, he entered and withdrew from her beckoning paradise over and over again. She was right; he shouldn’t be jealous of other men, of Brody Wade. She could never respond to another man as she was responding to him, never. Surely this experience had to be as unique, as powerful, as overwhelming, as enchanting for her, as it was for him.
Suddenly his manhood erupted in a frenzy and he feared that his loss of concentration and self-control had denied her a similar release. He didn’t have to worry, because she was clinging to him as ecstasy consumed her from head to foot. Grasping her level of victory, he surged forward and conquered any lingering restraint. On and on they rode passion’s crest together, as if this blissful moment would never end. But, soon, the golden aftermath engulfed them and brought them tenderly back to reality, like a gentle bird returning them from paradise.
Marsh kept kissing her until she was breathless, as if he were drinking life-giving liquid from her lips. She wondered if he realized what his behavior was revealing to her. Obviously not, or he might cease it. She cuddled into his arms and sighed tranquilly.
As they rested in each other’s embrace following their blissful exertions, Marsh entreated, “Don’t write to your mother just yet. She’ll get more worried and come looking for you, or send someone to do it for her. We can’t afford any intrusion at this point. Agreed?”
Randee’s heart thumped madly as she read between the lines of his sentences: he wanted and needed more time alone with her to study his feelings. “Don’t worry, Marsh, I can’t write to my mother. If I do, my stepfather will come looking for me, and he’s the last person I ever want to see again. I have to tell you why I left home, but please don’t judge me too harshly,” she implored, then slowly related what had taken place in Kansas.
She continued in a ragged voice, “I despise him, and one day I’m going to kill him. If you’re not tired of me when this task is over, I’d like to hire you to help me rescue my mother from that beast. I’ll pay you whatever I can. I still have money left over from the Carsons.”
When Marsh remained silent and rigid, Randee worried that her story had filled him with disgust for her weakness. “Maybe I’m to blame. If I hadn’t been such a coward for so long, he wouldn’t have gotten such a grip on …”
Marsh rolled atop her and cut off her remaining words with a pervasive kiss. “Don’t you ever blame yourself again, woman. If you’d tried to battle a bastard like that, you and your mother would be dead. If we live through this mess here, I’ll get him for you, him and his men.”
Randee hugged him tightly, and tears of relief slipped from her eyes. Marsh wiped them away gently and kissed each misty eye. “The Carsons lied about my whereabouts to protect me. They took me in and treated me like their own child. I owe them, Marsh; that’s why I have to avenge their murders. It was a difficult journey to Texas alone, but I made it just fine. I used every trick my father had taught me about concealing my trail. If Payton had suspected where I was, he would have come after me before now. The trouble is, once Payton learns about the Carsons’ deaths, he’ll try to take over their ranch, or sell it. I can’t let him do that; I have to stop him. The good part is, as long as everyone in Wadesville thinks I’m the heir, they won’t go looking for another one. That gives me time to … I don’t know what.”
“Then, we have an unexpected problem,” he hinted.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
Marsh told her about the stage attack by Indians. Thank goodness, he could say truthfully, “They were talking about it when I was in the stage office to mail a letter to my friend in Fort Worth. I’m sure Brody Wade knows you’re missing by now.”
“You don’t think he believes I’m dead, do you?”
“I hope not, and I doubt it. Since the women were captured and the Army’s after them, he’s probably waiting around for your rescue. He knows you’re strong and brave. When we get near Wadesville in a few days, I’ll go into town to collect those rewards and see what I can learn. I don’t want you showing your face unless it’s necessary.”
Randee hoped his highest motive was to keep her away from Brody out of jealousy. To find out, she teased, “Is that why you were so nasty at supper, afraid I’d insist on relieving Brody’s worries by riding headlong for Wadesville?”
“The thought entered my mind,” he admitted after a chuckle.
“Don’t worry, partner, I’ll follow your orders.”
“Thanks, woman. We’ll take our chances that Brody won’t go looking for any Carson kinfolk for a while.” Marsh didn’t hesitate before adding, “In case that Payton bastard and his men come looking for you, stick real close to me. I won’t let them steal you or harm you.”
Randee was thrilled to hear that news, that he had another reason for keeping her around a long time and that he was so protective and possessive. Marsh knew she had no place to go except the ranch, and Payton could locate her there. She was glad she had revealed her past to him tonight. “I’m glad you understand what I told you and why I was keeping it a secret. I was so ashamed.”
“You have no reason to feel guilty or embarrassed, woman. You were caught in a trap, and you freed yourself as soon as it was safe for everybody concerned. I like the way you reason things out and use self-control. Frankly, I’m glad that bastard drove you to Texas so we could meet. Where would I be without my talented partner?”
Randee’s heart was touched by how easily he related his feelings. Surely. it meant he was opening up to her, softening his heart, trusting her. Surely they both realized how special they were to each other, even without commitments between them.
After his confession, Marsh’s keen mind warned him of his slip. He couldn’t let them get too close just yet, not with this hazardous mission still looming over their heads like a ravenous vulture who was waiting for them to die. Yet, it was becoming too easy to be totally relaxed around her. He had to keep his head clear! It was good to have this
insight into Randee Hollis. She was strong because of all she had endured and because of what her father had ingrained in her. She could stand as tall and straight as any man, and he was proud of her. Somehow, he had to slay that bastard for daring to touch and terrify this special creature who was stealing his heart and wits!
But right now, he had to slow down this runaway relationship. He murmured in her ear, “I was born a rambling rogue with dust in my veins, so I’ll need a good challenge after this one’s over. I’ll go to Kansas with you later, and rid your home of that sorry piece of manhood. I’m sure your mother will be overjoyed to get you back home again, especially with a new baby to tend. She’ll need help with the chores, and you know a lot about ranching. You two won’t have any trouble after he’s dead. Of course, you two might prefer to take over the Carson Ranch; it is one of the best spreads in Texas.”
In her mind, Randee heard Marsh close the carelessly opened door between them as he panicked after his revelation. It wasn’t unexpected, but at least he was opening it a crack here and there, and that gave her hope that it would remain open one day. “I’ll pay you well for your time and trouble, Marsh, and I’ll be grateful for the help. But I want you to find a safe way to get rid of him; I don’t want you getting into any trouble because of me. Maybe you can use your earnings to start up your ranch again one day.”
Marsh chuckled. “Me, become a rancher or a farmer? I left that life behind long ago, Randee. I was born to wander, woman. At heart, I’m a restless man, a carefree adventurer.”
She tickled his stomach as she replied with a lightheartedness that she didn’t feel, “I know, Durango, but times change. You’ll get old and tired eventually and need a safe place to rest.”
He jested unwisely, “If I live long enough.”
Randee smacked his chest with her fist and ordered gruffly, “Don’t ever say that again, Marsh Logan! You’re too smart and fast to get killed before you get out of this dangerous existence you love.” Here was a man who thought he had everything he wanted and needed: youth, good looks, prowess, freedom, money, jobs of his choice and timing, a legendary reputation, and valuable land. Why should he want to complicate such a carefree and satisfying existence by taking on a wife, or a full-time lover? How could she prove to him that he needed one more thing to complete his life and happiness?
Marsh changed the topic by revealing, “I did get some news today. There’s a rich group in Fort Worth buying up most of those spreads, the Mid-Texas Company. My friend couldn’t find out who owns it or what they want with so much land, but he’s still working on it. A lawyer named George Light referred to the owners as “them,” so there must be more than one behind those curious purchases. That letter I sent out today asked my contact to see what he can learn about Foley Timms and Quantrill’s Raiders. Hopefully he’ll have some facts for us when we reach Fort Worth next week.”
“If we can unmask an illegal land grab, maybe we can stop these killings without having to challenge that gang face to face.”
“They still have to be killed or captured, Randee. Stopping their raids is only part of my mission. They have to pay for their crimes.”
“You sound more like a marshal than a hired gunslinger,” she jested. “But you’re right; they have to be punished, all of them.”
“You know you can quit any time you want out, Randee, and I’ll finish this task for us. I don’t want you getting hurt or slain.”
“That’s very considerate of you, Mr. Logan, but I’m along for the entire ride. You might need someone to protect your backside.”
“Right now, I’m more concerned with my frontside,” he said huskily, then began making love to her for the second time that night.
Marsh was gone when Randee awoke. She sponged,” off, using the water bowl and pitcher in her room, then. dressed. Shortly, the laundress arrived to deliver theirclean clothes. Randee placed Marsh’s things on her bed and packed her own garments. She knocked on Marsh’s door, but there was no answer. Hungry, she went downstairs to see if he was waiting there for her. He wasn’t, so she sat down to eat alone. He had probably eaten earlier and was out gathering information.
Just as she finished her meal, she noticed people gathering along the wooden sidewalk outside the restaurant windows. She paid for the food and headed for “the hotel door to check on the excitement. Her heart nearly stopped in panic. Two men were standing in the dirt street, preparing for a duel, and one was Marsh Logan… .
Randee moved back inside to the window, as she didn’t want to distract her love with her fear and presence. She glued her wide eyes to the awesome scene before her. She felt nauseous with alarm, and she was trembling. Her entire body felt cold and numb, like death. She watched Marsh closely, noting the signs of a skilled gunfighter: his agile walk, his controlled stance, his confident expression, his keen alertness, and the way he wore his guns strapped to muscled thighs. His hat was resting on his back, allowing everyone to see his ice-blue eyes, which revealed a steely calm. Marsh exuded prowess. No hint of fear showed itself in his carriage or looks. He was dressed in that snug and sexy black garb, and his jawline was dark with stubble. His body was loose, as if he didn’t have a care or worry. He was intimidating, a sight to strike terror in the heart of the bravest man. She wondered why any man would recklessly challenge him and invite certain death.
Randee glanced at Marsh’s challenger, and knew this battle could have only one ending. Even at a distance, she read fear and uncertainty in the young man’s body movements and expression. That man was nervous, and stupid to challenge the Durango Kid. She saw him finger his gun butt, as he was wearing only one pistol, whereas Marsh had two. He was wearing a hat that was slanted downward to block out the sun, which he was facing, another mistake on his part.
The tension mounted as each of the two opponents seemingly waited for the other to make the first move. The witnesses were still and quiet. An eerie silence surrounded the entire scene, perhaps because death hung heavy in the still air.
Marsh called out in a steady voice, “It doesn’t have to be this way, boy. You can step off the street as easily as you stepped onto it. This day is too pretty for dying, and you don’t stand a chance of beating me to the draw. Go home, boy; I don’t want to kill you.”
Suddenly, Randee’s heart lurched as another man stepped into the street and took his place at the challenger’s side. She wanted to race upstairs and fetch her guns to help Marsh, but there was no time. All she could do was observe the deadly drama being played out in Brownwood. Her respiration came in short, shallow gasps. Her mouth was dry, and she could, hardly swallow. Her heart was thudding so forcefully that she wondered why” it didn’t explode within her chest.
“Come on, Durango, you can take both of us, can’t you?” the second man taunted to unsettle the fearless man in black.
Randee glared at the two killers whom she recognized from the raid at the Carson Ranch. Randee stared at Marsh and wondered why he needed her along to identify the gang if he could do so … .
The confrontation came to an end. Guns were drawn and shots were fired, and the two men opposite Marsh lay dead on one end of the dusty street. Marsh casually holstered his weapons, put on his hat, and walked toward the hotel. The crowd rushed into the street and surrounded the challengers, laughing and chatting excitedly.
Randee turned and fled to her room, locking the door behind her for some reason. She sat on the edge of the sofa and stared at the floor. She had never seen a man move as swiftly and nimbly as Marsh had. Those two men had about as much of a chance at victory as an icicle beneath a blazing sun! She had heard how skilled he was, but now she had witnessed it, and was still amazed.
Reality settled in on her. The man she loved and was traveling with was a … No, her mind argued, refusing to even think the terrible word. Yet, she could still see him in her mind’s eye: poised confidently and nonchalantly as he waited to slay two men who never stood a chance against his superior skills. Would it be this way in every
town they entered? How many men had he slain? How many more gunfights before Marsh was the one lying dead in the street, with insensitive people crowding around him to view his famous body? Could she hang around until that grim day?
She jumped up to pace the floor, unable to think along those heart-wrenching lines. Did it matter that he had tried to dissuade them from attacking? Did it matter that they wouldn’t allow Mar … the Durango Kid to leave without battling them? Did it matter that they were killers with the Epson Gang? Yes, it mattered greatly.
There was a knock on her door and she knew it was Marsh. She turned and looked at the barrier between them, realizing it wasn’t the only one, and sadness filled her. She walked to the door and opened it. Without looking at him, she turned and went to the bed to gather his clean clothes. “The laundress returned these. You’ll need to pack them.”
Marsh watched her, then asked, “You saw what happened?”
“Yes, I was downstairs eating. Are you all right?” she inquired, wanting to rush into his arms and cover him with kisses.
“As fine as anyone can be after being forced to shoot two men,” he replied, his tone sounding oddly strained.
Randee looked at him and asked, “Who were they? Why did they want to battle you?”
“Just two fools looking to increase their reputations.”
“Killing the Durango Kid would certainly accomplish that goal. It wasn’t a fair fight, two against one.”
“I knew which one would draw first. That first kid was real scared, so I knew he’d move slow. That second man was cocky, so it had to be him. If I hadn’t of taken them down today, they would have trailed us for another shot at me. I didn’t want to endanger you.”
When she didn’t speak, he tried to break the tension by adding, “A trick you maybe can use one day is knowing when a man’s ready to draw on you. His fingers will twitch and they’ll graze his gun butt nervously. Once he loosens his fingers, he’s ready to pull his pistol. If you think you’re faster and he’s stalling, wiggle your own fingers and he’ll panic and draw. Another thing to know, Randee, if a man’s wearing two guns, he’ll draw the one on the hand he favors. You can tell which one by noticing on which side he fastens his belt. See,” he pointed out. “I’m left-handed, so I run my belt through my pants’ loops in this direction. Don’t go by a man’s holsters, because they’re usually made alike.”
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