Rebellious Bride (10 page)

Henry tossed one of his last two coins into the center of the table. “Might as well lose all of it.”

“That’s the spirit, Henry,” Sam said and tossed in a coin of his own from his dwindling stack.

The card game continued until well after midnight. Henry left poorer than when he had entered the saloon, though not penniless. Sam left defeated, only one coin snug in the pocket of his denims.

Rolfe signaled for another drink. Susie brought it to him.

“Had yourself some night,” she said, placing the full glass on the table in front of him and running her hand slowly up his chest to his shoulder.

“It proved interesting,” he said. He had thought about Susie and what it would be like to bed her. He needed a woman. Ached for one. Susie was attractive, her body appealing. It would feel good to touch that soft flesh and slip into her welcoming wetness.

“The night’s still young.” Susie ran her fingers along the back of his neck and raked them up into his hair. The soothing play of her fingers relaxed and tensed him all at once. “Why go home? Stay here.”

Her invitation couldn’t have been more blatant. She offered him exactly what he had been seeking when he entered the saloon earlier—but he hadn’t anticipated catching sight of the strawberry blond spitfire. He couldn’t banish the sight of her from his mind. Her rumpled state had played on his emotions. Even while playing cards he’d thought of her and of how she would look after a night of passion.

“You hesitate. I thought I judged right your reason for remaining,” Susie said, slipping her hand around his neck and teasing the stubble of beard that shadowed his face.

He took her hand and raised it to his lips. He kissed her palm softly, lingering enough to send tremors up Susie’s arm. “Another night, my dear. I find myself well into my cups and think a bed would best suit me now.”

“My invitation still stands, and if it is an empty bed you seek, I can provide that.”

“You are most accommodating. I look forward to accommodating
you
in the near future.” He stroked his hand up her arm, hooked his fingers around her firm upper arm, and pulled her down until her face was next to his. He turned, capturing her lips in an assaulting kiss.

Susie returned it with equal fervor. She was breathless when he released her.

“Now for that room you warmheartedly offered me.”

Susie walked him to her private quarters in the back of the saloon, well away from where the girls were still entertaining on the second floor. She kept one room free for guests, friends of hers who stopped by from time to time and needed a place to stay.

A large brass bed took up a good portion of the sizable room, while a dresser with a mirror, a writing desk, a washstand, and red velvet Victorian chair occupied the rest.

Susie lit the lamp, turned down the pale green quilt, and gave him a hasty peck on the cheek, not trusting herself to taste more. “Sleep well.”

“You’re a tempting morsel, Susie.” His clear, deep voice stopped her at the door. “I intend to satisfy my hunger very soon.”

His suggestive words created a mental picture Susie found hard to ignore. She could almost feel his tongue on her. “Whenever you’re ready,” she said in quick, short breaths, then left the room, closing the door behind her.

As Rolfe stripped off his clothes, turned down the light, and climbed into bed, he called himself numerous names for not accepting her invitation. Though his emotions ran high, the liquor took control and he soon fell into a deep sleep.

Lil had bathed Bibi from head to toe. She had forced more tea down her and changed her bedding until there wasn’t a part of Lil’s body that didn’t ache. She had sat in the rocking chair about an hour ago and prayed. It was her last hope.

“Lil,” a raspy voice said.

Lil’s eyes flew open. She looked straight at Bibi, who laid licking her lips and fighting to keep her eyes open.

“Water,” Bibi begged.

Lil fetched her some immediately, assisting her to lift her head to drink. After putting the glass down, she felt the young girl’s forehead. It was cool.

Bibi smiled up at her. “Feel better.”

Lil smiled in relief. “You’re much better, and you’re going to be just fine.”

“Thanks to you,” she whispered.

“And to your fighting nature.”

Bibi’s return smile was weak, but noticeable. “Go rest.”

“I don’t want to leave you.”

Bibi rolled her head from side to side. “You need rest.”

“She’s right,” Susie said, walking into the room. “You look exhausted. Go grab one of the beds. If Bibi needs you I’ll send someone for you.”

Lil looked reluctantly at the young girl.

“Tired. I’ll sleep,” Bibi managed to say.

Lil knew she would. It had been a long ordeal. Rest was the best thing for her speedy recovery. “I’ll be close by.”

“She’s already asleep,” Susie said, staring down at Bibi’s pale face. “You did a great job. I didn’t really think she’d make it. I’ve seen too many like her die.”

“I couldn’t let her die, although I don’t really think it was up to me,” Lil said, removing her soiled apron.

“‘Well, you did a hell of a job. Now go find a bed and sleep. You need it.” Susie pushed her to the door. “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. I’ll wake you in a few hours, and you can check on her again.”

Lil nodded and left the room. As she walked along the hallway she heard a raucous laugh or two. The second floor was used strictly for entertaining males. She didn’t want to be mistaken for one of the girls. She remembered the spare room near Susie’s private quarters. She headed down the stairs.

Lil opened the door slowly, her arms aching too much to do otherwise. She was too tired to light the lamp. Her body felt as though it had been battered. She had a difficult time getting out of her clothes. She sighed when she slipped out of her stockings and bloomers, then down to her chemise.

Without restrictions, her tortured flesh was free and felt good against the soft cotton.

She hurried to the bed, which was outlined by the light of the half-moon that filtered through the white lace curtains. She pulled the covers back, slipped in, and hugged the edge of the bed, her usual sleeping position. She said one last silent prayer of thanks and drifted off into a contented sleep.

Lil winced at the crack of thunder that pierced her sleep. She squeezed her eyes more tightly shut, locking out the unwanted intrusion, and snuggled closer into the warmth that surrounded her. She felt as though she was cuddled in a luscious cocoon and leaving its safety was not a consideration.

Rain splattered against the windows and only confirmed her resolve to remain in her comfortable haven. She ran her hand over the hard flesh that cushioned her head and marveled at the surprising contrast; solid, yet comfortably soft. She rubbed her cheek gently over the muscle she lay flat against. Thick and warm and tempting. So tempting. Her lips brushed across it, savoring the luscious taste and feel of warm naked flesh.

Naked flesh!

Lil’s eyes burst open as her head sprang up. She stared into the hauntingly lazy blue eyes of Lord Sherborn.

“Bloody hell.” Rolfe choked on his whispered words. His shock over the identity of the woman who had exquisitely brought his body to life left him speechless.

They both remained still. Lil lay cradled against him, his arm wrapped snugly around her. His hand intimately cupped her naked bottom, her chemise having wiggled its way up around her waist during the night. Her leg rested over his so tightly that she could feel his hair prickling the inside of her thigh. The hardness of her nipples was pressed firmly against his chest, their stiff arousal disturbing both of them.

Rolfe reached out slowly, not wanting to upset their precarious position. His fingers ever so gently brushed her lips, and he felt her shudder against him... a shudder that rocked his own emotions to the core.

The shock of the sensuous tingle that ran down to the tips of her toes jolted Lil into action, and she bolted from the bed. Just then the door flew open, crashing against the wall and making the room tremble.

Her father and Susie stood there staring wide-eyed at the unexpected and intimate scene.

Lil dismissed the suggestive picture she and Rolfe presented, her only concern being for her recovering patient upstairs. “Is Bibi all right?”

Susie nodded, her expression one of bewilderment. “Bibi’s fine. But what in holy heaven are you doing in here with him?” She pointed an accusing finger at Rolfe.

Rolfe mumbled an obscenity and sprang up, wrapping the sheet discreetly around his waist as he addressed Sam. “Sheriff, this isn’t what it seems.”

“You’re damn right it’s not,” Lil concurred. “And what are you doing here anyway, Dad?”

“You’re in enough trouble, girl. Watch your mouth,” her father ordered. Then, in a gruff tone, he added, “I came to see how you were doing. I checked every room in the saloon except this one. Susie insisted you couldn’t be in here. She said it was occupied. Well, it’s
occupied
all right!”

Lil didn’t dare challenge him when he spoke with such fatherly authority.

Sam directed his next question to Rolfe. “Did you sleep with my daughter?

“We—”

“I didn’t ask you, Lillian,” her father snapped.

With a suddenness that rushed over her like a cold, drenching rain, Lil realized the severity of the situation. Her father rarely called her Lillian.

“This is a misunderstanding.” Rolfe’s attempt to clarify the situation sounded paltry to his own ears. Their near nudity left one to speculate as to their activities. And speculation would certainly give rise to rumors.

Susie’s response proved his musings correct. “Misunderstanding?” she asked. “You were both in the same bed. You’re naked, and Lil’s almost naked. The situation appears obvious to me.”

Chaos followed. Everyone spoke at once, which resulted in a cacophony of voices, none of which could be understood.

Shouts and accusations filled the air. Fingers were pointed. Blame was laid. Complete bedlam reigned until Sam spoke.

“I demand you marry my daughter.” The ultimatum brought complete silence. Not a word was uttered. Not a breath was taken. Not a sound was heard. Sam cleared his throat and then finished his statement. “It’s the only decent thing to do.”

Lil’s objection rang out loud and distinct. “I won’t marry him.” Her shock over her father’s ridiculous suggestion caused her voice to tremble.

“It isn’t your decision,” Sam informed her, his eyes steady on Rolfe.

Rolfe wanted to deny the wisdom of her father’s words, but he couldn’t. Sam was right. He had no choice in the matter. Even though this was all a misunderstanding, Lillian’s reputation would be ruined within hours, not to mention his own. The townsfolk would consider him the offender for dishonoring and then discarding one of their own. His life in Little would be miserable.

“Bring your daughter to the church at noon,” Rolfe ordered with all the command of a nobleman.

Lil shook her head, not believing the scene playing out before her. “I have no intention of marrying
him,”
she shouted, looking at her father and pointing to Rolfe.

“You don’t have a choice,” her father said calmly.

Lil searched her father’s face. His expression was stern and his decision indisputable, yet his eyes swept over her with all the concern of a loving father. She felt his ache, but her own was just as painful. “I’ve always had a choice, Dad. I have no intention of changing my ways. I didn’t do anything wrong. I won’t marry him.”

In a frustrated motion, Sam ran his hand over his mouth and chin. “This time’s different, Lil. You have your reputation to think of. You must do the right thing. You must marry Lord Sherborn.”

Lil was familiar with the set of her father’s jaw and his calm speech when his determination took root. There would be no changing his mind.

She grabbed her clothes, roughly pulled on her blouse, and hugged her other garments to her chest as she stormed toward the door. She never made it out. Rolfe seized her arm and clamped a strong hand firmly around it, then swung her around to face him.

He issued his order to Sam, yet fixed his intense gaze on Lillian. His look pierced her like a branding iron, laying claim to what belonged to him. “Make certain she is at the church at noon, even if you have to rope and tie her to get her there.”

Rolfe released her and stormed from the room, leaving the three startled occupants speechless.

~~~

“I won’t do this, I tell you. I won’t,” Lil repeated for the hundredth time.

Holly attempted to cajole her. “It won’t be so bad. He owns that big beautiful house. He’s rich. He’s handsome.”

“He’s not what I want in a husband. He’ll think he can order me around.” Lil pulled away from Holly’s fussing.

Holly had managed to get her into the yellow dress she had made for her and was now trying to style her hair. Lil wanted no part of it. She had absolutely no intention of going through with this marriage.

Holly fiddled with the combs in her hands. “From all accounts I’d say your father is doing his duty in seeing you marry Lord Sherborn.”

Lil glared at her. “You too?”

“Be reasonable, Lil. You were caught in an extremely compromising position. What alternative do you have?”

“To be myself,” Lil said, thumping her chest with her finger. The thought of losing her freedom—and marriage certainly did that to a woman—scared the devil out of her.

“I’ve been in numerous situations that weren’t considered proper for a lady, but I was never forced into marriage because of them.”

“This is different,” Holly said, casting a nervous glance at the clock on the mantel.

“In thirty minutes
he
expects me to willingly take vows that will tie me to him forever.” Lil turned away from Holly, needing to hide the tears clouding her eyes. She wiped at them and cast a quick glance around the parlor—
her
parlor, where she did as she wished, where she polished her furniture weekly and displayed fresh flowers in vases throughout the summer. She wasn’t ready to leave it, or the life she had worked so hard to create for herself.