More Valuable Than Gold (closed thread)

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

18years old, 5’5, golden hair, blue eyes, nice and well developed figure

left at orphanage as a baby

IC:

I had been scrimping and saving every penny I had found, or any odd job I could get outside of the orphanage for the last couple years. I knew when I turned 18 I was going to be allowed to leave this filthy place and I was damn glad. I didn’t care what was out there, it had to be a whole lot better than busting my ass in here for nothing, punished for the slightest thing as a cuss word, and the unending rules.

The day had finally come and I hugged some of girls that I had become friends with, all of them wishing they could leave with me, and me wishing the same. I packed my measly belongings in a small cloth bag I had found, dressed in the only decent dress I had which wasn’t much more than a make over shift, but at least it wasn’t torn and ragged like the couple ugly work dresses they had made me wear.

I walked out, flipping off Mrs. Odell, the house mother, or bitch as we all called her and made my way to get a ticket on the next stagecoach out of town. I wasn’t sure where I was going to go, but where ever it was headed, so was I. I didn’t care about the looks I got from the people boarding the stagecoach; there wasn’t much I could do about my shabby appearance. But who knew what the future held, maybe someday I would be all fancied up like that, I was a hard worker and you just never knew.

I was sitting looking out at the dusty trail, a smile on face, not caring that the others were ignoring me and trying not to sit to close, although I did notice some rather strange looks from the two fellows, but I ignored them. .Sure I’m not good enough for the likes of either of you, but that wouldn’t stop ya from bedding me. Not that I had ever done that, but I knew plenty and had even witnessed a few of the other girls sneaking in boys when they could.

I had fallen asleep and I wasn’t sure for how long, but suddenly the stagecoach stopped abruptly and I was jerked awake. There were gun shots and angry voices and the next thing I saw was a strange man opening the door yelling for everyone to get out. I was shaking moving further back in the corner watching everyone get out, the women in tears, but the look on the strange mans face scared me most of all. He was extremely tall and very good looking, with a very deep tan, but everything about him seemed dark, his clothes, his hair, his eyes, yes those eyes, it was as if I had seen the devil himself. Everyone else had gotten off and I sat frozen, staring at him, unable to move.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe Parker

OOC: Rafe Parker
36 years old
6'2" tall jet black hair black mustache dark brooding eyes. thin almost a shadow 145lbs
scar across right cheek something from the past has made him a bitter man.

IC: I didn't want to do it but I had to. Damn! It seemed lately that I was doing that an awfull lot. Doing things I didn't' want to but seemed like I was forced into, either by people or circumstance.
I looked down at my sweat covered companion writhing on the ground in front of me aimed my rifle at her head and pulled the trigger. The shot rang out causing me to start even though I had known it was coming. Then there was silence a silence that echoed across the valley into the mountains beyond.

It was done and I had to move on, not enough time to give her a decent burial. Not even enough time to say goodby. Even though she was just a horse and I had been just her rider I felt a loss.

Damn rattle snake! damn dessert! , damn possie! I shouted, blaming everything and every one but myself for what I had to do.

My anger out I pulled my saddle and saddle bags off her stilled body and throwing them across my back headed north toward the mountains.

An hour later I stopped, tipped my hat back and wiped my brow. I knew I had at least fifty miles to go to get to my hideaway, to safety. I needed a horse bad. I looked to the west where the sun was setting. Maybe I should just camp here for the night, get a fresh start in the morning, how far behind me was the law? How much time did I have?

A cloud of dust on the horizon caught my attention. The law? no, it was moving too slow more than likely the stage, I had just crossed the trail behind me, through that copse of woods.

"Horses." I said my voice dry and cracked. "Horses." I Dropped my saddle and headed for the trees rope in hand. Stringing it out between two big cottonwoods one on each side of the trail I grinned. "That'll bring them to a quick stop. That
will get me a horse." I grinned "A horse was more valuable than gold sometimes, right now it meant more to me than all that gold in my saddlebags,
all the gold that had ever passed through my hands.

A half hour later the stage coach came to a halt in front of my rope barrier. From the woods I shot into the air above the startled driver."Throw down your gun and nobody gets hurt!" I shouted from my hiding place behind the tree. The driver did
as he was told.

"I just need a horse." I said as I came out of hiding pulling a bandana over my mouth and nose "That gelding tied behind will do." I fired another shot over the top of the stage coach. "Everyone out where I can see you." I shouted. I didn't want anyone to shoot me in the back as I rode away.

A couple of men and a woman piled out, one of the men looking furtively behind him. "nyone else?" I looked in the open door and saw her. Stepping inside in the dim light I lowered my bandana so I could see her etter. Cowering in the corner,
shivering in fear, plain dressed almost shabby. My plans suddenly changed.

Sometimes a woman is just as valuable as a horse and more valuable than gold right now this woman was to me. She would be my hostage until I could get enough time and distance between me and the law.to let the wounds of the past heal and let me get back to a normal life.

"You're coming with me. I said sharply, pulling her up out of the seat. Now!

She stumbled as I pushed her roughly through the door my pistol in her back. "If anybody gets any crazy ideas they'd better be forgetting them I'll shoot this girl if I have to.!" I untied the
gelding. " Now get out of here, I told the rest of them as I held the horse and the girl.

As they disappeared down the trail I saddled the gelding and mounted. I pulled the girl up behind me. Hold on honey I said sarcasticly thinking of her golden hair. We got some riding to do." We headed north the sun was setting and there was no hurry . And I didn't need another horse to go lame on me on account of no damn rattler in the trail.

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

I was struggling as he grabbed hold of me, not really caring that he had a pistol and looking at the others hoping someone would help me. Not one of them did anything and next thing they were gone leaving my fate to the likes of this man. Before I knew it he grabbed me swinging me up behind him on the horse. I didn’t want to touch him let alone hold on, but as he quickly took off, I had no other choice other than to wrap my arms around him.

My hair was blowing back as we rode and it was obvious he was in a damn big hurry. I was scared to death not knowing what he intended to do with me and I silently prayed that he would let me go once he reached somewhere safe for him. Ahead of us was a thick forest and I thought possibly if he slowed down having to go through the trees, I would be able to slip off the horse and make a getaway. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case, considering once we got into the thick of the forest, he hadn’t slowed down, obviously knowing the path he was on pretty well.

My ass was getting pretty sore from bouncing on the horse, not use to riding on one, let alone as riding as quick as the wind. I was thankful that he finally stopped near a small pond to let the horse get some water. He reached around me and quickly plopped me on the ground whereas I landed on my already sore ass.

“OUCH!!! Damn you’re rough!” I cried out.

“Don’t think about going anywhere if you know what’s good for you,” he said sternly as he dismounted the horse, ignoring my comment.

He was looking at me quiet pleased that my dress was hiked up high enough for him to get a nice view of my legs and most of my thighs. I quickly pulled my dress down, covering myself and looking at him with angry eyes which only made him chuckle wickedly. He started removing his things from the horse which surprised me, wondering if we were going to stay here as I didn’t see any houses, or cabins, not even a tent. I stood up and rubbed my sore derriere and quickly surveyed the area looking for a place to run, noting we were surrounded by mountains and trees.

“So what’s you’re name, girl?” He asked as he led the horse to the small pond for a drink of water.

“None of you’re damn business and you shouldn’t have brought me with you.” I said harshly, now finally finding my voice. I also took advantage of the fact that he was busy with the horse and ran for my life back towards the wooded forest.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

Oh Shit here I go again doin' something I hadn't wanted to. Chasin' after a woman when I didn't even know what I would do when I caught her. But I knew I had to on account of she was part of my plan. 'Course I knew I would catch her. in these woods... just getting dark.... only one trail breaking the underbrush along the river. either she'd go south the way we came in or north, along the trail to my cabin in the mountains half days ride yet.

I heard her scurrrying along the path to the north and shrugged my shoulders in ten minutes, it would be pitch dark the full moon wouldnt' be up for another half hour or so no sense taking a chance on tripping over some damned root in the dark besides ain't had my coffe yet. I chuckled as I started a fire and dug through my saddlebags ignoring the bag stuffed with twenty dollar gold pieces and bank notes. I found some coffee grounds and put a pot on to boil.

Sometimes a good cup of coffee is more valuable than gold I surmised as I heard the perking sounds and smelt the familiar aroma.

" Maybe the smell and the sight of the fire will bring her back, in which case I won't have to go chasing after her in the dark. I doubt it though, she sure is a fisty one, this golden haired filly. Recon she'd rather spend the night alone in the woods than come crawling back to the likes of me.

Lot of pride that one and a beauty too hidden under that makeshift dress, I had felt her full figured body up against my back as we rode and saw the fire in her blue eyes when she spoke to me last. She was young I could tell that, her body soft and her face flawless no hard lines of worry or hardship. Her hands and fingers as they clutched me from behind looked as if they had scrubbed a few floors and done womans chores but had none of the signs of age were so typical of an older frontier woman.

My musing was interupted by the wail of a coyote and the sight of the full moon rising, giving me enough light to do what I had to do. I threw another stick on the fire and headed North.

In a little while I found her cowering next to a tall pine tree crying. she jumped up when she heard me coming and started to run. Two big steps and I had her, clutching her tight as she pummeled me with her fists still determined to get away. Let me go you...you ba..."

I grinned "Bastard ? you may be right on account of I never knew who my old man was but thats neither here or there Miss cause yer comin' back to camp with me. we got some things to discuss before we get some shuteye."

I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder She was still kicking and screamin' but I paid her little attention as we headed back.

She'd calmed down some when we got back to the fire and even stood next to it to warm her hands turning to me she said. Ok,.. Mr. ... Rafe is it well you got some explaining to do I recon I can at least listen."

"Good, I spoke back but first give me your boots." She eyed me up and deciding that I meant business pulled them off and pushed them toward me. I picked them up and heard her gasp as I threw them in the fire.

"Now you wont be so apt to run off on me." I growled. I motioned toward the saddlebags. "There's some soap and bathing stuff in one of those bags." I said, "Ponds over yonder, get out of that sweaty rag and put on one of my wool shirts you'll find there too. Don't be snooping at what else is there mind you and make it fast I need a bath too."

She shrunk away from me not believing what she was hearing.

"Now don't go getting any wild ideas I got no hurtfull intentions. You're a lady, I can see that and I intend to treat you as such... if you do as I say that is. Now get going, when you get back I'll have something for us to eat and we'll talk. I motioned towards the pond which by now was shinny and bright beneath the full moon. I turned to make a meal and didn't even look up as she backed away from me and then turned and walked to the pond.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

Oh Shit here I go again doin' something I hadn't wanted to. Chasin' after a woman when I didn't even know what I would do when I caught her. But I knew I had to on account of she was part of my plan. 'Course I knew I would catch her. in these woods... just getting dark.... only one trail breaking the underbrush along the river. either she'd go south the way we came in or north, along the trail to my cabin in the mountains half days ride yet.

I heard her scurrrying along the path to the north and shrugged my shoulders. In ten minutes, it would be pitch dark the full moon wouldn't be up for another half hour or so, no sense taking a chance on tripping over some damned root in the dark besides ain't had my coffe yet. I chuckled as I started a fire and dug through my saddlebags ignoring the bag stuffed with twenty dollar gold pieces and bank notes. I found some coffee grounds and put a pot on to boil.

Sometimes a good cup of coffee is more valuable than gold I surmised as I heard the perking sounds and smelt the familiar aroma.

" Maybe the smell and the sight of the fire will bring her back, in which case I won't have to go chasing after her in the dark. I doubt it though, she sure is a fisty one, this golden haired filly. Recon she'd rather spend the night alone in the woods than come crawling back to the likes of me.

Lot of pride that one and a beauty too hidden under that makeshift dress, I had felt her full figured body up against my back as we rode and saw the fire in her blue eyes when she spoke to me last. She was young I could tell that, her body soft and her face flawless no hard lines of worry or hardship. Her hands and fingers as they clutched me from behind looked as if they had scrubbed a few floors and done womans chores but had none of the signs of age were so typical of an older frontier woman.

My musing was interupted by the wail of a coyote and the sight of the full moon rising, giving me enough light to do what I had to do. I threw another stick on the fire and headed North.

In a little while I found her cowering next to a tall pine tree crying. she jumped up when she heard me coming and started to run. Two big steps and I had her, clutching her tight as she pummeled me with her fists still determined to get away. Let me go you...you ba..."

I grinned "Bastard ? you may be right on account of I never knew who my old man was but thats neither here or there Miss cause yer comin' back to camp with me. we got some things to discuss before we get some shuteye."

I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder She was still kicking and screamin' but I paid her little attention as we headed back.

She'd calmed down some when we got back to the fire and even stood next to it to warm her hands turning to me she said. Ok,.. Mr. ... Rafe is it well you got some explaining to do I recon I can at least listen."

"Good, I spoke back but first give me your boots." She eyed me up and deciding that I meant business pulled them off and pushed them toward me. I picked them up and heard her gasp as I threw them in the fire.

"Now you wont be so apt to run off on me." I growled. I motioned toward the saddlebags. "There's some soap and bathing stuff in one of those bags." I said, "Ponds over yonder, get out of that sweaty rag and put on one of my wool shirts you'll find there too. Don't be snooping at what else is there mind you and make it fast I need a bath too."

She shrunk away from me not believing what she was hearing.

"Now don't go getting any wild ideas I got no hurtfull intentions. You're a lady, I can see that and I intend to treat you as such... if you do as I say that is. Now get going, when you get back I'll have something for us to eat and we'll talk. I motioned towards the pond which by now was shinny and bright beneath the full moon. I turned to make a meal and didn't even look up as she backed away from me and then turned and walked to the pond.

 

[prometheus 2]

oh shit!

I done posted the same post twice now if that aint just like a country boy

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

I went and got the soap, bathing stuff and his shirt and reluctantly headed for the pond. I kept glancing back at him, but he wasn’t paying any attention, which I was relieved considering there wasn’t much privacy for me to disrobe. I stripped down to nothing and got in the water and started washing, thinking about the man that was holding me prisoner.

Sure he wasn’t going to hurt me, as long as I listened, and what the hell did that mean? He had already burned my boots so I can’t leave, now he wants me to get rid of my clothes and wear his shirt, making real sure I don’t take off. And if his intentions weren’t to hurt me, he couldn’t mean that….he wasn’t planning on….I didn’t even want to think about that. Surely as good looking as he was he could find tons of women willing to have him bed them and not need me.

I went underwater getting my hair soaked and washed it not paying attention to Rafe any more. The water felt wonderful and it was crystal clear, especially with the moon shinning. I glanced back at Rafe, and if he had taken a peek, he wasn’t letting on that he had, considering the clear water wasn’t hiding my naked body for sure. When I was thru, I dried off and put on a pair of panties and his wool shirt, then laughed at myself on how I looked. I rolled the sleeves up to my elbows and was relieved that the shirt came down to mid thigh, covering most of me.

I walked back to the fire, dropping the soap and bathing stuff in his lap when I passed him. What ever it was he was cooking smelled really good and I hadn’t realized how hungry I was. I moved to sit on the opposite side of the fire from him, warming myself. He told me to pour myself a cup of coffee while he went to bath and said we would eat and talk when he was through.

“You mean talk about why you’re keeping me prisoner and what you plan on doing with me?” I asked sarcastically and watched him walk down to the pond, intentionally ignoring my comment.

I poured myself a cup of coffee and glanced down at the pond. God, I could see him perfect clear in the water, his naked body as he washed. I quickly turned around when he glanced up, catching me watching him. I thought I heard him chuckle, but was sure, and from seeing him now, I wondered how many peeks he took of me in the water when I wasn’t looking.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

I chuckled when I saw her peeking at me, something I hadn't done in a while and I caught myself wondering why.

" What was it about her that made me feel lighthearted this way?

Her firey nature intrigued me and her full figured body aroused me. I couldn't help contine to glance her way as I stirred the pot of meat and seasonings I had put on earlier to boil and set a couple of chunks of sourdough near the edge of the coals.

Her alabaster skin had glowed in the moonlight. Her body moved sensuously with grace and innocence as she ducked under water and came up her blonde hair sparkling with water and her breasts rising and falling as she caught her breath. Even in her uncertain situation she was enjoying herself, innocent and unashamed of her nakedness. Was it her youth I observed that made me feel this way? Having been cheated of mine was I wanting to be drawn into hers? Hell I was ten years older than her at least, what would she want with an old codger like me and I had no time for foolish childish games, I had other concerns to deal with."

Abruptly I finished bathing and pulled a clean shirt over my lean body. I returned to the fire where I saw her sipping on a cup of coffee. Her eyes in the firelight had lost the little scared girl look and she now seemed courious to what my plans were.

"Pull that pot away from the flames a'fore it boils over! I barked, unless you want yer supper ruined." I shoved a couple of bowls towards her. "Spoon up some of that stew for us."

I broke open the bread, it had a warm pungent smell and I handed one half to her . "Now eat up and I'll tell you what I'm up to."

She looked at me not even touching her food as if to say. "Get it out old man, nows a good time as any." I shrugged my shoulders and took a sip of coffee.

"Stew needs to cool a bit anyway and this won't take long."

I figured I owed it to her to begin at the begining or at least let her know how it was I got her in this mess she was in, so I told her about running from the law who was after me for a bank job I done back in Dodge, now that our paths had crossed maybe she could sort of help me get out of this tangled mess I was in. I knew that she wanted to hear a great deal more than that, but the stew was getting cold and I was hungry. so I spit it right out.

"I got this cabin up in the mountains and no one knows about it 'cept me. It's a place I can lay low till things settle down a bit and since no one got a good look at me, I figure it if anyone comes snooping around they'll think I'm just another sod buster and pay me no never mind."

"So ...What in tarnation do you need me for." she interupted the scared look coming back into her eyes.

"Well, Honey, now wouldn't things look a lot more normal if I had a wife with me, 'specially a pretty young thing like you?"

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

"Oh really, and you're expecting me to just go along with this plan of yours?" I said starring at him in disbelief.

"It doesn't look like you have much of a choice now, does. Although I would much prefer it if you were willing to help me out." He said and the grin on his face and look in his eyes let me know willing or not, I was going with him.

"Well, you damn well better be talking about letting people think I'm your wife, cause I sure ain't gonna marry no bank robber and I sure as hell ain't performing no wifely duties either." I said, puckering my lower lip pouting. My fingers trembled a bit as I took a sip of my coffee, still staring at him.

"And who says I was asking you to perform wifely duties?" He chuckled.
"Besides, you think you could stop me if that's what I wanted?"

My mouth dropped open and my eyes were wide open, surely he really wouldn't do that if I wasn't willing, would he, I thought to myself. By the way he was looking at me, it was hard for me to tell if he was teasing or actual serious.

"I'd give you one hell of a fight, thats for sure, and I'm sure you wouldn't like that."

"How do you know, maybe I liike my women kicking an screaming." He said with a wicked little grin on his face. "Anyway, now you know my plans and what your part is, the details we'll just see how everything goes. Now, spoon out the stew so we can eat, I'm starving. "

I sat there for a moment just staring at him, still really not sure what he expected from me by pretending to be his wife. Obviously he expected me to wait on him, ordering me to get the food and all. I fixed our bowls, then after handing him his, I went and sat across from him to eat mine.

"Mmmmm, you're a pretty good cook for a bank robber, " I said after tasting the stew. God, I really had to admit, even though I was his prisoner, this all still was much better than that orphanage, especially the food. Of course, I still had to wonder what the future held, especially playing the part of his wife.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

I coud see she was starting to soften a bit as I watched her eat or maybe she was just hungry as hell it had been a long day. At any rate I knew better than to relax my guard. She had shown me her grit and independance which I admired but felt uncomfortable with at the same time.

There was no time for reflection I chided myself as I finished my stew. I handed her my bowl "You get to wash the dishes ...What did you say your name was anyway, matter of fact I don't think you ever did tell me, I dont want to go on saying hey you, now that yer my wife." I grinned.

"Or maybe I should just call you Mrs. Parker , that suit you?"

She gave me a balefull look."Amy will do. Dont think I'll ever get used to Mrs. Parker." she sneered.

At least she was talking that was one bonus in fact it was rather nice to have someone on the trail with me even if she was my prisoner.

"Amy, thats a nice name bet you're like your ma, I said casually, blonde hair, blue eyes, strong full figured woman, bet shed be wondering where you are right now trying not to cry, missing you."

Amy dropped the dishes she was washing in the hot water pot by the fire and started crying. I got a lump in my throat not knowing how to console her, wishing I hadn't opened my big mouth.

" Look Amy what ever I said I take it back if we're to make this work we both gotta watch out for each others feeelings, best you tell me about..." I stopped in midsentence wondering if I had said too much again as she seemd to be crying even harder. Besides I better not be getting too soft on her.

"Anyway, it might be better if I knew a little more about you now that were married and if someone comes along we won't get our stories mixed up. I don't really care about your history you can tell me any cock and bull story that comes into your head as long as we tell the same story, ya hear." I handed her my bandana and she wiped her eyes and blew her nose on it and handed it back.
She looked me square in the eyes having got through the crying. "Look here Rafe Parker You'll be knowing more about me in due time, for now you know me as Amy that will have to be enough untill I'm ready to tell you more in the mean time let me get these dishes done so we can get some shuteye. morning comes early around these parts and you don't want no possie breathing down your neck if you wake up late."

I didn't know quite what to say, she had sure turned cold on me. "Just like a woman I muttered. just like a woman." Of course she was right if we got an early strt we'd be at the cabin by nightfall tomorrow and coulc breathe sigh of relief and start acting like we was sodbusters.

Going into town would be the real test and that wouldn't be for a couple of days after we got settled in. I watched as she bent over to wash the dishes her back to me his shirt crawling up her backside. The firelight shown on her well rounded bottom underneath her filmy panties I had an urge to reach over and carress her soft skin, but held back knowing she' jump like a skittery colt and yell like a banshee.

I drank thelast of my coffee and threw the cup in the dish pan as I moved past her toward the horse to make sure he was hobbled for the night. I gave him a pat and said sadly. "Yer lucky old pal yer a gelding and don't get them stallion urges anymore but then .... Oh hell, long day ahead tomorrow, better get some sleep. On the way back to the fire I pulled a blanket out of my saddlebags and threw it in Amys direction. "It gets mighty cold here in the northwoods better crawl under this. I thought he saw her smile, I wasn't sure, the fire had died down. He threw some more wood on it and went behind a bush to pee, when I came back I saw her already covered up in the blanket and her eyes were closed. I heard a coyote howling for its mate. I shivered and wished I could cuddle up behind her, hold her soft full breasts in my hands, feel her warm backside against my groin and fall asleep... hell, I was too horney for that but I'd been that way for some time, a while longer I could take , wasn't no big deal. Well, I better get a couple hours of sleep now that I knew she was sleeping.

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

Well I could already see who was going to be doing a lot of the work around here, probably would be me doing the cookin too once we got to his place. My thoughts were zipping round in my head while I washed the dishes, not really paying any mind to what Rafe was doing. Rafe, what a strange name, and how dare he ask me about my past, god and why the hell did I have to cry like some baby, then snap at him that way.

It wasn’t as if he told me much about him, other than why I was in this predicament with him and what my job was now. Yeah right, Mrs. Parker, like I’d want to be Mrs. Anyone right now! Although….I looked up finishing the dishes and noticed him whispering to the horse and with the moonlight casting a shadow on him, damn if he didn’t look so handsome. At least I could be thankful that I wasn’t being held prisoner and pretending to be married to some old ugly fat mean son of a bitch. And considering what had happened with Rafe kidnapping me, that could have actually been the case. I really should be thankful, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to let him know that!

I watched him as he walked up, tossing me a blanket and curled up in it, glad for the little warmth it gave me. I couldn’t believe how cold I was starting to get and how tiring this day had been. Well Amy girl, you wanted adventure when you left the orphanage, and you sure as hell got yourself in one fine mess of an adventure. Ought to have given it a bit more thought maybe. Oh hush those thoughts, at least he hadn’t done anything like those men on the stage coach had a mind to do. Better be careful though, it’s only been a day.

As my mind raced with similar thoughts, I finally fell asleep, shivering under the blanket, near the fire.

Dreams of my life in the orphanage, the yelling, the punishments, hard work, and constantly being told how I owed them for taking me filled my head. I tossed and turned, remembering, yet not wanting to, just wanting to put it behind. Then the day the house mother told me how I was going to repay her as soon as I was old enough and make her lots of money and earn my keep.

“Noooooo, please, noooooooo!” I cried out in my sleep, tears rolling down my face.

“Damn girl!” Rafe swore, bolting from a sound sleep at my cries, then saw that I wasn’t even awake. “Hush now, yer gonna wake the dead!” He whispered, coming to my side and drawing me blanket and all in his arms, not sure what to do, just trying to calm me.

“Don’t let them….don’t let him…” I cried softly, resting my head on his shoulder, my body trembling, still asleep, yet the feeling of warmth surrounding me.

“Ssshhhh, yer safe, it’s okay,” he whispered, caressing my head softly and rocked me, questions he would have liked to ask running thru his head but couldn’t ask.

The sun was barely starting to come up when I stirred and found myself lying against his chest, both of us covered with the blanket and he was fast asleep.

“What the…” I said abruptly pulling myself away from him quickly, taking the blanket and keeping it wrapped around me.

“Glad yer doing better, was startin to think I had some crazy gal with me after last night with those dreams.” He said, shaking his head trying to focus as he looked up at me.

“I don’t know wat the hell you’re talking bout, but I don’t remember askin ya to be sharing my blanket! And if ya say I had some crazy dreams, I’d say being kidnapped would probably give a person bad dreams, don’t ya think! Now can if ya don’t mind, I’d like to put my clothes back on and we better git goin.” I said, my eyes blazing, still wondering why I came to wake up in his arms.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

I watched her dress turning away from me and pulling her dress over her head and smoothing it around her hips and legs before reaching underneath to unbutton and remove my shirt that she had slept in. She looked at it for a moment her arm in motion as if to throw it down and then a shy smile coming across her face she folded it instead and put it back into the saddlebag.

Her anger upon waking amused me at first knowing that she had been comforted by my strong arms as she slept and then finding out that she had shown her soft side, rebelled against those feelings.

" But what of you, Rafe you kinda got a little soft too, enjoying the warmth of her body wanting to comfort and console her knowing that it couldn't be a easy thing for her to accept at such a young and vulnerable age. And now, why are you even thinking such things. You never have before. Until now women meant little more to you than a quick piece of ass in the dark. If you were lucky, one you'd convinced the woman it might be about love and then discarded her like a wet rag or if that wasn't availabe a paid for whore to satisfy your needs. Either way it was the same, get what yer after and leave 'em in the dust. Yer just a tumbleweed Rafe always have been, always will be, Once the heat is off you'll part company with this one too and be on yer way. Might take some time though that bank job was the big one. Everything before that had been practice. Lots of folks would be out there wanting to cash in on the reward they probably would offer. You had better be mighty cautious for quite a spell and hope this girl don't spoil it for you. You might even split some of the loot with her, though she'd more than likely be too proud to accept it. Seems like she could use it though. There you go, again feeling sorry for you sure as shootin' she'll turn on you in a heartbeat if you let your guard down.

At least you could let her have your cabin, she could tell the town folks her old man had died on the trail somewhere, maybe gotten ate by a bear and then she could marry some decent man and raise a pasel of youn'uns like all women wanted to do. She was young, pretty and he sensed a passion that would please most any man. She'd have no problem getting on with her life after you are gone.
"Damnit! Why are you continuing to worry about her. You have no reason to be concerned about her welfare. You should be thinkin' instead about living in luxury out west somewhere near the ocean, You'd heard it was real nice out there with plenty of willing and beautifull women.

My self talk was interupted by her voice. "You gone daft old man," She said like she'd said something before that I hadn't heard. I got up like a shot and pulled my pants and shirt on and doused the fire.

"No breakfast this morning partner I said trying to hide my feelings of concern for her under a comanding posture.

"Theres some hard tack in one of the saddlebags if you get hungry."

I saddled the horse and threw up the gear behind.
"Get up there lets make tracks." I helped her into the saddle shivering at the reminder of how warm her body was gainst mine last night as my touch lingered on her thigh and the rounded curve of her behind.

Catching my breath I grabbed the reins and led the lone horse to the waters edge."It'll be slow going for a while." I explained as she looked at me wondering what I was up to. Were going to travel in the crickbed to cover our tracks for a mile two. Smeones sure to discover our campsite and come nosing around if our luck is good it'll rain to and make a dam cold trail for anyone to follow. I'll be walkin' to keep this damn fool horse from stumbling and gettin' hurt."

It did rain and buckets. drenching us so that after moving up the creek for a mile or so I headed for higher ground and came back to the deer trail that led to the cabin. Climbing back on behind AI urged our mount forward into an easy trot through the tall pinetrees that surounded us as we headed further up into the mountains.

Cold and wet we arrived at the cabin just before nightfall we were both too tired to even talk much or get on each others nerves, as I built a fire in the fire place and cut off a chunk of ham I had stored in the cellar. The aroma of meat frying soon filled the air and I dug out a few potatoes and carrots for the girl to peel and set to boilng. The one room cabin was soon warm and toasty. I rummaged through the closet for a clean dry shirt for her and one for myself.

"Shuck off them wet clothes a'fore you catch pnemonia." I said my voice softer now that I was safe at the cabin and my concerns about being followed gone. Any fool out in this raging storm was a damn fool unless of course they were, like us, running from the law.

She looked around for aplace to change and seeing none shrugged her shoulders and walked to a dark corner near the single bed. The light from the flickering fireplace caught in her wet blonde hair and followed the cloth as it fell in a puddle on the floor. My eyes followed the light as it revealed the soft curve of her back and her swelling hips and rounded butt, down her silky thighs and long legs. I felt a lump in my throat and then one further down.

A streak of lighning lit up the night and the almost immediate crack of thunder that followed made her scream out loud and turn towards me.The sight of her breasts full, trembling, glistening white and still wet from the rain, her narrow waist and the soft downy mound betwen her legs made the lump that had started in my wet pants swell and grow upwards into a full erection. For a moment I stood there gaping and then turned to hide my arousal. Undressing I hurridly pulled my shirt around my waist streaching it downward toward my legs.

"Finsh dressing girl, I said abruptly and let's eat."

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

As relieved as I was to get inside out of the rain, right away he’s dishing out orders about food and all. Sure I was hungry, but we were soaking wet, cold, my body was shaking and god I was more tired than I could ever remember in my life. A nice hot bath would have been great about now, but while I peeled the carrots and potatoes and glanced around the room, I didn’t even see another room, let alone a tub. God, what had I got myself into and after the ride up here, there was no way I’d find my way back to civilization from here.

I could feel the emotions welling up inside, but bit my lower lip to prevent the tears from falling, not saying anything and to tired to think about my situation or how to get out of it. I was certainly surprised when I sensed a change in him, his voice soft, even nice when he threw the shirt at me telling me to undress. There was no where to change except for in front of him, and hell, I wanted out of the wet clothes more than anything.

With my back to him and stripping, I tried not to think about if he might be looking at me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I was going to be made to walk around in his shirts from now on unless we went out. A shiver went thru me as the cool air hit my naked body, but the warmth of the fire felt so wonderful standing near it. When the lightening flashed it scared the living crap out of me, but when I turned around and saw the look in his eyes as he gazed at my nakedness, that frightened me even more. So did his tone of voice when he told me somewhat harshly to get dressed.

I quickly slipped the shirt over me, rolling the sleeves up and sighing deeply, happy to be covered as well as warm and dry. It was strange how he could go from being nice one minute to yelling at me the next and the way he turned around so quick, what was that all about I wondered? And then a small grin creased my cheeks, had my nakedness made him uncomfortable, I thought and then recalled how he looked when I had watched him washing, the way he had felt holding me after my dream.

No, don’t go there Amy, he’s kidnapped you and just trying to confuse you. Don’t forget that, you’re here not of your choice and he’s a criminal at that.

With these thoughts along with other ones I quietly went and found some dishes, putting them out for our dinner. The food was beginning to smell really good and I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until now. He set the food in the dishes and we both sat down to eat in the silence with a tension between us that seemed to be growing.

“So Rafe, what we gonna do about sleepin arrangements? Ya only have one bed, and a small one at that? I sure hope ya aren’t spectin me to sleep on the cold floor!” I finally said breaking the silence with slight sarcasm. I had every intention of trying to be nice and just make the best of this, but seemed every time I tried, my own words echoed in my head reminding me of my situation.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

Her nakedness had unnerved me but as she busied herself getting the dishes and sitting down to eat with me I collected myself. she was just another danged woman, at one moment sensuous and desirable and the next innocent and vulnerable. When she spoke again a third manner exibited itself. Sarcastic and demanding.

Instead of reacting negatively I decided to try a different tactic, after all we were going to have to get along in this one room cabin for some time and I could at least show he rI could be a gentleman if I wanted to be.

"I'm used to sleeping on the trail myself, in fact a bed can get a little too comfortable if you know what I mean, spoil you so that the next time your unable to have the pleasure of one it's pretty near impossible to sleep, so if its ok with you I'll take the floor or if it gets stuffy in here find a spot outside where nature gives me the sights and sounds that are best suited to give a man the rest he needs. As a matter of fact that bed yonder has yet to be slept in since I built it from timber just outside the cabin here six monthes ago bought some fancy sheets and a feather comforter the best there was in town a goose down pillow too though I never could understand the use of such a thing. the whole lot of that I ain't touched since I put it together there. If yer a modest one I could hang a blanket across that corner of the room and if its a bath yer wanting theres a tub out back. I'll get it for you later and lots of boiling water in that big kettle by the fireplace."
I paused thinking I hadn'tt' said so many words in a month of sundays as I just said right now all at once and chuckled.

"Whats so funny mister." she said not quite so harshly as she had spoken before.

"Oh I don't know maybe I was just enjoying the company, it does get a mite lonely traveling alone."

"If you werent a damnd outlaw...". her face softened she was begining to enjoy our light banter.

"More to me than meets the eye mam."

"Names Amy, I'd be thankfull if you use it.

"Fine with me Amy." our voices had mellowed to a conversational pitch and I told her that she'd know mre about me soon enough but that I wasn't much for small talk and besides it had been a hard enough day.

I finished my ham and vegetables and taking her empty dish asked her if she wanted more.

"No thankyou."' she smiled, first time I noticed her smile and she certainly had a pretty one, this Amy.

I got up and fetched her tub and filled it with hot water. I showed her a drawer with soap and towels and fixed a curtain for her to bathe behind.

" Now go ahead get your bath and get some sleep. See you in the morning." Oh if you need it there's a little house out back ....

I washed up the dishes used that place out back and coming back said throught the curtain storms over looks like a nice day coming tomorrow. I straightened up the cabin a bit before fixing the fire and slipping into a chair near it, wondering what tomorrow would bring.

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

My eyes lingered over him as he filled my bath with the warm water and put the curtain up. He sure was a nice looking man, a bit older, a little rough around the edges, but when he had started to talk and he smiled, he didn’t have to tell me there was more to him than met the eye. First giving me the bed, then making sure I had some privacy and a bath, I had to admit, criminal or not, the man was behaving like a gentleman and for some reason, I got the impression this came more natural to him than not.

Once behind the curtain, I heard him moving around and then go outside so I quickly stripped off the shirt he had given me to wear. Grabbing a towel, wash cloth and soap, I set it down near the tub and sunk in the warm water. It was like heaven, every part of my body that was sore from riding seemed to relax immediately. I laid back in the tub for a few minutes, just closing my eyes and enjoying the sensations. This sure beat all those quick showers at the orphanage. Hell half the time the water was ice cold or they had several of us cramped in the shower together, not room enough to move let alone wash just to save water and time. I took a deep breath, sighing in pleasure; this was definitely a benefit from that hell hole I lived in.

I had just soaped the cloth and started washing my arms when I heard him come back in and quickly looked in his direction. I could see his slight shadow, moving about and fixing the fire and I wondered if he too could see me mine. It really didn’t matter, as little as I could see him, I doubted he could see much of me. I went back to enjoying my bath and after washing the upper part of my body and hair, I rinsed then stood up putting a leg up on the edge of the tub to run the rag over the lower part of my body.

I once again sunk back in the tub to rinse and then quickly got out, toweling off and slipping the shirt back on. When I turned the sheet down on the small bed, I thought about going out back first and it dawned on me that he must have realized I wasn’t about to walk off in the middle of the night or he wouldn’t have said that. I wasn’t sure if that was trust or him knowing that I’d be a fool to try and if that be the case, he wasn’t going to stop me. I was definitely no fool, and as much as I hated to admit it, this was still better than that orphanage any day. I just wondered where it would all lead to.

I peeked around the corner, feeling like I should at least thank him and say goodnight, but I saw him in the chair, his eyes closed as if he were asleep. I stood looking at him for a few brief moments and he seemed so peaceful. Looking at him like this I could almost forget who he was and how I had been brought here. Noticing the extra cover at the end of the bed, I picked it up and walked quietly over to him, covering him with it. When he moved a bit, I quickly went back to bed, not really sure why I didn’t want him catching me looking at him.

It wasn’t long once I got in bed sleep set in with my thoughts on this man that I knew little about, yet was actually beginning to be get very curious about.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

I awoke to find the extra cover from the bed on top of me and was thankful for it as it had grown cold in the night. Knowing she had done this for me made me smile and I peeked behind the curtain to see if she was sleeping. She was, her blonde hair flowing down around her shoulders. I shivered thinking how beautiful she looked asleep in my bed and thinking of her hair again wondered if she had some ribbons or pins to put it up. A brush to brush it with and a gown of silk to wear.

"Damn fool Rafe." I admonished myself. "You took her away from all that when you kidnapped her."

Abrupty I turned ashamed of my feelings but now determined that today we would got to town at least to get her some decent clothes to wear. I wouln't wait like I had planned to get her more used to being here it was now or never to find out if she would betray me.

It was still dark but I fixed the fire anyway and started some water for coffee. At first light we would leave but first I had to round up my horse hitch him to the buggy. It wern't but a few miles to town butI wanted to be there anxious to get this part of my plan started.

When I came back, she was stiring and I poured her a cup of coffee and broughtit to the bed wanting to start the day on good terms she smiled and accepted my piece offering and almost seemed excited about a trip to town when I told her about the new clothes and other things for her. In return of course she would have to pretend to be my new wife from the east and we would work out the details on the trip into town for now all I needed to know was if she would comply to my wishes. She sat up and sipped her coffee . I'ts very good she remarked and thanks for being a getleman but don't get no crazy ideas about jumping into bed with me. I'll pretend to be your wife in public but when were alone ...don't even think of it ok?

The trip to town was qiuet once we shared somethings about each other that folks might ask about us and we practiced saying each others name so we got used to it. "Amy I said smiling having fun with the game we were playing. "Thats a nice name I know Rafes a funny name but you'll get used to it. If it feels uncomfortable just say honey or some other endurment.She stuck out her tongue and then giggled. Her eyes twinkled in merriment and I felt better about this whole deal thinking maybe it might just be fun in a weird sort of way. It felt good just to have her company she had put on that homemade dress one last time and I found a pair of boots to cover her bare feet, promising her new shoes. The sun was well up when we arrived and We did our good mornings to the folks only giving them enough information to let them know we were the new folks moved in up on the mountain and asking where to buy this or that. It all went well and we soon had what we needed.

"Llike some thing to eat ?" I spied a cafe on the corner and led her into it. It smeeld delicious someone had just baked apple pies and potatoes and gravy were steaming on the counter.

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

When I first woke up feeling extremely refreshed; the facts of where I was, how I got here and what I was suppose to do seemed much less important, having for the first time actually slept in something so comfortable. Those thoughts went even further from my mind when Rafe told me about our trip to town and getting me some clothes and shoes, exciting me that he would even bother with something like that. It made me wonder if he would have done it knowing that I had come from an orphanage and not some nice family that had taken good care of me. Course, by the clothes I had on, surely he had to know I wasn’t from any well to do family.

Now looking forward to the trip, the ride to town was rather fun and getting our facts straight, even had me giggling a bit I. We got a few things, a couple dresses that were simple, but far much nicer than anything I ever owned and a pair of shoes that felt like heaven when I tried them on.

From the smiles on my face and giggles as we shopped, he seemed to enjoy my uplifted spirit, little did he know that this was something I had never done before. And walking around with him, pretending to be his wife, shopping like this, I was actually starting to feel like a lady, instead of some trash from an orphanage. Course, that wasn’t going to change my mind about what went on behind closed doors; that was not in the deal we worked out. With that thought, I looked at him while his head was turned, and blushed, finding myself wondering what it would really be like to be his….

“Llike some thing to eat ?"

His question interrupted my thoughts, probably a good thing too and the smell coming from the café had my stomach rumbling.

“Mmmmm, I’d love something, I’m starving!” I sighed happily, following him in the café.

When we sat down, I noticed several looks our way, especially at how I was dressed.

“Rafe, I need to use the bathroom,” I said standing up after the waitress poured us coffee and handed us our menu’s. I saw the concerned look on his face as I grabbed the bag my things were in and then added, “now don’t go gettin your trousers in a bunch, I ain’t gonna disappear on ya. I’m just gonna change. Why don’t you go head and order something for me?”

I left as he took a deep breath, not sure if he really trusted me, but knowing he was eventually going to have to if he wanted this to work. And hell, right now, where else was I going to go where I would have food, a bed and even some nice clothes.

In the bathroom, I quickly slipped off the worn dress, tossing it in the trash and slipped on the yellow cotton smock. It fit nice against the curves of my body and felt so nice on, looking in the mirror I could hardly believe I was staring back at myself. I almost walked out, leaving the boots still on and chuckled, seeing how ridiculous they looked now with a dress on. I swapped them out, putting the boots in the sack and with a smile on my face went back to where Rafe was sitting, catching him glancing at the door I came thru as if he had been a bit worried about me returning.

“So, what do ya think? Am I more presentable as your wife now?” I asked with a soft giggle, noticing his look as I sat down.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

So, what do ya think? Am I more presentable as your wife now?” She asked with a soft giggle,

Her words shocked me. she was actually enjoying this game we were playing. Teasing me this way, but what even shocked me more was how beautiful she looked, the yellow cotton smock fitting so nice against the soft curves of her body. Her long blonde hair lay softly around her shoulders and her blue eyes sparkled with merriment.

"More than presentable my dear I replied when I found my voice. In fact, lovely... just as lovely as the day we were wed."

"I took the liberty of ordering for you knowing how much you like mashed potatoes and pork gravy. And some apple pie and icecream for dessert too."

I had noticed the towns sherrif had sat down near us and was eying us up no doubt he was curious about the new folks in town.

Amy had noticed him too by now and gave me a 'what do we do now' look.

I kept on talking asking her if she might consider buying a suckling pig and maybe a cow we could feed the pig the extra milk and in no time we'd have fresh pork of our own and ham for the winter and bacon, now wouldn't that be nice.

She nodded and found her voice adding to the game as we continued.

"Rafe honey." she said sweetly. Remember, you promised to buy me a new wedding band on account of I lost the one you gave to me. I promise to be more carefull if you do"

"ure will Amy." I answered. "I want folks to know that you're a married woman when we come to town, so the menfolk dont' make advances toward you.

I looked up to see the sheriffs face fall he must'a been thinkin' about just that, seeing her third finger was bare.

"Time to make my move.' I thought as I finished my food and pushed my chair back. The sheriff looked up as I stepped toward him and smiled seeing my hand sticking out for him to shake.

"My names Rafe Parker, you must be the sherrif."

He shook my hand "Clint, Clint East." He looked toward Amy stood up and tipped his hat. "Howdy mam you must be Mrs Parker."

"Yer right sheriff, my wife, Amy." I said.

"Mrs. Parker this here's sherrif East." I added proudly.

'Glad to meet you folks he said and welcome to our town." he pulled his chair over, sat down and contined to tell us about "his" town and how peacefull it was and how he ran the riff raff off before they had a chance to make trouble and he kept his eye out for bank robbers and deperadoes that might drift up this way to hole up.

"Why just the other day the telegraph office had gotten the message that some one had robbed the stage down in the valley and I was sure keeping my eye out for the rascal that did this."

I nodded my approval and when I got a word in edgewise I asked. Where could I buy a gold band for my wifeon acount of she'd lost hers.

Hhe told me the blacksmith made some pretty fine ones and real cheap too made fromm local gold. He admired my buckskin jacket and asked me who did the beading some indain gal no doubt. And then I got caught up in the banter and said my wife Amy, she does it. I knew I was in trouble when he asked if she would do one for him.

Amy shot me a dirty look and then lowered her head so the sheriff missed it.

I said she'd be happy to but she'd run plumb out of thread and beads.

He said ,no problem theres a dry good store just up the street where she could get plenty and he'd pay her well for her efforts.

Damn it was getting hot in here and I said to Aamy as I handed her a twenty dollar gold piece.

"Ain't that great honey you just go on over there and I'll see about a pig or two down at the livery stable." Much to my chagrin the sherrif asks to join me and maybe we could stop at the tavern and get a drink seeing it was so hot.
Whew. I said under my breath and paid for the meal and taking Amys arm helped her to her feet and kissed her softly before heading out the door with the sherrif.

In the tavern the sherriff ordered drinks

"A shot of redeye for me and one for my new friend and your new neighbor, this heres Rafe Parker, him and his wife are homesteading up on the mountain His voice boomed out. Half a dozen sodbusters raised their glasses but most of the folks particullarly those playing cards in back didn't even notice.

"Well Rafe gonna buy a cow, I hear, good idea never know when babies come along and they need good cows milk to keep them healthy." He nudged me in the ribs you are going to have a passle of young ones ain't you, once yer settled.

"Well not all at one time." I quipped, throwing back a shot of whiskey that I was now needing really bad.

"'Well, heres to babies." he announced as he raised his glass again, I drank another one and began to feel much better.

"This towns a good place for young 'uns." he continued. "Safe and secure, fine school young school marm yah, mighty nice town, I see to that. Now take this stage robber he better not poke his nose around here. I hear hes one tough cowby but that don't scare me onne. Some folks say he's been robbing stages left and right, but no one knows what he looks like, some say he's tall and mean and got a scar clear across his left cheek. Hard as nails don't think nothing of killing men or raping women, they say he kidnapped a poor child no more that 18 they guessed and raped and killed her just for the fun of it, poor child ,worse than that just think of the heartache her kin is going through. Makes me mad as hell just to think of it."

He sees my glass is empty and motions to the bartender.

"No more for me sherrif I aint much of a drinkin' man and I got business to do.

'Just one more, my friend." he grinned and then you can go. I nodded and finished my third drink as fast as I could.

Good luck with the cow and the pigs he hollered as I went out the door.

I was feeling the efect of the alcohol when I got to the blacksmith shop but managed to buy the ring and several silver combs and pins for Amys hair. I took them to the wagon and staggered a bit as I hitched up the horse and headed for the livery stable. One cow,two pigs and a calico kitten for Amy later, I waited sweat streaming from my brow and feeling a bit under the weather. I saw Amy headed my way with her arms full of packages.

Howshh my new li'le wife I said as I staggered her way, a shit eating grin on my face. I reached out to hug and kiss her but she dodged and I almost fell in the gutter. She gave me one of those looks and then giggled holding on to my arm as I climbed into the wagon. "I think I'd better drive." she said still giggling. "Who knows where we'll end up with you behind the reins."

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

While I shopped for the beads and items needed to make the jacket for the sheriff, I was at first a bit teed off that Rafe had even volunteered me for this. As soon as I saw him staggering a bit by the wagon, the grin on his face and a flushed look about it, I couldn’t help but smile. Hearing him slurr his words calling me his lil wife, reaching out for a hug and kiss as I darted from him, had me giggling. There was no way I was about to let him take the reins and steer us right into some ditch, specially now with the animals.

“Well Rafe, looks like ya not only did some good drinkin and shoppin, but seems like you picked up a lil ball of fur looking rather cute. I don’t suppose that might be a little piece offering for me after volunteering me to make a coat for the sheriff now, is it?” I said with a smile as the little kitten climbed right into my lap, making herself very comfortable. “God, she’s sooooo soft and cute…” I crooned as the kitten purred softly while I stroked her.

“That she is, almost as cute as… “ he stopped himself, looking at me with that grin again and leaned a bit closer to me in the wagon. “Don’t suppose I might get a kiss for getting her for ya?”

“Gonna take more than a little kitten to get a kiss from me, Rafe,” I said giggling, teasing him but extremely delighted in my new pet.

“Hmmm, I thought it might, so…how about this?” He said and taking my hand from the kitten slipped the gold band on my finger. I looked at him, shocked and surprised, having only teased him in front of the sheriff, never expecting he would actually get me a ring.

“I don’t know what to say, I mean, well thank you, I’ll make sure to give it back when you let me.” I said softly, still staring at the simple, yet beautiful gold band on my finger, never having worn any jewelry before now. I noticed him sit up a bit, sobering and a strange expression on his face.

“I don’t take gifts back,” he said rather short.

Was this the mean nasty bank robber I heard the sheriff talking about, telling me this ring was mine. A dozen thoughts went thru my head, why, what did he expect for it, for the kitten, all the things nice things I couldn’t help but notice he did. I was suddenly overwhelmed and a tear glazed my eyes.

“Thank you,” I whispered and lifted my hand to his chin, turning his head to face me. Softly I pressed my lips to his, kissing him ever so sweetly, not to long, but enough for both of us to part and stare briefly at each other in silence before pulling away. “Now let’s see if I can manage to get us home, I’ve never driven a wagon before, hope ya trust me.” I giggled, breaking the tension that had built in just seconds.

“Well, then I guess now is as good a time as any to learn.”

With that he laughed and showed me a bit more how to hold the reins and guide the horse, making a few comments about needing practice but I’d do just fine. We talked on the way home, mostly about our morning adventure and I told him he wasn’t getting off scott free, cause he was going to help with the jacket. We were better than half way home when he started telling me about some of the conversation that took place in the bar with the sheriff and had me laughing up a storm.

“Yeah, all that talk about bank robbers had me chugging those drinks pretty quickly, but I don’t think he suspected anything. And you’ll also be happy to know that he did make a few comments about us getting the cows so we would have milk for when the babies come. You know anything bout milking cows?” Rafe chuckled, obviously looking for my reaction about the sheriff’s words.

“He’s expecting us to have babies!” I exclaimed, something I hadn’t thought about and surely didn’t think that was part of the deal we had made, hardly even hearing his question about milking cows. My expression must have gotten the reaction he expected and he howled with laughter, enjoying every bit of the surprise in my voice. “Now look here Rafe…” I started to say, giving him a serious look.

“No you look, Amy.”

“What do ya mean me look, you really aren’t expecting me to…” I said, getting a bit worried.

“NO! I mean look, watch where you’re goin!” He hollered, grabbing the reins and pulling back to slow us down before we ended up in the creek.

“Damn! Well it’s all you’re fault ya know. All that talk of babies, and hell, just after one kiss!” I hollered back at him, letting go of the reins, grabbing the kitty so she didn’t fall off and grabbing his shoulder so I didn’t as we bounced rather roughly over the rocks.

He brought the wagon to a complete stop, both of us just staring at each other for what seemed like forever.

“Guess that means I won’t get another kiss for quite awhile huh?” Rafe said and I saw that grin creasing those cheeks as he did his best not to laugh.

“You got that right!” I said trying to sound stern, but the look on his face and the pouty tone of his voice got the better of me. I burst out laughing, shaking my head back and forth, seeing that I had a lot to learn about this man who held me captive.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

I didn't really know what came over me, part of it was probably the whiskey I had drank, drinkin' too much almost always made me feel amorous, and part of it was that this was just about the craziest situation I had ever gotten myself into. but as I looked over at this young woman drivin' us home I knew that most of it was because was fallin' for her.

"Here I go again doing something I hadn't planned on doin' but this time, instead of getting into trouble I was havin' the time of my life. Sometimes fun is more valuable than gold I thought all the gold in the world wouldn't buy the feelin' I was feeling right now.

But what about this gal beside me was she havin' fun. Hell, damn near drivin' in the ditch ain't fun but she seemed to handle that with humor. It sure seemed like she was enjoying my company giggling and laughin' right alongside of me even givin' me that kiss and looking like she might want to give me another one or maybe...

But, was she just trying to softsoap me so I would let her go, Maybe she had a family somewhere maybe even a husband, hell I never asked and she never aaid, maybe even younguns, though she looked a mite young to be a mother, hell what did I know about such things, me a randy old cowpoke who never did pay attention to women folk before 'cept to satisfy my urges once in a while.

Al these crazy notions kept running through my head and I knew I had to find out more about this pretty little gal that was makin my heart flutter but I just couldn't find the words so I figured it was best to bide my time and think about the things that needed to be done when we got to the cabin.

"Looks like we got the sheriff on our side." I said, sober now and proud of the way we'd bamboozeled him. "If any body came around suggesting that I might be a thief and a killer he'd send them packin' in a heartbeat prob'ly spread a litle lead behind them as they left.... so I guess I'm safe for a while and ..." I looked over at her just as we pulled up to the cabin. I hung my head finding it hard to look her square in the eye, I said. "so I reckon you could be on your way now, that I would take you back to town in the morning, W'ed tell folks you had to go back east to take care of your sick ma or something like that and then after you was gone I could say you wernt coming back... I ...well you can keep the chothes and the ...ring it'll keep strangers from pawin' at you and the kitten, he'll be good company for you till you get to where your going...."

I was havin' trouble talking, a lump in my throat and my eys were gettin' misty.... Unless if it wern't too much trouble could you stay a day or two more. I looked at her finger with the shinny ring on it...no strings attached, you can take the ring off if it makes you fel uneasy. "Amy?"... she looked over at me and took my hand. " I just wanted to say thank yu for what you done today I aint really such a bad apple it's just that most of my life I've been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Seems like now things are finally going my way. and somehow it seems you're the reason for that happening. I turned my head so she couldn't see a tear trickling down my cheek and clearing my throat got down, walked around the rig and helped her down. I wanted so much to take her in my arms carry her inside and make love to her in that big soft bed but first I knew I owed it to her to tell her of my intentions before I did and i just couldn't find the words so instead I grinned and lookin' back at the little pigs in back and the kitten cuddled in Amys arms, I said
"Looks like we all could use some fresh milk, who's gonna milk that darned cow, Amy? Me or you? I ain't never milked a cow, maybe I told you that before but I'm willing to try."
I reached out and petted the kitten between her arms. "Have you got a name for our new baby?" I said chuckling.

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

“Our new baby, huh? How bout Lucky for a name? Seems rather fittin considering it’s been one risk after another since we met, we just might need a bit a luck.” I replied soberly at first, looking down while he petted the small kitten causing her to purr softly in my lap and then I let out a soft giggle. “Specially cozying up to that Sheriff like ya were, promising him the jacket and telling em’ all those stories.” Both of us started laughing, feeling the tension that had been between us quickly eased and replaced by a wonderful relaxed, happy release.

We rode on, laughing and chatting away, teasing each other about milking the cow and how neither one of us knew too much about that and how it might take both of us to do it. I kept my eyes mostly straight ahead, watching the path, but now and then glancing at him only to see him doing the same with me.

Was he really serious, he was going to let me go, that was what he said and I think he really meant it. All I had to do was say so and I would be out of here in the morning on my way to…yeah to where? It wasn’t like I had been headed off to some great wonderful world when I left the orphanage or anything like that. Hell I hadn’t even known where I was going only that it had to be better than where I was. Now I could get back to startin out that adventure again, sooooo….why was I considering staying…with a thief and killer no less…yet here I sat, laughing, carrying on with him, even kissed him…

“Just a quick turn round that corner and we’re home,” Rafe said pointing me in the right direction.

Home…that really sounded pretty nice, but here with him? Maybe I should leave in the morning, but so far, this really wasn’t so bad, being with him, having a nice place to live, comfortable bed, food and I had to admit, I was having more fun than I had in ages. From the way he sounded, it was almost as if he would be sorry to see me leave, maybe even sorry about how things had put me in this position. And hadn’t he been a gentleman so far, disregarding the fact that he kidnapped me of course…

With that thought, I giggled out loud and Rafe gave me a quizzical look.

“Just a funny thought crossed my mind, nothing really,” I replied, still smiling and before he could say anything else, I added, “Ya know when we do get home and get the animals put in the barn, we might just have to work on the house a bit. You know, add a few womanly touches, a few flowers around, things like that, might even have to take that drape around the bed away too. Just in case the sheriff does show up, we don’t want him leaving with any questions fillin up in his head, ya know.”

“Never thought about that, but you’re right,” he said softly, but the smile on his face let me know he understood I wasn’t going anywhere all too soon; that and the fact that I hadn’t taken the ring off my finger. And for some strange reason, I felt this warm tingling in the pit of my belly just seein him smile like that.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

Things were gettin' a mite confusing so much had occurred in just a couple of days it seemed more like weeks or even monthes. I had to get my wits together and figure all of this out and decide what to do from here on. I sure had taken a liking to this blue eyed blonde. More and more she was looking like a picture in a mail order catalogue. and I envisioned her dressed up in a fancy gown and taking her to a dance, courting her proper, though I didn't really know what that meant. At any rate I wanted to show her off, act like most folks were, not some no account roughneck I was used to being.

Her acting like maybe she might just put up with the likes of me didn't help either. I had half way expected her to take off that ring and tell me to put her on the next stage outta here, glad of course she didn't but still confused that she chose to stay, if even for a little while longer.

It was time to sit down and talk to her about all of this but I couldn't find the words just yet and chose instead to just get done what needed to be done and let things happen just as they might.

She seemed to be of the same mind as she pitched right in helping me get the cow in the barn and the pigs settled in too.

"I'll be building a pen outside for them later so they can root around to their hearts content, for now they'll do just fine on the milk we have extra.

Which brought up the question of who was going to milk the cow and we both just grinned and shrugged our shoulders.

"Guess we'll both try." I said, finding a couple of stools. "Go in the house and fetch a clean bucket by the pump." As she was getting the bucket I found a sythe and cut an armfull of sweet clover I spied alongside of the barn and brought it in. The cow began to eagerly chew and I put one stool on each side of her motioning Amy to sit down whne she returned. One on each side we began by grasping two each of the huge spigots that were fat with milk. The cow didn't mind two milkers in fact she seemed look forward to the relief it would give her.

"Ready?" I said from my side. I heard her giggle in response and saw her hand squeeze tentatively. "Like this." I added and pulled and squeezed at the same time. She caught right on.

"Sort of comes natural for me." I chuckled. Pulling and squeezing at the same time."

"Rafe! Shame on you. I know what yer thinking."
Embarrassed, I stuck to milking and soon the pail was brimming over with warm white milk.

I gave the pigs a trough full and then as Amy gathered up Lucky, we headed for the house.
Inside I set the pail in the sink and pumped some cold water around it so it would cool. Amy scooped a saucer full of milk and set it on the floor. We watched as Lucky hungrily lapped at the milk. I stepped behind Amy and circled her waist with my arms just below her breasts pulling her backside tight to me. "Mmmm." I murmured. "Tturned out to be not to bad of a day now didn't it. I nuzzed the nape of her neck and she softened against me
"No, Rafe not bad at all." She turned her head and her face tipped up to mine. Her eys grew soft before they closed and I kissed her soft at first and then with more intensity as our kiss continued. She pulled away suddenly.

"Rafe... I....."

Before she could finish I put my finger to her lips. I know I shouldn't have done that, but it felt so damn good. God, I wanted her, but not this way. She deserved more than that. She deserved some time and respect, some 'courting'.

"Amy, I got a million and one things to do before dark, the horse and waggon to tend to, fetch in the stuff we bought today and besides I'm a mite hungry, maybe we should think about eating....

Food wasn't what I was hungry for but I couldn't tell her though she probably had that figured out long ago. I was hungy for her, wanting her so bad... But come hell or high water I could wait, wait until the time was right till we were both comfortable with what we both knew was bound to happen if she stuck around here much longer and I had anything to say about it.

I turned my back to her hiding my obvious arousal and headed for the door.

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

“Well while you’re doin that, why don’t I look round here an see what I can fix us for supper. I’m not all too bad in the kitchen, ya know, and I promise not to make you sick with my cookin either, wouldn’t wanna clean up the mess.” I said with a small giggle as he walked out. I watched him turn around almost as if to say something, but then he just grinned rather boyishly and went on his way.

I laughed again and started rummaging thru the cabinets finding some canned goods, along with some of the food we had picked up in town, and started the wood burning under the kettle in the fireplace. I giggled watching Lucky follow me around, making me trip several times almost stepping on him.

When I was at the kitchen sink, washing and cutting some vegetables for the stew, I glanced out the window, watching Rafe managing the animals outside and a small smile creased my face.

Was it just days ago that I had been at that place, busting my ass, cooking, cleaning, scrubbing floors, dirty from head to toe…and here I was now, cooking, straightening up, laughing, humming a song and giggling at the kitten Rafe had gotten me…and Rafe…the kiss…the way I felt when he had his arms around me…that look in his eyes…even watching him outside now he had me smiling and feeling rather warm…was that why I was staying here…

I was suddenly snapped from my thoughts when I heard a crash and a loud meow from Lucky and turned around to see that he somehow managed to push the bowl of flour and milk I was getting ready to make up some biscuits with on the floor.

“Oh Damn Lucky!!!! Why you little….” I started to yell at the mess that was on the floor, but then saw the flour and milk covered creature staring up at me, so innocent like and such a mess, I burst out laughing.

“Hey whats goin on…” Rafe hollered out as he walked in the door, obviously having heard my yell. He stopped straight in his tracks and looked down at the two of us on the floor now, me trying to clean up the mess with Lucky thinking we were playing and making a bigger one. “Hmmm, looks like you two are makin friends,” he finally said, trying to hold back his obvious amusement.

“Actually, I was thinking more about cat stew at the moment, what do you think?” I asked before finally standing up, covered in flour and milk myself, looking almost as ridiculous as Lucky. “Course, catchin him may be a problem.” I added as the kitten now had scrambled up the curtain and was hiding on the shelf above the door.

 

[prometheus 2]

Rafe

I got busy outside doin' what needed to be done and trying to deal with the swelling in my trousers. I couldn't remember that last time a woman had got me so aroused and with just one
kiss never. Wern't like she had rubbed he body up against mine or put on a show getting nakked in front of me, just a simple kiss and I was ready to do it with her.

"And just what do you mean smarty pants I told myself what in tarnation do you mean by 'doin' it'. Do you mean fucking her like she was some damn whore, or do you mean making love to her like she was your bonefied wife. Well if it's the later maybe you should do more than put a ring on her finger and pretend that you're married, maybe you need to tell her you love her after all in order to 'make love' you damn well need to be 'in love'. and what are you mister 'in love ' or just "horney'. "

All this self talk hadn't done me much good and the chores were finished and that boner in my pants had disappeared so I figured I might as well get back in the house and see what Amy had rustled up for supper.

The ruccus that followed made me forget all about my situation and all I could say as I helped Amy up "Leave this mess here, for now and I'll help you finish supper".

"But Rafe I wanted to surprise you with some hot biscuits to go along with the beans and sidepork cookin' on the stove." I looked at her sad eyes and a lump came to my throat, She was doing something special for me after all the grief I had caused her, now that was somethin'.

She turned away from me and I thought I saw a tear in her eye just before she did, so I stepped behind her and wrapped my arms around her soft body holding her still for just a minute before relaxing my hold and stirring the pan in front of us.

"Looks good to me." I said. "Even without biscuits." I brought my head down and nuzzled against her neck just behind her ear. "Good enough to me." wondering if I meant the food or holding her like this."Let's eat it then." she said quickly and I thought I felt her shiver a bit, maybe it was a mite cold, I'd better start a fire in the fireplace before we turn in.

We ate quickly as if there was something important we needed to do when we were done and I built a fire in the fire place. and put a big pan of water on the cook stove to heat up for her bath. I wiped a smudge of flour from her face left over from her accident with Lucky. "When the waters hot you go ahead and get your bath behind that curtain like before, never mind me I've got a good book to read while your at it." I sat down in my chair with my book and Amy got busy cleaning up the mess the cat had made and washing up the dishes. Soon the water was boiling away on the stove and I was having a hard time concentrating on my book looking up at every sound Amy made while she got ready for her bath. She took a lamp behind the curtain with her and the light shined through making a silhouettte of her body against the cloth. Suddenly I lost all interest in the book as my eyes couldn't leave the sight of her.

 

[DangerousDarkEyes]

Amy

Now that Rafe had the fire going, the place was heating up to feel nice and cozy by the time I took the lamp behind the curtain. The bath water looked simply delightful, causing me to shiver, thinking about all the nice things including the bath, my privacy, and all the nice things he had done for me today. There definitely was two sides, maybe more to this outlaw and the idea of getting to know those sides, was really starting to excite me.

Leaning over the tub, dipping my fingers in the water to test it, I heard him turning a page or to, but could barely see him thru the curtain, very unaware of the fact he could see me much better. After putting the towel and other things I needed next to the tub, I stood reaching to undo the pins holding my hair, letting it fall down my back, shaking my head a bit as it all unraveled. Slowly I peeled off my clothes, laying each piece of clothing on the chair, my silhouette thru the curtain not leaving much to the imagine as Rafe continued to watch, unbeknownst to me.

Completely naked, feeling just a bit chilled from the air, I stepped in the tub, sitting down anxious to feel the warmth of the water surround me. “Aaahhhhhh,” I let out softly, immediately feeling myself relaxing as I stretched, closing my eyes, letting my head fall back a bit to just enjoy this for a few more minutes before washing.

“You okay? Thought I heard ya say something,” Rafe called out, not too loudly, but causing me to stir in the water, almost forgetting he was on the other side of the curtain.

“I’m great thanks, how’s that book coming?”

“Uhm….well… a little hard getting started, actually, hey don’t be worrying bout me none, just enjoy your bath.”

“Oh that I’m doing,” I giggled, but was there something different in his voice just now or was that my imagination?

I took my time, soaping my body as best I could without standing up, lifting one leg at a time over the edge to wash. Shortly, I stood up, instantly feeling the difference in temperature with my body wet and soapy when I did, even noticing my nipples hard and erect in the small mirror sitting on the table in front of me. I giggled softly, shivering too while I continued to wash the soft blonde curls barely hiding my sex. By the time I had finished and sat back down to rinse, the warm water felt even better, having gotten a bit chilled. I slipped all the way under the water, giving my hair a nice soaking, and then reached for the soap, rubbing it into my hair and giving my head a good scrub.

“God Dammit!!!! Shit!!!” I blurted out, forgetting all about my language in front of Rafe when I felt the sting of the soap in my eyes.

“What? What is it? Snake? Spider?” Rafe called out, obviously concerned, jumping up from his chair, opening the curtain just a bit, seeing my bare back to him.

“No, no, nothing like that,” I managed to get out a little bit more calmly while trying to rinse the soap from my eyes, unable to see to well, but knew he was very close. And wouldn’t ya know it, I had forgotten to bring a cup to help rinse all this soap from my head. “Just a little soap in the eye, but, well Rafe, would you mind getting something to help me rinse the soap from my hair?”