The Lost Collection Colleens Desire At the age of twenty-three, Colleen OMalley has learned that falling in love

with a man can destroy a womans reputation. She has vowed to never again be foolish enough to listen to a mans silken, seductive wordsbut then, she never thought that Marc and Frank, two of Golden Valleys wealthiest and most charming rogues, would unleash their sensual skills on her. Can a single night of erotic intemperance lead to a lifetime of loving commitment? Genre: Mnage a Trois, Western/Historical Length: 60,084 words COLLEENS DESIRE The Lost Collection Brandi Maxwell MENAGE EVERLASTING Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action

is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000." If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at legal@sirenbookstrand.com A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Mnage Everlasting COLLEENS DESIRE Copyright 2010 by Brandi Maxwell E-book ISBN: 1-60601-999-6 First E-book Publication: September 2010 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright 2010 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Colleens Desire by Brandi Maxwell from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book. Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Brandi Maxwells livelihood. Its fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Maxwells right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com COLLEENS DESIRE BRANDI MAXWELL Copyright 2010 Chapter One Golden Valley, Montana 1874 While crossing the hard, arrow-straight road bisecting the bustling boomtown of Golden Valley, Marc Andollini glanced over at his best friend, Frank Bishop, then nodded off to the left.

When Franks gaze moved in that direction, he couldnt resist a smile. Standing in the shadows on the opposite boardwalk, in the shade beneath the awning of the Second National Bank of Golden Valley, stood Samantha Marks. Her father owned the bank, as well as one profitable gold mine and three unprofitable ones. Samanthas looking ready for this evening, and its hardly past noon, Marc commented. The undercurrent in his tone suggested his emotions werent entirely complimentary. As her fathers only daughter, Samantha got whatever she asked for, and her wardrobe was the stuff of legend. Even so, it was too early in the day to be wearing such a robins egg blue skirt with a white silk blouse and matching, waist-length blue jacket. Marc wondered just how long it took Samantha to get ready to leave the house each day, and a shudder went through him. You think shes looking to upgrade from Zachery Singer? Wouldnt take much to do that, Frank replied, his contempt unconcealed. Zacherys a rattlesnake and always has been. Thats where youre wrong, my friend, Marc replied, stepping up out of the street and onto the boardwalk in front of the Morning Rooster Restaurant. A rattlesnake warns a person before he strikes. Seems to me that Zachery Singers a backstabbing dry-gulcher. He doesnt warn anybody before he strikes.

Frank nodded and scratched his chin. Now that I think about it, I see youre right. He made a sound of disdain in his throat. Zachery doesnt have the stones to fight a man face-to-face. But hes got Samantha, so I guess thats something. Maybe. Franks tone was as ambiguous as his words. Maybe not. His gaze met Marcs. Weve both had some fun times with Samantha, and we both consider ourselves lucky men to have walked away unscathed. That says something, too. Isnt that the truth? Marc replied, his voice low. Why in hell I walked into her spider web, Ill never know. Marc watched as Samantha moved out of the shade of the banks awning, her fair skin protected by the French parasol, and headed down the boardwalk. She walked with a stride that suggested purpose, as she often did, and Marc felt a twinge of apprehension in the pit of his stomach. As one of a short list of Samanthas ex-lovers, he felt a certain obligation to converse politely with the girl. There wasnt a person with any standing or wealth in Golden Valley, Helena, or Virginia City who didnt know that Samantha had set her sights on marrying a rich man. Most any rich man would do. Think shes still mad about you splitting up? Frank asked. He had courted her prior to Marc, so his exit from her bedroom was no longer a matter of contention. Im pretty certain of it. Me, too.

Marc reached into the inside pocket of his jacket for his rolling papers and pouch of tobacco, then stopped himself. Samantha had said she liked the scent of his tobacco smoke, and he didnt want to do anything that might draw an angry response from her. For the hundredth time since telling her that they couldnt be bedmates any longer, Marc Andollini, one of Golden Valleys most notorious rakes, wished that hed never let himself get blinded by Samantha Markss delicate good looks and soft, enticing voice. After all, it wasnt as though hed ever had a shortage of beautiful and willing women wanting to share bedroom time with him. So, as hed told himself many times since the acrimonious end to their shared sexual activities, he should have known better and shown the good sense to avoid Samantha Marks from the very beginning. But still, hadnt Marc always been susceptible to lovely young women of wealth who whispered suggestively of the things they were oh-sowilling to do to him? Samantha approached, keeping to the boardwalk, a sunny smile curling a mouth that had lips a touch too thin to elicit fantasies among the more jaded members of Golden Valleys wealthy young bachelors. Marc thought it perhaps her only unattractive physical feature. Her deficiencies in intellectual and emotional qualities were quite another matter. This was a fact which he had discovered, but only after having spent a rather significant number of hours passionately in bed

with her and an almost entirely similar number of depressingly boring hours in bed with her postcoitus. That she wasnt universally considered the most beautiful debutante in the territory was a source of some consternation for Samantha. She didnt like to think of herself as second to anyone, at anything, under any circumstances. Good afternoon, Marc. She looked at him, then with a certain dramatic flair, looked directly at Frank. She had found his family fortune to her liking, but his nearly indefatigable sexual energy rather less so. Samantha had made it clear to him that physical exertion, of any sort, was unpleasant to her. Hi, Frank. Been a while since Ive seen you. She adjusted the angle of the parasol to keep the sun from touching her face. Will you men be going to the Freedom banquet this afternoon? she asked. Of course, Marc replied. Looking at Samantha reminded him of why hed ignored his better judgment and had become romantically involved with her for a three-week period. She really was a beauty. It was everything else about her that set his teeth on edge. How could we miss the most important social event of the year? Important, yes, Samantha replied. My father was president of the Sons of Freedom two years ago. She laughed softly. Marc could tell it wasnt a real laugh. What a silly name for such a prestigious organization. Sons of Freedomwhoever came up with such a pompous, selfimportant name?

My father was on the committee that came up with it. There was a pregnant pause before Marc added, As you well know. No offense intended, Samantha replied. Its just a silly name. That doesnt mean your father was a silly man. Not for a second did Marc believe Samantha. He knew she meant to be offensive, and it took an act of willpower for him not to tell her so. She turned toward Frank. You will dance with me tonight. It was a casual declaration. Samantha was accustomed to giving orders to adults, even those from prominent families and of significant incomes, as though they were mere servants in her world. The orchestra for tonight has been brought in from St. Louis, and I understand their repertoire of waltzes is quite acceptable. In Samanthas parlance, quite acceptable meant second to none. She turned her attention toward Marc, and he felt that twinge in his stomach once again. You must dance with me, too. Your behavior has been dreadful, of course, but fortunately for you, Im a forgiving woman. She smiled, clearly feeling that her business had been conducted and concluded successfully. Until tonight, then. Samantha ambled off down the boardwalk, her stride no longer decisive now that shed accomplished her objective. Marc had the strangely exhilarating sensation of being a man who had been shot at and missed. Watching her walking away, he wondered briefly whether her hips

were swaying just a bit more than normal, then decided they were. Samantha was a woman who knew instinctively when men were looking at her ass while she walked. In a voice that was as serious as the crypt, Frank said, Dont think about it, buddy. Thats a girl with nothing but poison in her veins, and shes nothing but trouble from the top of her curly blonde head down to the tips of those dainty little toes. She wanted my fortune, then she wanted your fortune, and now it looks like shes going to settle on getting her hooks into Zachery Singers fortune. But any way you look at it, that girls no more trustworthy than a hungry she-wolf. He made an unpleasant sound in his throat. The only difference being, of course, is that a she-wolf makes a good mother. Id be willing to bet that she wont give a rats ass about whatever children she brings into this world. Marc grinned at his best friend, then shivered in dramatic fashion. It scares me just thinking about how stupid I was to think that a little sex with that woman would be harmless. He shivered again. Someday, I really hope I figure out that my cocks supposed to follow my decisions, instead of the other way around. Coming into town from the west was a buckboard wagon, pulled along by a single large Belgian gelding that did not have many years left in him. Even from a distance, it was easy to see that the woman in the front seat of the buckboard, though wearing a wide-brimmed, rather

masculine felt hat, had a profusion of hair that wouldnt be easily tamed into a tidy coiffure by ribbons or clips. There was only one woman in Golden Valley with hair the color of dazzling burnished copper. It was a woman who had, at least thus far, resolutely rebuffed the advances of both Marc and Frank. Here comes Colleen OMalley. No another woman in the territory has hair like that, Frank replied. In a tone of voice hed never before used with Colleen, he said, Shes the kind of woman with looks that are hard to mistake. You suppose shes been invited to tonights banquet? There was a hopefulness in Marcs tone. He made a point of unleashing his debauchery and charm almost exclusively upon wealthy and jaded women who knew precisely what they were getting involved in and wanted nothing more from him than the multiple climaxes he was so capable of inspiring. Its been hard to strike up much of a conversation with that woman. Shes probably been invited, but the invitation is to work, not to attend. Frank shrugged, accepting the social stratification caused by Montanas gold rush as the way of life. Since he was at the very top of the ladder, he saw no reason that anything should change. Shes a chicken rancher, and she sells milk and cheese and eggs. Theres going to be a lot of rich, hungry people at the Sons of Freedom banquet tonight. Probably here to make a little extra money. Her incomes

been cut pretty sharp since Allen decided she wasnt marrying material. Franks blunt assessment of the facts hit Marc with an almost physical force. The recent discoveries of valuable minerals, most notably gold, had made some men enormously wealthy in a very short period of time. The biggest profits were in gold, but fortunes had also been made mining silver and tin. But for every one man who suddenly became a millionaire, there were several thousand who languished in poverty, eking out a marginal living however possible, existing on the fringes of a wealthy society that looked condescendingly down upon them. In a voice both gruff and soft, Marc replied, I suspect youre right. Worse luck, that. Happened to her a couple years ago, and still shes suffering for it. He scratched his cheek thoughtfully. Ive always wanted to get a little better acquainted with that woman. As in bedroom acquainted? Marc shook his head. No, just get to know her a little. It always seemed to me that she got dealt a pretty rotten hand by Allen Carpenter. As the buckboard moved closer, Marc smiled. Colleens distinctive hair was tucked beneath a hat, but tendrils had already fallen free. In the buckboard was a large series of wire cages for chickens that filled the wagon completely. Looks like well be having chicken at the banquet. Marc stepped out into the street, his smile widening. Afternoon, Colleen.

Good afternoon, Marc. Her tone was familiar. The men had known her for a decade, though they did not socialize in the same circles. In town a bit early, arent you? With a sweeping glance, Marc assessed Colleen. She wore gray trousers with the pant legs tucked into her boots like a man, but also a feminine blue cotton blouse. The right shoulder of the blouse had been repaired with care. The cuffs of both sleeves showed signs of age. It seemed terribly unjust that she should have had to pay such a heavy price for having fallen in love with a cold-blooded snake of a man like Allen Carpenter. Had to go to the surveyors office, Marc said. Buying up more mining plots? Colleen arched an eyebrow. Pretty soon youll own all of the Rocky Mountains. When he glanced over at Frank, he saw that his friend was looking at the voluptuous redhead with a warmth in his eyes that suggested more than just neighborly friendliness. It surprised Marc since he and Frank were notorious for keeping their libidinous amusements among Montanas nouveau riche. And there certainly was no riche in Colleen OMalley, new or otherwise. Not likely, Marc replied. The SmokyMountains alone have over a million acres of land that hasnt been surveyed, and the Smokies constitute only a tiny fraction of the Rocky Mountains. Always so precise! Colleen laughed, and Marc thought it a sound he would like to hear more often. When she laughed, her breasts moved tautly beneath her blouse, and Marc felt a certain

tightening in the pit of his stomach. A small voice in his head whispered that shed already been hurt by a man, and he didnt want to be the next in line to make her miserable. Ill bet youll grow your daddys fortune fifty-fold before you turn thirty. Well, since thats only five years away, Id better get to work. And since Ive got work to do myself, Id better be getting along, Colleen replied. These chickens wont clean or cook themselves. Bring an appetite with you to the banquet tonight. Therell be roasted chicken and fried chicken and some of the finest cheese youve ever tasted. She had a way of smiling, Marc thought, that was completely without guile. He was unaccustomed to women smiling at him with such simple honesty. Marc looked at the wire chicken crate in the bed of the buckboard. In the ten separate cages there were a total of thirty chickens. How were you planning on getting that big crate into the kitchen? Colleen sighed and her breasts once again wobbled, a movement Marc found distracting in a way that was remarkably pleasing. The crates too heavy with the chickens in it, so Ill have to take them out two at a time. Marc acted without asking permission. He stepped up into the buckboard and sat on the front bench, taking the reins from Colleen, who looked at him with confusion in her eyes. In that case, Frank and I can do the lifting for you, Marc said. Seeing Colleen up close, he

was surprised at just how startlingly green her eyes were. They shimmered like priceless, wet jewels. Hop on, Frank. Youre slowing the wheels of progress. A moment later, while Marc guided the Belgian off Main Street and down the alley toward the banquet hall kitchen, Colleen was trapped between the men. When she turned her shoulders to look behind her at the chickens, the plump fullness of her breast rubbed fleetingly against his biceps. Marc found it entirely irrational that he, a man of prodigious sexual energy and no shortage of willing women to expel that energy with, should take such shocking pleasure from the innocent contact. He wasnt a tyro when it came to sex, so Colleens innocent contact shouldnt have affected him so strongly. But it did, and it bothered him that he didnt understand why. Chapter Two Colleen felt jittery inside, and she didnt like it at all. Her reputation had been destroyed several years earlier when shed foolishly believed the smooth, facile lies of a rich man who looked upon her as a plaything, a toy to be enjoyed while convenient and casually discarded once the novelty had worn off. Though it seemed to her that Marc Andollini and Frank Bishop were cut from a much different bolt of cloth than Allen Carpenter, all three were undeniably rich, and their ability to entertain women, sexually and otherwise, was well-known in the territory.

To view the men as anything other than trouble of the most egregious kind was foolishness. But it was impossible to concentrate on their bad qualities while being wedged between their powerful bodies on the buckboard seat. Their nearness made her distinctly aware that she hadnt been touched by a man in years. That they had the faintest aroma of fresh soap to them, and cologne, only heightened her sense of caution. Colleen, at the impressionable age of eighteen, had fallen madly in love with Allen Carpenter, the eldest son of one of the territorys nouveau riche families. With the navet of youth, Colleen had believed Allens claims of love. Though he hadnt formally asked for her hand in marriage, he always had what seemed like a very good reason for not putting an engagement ring on her finger. He had convinced her that there was nothing wrong with spending nights of passion with him in his hotel room. After all, what difference did it really make what the shrewish, wagging tongues of Golden Valley had to say about her behavior when, soon enough, theyd be husband and wife? So Colleen, against her better judgment and the teachings of her pious mother and father, spent many nights with her lover. The man she was certain would soon be her fianc and from there, her husband. She did everything she could to ignore the venomous-tongued gossip that accused her of being a trollop a fallen woman, and so much worse than that.

Three years went by before Allen got around to proposing. Colleen would have thought the wait had been worth it, except she wasnt the girl he decided to marry. It was Joan Singer, the then eighteen-year-old daughter of the towns most prominent banker and a model of decorum and propriety, with the trump card of being an honest-togoodness and verified-by-a-doctor virgin. She even sang in the church choir. Such impeccable wife material credentials were too much for Allen to ignore. Though it wasnt intentional, to make Colleens abject humiliation complete, the Carpenters stayed in Golden Valley after the wedding. Allen had always talked about moving to Helena, a larger city where men with ambition really had a chance to make a name for themselves. Instead, he built a large home close to the bank. Almost nine months to the day after the wedding, he started his family. In one way or another, Colleen was reminded every day of her poor judgment. They exited the alley and came out onto a clearing behind the Golden Valley Community Hall. The kitchen was a squat building, as new as the hall itself, with a half dozen chimney tubes sticking out through the low-slung roof like cannons. Dried wood for cooking was stacked along the entire southern wall. In the summers, the kitchen might get sweltering hot, but the banquet hall would remain cool and breezy with its spacious windows open wide. The delineation between

the have and the have-nots, the servants and those who were served, couldnt have been more starkly detailed. This was not the first banquet that Colleen had been invited to work, so she knew from experience that when the evening was over, shed need to take a bath before crawling into her bed. Marc jumped down from the buckboard, then turned and reached up to Colleen. She looked at him for a second, momentarily shocked because helping a woman down from her carriage was such a common excuse among sweethearts for rather subtle physical contact that appeared outwardly innocent. Dont be silly, she told herself. Hes got his choice of lovers, and youre not one of them. Marc and Frank are charming out of habit, thats all. She leaned forward and placed her hands on his shoulders. Marc put his hands at her sides, just above the rounded curve of her hips. She gave the slightest of hops, and he took her weight effortlessly. Colleen was neither a small nor slender woman, yet Marc held her as though she weighed nothing at all. He held her suspended in midair, her face slightly above his, his gaze meeting and holding hers, her feet dangling above the ground. The tip of her tongue slipped out to moisten her lips, and after trying for a couple seconds, she managed to say, You can set me down now. She tried to turn her gaze away from Marcs. She really did. The warning bells of masculine

allure were clanging and clamoring inside her brain at a deafening volume. Her feet touched the ground, but his hands stayed at her waist. Colleen kept her hands on his shoulders. She swallowed dryly before finally managing to say, Thank you. She turned away and strode toward the kitchen door purposefully. The sensation of needing to escape was strong, and she told herself that she was being foolish, quite silly for a woman of her age and experience, because men like Marc and Frank werent interested in a serious manner with women. Certainly not with women who had gained an unpleasant reputation in Golden Valley. After Allen had married a virgin, hadnt the women in town been only too willing to explain that very fact to Colleen? Frank asked, Where do you want it? It was a harmless question, and Colleen intellectually understood this. But emotionally, it was quite another matter. When she had been Allens lover, he often teasingly asked her that very question. When he said it, the question was both sexual and literal, and there was nothing at all harmless in it. Colleen opened the kitchen door. She was the first one there, as she knew she would be, but suddenly she was aware of being alone with these men in a way she hadnt planned. Youre being silly, and theyre just being helpful. Now get some sense in your head, answer his question, and then say good-bye.

In here, if you wouldnt mind, Colleen said, pushing open the door. Youre sure its not too heavy? Both men chuckled at that. As they lifted the cage out of the buckboard, they turned it so that its wide, flat, rectangular form was vertical instead of horizontal. Seeing the ease with which they held the crate, Colleen realized how silly her question must have sounded to two men so obviously physically fit. Put it over there, near the cleaning table, please, she said. The men did as instructed, then turned to face her again. She smiled. Youve saved me at least a half hour of work. I dont know how to thank you. Without a seconds hesitation, Frank said, You could dance with me tonight. Colleen shook her head and took off her hat. Shed pulled her hair back in a chignon that morning to keep the thick tresses out of her way while she worked, but several tendrils had already escaped her best intentions, falling down her temples in loose waves. I cant do that. It was Marc this time who, with brow furrowed, responded instantly. Why not? He spoke as a man unaccustomed to being thwarted in his wishes. Not getting what he wanted simply didnt happen much in his life, Colleen understood, and though she envied him some for this fact of life, the emotion it elicited was not without its counterpoint.

You cant dance with me tonight because Im going to be working, not attending as a guest. She put her hands on her hips, arms akimbo. The move caused her breasts to press just a little more firmly against the front of her blouse. In a softer tone, she added, You know that. Then dance with me now, Marc said. A waltz, I think, would be nice. Here? Colleens tone held an undercurrent of distrust. Now? She laughed then, very softly, but the move caused her breasts to tremble. She saw that both men took notice of her generous feminine charms. A subtle warmth went through her. The warning bells of reason and rationality clanged even more insistently inside her brain. Youre teasing me now. Her voice softened. Thats not very nice. Marc shook his head and stepped closer. No, Im not. I wouldnt do that to you. His put his hands in the proper dancing position, the right close to his stomach, the left outstretched. Ill hum the tune. Do you know Deliriums by Josef Strauss? Colleen shook her head and thought, what an appropriate waltz for the emotions Im feeling right now. No matter. Its a waltz, and Im certain you can follow the tune. He half-smiled and a dimple formed in his right cheek. All you have to do is follow my lead, and our dance will be perfection itself. A tiny fissure of emotion slithered through Colleens nerve endings. She tried to tell herself

that the handsome rogue was merely discussing a dance, but her body and emotions read meanings into words that she wasnt at all certain were really there. His tone was soft but clear in the near-empty, spacious kitchen as he hummed the waltz. Feeling a bit muzzy-headed under the intense scrutiny of two such dashing reprobates, Colleen eased one hand up to Marcs shoulder and slipped her right hand into his left. When he took his first sidestep move, she instantly got in step with him. He was light-footed, and the hand at her back was a firm guide, directing her around a small table piled high with cooking utensils and another with coffee cups precariously stacked. They made two entire circles around the kitchen before Marc said, Youre a delightful dancer. They stopped dancing. I really must dance with you sometime when weve got a full orchestra. Colleen was aware of the places where her body touched his, uncomfortably aware, with a feminine consciousness that had been silent for three long years. Though her hand was only being held by his, it seemed that the heat of his body was going straight into her blood. The tips of her breasts touched his chest, and though the contact itself was innocent enough, her nipples had pebbled tightly anyway. She wondered whether their elongated state would be visible through her chemise and blouse. My turn now, Frank said, stepping forward. Colleen was grateful for the distraction. Marcs

allure, shockingly masculine and undeniable, was awakening instincts within her that had been dormant for three years. At a time like this, Colleen didnt need her body to remember was it was like to be a woman. Marc, since your voice is a hundred times better than mine, would you be kind enough to be our one-man orchestra? In a tone that suggested, at best, grudging agreement, Marc answered, Sure. Why not? At six-foot-three, Frank towered over Colleen. In his arms, looking up at him as they waltzed around the kitchen, Colleen felt, for the first time in her life, almost petite and fragile. For a big man, youre wonderfully light-footed. When Frank smiled down at her, Colleen became even more aware of how sensitive her nipples were as they brushed against the solid surface of his chest. They completed the circle, and though Marc continued to hum the waltz lightly, Colleen stopped dancing and extracted herself from Franks arms. Thank you for a delightful dance, both of you, she said, forcing herself to sound calmer than she really was. Now, if youll excuse me, there is much work to be done, and if you look around, youll see that Im the only one here to do it. Marcs dark eyes were glittery and bright as he stepped closer, shaking his head slowly as he tipped his hat back on his head with a fingertip. One little dance just isnt enough. A kiss. Just one smallharmlesskiss. Colleen felt her heart suddenly accelerate alarmingly. I can think of many words to describe

you, and harmless isnt one of them. You shouldnt listen to rumors. His voice was low, a little on the rough side, and it caressed Colleens senses. She looked at his lips and thought them too kissable for words. When she looked into his eyes, she immediately understood why so many women had abandoned their better judgment for him. I shouldnt listen to you. There was a slight quaver to Colleens words. She felt the hammering of her heart against her ribs and, for the first time ever, literally felt the pulse in her clit. Hes going to kiss me. With the awareness came equal measures of exquisite anticipation and wrenching horror. The last man shed ever kissed had been the first and only man shed ever kissed. He was handsome, unattached, a few years older than herself, rich, and more experienced in matters of the flesh than she. She had trusted that man, and because shed believed the seductive words, her reputation had been destroyed beyond repair. She was now an outcast in the haut monde world of Western society that the banquet tonight was to honor. Marc and Frank were all those things, which made them men she should stay away from. One little kiss, Marc said, slipping his fingers around the back of Colleens neck. One kiss. He moved slowly, a man in his element, at ease and sure of himself. Colleen was quite the opposite. Her breath first came in quick little pants, but as Marc bent at the waist, she sucked in a

breath and held it. Then his mouth was pressing lightly against her own, his lips warm and firm, moving sensually. She felt the warmth of his palms through her blouse when he put his hands on her shoulders, and a moment later, when he gently but firmly pulled her toward him, Colleens arms unconsciously wound round his middle. Seconds ticked by without measure. The clanging warning bells were silent now, their shrill cries muted by a masculine allure that was much more forceful than any Colleen had ever experienced. Sanity returned, though Colleen was uncertain of how long her lips had been caressed by Marcs. Bliss had taken the place of rationality. She took a half step backward, sucked in a halting breath in an effort to calm herself, and forced the most casual smile on her lips that she could manage. There you go, she said with strained casualness, as though the single kiss hadnt awakened feelings in her that had been dormant for years. And now its my turn. Franks tone was crisp. Colleen sensed his possessiveness, and though a part of her wanted to complain, a more feminine part of her responded both romantically and submissively to his alpha male bearing. His diamond-hard, blue-eyed gaze swept up and down over her before he concluded, After all, you wouldnt want me to feel left out. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled with controlled strength, forcing her pelvis to

press against him and making it impossible for her to ignore the burgeoning length of his cock against her stomach. She was forced to bend backward when Frank leaned down to kiss her. Her arms went around his neck, partly out of some instinct and partly to keep her balance, as his mouth slanted down over hers. The kiss was firmer, more commanding, than the one she received from Marc. What am I doing? Oh, God, I shouldnt do things like this. But logic and reason had seemingly abandoned Colleen. When she felt the wet warmth of Franks tongue against her lips, she moaned softly and opened her mouth. His tongue eased inside, its passage slow even though her invitation was unmistakable. As her tongue danced with his, Colleen moaned a second time, louder than before, and tightened her arms around his neck. No single kiss had ever been so provocative to all of her senses or had touched her so intimately. Colleen felt dizzy, and it seemed like her mind was spinning. She had been kissed deeply before, of course. Though the first time it had happened she hadnt been in the least bit aroused by it, in time she had learned to tolerate Allens tongue in her mouth. She didnt need to tolerate anything with Frank. His tongue was like a wickedly arousing serpent, touching here, caressing there, gliding along her teeth, sometimes moving in deeply, and other times hardly penetrating. She responded instinctively, realizing in a flash of awareness what she had been missing and

why the previous kisses had done nothing for her passion. An unprecedented, hungry ache throbbed in her pussy, an emptiness that was different from any previous sensation Allen had ever managed to inspire. When Franks broad-palmed, powerful hands slipped from the small of her back downward to squeeze and fondle her bottom through her trousers, Colleen moaned yet again. A shiver of desire worked its way up her spine. When the kiss finally ended with Franks hands cupping her bottom, he smiled. With his lips still nuzzling hers, he whispered, Ive never danced with anyone who wore trousers before. It was the moment of levity that brought with it instant sanity. Colleen knew with startling clarity that unless she put some distance between herself and these men she would never recover her better judgment. If she didnt rein in her galloping passion, she would end up naked on the floor of the banquet halls kitchen with two men ardently seeking their satisfaction from her. For a woman who could count the number of lovers shed had on the thumbs of her left hand, such a prospect was entirely appalling. Gentlemen, thank you so much for your assistance with my chicken crate, Colleen said, spinning out of Franks grasp. Her tone was piano-wire tight. And thank you for the lovely dances. Ive always enjoyed a good waltz. But if you would please leave now, I think that would be best for everyone involved.

Best? Marc shrugged his broad shoulders beneath a finely-tailored black jacket of lightweight cotton. Not only is that wrong around the edges, its wrong at the very center of its existence. The best thing that could happen is for me to stay right here, with you, and lock that door. And if Marc stays, then I should stay, too, Frank added. Colleen watched as the two lifelong friends exchanged a quizzical look. They appeared as confused by the intensity of all that was happening as she. To Marc, Frank said, I cant walk away from her any more easily than you can. Damn, Marc replied. Damn, indeed, Frank said. So what are we going to do about that? I dont know. Neither do I. A small, choked sob caught in Colleens throat. These men were talking about her in possessive terms, but instead of feeling objectified, she felt protected. In a way that shed never before experienced, she felt possessed and caressed by them. But she was also frightened by them. Listening to Marc and Frank speak suggested they were men who simply took whatever and whomever they wanted. Their commanding natures made her tingle and her juices flow so liberally she was afraid her underpants would be wet. From somewhere outside, a womans voice called out, Colleen, are you in there?

Oh, God! Colleen gasped, putting a hand to her mouth. In a rush of words, she explained, Its Amanda Holloway. Shes been hired to work the banquet. Im not finished with you. Marcs words came out as a taut whisper. Frank added, Dont for a second think that were done here. Colleen tried to speak, found that she couldnt, then simply nodded in acceptance. The three of them werent finished with what had started completely by accident. Even though she had just lived through the most confusing experience of her life, she understood with rock-solid certainty that whatever had begun had most definitely not reached its inevitable conclusion. She watched the two men, both tall and handsome, debonair despite their cattleman roots, and knew instinctively that her life had changed irrevocably and in ways she was only beginning to comprehend. Chapter Three Colleen watched as both Marc and Frank tipped their hats in greeting when Amanda stepped into the room. The men left without delay. It irked Colleen that her best friend went to the doorway to watch the men as they walked away. I swear, Amanda said, at last pushing away from the doorframe. She sighed with a flourish. Those two men are about as handsome as they get. And neither one has a wife. Have you noticed that? She laughed softly. Of course youve noticed that. There isnt an unmarried woman

in the territory who doesnt know about Marc Andollini and Frank Bishop. She sighed again. And here I am, a lonely lass of twenty-two without a beau. And then her mood changed instantly, and she said with cold finality, And Im here to tell you Im not letting Papa sell me like some prized heifer. Im just not going to get married because Papa says I have to. How many times do I have to tell you that he cant make you marry against your will? Colleen snapped. Whos he trying to marry you off to this week? Colleen was grateful that she had something to divert her from dwelling on thoughts of two men whose inclusion into her life had suddenly gone from distantly casual to significantly more intimate than she ever dreamed possible. Its not your fault that your father views your virginity has a salable commodity. Lets get to work, Amanda said, her smile feigned and tight. I hear hard works good for getting your mind off troubles, and since this is going to be one hell of a party, weve got a lot of work ahead of us. Amen to that, Colleen replied, equally grateful for the chance to distract her thoughts. Im hoping I dont run into Allen and his wife tonight. But she was really afraid of seeing Marc and Frank. **** Franks hole card was a five of spades. His next three face-up cards were an eight of spades, a nine of hearts, and a nine of spades. He had chances for both three of a kind and for two pair.

The other players at the table showed cards holding little promise, and their betting suggested they were waiting on their final down card before having a solid hand, deciding they would bluff, or choosing to fold. It wasnt the kind of hand that Frank liked, but hed made a small fortune from similar hands other the years, and he hoped that tonight Lady Luck would be smiling at him. Cards, and numbers, were Franks one true calling. Some people thought him a genius with numbers, though others said he was just highly gifted. Enough men in the territory had lost money to him playing five card stud so that nobody believed him to be just another gambler. If a man gambled against Frank Bishop, the smart money bet the other way. Whatll it be, Frank? Zachery Singer asked. He held the deck of cards in his left hand, with his right hand poised to deliver the next card facedown. Youre high hand. Frank thought back to the previous cards and the bets that each card had prompted from the other four players at the table. Under normal circumstances, he would recall each card and each pass, raise, call, or bid. His ability to remember what everyone had done on a card-by-card basis and to calculate the odds of success or failure were legendary. It was what enabled him over the years to supplement his own considerable fortune at tables topped with green felt. But thoughts of a buxom, redheaded Irishwoman had been tantalizing his imagination, diverting his concentration

from poker and toward more libidinous pursuits. As he looked into Zacherys eyes, he realized that, for perhaps the first time in memory, he had allowed a woman to interfere with his poker playing. It was not a comforting awareness. Raise, he said. He hoped his confusion didnt show to the other players. He tossed a blue wooden chip into the pile. Im in for another twenty-five. Twenty-five it is, Zachery replied, his eyes narrowing a bit. The other players at the table were either calling the bet or folding. When it was time, he began dealing the final down card. Under his breath, he said, Thats a pretty big pot. First big one tonight it seems. A cattle hands monthly salary was typically thirty dollars, so the bet was not inconsequential. For the second time in less than three minutes, Frank Bishop was again filled with an unusual sense of dread. Was this really the first big pot of the evening? He couldnt remember. Perhaps it was, but he couldnt remember with any certainty. It seemed like the first really big pot, but hadnt Paul Jasper won a pretty sizeable pot early on it the game? The fact that Frank didnt immediately have the answer with certainty was appalling to him. And it was all because of that damned Colleen OMalley that he couldnt concentrate! As much as he wanted to resent her, across the surface of his mind he remembered what wild, unanticipated thrills had been his when hed taken her into his arms, forcing her voluptuous form

to conform to the solid surface his body. He remembered the plush extravagance of her breasts pressing against him as he bent her backward, feasting on her mouth, kissing her with a hunger that had shocked him. And he remembered how luscious it had been to take her buns in his hands and squeeze, pulling her body against his own so that he felt her pelvis rub against the rapidly swelling length of his cock. Not even the combined thickness of his trousers and hers could prevent the heat of her body from going straight into his cock, making him grow, making his lusty flesh tent the front of his trousers. His down card was the five of clubs. Two pair. Not a sure-fire winner, but a fine hand under any circumstances. He looked at Zacherys hand. A jack of clubs, a four of hearts, and a queen of hearts were showing. The two face-down cards were neatly arranged to the side. But what worried Frank was that he couldnt remember what Zacherys bids had been. Had he called? Raised? Upped the ante or given the impression he was thinking of folding? Prior to Colleen OMalleys unexpected intrusion into his life, and his thoughts, he would have known precisely what Zachery had done. But he didnt know now. He didnt even have a clue. Youre still high hand, Zachery said, looking straight into Franks eyes. Whats your bet? For a man who took pride in his competence, to see himself befuddled by a woman and

incapable of concentrating on poker was not a comfortable awareness. In truth, he didnt have any idea of what the other players were holding as their down cards. Even more infuriating, he had to look a second time to remind himself what his own down cards were. He hadnt been this discombobulated at the poker table since he was fifteen years old. Ill raise, he said, though for the life of him he didnt know why he was raising anything. He tossed a blue chip into the kitty. Another twenty-five. Two men folded. Zachery tossed in his own blue chip and added a second. And another twenty-five, Zachery said. He smiled. Lets see how big your balls are, my friend. The taunting told Frank that Zachery knew hed lost track of the cards. Under normal circumstances, Zachery wouldnt have the courage to say such a thing. As far as Frank could tell, Zachery was the kind of man who did his best fighting when the enemys back was turned and he could deliver a nasty sucker punch. Stupidly, foolishly, driven more by masculine instinct than logic, Frank calmly tossed two blue chips into the pile of chips in the center of the table. Ill raise you fifty, he said, and then smiled, though the humor never quite reached his eyes. What about it, Singer? Got the balls two put in another fifty bucks? It wasnt the fifty dollars that caused Zacherys face to suddenly turn white, it was the open

insult of being called Singer without Mr. that bothered him, and Frank knew it. Around the table, a soft gasp came from several of the gamblers. Though Zachery Singer wasnt a physically dominating man, he came from a powerful family, and hed been known to use his guns when confronted or disrespected. But on this evening, he was entirely sober, which helped his self-control immeasurably. In response to the insult and the raise, Zachery just smiled, tossed in another fifty dollars worth of chips, and said, Call. Frank showed his two pair. Zachery smiled, turned over his hole cards to reveal a queen of diamonds and a queen of spades. Three queens beat two pair every time. Frankie boy, in this dick measuring contest, you came up short, Zachery said as he began pulling the chips into his pile. The smile that was stretched across Franks mouth was false. It had been years since anyone had openly insulted him, taunted him. Zachery had done it now, but Frank realized that hed invited the taunting. Even more infuriating was the fact that he knew hed lost the hand, and all that money, because Colleen OMalley had entered his thoughts when he should have been concentrating on his cards and those of his opponents. Frank decided then and there that the feisty redhead with the luscious lips and full bosom wouldnt interfere with his thoughts again. Not ever. ****

Colleen put the tines of her fork in the chicken leg, watched carefully as the juice bubbled out of the puncture, steaming hot and clear, and knew that the meat was cooked to perfection. Neither overcooked nor undercooked. And the seasoninga special combination of salt, pepper, garlic, butter, flour, and basilwas nothing less than taste bud seduction. With the long-handled fork, she skewered the chicken pieces from the enormous cast-iron frying pan and put them onto a serving tray. The attendees of the annual banquet would be treated to some truly exquisite dining. Colleen was tempted to try another piece of chicken for herself but resisted the urge. While it was true that, as a cook, she was expected to taste her own cooking, there was a difference between tasting and indulging. Besides, she was conscious of her weight, and shed already tested a wing, a neck, half a breast, and a gizzard. Colleen had, by her own standards, overindulged, and she was already promising herself to fast tomorrow to make up for what she considered a shameless lack of self-control. Movement from her left drew her attention as she put the last of the chicken onto the serving tray. Stepping forward, Amanda was smiling brightly, her golden blonde hair no longer neatly piled atop her head because of her labors, her chocolaty eyes bright and shining with pleasure. The banquet had obviously been profitable, and Colleen was happy for her. You wouldnt believe the gratuities Im getting tonight, she exclaimed. Im getting nickels

and dimes every time I put down the drinks or bring in more food. She let out a whoop of joy. Nothing quite like inebriation to make men generous with their tips! Colleen nodded toward her best friends bosom, which was revealingly on display above the low-cut dcolletage of the dress. The waitress uniform, supplied by the Sons of Freedom and no doubt chosen by a man, was intended to put her feminine charms on display. With you showing that much skin, its a minor miracle the men can control themselves. Amanda grinned. If you had a lick of sense in you, youd put on that other dress and get your fanny out there serving drinks. Lord knows, if they like looking at my bunnies, she cupped her breasts from the underside and lifted them several times, theyd go plumb loco looking at yours. Id rather not be on display. Amanda rolled her eyes and sighed. Theyre just looking, thats all. Unwilling to get into an argument with Amanda and unwilling to put on an undersized dress, Colleen handed the serving platter laden with steaming fried chicken to her friend and said, My job is to cook. Your job is to serve. Now go do your job and try to keep from drooling on all the rich men out there. Theyre drooling for me, not the other way around, Amanda announced as though that made all the difference in the world. And youre simply no fun at all, Colleen OMalley. How on earth do

you think youll ever find an exciting man when youre just no fun at all? Amanda huffed prettily. Not fun. Not even a little bit. She winked. Wish me luck. Colleen turned back to the stove and the big cast-iron frying pan, a smile on her lips. She had known Amanda for years, and there wasnt a single day in all their time together when Amanda didnt make her laugh out loud at least once when they were together. So this is where youve been keeping yourself. The male voice was not particularly familiar. Surprised at not being alone, Colleen spun quickly to face the intruder in her kitchen. It was Ralph Andrews, Zachery Singers best friend and most loyal toady. His jet-black hair was long, coming down well over his collar, and his blade-thin nose canted sharply to the left, having been reshaped when he was just eighteen by a womans boot as she defended herself against his amorous inclinations. There was nothing about him that Colleen found pleasant. He was, top to bottom, repulsive in her estimation. Im busy, Ralph. What do you want? Colleen had known him since they were children together. He had always been vile in her eyes, so it was especially frustrating when his father made an instant fortune by finding gold in his mine. The thick vein of gold had petered out rather quickly, which put an end to the escalating finances of the Andrews family, but the lack of continuing income hadnt seemed to have any

effect on the family lifestyle. Ralph, along his father and mother, continued to spend as though they had thousands of dollars worth of gold coming in every month instead of virtually nothing at all. There wasnt a soul in Golden Valley who didnt understand that a nasty crash was going to happen, but nobody said anything, and everyone waited for the inevitable. What do I want? Well, you, for starters. He laughed, and the way he looked at Colleen made her feel as though she should bathe immediately. You know, there are a lot of easier ways of making money than standing over a stove cooking chicken for a hundred people you dont much care for. Colleen felt her insides tighten. Lack of money had always been a problem in her life, and it irked her enormously that all of Golden Valley knew it. Its an honest income, she said after a moment. I dont suppose youd have much understanding of that, now would you? You keep talking smart like that, and maybe Ill teach you some manners. A woman like you should know how to behave with your betters. Oh, I know how to behave with my betters. She smiled thinly. Im just not with them at the moment. Ralph took a step toward Colleen. Her response was instantaneous. She took a single step backward and turned the long-handled fork in her hand so that she held it like a sword. She glared at Ralph.

Youre a cunt. You fucked Allen Carpenter until his balls were dried up, and now you wont fuck anyone at all. He spit on the kitchen floor. The days going to come when Im going to fuck you in the ass, and youll take it because Ill give you five dollars to do it. Never! Colleen said sharply though she managed to keep her voice down. Not in my lifetime. Do you hear me? She paused a moment as he looked at her with unalloyed contempt in his eyes. Ill starve before I ever let you touch me. Oh really? Well, well see about that. Its time for you to walk away, Ralph. Marcs baritone was uncompromising. Walk away and do it fast. Ive had a couple drinks tonight, and Im not inclined toward patience with men who dont know how to treat ladies. Ladies? Ralph made an ugly sound in his throat. Shes no lady. And youre a fool for thinking she is. In a voice that was both calm and deadly, Marc said, Walk away. Walk away nowor die where you stand. Ralph, clearly influenced by the liquor hed already consumed, spit once more on the floor and mumbled under his breath as he left, Carpenter fucked her every which way a man can fuck a woman. Why you getting righteous on her now? Dont see any point in that. Dont see any point at all. The words cut into Colleens soul like the jagged edge of a serrated knife. Ralph was a

vicious idiot, but he wasnt so stupid that he didnt understand exactly what words to say that would have the most devastating impact. He knew all about her foolishness with Allen Carpenter, and he knew that Marc did, too. Theres a lot you cant see, Marc said softly. Walk away while you can still walk. Colleen wasnt surprised when Ralph turned and retreated. Marc wasnt a man to pick fights with. Just looking at his face told her everything she needed to know about his frame of mind. Im sorry, she said. I didnt mean for you to have to get involved. Several seconds passed before Marc replied, Im not involved. I cant stand the thought of that blackguard talking to you so disrespectfully. He smiled, but it was a tight smile with little warmth in it. Good night, Colleen. If theres, he cleared his throat and half-turned away from her, anything you need, all you have to do is let me know and its yours. He walked out of the kitchen quickly. Chapter Four There are three types of winners at a poker table, Zachery Singer said quietly, looking at his second-place hand of eights over sevens. Good players, lucky players, and cheaters. Frank tapped the table with his forefinger, a smile curling his lips. He had jacks over deuces for the winning hand. Ill grant you, Ive been lucky tonight. He pulled the winnings in from the center of the table. And youve been unlucky. Thats the third time tonight my two pair has been

higher than yours. Thats right. Three times in one night. Zachery pushed his chair back from the table, and all conversation in the card room ceased. Once is skill, twice is luck, and three times means youve been cheating. Frank continued piling his chips into neat stacks on the green velvet tabletop. Talk like that will only get you hurt. Zachery stood slowly, and men stepped back. Theoretically, all handguns had been confiscated upon entering the banquet, but that didnt prevent the men from carrying hideouts. Im calling you a cheater. Leaning back in his chair, Frank crossed his legs, putting his right boot up onto his left knee. On the inside of his brightly polished black boot was a custom-made holster sewn into the tube, and in that holster was a double-barreled .41-caliber Derringer. It wouldnt be easy getting to the small but deadly weapon. Frank looked straight into Zacherys eyes. He saw the cold fury there in the dark brown depths. Shining in his eyes was greed and hatred, but most of what Frank saw was frustration. Two generations of Singers had been trying to get the best of the Bishops, and for two generations, they had more often than not come up short. The next logical step would be for Zachery to get his holster and revolver and call Frank out into the street. While Franks skills at the poker table were formidable, his skills with a revolver were minimal.

The sound of boot heels clicking against the slat wood floor drew Franks attention, but his gaze never wavered from Zacherys. Winning again? Marcs tone was faintly mocking as he approached the poker table. There wasnt a single person in the entire card room who was talking. Dont you get tired to taking peoples money? A low murmur of voices sounded through the room. Though Frank was not much of a threat to anyone with a pistol in his hand, Marcs speed and accuracy were legendary. The previous summer two cowboys had gone for their guns against him, and Marc put a bullet through each mans gun hand before they were even able to completely draw their weapons. Good to see you, Marc, Frank said. What have you been doing? Dancing. His tone was casual. And since there are several of Montanas most lovely ladies waiting for their turn with you on the floor, I suggest you cash in your chips and stop disappointing them. Frank stood slowly. At six-foot-three, he towered over most men. He looked around at the other card players at the table. You dont mind me quitting, do you? No, Frank, one player said. Another added, Its a free country. You can quit whenever you want. All eyes turned to Zachery, whose fury hadnt abated, though he occasionally cast sideways

glances at Marc. If he called Frank out into the street, he stood a good chance of winning the showdown. But if Marc involved himself in the bloody affair, as he most surely would since he and Frank were closer than brothers, then Zacherys fate was sealed. You dont mind? Frank asked, his voice calm though the tension in the room was almost palatable. A muscle twitched in Zacherys lean jaw. Do what you want. But were not finished here. Remember that. Were not finished. Frank scooped the winnings into his big palm. He had taken several hundred from the other players at the table, but in less than two hours of playing five card stud, hed taken Zachery for nearly three thousand dollars. They walked to the bank, being run by Arthur Singer, Zacherys father. I hear you got pretty lucky tonight. Arthur was sitting at a table by himself with a cashbox loaded with paper and coin. Cashing in, or you planning on coming back later? I think Im done for the evening. Frank set the chips down in front of the banker. Smart move. Youve got my son mighty riled, and thats not a smart thing to do. The implied threat made Franks jaw clench, but for only a moment. He forced a smile to his lips and replied, If your son cant afford to lose, then he cant afford to play. A man should know what hes good at, and what hes not so good at. He took the money, mostly in paper, and stuffed

it into the inside breast pocket of his jacket. Im sure that, sooner or later, Zachery will figure out what hes good at. Somebody should tell him it isnt cards. Frank could feel the old mans hatred, sensing how difficult it was for him to restrain his more violent impulses. You watch yourself, young man. You and Marc have been making a lot of enemies, and that can be real dangerous. Frank walked away with Marc at his side, stepping out of the card room and into the ballroom where the orchestra would continue playing until midnight. **** Colleen finished drying the last of the crystal cocktail goblets and set it on the counter. At last, after a long day and an even longer night, her work was finished. She felt tired and sweaty, but shed made more money working the banquet, selling her own chickens and cooking them herself, than she typically made in a week selling her chickens, eggs, milk, and cheese to her regular customers. She was exhausted but pleased with the outcome of her efforts. As she climbed up into her buckboard, she reflected that it would take her another hour to travel the four miles from Golden Valley to her small, tidy home. She wasnt looking forward to the travel time. With work finished and her horse knowing the road from town to her house, she would have time to think about the dayand undoubtedly replay in her mind her own brazen response to the kisses shed received from Marc and Frank.

Colleen had just driven her buckboard through the alley out onto Main Street when she heard laughter ahead. She could see that one of the riders was larger than the other and that both men wore hats. Their shoulders were broad. Then she heard laughter again and recognized it as Frank Bishops. A moment later, she heard Marcs voice carry on the gentle midnight breeze. Its the truth, I tell you, Marc said, then added his laughter with Franks. Their voices were quieter after that, and Colleen could no longer make out complete sentences, though she occasionally heard snippets of words and a suggestion of laughter. The Andollini ranch was a mile past Colleens house. Frank Bishop lived in the largest mansion in Golden Valley. Apparently Frank was going to spend the night at Marcs, and perhaps in the morning they would go hunting or spend their day in some other amusement. Colleen sighed wistfully. For her, tomorrow would be just another day, no different from any other. She wouldnt spend the day hunting or fishing or playing poker, nor would she read a novel to take her mind off her troubles. Instead, tomorrow, just like every morning, she would milk her cow, inspect the chickens and carefully pack whatever eggs were to be gathered, then once again pack her buckboard with her goods and make the trip back to Golden Valley. What would it be like to have the time to just do whatever I pleased? What if I didnt always

have chores to do? What if I didnt always have to worry about money? Laughter from ahead drew Colleen out of her self-pitying thoughts, and for that she was grateful. She didnt like self-pity in other people, and she positively loathed it in herself. Who is the better kisser? Marc or Frank? That question was infinitely more troubling that a fatigueinduced moment of self-pity. A heated flush went through her veins, and she had to resist the urge to look around guiltily to make sure she wasnt being watched. Her response to the men, to their boldness, to their kissesit had been so much stronger and more uninhibited than she had imagined possible. During the time shed behaved so foolishly with Allen, she had taken some pleasure in his kisses and caresses, but what she experienced was more a sense of appreciation than sexual pleasure. When Marc had taken her into his arms and sealed his mouth over hers, Colleen responded instantly. In fact, Colleen suspected that her response to Marcs heated, demanding kisses was the more ardent. Franks tongue had been a devils serpent, gliding over her lips, slipping between them, sometimes pushing deeply into her mouth, always playing with her tongue. His hands, longfingered and very powerful, had touched her with consummate skill. He could ignite a fire without matches and do it in an astonishingly short period of time. As her buckboard made its way slowly down the road, Colleen closed her eyes for a moment,

remembering what it had felt like to in the arms of one man and then another. Each man was as handsome as the next, though physically they were not much alike. But their kisses, individually and collectively, were nothing less than ambrosia. Strong hands had squeezed the cheeks of her ass, and Colleen had done nothing to push those hands away. Instead, she had molded her body against a powerfully masculine one and boldly thrust her tongue into Franks mouth. Youre neither Franks type, nor Marcs, Colleen thought, deciding that it was best to be as logical as possible. She had already learned the consequences of letting her heart make life decisions. Frank said hed never danced with a woman wearing trousers. I wear trousers to work in the chicken coop and the barn at least half the time, so I sure am not Franks type. And Marc? His type is any woman who is pretty and wants to be the recipient of his charm. They say hes slept with most of the available women in Golden Valley and in Helena. Any man with that many women wanting him isnt going to bother with a twentythree-year-old woman with a tarnished reputation trying to scratch out a living with some chickens and a single milking cow. But the calm voice of logic didnt mitigate illicit memories of how her nipples had tightened and elongated with passion when she was with Marc and Frank or how the slick moisture of her passion had readied her for penetration. Her cream had flowed freely, her body silently inviting

the men to enter her, to satisfy the empty ache that shed known since Allens betrayal had shattered all of her nave illusions about a life of love and luxury. Another peal of laughter came from the twin riders ahead, and this time Colleen was quite certain that they were pleasantly intoxicated and passing a bottle back and forth between them while they rode. Something in the shadows, off to the west, caught Colleens eye. As a chicken rancher, she was endlessly tormented by wolves, foxes, badgers, and even an occasional puma or bear, so she was well-versed with searching the shadows for a wary nighttime enemy. Many a carnivore had thought himself hidden in shadows only to feel the lethal burn of a .44-caliber bullet. For an instant, Colleen thought of calling out to warn Marc and Frank. They had both been drinking, and it was easy to see that neither man was riding with a cautious eye out for his own safety. Hardly had this thought entered her head before Colleen quashed it mercilessly. Marc and Frank can look out for themselves, and they sure dont need you babysitting them. Besides, if you let them know youre following, theyll want to ride alongand then you could find yourself in their arms again. Colleens behavior in the banquet hall kitchen, going from Marcs arms right into Franks embrace, was behavior that was beyond anything that she had thought possible. It was bad

enough knowing she had reacted so passionately to one mans kisses, but to very nearly lose all inhibitions with two men at the same time? Unimaginable! No woman would ever do such a thing. At least no respectable woman. But Im not such a respectable woman, am I? There isnt a woman in Golden Valley who hasnt heard what Ive done, and Allens already told all the men the things I let him to do me. Something indistinct in the shadows moved again. It was perhaps fifty yards off the road, an uncongealed mass of something shrouded in shadows. Colleen squinted, trying to see in the darkness, her mind attempting to make sense out of too little information. Ahead of her, Marc and Frank continued to ride, their bodies loose in the saddle, their conversation carefree and vaguely alcoholic. And then the shot rang out, shattering the near silence of a Montana midnight. An instant later, Colleen watched as Frank reacted to the bullet, his arms flying up in the air as he rolled sideways off his horse. A second rifle shot quickly followed the first, and this time Marcs horse let out a hideous whinny of agony as it collapsed beneath him. What had been an indistinct mass in the shadows quickly materialized into four men leaping up into their saddles and putting spurs to the flanks of their mounts as they rushed headlong in the darkness toward Marc and Frank. Surprise had slowed Colleens reaction, but only for an instant. Between the first shot and the

second, she was already reaching for the old but trustworthy Henry repeating rifle she kept in the scabbard beneath the front seat of the buckboard. She never traveled anywhere without the rifle, and since her livelihood came from very tasty chickens that nearly all carnivores in Montana found both delicious and easy to catch, out of necessity she was a crack shot. The four riders had cut the distance between themselves and their downed quarry in half by the time Colleen had the Henrys walnut stock up to her shoulder. She levered in a round, aimed, and fired at the lead rider. She saw him slump in the saddle of his galloping horse, but he stayed astride the animal. She worked the lever action, aimed quickly, and fired a second time. A second dry-gulcher reacted to her well-placed bullet, first falling forward over the neck of his horse, then rolling off the back as the animal veered sharply away from the sound of rifle fire. Colleen could not see either of the men she had kissed so passionately earlier in the day. Off in the distance, running down the road at top speed, she saw Franks horse. The animal had panicked and wouldnt stop running until she had winded herself. Marc was using his own downed horse as protection and had drawn his revolver. As Colleen levered a third bullet into the chamber, Marc opened up with his Colt, and the third of the would-be ambushers cried out as hot lead ripped into soft flesh.

As Marc continued to fire with his revolver, the bushwhackers abandoned their attack. One of the men who had been knocked from his saddle managed to get back astride his mount, but when he rode away, he wobbled precariously. One false step by his horse and he would be out of the saddle. Colleen aimed at the man but didnt squeeze the trigger. He was no longer a threat. Marc, its me, Colleen! Dont shoot! she shouted, laying her rifle across her lap and slapping the reins to her horse. Come on, girl, she said to the old mare. Hurry it on up. Though her old horse wasnt in the least bit happy about having to run, Colleen made it quickly to where Frank and Marc were. She brought the buckboard to a dusty stop, her heart clenching in her chest as she saw Frank on his back, his eyes closed, his body unmoving as Marc cradled his head in his lap. Theyve shot him, Marc said, his face a mask of fury and pain. Those lousy bastards shot him.C olleen knelt next to the men and touched her fingertips to Franks throat. Though he was unconscious, his pulse was strong, and rapid. Thank God hes still alive. Then she saw the blood pouring from the side of his head, just above his ear, and whatever confident feelings shed experienced a moment earlier vanished. Can we take him to your place? Marc asked, the anguish he felt coloring every syllable he spoke. His horse has run off, and mines got to be put out of her misery. Your house is the closest, and youve got a wagon.

Of course, of course. Ill do anything I can for you. Together, they lifted the big man and placed him on top of the wire chicken cage in the bed of the buckboard. Marc first had to put an end to his horses physical suffering, which he did quickly and with obvious anguish. Then he jumped up onto the front of the buckboard and took the reins from Colleen. Lets hope this old nag of yours remembers how to run. And with that he shouted, Hee-yah! and slapped the reins against the animals back. Chapter Five Sitting on the side of Colleens bed, Marc looked down at his friend, feeling in his chest a rage that was so feral in nature it frightened him. The sensation was murderous on a grand scale. Hell be fine, but Im guessing itll take a couple days, Colleen said, standing nearby, her arms folded beneath her breasts as she looked down at Frank. Thank God the bullet only grazed him. The snipers first bullet had gouged a two inch long furrow in Franks scalp along the side of his head above his ear. Had the bullet been a hair more on target, it would have been fatal instead of merely causing a flesh wound. All head wounds were dangerous, and all bled profusely, and this one was no different in that respect. Marc had been fooled by all the blood into thinking that his friend had been fatally hit. Never had he been so happy to discover he was wrong.

With fatigue in her tone, Colleen asked, How do you figure he got the goose egg on the back of his head? He got hit by the first shot and rolled sideways off his horse. My bet is that the bullet wounded him, certainly it dazed him badly, but he hit the back of his head on something when he hit the ground. Either it was a rock or perhaps a horses hoof. Marc studied Franks breathing momentarily. It was shallow and steady. For an hour, the wounded man had slipped in and out of consciousness, though now he was merely sleeping. He hurt his hand when either my horse or his stepped on him. Marc pointed to Franks right wrist and the purplish semicircle bruise that went from the wrist to the thickly muscled forearm. Hes damned lucky its not broken. Youre both damned lucky you werent shot. He was shot. Colleens lips compressed as she looked down at Marc. I mean shot dead, so theres no need to get out the sewing kit to put in stitches because the patient isnt ever going to get any better. That kind of shot. Marc gave her a smile and briefly let his gaze slide over her form. He could sense her fatigue from the many hours laboring for the Sons of Freedom banquet, and after that had needed to help him tend to Franks wounds. Still, he wasnt inclined to part company with his friend. Death had been too close. Ill never be able to thank you properly for helping us tonight. Still seated on the bed, he

reached out and took Colleens hand in his. His fingers curled around hers, and he squeezed fondly. Where the hell did you learn to use a rifle like that? My father couldnt read or write, but he knew how to make butter and cheese, and because he taught me those skills, Ive been able to live here on the homestead, earning my own keep. But the only way to keep chickens in this country is to keep the coyotes, wolves, and foxes out of the chicken coop. The only way I know how to do that is with a Henry repeating rifle. Marc glanced around the one-room house. A full-sized bed only a couple years old was tucked into one corner. A cooking stove that looked several decades old was in the opposite corner. The kitchen table appeared to be very sturdy, though both it and the four bentwood chairs around it had seen many years of use. A small chest of drawers held a white porcelain pitcher and basin on the tabletop. Above it was a small mirror. The single piece of furniture appeared to hold most of Colleens clothes. Marc suspected that the large bureau beside the chest of drawers, obviously not made by a skilled carpenter because the doors did not close properly and the pinewood itself was coarse and unvarnished, held the remainder of her clothes. In the cupboards near the stove would be what simple foodstuffs she had on hand. Only the bed was relatively new. Marc knew why the large bed was in such good condition.

Allen Carpenter had bought it so that hed have a comfortable place to make love to Colleen when he came calling on her rather than having her meet him at the hotel. It was her love for the selfish man that had relegated her to the fringes of Golden Valleys polite society. Many women in town openly shunned her for her past sexual transgressions. Compared to his own lavish surroundings at home, complete with a staff of eight to ensure that his wishes were instantly fulfilled, Colleens small home was emblematic of a meager lifestyle he could imagine but not truly understand. As long as hes sleeping so soundly now, why dont I finally go take care of my horse and the wagon? Colleen suggested. She tried to ease her hand out from Marcs grasp, but he tightened his fingers around hers. Its got to be done. That mares older than I am, and if I leave her in harness all night shell end up lame. So unless you want to see me pulling that buckboard to town myself tomorrow, youd better let me finish my work. Marc looked up into her eyes for a moment, seeing the true beauty in their emerald green depths for the first time. Then, impulsively, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. No, you stay here, he said at last, releasing her hand. He rose, fighting against the urge to put his hands on her shoulders to draw her into a surrounding embrace. Her lips seemed plump and moist and irresistibly kissable, and memories of kissing them surged to the forefront of his

consciousness. Ill take care of your horse and the wagon. You said earlier that you wanted to wash up. Go ahead and do that. Ill stay outside to give you privacy until you come get me. We can figure out what to do after that. **** Colleen watched Marc step outside, closing the door behind him. Alone now with Frank, the full weight of the days activities suddenly pressed down upon her. In only a few hours, it would be dawn and shed have to milk her cow and once again begin her days duties. Having to deal with a nighttime emergency didnt mean the next days responsibilities would disappear. She looked down at Frank, watching the shallow rise and fall of his chest beneath the blankets. She had been embarrassed, but only for a short time, when Marc had asked her for scissors and then cut off all of the mans clothing, fearful there might be other wounds. Colleen had known that he was a big man, of course, but she hadnt realized just how muscular he was until she saw him naked. Even in the complete relaxation of sleep, his body had been startlingly muscular, ostentatiously virile. Allen didnt have a body so exquisitely developed. Not nearly so well. As Colleen mentally compared what shed seen of Frank and what had been hers with Allen Carpenter, she uncharitably decided shed been shortchanged by the Fates. Memories of kissing the two men prior to the banquet came flooding back into Colleens

consciousness, and she became flushed with embarrassment. She had already learned that lesson and was continuing to pay a terrible price for her lack of sensual willpower. That, anyway, was what she tried to tell herself. But she knew she was lying. No amount of self-delusion could keep her from being aware that she had responded to kisses by both Frank and Marc and that her body had ignited instantly and to a degree that it never had with Allen Carpenter. Stop thinking about those kisses. Marc and Frank have already forgotten about them, and if youve got any sense at all in that Irish head of yours, youll forget them, too. She looked at Frank, then at the closed door, then walked determinedly over to the water pitcher and basin on the chest of drawers. Every night she gave herself a quick, efficient sponge bath. It was only on Sunday nights that she put the boilers on the stove to fill her bathtub, allowing herself a leisurely, hot bath that she took such pleasure in. She poured the water into the basin, took one last glance at Frank to assure herself that he was sleeping, then quickly unbuttoned her blue blouse and stripped out of it, dropping the garment to the wooden floor. Her camisole came next, and once bare-breasted, she crossed her arms over her bosom and looked again at the man lying in her bed. Assured that her patient was indeed asleep, she then pulled off her boots and rapidly removed her trousers and her rather

tattered, homemade cotton underwear. Standing completely naked in a room with a man, even a sleeping man, was not something Colleen could do without her heart suddenly tightening in her chest. A lifetime habit of nightly bathing, combined with all the exertion shed been through during the long day, steeled Colleens determination. She moved quickly to pull the thick woven mat out from beneath the chest of drawers. Standing on the mat, she grabbed the washcloth and unfolded it in her hands, then scooped water from the basin and bent over, burying her face in the cool, clear water, exactly as she had done every night since her youth. With quick efficiency, she ran the wet washcloth all over her face and body, then picked up a large brick of soap, worked up a frothy foam between her palms, and washed herself thoroughly. When entirely soaped, she used the damp washcloth to rinse herself. The entire process took less than five minutes. After drying herself, Colleen padded barefooted, unable to resist the urge to put one arm over her breasts and the other hand modestly between her legs, over to the bureau her father had made. She opened the bureau and groaned softly as she looked at her clothing options. With Marc outside and soon to return, she certainly wouldnt put on either one of her two nightgowns. Both were well-washed, to say the very least, and neither one was flattering. Both were homemade,

and one of the nightgowns had been worn so many times that there were places on the bottom and elbows that were paper-thin and nearly see-through. Besides, women didnt walk around wearing a nightgown when there were men present. That meant she had the option of putting on one of four summer-weight dresses she owned. Two were gray, one yellow, and one a light blue. All of them buttoned up the front, with the yellow one buttoning all the way to the throat and the other three allowing only a modest amount of cleavage to be exposed. Colleen turned away from the bureau, took a step back toward the chest of drawers where she kept her undergarments, then stopped herself dead in her tracks. Damn. The single whispered word didnt seem quite enough to Colleen, so she added the spiciest word she ever used on only the rarest of circumstances. Shit. The cause of her vocabulary intemperance was the embarrassingly vivid memory of the current condition of her lingerie. Every pair of drawers she had was homemade, and all needed laundering. A faint moan, filled with pain, came from the bed. Colleen wheeled instantly to face Frank, her hands again instinctively moving in a failing attempt to cover herself. Colleens fears were unfounded. The injured man moved a little, groaned once more, and then sighed. Never once did he come out of his sleep, so Colleens nudity remained unseen. The

sleeping mans groan did, however, focus her efforts. She hurried over to the bureau and an instant later had a lightweight gray wool dress pulled over her head. She made quick work of fastening the buttons nearly to her throat. Though now ostensibly properly attired and covered from ankles to throat, the fact that she wore neither bloomers nor chemise beneath her dress caused a momentary flush of embarrassment. She was just finishing fastening the small, wooden button at her throat when the soft rap of knuckles against the door sounded. Colleen inhaled deeply, held her breath for a moment to compose herself, then exhaled slowly. She crossed the room to the door and opened it slowly. Your horse and buckboard are taken care of, Marc said, keeping his voice very low. I thought that Shhh! Colleen said, a forefinger to her lips. Lets talk outside. She stepped out of the house and into the darkness. The moon was full, casting Marc in varying light and shadows. It seemed to enhance the effect of his exhaustion. The fact that Marc was obviously distraught over his friends nearly fatal wound made Colleens estimation of the man elevate. What Allen Carpenter had felt for her was desire but not love. Colleen couldnt help but feel just a little envious of the relationship the two men shared. There was a closeness there that she didnt have with anyone else.

Marc reached into his pocket for the makings before stopping himself. Go ahead and have a cigarette, Colleen said, keeping her voice low even though they were outside and walking slowly away from her house. The grass was cool and pleasant beneath her bare feet. Its been a long night for everyone. She watched Marc as he deftly rolled a cigarette. The silence was uncomfortable, so she added, Franks going to be fine. And he can stay here as long as necessary. Dont even think about taking him away until Doc Christopher says its safe to move him. Before answering, Marc scratched a match with a thumbnail, lit his cigarette, inhaled deeply, then released the smoke in a long, grateful sigh. I left the banquet with a pretty good glow going, he said. Glow? Colleen laughed softly. That means you were drunk, right? Only a little. He grinned a bit sheepishly. Okay, maybe more than a little. But I was having a good time tonight. Frank took a bundle of cash from Zachery, so thats good. And you kissed me, so thats even better. In the moonlight, his smile was flirtatious. Do you think it was your kisses that made me drunk? Those are the kinds of words that have seduced more women than either of us can remember, Colleen replied with suspicion. Fortunately for me, my history with men makes me immune to your allure. Then you admit that youre attracted to me? He took a final puff of his cigarette before flicking

it away, the glowing ember arching through the darkness of the Montana night. Thats a good start. He smiled, and Colleen felt her heart tighten and her pussy moisten. The aura that surrounded Marc spoke of an easy charm and a sensual experience that elicited countless feminine orgasms. He was the embodiment of temptation and for that reason he was exactly the kind of man Colleen knew she should avoid. I admit nothing of the sort! Colleen replied with significantly more volume than conviction. Youve always been polite and kind to me, but I assure you, my friendship toward you does not include attraction. Kiss me again, Marc said, stepping closer to Colleen, and Ill show you just how wrong you are. Chapter Six When Marc put his hands on Colleens shoulders, she shivered. She tried to move away, but he tightened his grip, holding her securely. He could tell that she was unsettled. Of that he had no doubt. What he wasnt sure of was whether she was nervous of him or of her own passionate reaction to him. Hed known many women had chaotic feelings about the feverish desire he could inspire. Colleen shook her head as Marc pulled her closer. Her lips moved, but no words came out. Her inner conflict was palpable. He didnt want to hear her silly words of denial, her futile protests.

If he let her get started, it would be more difficult to get her to stop. Another kiss, he whispered, tightening his grasp on her shoulders and holding her firmly enough that she couldnt escape, yet not so tightly that he caused pain. A tremble went through Colleen, prompting the taut movement of her breasts beneath the light wool bodice. Kiss me, Marc demanded as he pulled Colleen closer and bent low to slant his mouth down over hers. His arms went from her shoulders and down her back, pinning her arms to her sides, molding her body to his. His lips sealed over mouth. It was a firm kiss, neither feverishly hard nor romantically soft. The plush fullness of Colleens breasts compressing against his lower chest fueled Marcs desire. Her femininity was ostentatious, triggering within him an intense masculine response. His cock began growing with startling swiftness, swelling against the front of his gabardine trousers. His lips moved intimately against hers. He knew how men, at least one dreadful man in particular, had changed her life for the worst by introducing her to a world of sensuality. If Marc had his way with her, would his name be used as an insult the same way Allen Carpenters was? Another shudder went through Colleen, and her lips parted fractionally. It was all the invitation, conscious or otherwise, that Marc needed. The tip of his tongue eased only a small way into her

mouth, then moved from side to side, moistening her lips. The softest of moans came from her, and Marcs cock instantly expanded to its full length and girth. Marcs right hand moved downward, past the small of Colleens back, until he cupped one sweetly rounded bun. He splayed his fingers and squeezed firmly. A moan came from deep within Colleens throat. Colleen turned her face away from Marc, ending the kiss. She was panting deeply. Marc kissed her neck, the flesh silky beneath his lips. He brought his left hand lower and squeezed her ass. His strong fingers pressed deeply, causing her pelvis to rub against his pulsing cock. Oh...oh...oh... Colleens soft exclamation spoke eloquently of desire and frustration. She was responding to Marcs kisses and caresses or, perhaps more accurately, her body was responding against her best intentions. Marc shifted his hips, moving them right then left. The friction against his rigid cock drew a low groan from him and a gasp of pleasure from Colleen. You make me so hard, he whispered, the words coming out in a rush, his lips against Colleens neck. Your kisses make my cock turn to stone. But... He started to pull her dress up, and Colleens squirming resistance increased in intensity. Marc said, Kiss me. He pulled her voluptuous body in tightly once again, but as he did so, she stepped on his foot.

Already slightly off balance, Marc tumbled slowly backward, pulling Colleen with him so that she pressed him into the grass. Wait, Colleen gasped. I...I shouldnt... Yes, you should. Marc rolled over, taking Colleen with him so that he was atop her. He slipped one knee between her legs, then both knees. When he settled himself down upon her, his chest was pressed against the plentiful mounds of her breasts. Her dress had slid high up her thighs. Everything you do excites me, he said before dipping his head, sealing his mouth over hers once again. As he lessened the pressure of his mouth against hers, Marc moved his torso, rubbing his cock intimately against Colleen. Her soft sigh signaled her flagging resistance. Marc eased his tongue into her full-lipped mouth and experienced a surging sense of victory when she sucked his tongue deeper. A full minute passed before Marc took his mouth from Colleens. By then his heart was hammering in his chest, and the soaring need to release his cock from the imprisonment of his trousers was of primary importance. He kissed her cheek when she turned her face aside, then her throat. Colleen, he said, his tone hoarse with sexual tension, your kisses alone could make me come. She rolled her head briefly from side to side, and her copper-colored hair spread in wild

disarray across her face. When she paused, Marc kissed her mouth and felt hair between their lips. He smiled while his lips were pressed against hers, then abandoned her mouth for other enticements. He kissed her collarbone through her dress while moving slowly downward, distinctly aware of his lower torso sliding between naked thighs that alternately clamped tightly around him, then spread wide apart. Colleens chaotic emotions were on flagrant display by the unconscious actions of her legs. Marc opened his mouth wide and pressed his face against the firm mound of Colleens left breast. Through the fabric of her dress, he first sucked on her breast, then blew his warm breath through the garments. Oh, God! Not God, my love, only me, Marc replied. He flinched inwardly at his unintended use of the word love. Relax. I can make you feel divine if you only let me. I cant. Yes, you can. But I shouldnt Another kiss to her breast silenced whatever protests she had intended to make. Marc wriggled down Colleens body, kissing her repeatedly through her dress. He kissed her stomach and felt her inner tremors as she moved beneath him, her breathing distinctly audible and very rapid. When Colleen put her bare feet flat against the ground and lifted her hips, her

dress was pushed above her thighs. He moved lower, his shoulders sliding between her thighs. In the pale moonlight, her cream glistened on delicate lips. Beautiful, he whispered. Oh! Dont look at me. She grabbed the hem of her dress and tried to push it down. Her words were a mystery to Marc. Why would a woman as lovely and feminine as she not want to be looked at? Though hed spent much of his life blissfully oblivious to whatever hidden motives prompted a woman to share his bed, Marc knew that he wouldnt be content until he knew why Colleen didnt want to be looked at. Let me please you. He kissed the inside of her right leg just above the knee. Im going to make you come. In the moonlight, Colleens skin gleamed ghostly pale. Beneath the small, triangular patch of hair, the lips of her cunt glistened moistly, acting as an intoxicant to his masculine senses. Marc put his mouth to Colleens pussy and sucked on her clit. Her instantaneous reaction was to clamp her thighs tightly around him, then spread them apart, then whip them together again. Oh, God! Oh, God! she gasped, her entire voluptuous body trembling, her heels tapping against Marcs back. He sucked her clit between his lips, and used his tongue on it. While his tongue played havoc with Colleens senses, caressing her clit with alternating energy and gentleness, Marc raised up

onto his knees to ease the pressure against a cock much too big to ever be easily confined within trousers while in an erect condition. Thats so...so... Colleen whispered, rolling her head from side to side on the ground. It feels so... So good, Marc said, finishing the sentence in the manner he suspected the redhead wanted but lacked the boldness to say. In any event, he finished her sentence the way he wanted her to. And then, so that there would be no misunderstanding on just exactly where his emotions were headed, he added, So fucking good. He wrapped his arms around her thighs so that his fingertips were at the lips of her pussy. He carefully separated the delicate lips, further, revealing the nub of her clit. Once exposed, he put his tongue flat against her clit and rubbed vigorously. He delighted in the high-pitched gasp she couldnt keep silent. He straightened his back, lifting Colleens hips high. He held her effortlessly. Ohhh! Ohhh! Colleen sighed, only her head and shoulders still on the grass, her thighs spread wide, her legs draped over Marcs shoulders. Thats just so...so... Marc looked down at her as he lavished her with slick caresses from his lips and tongue. Her eyes were closed, her lips slightly parted, her hair spread across her face. He felt her shiver then and noticed that her breathing had quickened.

Come for me, he said, his lips brushing her clit as he spoke. And open your eyes. I want you to look at me when you come. **** Colleen had never experienced anything quite like this. Yes, she had been the recipient of oral pleasuring before. But what shed felt with Allen was nothing more than a pale comparison to the sensations Marc drew from her. Only her head and shoulders were still on the ground, yet Colleen wasnt even aware that shed been lifted until several seconds after it had happened. All her senses, all her concentration, centered on her own cunt. The lips of her pussy felt swollen with passion, and her clit pulsed and throbbed with an aching need for more of the slippery kisses and rasping licks that Marc bestowed with such consummate skill. And then she began to feel the slow, relentless tightening within herself. It seemed to start at some magical, mysterious place directly between the points of her hipbones. It was just a mild pressure to begin with, but that didnt last long. Soon it was like there was a clocks mainspring inside her being wound tighter and tighter and tighter until the spring would surely have to break and Come for me! Marc said, his words slightly muffled because he kept his mouth pressed to her pussy even as he spoke. And open your eyes. It was a command given by a man accustomed to giving orders. And open your eyes. I want you to look at me when you come.

She did as she had been told. What choice did she have? Everything about Marc whispered confidence. It was a surreal sight to see Marcs face between her thighs, his nose pressed into the red hair above her cunt, his arms tight around her thighs. Overhead, the moon glowed eerily. Colleen teetered on the brink of ecstasy. Marcs eyes were moist and glistened when she looked into them. Thats when the first of her orgasmic contractions gripped her. She tried to straighten her spine. Being doubled over was hardly a comfortable position to be pleasured in, but Marc held her tightly, his head moving from side to side as he feasted lustily. She tried again, but his strength was countless times greater than hers. Through clenched teeth, Colleen whispered, Oh God! as her body bucked and writhed, held steadfast by a man determined to eke every last bit of pleasure out of her as possible. It wasnt until five solid contractions had gripped Colleen, followed by three more of lessening intensity, before she had at last reached the summit and then began the precipitous descent back to the world of reality. Softly, she asked, My Godwhat was that? He was smiling when he lowered her hips, and she could see that his lips and chin glistened with her own passionate juices. It seemed the wickedest thing in the world to Colleen to see the evidence of her own sexual intemperance there on his too-kissable lips. As he lowered her hips

to the ground, Colleen put a hand between her legs. Dont hide. Youre beautiful. But now that she had climaxed, a strange panic was creeping into Colleens senses, stealing away the bliss and ecstasy shed experienced just moments earlier. She had promised herself that shed never again leave herself vulnerable to a man. Lethargic with post-orgasmic lassitude, she could hardly comprehend what had just happened. Waitumthis isnt what I had planned. The words sounded so utterly foolish in her ears she was embarrassed shed said them. You dont understand. She watched as Marc calmly placed her legs on the ground, then moved so that he straddled them with his own knees. With smooth efficiency, he made quick work of unbuckling his belt and unbuttoning the fly of his black gabardine trousers. You...you just dont understand, she whispered. Colleen watched as his fingers unfastened buttons with maddening speed and yet seemingly without haste. He started moving upward, and as he did so, he opened his trousers. His cock, long and thick and fiercely erect, sprang out. Once it was freed, Marc let out a grateful sigh. Though Colleen wanted to look away, she couldnt find sufficient discipline as she watched his hand traverse slowly over his cocks quivering length. And just so that you know, now that Ive tasted you, I dont know if its possible that Ill ever get enough of you. The reality of what had happened hit Colleen with all the delicate subtlety of hail storm. While

Marc had kissed her mouth, shed experienced the sweetest sensations shed ever known from a kiss. And when he performed oral sex with all the skill of a master magician, he taught her new meanings to words like enchantment and ecstasy. But that was when he was doing lovely and lustful things to her, and while all of her body was involved in the pleasuring, there was a significant part of Marcs body that wasnt involved. Now the part of him that hadnt been involved was out in the open. It was big and hard and rather distinctly menacing. Theres so much more than I want to do with you, Marc whispered. That was only the beginning of the ecstasy I can make you feel. He took her by the wrist. Touch me. See how hard you make me? Her hand was inches from his cock when the crash from inside the house preceded a harsh, agonized groan by a split second. Frank! Marc exclaimed, bolting to his feet in an instant, wrestling to fit his erection back into his trousers. Colleen was on her feet and running toward the house, fearful now that Frank had hurt himself. **** Consciousness came to Frank slowly, in stages. With consciousness came pain. Raw, jagged-edged pain the likes of which hed never before experienced. There was the harsh throbbing of his hand and wrist, but that was mild compared to the daggers of pain that seemed to

come from inside his head, stabbing at the backs of his eyes. He was in a bed, he was naked, and there was a bandage around his head. But whose bed? A single kerosene lamp was lit, casting a pale golden glow around a small, tiny, one-room home. He recognized...nothing. Whose home was he in, and how had he gotten there? His head hurt hideously, but he had no recollection of what accident had befallen him. Frank had spent his entire adult life being in control of himself and his surroundings. To be suddenly and inexplicably battered and bloodied, in a house he did not recognize, scared him to the marrow of his bones. He started to move the blanket off his body, but his injured wrist pulsed in pain. With his left hand, he moved the blanket, then eased his legs over the edge of the bed. The daggers that had been stabbing the backs of his eyes seemed to drive deeper into him as he rolled onto his side, groaned, then forced himself to sit upright at the edge of the bed. He looked around the home once again. Wherever the hell he was, he was at least alone in the house. And he was going to get out. Now. He looked around, trying very hard to keep his head as motionless as possible. On the floor, he saw a small mound of clothes. At least he wouldnt have to make his escape completely naked.

With teeth gritted against the pain that pulsed through him, Frank rose unsteadily to his feet. His entire body ached, the pain going through him in riotous waves. He had taken just a single step toward his clothes when nausea and dizziness washed over him. Suddenly, a surrounding darkness clouded his vision, and he felt himself beginning to fall but was powerless to stop his descent. A strangled groan of pain was ripped from his throat as he fell. He was only semi-conscious as he blinked, his cheek against the floor. Never in his life had he felt so weak, so powerless, so utterly and completely helpless. You fool! It was a womans voice. Are you trying to kill yourself? A moment later, she was kneeling beside him, and Frank saw that it was Colleen OMalley. Like a flash of lightning, the recent events of his life returned. He remembered the gunshot that had come out of nowhere to strike him down. The harsh ride in her buckboard. And there were Colleens gentle words as she used needle and thread to sew up the bullets gash in his scalp. He blinked several times, and his vision began to clear. I couldnt remember where I was or how I got here. Thought...I had to escape. She took him by his uninjured arm and helped him sit upright. Frank looked at her, and despite the nausea and pain, managed a weak smile. Sorry about the skin. I seem to have misplaced my clothes.

The sound of boots against the floor drew his attention, and he moved his head just enough to see Marc striding closer. Seeing his friend was there with him, he felt a sense that he would be all right. Youre a damned fool! Marc said, getting down on one knee. Now lets get you back to bed! **** Zachery reached into the saddlebag and extracted a pint bottle of Tennessee sipping whiskey. He pulled the cork, took a healthy swig, sighed as the fluid warmed his throat on the way down, then handed the bottle over to Ralph. Help yourself, he said. The boys should be here any minute now. When Ralph took the bottle, Zachery swung down off his horse. He was feeling particularly good about the evening. Though he typically liked to take his time when plotting his schemes, on this night he simply came up with the idea and acted on it instantly. It was Frank Bishops nasty, smug smile as he kept winning hand after hand that had infuriated Zachery as much as actually losing so much money. It had tasted good on his tongue to accuse Frank of cheating at cards. Only Marcs timely entrance into the card room had prevented guns from being drawn. You sure of those guys? Ralph asked, getting off his horse. He took another drink. I said you could have a swallow, not drink the whole damn thing, Zachery said sharply,

pulling the bottle from his friend. And as for being sure about Daggard, Id say hes about as coldblooded a bushwhacker as Ive ever known. When I told him about Frank having a wad of my cash on him, you should have seen his eyes light up. Hes scum, but on a night like this one, hes useful scum. The sound of approaching horses on the night air drew Zacherys attention. He took another big swallow before corking the bottle and returning it to his saddlebag. Aside from being merciless killers, Daggard and his friends were alcoholics, and Zachery wasnt inclined to waste his best sipping whiskey on them. You figure Daggardll shortchange you? Ralph asked. Hell yes, but I dont care. Getting Frank Bishop and Marc Andollini out of my life forever is worth the money I lost in poker tonight. Worth it and more. He tested his revolver in the holster, making sure the security loop wasnt over the hammer. He didnt mind using Daggards services now and then, but hed never trust the man. Look sharp. Make sure they all stay together. I want them in a bunch where I can keep an eye on them all. When Zachery saw the riders approaching, even from a distance and in thin moonlight, he knew that the ambush had not gone as planned. Only one of the four men rode properly. Two of the riders appeared barely able to stay in the saddle. The fourth rider was slumped over his horses neck and seemed hardly conscious. The four riders pulled to a halt at the bend in the road where Zachery had promised he would

reward them for their treachery. What the hell happened? he asked. Daggard got off his horse slowly. In the moonlight, his face was shiny with sweat. He held a bloody neckerchief to his ribs. It was a goddamned ambush, he said. Zachery noted that Daggard made no move to assist any of his friends dismount even though they were obviously in need of help. I know it was an ambush. Im the one who told you where to set it up and who to shoot. Daggard grimaced in pain. You dont get it. We ambushed those men you told me to, but then somebody else ambushed us. I had that big man Frank in my sights and let him have a bullet. I watched him fall, and thats when all four of us started riding hell-for-leather at that other fella. Next thing we know theres bullets flyin everywhere and were all going down one after the next. He looked over at his friends. One of them was standing, and the other two were down on one knee. Harley caught one in the guts. Hes hurt bad. And Marley aint doin so good neither. He took a bullet in the shoulder. Wont kill him, but hes gotta see a doctor right quickly. Let me get this straight. Zachery cleared his throat. You shot Frank, but then you got yourself shot all to hell by someone else? Not by Marc Andollini? Daggard nodded. Bullets came outta the night. I saw the white flash of gunshots and felt the lead but didnt see nothin. I think the bullet that hit me busted a rib. Hurts goddamned bad, Mr. Singer. Real goddamned bad.

Thats not my concern, Zachery replied, feeling his fury rising. You killed Frank, right? What about Marc? Dont know for sure about the dark-haired one. But the big man, him I know for certain is a dead man. I had his head in my sights when I pulled the trigger, and he went down hard. Harley, on one knee, groaned then and said, Mr. Singer, you gotta get us a doctor. We all need a doctor tonight. For the second time that night, Zachery Singer looked at a problem, made a decision, and then acted on it instantly. He drew his revolver, thumbed back the hammer, and as Daggard looked on in stunned disbelief, fired at point-blank range. The heavy bullet knocked Daggard backward, and the outlaw was already a corpse before he hit the ground. The other three men, already having felt the bite of lead that night, were caught completely off guard and were physically in no condition to defend themselves. Zachery aimed and fired quickly. None of the would-be assassins so much as cleared leather before being cut down at close range by a well-placed bullet to the chest. What the hell, Zach? The shooting had happened so quickly Ralph hadnt even drawn his gun. His face was ghostly pale. The hand at his mouth trembled slightly. What the hell was that all about? I gave them a simple killing to do, and they screwed it up. Now Marc Andollinis going to be

out for revenge because his best friend got gunned down. Those men would have gone to see Doc Hamms, and it wouldnt have been long before theyd all be spilling their guts to Sheriff Dixon about how I put them up to bushwhacking two bastards that everyone in Golden Valley knows I hate. He holstered his revolver, then hooked his thumbs into his gun belt. A minute ago, Daggard and his friends were a threat to me. Now how much of a threat are they? Ralph nodded. But still... But still nothing! Zachery replied contemptuously. Now lets get the hell out of here. Well let the crows and wolves and coyotes make a meal of them. **** Colleen felt fidgety, as though she didnt belong in her own home. Maybe she didnt belong. At least not when she had Marc and Frank in the house with her. This has been one hell of a night, Marc said, standing at the side of the bed where his friend was once again stretched out and sleeping beneath a blanket. He was a big enough man to make the bed appear undersized. I didnt think of it before, but Ill have to hitch up your buckboard again and take that back to town to get Doc Hamms. I hope you dont mind. Colleen shook her head. She found it difficult to look at Marc. It had been less than an hour since she had experienced an orgasm that made her feel as though her body was about to turn inside out. Now she couldnt look him directly in the eyes.

She cleared her throat nervously and replied, No, of course not. Come back whenever you can. Ill take good care of your friend in your absence. Though Colleen was at the bedside looking down at Frank, she was singularly aware of Marc standing nearby. She was conscious of wearing only the lightweight dress and irrationally felt as though she was naked in front of Marc. No matter how hard she tried to keep from having libidinous thoughts, in her minds eye she kept seeing the image of Marcs handsome face as he pleasured her, his black hair in stark contrast to the whiteness of her thighs, his tongue like a serpent, caressing her clit with such skill Thank you for taking care of Frank. When I come back, Ill have Doc Hamms with me, and Ill bring plenty of provisions so youre not too put out by having him here. If you dont mind, well let Doc Hamms decide how long it should be before Frank can be moved. Whatever is best. And dont worry about provisions. She glanced at him and smiled sheepishly. I was glad that I could be of help tonight. Frank and I would both be dead right now if not for you and that rifle of yours. He put his hand lightly on her shoulder, and Colleen flinched slightly. He took his hand from her instantly. Id better go now. Are you sure youll be all right here? Forcing herself to turn toward Marc, Colleen looked at him, smiling as casually as she could manage, and said with a bit more honesty than she had intended, Franks lucky to have you as a

friend. I have to admit that Im jealous. Ive never had a friend love me as much as you obviously love him. She looked into his chocolaty eyes. Conflicting emotions warred within her breast, part of her wanting to shamelessly throw herself into his arms to once more feast on his delicious kisses, and part of her wanting to put as much distance between herself and Marc Andollini as possible. When she was near him, she was capable of shameless, lustful behavior she hadnt imagined was possible for her. Thank you again. Marc stepped closer, bent briefly to plant a kiss on Colleens forehead, then said, Ill be back as quickly as I can. He was out the door just seconds later, but Colleens heart was racing long after he had disappeared. Chapter Seven Colleen almost began to sing, then stopped herself. Frank was sleeping, after all, and if there was anything the wounded man needed, it was rest and sleep and time to recover from the bullet that had nearly taken his life. I shouldnt feel this exuberant, Colleen thought as she looked at the sleeping man across the room. She worked up a rich lather of soap suds between her palms. Not while Ive got a very badly injured man in my house and Im completely naked. Setting the thick brick of soap down on the small plate, Colleen turned toward the basin and

made quick work of soaping her body in all the appropriate places. She rinsed off the soap with a wash towel, which she continually dipped and squeezed into the basin of room temperature water. Its amazing that Ive got so much energy. I hardly slept more than an hour. But it wasnt the sleep that had rejuvenated her spirits and given her the almost euphoric energy that had been missing from her life for several years now. It was the memory of the orgasm that Marc had provided the previous evening. An orgasm caused by a tongue, slick and restless, that moved and probed, touched and caressed. Nothing Colleen had ever before experienced could quite equal the wild thrills that shed become intimately acquainted with while curled nearly into a circle with only her head and shoulders touching the ground. She had been conscious of the obscenity of her position as she looked up at Marc while he devoured her cunt with a skill she could experience but hardly comprehend. Rinsing off the soap and working the wet cloth over her nipples slowly, Colleen looked at Frank as he slept in her bed. He was a big man and handsome. It didnt hurt that he was magnificent to share kisses with. When she had finished bathing and with a final soft sigh of resignation, Colleen set the washcloth aside and picked up her clothes for the day. There were chores to do, and those duties wouldnt allow the niceties of feminine apparel. She chose to wear the clothes she always wore.

The clothes that were practical, even if they were neither feminine nor pleasing to the eye. The trousers were of good wool designed to withstand honest and heavy labor without turning to rags. A camisole of cotton she had made herself, along with a shirt of heavy cotton shed purchased at the general store, was also on the neatly folded pile of clothes. But there were still no underpants. As she looked at her clothing options, a warm flush went through Colleen. Heated memories of what it had felt like to have Marc touching her, kissing her, came rushing back with all the subtlety of a tidal wave. When that wave hit Colleen, she shivered and tried to pretend she didnt remember what it had been like to climax because of Marcs lusty kisses. But in her heart she knew she was lying to herself. The ecstasy that Marc had elicited was not something a woman forgot. Not ever. Naked, her body only slightly damp, she turned around and looked once again at Frank. He continued to sleep peacefully. A small smile touched her lips. Would it have been so bad if hed woken to find her naked, her body dripping with soap bubbles? Stop thinking that way. The only thing on Franks mind is doing whatevers necessary to heal from his wounds. The closest thing to pleasure on his mind is going to come from a bottle of good sipping whiskey. She dressed quickly, blushing a little when she pulled on her trousers. She wasnt one to

dress without putting on underwear, and it seemed a particularly scandalous thing to do during the light of day. It didnt matter that nobody else would know that she was without underwear. What mattered was that she knew, and she felt strangely daring and adventurous because of it. Sitting in a chair, Colleen pulled on her thick, white socks, then her boots. As always, she would make herself a breakfast after shed collected the eggs and milked her cow. Her father had taught her that she should always do the early morning chores first to work up a little appetite before treating herself with a hearty breakfast. She went back to the basin, picked it up, and was nearly to the door when a soft groan from Frank stopped her dead in her tracks. She turned to face him so quickly that some of the water splashed out of the porcelain basin. Morning, he said, his voice low and muzzy with sleep. Mind letting me use that water before you toss it out? Id like to wash up a bit. How are you feeling? She walked over to the bed and set the basin near his hip. The water was milky with soap. You had a pretty bad night. I feel like Ive been kicked in the head by a mule, then stomped on by a bull. She tried to look only at Franks face, but the blanket was pulled up only to his stomach, so the broad expanse of his muscular, entirely hairless chest was exposed. Though she wished it wasnt so, she was aware of a tiny ember of lust beginning to warm inside herself.

Here you go. She handed him the damp towel. When Frank smiled, the spark became a warm, red glow within her. Ive got my morning chores to do, but if you need anything, just call out. Ill either be in the barn or the chicken coop. She watched as Frank, using his uninjured left hand, dipped the washcloth into the water, squeezed it to get some of the water out, then somewhat clumsily rubbed his chest with the cloth. He was obviously right-handed, but his right wrist and forearm were badly swollen and discolored. Youd better let me help you, Colleen said after a moment. Its hard doing anything more difficult than scratching your nose with the wrong hand. Frank gave her a boyish smile that hinted at embarrassment. Seems Ive needed your help a lot lately. Now that Ive got my wits about me a bit better than last night, would you mind telling me all that happened? There are a lot of things about last night that arent exactly crystal clear. Well, your best friend gave me the most powerful orgasm of my life and then I left him completely unsatisfied. Hes probably worked up a real good hatred of me by this time. She didnt put her self-lacerating thoughts into words, though she did feel something akin to actual physical pain at simply thinking them. She placed the basin on the floor, sat on the edge of the bed, and began washing Frank, starting with his neck. As she worked her way slowly downward, over his chest and shoulders,

underarms and biceps, she spoke of the previous evenings events, pointedly beginning her tale after she had shared kisses with both him and Marc. How many stitches did you put in my head? Eight. I spaced them close together, so there should not be much of a scar. Frank looked at his swollen and discolored right hand. Its going to be a while before I hold a deck of cards in that hand. Colleen bent to the side, rinsed the washcloth again, then shifted just a little lower on the bed. And thats when she saw that Frank had an erection tenting the blankets. Oh! she gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. Oh, my! I was hoping you wouldnt notice that. Though she couldnt actually see his cock, the size of the tenting blanket suggested that he was every bit as magnificently endowed as Marc. The awareness that she had directly caused two of Montanas handsomest rakes to have erections was both thrilling and embarrassing. Colleen simply never thought of herself as a woman who did such things. It took a while for her to drag her gaze from Franks cock up to his face. There was a faint blush to his cheeks now, made more noticeable by the whiteness of the pillow beneath his head. Youre lovely, he said in explanation. It just sort of happened. But youre injured, and I know youre in pain. She put a hand to her mouth and mumbled

between her fingers, Oh, I say the dumbest things sometimes! Her gaze turned once more toward that part of Frank that obviously hadnt been injured. In fact, that particular part of him seemed to be in the peak of health. Im sorry. I guess thats my fault. With a groan, Frank replied, Yes, youre at fault, though theres no reason to apologize. He grinned and lifted his battered right hand. Theres no way thats going to relax on its own, so while youre in the barn, I guess Ill have to figure out some way of becoming ambidextrous. No. The single word was out of Colleens mouth before she could stop it, and once spoken she couldnt pretend it meant nothing. She looked down at his concealed erection, then into Franks eyes. Seconds ticked away, and neither spoke. The significance of the single word surrounded them like an erotic but rather frightening specter. I caused it, she said, her hushed voice now barely audible. Ill take care of it. She felt the instantaneous acceleration of her pulse, and her breathing became quick and deep. She looked into Franks cool blue eyes and wondered what he thought of her now and whether her bold declaration would be viewed as courageous or tawdry. Her gaze finally trailed slowly down his naked chest to the tenting blanket below his waist. She took the blanket carefully between forefingers and thumbs, her movements slow and precise,

just as they had been hours earlier when shed put stitches in his scalp. Lowering the blanket, she exposed his cock, and at first sight of it, she sucked in her breath and unconsciously held it for several seconds. His cock was pale, angling sharply upward, the crown swollen and taut. Colleen wrapped her fingers around the shaft and was a little surprised to discover that, while holding him, she couldnt touch her fingertips to her thumb. When she squeezed him, he groaned softly. She was uneasily aware of him looking at her. She twisted on the mattress, turning so that her back was toward the headboard. Leaning to the side, she half-reclined on Franks stomach and began working her hand slowly up and down over his hard cock. I cant believe Im doing this, Colleen thought as she watched her hand moving along the entire length of a large erection. Frank and Marc are too handsome. They inspired me to behavior I wouldnt dream of doing with anyone else. A drop of fluid formed at the slitted tip. With her thumb, Colleen smoothed the slick droplet around the crown. The low, rumbling groan was all the approval she needed. With her heart pounding against her ribs, she bent at the waist, brought her lips to the head, and planted a smacking kiss on the spongy knob. Then, slowly and hesitantly, the tip of her tongue slipped out between her lips. As she licked the crown, moistening it with her saliva, she tasted the salty tang

of his pre-cum. When she pushed her lips over the knob, the sigh she drew from Frank heightened her confidence. She began bobbing slowly. The size of Franks cock made it impossible for her to fit much more than the crown into her mouth, so she stroked what she couldnt suck. She nibbled down the shaft, her lips caressing as her tongue slithered along the responsive flesh. When she felt the bulbous crown pressing firmly against the opening of her throat, Colleen drew a tight suction on Frank, her cheeks caving inward. Oh, yesss, Frank hissed, putting a hand on the back of Colleens head. But Frank wasnt Allen. Instead of pushing her down, Frank caressed her hair lightly between his fingers and thumb. Though Colleen had at first tensed up, she quickly relaxed and resumed her slow. When she tried to take him deeper, her throat rebelled. She tossed her head up, sputtering softly, keeping her face turned away from Frank. Dont hurt yourself. Theres no need for that. Colleen wanted to kiss him then. Kiss him full on the lips and feel his tongue exploring her mouth. She wanted to take off all her clothes and feel his big, powerful body pressing her into the mattress. She wanted to feel his cock, fiercely aroused and solid as stone, spreading the delicate lips of her cunt, pushing deep into her, filling her, binding her to him. Turn around, Frank said as he took his hand from Colleens hair. I want to see you.

Hesitating, Colleen remained leaning over Frank with her back to him. Her behavior was wicked enough, more licentious than she had ever expected, but it would be so much more scandalous if she knew that he was watching her. She stroked him, keeping her actions hidden from his piercing gaze. Youre so lovely. Please, let me look at you. Im not lovely, Colleen replied softly. She stroked his saliva-moistened cock a bit more vigorously, but when she started leaning down to take him once again between her lips, he pushed his fingers into her hair and held on, stopping her descent. Let me please you, she whispered. It wont take much more. I can tell. Stand up. He cleared his throat and added, Please. Colleen straightened on the bed, inhaled deeply as she summoned courage, and stood, turning slowly until she faced Frank. His eyes were blue and vividly intense. Colleen looked away, simultaneously frightened and aroused by his desire. Take off your shirt. Colleens hands went without hesitation to the top button of her shirt, unfastening as they moved downward. Her breasts rose and fell with her deep and rapid breathing. She pulled the tails of the shirt out of the waistband of her trousers, finished with the buttons, and let the garment filter down her arms to fall to the floor. And now your camisole. Colleen could no more refuse Franks request than she could snap her fingers and suddenly

become slender and dark and exotic instead of voluptuous and Irish and freckled. She pulled the camisole over her head, and the heavy mounds of her breasts swayed tautly. Now listen carefully. I want you to say, clearly and with confidence, I am lovely. But Im Say it! Never comfortable with her own body, Colleen unconsciously crossed her arms, cupping each breast with the opposite hand to conceal it from Franks scrutiny. Softly, she said, I am lovely. Now say it again. I am lovely. She cleared her throat and said in a clear voice, I am lovely. And now, my lovely lady, finish what you started. His mouth curled upward on the right side, forcing Colleen to resist the urge to kiss him. And let me watch you doing it. The words were like a physical caress directly to Colleens clit. She sat on the bed and once again leaned sideways over Frank, though this time she turned toward him. Without delay, she leaned down and let the conical crown of his swollen cock fill her mouth. Im a very wicked woman. Colleen used her tongue against the side of Franks pulsing shaft while looking straight into his blue eyes. Frank makes me want to be wicked. Reaching between his powerful thighs, Colleen cupped his heavy, egg-shaped balls in her

hand. She gave them a firm squeeze. She received a groan of approval for her actions. I want to make Frank happy. I want him impressed with me. When her hair fell across her face, Frank twisted slightly in bed and used his uninjured left hand to smooth the strands behind Colleens ear. Then, twisting even more, he cupped one breast in his hand and squeezed. The sensation of his hand upon her breast caused fresh nectar to rush to the lips of her pussy, but she could tell that it was difficult in their current positions and with Franks right hand injured for him to caress her. She let him slip out from between her lips with a sigh, kissed the knob, and said, Now its my turn to say that you dont need to hurt yourself. Though her right hand was busy with Franks cock, she used her left to lift a breast invitingly. You dont think these are too big? What was unspoken was that Allen did think they were too large, and he didnt make any effort to hide his displeasure from her. Everything about you is lovely. A diplomatic response. Especially your breasts. A better response. She moved up on the bed, putting one hand on the headboard and the other on the mattress. Her breasts hung above his face, swaying freely as she gave her shoulders a shake. She watched as he opened his mouth and sucked much of her pink areola and nipple between his lips.

Oh! Oh God! she gasped as the heated caress of Franks warm, wet mouth suffused her senses. The tingling in her clit, which had started when she had first looked at his naked chest, grew into a throbbing ache. Turning her shoulders, she pulled one nipple from his mouth and guided the other to those lips that were so incredibly skilled at giving pleasure. As Frank sucked on Colleens proffered nipples, she resumed stroking his cock, running her fist from the base of his shaft all the way up to the tip. She could feel his mounting excitement, hear his breath coming faster and faster through his nostrils as he tantalized her nipples with an ever-increasing suction. When the friction of her fist running along Franks cock became too intense, Colleen straightened a little, withdrawing her breast from his hungry lips with a sigh. She moved down in the bed and resumed sucking him lustily. By this time, her confidence, as well as her passion, was soaring. She positioned herself so that Frank had a perfect view of her profile and pulled her hair around her shoulders on the opposite side so there would be nothing to hinder his view of her wanton act. She sucked hungrily and with greater enjoyment than ever before in her life. With Allen, she had felt bullied into giving him the pleasure of her lips and tongue. It was something she did out of a sense of obligation, not desire. With Frank, Colleen wanted to please him until he could

withstand no more stimulation. Get me wet, then give me your breasts again. It sounded as though the words had to be forced out through teeth gritted in lust. Colleen positioned herself so that her breasts hung above Franks face. Her right hand, lubricated with her own saliva, pumped swiftly on a shaft that literally throbbed. You could make me climax, Colleen said, looking down at Frank as his lips caressed her left nipple, just from sucking on my nipples. She heard him grunt, and the suction he applied to her breast was very strong. A moment later the thick streams of white, creamy semen exploded from the swollen crown of Franks cock. Colleen continued pumping on his erupting flesh, watching as jets of cum were released, arching through the air to leave gooey lines over his chest and stomach. Squeezing his shaft tightly in her fist, working her hand from the base to the tip, Colleen drew a final pearl of cream from Frank. The droplet glistened in the morning sunlight that filtered through the window. With his orgasm complete, all the tension seemed to instantly vanish from Franks body. With a satisfied sigh, he released Colleens breast from his mouth. Colleen had never seen so much cum in her life and nearly said as much. Instead, she leaned over and swiped her tongue against the tip of Franks softening erection, licking off the salty drop

that remained at the slit. He flinched at the contact, and she smiled. It looks like Im going to have to bathe you once more, she murmured. In an unprecedented way, she felt both aroused and satisfied. She used the washcloth to clean her hand, then was about to put on her chemise before she stopped herself. Close your eyes now. Despite his satisfaction, Frank eyed her naked breasts lustfully, and his still-smoldering desire heightened Colleens confidence. She began cleaning him with the washcloth. You need more sleep if youre going to get better. Just close your eyes. He was asleep before Colleen finished washing away the evidence of his passion for her. With smile on her lips, Colleen put on her chemise and shirt and headed for the barn to milk her cow. Chapter Eight Take a chair, Marc. I know youre pissed as hell, but that doesnt mean you cant sit and have a cup of coffee. The speaker was Sheriff Clay Dixon. Marc had known him for years. He respected him as a man and trusted him as a lawman. Seeing Frank get shot and realizing just how close hed come to losing his best friend to an assassins bullet had ignited a rage within Marcs breast that would not be quenched until the men responsible were dead. He sat in the chair facing the sheriffs desk as Clay poured a cup of coffee from the blue speckled coffee pot resting on the iron stove. He took a pouch of tobacco from an inside jacket

pocket and started rolling a cigarette. Tell us what happened, and start from the very beginning, Clay said as he took his chair. He glanced over at Deputy Bruce Hastings, then back at Marc. And dont tell us again how youre going to gut-shoot the bastards because even though youre my friend, if you gun down anyone in cold blood, Ill arrest you and put you before a judge. Never in his life had Marc felt such a futile rage. He wanted revenge, bloody revenge, and he wanted it instantly. But all the rage in the world wasnt going to help him learn the identities of the men who had made the surprise attack. Slowly and methodically, he told the lawmen everything he could think of, searching his consciousness for even the most inconsequential detail of the evening. Clay and Bruce had built reputations for fairness and toughness, but even more importantly, they were known as men who pursued the truth and nearly always found out who was guilty, and just as importantly, who was innocent. When Marc was finished with his story, the sheriff said, Take Doc Hamms to go see Frank. Seems to me you owe Miss OMalley one hell of a lot. I know that, Marc replied, getting to his feet. Shell get paid back, with interest. I know that, too. Youre a good man, Marc, and whats been done to Frank is bad. But if you become a vigilante, Ill go from being a man trying to help you see that justice is done to a man who sees you as a lawbreaker in need of punishment. He walked around the desk and patted

Marc on the shoulder. First thing Ill do is ride out to where they set up the ambush. Ill figure out my next move after that. He smiled, but it wasnt really a friendly expression. Dont worry, Marc. Ill get these bastards. Ill get every one of them, and theyll pay the price for what theyve done. **** As though to further heighten Marcs sense of impotent rage and futility, when he arrived at Doc Hammss house, he found the chalkboard outside had a message on it that read, I am at the Kroeger ranch. Mrs. Kroeger is having her ninth. Should be back in town by suppertime. To make matters even worse, Colleens old mare was simply not used to making repeated trips back and forth from the homestead to town in a single day. The old mare was tired, so Marc couldnt in good conscience hurry her along. He was tired himself, having gotten almost no sleep the previous evening. The first real sense of relief he felt was when he crested the ridge of a hill some five hundred yards from Colleens homestead and saw the house off in the distance. The previous evening, the house had been a safe haven, a place where he could tend to his best friend who had severe wounds. And later, outside that house and under the moonlight, he had tasted the charms of a young woman who had, since those few blissful moments together, been almost constantly in his thoughts. It was much better, Marc decided, to think about Colleen and not about the faceless men who

had ambushed him. The buckboard was loaded with sufficient provisions and medical supplies to feed and provide medical attention to a small army for at least a month. And trailing behind the buckboard were two well-trained roan geldings, just in case Frank was feeling well enough to ride back into town. Marc, though, was against that idea. He wanted Frank to stay in bed, at least until Doc Hamms saw to him and gave a pronouncement of being fit enough to travel. Hopping off the buckboard, he didnt bother untying the horses or doing anything else. First things first. He wanted to see how Frank was doing. Then he had to figure out some way of getting Colleen alone. He needed to talk to her, to find out what she thought about their entirely unplanned tryst of the previous evening. Unlike most of the women who traipsed quickly in and out of his arms, Colleen wasnt the promiscuous type. He needed to talk to her, but he wanted to do so much more than just talk. He thought of knocking on the door but didnt want to disturb anyone should they be sleeping. Instead, cautiously, he turned the door knob and slowly opened the door, feeling a bit like a burglar as he did so. He took only a single step into the house. Like most small homes in the territory, it was designed to facilitate heating during the long, harsh Montana winters. Marc saw that Frank was sleeping peacefully in the big bed and Colleen was not in the house. Careful to keep his boot

heels soundless against the wooden floor, he took another step into the room and heard the faint, steady sound of Franks snoring. He smiled, and for the first time in hours, he felt confident that his friend would eventually recover completely. The nagging suspicion that the head wound might be more serious than just a flesh wound had never left him. But a man sleeping soundly and snoring softly had to be on the mend. Feeling slightly annoyed that Colleen wasnt watching over Frank, even though it was obvious that his friend was doing quite well, Marc stepped back outside and closed the door quietly. Where would Colleen be an hour after sunrise? The barn or the chicken coop? He decided on the barn, and as he walked, a smile played upon his lips and he nearly started whistling. Seeing Frank resting peacefully had taken an enormous burden off his shoulders. His friend had been injured grievously, but he would recover, and that was all that mattered. So now it was time to concentrate on the other person who had monopolized his thoughts recently. A certain redheaded Irishwoman with a reputation in tatters because shed fallen in love with a man who didnt love her back. A curvaceous vixen who lived by herself and had the discipline and spunk to run her own business selling milk, cheese, and eggs. Granted, Colleens income wasnt a fraction of what Marc and his family had, but she didnt ask anything from anyone, and for that, his respect for her was enormous.

In fact, she hadnt asked him for anything at all. He was indebted to her, not the other way around. The novelty of the situation pleased Marc but only because he knew that his burden would soon be taken out of the red and put into the black. Only one of the two doors leading into the barn was open. He stepped into the dark interior and was momentarily unable to see much. He waited until his vision adjusted and out of habit put his hand on the grip of the Colt revolver. After several seconds, he saw a cow in a stanchion, contentedly munching on the ground oats in a bucket in front of her. Marcs trained eyes told him the cow was a Jersey, a rather small one even for a small breed, and that she was quite old. She didnt have many years left in her. A bucket of fresh milk was off to the side, where it wouldnt get kicked. Not a second passed before Marc decided that in the very near future Colleen was going to own a purebred Holstein milking cow. And hed replace her old mare with a young, strong gelding who could work for her for another twenty years. This day was getting better and better for Marc all the time. It was a small barn, and it took no more than a glance for him to see that Colleen wasnt in it. He had turned halfway around to leave when he heard the thud! of a boot heel overhead. Marcs grin broadened. Frank was sleeping peacefully, and Colleen was in the hayloft. And, unless his guess was very much incorrect, she was alone.

Though never a man with a heavy footstep, as he walked to the ladder, Marc made a point of not making any noise. When he began his ascent, he moved slowly, cautiously. He stuck his head up through the square opening to the loft. He heard Colleen before he actually saw her. Hay was piled in the center of the roof. He heard her singing very softly behind the mound. He heard the scrape of a pitchfork against the wood and saw the swirls of dust as hay was moved to the square feed holes in the floor, located directly over the pens for the animals. Marc thought she seemed happy as she moved the hay into position. Marc decided he didnt like seeing Colleens lush curves made less feminine by her wearing the coarse trousers more commonly associated with cowboys and a work shirt. They were utilitarian clothes meant to be functional, not attractive, and seeing them on the object of his most ardent feelings was suddenly irksome. Given the chance, hed put her in the finest dresses from New York or Paris. Colleen pushed loose hay with the pitchfork toward one of the feed openings. Marc watched with a sense of fascination as she worked. Certain that he should make his presence known but pleased that as yet she was unaware of being watched. In his entire life, hed known only a few women who actually worked for a living. The society ladies of Golden Valley, Helena, and Virginia City were always busy with their charity work and altruistic deeds.

Colleen turned just enough to see that she was no longer alone. Startled, she jumped backward and squared up to the intruder, lifting the fork to waist level. Sorry! Sorry! Its just me, Marc said quickly, raising his hands and turning his palms toward Colleen. I didnt mean to startle you. Well, you damned sure did! she snapped back. She made a jabbing motion with the fork. Youre lucky I dont run you through just out of spite. Im sorry. I said Im sorry. He spread his arms wide in the universal gesture of harmless innocence. What else can I say? How about good-bye? Marc was willing to give Colleen some ground because he should have, in fact, warned her that he was approaching. More than a few men in the mountains had been shot because theyd approached a camp without giving proper warning of their approach. No. I think not. His words came out clipped. Actually, Ive been waiting a while to be alone with you. The last time we were together, our time together didnt exactly end the way I had hoped it would. He saw the color blanch from her face. Oh, yes. She knew. She knew full well what he was talking about. I Colleen began, then paused and cleared her throat with some difficulty. I should go look after Frank. How long have you left him alone?

Colleen shook her head, and her coppery tresses swirled at her shoulders. Not more than thirty minutes. I have chores. My chickens and cow are responsibilities that require daily attention. Marc smiled. He replied, A trait of women of all species, Ive learned. He watched as her spine stiffened. Perhaps, but theres not much difference between a hen and a strutting rooster preening himself endlessly, walking about like hes something special when really hes just another bird in the coop! She laughed derisively. Im about finished here, so Im leaving. Once again, a muscle twitched in Marcs jaw. Women who stood up to him were rare. Women who bested him were even more unusual. He was glad that there wasnt anyone else around to have witnessed the open defiance. He wasnt used to anyone defying his wishes, and certainly not a woman. Heated memories of having his arms wrapped around her shapely thighs and spreading her legs apart as he devoured her pussy came flooding back. Id rather you didnt. Weve got some unfinished business. He saw a half-smile touch her lips. Well, unfinished for you, maybe. He smiled at the comment. Precisely. Its a situation Id like to amend. He inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly, and looked away. Dont make this more difficult than it has to be.

Colleen looked away for a moment, and it was clear she was fighting to suppress a smile. She shrugged, and the loose fabric of her chemise and shirt allowed her breasts to tremble. The glowing ember of lust that had come to life within Marc suddenly blazed into a conflagration. You like things to be easy, she said, her gaze meeting his directly. You especially like your women to be easy. But Im not like all those other women in your life. Her grin was impish. I suppose thats an unpleasant surprise to you, but there it is. Colleen turned her back to him and went to the hayloft rope. It was used to carry large swathes of hay from the ground up to the hayloft by use of a pulley system, then by way of a trolley rail deeper into the barn. You keep taunting me like that and youll deserve a spanking. And youre just the man to give me one? She issued a small laugh. Im a little old to be put over your knee. My friend has to be looked in on, Marc said, his boot heels thumping against the wooden floor of the hayloft as he advanced. Colleen was teasing him. Though he was grateful that she obviously wasnt resentful of his previous evenings seduction, it still rankled that she wasnt taking him more seriously. I have to speak to you alone. Therefore, I have no choice but to make sure that youll still be here when I return. He looked at the rope and grinned. And I know just how to keep you here.

Colleen spun toward Marc as he advanced rapidly. You wouldnt dare! she exclaimed, her emerald eyes glittering with mischief. Youre a beast! Chapter Nine Hey, knothead, you going to sleep the day away? Marc asked, giving the carved footboard of the big bed a jovial kick. He was behaving as though this day was no different than any other, hoping desperately that, in fact, it really wasnt. He watched as Franks eyelids fluttered briefly, like a butterfly preparing for flight, before opening. An overwhelming sense of elation swept over Marc when his friend looked up at him with a decidedly annoyed expression. All Marc had to do was look into Franks ice blue eyes and see the inner fire to know that, though injured, he would recover completely. Maybe. Maybe not. Frank took the pillow from beneath his head and put it over his face. Have you any idea what it is like waking up with both a hangover and a bullet to the head? Marc had seen his friend enough mornings after intemperate nights to know, with absolute certainty, that he would soon recover his health and his fighting spirits. With that certainty in mind, his next goal was to return to the barn as quickly as possible. Marc felt distinctly caddish. One did not see ones best friend get shot in the head in the evening and then in the morning wish his friend would go back to sleep so that an assignation could occur.

Through the pillow came a muffled, Did you bring Doc Hamms with you? Couldnt. The doc is helping Mrs. Kroeger have another baby. How much help could she need? Whats this, her twentieth baby by now? That figures a bit high, but she and her husband obviously have figured out how that whole procreation thing works. Good. We can let them take our place in the babymaking line, and you and I can remain bachelors. Marc chuckled. Frank was getting back to form very quickly, indeed. I couldnt agree with you more, my friend. Now put your head back on that pillow and go back to sleep. There are some things I need to do. Sure you dont need any help? Not from you. Moving the pillow, Frank sighed when he set his head upon it. Sure? Positive. Frank closed his eyes and turned his face aside. In that case, I suppose I could use some more He was asleep before finishing the sentence. Marc wasted no time in getting out the door. His stride was long and purposeful as he returned to the barn. When he ascended the short ladder leading up to the hayloft, Marc moved slowly, staying quiet. He wanted to see Colleen before she saw him. Now that he had a new appreciation of her, he was seeing her in an entirely

new way. Each moment he could look at her while she was unaware of it was time to savor. One did not gulp gluttonously of Colleen OMalleys visual charms, at least not to begin with. Initially, a connoisseurs sense of leisurely appreciation was in order. First satisfy the gourmet, then indulge the gourmand. He took his hat off, letting it rest against his back, dangling from the neck cord, then eased his head slowly through the square opening leading to the hayloft. When he saw Colleen, a spontaneous rush of lusty heat went through his veins, rushing straight to his cock. She was looking out the open door. Her hands bound together, held above her head by the trolley rope. With her arms over her head, her breasts were lifted high, the round, heavy mounds rising and falling with her breathing. Her body, magnificently curvaceous and lusciously feminine, aroused every masculine instinct in Marc. As he looked at her, he found it shocking that less than twenty-four hours ago he had found slender women preferable to more voluptuous ones. But there she was, wearing trousers and western-style boots like a man. He loathed her masculine attire, but there wasnt a thing about her that didnt electrify his senses. Even if she tried, she couldnt be anything other than spectacularly arousing. The sound of his boots drew her attention. Youre back. Youre right. He smiled. Did you miss me while I was gone? Marco Andollini, youre impossible!

Marcs smile broadened. The only time anyone referred to him by his complete first name was when he had been caught doing something he shouldnt. Calmly, almost conversationally, as he walked closer, he replied, Ive missed you. More than I think you know. He watched as her gaze shifted from his face down to the rapidly swelling bulge in his black trousers. Her eyes widened briefly, then traveled quickly back up to his face. Its easy to see, she replied, how much youve missed me. Her gaze went to his burgeoning erection again. So the secret to your success with women is rope? Not previously. Youre a first for me, Marc said as he unknotted his neckerchief. In a lot of different ways. Have you any idea how much time Ive spent thinking about you? Ive never been a man to daydream about women... The next words drifted away unspoken, their importance such that they caught in his throat. Hed almost said, Until last night. Had he said that, hed have admitted that Colleen had a significance in his life greater than he was willing to admit. Colleen said, And you obviously dont like it very much. Marc took off his hat and dropped it onto the neckerchief on the floor of the hayloft, then began unbuttoning his shirt. Colleen squirmed, and her breasts swayed beneath her shirt. The visual stimulation caused Marcs cock to reach full and painful extension. Im going to make you beg me. Colleen gasped. I wont say it!

Yes, you will, Marc replied laconically as he unbuckled his gun belt. Ill see to it. In a softer tone, Colleen asked, Isis it because I didnt satisfy you last night? Marc paused a moment, thinking carefully about her question before answering. Actually, no, thats not the reason. Even if you had satisfied me last night, Im quite certain Id still be as excited by you right now. No, thats not the right word for what Im feeling, now is it? He balanced on one foot and pulled off a boot. Enraptured? Yes, thats it. Enraptured. He removed his other boot. Thats what I feel because of you. Rapture. Isnt that where its an almost religious experience? Its like youre in your body, but not really. And everything, absolutely everything, is more exciting, more arousing than ever before. Almost mystically so. He unbuckled his belt and was amused that her eyes were riveted on his hands as he performed the task. Ive had nearly a permanent erection since the last time we were together. She gave him an incredulous look. Well, almost always. He opened his trousers and pushed them down to his thighs. His cock, fiercely rigid, tented his underwear. Marc issued a small sigh of relief as his erection, at last, could reach its natural posture. Id forgotten, Colleen confessed in a breathy whisper, just how big you are. Marc stepped out of his trousers, unbuttoned his underwear, let them fall down around his ankles, then stepped out of them. His hard cock angled upward, thick and solid, the conical crown

a ruddy hue. Forgotten? Really? An eyebrow lifted. Id rather hoped to be more memorable than that. He stripped off his white socks, depositing them onto the pile of clothes. His cock wiggled from side to side with his steps. The fact that Colleen apparently couldnt drag her gaze away from his cock was a source of great amusement to Marc, and he nearly said something about it but kept this knowledge to himself. See what you do to me? Marcs right hand curled around the shaft. But then, this isnt the first time youve aroused me into an erection, is it? Id be a lot more impressed by that if half the women in the territory hadnt already experienced it before me. You havent experienced it. Her eyebrows lifted. I felt it. Just not inside me. The tip of her tongue moistened her lips. Franks getting out bed last night and taking that nasty fall provided a nice excuse for me to leave, didnt it? So you were looking for an excuse, were you? He watched color come to her cheeks. Sorry. I guess I got a little scared at my reaction to you. Are you going to untie me? Did I mention last night, he continued, stepping to the side to look at her in profile, that youve got the most delicious pussy in the world? Colleen gasped again. Marcs smile broadened. His right hand moved a little faster over his pulsing erection. I could have pleasured

you from sundown to sunup, and still I wouldnt have had my fill of you. Are you going to untie me? Marc shook his head, stepping closer. First I want to hear you beg me to make love to you. Can I just ask nicely? Nobody teases me like that. A single eyebrow lifted. Obviously, thats not true. Marcs hand moved on his erection, his fingers closing around the shaft. Tell me you want it. Now I can just tell you? Two seconds ago I had to beg. With her arms up, her underarms were unprotected. Abandoning his erection, he brought his fingers to her underarms and started tickling. Dont! Dont! Colleen screamed between pealing laughter. I hate being tickled. Tell me what I want to hear and Ill stop. She screamed, laughed, and squealed in protest as his tickling fingers went from her underarms down to her stomach and then back again, with a brief stop at her breasts to squeeze quickly. Her nipples had gotten visibly erect, adding stimulation to Marcs already overheating senses. Beg, he said, his fingers at Colleens sides, just beneath her ribs. Her laughter rang through the hayloft. He stopped tickling. I want to hear it. Colleen gulped in air, sighing as her laughter subsided. She shook her head, glittering mischief in her eyes. I can be just as stubborn as you. Is it any wonder I tied you up? If you hadnt, Id never have been here when you returned.

And thats exactly why I tied you up. He grinned. It gave me a great sense of pleasure to know youd be waiting here for me. I wasnt waiting, Colleen replied, her breathing rapidly returning to normal now that she was no longer being tickled. Nearly dangling from a hayloft rope isnt the same as waiting. She caught her lower lip between even, white teeth. With mocking defiance, she finished, And Im not going to beg. A drop of milky fluid formed at the tip of Marcs erection. He said softly, Let me hear you say it. Oh, I should kick you! Colleen tried to kick him, her boot arcing upward toward his shin. Marc was ready for it, and he caught her foot easily, dancing to the side then cupping his hand around her ankle. The move caused Colleen to lose her balance, and she briefly swayed with the rope. She hopped three times on one foot before regaining her balance while Marc continued holding her foot up against his hip. What little slack there was in the rope vanished. It now quivered tautly. Such a hellcat! Damn you! Marc tossed her foot to the side, forcing Colleen to spin from the rope. An instant later, he was directly behind her, his arms sliding around her middle, his naked chest against her clothed back, his cock pinned between their bodies. Marcs arms wound around Colleen, and he buried his face

in a mound of thick, silken hair at the nape of her neck that smelled of lilac-scented soap. All night long, he whispered, holding her tightly, I couldnt get the scent of you out of my nostrils. Youre like, he inhaled deeply, the first flowers of spring. He inhaled deeply again. You have the clean smell of soap with the tang of a womans passion! Marc bent his knees, sliding his body down Colleens back until his erection slipped between her thighs. The hard flesh moved between her legs, and she gasped, clamping her thighs together, trapping him there. Marc straightened his legs again, and the crotch of Colleens trousers forced his erection to not angle so sharply upward. Damn, Marc whispered, his cock throbbing with tension. He dipped his head to kiss Colleens temple at the same time his hands slipped upward to cup her breasts. He found her nipples through the thin barrier of her shirt and pinched the passion-peaked nubs firmly. Her squirming intensified. You intoxicate me! He released her breasts, and Colleen stopped struggling. With his hard cock still trapped between her thighs, Marc reached for her shirt buttons, unwilling to allow any barrier between himself and the woman who had become the focus of all his most ardent emotions. He had caught the uppermost button and unfastened it before Colleen let out a squeal of mock indignation. Almost dangling from the rope, she twisted her shoulders left and right, making it

impossible to Marc to unfasten the buttons as he stood behind her. With his lips close to her ear, brushing against coppery tresses, Marc said through a growl, Tell me you want me! I want to hear you say it. His long-fingered hands caught Colleens blouse between her breasts and, an instant later, pulled apart. Every button of Colleens blouse popped off, dropping to the floor of the hayloft as her breasts, now naked, jiggled and swayed freely. Oh, God! Marcs hands closed over her naked bosom. Beg! Marc said as his fingers pressed deep into the lush mounds. He pushed his hips forward, sliding his cock between her thighs. I never should have let you go last night. He released her breasts, his hands sliding down over her naked stomach toward her belt. I should have made love to you until you knew you were mine. The words burned in Marcs ears. They werent the carefully crafted love words that he used to calm the troubled nerves of a woman suddenly having second thoughts about inviting him to her bedchamber. They were words that bubbled unbidden from a source deep inside himself, a wellspring even Marc hadnt realized existed. Chapter Ten Colleen nearly climaxed when Marc ripped her shirt open. It was a response to him that she hadnt anticipated. She watched, open-mouthed with shock and desire, as he filled his hands with her breasts, catching her nipples between forefingers and thumbs.

The words burned in Colleens ears. She tried to step forward to get Marcs cock out from between her thighs. She couldnt manage even half a step before running out of slack in the rope that bound her wrists. Trembling with passion, she watched as Marcs hands swiftly unbuckled her belt and released the buttons of her fly. An instant later, he was on his knees behind her, and her trousers were being yanked down. No drawers? I guess you wanted to be ready for me. You flatter yourself. With her trousers at the tops of her boots, her legs were now bound as securely as her arms. Marcs hands were tight on her thighs, holding her securely. He was chuckling as he kissed the cheeks of her ass, first one and then the other, pressing his face firmly against the mounds. A moment later, she heard him chuckle softly, then felt his teeth as he nipped at her flesh. She let out a squeal. Are you crazy? she sputtered. She was creaming now, her cunt readying for Marc. Only for you. Colleen let out another squeal when Marc took her by the hips and spun her around. She lost her balance and would have fallen had her hands not been tied. Looking down between the trembling mounds of her breasts, Colleen gazed at the kneeling man, marveling at his sheer physical beauty. Marc smiled and leaned forward to plant a smacking kiss upon her lower abdomen, then tilted

his head back on his shoulders, looked up into her eyes, and said, You dont mean that. I do. You are crazy. Youre absolutely She would have continued, but Marcs hands were on her buns, holding her tightly. When he leaned forward, kissed her, then thrust his tongue into her pussy, the formulation of words became completely impossible. And moments later, when his tongue slithered upward until he reached her clit, Colleen couldnt keep the quavering sigh of pleasure from escaping. It was not the first time that she had experienced Marcs most intimate kisses. But the rope around her wrists, the hemp harsh and prickly against her skin, significantly heightened her desire. When Marc sucked her clit between his lips, then playfully spanked her bottom, Colleen felt an orgasm approaching with the ferocity and velocity of a runaway freight train. Colleen tried to spread her legs farther apart to make it easier for Marc, but her lowered trousers made that impossible. His mouth was pressed tight to her as he sucked on her clit, and now he was using both hands to spank her. In a startlingly short period of time, Colleen found herself teetering on the brink of an orgasm. She craved the shuddering spasms and satiation that came with the climaxes that Marc could induce. The part of Colleen that she thought of as a good girl fought against the onrushing waves of ecstasy. Ten more seconds! Just ten more second and Ill

The thought was abruptly cut off when Marc grabbed her by the hips and spun her halfway around. Only the rope around her wrists kept Colleen upright. He taunted her with a spank to each ass cheek, then buried his face in the cleavage. A cry of shock and excitement was ripped from her throat. When Marc reached around her hip to caress her clit with a fingertip, Colleen lost any semblance of self-control that she had hoped to maintain. Fuck! she gasped, shocking herself because it was a word she had never before spoken aloud. Oh, fuck! Fuck! Perhaps it was because she had never been pleasured in such a fashion before. Or maybe it was because it was Marc who was on his knees and lustily pleasuring her as he rubbed her clit with firm, determined strokes. Whatever the cause, the end result was the same. Colleen shivered through the most wrenching orgasm of her life. Her insides were on fire! With her emotions in chaos, she tried to simultaneously thrust her hips backward against Marcs tantalizing tongue and forward at the caressing finger. Once the last of the spasms went through her, the muscles in her legs were no longer had sufficient strength to hold her weight. She sagged, and the rope around her wrists tightened painfully. Wwait. The single word came out softly and with effort. After several uncomfortable seconds, Colleen got her feet properly beneath her and straightened her legs, releasing the strain

on her shoulders. I ccan hardly breathe. Marc stood and stepped around so that he was in front of Colleen. He took her breasts in his hands, squeezing from the outsides. He bent his knees and sucked on each nipple. I want to hear you say it. His eyes were intense, his nose a scant inch from hers. Say fuck me and Ill give you want you need. With her face wedged between her upraised arms, Colleen shook her head. I wont. Even she could hear the lack of conviction in her tone, so she added, You cant get everything and everyone you want. I dont want everyone. I only want you. And I want to hear you beg for it. Marc bent his knees, moved forward as he cupped her bottom in his hands, and pulled her in tight against his pelvis. He straightened his legs. Once again his hard cock was between her thighs, but this time the intensely rigid shaft was pressed firmly against the lips of her pussy. The heat of his erection caused fresh cream to ooze to Colleens cunt. Say it. You know you want to. Marcs slender, strong fingers squeezed Colleens buns firmly, holding her securely as he worked his hips back and forth, sliding his solid flesh between her thighs. Colleen tilted her head back on her shoulders, her mouth opening, her breath coming in uneven gulps as her nerve endings crackled with life. She looked up at the ceiling of her hayloft,

at the rope leading from her hands up to the lofts pulley system. She felt every magnificent inch of Marcs cock sliding between her naked thighs and against her cunt. She felt his hands as he squeezed her bottom, holding her firmly, pulling her inward each time he pushed between her thighs. So...beautiful! Marc whispered, each word punctuated with the powerful thrust of his unyielding erection through the tight juncture of her naked thighs. Tell me...you want me. Let me hear you say it. Oh, God! Beg! Marc growled, grinding his pelvis against hers. Beg me to make you come. Never! The instantaneous denial lacked sincerity. Even Colleen was aware of the disparity between what she said and what she really meant. Earlier, when he had first bound her with the rope, she had known she wouldnt resist Marc. She had seen and felt his erection as they tussled, and she knew he wanted her desperately. Every nerve in her body came alive for him. But she hadnt thought her surrender would be like this, bound and trembling. At one moment she was laughing from his tickling, in the next instant she could hardly breathe from the taboo pleasure of his oral caresses. Each advance and retreat of Marcs lean hips caused his cock to rub against her intimately, heightening a passion that had not cooled considerably since her most recent climax.

In a breathy whisper, she began, Please... His hips stopped their erotic churning. She felt his labored breathing as his chest pressed against her naked breasts, his hands tight on her ass to hold her steady, positioning her for their maximum, mutual pleasure. The silence that followed held the potential for ecstasy. The tip of Colleens tongue made a quick trip around the circumference of her mouth. She hungered for Marc, her body vividly remembering all the subtle ways he had of eking out pleasure. Finally, she concluded, Make me come. The whispered rumors shed heard stated that Marcs orgasmic discipline was the stuff of legend. He advanced and retreated, sliding his cock between Colleens clamped thighs and over her clit until she shivered through another orgasm. When her knees buckled, he held her even tighter, his hands on the rounded cheeks of her ass to lift her. Gulping in air, she was confused beyond words at her own inability to deny Marc anything at all in the sexual realm. With even her scalp tingling with excitement as her climax concluded, she whispered, You win. I give up. She opened her eyes, looking up into Marcs, and added, Fuck me. Now. It took only the slightest adjustment on Marcs part, a mere bending of the knees to get at the proper angle, for the deed to be accomplished. Colleen felt the plump head of Marcs cock against

the lips of her cunt, and she knew the invasion would be ecstasy itself. Delicate feminine tissue that had never before needed to accommodate such a formidable cock protested. She gasped, but only once. Marcs hips immediately stopped. She felt his entire body tighten as he studied her reaction. Dont stop, she said. By the time his pelvis collided with hers, she was once again balancing precariously on the edge of ecstasys abyss. Another three strokes and Colleens orgasmic screams were echoing off the walls of the hayloft, the sound shockingly dichotomous with the otherwise bucolic serenity of an early morning in a barn. As though from a great distance, she heard him growl a short time afterward, and the solid length of him retreated completely from her pussy. With the shaft slippery from her own juices, he thrust between her thighs with a new, manic intensity, his face buried in her neck. The hot, pulsing release of his cum was warm and slick against her skin. They stood together, each panting deeply. Marc, still trapped between Colleens thighs, was dwindling rapidly in stature. He kissed her forehead, then the bridge of her nose. She had given up all semblance of resistance to this man who could seemingly, at will, strip her of all better judgment and inhibitions. I climaxed so many times, Colleen whispered as her breathing slowly returned to normal, her

lips brushing against his as she spoke. I didnt know that was possible. Marc took a half-step away from her, releasing the hold he had on her bottom, and removed himself from between her thighs. From the floor of the hayloft, he picked up his neckerchief. Let me clean you. You dont have to. She shook her head. Now that their shared passion had finally reached a summit, it was wildly embarrassing to be naked and trussed. Just untie me. I made the mess, Marc said, apparently unembarrassed by his own nudity as he got down on his knees in front of her. Let me do it. I like serving you. She watched, hardly blinking, as he used his neckerchief to wipe away the semen from her thighs. His touch was deliciously gentle. Despite her fears that emotional involvement with Marc was a recipe for disaster, Colleen found every new discovery about the man utterly fascinating. Did all that come from me? she heard him say under his breath as he wiped away cum from the inside of her left knee. I even got some inside your trousers. He chuckled softly. I guess you really inspired me. Looking down between her breasts, she watched as he carefully wiped away all the cum hed released. Then, slowly, he tilted his head back on his shoulders and looked up into her eyes. One more, he said, his voice a sensual purr as he dropped the neckerchief and filled his hands with her ass. Colleens heart leaped in her chest. Just one more, and then well go see

how Frank is doing. I cant. Yes, you can, he corrected, lightly kissing her lips before his tongue made contact with her clit. Let me prove it to you. Chapter Eleven Sheriff Clay Dixon had seen his fair share of corpses over the years. Golden Valley wasnt the worst of the boom towns to sprout up with the discovery of gold. That title probably went to Deadwood. But Golden Valley still had plenty of gunslingers within its city limits, men who would never dream of using their fists in a fight, preferring the finality of a six-shooter. Seeing four dead bodies within ten feet of each other was unsettling to the sheriff. Look here, the sheriff said, pointing to Daggards side. This wound is from a distance, so Im guessing its a rifle wound. But look here. He pointed to the chest wound. See where the shirts been singed? That wound was caused by someone standing right in front of him. Deputy Bruce Hastings got down on one knee beside the sheriff. So youre saying these men were shot from far away and from up close? Yes, but not at the same time. So how theyd bandaged themselves? He pointed to a neckerchief caked with blood, wadded up near Marleys stomach wound. They got shot somewhere else by someone with a rifle. Then they rode here and got shot again. Only this time they were shot with a pistol. They were looking their executioner in the eyes when they died.

The sheriff looked around. The road leading to Golden Valley was remote enough under any circumstances, but it seemed even more desolate with the corpses on the ground. Their guns were holstered. They thought they were going to get help when they got here. Instead, they all got shot. And they got it fast enough that they couldnt even defend themselves. I know this one, the deputy said, pointing toward the youngest of the victims. Names Wesley. He was working with the Five Star Mining outfit, but they kicked him out for cheating at cards. Couple weeks ago he damned near got his neck stretched when they caught him pulling a pair of aces out of his sleeve at Maggies Saloon. The sheriff looked at the young man whose decisions in life had led to his early death. Some people just shouldnt gamble. **** Marc saw the vultures long before he reached the scene of the ambush. Half a dozen of the ugly birds were circling overhead, and another twenty were on the ground, jumping and jostling one another. Marc knew that somewhere beneath that moving mass of feathered scavengers was whatever remained of the horse that had been shot out from beneath him the previous, and nearly fatal, evening. A hundred yards from the actual site of the ambush, he reined in his horse and looked around. There wasnt much cover to be found, but there were trees off to one side. It would be enough to

provide cover. And its position made it possible to shoot at targets that would be silhouetted against a backdrop of prairie land. All things considered, hed been lucky to only have his horse shot out from beneath him. If the animal hadnt reared back in shock, the bullet might well have connected with him instead of the horse. It didnt seem like the ambush had been mere coincidence. The four riders werent simply waiting for someone, anyone, to come riding long. Somehow, they had to have known that Frank was carrying with him the winnings of a very profitable night at the poker tables. At least thirty men had watched Frank take Zachery Singer in poker. And if each of those thirty men told just one more man, or perhaps even two or three, then the list of Golden Valley men would be so inclusive as to be without value. Still, there had to be clues, and Marc wasnt going to rest until he had ferreted them all out. Before going to his horses carcass, he went to where the gunmen had lain in ambush. A few shell casings informed him the men had used .44-caliber ammunition. Rifles, he was certain. Probably Winchester rifles but maybe Henrys. Such information could be useful, but not by itself. Both makes of rifles were in abundance in the territory. The hoof prints left behind confirmed what his memory had told him. There had been four riders, and theyd remained on horseback when they started their shooting. Marc wondered if

perhaps that had been his lucky break. One of the horses might have gotten spooked and flinched at a critical moment in the assassination attempt. Even if it hadnt bolted, it might have flinched, and that would have been enough to turn a fatal headshot into a bullets wounding glance against a skull. A cold shiver went through Marc as he thought about how close he had come to losing his best friend to an assassins bullet. The men responsible would pay. Marc wouldnt take an easy breath until he had seen to it that every man responsible for wounding Frank had been brought to justice. And he wasnt just interested in the men who pulled triggers and sent bullets flying. He wanted everyone associated with the attack in any way. His mare had been field dressed cleanly and efficiently. Very little remained of the carcass, and what did remain was being picked clean of meat by the vultures. Part of Marc wanted to be resentful of whoever had butchered his prized mare, but another part of him realized that no sane man turned his back on nutrition. Not when it was needed to feed his family. The men who had field dressed his mare had ridden unshod horses. That made them Indians. There were several major tribes in the area, each with varying degrees of acceptance with the encroaching white man. There was the Highland Sioux, the Crow, the Blackfeet, the Sioux, the Dakota and Lakota, and a smattering of Utes on occasion. In the past, Marc had had some

dealings with the tribes, but not a lot. Marc wondered when hed see his saddle next, and he felt a certain resentment that it had been stolen. Among the Indians, a good saddle was worth a fortune. It took three to six months of daily riding to break a saddle in properly. Marc clenched his teeth as his anger ratcheted up a little higher. Theres nothing worse than a dry-gulcher. Nothing. Now hed have to start all over again with a new saddle. He didnt like that, but whatever resentment he had about losing his saddle and fine mare was minor compared to the rage that boiled within him regarding Franks shooting. With a sigh of resignation, he turned around the fouryear-old chestnut gelding hed brought with him from the ranch and headed back to the homestead of a young Irish woman who had saved his life, saved the life of his best friend, and had, in ways he wasnt entirely certain of, captivated rather significant sections of his heart.* *** Zachery Singer took a sip of the whiskey hed ordered and sighed bitterly. It was good whiskey because he never took half-measures with his own pleasures, but the situation he now had with Frank Bishop and Marc Andollini had seemingly stolen all the pleasing qualities from the whiskey. For that reason alone, the two men deserved to die. He looked around the Executive Room of the Golden Valley Businessmens Consortium. The

walls were paneled in polished walnut, the decor solid, comfortable, masculine, and expensive. Zacherys father, arguably the most important banker in Montana and unquestionably one of the most influential businessmen in Golden Valley, had created and built the private club with his own money. And he made sure that only the territorys wealthiest men were allowed to join. The ambience never failed to please Zachery and give him a sense of confidence, of dominance over the world outside these brightly polished, hallowed walls. Until now, that is. Stop worrying, Zachery said under his breath, slouching in the leather wing-backed chair. He cast a withering look at Ralph Andrews, then took another swallow of his whiskey. Marc and Frank might still be alive, but they dont know a damned thing other than they got shot at. And, as you and I both know, Daggard and his merry band of idiots arent going to be telling Sheriff Dixon or anyone else a single word about who clued him in on how much cash Frank had in his pockets after the banquet. Andollinis got a nasty temper, Ralph replied sullenly. He picked up the crystal decanter from the table between them and added whiskey to his glass. When Dick Turley cracked a joke about his kid sister, Marc called him out of the National Saloon. When Turley wouldnt step outside and draw, Marc beat the hell out of him right there in the saloon, then challenged every man there to say something more about his sister. He took a hefty gulp of his whiskey. If he figures out we put

Daggard up to bushwhacking him and Frank, hell come looking for revenge, and he wont be satisfied until were both dead. His eyes had a faraway look in them that worried Zachery. This wasnt the time to get a soft spine, and Ralph was showing the symptoms. Whether we get our necks stretched with a rope or the job gets done with bullets, Ralph said, Marc Andollini is going to want blood. All weve got to do is keep our mouths shut, and Marc and Frank wont know a damned thing. Neither will Sheriff Dixon. Deciding that what Ralph needed most at that time was to get his mind off the possible ramifications of the ill-fated ambush, he gave his friend a rakish smile and said, Lets go to Miss Julias. I hear shes brought in some new whores. Ill rent one of the new girls for you, and after she cleans your whistle, youll have a whole new outlook on life. A couple seconds passed before Ralph smiled. The offer seemed to take a while to set in. Eventually, he set his glass down and asked, What about getting me two of the girls, Zachery? Secure that he had recovered his friends confidence, Zachery replied, Ill buy one gal for you. If you want to get your dick greased two at a time by Miss Julias latest talent, youll have to buy the second little filly yourself. **** Peaches! You brought canned peaches! Colleen exclaimed, inspecting the provisions that Marc had returned with from Golden Valley.

Peaches were an extravagance she could afford only on rare occasions. She pulled another can from the carton that Marc had just carted in from the buckboard. And pears. I love pears. But I could never afford Stop! Dont even start, Marc said sharply, cutting her off. Frank and I are alive, thanks to you, and hes going to be holed up here until Doc Hamms says otherwise. The absolute least I can do is make sure you dont have to foot the bill for feeding that big galoot. Colleen glanced over at Frank, who was looking at her through eyes barely open. For the past hour, hed been drifting in and out of sleep. When she turned her attention back to Marc, she remembered how he had guided her like a ships captain in tumultuous seas from one orgasm to the next. Until Marc had taught her otherwise, she hadnt thought it was possible to climax that many times. Hey, buddy, Frank said from the bed, his voice muzzy with sleep, what are the odds of you showing up with some chocolate? Marc smiled, and Colleen was once again reminded of just how deep the bond of friendship was between these men. Do you really think Id forget my best friends got the worlds most demanding sweet tooth? Marc reached into one of the boxes and extracted four oblong bars of chocolate wrapped in printed paper. Its not Swiss chocolate, but I dont think youll be disappointed. Mr. Gurney

assured me Mrs. Mathison approves, and shes been gaining ten pounds a year since they found gold on her husbands land. As the men conversed, Colleen reflected on what had truly been a bizarre time in her life. As the day started, she had given orgasmic relief to Frank, sucking and stroking him to climax. To do such a thing to a man who had not spoken a single word of commitment to her was unthinkable. Yet shed done it. Shed done it thoughtfully and more enthusiastically than ever before in her life. Once hed climaxed, she went about washing him as any good nurse would, with a cloth, soap, and water. When he fell asleep shortly after shed satisfied his desires, she felt not so much as a twinge of regret for her actions. Then there was her time with Marc later in the day. Had she really begged him to fill her with his tireless cock? Yes. Yes, she had. The awareness of it now made a blush creep up her chest to her cheeks and ears. Hey, you all right? Marcs question snapped her out of her brief reverie. Yes, yes, of course, she said quickly, turning away from him, refusing to let her gaze meet his. I was just thinking back, trying to remember the last time I had peaches in sauce. Get used to it, Marc replied, his tone returning to normal. Youll never be without peaces again, if I have anything to say about it. Marc went over and sat in the chair that had been pulled beside the bed. Colleen looked at the

men, marveling at the scope of their friendship. She tried to suppress a yawn, failed, then yawned a second time. Fatigue suddenly weighed down upon her. You need to get some sleep, Marc said from across the room. I cant. I still have my chores to do. Marc rose, his body powerful and lithe, the smile on his lips self-satisfied. Not for the next couple days, you dont. I hired Amanda Holloway to take care of them. Three months earlier, when Colleen had stumbled and badly sprained her ankle, Amanda had taken care of milking duties and distributed the eggs in town properly. Everyone in Golden Valley knew that Amanda had been one of the few women to not shun Colleen after her public disgrace. You shouldnt have, she said with little conviction. Youve had how much sleep in the last two days? A couple hours. Frank pointed to the spare blankets spread out on the floor across from the bed he occupied. How about I move over there, and you can have your bed back? No. I wont hear of it. She moved over and sat on the blankets, already starting to take off her boots. I just need couple hours of sleep, she explained as a marrow-deep exhaustion seemed to envelope her senses. Thats all. Just a couple hours and then Ill be right as rain. She put her head on the pillow, looked one last time at the two men who seemed to have such a strange, unprecedented power over her thoughts, emotions, and actions, and closed her eyes.

She was asleep in seconds. **** Marc stood at the foot of the bed, watching carefully as Doc Hamms looked at the stitches Colleen had used to close the grazing bullet wound to Franks skull. The smell of disinfectant was strong in the small, one-room home. Youre lucky on several counts, the doctor said, wirerimmed spectacles perched on the end of his nose as he studied the wound. If the bullet had been over another half an inch, youd have had your brains splattered. At least you had the good sense to have that lady sleeping over there put in sutures. She must have done some doctoring on someone before. The only thing that tells me a trained doctor didnt put them in is that the knots arent tied quite right. She put the stitches in nice and close, so youre not even going to have much of a scar. If shed have done any better, Id be suffering some professional jealousy right now. He looked away from his patient for the first time since entering the house and turned toward Marc. I dont want this man to move from this bed for three days. Head wounds are tricky things. They can fool the patient as well as the doctor. The patient thinks hes fine, and the next thing that happens is hes so dizzy he cant open his eyes without being paralyzed with pain. He took out a small, brown bottle from his medical bag. So unless hes got to use the outhouse, he stays in bed. If hes in pain, give him some of this, but only a spoonful. Its laudanum, and its easy to use too much of it.

Three days? Marc said, thinking he had three complete days to convince Colleen she shouldnt have to be tied up to share her passion with him. In a softer voice, he asked, Thats at a minimum, right? Doc Hamms got up from the bed and nodded his gray head. Thats right. At a minimum. He looked over at Colleen, who slept on a makeshift bed. Lots of folks in Golden Valley have treated her pretty shabbily because she was foolish enough to give her heart to a scoundrel like Allen Carpenter. See to it that you treat her right for what shes done for you and Frank. Doctor, I give you my word as a gentleman that she will be treated properly for whats shes done. The doctor looked around at the Spartan furnishings, then at a man worth a princes fortune. I know you will. But a man like me needs to say things like that, just like a man like you needs to hear them every once in a while. Chapter Twelve I cant begin to tell you how grateful I am for you coming all the way out here and doing my chores, Colleen said, looking at her best friend, Amanda Holloway. Youre nothing less than a lifesaver, and Ill owe you for the rest of my life. The way that handsome Marc Andollini told it, youre the real lifesaver. Besides, you cant just be someones friend only when its convenient, Amanda replied. Then she smiled sheepishly. Besides, Mr. Andollini is paying me a small fortune just to milk your cow and distribute the milk

and eggs. She cupped a hand to her mouth and whispered, Five dollars a day. Can you believe it? Five dollars a day! She put a hand to her chest and sighed. I didnt know a girl could make so much money without taking her clothes off. Colleens mouth dropped open momentarily. Five dollars a day was a fortune. After expenses, Colleen hoped to make a dollar to a dollar fifteen cents in profit a day. Even Sheriff Clay Dixon, who risked his life on a daily basis, only earned a salary from the city government of Golden Valley of fifty dollars a month, and he was considered one of the more talented, but expensive, lawmen in the territory. Most lawmen earned between thirty and forty-five dollars a month. Amandas expression transformed quickly, turning contrite. Oh, youre not angry with me that hes being so generous, are you? I know thats a lot more than you Stop! Dont even say it, Colleen cut in, stopping her friend before she could needlessly apologize any further. It suddenly occurred to her that she was sounding very much like the men who were currently occupying her house. You havent done anything wrong. Quite the opposite, in fact. And if you turn a profit by helping me, then so much the better. Colleen put her hands on the curve of her hips and looked around at her property. All she had was the barn, the chicken coop, her home and outhouse, and the small fenced pasture. It wasnt much, but it was enough to allow her to earn an honest living without having to bow to anyone. Of

that, she was justifiably proud. So tell me, Amanda said with a salacious grin, reaching out to nudge her friends elbow, whats it like living with those two absolutely gorgeous men? Colleen wheeled around sharply to face Amanda. Its not like what youre implying, and you know it. Her expression softened when she saw by Amandas countenance that she was only joking. Oh, you! Youre always teasing me. She pantomimed kicking an imaginary object at Amanda. After what my reputations been through because of Allen Carpenter, do you really think Id be foolish enough to let my heart get swayed by men the likes of Frank Bishop and Marc Andollini? Theres hardly a debutante in the territory that hasnt sampled the charms of one or both of them. Which makes me wonder why you havent. Amanda raised a brow in mock query. Havent you been a good girl long enough? Colleen kicked another imaginary object at Amanda. No, I havent. She felt a blush creeping up her chest, neck, cheeks, and ears. I havent even thought about it, if you really must know. Yes, I must know. Colleens lips compressed into a thin line as she glared at her friend. What kind of fool would I be to give my heart to men the likes of those two? Im sure theyre real pleasers. All youve got to do is look at them and listen to the ladies in town talking about them to know that theyre adept at

pleasing women. But only a very foolish woman would think that she could capture the heart of either Marc or Frank. She stamped her foot. If youre interested in sampling their charms, go right ahead! Youre twenty-two years old, and thats old enough to make your own decisions. For myself, Ive learned that the only thing men can give you is a reputation youd rather not have. With a wave of her hand, she tossed slightly wavy, copper-hued hair over her shoulder. And, since you and I both know I have a reputation n o woman wants, we know that I speak from a painfully precise knowledge of the subject. Despite Colleens vitriol, Amanda appeared entirely unabashed. Well, its sad to say, but Im still a virgin. My father, damn him, is busy trying to figure out how much money he can make by selling me off as a bride. Virgin brides are popular, as we both know, but he just doesnt have the connections with Golden Valleys elites to sell me for much. Colleen heard the pain beneath the casual sarcasm in Amandas words. In a heartbeat, she forgot about her own emotional uncertainties and thought only of her friends current unpleasant situation. Who is he marketing you out to this time? Is he at least young, handsome, and rich as all getout? One thing Golden Valleys got a lot of these days is men with money. Ug! His traits include only one of the above. Amanda wrapped her arms around herself and shivered dramatically. Its Mr. Burton.

Even Colleen, who didnt have a favorable opinion of Amandas father, was shocked as the callousness of such an attempt. Softly, she asked, Isnt he nearly sixty years old? Yes, he is. But whats important to Papa is that Mr. Burton has nearly six thousand head of cattle in the SaddleMountainValley, and hes desperate to marry a young virgin bride because, so far, he hasnt managed to have any male children. Hes determined to have a male heir. She shivered again and said in a low, miserable voice, Damn, I feel like a prize filly on the auction block. But Mr. Burton? Colleens tone was very soft. His first wife died of pneumonia. His second died in childbirth. His last wife hopped on a stagecoach and left town for places unknown. Can you picture me living on that big ranch, trying to give that nasty old man a son? No. Actually, I really cant. Amanda walked to where her swaybacked buckskin gelding stood near the corral railing. She swung up into the saddle, and Colleen could tell that even though she was an emotionally strong young woman, she was fighting hard to keep tears at bay. Dont worry about your business in town, Amanda said, her gaze not quite meeting Colleens. Ill see to it that your customers get their milk and eggs and cheese. Youre sure? Mr. Andollinis paying me a lot of money, but do you know what I like most of all? Colleen shook her head.

Amanda smiled with sadness. It gives me an excuse to stay away from my own house. **** Frank blinked a couple times before opening his eyes. He yawned, stretched his arms, then his legs, and sat upright in bed. His surroundings were no longer frighteningly unfamiliar, and he did not, as he had in the past, feel the sudden sense of foreboding upon shaking off sleep. His head felt fine. The previous night a sudden move on his part prompted an instantaneous, fierce headache. Only a liberal dose of laudanum put an end to the pounding hammers in his skull, coercing him into a deep sleep. His right hand, wrist, and forearm were still stiff and swollen, but they didnt hurt the way they had in the hours after the injury. The bruise now clearly showed the imprint of a horses hoof, the skin an unsightly purplish-black in color. He could move all his fingers, so Doc Hamms was reasonably convinced that no bones had been broken. He looked around the small, tidy home of Colleen OMalley, then down at the big bed he was in. A frown tugged at his lips. Hed have to buy her a new bed. There was nothing wrong with the one he was in except that Allen Carpenter had bought it for her so that hed have a comfortable place to make love to her. A sudden, entirely unexpected sense of jealousy and possessiveness swept over Frank. What the hell difference could it possibly make if he was in another mans bed? Hed been in a hundred

beds of a hundred different cuckolded husbands in his life. In many ways, Frank preferred married women. It kept matters highly sexual and without complications. And often, the significantly older husbands didnt mind at all that Frank was showing their younger wives some satisfaction. But this time it was different. This time it was Colleen OMalleys bed, a bed she had shared with another man, and though that shouldnt mean anything to Frank, it did. It meant a lot. Getting shot in the head has rattled my brain, he muttered aloud, trying unsuccessfully to force the venomous, jealous emotions from taking root within him. Its just a damned bed. Just a bed, but he was going to buy her a new one as soon as Doc Hamms said he was healthy enough to be on his feet again. A smile touched his lips as he thought about the upcoming purchase. Hed have to buy it in either Helena or Virginia City. If he bought it in Golden Valley, it wouldnt take an hour for the gossiping tongues to besmirch Colleens reputation once again. The last thing in the world that Frank wanted was to hurt her or to be put in the same category as Allen Carpenter. The door opened, and Colleen stepped into the house. She looked at Frank, and her smile was open and instantaneous. Youre feeling better. For once, it was a statement, not a question. Ill bet youre hungry. Only for you. The words were out of Franks mouth before he could check them. Once theyd been spoken,

they couldnt be retracted. After a moment, Frank smiled. Colleen took a defensive step backward as though needing to put more distance between herself and him. Dont talk like that. Her words were softly spoken. Why not? Theyre true. It didnt happen. She walked toward the kitchen area, keeping her distance from the bed. I know what youre thinking, but it didnt happen. Youve got to remember that. It just didnt happen. Youre telling me Ive got to remember to forget? Frank sat a little more upright in the bed, his chest bare, his back on a pillow wedged against the headboard. Thats a new one for me. Colleen reached up for the small wicker egg basket she kept on a shelf. Looking at her profile, Frank leisurely studied the rounded contours of her breasts, watching how they moved tautly, seductively. Ill make you some eggs. How does four of them scrambled sound to you? She turned to face him. Ill fry up some ham and make coffee. Do you come with my meal? He saw the color come to her cheeks. Her pale skin always revealed her more turbulent emotions. The scattering of freckles on her cheeks and chest pleased Frank, which surprised him. Tantalizing memories of sucking on her breasts, of feeling her lips on his erection, of trying to hold back his orgasm to make the pleasure last and last, rolled across the surface of his mind. His cock began to grow.

It didnt happen. She said the words coldly, with little inflection, but her gaze swept up and down over Franks naked chest and stomach, and the pinkish hue darkened in her cheeks and ears. Frank tossed the blankets aside and spun on the mattress, kicking his legs over the edge. He got up quickly, his body naked. This time he wouldnt just be the recipient of Colleens generosity. Hed pleasure her and excite her until she was certain she couldnt climax again, and only then would he seek his own orgasmic release. He had taken only two steps toward Colleen when nausea swept over him, and pain jabbed like jagged daggers stabbing the backs of his eyeballs. He stopped in midstride, putting a hand to his forehead as he closed his eyes. Damn! he whispered. Goddamn it! She was at his side in an instant, guiding him back to the bed, helping him ease down onto the mattress and pulling the blankets up over him again. Do you need the laudanum? With the laudanum would come an end to the pain, but it would also put him asleep for several hours. Restless by nature, Frank didnt want to spend more time unconscious. Not when he had Colleen alone and all to himself. No. He barely opened his eyes. Colleen was sitting on the bed beside him. As he looked at her, he realized she had absolutely no idea at all of just how lovely she was, spiritually as well as physically. Ill be better soon. How about if I just lay here quietly and you make those eggs?

Now youre starting to make sense. With a fingertip, she smoothed a lock of blond hair behind the bandage. Frank took her hand in his and noticed the reddish abrasion surrounding her wrist. What happened to you? Colleen tried to pull her hand from his grasp, but he tightened his fingers, trapping her. When she used her other hand to pull away, he saw a similar discoloration around her other wrist. He looked into her eyes and said, I asked you what happened. Nothing. Like hell. It was nothing. Thats a rope burn. He released his grip on her hand. Now tell me what happened. Colleen stood, and though Frank was concerned about her injury, he couldnt keep himself from caressing her visually, his gaze traveling up and down over her entire length. The cow got spooked and caught me by surprise. It was an accident. Her hands came up to the top button of her shirt. Now if you promise to stay in that bed, Ill make you some breakfast. Frank swallowed dryly when Colleens slender, white fingers unfastened the buttons of her shirt. She removed it, casually draped it over the back of one of the kitchen chairs, then pulled her camisole over her head. Her breasts swayed, and Frank felt his erection returning. If you try to get out of bed, I put everything back on. Understand?

Frank nodded and felt the pain in his head return in a heartbeat. He cursed under his breath and made a mental note to keep his head perfectly motionless. Naked from the waist up, Colleen walked to the kitchen area and put kindling into the stove. Will four eggs be enough? When you own a chicken ranch, the one thing you always have enough of is eggs. I love the way you cook, Frank said, aware that Colleen was lying about the rope burns on her wrists and that she had removed her shirt and camisole just to distract him. But what a distraction. In all sincerity, I love the way you cook. His erection was already tenting the blankets. Colleen laughed softly, and her breasts trembled. From the bottom of my heart. Truly. Chapter Thirteen The son of a bitch had posters printed? Shut up, Ralph. Zachery was in no mood to listen to his friend grumbling about Marc Andollinis latest efforts at finding out who had bushwhacked him and Frank. The poster read, I will pay two thousand dollars for information regarding the bushwhackers who ambushed Frank Bishop and myself, Marco Andollini, after the Sons of Freedom banquet. Will pay in gold for verifiable information. There were four other men, three looking pretty scruffy and fresh from the range, reading the poster that had been nailed to the town billboard outside the general store.

One of the unwashed and apparently unemployed cowboys asked, Whats ververi Verifiable, you dunderhead! another man snapped. Dont you know nothin? Whered they get ambushed? The insult had no effect on the cowboys mood. Seems like thats the first place to start lookin. I got a pretty good eye for followin a trail, and that much gold gives me damned good eyesight. I hear you there. Damn sure do. Lets git on over to the National Saloon. Most likely we can git started on our learnin the whats and wherefores of this here situation there. Zachery watched the cowboys walk away and felt a dull ache in the pit of his stomach. Had those lousy bastards Frank and Marc given him an ulcer? It didnt seem likely. However, theyd been frustrating him for years now, so maybe it wasnt so unlikely after all. Come on, Zachery said, turning and walking away from the poster. When Ralph got in stride with him, he said, Those goddamned posters are everywhere. I cant believe Marc would spend that much money when Frank isnt even dead. Ralph shook his head enthusiastically. I heard hes on deaths doorstep, clinging to life with his fingernails. Hes over at Colleen OMalleys place. I guess her house was the closest one to where Frank got shot, so thats where Marc took him. Close to death? Thats what you heard? Ralph nodded again. I was having a breakfast whiskey, and I overheard some men saying

that Doc Hamms spent a whole night working to save his life. The way those boys told it, Frank Bishop might live, but if he doesnt, hell just be a head on a pillow for the rest of his life. Either that, or hell be one of those funny fellas that can talk but not make any sense. Kind of like you? Thats not funny. Youre right. But it wasnt a joke. Zachery, as was his habit, took out an ivory comb from the inside pocket of his jacket and combed the hair from his prominent widows peak straight backward over his head. He was particularly proud of his widows peak, which he believed gave him a certain panache. You know, maybe the mistake I made was thinking Daggard and his friends had what it takes to get the drop on men like Marc and Frank. Maybe I shouldnt have been taking guff from those two all these years. He stuffed his hands in his pants pockets, and his stride lengthened as new ideas came into his head. Ralph, maybe you and I should put an end to the threat that Marc represents by taking him and Frank out just as quick and clean as we took out Daggard and his men. What would you think of that? I think thats damned dangerous. Marcs lightning fast on the draw. Yeah. But Franks in bed, nothing more than a head on a pillow, as you say. If we made our move while Marcs with Frank over at that whores house, wed catch Marc off guard. I didnt hear she was a whore.

She fucked Allen Carpenter, didnt she? **** Marc was feeling pretty good about the way things in his life had been progressing. No less than half the unemployed men in Golden Valley were looking for clues as to who had ambushed him and Frank. In fact, so many men were searching for information that there had been a brief skirmish that nearly became a gunfight when two different groups of men assembled at the sight of the ambush at the same time. With all those men looking for clues, Marc figured it was only a matter of time before he had in his possession the names of the men responsible for wounding Frank. Once he had the name or names of those responsible, revenge would be swift, bloody, and final.R iding toward Colleens, Marc thought of the curvaceous redhead and how she had thoroughly captivated his thoughts of late. He couldnt say with confidence that he loved her. Love was a concept that he couldnt entirely grasp. Just the thought of saying love made him tonguetied. H ad any single experience ever felt as good as sliding into her for the very first time? Had any music sounded as sweet in his ears as her laughter when he was tickling her? He experienced nothing short of rapture when she finally said, Fuck me. She wasnt like the other lovers in his life, past or present. She hadnt asked for anything from him, and that made him want all the more to present her with lavish gifts. He thought that

emeralds, the color of her eyes, would be nice. He made a point of avoiding diamonds as gifts. One never knew how diamonds might be interpreted. Hed just have to find out for himself. A faint smile turned the right side of his mouth upward. Another couple miles and hed know if Colleen was amenable to another seduction. What would Colleen be like, he wondered, naked in bed? His felt his cock begin to grow, and it was an uncomfortable sensation. Hed have to think of something other than Colleen. But what better way to spend ones time while on horseback than thinking about a surprisingly vexing, exquisitely responsive, voluptuous redhead? One with emerald green eyes and pink areolas, a fierce determination to be independent combined with a passionate streak Marc knew how to arouse. Elk hunting season is coming up soon, Marc thought with justifiably little conviction, and theres trout fishing. For a young man with a lifelong love of hunting and fishing, trying to concentrate on those familiar pleasures now seemed insanely mundane. **** How do you like your scrambled eggs? Colleen asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. Frank swallowed, sighed, and answered truthfully, Exactly the way you make them. He paused a moment, looked at naked breasts that were temptingly close, and added, I especially like the way you serve them.

He watched, utterly transfixed, as she speared a sliced piece of ham with a fork, scooped up a bit of scrambled eggs, and then raised the utensil once again to his mouth. Open, she said. Sorry, he said after a moment, I was distracted. Oh? Youre not enjoying the meal? Actually, this is the most memorable meal of my life, Frank replied with absolute candor. In fact, Im quite certain that Ill go to my grave remembering every moment of this meal. Colleen laughed softly, scooped up the last of the scrambled eggs on the plate, and brought the fork to Franks mouth. He let her feed the last of the meal to him, chewed and swallowed, then grinned. In a low voice, with his erection tenting the blankets, he asked, Now what do I get for dessert? Colleen set the plate on the floor. Wearing brown wool trousers but naked from the waist up, she had managed to maintain the faade of being nothing other than a dutiful and conscientious hostess tending to an injured guest. Except, of course, her breasts were bared for Franks unhurried and unhindered perusal. Actually, I was thinking that perhaps you wouldnt mind being dessert. Her tone was low and sultry as she eased down the blanket to expose his flagrantly inflamed erection. She curled her fingers around the rigid shaft, and Frank felt a charge of desire go through him

like a surge of electricity. Hed had sex with more women than he could remember or count, but Colleen, in all her inexperience, had a peculiar way of captivating him so completely he could only think of her and her alone. Im assuming that you wouldnt mind being my treat, she said, her hand gliding up and down over him. Im feeling a bit selfish. Frank had to twist his shoulders to use his uninjured left hand to smooth a lock of velvety copper hair away from Colleens eye. He tucked the hair behind her ear, and as he took his hand away, his fingertips caressed her cheek. Im a man who likes to give as good as he gets. His eyebrows waggled. In fact, I like to give a little more than I get in return. Arent we told that its better to give than to receive? He watched the color come to her cheeks, and it surprised him a little. Why should such a comment cause embarrassment when his cock, at that very moment, was in her hand? Why, when his erection had already enjoyed the pleasures that her tantalizing lips and frisking tongue could provide? There was little about this woman that didnt mystify him. Youre still recovering from getting shot in the head, remember? Thats sometimes difficult to remember. Youre an amazing distraction. In fact, when youre close, youre all I can think of. Her soft laughter was a delight to Frank. Even if she wasnt stroking his erection, he would

have taken the greatest pleasure in the sound of her laughter. The fact that she could be simultaneously delightful to have a conversation with a n d erotic as hell was virtually unprecedented in Franks experience. But her expression soon changed and was tinged with a sadness Frank didnt understand. You shouldnt say things like that, she said, her voice nearly a whisper. She slid lower on the bed, her breath now warm against the crown of Franks cock. I might believe them, and then I might be foolish enough to fall in love with you. What would be foolish about falling in love with me? Frank could hardly believe hed voiced the question. In the past, whenever a woman started using the word love in any context whatsoever, he took that as his cue to make a hasty exit from her life. Youre getting better with every passing hour, and very soon now, youll leave this house. She planted a soft, warm kiss on the tip of his cock, then licked it slowly, leisurely, until the entire crown was moist. And a man like you simply doesnt fall in love with someone like me. She licked the tip again, and a shiver went through Frank. Thats just the way life is, so why dont we both just enjoy ourselves here and now while we still can? Youll leave me soon enough. Frank would have put up more of a protest, but Colleen took him in her mouth and began softly nibbling with her lips. She didnt stop until the crown was pressing firmly against the back of her

throat, and then she rotated around him, emitting a soft cooing sound. What if I didnt leave? What if I fell in love and stayed right here in this bed, with you, for the rest of my life? The thought was so jarring to everything that Frank thought he held dear and true that he actually flinched. Colleen released him from her oral embrace instantly. Did I hurt you? He shook his head. No. He curled a lock of her hair around his fingertip. Thoughts of permanence with a woman had always been avoided with the intensity that other men avoided deadly diseases. A little moreif you wouldnt mind. My pleasure, Colleen said as her butter-soft lips slipped around the plump tip. Not exclusively. With a sigh, Frank forced thoughts of permanence with Colleen out of his consciousness. What had prompted him to even consider such a possibility, anyway? Dismissing the errant thought as some unpleasant side effect of getting shot in the head, Frank settled back on the pillow. He watched as Colleen nodded slowly up and down over his cock. She sucked slowly and precisely, diligently pleasuring all his nerve endings. At first Frank didnt notice that while Colleens left hand was wrapped securely around the root of his erection as she worked her lips and tongue over the top of it, her right hand was between

her thighs. She was rubbing herself slowly but firmly through her trousers. Let me do that for you, Frank said. With Colleen sitting on his right side and with his right hand horribly bruised and swollen, he couldnt possibly back up his offer with any skill. Or, better still, let me taste you. My right hand may be out of commission, but Im a hell of a kisser. Yes, you are, Colleen said as she rose to her feet. With anticipation so intense that Frank felt like a foolish tyro in sexual matters, he watched as Colleens slender, white fingers unbuckled her belt, then quickly unfastened the small, brass buttons. Seconds later, she was opening her trousers and doing a little dance as she pushed the fabric over the curve of her hips and down her legs. She stepped out of them, paused only a moment wearing a pair of obviously homemade underwear, then unknotted the drawstring and let them slither down her legs. The triangular patch of red hair at the apex of her thighs magnetized Franks gaze. Dont look, Colleen whispered, modestly folding her hands to cover her pussy. This doesnt seem like the time to get modest. Im not prettythere. Frank frowned. Thats stupid. She shook her head. He She cleared her throat. Frank didnt have to be told to know that the he she referred to was Allen Carpenter. He said I was too big there. Across the surface of his mind slithered thoughts of retaliation against Allen Carpenter.

Retaliation would be delivered with Franks fists, and when he was finished, Allen would carry the effect of the beating. His nose, in particular, would take the brunt of Franks big-fisted vengeance. Just lay there and let me do everything. Colleen got onto the bed and almost immediately straddled Franks hips with her knees. And if you get a headache, youve got to tell me and Ill stop right away. Frank was quite certain that even if his head was about to explode, he wouldnt admit to it. With her pale, voluptuous body gloriously naked except for a pair of white cotton socks, Colleen reached down, took Franks pulsing erection between her fingertips, and angled it properly. When the crest was secure against her entrance, she released him, caught her lower lips between her teeth, and then began to descend. Oh, yesss! Frank hissed as he felt her expanding to accommodate him, the smooth, liquid warmth of her cunt even more arousing than her mouth. She placed her hands on his chest, her long lashes fluttering briefly against passion-flushed cheeks. Sliding slowly down his cock, she took only a few inches at a time, sinking to impale herself on him before lifting up to very nearly release him completely. You are so lovely, Frank said, reaching up with his uninjured left hand to caress her naked breasts hovering above his chest. How is it I didnt see that until just a few days ago? Im not lovely. She eased down onto him, engulfing his entire length. A soft cry escaped her

throat. With forefingers and thumbs, she pinched both of Franks nipples, adding significantly to his escalating loss of self-control. With the lips of her pussy surrounding the base of his cock, Colleen sighed and whispered, You mustnt come inside me. Promise that you wont do that. I wont. I promise. She began rising and lowering her lushly curved hips, leaving Frank to do nothing more than simply lie there and be exquisitely pleasured. With his left thumb, he reached to where their bodies were joined and, as she bounced on him, began rubbing her clit. He had hardly started when Colleens green eyes opened wide. She looked down at him, and in a voice that suggested more shock than actual passion, gasped, Oh! Im going to come! She shivered, her hips taking on a greater urgency, and Frank used his thumb harder and faster on her clit. He felt her contractions as the pulsing waves of orgasmic release went through her. When the last of her shudders vanished, Colleen sank onto Frank, his cock buried deep in her slick, receptive body. That was fast, he said, a grin touching his lips. Thanks to you, Colleen replied. Now its your turn to be satisfied. The sound of a horse trotting to the front of the house reached their ears simultaneously. A moment later, Marcs voice called out, Hail the house! Frank, its me! Shit! Frank whispered.

Colleen was off him in a heartbeat, pulling on her trousers and shirt. Chapter Fourteen Colleen had managed to get her trousers on and belt buckled before Marc reached the front door. Fortunately, the door was locked, so he had to wait outside while she buttoned her shirt, though she left it untucked to hide the fact that her fly was unbuttoned. Come on in, Marc, she said, immediately turning away from the door after opening it. She didnt dare look him in the eyes, certain hed see her guilt. With feigned lightness, she said, Its good to see you again. She heard his boots thudding lightly against the wooden floor as he went straight to Frank, then heard the chair scrape a little as he moved it before sitting down. Marc asked, How you doing, buddy? Grateful that Marcs concern was focused on his friend, Colleen kept her back turned to the men as she took several deep, calming breaths. It didnt seem that Marc had noticed anything untoward when he stepped into the house, but she still wasnt ready to look him in the eyes. As the men spoke quietly, Colleen busied herself with pointlessly moving dishes on the cupboard shelves. Only when her heart rate had returned to some semblance of normalcy did she finally pick up the bottle of fine sipping whiskey Marc had brought earlier. Would you like a drink, Marc? Its not too early, is it?

She turned and suppressed a smile when she saw that Frank had lifted a knee beneath the blankets, hiding the erection she suspected he still had. Actually, that sounds damned good. Ill leave you men alone. Ive got some chores to do in the barn, and Im sure you two want to talk privately. She was out of the door before either of them had a chance to protest. Colleen was a woman who desperately needed some time alone, time to think logically to make some sense of her own irrational behavior. Because the things she was doing of late with Marc and Frank were most definitely not rational. Not in the least. In fact, they were the most irrational things shed ever done in her life, by far. And the most exciting. **** Sheriff Dixon leaned back in his chair and kicked his boots up onto his desk, then scratched his chin contemplatively. How do you figure they knew Frank Bishop had a wad of cash on him? he asked Golden Valleys deputy. The only people who knew Frank had a fortune on him were in the card room at the ball. And a man like Daggard isnt likely to have a lot of friends who attended the banquet, now is he? He tilted his Stetson far back on his head and looked up at the ceiling of the jail. Ive no doubt in my mind now that Daggard and his chums were responsible for the attack on Frank Bishop and Marc Andollini. Too much lined up for them to not be behind the ambush. What I dont

get, what isnt making sense to me, is who put them up to it. Fess up, Deputy Hastings said, sitting in the chair facing Clays desk. He was concentrating on rolling a cigarette. Youve got an idea, but youre only giving me dribs and drabs. Its not an idea based on any facts. Your hunches have been right in the past. Thats why the Watermann girls killer went to the gallows. The sheriff nodded, pleased with the memory though he didnt smile. He was proud that the girls killer swung from a rope, but it would have been better if hed foreseen the mans potential for lethal violence in advance. Preventing the murder would have enabled him to think of himself as a real hero. In his own eyes, making sure the murderer faced justice only made him an effective vehicle for vengeance. The way Im seeing it in my head right now, someone wanted Franks money and wanted it bad, but didnt have the guts or the guns to do it himself. It was an inside job, of sorts, because the only men who knew about the cash on Frank had to have been at the Sons of Freedom banquet. So who killed Daggard and the other three? The deputy made a soft, snorting sound. Not that anyone in Golden Valley, me included, will miss any of them. Some were worse than others, though theres no doubt the towns better off without any them. But that doesnt make their killing any less of a crime. He reached into the pocket of his shirt for

his own tobacco pouch and papers. We know Frank and Marc had both been drinking. I suppose the four of them thought it would be easy to kill them in an ambush, take the money, and ride off without anyone being the wiser. Except it didnt work the way they planned. Exactly. It was supposed to be a simple, easy doublekilling, except the shot that was supposed to go through Frank just winged him. Marcs horse got shot out from beneath him, and once the horse was down, its body provided all the protection the men needed from the rest of the shots. The sheriff scratched a sulfur-tipped match with his thumbnail and lit his cigarette. Did Daggard and the others know anyone who would attend the banquet? That was by invitation only. Youve got to have money to get an invitation, and Daggard sure as hell never had any of that. So youre saying that whoever put Daggard up to shooting Frank is the one who killed Daggard and his boys? Uh-huh. They never planned on Colleen OMalley being on that road, and they damn sure never planned on her having a rifle. And knowing how to use it. The deputy cleared his throat, and the sheriffs eyes narrowed on him. Theres something else Ive been wanting to tell you about. Youre always talking about how we do our jobs best when we stop the crime before it gets committed. Thats right. Daggard and his friends were instantly forgotten as the sheriff concentrated entirely upon his deputy. Whats the trouble?

No trouble yet, but I suspect there will be sometime soon. Oh? Morgan Holloway has been bragging that hes going to make a fortune selling his daughters virginity. The sheriff groaned. That old man has disgusted me from the first time I saw him. He angrily ground out his cigarette in an ash tray on his desk. Amadas a sweet kid, and shes kept her distance from all the riffraff in Golden Valley. Lord knows shes pretty as a spring flower. He felt acid in his stomach begin to churn at the thought of Amanda Holloway being auctioned off like chattel. Any ideas on who is bidding on her virginity? Hes not just selling her virginity, the deputy explained. Its got to be a marriage proposal, which limits the pool of potential bidders. So far Eli Nichols and Adam Roberts have shown the most interest. Phillip Anderson put in a bid, Im told, but since hes already got a wife and three kids, as well as Jane Hammerly as a mistress, he was dismissed. At least Holloway has the decency to make sure its a marriage hes selling his daughter into. Actually not. The only reason Hammerlys bid was rejected is because it was too low. The sheriff closed his eyes, then rubbed them with a forefinger and thumb. Hammerlys a pig. Not only is he a sanctimonious prick, hes a low-balling, cheap jackass. He sighed and pulled open the lower desk drawer where he kept his whiskey. He splashed a small amount into two

glasses, then pushed one across the desk for his deputy. How long has the bidding been going on? Just a couple days. Id have told you sooner, but I didnt have anything solid until this morning when Maggie over at the general store told me about it. Apparently, Amanda has an inkling what her fathers doing, but she doesnt know the specifics. Shes not going to be sold to any rich businessman in Golden Valley. Its only a matter of meeting his asking price. How do you figure on stopping it? Ill think of something. You can count on it. **** Colleen spent a half hour in her barn. It was enough time to recover her composure and to steel herself to the conclusion that her ongoing sexual fascination with Marc Andollini and Frank Bishop simply had to come to an end. The men were charming and amazingly virile, and though she did not regret the passion she had shared with them, to continue her sexual dalliances with them was to taunt the cruel Fates. Sooner or later, the men would make her suffer. Not intentionally, perhaps, but shed suffer for the illicit desires they inspired with such ease. She wanted permanence, stability. How could falling in love with two men simultaneously make a lasting relationship possible? Colleen paused a moment, standing in the barn and looking at her house, to digest the unsettling fact that she had, in truth, fallen in love with Marc and Frank. It was an emotional state

shed never intended, and one she certainly wasnt happy about. But whether it made her happy or unhappy didnt change the fact that she had unquestionably, inarguably...fallen in love. She tried to convince herself that what she had with Marc and Frank was just a sexual attraction. Raw, animal lust. Nothing less than that, but certainly nothing more. Except she knew this was a lie. If it was just lust, then why did she take such sublime pleasure in their company when they werent making love? The men were so different from each other, yet each appealed to her with a singularity that was complete. How was it, she wondered, that Frank could make her want to suck him? That was something shed done to Allen, but only under duress. And Marc had introduced her to pleasures shed never even dreamed possible. Memories of how Marc and Frank had made her climax repeatedly flooded Colleens consciousness, and she blushed. But Marc and Frank didnt seem to think that she was too big. With them, she certainly didnt feel that way. Each man, significantly larger than Allen in both length and girth, filled her completely. When she took them into her body, it took her breath away. She felt not just penetrated by them but joined to them. Youve had fun, and theyve had fun. In a few days, maybe a week, Doc Hamms will say that Frank is well enough to travel, and those men will ride out of your life and thatll be that. Theyve

given you some great memories. Be happy with that and dont expect more or youll only set yourself up for disappointment. Quite determined to be content with the memories she had of her brief but glorious time with Marc and Frank, she stepped out of her barn, cast a glance at the sun, and thought it shining rather pleasantly on this early evening. She tried her level best to believe that she was happy the men in her house would soon be leaving. Even before she closed the house door, Colleen knew that Marc and Frank were wickedly amused about something. Frank was sitting upright in bed, his mouth quirked into a half-smile. Marc was standing with his arms crossed over his chest, an equally roguish smile touching his lips. His dark eyes were shiny with amusement. Oh...oh, no, she whispered through her fingers, a hand to her mouth. You know. Marc and I have shared a lot over the years, but never women, Frank said. My darling Colleen, you fooled us both. I didnt mean to fool anyone. Her words came out so softly they were barely audible. She was unsure of precisely how Marc and Frank would react to the secrets that had been revealed. I didnt mean to deceive anyone. Both of you wanted me, and I couldnt resist either of you. She sighed. Please dont blame me for falling in love with you. Blame you? Frank asked, eyebrows lifting. Youre no more to blame than we are.

Less, Id say, Marc added. As I recall, you didnt exactly throw yourself at me. I never meant to fall for either one of you. And I most certainly never thought Id love both of you at the same time. Her gaze moved slowly from one man to the other. Id been alone for a long time. The women in town, the sanctimonious ones thatll never let me forget Id been a fool with Allen Carpenter, always talk amongst themselves and always just loud enough so that I can hear them. Do you know what its like to be called a whore? Not straight to my face, mind you, but not behind my back. Its off to the side, like handwritten notes in the margins of a school book. Ill put the word out, Marc said softly. The next person who insults you becomes my enemy for life. Trust me, folks in Golden Valley dont want to be my enemy. Our enemy, Frank amended. Shes just as much my girl as she is yours. Colleen combed fingers through her hair. Their words tantalized, but they were rich and that insulated them from the scorn Colleen had so often been subjected to. Lets be honest here. Im not a woman either one of you is going to stay with. Im entertaining for now, I suppose. But soon enough youll want to go back to your rich debutantes who keep throwing themselves at your feet. She looked away. Youve given me some wonderful memories. Memories Ill have for the rest of my life. But Im just a woman who makes cheese. I

milk a cow every day and deliver eggs for a living. I just fell for the charms of two very seductive men, and thats the simple and embarrassing truth of it. Someday, Doc Hamms will pronounce Frank fit to travel, and when he does, I have no doubt that youll both ride out of here and out of my life. Thats where youre wrong, Marc said, stepping closer to Colleen. When I said we werent finished, I meant it. Damn it, woman, I havent been able to think about anyone but you. Thoughts of you drive me crazy day and night. He took another couple steps and put his hands on Colleens upper arms. She tried to turn away, but he held her tight. Im not letting you go. Marc chuckled softly. I cant believe what Im hearing myself say. His heated gaze went up and down over Colleen. Dont even try to get away from us. Why dont you just tie her up like you did in the barn? Colleen gasped and replied instantly, Dont you dare! Marc laughed. No more ropes. I promise. Well be trying for the impossible. Frank and I have specialized in the impossible for years now. He took a half-step closer to Colleen, and the breath caught in her throat. Trust us. Were as new to this as you are. But think about it. If I can make you happy, and if Frank can make you happy, imagine what youll experience with all three of us together. Colleen closed her eyes for a moment. What these men she loved were proposing made her dizzy.

And Colleen and I have unfinished business, Frank said. He turned his attention over to Marc. When you came riding up hell-bent-for-leather, you disturbed some v e ry unfinished business between Colleen and myself. Time seemed suspended in space. Colleen looked at Frank as he slowly pushed the blanket down to expose himself. Even in a relaxed condition, he was lovely. She tried to not respond to his nakedness, but her clit tingled softly, and fresh cream moistened her sex lips. Oh, I did, did I? Marc replied, his tone colored with sensuality. Well, thats makes it a little easier for Colleen, I suppose. In a whisper, she asked, How? I...I dont understand. Because if Im not leaving and Franks not leaving, then youre not going to have to decide between us. He sighed, obviously exasperated. Thats the way we see it. WWait a minute, Colleen stammered, the full impact of his words taking a moment to impress themselves upon her dazed brain. Dont I have a vote in this? Of course you do. Were just nudging you in the direction wed like you to go. Marc walked back to his chair beside the bed and picked up his whiskey glass from the floor. Remember the doctors orders, Frank. Youre supposed to stay in bed. And it seems to me that you could benefit from this lovely redhead doing some nursing. There was a ringing in Colleens ears. What had just happened? She didnt have to choose

between them. That was good. She was certain theyd said she didnt have to decide between one over the other. But what had they actually decided? Could they really love her just as she loved the two of them? You know, you left me in one hell of a hurry, Frank said, leaning back against the headboard of the bed. He had pulled the blankets up to his waist to cover himself, but after a moment, he pushed them down again. I satisfied you, and you left me in a heartbeat when Marc rode up. You left me hard as steel and needing attention. You cant just ignore me now. Thats not the way things should be done, Marc said as he splashed more whiskey into his glass. He looked at Frank, then back at Colleen. And it seems to be following a pattern. The other night I had my head between those lovely white thighs of hers, doing my level best to make her as happy as possible. Hell, we werent thirty feet from the front door of this house. And do you know what she did the instant she came? Frank asked, What? She ran back in the house. I was ready as hell with my need of her, and she just ran away. He issued a laugh as though shocked at his own reaction to her. Damn, that woman puts fire in my blood! Colleen shook her head slowly. Its not like how youre making it sound. Its not like that at all. Frank fell. He hurt himself. So you left Frank unsatisfied, eh? Marc took a sip of whiskey. Colleen shivered when she

watched his gaze linger on her breasts before lifting once more to her face. Not a nice thing to do to my friend, now is it? Especially not after the bad luck hes had lately. If the three of us are going to be, well, the three of us, then weve got to make a commitment to each others pleasure. Colleen watched, her heart hammering in her chest, as Frank wrapped the fingers of his left hand around his shaft and began stroking. He started to grow instantly. An ember of passion came to life deep within her. Her first fear had been that the men, upon discovering that shed fallen in love with both of them, would be livid with her. Now it seemed as though the best of all possible outcomes was hers to accept. Come to me, Colleen, Frank said, sitting a bit more upright against the beds headboard, stroking himself slowly. His gaze went down to his cock briefly before resettling on Colleen. If its not asking too much, Id love you to finish what you started. His erection swelled to full stature. Please, honey, take off that shirt. You know how much I love looking at you, how hard it makes me when you show me your breasts. With some difficulty, Colleen looked away from Franks erection. First she peered into his eyes, and then she turned her attention to Marc. Youre ours now, and were yours, Marc explained, his tone openly laced with rising sexual tension. Thats going to take some getting used to. I dont doubt that itll be difficult for all of us. But theres no time like the present to start making it work. His smile was equal measures

affection and escalating passion. Nothing good comes easily. But everything comes so easily to you, Colleen whispered. Especially women. That was before, Marc replied quickly. Before me? Yes. Before you. Well call it my life B.C. Before Colleen. Frank said, Youve changed everything. We didnt even know what we were missing until you came into our lives. Almost in a trance, Colleens hands lifted to her shirt and began to slowly unfasten the buttons. Chapter Fifteen Marc looked at Colleen, feeling his desire for her course through his veins. With her fingers toying with a button midway between her breasts, an ashen-faced Colleen whispered, This is so embarrassing. Ill take care of those buttons for you, Marc said, stepping up to Colleen. Youll have many obligations tonight, he continued, easing her hands to her sides. But removing your clothes wont be one of them. He bent low so that his eyes were close to hers. Satisfying your men should be number one of your list of priorities. He kissed the tip of her nose in an almost casual gesture, but when he spoke, his tone was teasing. Is that clear? Colleen nodded as Marc unbuttoned her shirt. I didnt hear you. He turned and looked at Frank. Did she answer me?

I dont think so, Frank replied, his left hand continuing to travel slowly over his erection. Yes. The pink tip of her tongue played out of her mouth for an instant before she added, My top priority is to satisfy you. I really like the sound of that. Marc opened Colleens shirt slightly and kissed the side of her neck, then straightened again. But dont worry, Frank and I will make sure that youre more than satisfied. He unfastened another button, exposing the inner swells of Colleens breasts. His erection was growing rapidly, fueled by the desire Colleen inspired. Your breastsdamn. Is it any wonder that you enchant me? Marc smiled and opened Colleens shirt to expose the breasts that held such prominence in his fantasies since the first time hed seen them. His erection instantly throbbed, and despite a life of libertine excess, the breath caught in his throat. Amazing, he muttered. His gaze took in the splendor of Colleens extravagance. He eased the shirt off her shoulders, struggling desperately to maintain the aloofness that had been the hallmark of his seductive prowess. But there was something about Colleen OMalley, something indefinably innocent and yet erotic, that aroused all of the nerves in his body. Until hed met her, he hadnt been overly attracted to women of generous dimensions. Now, having experienced her myriad charms in all their splendor, Marc realized that all other women were without appeal.

This thought had no more passed though Marcs brain than his erection reached full extension, bulging portentously against the front of his black gabardine trousers. Lift them for me. Colleen took in an uneven breath, then cupped her breasts from the underside. She raised them in offering. Higher. She raised them another inch. Bending at the waist, Marc brought his lips to her left nipple and opened his mouth wide. He sucked as much of her breast into the wet confines of his mouth as he could. He heard her gasp and felt her shiver as he drew a firm suction. Her nipple tightened, elongating against his slowly moving tongue. While sucking on the crest of her breast, Marcs hands were busy elsewhere, moving deftly to unbuckle her belt and unfasten the buttons of her fly. As the last button was released, he transferred his oral attention to her other breast. His hand slipped inside her trousers as he bared his teeth and nipped lightly. The sensitive tips of his fingers slipped over soft hair, then touched a clit already erect. The heat and wetness of her cunt prompted a low, throaty groan to work its way out of Marcs chest. Oh...oh, God! Colleen groaned. He let her nipple slip from his mouth as, fully clothed, he sank slowly to his knees in front of Colleen. He kissed down the front of her body while pushing her trousers over the sweeping curve of her hips.

This time I need you completely naked, he said as he removed the last of her clothing. He rose to his feet. Nothing will come between us. Nothing. He looked at her as she stood on trembling legs, her nipples moist from his kisses, her emerald green eyes glassy with desire. Touch yourself. I want to see your finger go inside. As Marc slipped out of his jacket, giving it a casual toss onto the wooden chair, Colleen spread her bare feet wider and put her right hand to her pussy. Her middle finger slipped smoothly between the delicate pink lips of her cunt. Youre already wet. Damned if you arent a passionate one. He watched as her eyelids drifted slowly closed as she eased the single finger in and out. Let me taste your finger. Her eyes opened slowly. Marc could tell that her excitement was rising rapidly and that her next orgasm was not far in the offing. When she moved her right hand toward his mouth, he grabbed her by the forearm and for a moment examined the abrasion around her wrist. Then, looking into her eyes, he sucked her middle finger into his mouth. Delicious, as always, he said after a moment. Go to Frank now. Show me how you can make him happy. Dont be afraid. This is new for all of us. Everything that happens is a first for all of us. Marc sat down in the chair and pulled off his boots as Colleen walked slowly over to the bed where Frank was reclining, his uninjured left hand traversing slowly along the length of a hard

cock. As he slipped his suspenders over his shoulders and began unbuttoning his immaculate white cotton shirt, Marc knew that this was the moment of truth. If he could watch Colleen pleasuring Frank and be aroused by the sight and not infuriated by it, then this entirely unplanned threesome had a chance to survive. Then love, shared by three instead of two, could be permanent. She crawled onto the bed, moving between Franks legs. She leaned forward, her breasts swaying beneath her. Frank released his cock, placing his hand lightly atop her head as she bent forward. Marcs heart nearly stopped beating when he watched Colleen push her lips over the crown of Franks cock. Her eyes were closed. She moved her head slowly from side to side as she nibbled down the shaft, not stopping until her mouth was filled with a fiercely erect cock. That feels so good, Frank groaned softly. Marc let out a sigh of relief when he unbuttoned his underwear and his own erection was at last free of its confinement. Thats the most erotic thing Ive ever seen in my life, he thought as he watched Colleen, not ten feet away and in perfect profile to him, nodding up and down over Franks lusty erection. She doesnt have any real notion of just how exciting she is. Shes a priceless treasure, and she doesnt even know it. ****

Colleen felt the plump, spongy crown of Franks cock pressing tightly against the opening of her throat. For a moment, she considered trying to take him deeper, but this notion was quickly discarded. He was much too thick to swallow. She had tried before, and for her efforts, she had sputtered and choked. Her mind was in a whirl as she pulled up, dragging her lips over the shaft and the rim of Franks crown. She flicked her tongue against the slit in the tip and tasted a tangy, salty drop of pre-cum. Frank sighed softly and said, That feels so good. She couldnt say with any confidence if she was doing the right thing by making love to Frank and Marc. All she was certain of was that she could not now stop what had already started. Marcs words had caressed and excited her just as much as he did with his caresses and kisses when he inspired her orgasms in the hayloft. Neither man was willing to give her up. Theyd made that quite clear only moments earlier. But she knew they were not known for having lovers on a permanent basis, nor were they men with a propensity for sharing. Ill go to hell for this. I dont care. Ive got Frank and Marc all to myself, and thats just what I want. That makes me the most selfish woman in all of Montana. She lifted her head and looked into Franks eyes. As she straddled his thighs with her own, he leaned back against the headboard. You mustnt climax inside me.

He shook his head. I wont. From behind her, Marc said, Ill get some contraceptive sponges. Colleen had to rise higher up onto her knees and crawl forward a little to position Franks cock directly beneath her. She lowered herself, feeling the lips of her pussy, slick with her own passionate juices, separating, expanding to accommodate his fiercely aroused cock. Oh, yes! she sighed as Franks crown entered her. It feels divine to have you inside me. She lowered her hips, taking in half his cocks length before lifting up again. The second time she impaled herself on Frank, she took every inch of him. Let me know what you want, she whispered, her breasts pressing against his naked chest. Ill do anything you ask of me. Anything. Marc moved closer, standing at the edge of the bed. He pushed his fingers into her hair at the base of her skull, then tilted her head back. He sealed his mouth over Colleens. It was a hard, commanding kiss, one meant to arouse intensely. Colleen surrendered herself to his will. Nothing had ever confused or aroused Colleen so thoroughly as having one handsome man in her pussy while she took another gorgeous mans tongue into her mouth. She started bouncing on Franks lap, lifting her hips to take all but the tip of his cock out of her loving embrace. After pausing a moment, she dropped down onto him to feel his hard cock thrust deeply. And as she

impaled herself upon Frank, she danced her tongue with Marcs, whimpering softly as her lust soared higher and higher. Marc climbed onto the bed, half-sitting on the headboard, his left hip near Franks right shoulder. Colleen wrapped her hand around his cock and leaned toward him while continuing to bounce on Frank. Taking Marcs throbbing erection into her mouth, she dropped onto Frank and moved her hips from side to side. His hard cock pressed against her erect clit. She had one man in her mouth and another filling her pussy when she thought, eternal damnation is a small price to pay to experience this kind of passion. Bouncing on Frank, rubbing her naked breasts against him, Colleen made a high-pitched whining sound, her mouth filled with Marcs cock, when she tumbled into ecstasys abyss. Powerful contractions gripped her body as buffeting waves of pure sensation washed over her. She felt as though she were about to explode or have her flesh suddenly burst into flame. And when the last of the spasms had subsided, she slumped onto Frank, her legs too weak to lift her weight, her right arm wrapped around his neck while in her left hand she held Marcs erection. She breathed deeply through her nostrils, keeping Marc in her mouth though she was no longer applying suction to his pulsing cock. Damn, shes a hot one, Marc said quietly, using a fingertip to move a lock of hair away from

Colleens eyes. He tucked the strands behind her ear. Could you feel her come, Frank? Damn right I could. Shes a tight one. Shes more luck than we deserve. With the end of her climax, to some small extent, was a return of her sanity. Colleen blinked her eyes several times, and when her vision cleared, found herself looking at Marcs lower abdomen. Had Frank just said she was tight? That was precisely the opposite of what she had thought, or at least what she had been told. Could it be that perhaps, just perhaps, Allen was the one with a deficit of endowment, not her having an overabundance? Marc and Frank certainly werent lacking in stature. With a somewhat embarrassed sigh, Colleen leaned back, taking Marcs cock out of her mouth. She put a hand to Franks naked chest, the edge of her thumbnail scraping lightly over one of his small, brown nipples. You two, she whispered, her gaze landing leisurely from one to the other, ought to be outlawed. A post-orgasmic shiver slithered up her spine. Im not a wanton woman. Truly Im not. At least, I wasnt until... Frank prodded, Until? Until you two kissed me. Her right hand slipped from Franks chest down to her pussy. The pad of her middle finger instantly found her clit. She caressed lightly and uttered a whispering sigh. I had no idea kisses could be so stimulating. No idea whatsoever. With her left hand, she

combed fingers through her hair, smoothing her tresses into some semblance of order. Her right hand, as though having a life of its own, continued to lightly caress her clit. Frank was still deep inside her, filling her completely. Im in bed with two of the most charming men Ive ever known in my life, and instead of being ashamed of myself for my wantonness, Im ashamed of myself for my...greediness. Im a poor dairy woman, and youre rich men. Im inexperienced in the ways of the flesh, and you two are masters at the game. She laughed softly. I feel like Im drunk. You two make me feel that way. She leaned forward and kissed Frank lightly on the tip of his chin. But Ive been selfish long enough, and youve been patient long enough. Dont worry about making love to me. Ive had enough climaxes today. She flicked her tongue against Franks nipple, then bared her teeth and bit him hard enough to make him gasp. Fuck me. Fuck me now. I wont break. I promise. Seconds later, she got her wish. She was on her back on the bed with Frank atop her, his hips between her upraised thighs, his cock deep inside her. She was using Marcs stomach as a pillow, and he was laying at a right angle to her. Her head was turned to the side, her mouth filled with his pulsing erection. As she sucked Marc, Frank was busy kissing her cheek and ear and the side of her neck as he pumped between her thighs, plundering her. Each stroke of his cock in and out of her body caused the upper surface of his erection to rub against her clit, and to Colleens

enormous surprise and delight, she could feel yet another climax approaching. The only question was whether or not shed have her next climax before she became too sore to continue this vigorous loving. It wasnt easy taking the men on individually and definitely not simultaneously. Especially not after shed declared, with the most unladylike sentence ever to pass between her lips, that she wanted to be fucked. Frank was not gentle with her. She hadnt wanted him to be, but she hadnt expected him to be quite this vigorous, either. His big, muscular body churned above her, driving her into the mattress as his cock plunged deeply again and again. The sound of his torso slapping against hers echoed off the walls of the small home. Each time Frank drove downward, spearing full-length into Colleen, she uttered a gasp, the sound squeaking out of her nostrils because her mouth was filled to overflowing with Marcs cock. She heard Franks leonine growl when he reached ultimate satisfaction. He was still spewing when Marc withdrew from her mouth, angled his cock toward her breasts, and released his desire in a gushing torrent. When he was finished, Frank slumped to his side on the mattress, his great chest heaving as he gulped in air, his body glistening with perspiration. Colleen put a hand on his face, caressing him lightly, a smile curled her lips. That...was...magnificent, she whispered, her head rising and falling on Marcs abdomen,

moving with his deep, post-orgasmic breathing. She touched her stomach and felt cum, warm and slippery, between her fingertips and thumb. And messy. A low, throaty laugh slipped from her throat. She felt the golden afterglow of orgasmic excess to a greater extent than ever before in her life. The suns still up. Ill never look at myself in the same way again. Not after this. She laughed again, touching a line of cum that followed the curvature of her left breast. Theres not enough soap and water in the world to get me clean again. She laughed softly. I have been naughty, naughty, naughty! Let us wash you, Frank said, lifting his head, a sleepy smile on his lips. And well show you just how wrong you are, Marc added, already easing his body out from beneath her head. Youre going to bathe me? Colleen asked in an incredulous rush of words. Frank and Marc nodded simultaneously. She sighed, her eyes rolled, and she whispered, Oh, I could so get used to being treated like this. The men went to retrieve the pitcher and basin. Greedily, in a very soft voice, Colleen asked, Do you think you could make me come againwith your tongue? Chapter Sixteen This is the time to strike, and youre going to do everything I tell you, Zachery said with significantly more confidence than authority. We know that Frank is damned near dead, and we

know that Marc has practically had an around-the-clock bedside vigil for his friend. That means Marcs going to be exhausted, and that works in our favor. We dont even need to worry about Frank. Hes a head on a pillow and nothing more. Hes useless. Hes no threat to us whatsoever, but only so long as we attack now while hes still a weak and helpless man. Watching Ralph take another big swallow of his whiskey gave Zachery a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. His friend was losing his ability to see the big picture. Since the quadruple homicide of Daggard and his friends after the ill-fated attempt to get Zacherys poker money back, Ralph had been drinking more and more. Hed also started his drinking earlier. And most damning of all, he had stopped spending time in the numerous Golden Valley whorehouses. Zachery didnt mind a man sinking into a bottle for a couple days to give himself some time away from his worries. Lord knows, Zachery had done that himself more times than he could count. But when there were important decisions to be made, critical action to be taken, then the bottle had to be put away. Ralph hadnt done that. Zachery had, but Ralph hadnt, and thats why Zachery was beginning to wonder whether or not he should arrange for an accident to befall his friend. This was not a thought that set lightly on Zachery. He had killed before. Several times, in fact. But hed always killed either at the spur of the moment, when the emotions were running hot, or

hed killed lowlifes and drifters, men who wouldnt be missed by anyone. Either way, what he had never done was kill someone hed known for a long time, someone he had a certain genuine affection for. But if Ralph was going soft, then he had to have an accident. It would be more difficult to stand behind him and deliver the unexpected bullet to the back of the head, but Zachery was quite willing to do the dirty deed if it was warranted. And as for Frank and Marc, though hed known them both for years, he could pull the trigger on either one of them and not lose so much as a seconds sleep. In fact, after putting several bullets into the two men who had been such a source of frustration in his life, Zachery was quite certain hed sleep a deep, dreamless sleep. If the sleep wasnt dreamless, as least it would be without nightmares, and lately, that was a tradeoff that Zachery was most willing to make. His world seemed to be getting smaller and smaller with each passing day. He kept taking care of the problems that surfaced, like Daggard and his buffoonish friends who had needed instant killing, but that somehow never seemed to put him much distance away from the wolves in the night that kept baying, howling for his blood. But what about the OMalley bitch? Ralph asked after a several seconds of thought. He looked into his glass of whiskey as though it were a crystal ball that might somehow give him the answers to all the questions that plagued him. What if shes in there? Ive never shot a woman

before. A flash of understanding went through Zachery, and he was suddenly certain that he could keep Ralph under his thumb and in control, at least until the next murders had to be committed. Murder? Zachery put a hand over his heart. Why would we murder a beautiful, big-titted piece of ass like Colleen OMalley? Ralphs head snapped up. His interest had taken on new dimensions. Colleen OMalleys been taking care of Frank since we shot him, Zachery said quietly. For that, the bitch has definitely got to pay a price. What Im suggesting is that we go in there, torch the place down, and shoot the men as they run out. But with Colleen, what well do is take her hostage. Think about how much fun you could have with her for a week or two, her not having any choice but to do everything you told her to. Think of that, Ralph. And when she isnt fun anymore, Ill take care of her. Permanently? Ralphs voice was very low, and there was a distinct brightness in his eyes that hadnt been there moments earlier. Hell yes. After youve had her for a week, what would be left of her? Zachery asked, playing up to his friends inflated self-esteem. She wouldnt be worth fucking once youd had her for a solid week. Id just take care that she wasnt found. Confident now that he had his friend back on track, Zachery picked up the whiskey bottle and refilled Ralphs glass. Enjoy this one because its going to be your last one. Tonight, we burn the

OMalley place to the ground and give Marc and Frank the killing they so richly deserve. You can have a good ol time fucking Colleen OMalley any way you want to, and when youve had your fill of her, Ill dispose of whats left. Ralph smiled. I like the sound of that. I like the sound of that one whole hell of a lot. Zachery looked into his friends eyes and realized he was going to feel genuine sorrow when he killed him. Remorse wouldnt stop Zachery from killing Ralph. But he would feel sadness about the execution afterward. **** My dear, you must be a talented nurse because this young mans eyes are as clear and bright as any Ive seen, Doc Hamms said, leaning over Frank. He was peering closely into his patients eyes. Hes not showing any signs of trauma, even though he was hit with a grazing wound to the head. The doctor shook his head slowly in amazement. This mans fit to travel. I see no reason to conclude otherwise. He sat up and slapped his thighs, a smile breaking out on his jowly face. Youve done a remarkable job, Miss OMalley, he said. Franks as fit as a fiddle, as near as I can see. His eyes are clear, and all his coordination has returned. When I first saw him I was worried about his head wound, but now Im more concerned with that hand and wrist of his. Its pretty clear he got stepped on by one of the horses, but there doesnt seem to be any broken bones.

The doctor inhaled deeply, then sighed with contentment. Frank Bishop was a lifelong resident of Golden Valley, and it had bothered him that he couldnt do his doctoring in his own small clinic where he could control surroundings, the time between visitations of the nurse, and feeding time. The doctor knew Franks father and felt an almost familial obligation to care for Frank. But Colleen had apparently done a spectacular job seeing to Franks needs, and for that, Doc Hamms was privately and professionally grateful. As near as I can tell, theres no reason he cant go home right now. Doc Hamms nodded to both Frank and Marc, then leaned to the side and gave Colleen an avuncular kiss on the cheek. Any time you decide to give up the egg and chicken business, let me know. A man like me could use a nurse like you. He smiled warmly. Some training and you could take over as town doctor for Golden Valley. Colleen blushed and looked away. Im quite serious, my dear, the doctor continued. Those stitches you put into Marcs scalp were absolutely first-rate. The knots werent up to standard, but thats a simple thing to teach. Its just a matter of awareness, not of ability. **** Colleen stood at the window, watching as Doc Hammss one-horse carriage circled away from her home and headed back down the gravel road to Golden Valley. With her face still turned toward the window, she closed her eyes and issued a small, silent thanks to God. Frank was

better now. He could travel, and that meant he would soon be back to normal. Colleen had worried that the wound would have lingering effects not at first easily foreseen. She had also worried that her activities with him would set back his recovery. If her attentions toward him had caused any complications, they werent evident in his desire for her attention. Theyll be leaving soon, thought Colleen as she bit back an emotion she didnt want to name. I knew theyd leave eventually. I just didnt think it would be tonight. Its a good thing you got shot in the head, she heard Marc say. If youd have gotten shot anywhere else, it might have killed you. He laughed, and it was clear he felt nothing but heartfelt relief at Franks swift recovery. Ive always known youve got the thickest skull in all of Montana. Forcing a smile to her lips, Colleen moved away from the window, turning toward her men. The men who were about to leave her. Youve got to admit, she said in a more lighthearted tone than she felt, I not only make the best cheese and have the best-tasting eggs around, Im also a first-rate nurse. I agree on all counts, Frank said. Marc gave Colleen a quick, mock salute and replied, I concur wholeheartedly. Then, more softly, he said, Well never be able to truly repay you for what youve done. Colleen didnt want this to be a sentimental parting. They were rich men, and theyd be

forgetting her soon enough. Shed be left with her memories, and shed tell herself that those memories were good enough, even if she didnt believe it. It wasnt me that did all the hard work, it was my rifle. You men are lucky my father was a good teacher. Oh, were lucky all right, Frank replied. And we know it. Still in bed and beneath the blankets, he extended a hand and curled his forefinger beckoningly. Come over here. Let us show you just how grateful we are for everything youve done. She shook her head slowly and replied, If I do that, then youll take my clothes off and make love to me. And what would be wrong with that? Marcs expression of exaggerated confusion drew a smile from Colleen. Is there another form of payment youd like? The instant the words were out of his mouth, Marcs expression showed that he realized his joke could be misinterpreted. I didnt mean it that way. Truly and honestly I didnt. I know you didnt. Her lips pressed momentarily into a thin line as unbidden thoughts entered her head. Youve always treated me with respect. She narrowed her eyes in mock fury. Even when you tied me up and made me beg you to When her words died away, Marcs eyebrows lifted. Begged you to what? Tooh, you know what! Colleen stamped her foot. Do the two of you always have to get your way? Simultaneously, they nodded.

Colleen turned her back to the men. Everything comes so easily for them. Women. Cards. Money. They always get whatever they want. They have no idea what its like to do without. It would do them a world of good for me to just deny them. It would improve their character. She turned slowly to face the two men, quite determined to ignore their simultaneous seduction. But when she faced them, Frank had slipped the covers aside enough to expose his body from the knees up. Though he was in relaxed repose, the muscles in his thighs, stomach, chest, and shoulders were starkly evident beneath the pale surface of his skin. And though his cock was not fully erect, she could watch it slowly, relentlessly growing between his muscular thighs. When she turned her gaze toward Marc, she found him unbuttoning his shirt. He looked at her with a gleam in his eyes that wouldnt have been out of place for an alpha lion on the plains of Africa as he looked upon a receptive lioness. Whatever thoughts Colleen had harbored of resisting the combined charms of Marc and Frank simply vanished in the next instant. At the juncture of her thighs, her labia swelled and moistened. Her heart rate accelerated. Her mouth opened fractionally, and her breath caught in her throat. I have no chance against you two, do I? Her voice was soft, plaintive, her words as much a statement of fact as a question. Youll always be able to charm me until I give in to you, wont you?

She watched as Franks uninjured left hand curled around the shaft of his burgeoning cock. Thats not a bad thing, he said in explanation. Come over here. Let us make you feel alive. A small sob caught in her throat. Alive? Oh, yes. When she was in their arms, individually and collectively, she felt alive. In fact, she felt more alive than ever before in her life. More vividly and intensely feminine. Colleens hands went to the top button of her shirt. Before she began, a sound, indistinct at first but swiftly and alarmingly drawing nearer, caught her attention. She turned away from her men and stepped over to the window again. Oh, no, she whispered softly, seeing her best friend rushing through the field to the east. Its Amanda Holloway. She knew how difficult her friends life was and who made her life so difficult. Something bad has happened. She turned away from the window toward the men. Im sorry. Amandas in trouble and needs help, and I cant turn her away. We wouldnt love you so much, Frank said, grabbing the blankets and covering himself again, if you were the type of woman who could. Every time those men speak, I love them just a little bit more, thought Colleen as she opened the door and stepped outside. **** For the most part, Amanda had stopped crying, though a sob occasionally caught in her throat. Every masculine instinct in Marc screamed that if he was any man at all, he would find Amandas

father, call him out, goad him into a gunfight, and shoot him down like the scurvy dog he was. But he couldnt do that, of course. When he had explained what hed like to do to the brutish lout, Amanda had let out a shriek, and Colleen had grabbed his forearm as though to physically keep him from leaving her house. At least he didnt hit me in the face, Amanda said softly, sitting in one of the kitchen chairs, her face ashen as she wrung her hands in her lap. Thats something, right? Thats nothing, Marc replied, the words forced out through gritted teeth. He didnt want to put any bruises where your future husband might see them. His smile was bitter, humorless. Mustnt damage the merchandise, after all. Might lower the selling price. And thats what I ammerchandise. No, youre not! Colleen said quickly, standing beside her seated friend. She put her arm around Amandas shoulders and gave her a hug. Dont ever think that. But Papa made it clear. Hes going to get ten thousand dollars from Mr. Schaefer, and in return, he gets a virgin bride. The young womans words came out softly, with only a hint of defiance in them. Marc could tell she was losing the inner strength that had kept her free from her fathers machinations so far. You say hes headed to town? Frank asked. Amanda nodded. Mr. Schaefer gave him a hundred dollars. He called it a good faith payment.

Then Mr. Schaefer left and Papa told me what theyd agreed upon. I said I wouldnt go through with the marriage, and thats when he beat me up. Then he headed off to town. He always goes into Golden Valley whenever hes got money in his pockets. He likes the whiskey, and he likes the women. A tightness formed in Marcs chest as he looked at the nineteen-year-old blonde girl. Earlier, hed seen for himself the bruises on her ribs and thighs where her fathers fists had struck. He could imagine what the fight had been like with Amanda at first putting up determined resistance, but then faltering when the much larger and stronger man continued to pummel her with his fists, striking her in the biceps, stomach, ribs, and thighs. He suspected the blows had always been delivered where clothes would hide the damage hed inflicted. Ten thousand dollars. I suppose I should be proud of that, Amanda continued, staring at the floor as Colleen rubbed her shoulders. A good cowhand makes three or four hundred a year. How many years would that be? She looked at Frank. Everybody says how youre a wizard with numbers. Marc could tell that Frank didnt want to answer, but Amanda gave him a look of censure, and he finally said, Twenty-eight and a half years. Just a little more than that, actually. Then thats something, isnt it? Im a virgin, and my fathers able to sell me for what it would

take a good cowhand more than a quarter of a century to make. A silver tear trickled down her cheek. I suppose I should be proud of that. With a stony expression on his face, Marc said, Frank and I are going to be leaving now. You and Colleen will be safe here. Dont worry. You wont have to have to marry Schaefer. Youre never going to have to bow to your fathers wishes again. And most of all, no man is ever going to raise his hand in violence to you ever again. Well be back as quick as we can. Amanda lifted her face and turned her gaze first to Marc, then to Frank. Really? It was a soft, agonized plea for mercy, and it tore holes in Marcs soul. I promise it, he said. We promise it, Frank added. Chapter Seventeen Come on, Im your best friend in the whole world, Amanda said, sitting behind Colleen on horseback. To get to Amandas quickly, they needed to travel cross country rather than following the meandering road. Colleens mare was frightfully old, so it was decided to leave the buckboard behind and just ride bareback. Which one of those two gorgeous men have you got a hankering for? And dont tell me its neither one because I could sense some powerful desires being reined in when I walked into that house. Sometimes things arent what they seem, Colleen answered, feeling her heart clench momentarily. She neither wanted to lie to Amanda, nor did she want to tell her the truth about her

relationships with Marc and Frank. The two men who had become, in a very short period of time, such integral parts of her life and happiness. But telling Amanda to keep quiet was perfectly useless. She knew her friend well enough to accept the futility of such a request. Besides, weve got enough troubles right now just thinking about how to keep you from having to marry Mr. Schaefer. I wont marry him. There was sudden confidence in Amandas tone, and it pleased Colleen. It hadnt been there earlier. I wont have to marry him. She leaned against Colleen and put her lips close to her ear, whispering conspiratorially even though they were literally miles from anyone else. I wont have to get married unless I want to because Marc Andollini and Frank Bishop said so. When those two men walk, the ground pretty much shakes beneath their feet in Golden Valley. She laughed softly. Maybe Im exaggerating, but not by much. And since one of them is carrying a warm glow for you, then I figure as your best friend, Ive got an ally that my father wont want to cross. Colleen turned her head away, then looked up at the clear, cloudless, star-filled sky. It would be a lovely night to be in bed, nestled between Marc and Frank, either making love or just talking softly in post-orgasmic lassitude. Instead, she was riding her tired mare bareback through a field of hay, taking the straightest route to Amandas home to retrieve some clothes and a few

belongings. And just in case Mr. Holloway happened to have come home early from his bout of drinking in the saloons of Golden Valley, Colleen had her trusty Henry rifle cradled in the crook of her left arm. If she had to stop Mr. Holloway by putting a bullet in his leg, it certainly wouldnt be something shed have a guilty conscience for. Now, Amanda, you know perfectly well what happened to me the last time I let my head get turned by some good-looking rich mans charming ways, Colleen began, her tone as serious as she could make it. Youre practically the only woman in the whole territory who even talks to me now. Those other women are damned fools. And hypocrites. Amanda tightened her arms around Colleens middle, giving her a brief hug. Allen Carpenter was a fool, but hes nowhere near as handsome as Marc and Frank. Im a virgin, but those men are handsome enough And rich enough, Colleen cut in quickly. And rich enough to tempt any woman in her right mind. After a moment of silence, Colleen said, I let the whole world know that Allen Carpenter was sharing my bed, and he said there was nothing wrong with the whole world knowing because soon enough Id be his wife and then everything would be just as right as rain. Colleen wished she didnt have to lie to her friend about her feelings for Marc and Frank. When Allen left me, I was branded a fallen woman by all the fine ladies of Golden Valley. I was a trollop, a painted lady.

Now why on earth, with that as my personal history, would I be foolish enough to let some man sweet-talk me into his bed? Youd have to be a real foolish woman to let something like that happen, Amanda agreed. But what if it were two men? Then maybe their combined charms would be too much for even a woman as determined to keep her knees together as you. The two of them? Oh, Amanda, for a virgin, you have a powerfully wicked imagination. Amanda laughed softly. Im just teasing, thats all. Theres nothing wrong with thinking things, even wicked things. Im just having a little fun. Fun, my expense, Colleen said softly. Still, when I got to your house you did seem pretty flushed, and it didnt seem to me that everybodys clothes were quite the way they should be. Sensing this conversation was quickly getting into territory she wanted to avoid, Colleen replied a bit sharply, Amanda, Im done talking to you about Marc and Frank. If you want to think about something, think about how youre going to get free of your father and Mr. Schaefer. Id rather talk about your love life. Id rather talk about anything else. And since youre riding on my horse, I get to decide the topic of conversation. Oh? Colleen nodded her head vigorously. Its an old Irish custom. Whoever owns the horse owns the topic of conversation. ****

Its seems damned dark in there, Ralph said, looking around the corner of Colleens chicken coop at the house. Keep your voice down, Zachery replied, though he knew full well that Ralph hadnt spoken above a whisper. My guess is that Marcs keeping it dark inside because Franks so close to death. Thats what Im thinking. In an even softer tone, yet loud enough so that Zachery could hear, Ralph said, Thats not what Im thinking. Squeezing the Winchester rifle tightly in his hands, Zachery turned away from the edge of the coop, leaning forward so that his nose was a mere inch from Ralphs. Dont think, he snapped, spittle flying from his lips. Ive told you a thousand times to let me do the thinking, so, goddamn it, let me do the thinking! Zachery was stunned when Ralph didnt immediately back down. Instead, he took just a single step backward and replied, Its starting to seem to me that maybe youre not as all-fired smart as youve always said you were. Lately, things havent worked out so good for us. The last time you had a plan, it ended up with Marc Andollini putting out a reward for us. Now the territorys crawling with gunmen and dunderheads and all of em trying to figure out who we are, Ralph said, giving his head a slow shake. Zachery eyed his friend warily. Now youre saying we should burn the OMalley womans house to the ground and shoot everybody

that runs out. I dont know if thats such a smart idea considering all thats happened lately. Seems to me that Sheriff Dixons going to be more determined than ever to find whos been doing what if he ends up with more dead bodies in his territory. Zachery squared his shoulders, then rolled his head slowly on his shoulders, uttering a long, slow, hissing sigh as he forced himself to relax. If youre afraid to be the one to run up there to set the place ablaze, then Ill do it. He tilted his Stetson far back on his head, showing the prominent widows peak. Just keep that rifle of yours handy because when I get that old house burning, theyre going to come running out pretty fast. I suppose Marc will be carrying Frank, but with Frank being as big as he is, you can count on Marc running pretty slow. Ralph shifted his weight from one foot to the other. What about the OMalley girl, Zach? Do we have to kill her right away? Zachery smiled and sensed that he was again in complete control. Shes got to be dead when its all over. What happens to her from now until then is up to you. But first things first, weve got to kill Marc and Frank. A slow smiled spread across Ralphs face, his teeth showing yellow in the moonlight. Im with you all the way. Zachery looked around the corner of the chicken coop at the house and cursed his lousy luck that Ralph had chosen tonight to grow a spine and defy him. As had already been proven too

many times, killing Marc and Frank was a lot easier to talk about than actually accomplish. His first impulse was to run toward the house, but he tamped this notion down, instead walking slowly, cautiously, an unlit torch in his left hand, a Colt revolver in his right. He went to the southwest corner of the house and stood for a moment, hardly breathing, his back to the wall. Listening, he sought some sign of movement, of life, within the house. He heard nothing. Nothing at all. Part of him felt an overwhelming sense of relief at the prospect of the house being empty. His personal history of combat against Marc Andollini and Frank Bishop suggested that avoidance was the best policy. Just not tonight. Tonight it was time to settle old grudges on a series of conflicts that had on only the rarest of occasions ended in Zacherys favor. He smiled, holstered his revolver, and withdrew a sulphur-tipped match from his shirt pocket. He scratched the match against the sole of his boot. The match flared to life. He brought the flame to the kerosene-soaked remnants of a bed sheet that was wrapped around the end of a yard-long fence plank. With a small whoosh! the kerosene flamed to life. Zachery dropped the match and drew his revolver, then went to the nearest window. Slowly, cautiously, he peered into the house, looking between the edge of the window frame and the curtain. The interior was too dark to see anything.

It made perfect sense to him. With Frank dancing on the precipice of death for many days, no doubt Marc was exhausted. Zachery smiled. Soon enough, both Marc and Frank would have eternity to rest. He took a couple deep breaths to calm himself, then rammed the torch through the window. He was surprised at how little noise the glass made as it broke. The cotton curtain seemed to draw the flame to it. It took only seconds for both curtains to start burning. Then Zachery was moving on to the next window. He expected to hear shouting by the time he jammed the torch through the second window, but there was only silence inside. When the curtain was in flames, he ran around the corner of the house to the next window. He got the curtain burning, tossed the torch inside, then ran toward the front door of the small house. Soon there would be shouts of alarm from inside the house as Marc and the others awoke to discover the house in flames. The crackle of old wood coming alive in flames grew quickly. Within seconds, Zachery could feel the heat of the fire. He squeezed the grip of his rifle so tightly his knuckles turned white. His heart was pounding. He was ready to cold-bloodedly gun down anyone running out the front door of Colleens house. Only there wasnt anybody running out. The house was empty. Those bastards Marco Andollini and Frank Bishop had once again escaped the trap hed set for them.

But how? Not even he knew he was going to ambush them until right before hed ridden out to Colleens shitty little chicken ranch. He waited another ten seconds, then jogged back to where Ralph stood with a rifle in his hands and a nasty sneer on his lips. They aint here, Ralph said with undisguised disrespect. Youre always so goddamned smart, and they aint even here. And now youve made me more than just a murderer, youve made me a house burner. He spoke the words with slow but increasing volume. The crackle of the house burning grew louder. The entire interior was now in flames, and fire was licking out through the shattered windows, crawling up the outside of the building. Do you know what I am, Zachery? Im a goddamned idiot for listening to you for so long. Well, heres some news for you. Im done listening to you. He started walking toward where his horse was tethered, stepping through Colleens small, tidy barn. Its time I do my own thinking, thats what time it is. Zachery looked at Ralph walking away. The thought to shoot him in the back had no more than entered his head than he felt the Winchesters recoil against his shoulder. He watched his best friend take a single staggering step forward, then turn slowly to face him. Zach... There was more confusion than pain or rage in his expression. The rifle and unlit torch fell from his fingers.

Zachery stood quietly in the doorway to the barn, saying nothing. He hadnt really planned on killing Ralph. It was just something that...happened. Being criticized, particularly having his intelligence demeaned, was something that had always caused the most feral reactions from Zachery. Ralph dropped to his knees but remained upright. The confusion in his eyes was slowly transforming into futile anger. Walking over, Zachery picked up the torch and put a lit match to it. He waited until the torch was burning thoroughly before tossing it into a mound of hay beside the pen where Colleens milking cow was showing increasing agitation. I may not be as smart as I say, Zachery said, looking at the kneeling man whose life was slipping rapidly away, but Im smart enough to cover my tracks. He looked at the swelling fire inside the barn. If youre so smart, maybe you can answer this. Whatll kill you? The bullet I put in you, or the fire? **** The fire had taken the house, barn, and chicken coop to the ground. Though the wood was still smoldering, there was little left to indicate what the structures had been. Various objects remained, charred from the heat and flames as gruesome reminders of what the tidy little ranch had been just the previous morning. The buckboard had burned completely, but the iron wheels and axels remained upright. The

arsonists spared nothing, not even the innocent. There was a single mound in the barn, smelling awful, to indicate where Colleens old but gentle milking cow had fallen. The only building that hadnt been reduced to ashes was the outhouse. Its pristine condition now seemed almost comical in light of all the carnage. Weve got to get Colleen away from here, Marc said, standing beside Frank. Whoever did this was after us. Damned lucky we werent here. Frank tilted his hat back on his head, glancing in the direction of Amanda and Colleen. What about packing up Amanda and Colleen and sending them to Virginia City. Well assign a couple good men to them to make sure they stay safe. Marc nodded. How about Helena? We can put them up in the MontanaRoseHotel. The owner there owes me a favor. Franks brows furrowed. Mrs. Grogan owns the Montana Rose. I didnt know she owed you a favor. Under his breath, low enough so that the women couldnt hear, Marc replied, Mrs. Grogan had an itch, and I scratched it for her. Understood. Frank looked at Colleen, who was walking slowly through what were now the ruins of everything she owned. As much as Id like to have Colleen alone, I suppose its good to have Amanda with her. Shes a good friend, and shell keep Colleen company while we figure out who the hells trying to kill us.

Pick a good man to go with them. Well use two bodyguards, one of your men and one of mine. Lets get the girls the hell out of here as quickly as possible. Marc reached into his breast pocket for his tobacco pouch and papers. You dont suppose weve got an angry father somewhere in our past, do you? Frank shook his head. No, my bones are telling me this is about something a lot more significant than sex. This is real hatred, Marc. Somebody wants us dead, and they dont mind if other people die, just so long as were among the corpses. Thats what my gut is telling me. Nodding, Marc replied, Your instincts have been right enough times for me to trust them now. Lets get back to town. Id like Colleen to be on her way to Helena before noon. **** Youve got to admit that when we want to get things done in a hurry, Marc said as he prepared to swing up into the saddle of his fresh gelding, we sure as hell get it done. They had wanted to get Colleen aboard Marcs private rail car on the Griggs-Loomis Railway and headed for Helena before noon. They got word that the train had left the station while the Lutheran churchs big clock was chiming eleven. Since the normal train on the northsouth route wasnt scheduled to leave the station until three, Frank and Marc had paid the money to rent an engine. The trip to Montanas wealthiest city was going to cost a small fortune for the two men, but they didnt hesitate to spend it on Colleen.

Hey, isnt that Amandas dad over there? Frank said, his tone suddenly tense. He flexed his bandaged, injured right hand. Marc looked in the direction Frank had nodded. The man was walking away, his head and shoulders slouched. But there was no doubt that it was Mr. Holloway. Leave this to me, Marc said, though he doubted his request would be heeded. Youll only reinjure that wrist of yours, and then where will you be? I can still break his nose with my left fist. Just leave him to me. It wont be fair if we both tear into him. A sliver of suspicion went through Marc as he walked nearer to his quarry. There was something about Mr. Holloways shuffling gait that wasnt quite right. And he was holding his head at an odd angle, his chin particularly low. Mr. Holloway, stop right there, Marc said in the low voice. The man flinched, and his stride became quicker. Holloway, its only going to get worse for you if Ive got to chase you down. Though he was only in his forties, when Amandas father stopped and turned to face Marc and Frank, he moved like a man decades older. His left eye was blackened and swollen completely shut.S omeone had given Mr. Holloway a lesson in manners. Though Marc had decided to deliver some frontier justice for what hed done to Amanda, seeing the man now with an eye horribly discolored forced him to reconsider his plans. What...what do you want...with me? Mr. Holloway asked, able to look at Marc and Frank with

the eye too swollen to open. Youve got to answer for how youre treating Amanda. He gave his head an almost imperceptible shake. Youre too late for that. Sheriff Dixon and his deputy already spoke to me about it. I said Amandas my daughter and I could do with her as I damned well pleased. Thats when the sheriff got mean. The sheriff hit you? Marcs surprise was evident in his tone. Mr. Holloway nodded, then groaned. Apparently, even the slightest movement caused him pain. Told me to put up my fists. I threw a punch and the next thing I know Im knocked on my ass. He hit me with a roundhouse right that nearly took my head off. As much as Marc wanted to administer his own brand of justice upon a man thoroughly deserving of it, he wasnt going to beat someone who couldnt adequately defend himself. Frank, do you think this man needs another beating? Marc asked. Im guessing he does, but itll make more of an impression on him if we let him heal up before he gets his next beating. Frank gave the trembling man a smile that was thoroughly frightening. Thatll give him something to look forward to, wont it? I believe it will, my friend, Marc replied. Frank pulled a heavy pocket watch from his vest pocket. Come on, lets get out of here. Seems Sheriff Dixon has taken matters, and justice, rather nicely into his own hands. Chapter Eighteen

When the bodyguards saw Frank and Marc approaching, they frowned and gave each other anxious glances. Frank knew instantly that something was wrong. The man Frank had assigned to protect Colleen was a fellow named Marvin Richards, but everyone knew him as Knuckles. The sobriquet was richly deserved. He was the kind of man who had a history of letting his knuckles do the talking for him, so to see him appear uneasy and sheepish was entirely disconcerting. Whats wrong? Frank asked when he reached the door leading into the suite of rooms Colleen was supposed to be waiting. Knuckles raised his enormous hands palms outward, and the expression on his face all but begged for understanding. It werent my fault, Mr. Bishop, he said quickly. She jus didnt leave me no choice. Is Miss OMalley all right? Frank had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Oh, yessir! Shes right as rain. Its justjust that His words and courage faded rapidly. Just spit it out, Knuckles! Frank said sharply, in no mood for dalliance when he was worried about the safety of the woman he loved. Tell me what happened! Well, sir, Max here and me, we escorted the ladies the whole way from Golden Valley. We never even blinked we kept such a close eye on em. But when we got here, apparently somebody notice they didnt have no luggage. The next thing I know, three ladies from a local

business showed up with an armful of dresses, sayin that any friend of Frank Bishop and Marc Andollini is a friend of theirs. Franks shoulders momentarily slumped as relief washed over him. So then theres nothing wrong with Miss OMalley? Shes not been injured in any way? No, sir. I said Id protect her, and I did. Youve always been good to me an I aint never told you a lie. Frank suppressed a smile as he imagined what had happened. Hed written a brief, somewhat coded telegraph to the hotels manager, stating that he wanted the women put up in the Honeymoon Suite, which he liked to rent whenever he was in Helena. Since the manager wouldnt recognize Colleen and Amanda, and seeing that they were without luggage, he would have assumed they were ladies with procurable virtues. And since Miss Sofia ran the nicest and most exclusive brothel in Helena, she assumed some dresses might be appreciated. Miss Sofia treated potential customers with great deference, and Frank was quite certain that shed only been trying to help, even if she had made the worst of all possible choices. Well, once that redhead in there saw how pretty the dresses were, she said she was leaving the hotel and never coming back. I dont know as Ive ever seen a woman so mad about getting a gift as that one was. Said she wasnt going to be bought and paid for, no matter how much the

money or who was doing the buying. Knuckles shook his head slowly. Mad as a wet hen, she was! Then what happened? Knuckles glanced at the other bodyguard before responding. Well, Mr. Bishop, when I was a youngun, me and my brother kind of liked to sneak out of the house and high off to town. Sometimes kinda late at night, after Pa had gone to sleep. Franks eyes narrowed. He wasnt certain where this story was headed. So what did your pa do? He had a way of makin sure my brother and me were around to do morning chores. Ya see, my pa was a simple man, but he had a way of getting done what he wanted to get done. He turned all the locks whichaway around so that my bedroom door locked from the outside, not the inside. I noticed this fancy hotel can lock from the inside or the hall. So you locked them inside like common thieves in the town jail? Damned if that redhead didnt go plumb loco when I turned the key. So how long have they been locked in there now? Long time now, sir. I ask em every now and then if they want anything, and what I get told most is that they want out. Seems like theyre gettin madder and madder by the minute. Specially that redhead. Relieved that whatever had happened to Colleen at least didnt require either a search party

or a doctor, he looked at Marc and said, We might just as well go into the room. At the rate Knuckles is getting through this story, well both be old men before we see her again. After Knuckles unlocked the door, Frank stepped through it and into the two-room suite on the top floor of the finest hotel in Helena. Frank stepped into the two-room suite, with Marc right behind him. He found Colleen boiling mad, with her foot tucked into an ornately engraved silver champagne bucket filled with ice. Amanda was kneeling near her chair, making tsk-tsk sounds of sympathy. Frank said, Dare I ask what happened? When Colleen lifted her face to him, her green eyes blazing. You! You of all people! Frank looked over at Marc and murmured, I get the feeling this isnt going to be the reception with Colleen Id been dreaming of. Colleen said, I nursed you back to health, and how do you treat me in return? You send some fallen women with armloads of dresses for us! Her eyes widened, and she pointed with an index finger that wavered back and forth to take in both men. And what thanks do I get for playing nurse to a couple of roosters like you? I get locked up like a thief! Frank slipped his hands inside his jacket, putting them on his hips. He looked around the luxury suite slowly appraisingly, his gaze taking in the empty champagne bottle and the two trays with plates and cups on them. Judging by the dishes, the ladies had ordered steaks with all the

trimmings from the hotels exquisite kitchen. You were locked up, all right, Frank said slowly, but as far as jails go, this one isnt exactly a stone floor and a cold stove, now is it? Colleen made an indignant huffing sound and eased her foot out of the ice water. Taking Colleens foot by the heel, Amanda dried off water with a thick towel and examined the big toe. Even from where he stood, Frank could see that Colleens big toe was bruised. Hey, Frank, Marc said under his breath, remember that jail we were in over near Deadwood a couple years ago? Now that was a lousy jail to be in. Frank gave a visible shudder to show his memory of the event. We were only there overnight, but I still have nightmares about it. Colleen gave the man a censorious look. Im possibly maimed for life, and you two are sharing old drinking stories? While Amanda continued to hold her foot by the heel, Colleen leaned forward to peer at her injured toe. To Amanda, she said loudly enough so that Frank couldnt fail to hear, Have you ever in your life met such ungrateful, insufferable men? All they can think about is themselves. With Colleen both seated and leaning forward to look at her foot, Frank was given a leisurely view of her plentiful cleavage. His cock was telling him, in ways too precise to be misinterpreted, that hed been away from Colleen longer than he was comfortable with. The pleasures of her companionship were numerous. Though Colleen was indignant for transgressions both real and

imagined, Frank hoped he might be able to change her mood with some gentle persuasion of the seductive kind. Tamping down his desire for Colleen, at least temporarily, he said, I take it you tried to kick your way through the door. Colleen straightened in the chair and gingerly eased her toes back into the ice water. No, she replied sarcastically. Id never do anything so foolish as that. Then what happened? The door attacked me. I was minding my own business, and it leaped out at me. She turned emerald green eyes up to his, and now he saw a glimmer of good humor in their depths. The next time you and Marc decide to keep me captive, can you at least see that Im locked away in a room thats not possessed by angry ghosts. I thought you said the door attacked you. It was the door. She shrugged, and the movement of her breasts did disastrous things to Franks calm. But the door was possessed by a ghost. And thats why it attacked? Colleen shifted her gaze from Frank over to Marc. It might not have been so vicious if you hadnt sent those ladies over with the dresses. One of those ladies, she drawled the individual syllables out with critical inflection, seemed real interested in getting to know you better, Marc. The last thing Frank wanted was for the conversation to dwell on the precise natures of the friendships with women he and Marc had prior to Colleens intimate intrusion into their world.

Since Colleen, his thoughts toward other women had changed completely. Amanda, I dont suppose youd mind taking a little walk, maybe go shopping or something? Frank was already reaching into his pocket for cash. Marc said quickly, Cant do that, Frank. With all the caterwauling these two have been doing, half the busybodies in town are waiting around to see who comes walking about these doors. He walked over to the window and looked through the closed curtains to the street below. Just exactly how loud were you ladies screaming, anyway? There must be five women looking up this way. Loud enough to let the world know I wanted out of this gilded prison, Colleen replied. There wasnt even a hint of apology in her tone. Marc, figure out something to do with Amanda, Frank said, stepping closer to Colleen. He got down on one knee near the champagne bucket. Now let me see what I can do about this injury. He eased her foot out of the bucket. Just relax now. Marc and I are here, and were going to make you feel much, much better. **** When it had been just she and Amanda locked in the hotel room, Colleen had promised herself to keep her anger alive, no matter what Marc and Frank did to apologize for their barbaric and authoritarian behavior. Those men simply got away with too much, and Colleen was determined to take it as a personal responsibility to thwart their self-serving whims.

I suppose it was a good idea, at first, to soak your toe in ice to keep the swelling down, Frank said, cupping her heel in his palm. He wrapped his other fingers around her toes, and she felt the warmth of his palm going into her veins. Your entire foots cold as ice. Frank took his hat off and set it on the floor next to him, then tilted his head back on his shoulders and looked up into Colleens eyes. His gaze was bold, direct, and smoky with a passion that was focused only on her. I can warm you up, he said in a low voice. He dipped his head and took her toe into his mouth. She felt his tongue, warm and a little raspy, moving over the injured toe. The sensation was luridly sensual. Shed never before felt anything quite like it. The wetness of his mouth and the heat of it in such sharp contrast to the ice water was an intimate caress to Colleens senses that responded without reservation. Oh... The soft sound came from her unbidden when Frank began sucking lightly on her other toes, warming them, teasing her senses. To see such a muscular man, dressed in a fine suit and on his knees before her, sucking on her toes was a visual caress that Colleen could hardly comprehend. Shed never even thought of doing such a thing, nor considered how stimulating it might be. Frank took her injured toe into his mouth again, swirled his tongue around it, then released it. He looked up into Colleens eyes and asked, Does that make it feel better?

Her lips moved as though she had said an affirmative, but no sound came out. After several seconds, she nodded. Frank smiled in response and lifted her ankle enough to lick the arch of her foot. Colleen giggled and flinched because it tickled to have a frisking tongue playing with the sole of her foot, but she did not try to pull away. He noticed that she squirmed at having her foot licked but made no effort to pull her foot free. His lips and tongue were at her ankle next and then the inside of her calf, moving. Sharp teeth nipped at exquisitely sensitive skin. Colleen felt herself creaming, the lips of her cunt becoming inflamed and hungry with desire. Frank eased his shoulder beneath her calf. His palms were rough and warm as they ran along the outsides of her thighs, pushing the skirt of her dress higher. Franks tongue traced a circle along the inside of her left thigh, moistening the skin, setting it ablaze. Her breath was coming in faster and shallower gulps. She felt her clit pulsing, throbbing with her racing heart. Franks lips were inching closer to her pussy. Franks lips were brushing lightly over Colleen pussy when he whispered, Id ride through the fires of hell to return to you. Colleen wanted to respond. There were words, some tenderly loving and others outright bawdy and lustful, that needed to be said. But when Franks tongue separated the lips of her pussy, moved upward slowly, then slithered teasingly over her clit, all Colleen could do was sigh,

arch her back, and slide her bottom forward until she sat on the very edge of the chair. A broad palm cupped her chin, forcing her face to tilt upward. It was always a dizzying experience to have Frank giving her cunnilingus, so Colleen was at first disoriented when Marc bent low at the waist and sealed his mouth over hers in a hungry kiss. As Marcs tongue filled her mouth, Franks lips captured her clit and sucked lightly. Colleen heard the moan, though it took a while before she realized that shed made the sound herself. She rested her left hand lightly atop Franks head, caressing the silken strands with her fingers and thumb as he moved slowly between her thighs, his lips and tongue performing their erotic magic. How magnificently ironic, she thought, that such a powerful man should have such silky hair. With her right arm, she looped it around Marc as he kissed her. Only then did she realize that he had already removed his clothing. The awareness caused Colleen to smile, even while she continued her blissful, tongue-entwining kiss with him. Time passed. Colleen had no coherent awareness of its passage. She felt the mainspring of desire getting wound more tightly within and looked forward to the moment when the intensity of pleasure was so powerful it was painful. She was in no particular hurry for that delicious moment. She knew that with these men, the journey to a climax was nearly as satisfying as the climactic moment itself.

When Marc straightened, Colleen sighed her regret. Kissing Marc was an experience that simply couldnt end without her feeling some sense of loss. But when he stood straight, she was given something rather more than pleasant to mitigate her loss. The sight of his dark, sinewy body, naked and rippling with muscle, was hers to enjoy. The fact that his erection was standing out, angling upward, visibly pulsing with wanton need of her added flames to the conflagration of her desire. It was also easily within arms reach. She wrapped her fingers around the shaft and started to pull him toward her mouth, but Marc caught her by the wrist. He pulled her hand away, prompting another soft sound of dismay. Him, not me, was all Marc said as he moved away. Frank was on his feet an instant later, moving out from between Colleens spread legs. When he was standing, she saw that he had unbuttoned the fly of his trousers to release a fully formed erection. She smiled and asked, All for me? A moment later, she answered herself with a confident, All for me. Marc was on his knees on the floor between her thighs even before Frank positioned himself near her shoulder. With a soft, purring sound, Colleen guided Frank to her mouth, kissing him only briefly before taking him inside. Her mouth was filled with his cock when she felt Marcs bulbous crown nudging her cunt open as he entered her. She moaned as her men began to move, each working his lean hips slowly back and forth to

fill her with the very essence of their manliness, their cocks. Closing her eyes, Colleen let her conscious self begin to drift away from her corporeal self. Colleen heard a thud! and wondered what had hit the floor. She suspected it was Franks waistcoat and the heavy gold pocket watch he kept in it. Her concern wasnt sufficient to cause her to open her eyes. Not when she could feel a climax slowly and relentlessly approaching, drawing nearer with each stroke of Marcs pulsing cock between the lips of her pussy. He filled her completely, and when his pelvis was tight against her own, he ground himself against her, letting her delight in the sensation of fullness, of completion. While his cock throbbed deep inside her, he used the pad of his thumb to rub her clit. A tremor of desire went through Colleen with such force it caused her to flinch. The men, concerned for her, paused in their undulations. She murmured something, the sound indistinct because her mouth was filled to overflowing with Franks cock. Another soft, feminine moan drifted to Colleens ears. It took several seconds to be sure that she hadnt made the sound herself. Opening her eyes, she turned her head only slightly. When Frank pushed between her lips, the fleshy crown of his cock pushed against the inside of her cheek. Oh, no! Shes looking at me! So aroused had Colleen become because of her lovers she had completely forgotten that her

friend was still there. In a straight-backed bedside chair, Amanda sat stiffly. Marcs neckerchief was pushed up to her forehead like a bandana, though Colleen suspected that earlier it had been used as a blindfold. What must she think of me? Whatever level of embarrassment Colleen might have felt dissipated quickly. Though she may have had her qualms about sexually performing with an audience of one, Marc and Frank quite obviously didnt share her inhibitions. Frank took a half-step backward, disengaging himself from Colleen. He was now naked from the waist up. Bending, he pulled off one boot and then the other, tossing the footwear away disdainfully. Hurry, my love, Colleen said in a breathy rush of words. I want you in my mouth when...when I She didnt get the chance to finish her sentence because Franks cock was, as she had indicated she wanted, filling her mouth when the first of many orgasms that night hit her. Shivering through powerful contractions, Colleen clung desperately to Marc as he thrust repeatedly into her, his perspiration-moistened torso smacking loudly against her own. It was some time later that, as though from a great distance, Colleen heard a soft, self-muffled feminine sound. She looked across the room to see that Amanda had lifted the hem of her dress and lowered her drawers. She had caressed herself into an orgasm while watching Colleen being

pleasured by her men. Whatever concerns Colleen had about being watched vanished. Chapter Nineteen Now who do you suppose that is? Sheriff Dexter asked his deputy as they stood in the stillsmoldering ruins of what had been Colleens barn. One unlucky bastard, Id say, Deputy Hastings replied. The body was blackened, charred beyond recognition. The clothes had all burned off, as had the facial features. All that remained was a revolver on the ground at the corpses hip, the wooden grips having burned away while the steel cylinder and barrel remained. Theres no way well ever find out who that man was, the deputy said after a moment. Maybe not. The sheriff wrinkled his nose. The scent of death always disturbed him. Seems odd, though, that he should have burned all of Colleens buildings, then somehow got himself caught up in the fire at the very end. Something indistinct at the back of the corpses neck caught the sheriffs attention. He bent over at the waist to get a better look, then squatted, balancing on the balls of his feet for an even closer inspection. Is that a chain around his neck? The sheriffs words came out softly, meant as much for himself as for the deputy. Bruce, find a board, something, anything that I can use to turn over whats left of this guy.

Since nearly everything had been burned, the lawmen were finally forced to use the toes of their boots to roll the corpse onto its back. The front of the corpse, which had not been subject to direct flames like the back, was significantly less charred, though there were still no features to reveal its identity. Its a necklace, the sheriff said, his face twisting in distaste as he picked up a rather large, flame-scarred medallion. And do you know what that looks like? Didnt Ralph Andrews always wear that big silver coin that was to commemorate a pope or something like that? Some saint, I think. But youre right. He always wore it, though he never really struck me as a religious man. The medallion was still warm from the flames as the sheriff rubbed it with his thumb. After several seconds, he had worked away the charring, and what remained of the necklace clearly showed some kind of religious figure sitting in a large chair. This is Ralph, all right. Once the identification was complete, the sheriff wanted to spend as little time beside it as possible. He got to his feet, walking away from the smoking remains of all that was left of Colleens barn. He reached into his pocket for tobacco and papers. So why would Ralph Andrews suddenly become an arsonist? Ralph wasnt what anyone would call an intelligent man. But still, even as stupid as he was, he had to have some reason for doing this. The sheriff lit

his cigarette, and as he exhaled, turned over in his mind the new facts he was presented with. Ralph never did anything until Zachery Singer told him to. Everybody in town knows what kind of a toady Ralph is. What are you getting at? Im saying that if Ralph is here, then Zachery Singer was here, too. He nodded toward the corpse. Now either Ralph got himself accidentally killed inside this barn, or he got killed and then the place got set on fire. I dont know. But one thing I do know is that Zacherys going to have the answer. If Ralph was here, then that slimy snake Zachery Singer had better have a good answer why he was here, too. He spit on the ground. Just speaking certain names put a bad taste in his mouth. Zachery hasnt said a word in town about not knowing where Ralph is. The two spend damned near every day practically joined at the hip. That tells me he knows where Ralph is. **** Wearing Franks massively oversized white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up several times and the tails covering her almost to the knee, Colleen poured Amanda a cup of tea. She said softly, I never intended to fall in love with them. Truly, I hadnt. She set the tea pot down and looked out the hotel room window. A faint breeze played with her hair. I even tried to tell myself that I didnt love them, but it was useless to pretend otherwise. I had fallen deeply, helplessly in love with two men. Knowing it was a foolish thing to do didnt do me a damned bit of

good. And theyve fallen in love with you, too. Amanda took a sip of her tea. They hardly look at me. They only have eyes for you. Colleen watched as Amandas cheeks took on a slightly pink hue. All they wanted was you. Repeatedly. Im sorry you had to see that. The men, despite all their smooth charm and fancy educations, can be quite barbaric at times. Amandas blushed brightened as she replied, Lucky you. Yes. Lucky me. Colleen sipped her tea, then looked over to where Marc and Frank were sitting in chairs in front of the open balcony doors. They were in trousers but wore nothing else. Colleen let her gaze move slowly over their naked chests and shoulders, marveling at the physical beauty that was hers to touch, caress, taste. I know I shouldnt admit to this, but watching them with you was the most exciting thing thats ever happened to me in my whole life. Amanda glanced over at the men, then turned her attention quickly back to Colleen. I didnt know a woman could climax. She nibbled on her lower lips for a moment. Todays been quite an education for me. You never touch yourself? Intimately, I mean. Amanda shook her head. From across the room, Frank called out, Ive ordered the steak dinners for all of us. It should get here in just a little while.

Then Marc said, And theres a shopkeeper wholl be stopping by with clothes for the two of you. Dont worry. Hes the soul of discretion. Colleen merely nodded and thought, Im so in love with those men! Chapter Twenty Colleen awoke slowly, drifting from unconsciousness to consciousness without any jaggededged emotional adjustments needing to be made. It wasnt often she embraced the morning so pleasantly. She was on her stomach, her head on a goose down feather pillow. She was warm, but not uncomfortably so, and nestled between two large male bodies. Even in her sleep-diffused state of mind, she realized instantly were naked bodies. As was hers. Dreamily, she smiled, remembering all the magnificent loving that had occurred the previous day and evening once Frank and Marc had arrived from Golden Valley. It was more loving over a period of eight or ten hours than she had considered possible. As she thought about all the magnificent sensuality that shed indulged in, she felt a twinge in her pussy. The men, with the fortuitous inclusion of a contraceptive sponge to their lovemaking, had been absolutely greedy for her. Sometimes riding her hard and fast for a wild barbarian fuck, and other times they pleasured her slowly and tenderly, making love to her with consummate skill. But there were two of them, both magnificently virile, and only one of her. The odds and nature

were against her. Even though the men aroused her beyond her wildest expectations, her pussy, as she awoke, was pulsing gently, the sensation hinting discomfortingly at a long evenings excessive use. It was a silent reminder of the magnificent hours in which she had so rapturously indulged. Today, if she was going to satisfy the desires of her lusty men, shed have to be creative. She blinked, sliding into full consciousness, and thought what an exquisite problem to wake up to. The sun was up and appeared to have been for several hours. Through the open balcony doors a pleasant morning breeze wafted through the hotel suite, touching her exposed shoulders and face. Colleen had Frank on her right. He was sleeping on his back, and he was snoring softly with his face turned away from her. His broad-palmed hand was resting lightly but possessively on her naked bottom. Marc was to her left. He was sleeping on his stomach, his face toward her, his long black hair a splash of darkness over his face and the whiteness of the pillow. In sleep, he appeared without a care in the world. Moving very slowly, so as to not disturb her bedmates, Colleen eased her elbows beneath her, raising only her head and shoulders. She looked around the suite. Amanda was sleeping on the divan beneath a comforter that appeared to Colleen to be too warm. She was naked, and the

comforter was pushed down to nearly her waist, exposing her breasts. Last night was an education for my virgin friend, thought Colleen as she remembered all the wild sensuality she had indulged in with Marc and Frank while being only a couple feet away from Amanda. She enjoyed watchingand I enjoyed being watched. She looked to her right and left. Could there be any better life, she asked herself, than endlessly waking up between Marc and Frank after a night of magnificent lovemaking? In sleep, both men appeared relaxed, calm. And, she hoped, satisfied. Sexually and otherwise. Marc groaned, blinked several times, then rolled over onto his back to look up and over at Colleen. Good morning, he mumbled, combing his hair back away from his eyes. Stifling an overpowering urge to kiss him, Colleen said instead, Shhh! Franks still sleeping. Go back to sleep. Marc mumbled something too indistinct to be understood, closed his eyes, and was sleeping again within seconds. Colleen crawled toward the headboard to get out from beneath the blankets without disturbing her bedmates, then got to her feet, stepped over Frank, and lightly stepped down onto the hotels floor. She went to the small chamber room off her hotel suite. There was a porcelain chamber pot inside an ornately carved and highly polished oak stand,

a pitcher and basin, and several cotton towels that were among the thickest that Colleen had ever experienced. She took her time with the sponge bath. When she was finished, her hair was brushed back and held in place with an assortment of pins. She knew Marc and Frank would soon make an absolute total mess of her coiffure, but that was fine with her. She enjoyed the process of getting messed up, and they seemed to thrill in it, too. She took the contraceptive sponge and saturated it with olive oil, then inserted it properly. Lastly, she put the slick olive oil on the pads of her first two fingers and lubricated herself. The men wanted to take possession of her ass, just as they had taken possession over every other part of her body. So far she had denied them that, but this morning would be different. She had only one orifice they hadnt pleasured thoroughly, and by the afternoon, she would have none. A shiver went through Colleen. Though she had let Allen take his pleasure there, his cock was puny compared to what Marc and Frank possessed. In this instance most particularly, size mattered. Stepping back into the bedroom, Colleen felt her heart quicken. Her palms were clammy. It was so much easier, she now realized, being seduced than being the seducer. She liked it when Marc or Frank, or both of them together, simply took dominating control of the situation. Glancing at Amanda, she was glad her friend was still asleep, though she suspected she

wouldnt be sleeping long. Her men were magnificent lovers. They just werent very quiet ones. And Colleen herself had been known let out a fullthroated cry of ecstasy at the moment of orgasm. She went to the foot of the bed and, as quietly as possible, climbed over it so that she was kneeling on the bed between Marc and Frank. She looked down at her own nipples and wasnt at all surprised to see that they were tight, blunt-tipped. She touched the left one with a fingertip. What seemed like a tiny electrical charge went through her, tingling along from one nipple to the other. Just thinking about my men makes my body respond. She took the blankets in her hand and, very slowly, began to pull them down, exposing two powerful chests. By the time shed dragged the blanket down to their stomachs, Marc and Frank were awake but not entirely cognizant of what Colleens intentions were. She lowered the blankets just enough to expose their cocks. When she took them into her hands, any confusion the men might have had vanished. Weve got to be quiet, Colleen said in a whisper. Her heart was pounding against her ribs, and the cocks in her hands were growing rapidly. Amandas still sleeping. Shell be angry if she sleeps through this, Marc explained, sitting up in the bed and putting his arms behind him to remain propped up. With the single exception of the solid erection filling

Colleens hand, Marcs posture appeared entirely casual. She likes watching us. Someday shes going to pick herself a man, and hes going to be one lucky fella, Frank said. But the picking is going to be hers to choose. Im not letting her father make the decision. Seems like Sheriff Dixon isnt going to let him make the decision, either. You saw what her fathers face looked like after Dixon lit into him. Colleen had by now worked both men into complete erections. She wasnt certain she enjoyed that casual banter while she stroked them. Shouldnt they be paying her a little more attention? You dont suppose the sheriffs got an eye for Amanda, do you? Frank asked Colleen. How can you think of that when Im naked in bed with you, stroking your cock? Colleens mood was swiftly turning prickly. She liked being the center of their attention and was suddenly not certain she appreciated Amandas intrusion into her intimate world. Its just that now that Marc and I have finally found the woman we love, it seems a shame that someone as sweet as Amanda Holloway shouldnt get so lucky, too. Colleens annoyance vanished. You get away with too much, she said as she leaned to the side and kissed him on the mouth. You could talk your way out of anything. She nibbled lightly on his lips, the kiss soft and tender, more emotional than fierce. Her hands

continued to stroke smoothly on twin erections as masculine fingertips slithered over the contours of her body. By the time she finally turned away from Frank and leaned toward Marc, the lips of her cunt were wet with the juices of her desire. When she pressed her mouth to Marcs, his tongue instantly explored more deeply. Each passing second caused the sensual heat to rise, the flames of passion flickering higher and higher. This time Ive got something special for you, Colleen whispered as she kissed Marcs collarbone, then flicked the tip of her tongue against his nipple. Youre going to like it. She chuckled softly, licking down his stomach. No, youre going to love it! A half-formed question drifted out from between Marcs lips, the words cut off as Colleen pushed her lips over the crown of his cock, then swirled her tongue against the sensitive slit in the tip. While he may have been in a casual sprawl earlier, his body was rigid now. Even with Marcs cock filling her mouth, Colleen smiled. Everyones attention was now focused solely upon her, and that was just the way she liked it. Nodding up and down, she took Marc in until the cocks spongy crown was firmly pressed against the back of her mouth. Then she paused, rotating around him for several seconds before making the slow reverse journey. Dont forget about me, Frank said. Colleen sat upright, and her breasts swayed briefly, drawing the gazes of her men.

Forget you, Frank? I could never do that. Now, you two, sit closer togetherhip to hip. The men did as they were told. Colleen straddled their inside legs, and when she leaned down, her sensitive, swaying breasts rubbed against their thighs, sending tingles coursing through her veins. We cant make this a marathon, like last night. My bodys just not up to it. Maybe it would be better if we just stopped right now. Colleen looked into Franks eyes and said, Youre always the thoughtful one, the one willing to sacrifice. No, were not going to stop. If I dont feel you inside me Ill feel Ive been deprived of something truly magical. Youve just got to climax quickly, thats all. In that case, Frank said, smiling wolfishly as he put a broad palm on Colleens head, keep doing what youre doing. Youre lips are heaven sent. Sitting upright again, Colleens eyes were glassy with desire. I want you men. Ive got the sponge in, Frank, so you wont have to pull out. And Marc...youve wanted me from behind. YouveI know youve wanted my ass. Well, this morning its all yours. It might hurt. It will hurt. She straddled Franks thighs with her knees. But I need to do it. She rubbed the crown of his cock up and down over the lips of her pussy, then lowered her hips. Franks hard flesh forced the lips of her cunt to separate. Colleen tossed her head back, sending her hair flying, as she sighed, I feel complete when I have you inside me. She put her hands on his chest, her

eyes still closed. I want both of you inside me. Inside metogether. So close to each other, separated only by me. Thats what I want to feel. Marc rose. As Colleen dropped onto Frank, fully impaling herself on his cock so that her pussy lips were surrounding the very base of his shaft, she greedily reached out for Marc, who was now fortuitously at face-level to her. Its wicked to say this aloud, but I love your cock, Colleen whispered a moment before sucking Marcs erection as deeply into her mouth as she could. She bounced on Frank for a while, then lifted up on her knees so that he could be the one to move his hips beneath her. Stay up in that position, Marc said as he got down on his knees behind Colleen. Stay just like that so we both can move. On her hands and knees, with her breasts rubbing against Franks broad chest, Colleen thought, I hope I can take it. But theyre both so big. A moment later, they were both inside her. While holding just the crown of Franks erection in her pussy, she felt Marcs cock pressing against her ass. He nudged her several times, and unconsciously she tightened up in reaction. Try to relax, Marc said. Itll be easier for you. Colleen rocked backward as though trying to impale herself upon his rigid cock. Just do it, Marc. Now. She felt his hands on the curve of her hips tighten. A moment later, despite the resistance she

put forward, she experienced the long, hard slide of his cock as it was thrust between her cheeks. Clenching her teeth and squeezing her eyes tightly shut, Colleen felt the two men moving, impaling her, advancing and retreating so close to each other. Beneath her, Frank thrust upward as he filled her pussy. Behind her, Marc spread the cheeks of her bottom wide as he plunged deep into her ass. She had never felt so possessed by these men as she did just then. To feel them filling her cunt and ass, to hear their harsh cries of ecstasy as they pummeled her fore and aft, to sense their unrefined hunger for her body and soul, gave Colleen the most complete sense of desirability shed ever known. She did not climax, but the men did, and quickly. Frank was still groaning, trying to shove himself ever deeper into Colleens pussy, when Marcs hips slapped against her buns and his balls released their creamy cum. Afterward, sweaty from their labors, Colleen slumped onto Frank. CCome down...here, Marc, she said between deep gulps of air. I want to feel your chest against my back. When he did as instructed, Colleen smiled. Literally pressed between her men, with them softening but still in her body, she felt complete, whole. Youre mine now. Mine. Youre mine as much as Im yours, she whispered. In unison, the men replied, Forever.

On the sofa across the room, the sound of soft snoring signaled that Amanda had slept through the mornings activities. **** The knock at the hotel room door a short while later made Marc flinch. He looked at Frank, and together they went to the door. Knuckles stood in the hallway, holding a note from the telegraph office. Telegram for you, sir, the big bodyguard said, handing over the single sheet of paper. Marc read the telegram and felt the blood run cold in his veins. Whats it say? Frank prompted. Its from Sheriff Dixon. They found Ralphs body in the rubble of the barn. Recognized it by the big medallion he wore around his neck. If Ralph was involved, then Zachery was involved. Only Zacherys in town acting like theres nothing unusual, and he hasnt been asking for the whereabouts of his friend. Looks like were going back to Golden Valley right away. Colleen stepped up and said, Im going with you. No, youre not, the men said in unison. Those bastards burned everything Ive ever owned. If Zachery was behind it, then I want to see that justice is done. Marc looked up into Franks eyes and said quietly, How did we ever fall in love with such a stubborn woman? Chapter Twenty-One

Zachery leaned back against the headboard, looked at the woman on her knees between his legs as she pumped her fist methodically on his limp cock and said, Youre not doing it right. Am so! the young prostitute snapped back. Ive jerked off a thousand men in my life. When I touch a cock, it gets hard. That is, with everyone cept you! I ought to put my foot right in your mouth. Maybe youd like me to suck you some, huh? Yeah. Id like that. Thats an extra three dollars. You goddamned greedy whore! Ive already given you five, and all the other whores are just three or four dollars! His eyes narrowed on the petite woman with the angelic smile and empty heart. What the hell makes you think youre so special? The men who pay me. She released Zacherys flaccid cock, which fell lifeless between his thighs. And until now, I always earned my money. And youd better earn your money with me, or Ill see to it Rosie throws your ass out of here. He had expected the young prostitute to show at least some semblance of fear. Instead, she just smiled. Rosie wont throw me out. Her slender, arched eyebrows lifted for a moment. In fact, youre lucky she let you have me tonight. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. She likes me for herself. She pays me double what I make with you men that come here. Youd do a woman? Rosie aint exactly slender. The young prostitute flipped Zacherys eminently flexible cock with a forefinger. And you aint

exactly hard. Stop and think about this. How much difference is there between a slender, young man and a fat, old woman? Neither one of you have anything hard. Zachery wanted to kick the girl in the face, but the agonizing truth of her words burned in his stomach like an acid, and the pain it caused was such that for a moment he doubled over, hugging himself with his arms. This reaction was only momentary. Almost the instant the wave of self-revulsion swept over him, Zacherys sense of self-worth kicked in. When hed been insulted by his best friend, Zachery had taught Ralph just exactly how suicidal it was to openly insult him. He was about to teach this little slut the error of her ways. Zachery brought his knee up to his chest and was about to smash his heel into the girls nose when the bordello rooms door turned into kindling and splattered across the room. The sound of splintering wood filled the small room. Zachery recoiled, fury instantly giving way to a primordial fear that went to the marrow of his bones. The first man into the room was Frank Bishop, his big shoulders having made little work of the door and much of the doorframe. He was stumbling slightly, having used all his energy to take the door almost completely off its hinges. Behind Frank were Sheriff Dixon and Marc, the two literally squeezing through the doorway simultaneously, each with the Colt revolver in his hand and righteous fury in his eyes.

A scream started in Zacherys chest, but it never quite made it out of his mouth. While the sheriff reached for Zacherys throat with his free hand, Marc lashed out with his left fist. Zacherys foot was still frozen in midair, ready to launch at the prostitutes nose, when Marcs fist connected with his left cheek, just beneath the eye. Zacherys head snapped backward, and he was unconscious before his naked body tumbled to the floor. **** Golden Valley, Montana And hes really as rich as you say he is? Samantha Marks asked in a hushed voice, leaning closer to Amanda. And as protective of her as you say? Make no mistake, Amanda Holloway replied, keeping her voice low so that attendees of the West Montana Cattlemans Association autumn ball couldnt hear her, hes every bit as protective as I say. But still...Colleen OMalley? Samantha wouldnt be easily convinced that Colleen had a rich protector willing to lavish her with expensive jewels and gifts and take any steps necessary to see that she wasnt the object of societys scornful gossip. You must tell me everything. But I thought youd already heard. You never know what Ive missed, and I insist on hearing everything. Samantha was accustomed to bullying her servants, but she wasnt against bribery if it got her what she wanted. I can make it worth your while. The other ladies say that nobody knows her as well as you do.

Her protector is a married man, Amanda said, her brows lifting briefly as she began the story that Colleen, Marc, and Frank had all agreed would serve a very precise purpose. But its a loveless marriage, one that was arranged for him by his parents. He didnt have any choice, so you really cant blame him for falling in love with Colleen. Hes worth several fortunes in mining gold and silver, as well as cattle and railroads. He has various business arrangements with Marc and Frank, and theyre to see that no other man comes courting her. Thats the reason you see those two scoundrels with her so often in town. Samantha Marks nodded thoughtfully, muttering, Marc and Frank are the best scoundrels this world has never seen. Amanda could almost see the workings of her mind as she tried to make rational sense of Colleen OMalley going from social pariah to an invited member of Golden Valleys most exclusive gatherings in, literally, a matter of weeks. Anyway, in Virginia City some man said some nasty things about Colleen, calling her a kept woman and vulgar things like that. Well, isnt she? Samantha inquired softly. Maybe she is, and maybe she isnt. But it took just a month for Colleens benefactor to drive the gossipmonger into ruin. And once he did, once hed stripped him of every penny hed ever made, his son committed suicide. There was nothing left. Hed ruined the entire family financially and socially.

Oh. It was a very soft sound that came from Samantha. She looked directly into Amandas eyes and whispered, He destroyed the entire family just for saying some nasty things about some Irish mistress who... Samanthas words died away, and Amanda did all she could to keep from smiling. As had been planned, Samantha Marks would tell all the right people in Golden Valley the story of how Colleen OMalley was fiercely protected and mustnt be libeled, and those people would tell everyone else. Colleen OMalley might be a kept woman, but she was damned sure a protected woman. Anyone besmirching her reputation ran the risk of being destroyed in the only two ways that mattered to the newly rich in Montanas flourishing gold towns, financially and socially. The real fact was the family that Amanda had been obliquely alluding to had actually selfdestructed due to being owners of a bank. Several of the banks key officers, all family members, were about to be arrested for embezzling shareholder funds. The familys financial ruin had happened months earlier, though only a handful of people knew this, and Marc and Frank intended to make sure that that elite group of people didnt grow in numbers. The suicides had nothing to do with threats from Colleens imaginary married lover, but from the very real fear of being dragged through court and then legally dropped from the end of a rope in Virginia Citys town square.

Even an embezzler found it more dignified to hang himself that be publically executed. Amanda turned away from Samantha, secure in her knowledge that before the evening was over, everyone in Golden Valley would think twice about commenting nastily upon Colleen OMalleys sudden wealth and social acceptance. On the dance floor, Colleen was spinning gracefully in a waltz with Marc. Frank was standing at the edge of the dance floor, waiting with obvious impatience for his turn to dance with her. Though Colleen was stunning in her white silk gown, there were no other men besides Frank waiting to dance with her. The word was out. She was spoken for. Her dance card was full. Frank and Marc, on the behest of their business associate, were to see to it that the voluptuous woman with the flaming hair and vibrant spirit did not have any suitors. Shes so lucky, thought Amanda as she started to stack tea cups onto a tray. I hope someday I can fall in love like that. She heard a man clear his throat. It was the kind of sound intended to draw attention. Turning, she found herself facing Sheriff Dixon and Deputy Hastings. The men were holding their hats. Amanda was aware that it was one of the few times shed ever seen either of them without his hat. Evening, Miss Holloway, Sheriff Dixon said. I was wondering if you wouldnt mind stepping outside for a moment. There...um...theres something Id like to discuss with you.

Actually, the deputy said without delay, theres something the two of us would like to discuss. THE END Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com__