Rachel Donnelly by Lady Broke Read Free Book Online Page B

never heard tell of that.”
    She let out the air she’d been holding in a loud whoosh, then hiccupped all the louder.
    “Here.” He handed her his canteen. “Take a drink.”
    She did.
    She handed back the canteen, then hiccupped again.
    He took her by the shoulders, turning her in the saddle. Before she could protest, he’d drawn her tight against him. A second later, his mouth was covering hers.
    The gentle pressure of his smooth lips held her spellbound. She was too startled to think. A sweet sensation of pleasure shot through her like a bullet. A slow heat uncurled deep inside her belly. Sparks like tiny fireflies licked over her skin. The longer the kiss lasted the more befuddled she became.
    Then he lifted his head.
    It was over.
    She felt bereft without the exquisite feel of his lips — strangely shattered.
    It took a moment to restore her equilibrium, and another full moment to realize her hiccups were gone.
    “Mr. Randall!”
    “No need to thank me, ma’am.” He chuckled. “My pleasure.”
    “Thank you!” she said with a sputter. “I’ll thank you to keep your hands to yourself!”
    “Just trying to help.” Humor edged his words, as though he’d taken special pleasure in shocking her.
    Christie raised her hand to end his cocky mood.
    He grabbed it before it reached his face. “Now you don’t want to go and do that.”
    “Oh yes I do!”
    “Are you sure?” He said in a gentle but firm tone. “How do you know I won’t slap you right back?”
    Christie gasped. “Then you are no gentleman, sir!”
    He chuckled. “No, ma’am, I’m not. You best remember that.”
    She jerked herself free, though her hand still itched to connect with his cheek. But she didn’t relish a long trek home in the dark, nor did she trust him not to carry out his threat. He seemed to delight in galling her.
    Her back remained stiff with indignation as he steered Diablo from the water’s edge.
    The rest of their journey passed in silence, giving her time to fret and brood.
    No man had ever kissed her like that. Not even Robby. His kisses were sweet and gentle, not demanding or inflaming. They seemed chaste when compared to Nat Randall’s. His kiss had been more like an assault — like riding a bolt of lightning or flying down a wild river in a boat with no paddle.
    Everything about him seemed wild. He wasn’t like any other man she’d met. Perhaps that was why he intrigued her — excited her, even.
    Which had to be very wrong.
    Heavens!
    She shouldn’t have allowed him to kiss her. She’d betrayed Robby’s trust. Not purposely, but betrayed it just the same.
    There was no promise between her and Robby. But she felt certain there would be, if she wished it. In fact, she was counting on it. If worse came to worst, he’d surely save her. They’d always been fast friends.
    And she didn’t want anything on her conscience if that important moment finally came. Robby was the only thing standing between her and her father’s plans. Not that he need ever know about Randall kissing her. After all, it had been done for medicinal reasons, to end her hiccupping. It didn’t mean a thing.
    It was only a kiss.
    Of no consequence.
    None at all.

CHAPTER FOUR
    “Something piss in your coffee?”
    Nat slashed Holt a dark look from where he stood by the fire. He wasn’t in the mood for conversation. They should have been saddled up by now! The dim light of dawn was edging over the horizon. But Nat answered just the same. “The way you make coffee, it’s hard to tell.”
    Holt didn’t spare him a glance; he just kept tying his bedroll. “Fine thanks I get for making your breakfast.”
    “You’ll make somebody a good wife some day.”
    “Ungrateful bastard,” Holt muttered as he rose to his feet.
    Nat chuckled at his sulky tone. “No, you’re the bastard, remember. I’m the prodigal son who’s been disowned.”
    “Well, if you weren’t such a bastard,” Holt threw over his shoulder on the way to his horse.