Page 2 of That Fateful Ride

R ebecca ate in the saddle, constantly scanning around for trouble. Fear clenched at her, as did the desire for sleep. Sure, she knew it was dangerous being a rider, but she’d not expected so much exposure to that harsh reality so much her first day.

Thankfully, Polaris seemed perfectly fine. So she ate, rode, and thought about the station manager. Cyrus Spencer. She remembered Robert telling her they had a new one, she’d just neglected to recall it what with being so concerned about hiding her identity. Nothing her brother had said however had prepared her for actually seeing him for the first time.

Her jaw almost hit the ground when she saw him. Rugged. Handsome. And for some reason apparently capable of making her forget all reason.

He had dark hazel eyes with masculine and chiseled features. He was a large man, all over his barrel-chest impressive, towering over her by at least a foot. She didn’t see a lick of fat on him. Everything she saw was muscular. Brown hair with streaks of sun lightening blond hung to his shoulders. Not a full beard but scruff covered his face.

His golden tan muscular physique was one view, which drew her eyes more than once. Broad shoulders and powerful arms strained at the seam of his long sleeve shirt, which sat tucked into denim trousers. She’d not seen many of them, heard of them but they were rare to see, a lot more expensive than her family could afford. Lean hips and long legs of corded muscle. His nose appeared to have been broken a time or two and a sensual mouth. The lower lip plumper than the top but it didn’t matter.

Never in all her nineteen years had she experienced such a strong desire to touch a man. She wondered what it would be like in his embrace. Her body had felt weird and hypersensitive just from his voice. Then when he looked at her…everything escalated.

Despite being deeply lost in her musings, she caught the flick of Polaris’ ears. Slowing him, she stared in the indicated direction. She searched the sky and frowned at the familiar outlines of scavenger birds. Worrying her lower lip, she hesitated. The delivery was already late. But she couldn’t in good conscious ignore the fact a man could be lying near possibly close to death.

“Come on, boy.” She withdrew the rifle from the scabbard and laid it across her lap as Polaris deviated off their predetermined trail.

They moved cautiously and then she saw him. A badly mangled body with blood streaming from his wounds. One final look around to ensure she was truly alone then she dismounted to land near him. She’d never been squeamish but this image turned her stomach. The sight of his chest moving—no matter how shallow—spurred her into action.

“Bill,” she said crouching by him and touching shoulder. “Let’s get you out of here.”

The sole remaining eye opened. “Wh…wh…”

“Quiet,” she ordered with calm authority. She whistled bringing Polaris and she took some water before sinking back beside him. “Can you move?”

“Yes.” Slowly he sat. She gave him the water and checked his injuries before patching him the best she could with what she had.

“Let’s go.”

“Why you?”

Carefully they stood. Bill weak from blood loss and being unprotected from the blazing sun. The man used Polaris to assist in steadying him while she tore a cloth to wrap around his head and empty eye socket.

“When your horse returned, I took the delivery.”

“But you don’t like me.”

She stored her stuff and answered honestly. “You have more of a problem with me than I do you. Did you want me to leave you here?”

“No. No.”

In silence, she helped him up onto her horse. She walked around to give herself a bit of extra time. With him sitting so close would he notice she wasn’t who she claimed to be? Didn’t matter, she still couldn’t—and wouldn’t—leave him.

Please. She sent up the one word plea to the good Lord as she mounted. Behind her, Bill sat stiffly.

“Hold on and let me know if you need me to stop.” The moment she felt him grab back for the cantle, she got Polaris back on his way. Once he settled into his gait, she breathed a bit easier. Thankfully, even with the two of them, they didn’t weigh a whole heck of a lot. They didn’t talk and when they stopped, she made sure there was some coverage to hide behind while she relieved herself.

Darkness loomed when she rode into the station.

“I need a doctor!” she cried.

Lights came on and the door opened. The man standing there with a lantern in his hand was a behemoth. Sandy hair stuck out in spikes around his head. His other hand gripped a shotgun.

“What goes on?”

“I’ve got a wounded man and the dispatch.”

He hurried down to stare at her. Then his gaze drifted from her to the trembling man behind her.

“Bill?” He closed the rest of the distance, as did the others with him. “Get him down and inside.”

She stiffened when men surrounded her. Polaris crow-hopped a bit and she soothed him with a touch. Once Bill was clear, she reached down, removed the delivery, and handed it to the station master.

“Gotta name?” the large man asked after he hollered for the next rider.

“Robert.”

“Come on in, Robert. Bet you could use some hot food.”

“Yes sir. I just need to see to my horse. We only had a short break before setting out again.” Shut up! He doesn’t need to think I’m complaining. She shrugged to hide her embarrassment. “I’ll see to my horse.”

At his nod, she turned a weary Polaris to the stable passing the next rider on his way to start the next leg. She took her time unsaddling Polaris. God, she ached. Every inch of her was sore and stinky. The odor reaching her nose wasn’t pleasant in any form. Her arms shook as she brushed him down and checked him over. She left him with grain and a bucket of water before trudging out with her rifle in one hand and saddlebags over her right shoulder.

There was so much dirt and grit on her eyes she was amazed they were open. She had newfound respect for these riders. With a sigh, she pushed into the station.

“Set yer stuff down n’ help yerself to some food there.” This man was the opposite of Cyrus, small where he was large. Skinny in a wiry sense.

She released her items and picked up a plate. Soon she was seated and eagerly eating some warm and hearty food.

“Name’s Joseph. We thought we’d lost a delivery. You amazed a lot of us when you rode in with Bill. What happened?” He took a seat at the table, gnarled fingers curved around the chipped mug.

Shaking her head she swallowed her current bite. “Not sure. His horse came back without him, injured and blood on the saddle.” She shoveled in more food. “No one else volunteered so I took it.” A drink of water washed down the cornbread. Not as good as mama’s but considering the growling in her belly it would suffice just fine. “Followed some buzzards and found him.”

“We’ve got room for you so grab a bunk and get some shut eye. I know you need to go back.” He stood. “I’m sending another request for better protection. All over the territories, Indian attacks have increased. Leave your plate and don’t worry, I’ll turn out your horse.”

She did as instructed and found herself soon entering where the riders slept. Four men were in there and they all looked at her with a mix of uncertainty and amazement.

“Nice ride.”

“Thanks.” Good thing she was so tired, her voice was deeper anyway, and she could barely pick up her feet so they dragged.

Even so, it was still hard not to stare. Two men were shirtless and two in their underwear. It wasn’t that they were so handsome she had a hard time not looking, no, men had horrible habits when in groups, and they were no different. These men had nothing to hold her attention. She wanted to feel safe in a man’s embrace. Not wonder if she were stronger than him.

She took a far cot and sat wearily on it. A bath would be so nice yet sleep even better. With her last bit of energy, she undid her bedroll and closed her eyes after climbing in, willingly embracing the sleep, which descended upon her.

The room sat empty when she woke. Sitting up, she groaned at the stiffness, which owned her body. She retied the bandanna on her head and replaced her hat. She’d fallen asleep with her boots on so she only gathered her things and walked out.

In the privacy of the outhouse, she rewrapped her breasts then washed up at the pump. Wasn’t perfect, but better than nothing. She grunted and nodded in response to the few greetings she received on her way to the stable.

Without wasting time, she saddled Polaris and led him out to the pump. Reins on the ground, she worked the handle and filled her canteens. She carried three figuring with her lighter weight it wouldn’t hurt her horse.

“You heading back?”

“Yes sir.” She capped the final one and secured them on Polaris. “Did you need me to take a message?”

“I do have one for Cy. Stop in before you go.”

“Yes sir.”

Alone, she blew out a breath and watched Joseph walk away. One hand on her mount she sighed. “Working so far, Polaris. Just have to make it back and get some rides in.” She was on her way back within the hour. To Cyrus.

No, I mean to the station. Not to Cyrus. He’s nothing to me.

Cy went to the door when the sound of approaching hoof beats reached him. He was pleased to see that large dun returning. While he wasn’t what one would call “close” to the riders, he had a great deal of respect for them given the perils they faced. It was hard on a rider especially without sufficient rest.

For a long time he’d wanted to be one but with his size, it wasn’t meant to be. His ride would tire far too quickly with him on its back. These riders were small and thin.

Stepping out onto the porch, he winced at the shaft of spiking pain that shot up his leg. A hiss of discomfort slid from his lips, and he gripped the railing for balance. I don’t need to fall on my face when Robert comes riding in.

By the time the dun entered the yard, he had made his way down to the hard-packed ground. He worked hard to mask his frown as he watched Robert draw to a halt and make a sliding dismount. Something was different but still, for the life of him, he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Hat lowered over his eyes obscuring his features, Robert made his way to him, the gelding following behind.

“Have a message for you from the station master.” A quick hand in a saddlebag and he offered it.

“Thank you. Did you…see Bill?”

A single nod. “Found him. He’s resting under Doc’s care now.”

That was it and they were walking away. No bragging that he’d been the one to rescue the man. Nothing that would indicate he wanted any recognition for doing so.

Who did something like that?

I’ve thought it before, Robert is acting different but I don’t know him that well.

He scowled and looked down at the message he’d been given.

Sent word to the Army. Hope they will help. Will let owners know about Robert as well. Joseph

He wasn’t sure the Army would help, but he also hoped they would. Before he knew it, he was on his way to the barn. The whickers which met him, made him smile. They’d gotten in more horses yesterday to replace those lost. He loved working with horses. Their smell, warmth, brutal honesty made him smile. It was a comfort no matter where in the country he happened to be.

Soft murmurs reached him and spark ran along his veins. That was no man’s voice it belonged to a woman. Low and husky, it stroked along his skin and sent lust to his cock. Instant heat thrummed through him, reminding him so much how long it had been since he’d had the pleasure of a woman beneath him. Above him.

Aww fuck. He gripped the hard length in his denim and adjusted himself. Time to get under control.

What the hell?

Was there a woman hiding in here? He moved through to check. Nothing. The only person he saw was Robert who stood brushing down his horse.

“Did you see anyone in here?”

Robert whirled only to flick his eyes over him before returning to his task of rubbing down Polaris. “Not other than you.”

“I thought I heard a woman.” And again, thinking about the soft, husky voice, his cock decided to pulse again.

He noticed the stiffening of the man by the horse. Was he hiding her here? A spear of jealously hit him and he didn’t understand why.

Cy ground his jaw. “You know you’re not allowed to have women here.”

“You think I have a woman in here?” Honest incredulity tinged the tone. “When would I have told her to meet me?” Robert didn’t face him again but dark fingers tightened so hard some of the color leeched out from where they gripped the brush.

Okay, so it wasn’t his smartest comment. “You’re right. Sorry, I’m…” he trailed off. What was there to say? It was obvious Robert had just arrived and yet he couldn’t help feel possessive over…he sighed. Over what? A feminine voice I obviously heard in my head? Yes that’ll boost confidence the men have in me. I’m hearing voices.

He cleared his throat and out of habit rubbed the thigh of his injured leg. “Bunkhouse is full, you’ll have to share a bunk.”

Now the following action was a definite tensing. He guessed he understood. Overall the riders didn’t have color issues but there were a few who did.

“Fine.” Robert ducked under the rail, hefted the saddle with ease, and slid it onto an empty spot amongst the other tack. Weapon in one hand and saddlebags with bedroll in the other, he strode from the barn.

Cy double-checked on the large dun then brought the next horse up so he didn’t have to chase him down when the time came. Once that was finished, he got to his daily duties of being a station manager at one of the more than one hundred stations along the two thousand mile trail.

Things didn’t differentiate much as the days went on. The Army didn’t arrive however, neither did they have more attacks. Everyone worked hard right along with everyone else.

Three weeks later, a severe storm overran them. The station was empty except for him and Robert since he’d just sent off the last rider two hours ago. Another few should be coming in within a few more hours, but he figured the storm would slow them a bit. He had a big pot of soup heating and some biscuits cooking in the oven. Cy got to his feet and went to the door. May as well call Robert to eat with him.

The young man had changed, not that he and Robert had ever been extremely close but since the incident with Bill, he’d become even more distant. Respectful and hardworking as always but he kept to himself. Never participated in card games with the guys. Slept and worked.

He pushed out the door and took a deep breath. The rainy onslaught filled the air with a fresh clean scent. It washed away the dry, hot air and replaced it with rebirth. He couldn’t hear the horses over the pounding rain. Nor could he see the bunkhouse.

Immediately soaked stepping onto the ground, he hurried to his destination. He saw one flickering light the closer he got and he pushed through the door shaking the excess water off his head. Running a hand down his face, he peered around. Movement in the back corner caught his eye so he headed there. Turning the corner of the final bunk he froze as if he’d run smack into a wall. His jaw dropped open and lust hit him again, a hundred times the intensity of his reaction to the feminine voice in the barn.

Robert was a girl. No, correction, not a girl. A woman. No man had a figure like that. Even with the bindings around her torso—which explained how she passed as Robert—he now wondered how he’d missed it. Although it explained some of the differences he’d noticed.

“Where’s Robert and who the hell are you?”

Anger began to leech into him as he realized how endangered she’d been by riding the route. She jumped and spun around, eyes wide. He watched her gaze flick between him and the gun hanging near. Tension exploded throughout the room. They lunged for the weapon at the same time.

He had no doubt, she got to it first, he was going to have a bullet lodged in him somewhere.

Her fingers grasped the handle as his heavier weight bore her to the thin mattress. Preservation instincts honed dagger sharp in the Army took over and he rolled them from the narrow bed to the floor. The gun scattered across the wooden planks.

She didn’t cease her struggles, in fact, they increased. Her hands whirled like demons, landing several painful blows on him. Stars exploded behind his eyes when her knee landed a direct hit between his legs.

“Christ, would you just hold still!”

Capturing her wrists in his hands, he placed them above her head. He stared down at her. It was a punch to the gut. He had no clue how he’d mistaken her for a man. She had Robert’s features but here, now, this close there was no doubt she was all woman.

She bucked against him to no avail. All it did was reaffirm it was a woman beneath him. Because he’d walked in on her binding her breasts, the wrap was loose and he felt them. Full, rounded, pert and things he wanted in his hands. In his mouth.

Fuck! Now he was getting hard. Well, harder.

“Hold still.” He barked the order while trying to convince his body he wasn’t attracted to her. It wasn’t easy. She had large brown eyes framed by thick lashes, full lips he wanted to kiss, and a haughty expression, which made him, want to morph into one of pure pleasure. All it would take would be to lower his head and…

“Get off me.”

“I don’t think so. You need to answer some questions.” He kind of liked being on her.

Her chest rose and fell with her rapid breaths and for a second he witnessed a glimpse of fear. She masked it quickly and he saw it from her point of view. A woman, a black woman, trapped beneath the body of a white man in a cabin where no one would help her if she screamed. He felt bad but he wasn’t about to let her move until he had answers. She would just have to come to realize he wouldn’t hurt her.

“So ask so I can finish getting dressed.” Her words were matter-of-fact.

Cy tried desperately to forget how good she felt beneath him. “Who are you?” The question came out harsher than he intended. Still she never flinched. She’s got grit. I’ll give her that.

“Rebecca. Robert’s twin.”

He scrambled off her. “Get dressed.” He wasn’t strong enough to resist the temptation. Still, he was no fool and went to retrieve her gun.

She moved gingerly, her gaze remained locked on him. As she gained her feet, he dragged his gaze up and down her near nakedness. She never asked him for privacy, merely turned her back to retighten her bindings. Once her shirt was back on, she faced him again; her eyes flickered to her gun that he retained. He watched her strap on some knives and realized she wouldn’t be easy to overpower.

“Why are you here?” Her expression told him of her reluctance to talk. “Tell me,” he ordered.

“Robert got injured. He’s laid up in bed.”

That was it. She didn’t elaborate on his injury. Nothing of the sort. Just stated an answer as he’d wanted.

“So you just decided to take his place?”

“We counted on that pay to help the family. Besides, I can do this. I am doing this.”

He shook his head. “Not anymore.”

She’d sat to tie a blue bandana on her head, but shot to her feet at his comment. “What?”

He crossed his arms, fingers still curved around the gun. “I can’t let a girl ride this.”

“You didn’t even know I was one until you came bursting in here. I can do this. I have to do this.”

Her big brown eyes shone with tears he knew—deep in his gut—she wouldn’t shed.

“It’s too dangerous. If they were to find out they were sharing a bunk with a woman…” he trailed off and shook his head. “I can’t consciously put you in that situation.”

“You’re not. This is my decision. They’ll never know.” She took several deep breaths. “Please. You have to let me ride.”

He arched a brow. “I do?”

She took a step closer. “What do you want? I’ll do anything to keep you from pulling me.”

“Anything?” His mind whirled.

A cold glint entered her eyes. “Anything. If it takes me whoring myself out to you, I will. I just have to keep riding.”

He’d be one massive liar if he said he didn’t find her attractive. All that smooth skin the color of rich coffee with a splash of milk in it. Lord, it made his fingers itch to touch. Explore. However, having her feel like a whore? Never.

He stroked his chin as he thought about it. She had a point; he’d not known she was a woman until now. The others didn’t know. Moreover, he admired a woman who would help the family. Times were tough. For some more than others. And he didn’t want Robert to lose his position in the company either. He sighed.

“No need to do that. Can you cook?”

She nodded her gaze still unsure of his actions. He recognized the look; he’d seen it many times.

“Help out with the cooking and I won’t say a word. You’re on your own if they find out. You might want to not do anything like this again in the building.”

Even as the words slipped by his mouth, he knew he was full of shit. He would protect this woman until no breath left his body.

Determination filled her straightforward gaze. “They won’t. No one will catch me unawares again.”

Ignoring the demands of his body, he flipped her gun to hand it over grip first. “Don’t make me regret this.”

“I won’t.”

Problem was. He already did. This just couldn’t end well.