Aurora Borealis

[prometheus 2]

Ringo

""I was kinda afraid you would think bad about me, because I haven't know you very long. But I just want you to know I am NOT one of Salee's girls. You are the first man I have been attracted to since my husband died."

I took her hand and held it as my other hand rose to her face and my fingers touched her lips.

"Shhhhh I whispered, The thought never entered my mind Hanna and even if you were one of those girls I wouldn't think less of you." I saw her look of relief and grinned adding. "It's sure nice to know that you have this attraction as it seem I have too."

I let out my breath and looked away, afraid maybe I had said too much.

"Ringo, you old fool I told myself Every time yer mouth opens and yer brains fall out" That thought made me grin again and meet her gaze. Hey girl coffee's getting cold. better drink up and .. she grinned back seeing me staring at the cobbler she had brought.

As I drank my coffee I thought again about this woman and how she worried about how folks thought of her and put to the side her own feelings. Somehow I knew or felt that underneath this giving nature, she was a woman of great passion and that she hid it inside saving it for the right man. Was I that man? I knew I wanted to be but I didn't want to hurt this woman and felt I needed to hold back my feelings as I was unsure just what I did feel and where I wanted to go with it.

One thing was for sure and that was it felt darn good to be siting here with Hanna. Her leg touching mine made me want to get closer, so as I had finished my coffee and eaten every crumb of cobbler I looked mischeviously in her eyes and said. "Whats for dessert." I leaned in towards her and gave her a playfull kiss. "This maybe?

"Why you devil you.. Ringo." she laughed "Stealling a kiss that way. How 'bout me maybe I'd like a little dessert too." and saying that she poked a quick kiss into my face.

We both leaned back and giggled like a couple of young'uns.

 

[StarXChyld]

Daphney Littleton

Her slippery fingers strummed the swollen little button between her legs faster and faster. Her moans were building to a feverish pitch as her body finally shuddered with release. It had been so long since she had pleasured herself and her wanton body rewarded her with a prolonged orgasm. She sighed blissfully as wave after delicious wave washed over her.

Suddenly, the door burst open and the last of Daphney’s moans faded on her parted lips as her head spun towards the intruder. Her glazed blue eyes widened in fear and embarrassment at the sight of the naked man.

Not only had she been caught breaking into his cabin but also he had witnessed her brazen liberties she had taken with herself.

They stared at each other silently for what seemed like an eternity to Daphney. Unable to move or cover her shame, she lowered her eyes until they fixated on the huge cock jutting up angrily in her direction.

Having seven older brothers, she had obviously seen a penis before but never one that looked like this! This one stood straight up and bobbed at her threateningly, the blood rushing to fill the thick throbbing veins that criss-crossed the shaft like the spring rains that ran down the mountain behind her father’s house. It was as thick as a cow’s knuckle and at least twice as long as any of her brother’s penises! Fascinated, yet terrified, she couldn’t pull her bewildered eyes off of it.

He took a menacing step towards her and she shrank back in the washtub fearfully, her eyes still locked on the engorged beast between his muscled thighs. A tiny whimper escaped her, "I. . I’m sorry, Mister."

His dirty massive hand grabbed the one-eyed beast by the throat, stroking it slowly as he strode towards her, "Not as sorry as you’re goin’ be, Missy."

He was going to make that vicious thing bite her, she just knew it!

 

[Tibxo]

James Masterton

He sits there, listening to every word Louise has to say. Finally she stops and just silently stirs her cup.

"Is that the problem?" He asks. "Is that is worrying you? That maybe you have done things that I may not approve of? That I won't want to know?"

"This is not England, James..."

"I know that, Louise." He breaks in. "I should know the difference between England and Canada. You may be surprised but it isn't so easy in England either. Why do you think I am out here?"

Louise looks up at him.

"I thought you were just travelling."

"No." He pauses, realising that he is dangerously close to revealing the real reason he had left. He is not ready to do that, not yet anyway.

"Let's say I have things in my past I am not particularly proud of." He finally tells her. "Nor do I think that you are a virgin waiting for someone to snatch you up and ride you into the sunset. I know you had to do things to survive, to get where you are today. That is one of the reasons I love you. Because of your fighting spirit, your pluck."

Getting up, he goes over to her.

"What you have told me doesn't surprise me one bit." He gets on his knees in front of her.

Again he pauses as he prepares to breach the subject which is painful to him.

"I love you, Louise and I still want you for my wife. I don't mind staying here if that is what you want. But if you love Hank and want to be with him, I won't stand in your way."

It does hurt saying that.

He slowly stands up.

"It is up to you."...

 

[ariosto]

Buck offers salvation


"Get out of the tub."
His voice was flat, without expression. He stood only a yard away one hand slowly stroking his cock and the other...
For the first time she saw the blade, ten inches of razored steele pointed straight at her.

"Get out."
With a whimper Daphney stood up trying to cover her breasts and her cunnie at the same time. She looked like a painting Buck had seen in Harpers Illustrated, only that girl wasn't terrified. This one was.

The tip of the blade was under her chin and she could feel the soft head of his penis pressing into her belly.

"I ain't gonna tell you again."

Very slowly she threw one shapely leg over the side of the galvanized tub and then the other.

"Mister..I...I...didn't do nothin'..I...."
The kid could barely get the words out.

"You stole my horse whore. Now your gonna pay."
Buck jerked her arm up behind her back and spun her towards the dilapidated bed.

"Please you can...."
A big hand closed over her mouth, stifling any more words.
The knife edge was pressing into the skin of her belly.

"You feel this?"
The blade bit in and a seering pain shut through her.

She nodded, his hand was wet with tears.

"It's the blade of your Redeemer girl. The blade that will set you free."
His voice had softened, it was almost gentle.

"But first your gonna worship at the Source...Understand?"

"Yes." she gasped, his hand finally slipping away from her bruised mouth.

"Kneel whore and kiss the magic wand."
She stared at him.

"I SAID KNEEL YOU GODDAM SINNER!"
His hands closed like vises on her shoulders, forcing her to her knees, forcing her face against the hot throbbing thing that jutted like a tree branch from his loins.

"Take it in your hands girl, put your mouth on it..."
He paused and grinned, his eyes alight with madness.

"I will baptize thee with my seed...oh yeah you bet I will."

 

[Guest]

Calley Fitzgerald

Everything seemed to happen at once. Tamara’s bloodcurdling scream of pleasure that rooted Calley to the spot, Salee’s reassurance that it was alright and Lou’s arrival with the news that one of the girls had been found dead.

She had heard the name “Texas Rose” and Calley remembered the beautiful girl who’d been kind and generous to her when she had first arrived at the Aurora.

As Tamara shouted angrily after the retreating Salee and Lou, Calley dressed hurriedly, not bothering with the niceties of hose or singlet. These she carried in her hand as she hurried past the noisy saloon and up to her room.

Poor Rose, what had happened? What kind of place was this where working girls died so young?

Calley huddled in her room, her newly broken in body burned and ached. She longed to bathe, rid herself of the dirty feeling but she knew water wouldn’t remove it. It was in her soul.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

OOC: When I figure out how to get Lou in both places I'll post. Sorry.. I'll figure it out somehow.

Maybe she was only dreaming the scene she was already in?

 

[ariosto]

Rafe Salee


Salee stared at the twisted body of Texas Rose.
She'd been a pretty thing once.

"Not no more."
he whispered and finished buttoning his shirt. He looked down at Louie(Lou)Marquand the deputy constable of Carmak. THe little man was round as a barrel but tough as nails.
and had a fearsome look in his black eyes.
Rose had been deputy's favorite for months now. He'd been halfway in love with her.

"Who was with her last Rafe. Who'd she go with?"

Salee had walked over and mercifully shut the girls sightless eyes.
"Dunno, I was busy downstairs. Louise might have turned someone on to her, maybe she picked one up herself. I try and teach the girls to be enterprizin."

Rafe was trying to stay emotionless. What was just another whore. The new one would easily make up for whatever Rose lost him. She was new, young, a novelty. By now half the men in town new Salee had a new slut on his chain.
He tried...
But he couldn't.
"Let's go find the fucking sunofabitch, Marquand. But you better let me cut his goddam balls off before you hang him."

On the way out, Rafe stopped to strap on his 45, and hammered at Calley's door.

"GIRL, Your on duty tonight. You be down in the bar right after your supper. Tamara or Miss Lou will tell you what to charge and what assholes to stay away from. I'll be backin the morning and I'll want a full accounting..understand?"

He heard some snuffling inside and what seemed to be an affirmative reply.

He spun on his heel and headed for the stairs.
"Let's go deputy, the bastard has a hell of a headstart."


OOC...Miss Lou, I hope this solves your dilemma...sorry I split you in two *grin*

 

[papillon24]

Vickki

She tossed her dress on as She ran after Rafe. The room let out a cold shutter as Tamara came close. Stepping in she saw the body of her dear friend Rose. The sight of her mangled body made her turn my eyes away. She trired to let a tear fall but none had come.

"Rafe, When you find the son of a bitch, I want a peice of him, got it."

She turned slowly as she went back down the stairs towards the noisy saloon. Tamara made her way through the crowd gathered to the washroom. There she reaplied her smuged makeup and straghtened her dressmaking sure her hair was put back up.

Then Vikki made her way back out to the saloon sitting at one of the barstools and ordering a drink. Wisky was her preferance, not always but since she arrived in Carmack it had been. with the drink her composure returned and her jb began once again. angain it was to plese those who found their way up north hoping to find riches but mostly drinking it away.

 

[Shylady]

Hanna Monroe

We sat there giggling like kids. I was suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling of sheer happiness. Leaning over I gave Ringo a fast flirty kiss and tickled him. Then I jumped up and did a little dancing skip step to my music box.

It is another luxury that Spence had lavished on me. Knowing that I loved to listen to music. I turned with a wicked grin and asked Ringo if he wanted to dance.

He looked surprised for about 2 seconds and then he drawled, "Well, Miss Hanna I reckon I would like that." Then he swept me into his arms and we danced around the room as the music played.

I was getting more and more excited. My stomach was full of butterflies as our bodies pressed up against each other. I wondered if he could feel my nipples pushing against his chest. Or feel me tremble with desire.

As the music faded away, I raised up on my tiptoes and wrapped my arms tightly around him. Our lips touched softly. Our tongues intertwined and I felt his hands stroke up and down my back going lower and lower until he was squeezing my ass, pulling me closer to his hardness.

I pulled back and stared into his eyes , before whispering "What now?"

 

[prometheus 2]

""What now?"

I heard her whisper as I felt her soft body against mine as we danced. what now indeed I thought knowing what my body was demanding, my hardness against her softness, wanting more much more, my mind reeling with the thought of making love to this beautifull passionate woman. I wanted so much to tell her how much I wanted her and more than that how much I wanted to share the passion that I could feel building in her body as well.

I answered her with a kiss and as our mouths joined again I knew that we agreed on what was going to happen next, and that we were ready to follow our bodies needs and our hearts desires.

My hands on her ass pulled her tighter to me as our mouths devoured each other. Our tongues entwined sending sparks of desire lower as our bodies trembled in anticpation. Lost in the music we continued to dance oblivious of the rest of the world around us. I pulled back and became lost in the depths of her blue eyes as my nahds fingers trembling as if of their own acord began to unbutton her blouse.

 

[Guest]

The bang on the door made Calley jump and brought her back to the reality of her situation abruptly.

Tonight she’d be at the beck and call of any man who needed release. Rose's murderer might still be out there. Would Lou really look after her? Guide her? She had been so kind but Calley had thought she’d be working in the kitchens not the bedrooms.

Something deep in her psyche was aroused at the thought of the newfound power she had to excite men – and women. It seemed the most natural thing in the world, just as the farm animals back in the old country had copulated freely. She had lost all inhibitions in those few hours sequestered in the office with Rafe and Tamara.

Her interaction with the lovely Tamara had taken her by surprise. The delightfully different feelings the other whore created made Calley blush as she remembered. She brushed out her tousled, cum-matted hair and pinned it up.

Someone had laid out her dress and trimmings for the night ahead. Calley picked up the heavy brocade dress and held it against herself. It would leave nothing to the imagination; the neckline was so low she might spill out at any moment. The skirt was only knee length, very daring when she was used to her ankles being hidden.

Her legs were to be clothed in silk hose held up by red garters and for her feet she found the daintiest slippers she’d ever seen. Lou had spared no expense.

Calley slowly stripped off her own, drab dress and, standing at the china wash basin, used the cold water to wash herself. Rafe’s cum still lingered between her breasts and she carefully washed it away, she also bathed between her legs – back and front – using the scented soap left there for her.

It was early yet, too early to go down to the saloon, so she slipped on the cheap cotton robe that all the girls had to wear while preparing themselves. She’d need a hand to fasten the hooks of the dress. The bodice was like a corset and needed lacing. Calley sat on the bed and picked up the only possession she had from her old life, a locket with strands of her mother’s hair.

She was deep in thought when there was a soft tap on her door.
__________________

 

[Shylady]

Hanna Monroe

Ringo pulled me closer, I could feel his hard cock pressing against me. His hands kneaded my ass, grinding me against him, before he slowly undid my buttons on my blouse. We kept dancing, even though the music had stopped. Slowly circling around.

I kept my eyes on Ringo's as he pushed my blouse off my shoulders. He trapped both my wrists in one hand behind my back. My body arched, allowing him to gaze at my breasts, they were all but falling out of my corset.

Slowly he traced one calloused finger from my collar bone, along the tops of my breasts. Tracing the valley between them until he reached the top of my corset. I felt my nipples getting harder, my whole body was trembling. He tugged my corset lower until my breasts suddenly popped free. My breath caught in my throat as I heard him groan.

"Please!" I whimpered, not even knowing what I was begging for.

Ringo gave me a wicked grin "Ohh yea please is right" He said.

He was slowly tracing the faint lines of my veins. Working his way almost agonizingly slow toward my aching nipple, He gently pinched and pulled on it, and leaned down and ran his tongue around my other nipple.

Raising his head Ringo asked "Think we can continue this someplace more comfortable"

 

[prometheus 2]

Ringo

Not waiting for an answer he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. He looked in her eyes and saw her willingness to please but he wanted more than that. This was not only about his pleasure but hers as well and he wanted to see raw lust for him in her eyes before he took her. He sat her on the edge of the bed and kneeled in front of her. His huge hands came up and cupped the botom edges of each breast, pushing up and in creating a vally between them. Into this valley he moved his head, his mouth open against the hot flesh, his tongue tracing a path up the center and down again. She shivered and he knew he had started the passion that would build until it over took her.

His thumbs found each erect nipple and circled urgently, stimulated by the textured surface of her aureoles. His forefingers joined the exploration as they formed along with the thumbs an opening that closed in on the edges of her nipples rolling and twisting as they moved. She moaned and thrust her body against his kneading hands.

He pulled his head back and gazed for moment at what his hands were doing to her breasts, her nipples. Holding one delicious globe in place he caprtured the nipple in his mouth sucking hard and urgently until she moaned again the other nipple disappeared next into his greedy mouth and having suckled it as well he looked into her eyes to see the passion rising.

He rose and took her hands an pulled her up to stand in front of him again. He moved her hands to his belt and placed them there until she grasped it by herself and undid it as he pulled off his shirt. He kiced his boots off just before his pants and underclothes hit the floor and he stood naked, his cock rising high and proud before her. Her hand went to her clothes as well and soon she stood naked in front of him. He sat her down again and kneeling inf front of her lowered his head, lower this time to come between her thighs and nuzzle in the softness of her mound.

 

[papillon24]

Vickki

She watched the comotion of the bar as people passed by. She thought of the new girl as She made her way back upstairs and tapped on the door.

"I was wonderin if you might need some help with the dress. they are a bit awkward a first but you'll gget somewhat comfortable in them over time." Her voice was soft as she spoke.

Gracefully she entered the room and stood behind Calley begining to lace up the garments.

"So whacha got there. Pretty. Don't let anyone see it or it will be gone by mornin'"

 

[Guest]

Calley

“T'is a locket with a curl of me Ma’s hair. I was going to wear it. Perhaps that’s not wise?”

“Tuck it away somewhere safe, I would. Be a shame to lose such a pretty thing.” Tamara said, turning it over in her hands. “Here, better hurry." She said handing it back. “Rafe will know if we’re down late.”

After tucking the trinket away Calley stood as Tamara hooked and laced her up the front of her bodice, her hand lingering almost imperceptivity at the pert breasts.

"You pull this lace here to undo. The bodice just falls open. The men drool - you'll see." Said Tamara as she finished tightening the corset.

"Pinch your cheeks like this." Tamara tweaked her own cheeks to bring blood to the skin and Calley copied her, watching as her cheeks blossomed in colour.

“Here, help me tighten my bodice.” Said Tamara, raising her arms over her head. She was so lovely; Calley found her heart racing as she fumbled with the hooks and laces. She couldn’t resist leaning in and softly kissing the crown of Tamara’s breast.

Tamara laughed softly and gently raised Calley’s head. “No time for that now, we have money to earn. Later, maybe.” And she kissed Calley lightly on the mouth.

Calley's hair was next. Somehow Tamara twisted it close to Calley's head and secured it with pins. Looking in the small, flyblown mirror Calley could hardly recognise herself.

"Scared?" asked Tamara. "We all are the first time, s'ok. "Afore you know it, it'll be second nature."

"How will I know what to do, what they want?" asked Calley timidly and Tamara laughed.

"Oh, don't worry. The "customers" let you know and – don’t forget - they're always right." She said as she carefully applied coloured paint to Calley’s, already, red lips.

Tamara took Calley’s hand in hers and the two lovelies left Calley's little room for the noise of the bar and Calley's first "customer.

At first no one noticed and the din continued, then, gradually heads at the closest tables turned to the two women in the smoky doorway. “Smile.” Hissed Tamara, an unaturally bright grin spreading over her pretty face. "Oh, I nearly forgot. Money upfront! Don't forget!"

 

[Maid of Marvels]

The lady that's known as... Lou

"It is up to you."

Before Lou could reply there was an urgent knocking at her door. "Lou! You have to come now! Something's... "

Frenchie almost fell in the door as Lou opened it. "Slow down, gal. What has happened?"

"It's Rose, Lou. Someone killed her. Rafe went with Marquand to hunt the bastard down," tears streamed down Frenchie's face as she gasped for air.

"Are you sure? Christ! Of course you are. James?" She turned to face the staid looking Brit. "See to Frenchie while I go find out what in the world is going on around here. Has to be the full moon. Or the fever. Two deaths in one day... "

Her voice trailed off as she hurried down the corridor heading for the common room of the Aurora. Hank. She had to find Hank. He would know what to do.

 

[Tibxo]

James Masterton

Annoyance of being disturbed quickly turns into shock.

Someone else dead?

"James?" Louise is speaking to him. "See to Frenchie while I go find out what in the world is going on around here. Has to be the full moon. Or the fever. Two deaths in one day." and she is gone before he can reply.

Instead, he takes the visibly shaken woman and leads her to a chair.

"Here! Have some of this." He offers her a glass...

 

[Shylady]

Hanna Monroe

I gasped as I felt Ringo's breath hot on my most intimate spot. He slowly traced his finger up and down my slit. I was trembling with needs I had kept buried deep inside for too long. I arched up against his fingers as he gently spread my pussy lips open and ran his tongue from my wet hole up to my clit. I cried out as the first waves of pleasure surged through my body.

"Please Ringo I need you now." I begged.

"Shhhhhhhh we have all night, baby" He said.

Ringo slid one long finger inside me. With his fingers and tongue he sent me over the edge again. I was almost sobbing with pleasure when he moved up beside me and took me in his arms. When he kissed me I tasted myself on his tongue.

"Ohh Hanna you sure are sweet, honey." He murmured.

 

[Tonsillitis]

Tonsillitis Jones

Hearing the commotion, Tonsillitis rose from the bed and opened the door a crack to listen to what was going on. Another murder! Well, well, well...

Closing the door quietly, Tonsillitis slipped back under the coverlet, all the while thinking how to use this to an advantage. Somehow, some way Tonsillitis was going to make Lou take notice of the little sourdough and this might just do it.

Aroused by the thought, Tonsillitis reached down and began to stroke and rub, fuelled by visions of Lou Service writhing naked on the bed while miner worshipped at the altar between her legs.

No one else could ever please her the way Tonsillitis could. No one! Tonsillitis moaned and stiffened before letting it go -- cumming and cumming and cumming some more.

"Yer gonna be mine, Lou. I... love... you... "

 

[Miss Behavin']

Frenchie Silverheels

Frenchie looked up at James as he handed her the glass of water. She couldn't help thinking (and not for the first time) how much she'd like to loosen up this proper Englishman. Obviously Lou wasn't doing it.

"Mmm... merci, chere" she hiccuped and fell back into character. "Perhaps champagne will do more good?"

Frenchie stood and linked her arm through that of the reluctant James' as she led them downstairs to the main room of the Aurora, chatting incessantly as they walked.

"Chere, I could take you to ma Paree and show you bottles of champagne that will cost more than you'll ever have in your life. Women too for that matter. Remind me to tell you about the time I was the toast of the Follies... "

James merely nodded and didn't say a word, but that didn't stop Frenchie. Oh no. She was a woman with a purpose. And there was nothing to stop her.

"Come, let's have some of what Lou keeps in stock and drown our sorrows tonight. I'll be more than happy to be your... water."

 

[Messalina]

Anna DeSilva

Four o'clock came early -- especially after the events of the night before. Madre mia! Due morti! As if one wasn't bad enough. Lars was a shame but to have one so close was even more frightening.

The news of Texas Rose's murder had effectively put a halt to business for the night. Only a few die-hards had remained to entertain the customers and the rest had gathered together upstairs to talk about their 'sister' and discuss who they thought might have done it and why.

Not wanting to wake anyone, for some had only just climbed into bed, Anna padded quietly across the room and splashed water on her face. With Tad in her own room, she had shared in with a few of the girls -- unless they were top-of-the-line, they didn't have their own rooms except for when they were with a 'client'.

Once dressed, she brushed her hair and headed for the kitchens. There were some who came in early and others who had never left from the night before. They'd be wanting coffee and something to eat before long.

Though she didn't do much of the cooking anymore, Anna always saw to the start of things each morning. Her mother had taught her early on that if the kitchen didn't begin the right way, the rest of the day would go the same. Chi ben comincia è a metà dell'opera -- a good start is half the battle.

Making sure the kitchen staff had things well under control, Anna put a pot of coffee on and went after Tad. He must be starving after all that sleep, she thought with a grin as she knocked on the door and then let herself in.

"Buona mattina, Toro" she whispered and nudged the softly snoring farm boy. "Time to get up and have some breakfast before you begin."

 

[Graybread]

Tad Meriwether

“Buona Mattina,” he heard her say through the haze of sleepiness. He still didn’t know what she said most of the time, but the sound of her voice was what mattered, he enjoyed listening to her, no matter what she said or in what language.

“Morning,” he whispered, pulling the blankets up closer, least she see his nakedness.

He waited until she closed the door again before reluctantly getting out of her bed. He hadn’t sleep so well since leaving home. He dressed in the, to small clothes then turned to make the bed. The dream forgotten and the affects of it.

He left the room and made his way to the kitchen, so far his favorite place to be, well maybe for Annie’s room, it was his favorite place to be. The kitchen was bustling with people preparing breakfast. The smell of breakfast, and fresh coffee had his mouth watering. He saw Annie at the cook stove, and approached her.

“Good morning,” he said standing next to her. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Good morning, Lil Toro,” she said smiling at him. “Did you dream well?”

“Oh gosh,” Tad blushed, his eyes dropping to the floor. “Yes ma’am, I slept real good.” He said quietly.

Annie caught the blush and wondered at it.

“Come sit,” she instructed, “you will need a large breakfast. There is much wood to chop today.” She lead him back to the table and poured him a cup of coffee. She instructed one of the other girls to bring him breakfast.

The girl sat a plate in front of him with two pancakes, two eggs and a slice of ham.

Tad looked up at Annie, the disappointment written all over his face.

“Just a start,” she said laughing at him. “While we get your real breakfast ready.”

She went over and filled an other plate with a stack of four pancakes, then one with three huge slices of ham, along with an additional six fried eggs, and biscuits to sop the yokes up with. By the time she got back to the table, Tad had an empty plate in front of him. He smiled up at her, as she sat his real breakfast down.

“Bring milk,” she said to the girl. “A pitcher perhaps, a large pitcher, and hurry,” she added laughing again.

She keep an eye on Tad as she went about her duties, making sure he didn’t run out of anything. He ate an other stack of pancakes, two more pieces of ham and six more eggs with biscuits, finishing the pitcher of milk.

He leaned back in his chair, his belly full and sipped at the coffee.

“Would you like to start your noon meal now, Lil Toro, or would you like to work this one off first?” Annie said standing at his elbow.

“What are we having?” he said smiling up at her, catching her joke.

“I’m having the butcher slaughter a steer now,” she said shaking her head.

“Oh,” he said, “in that case I better work this one off.”

“The wood pile is out back of course, you will find axes in the shed.”

Tad started to rise from the table, but she stopped him.

“Wait,” she said, “you have egg on your face.”

She took the corner of her apron and wiped his mouth, causing him embarrassment as the others in the kitchen watched. He enjoyed the attention but it was still a little embarrassing to get it in front of others. Finally, he broke free of her mothering and made it out the back door.

“We will get you some clothes that fit today.” He heard her say as he stood out side the door, inhaling the cool brisk air.

He had chopped wood back on the farm nearly every day as long as he could remember. He found the axes in the shed and picked the sharpest one. Within the hour, the sweat was running down his face even though the sun was barely above the horizon. Pa always said wood warms ya twice. Once when ya chop it and once when ya burn it. He stopped and took his shirt off, tossing it on the stack of wood. The white ‘X’ on his back standing out. He sharpened the ax with a file then went back to splitting wood. The huge muscles rippled across his back and shoulders as he swung the ax with expertise. He stopped chopping and carried what he had to the back of the Aurora Borealis, stacking it neatly against the wall. He looked up at the sun, reckoning it must be between eight or nine. He went back to splitting wood. His mind drifted to various thoughts, most of back home, of his Ma and Pa and his brothers. They weren’t conscious thoughts just random, the kind one has as he goes through the day. But his thoughts kept centering on Annie and the dream he had had. But now it become a conscious thought. He wondered what it would be like to have sex,….with a woman, not just in his dreams. With Annie, even though she was a little older, would that matter, she seemed to like him. She had even given him her bed to sleep in. She had seen him naked and that caused a flush of embarrassment again. He swung the ax harder, causing the wood to fly. I don’t know nuttin about girls. he thought. ”Your as big as an ox and twice as dumb.” His Pa’s words echoed in his mind.

“I aint dumb Pa,” he said angrily, bringing the ax down hard, splitting the wood and burying it in the chopping block. He left it buried there as he went to the kitchen door to get a drink of water.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

The lady that's known as... Lou

Lou had gone to look for Hank, but he'd been nowhere to be found. In a way she was relieved by his absence -- perhaps he'd gone with Rafe and Marquand.

Hank had said not to come to him until she'd made a choice between himself and James. James. Lou sighed. She had a lot of thinking to do.

Hank had been by her side since the beginning. She loved him in her own way and he was good in bed. Very good. That man could make her cum with just a look. But was that enough? He loved her. He'd admitted as much, but he never mentioned marriage.

Truth was, Lou didn't know if Hank was the marrying kind. Many a woman had tried and been sent packing for all their efforts. Then again, she'd done the same over time. Carmack was loaded with doughboys she'd turned down over the years.

Suddenly there was James. She'd nursed him back to health after they'd found him and tonight he'd been down on his knees proposing to her. Wanting her even after she'd told him the truth of how she'd come up in this town. If that wasn't love then she didn't know what was. Could she make him happy? Lou wanted to think that she could but there was a nagging suspicion that she would be the unhappy one in the end. As much as she wanted to settle down and be 'domestic', she didn't really know if she'd be able.

With Hank there was excitement, passion. James was unknown, but she knew how he made her tingle down below. The thrill of the chase perhaps... but what if she didn't want what she caught?

Well, she'd leave that for another day. All the girls were finally settled and she still needed to deal with Tonsillitis. Maybe she'd leave that for the morning as well. Yes. That's exactly what she'd do.

Letting herself back into her little apartment, Lou quickly undressed and got ready for bed. Visions of two dead bodies and two completely different men dancing through her head.

 

[Messalina]

Anna DeSilva

She found herself thinking of Tad often that morning as she set about her tasks. Lou was sleeping in, though some of the girls were up -- the ones who took care of the daytime customers at least, and some few who hadn't gone to bed as yet. She shuddered and crossed herself, thinking how close she'd come to being in their position -- even if they didn't seem to mind.

By eight o'clock, Anna had already taken some deliveries and started on the bookwork when she realized that she had been so intent on feeding Tad that she hadn't eaten anything herself. Perhaps she would toast some bread on the stove and have another cup of coffee. Yes, that's what she would do -- and make sure she ate heartily at the midday meal.

She entered the kitchen through the common room of the Aurora just as Tad came through from the back. His face was flushed from the exertion of chopping wood, and she could see a sheen of sweat covered his bare upper body as he hastily fastened the buttons.

"Bellissimo, Toro" she murmured under her breath. She'd had a peek the night before, but it wasn't of his chest. Tad had moved too quickly for her to see much more than...

"Yes, please, Miss Annie" he replied with a wide grin, not understanding what she had said, much to Anna's relief. In fact, now she wondered what it was he thought she said. He couldn't be hungry again so soon, could he?

"Wash your face and hands over there," reminding Tad of the general direction of the wash basin with a tip of her chin. "And there's some cold water for drinking. Are you hungry again so soon, Toro?"

Annie watched as the farmboy bent to splash water on his face. The shirt he was wearing practically strained at the seams, threatening to split in two. Clothes! Dear heavens, she had almost forgotten, and Lou was still asleep.

Well, she did have some money upstairs under her mattress. More than enough, Anna knew. She would pay the bill at the Carmack Mercantile and Tad could just repay her when Lou settled up with him at week's end.

"Toro... Caro... " She startled herself when the endearment slipped out, and for the second time in as many minutes was glad that Tad didn't understand. "Can you wait to eat until we go across to the Mercantile to buy you some clothing and a good pair of boots?

 

[Graybread]

Tad Meriwether

“Oh yes ma’am, I mean Annie. I can wait. Lordy knows I could use some new clothes.,” he said, rotating his large shoulders under the tight shirt. “And you tell Miss Lou that I’ll pay her right back too.”

“There is no need Toro. I have the money for the clothes. You can just give it back to me when Miss Lou pays you.”

“I sure would be beholden to you Miss Annie,” he smiled at her. “Can we go now, this shirt sure is tight.”

“Of course, let me go and get my money.”

While Annie ran upstairs to her room, Tad snuck over and wolfed down four biscuits sitting on the top of the stove. By the time she returned he was thinking of taking another one or three.

“Ready,” she asked coming back into the kitchen, wrapping her shawl around her shoulders, her purse hanging on her arm.

They left the Aurora through the front onto the street. She wrapped her arm around his as she led him down the boardwalk toward the Carmack Mercantile. At first Tad was unsure of himself with Annie holding his arm. He wasn’t embarrassed just unsure how he should act. As they walked on he began to like the idea of a woman holding on to him, especially one as pretty as Annie. He walked a little taller, his chest protruding a little farther, until he popped a button.

Once inside the Mercantile, Annie led him to the clothing. She helped him pick out a couple of shirts and a new pair of trousers. As he was trying on a pair of boots she called to him.

“Toro, you will be needing a new pair of these as well,” she called holding up a pair of foundations.

“Miss Annie,” he whispered startled. “Don’t let people see you holding those.” He clopped across the floor with one new boot on and the other foot bare, his face turning crimson. “People might think…..stuff,” he said taking them from her.

She laughed merrily at his embarrassment turning to look for other items he might need. In the end he had two new shirts, the bright red one he was wearing, along with the brown trousers he also had on. Underneath of course were his new foundations, and socks. As Annie was paying the clerk, Tad rubbed the top of his new boots against the back of his trouser leg to polish them. The clerk wrapped his other shirt and the borrowed clothes in brown paper and handed the package to him. As they walked back to the Aurora Tads chest did protrude farther, with no fear of popping any buttons. He felt proud in his new clothes and the fact that Annie was holding his arm again, even though he didn’t need to be shown the way back.

“Thank you Annie,” he said dropping the Miss this time.