Comanche Haven (The Loflin Legacy: Book 1) Page 26

  “We’ll be back soon.” Settling his Stetson on his head, he looked over at his brother. “Ty, keep a close eye out.” With that, he turned and disappeared behind Charles.

  Chapter 11

  Standing For the Innocent

  Children ran laughing and shouting alongside the stage.

  The Wells Fargo Whip called out the stop. “Tyler. Thirty minute stop. Don’t be late.” Jumping nimbly down from the seat, the whip opened the door of the stage and settled a set of wooden steps under it.

  “She’s very beautiful – your new wife.” Charles smiled with mischief dancing in his dark brown eyes.

  Seth noted Charles rocked back and forth on his heels, an action he knew meant Charles was up to mischief. He cut Charles a stoic look. “Yes, she is very beautiful. It would be nice if this all worked out.” He watched the pedestrians as he spoke, the whole while stroking the hammer of his gun.

  “It would be a shame if anything happened to her.” Charles cut his companion an empathetic look.

  Seth was having none of Charles’ bating. “Nothing’s going to happen to her. She’s with me and that’s all anybody needs to know. She’s mine.”

  “Oh absolutely.” Charles nodded for his friend’s benefit. “Just remember your part in this little drama and everything will turn out fine. You’ll see.” Charles met his friend’s steady eyes head on and winked mockingly before turning his attention to the man getting out of the stage.

  Seth mulled over Charles’s comments and could only deduce that his friend was pleased with his little part in this charade. Surely, Charles wasn’t poking fun at the situation.

  He cut his friend a sidelong glance as Charles sought out the representative from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It hadn’t escaped him that Charles had pulled some strings to get the man to Tyler on such quick notice. He knew the bureaucracy involved in requesting a government agent to travel to a remote location and investigate Indian troubles. “Thanks for contacting the agent and getting him out here so quickly,” Seth interjected as they waited for the man to clear the steps.

  “No thanks necessary.” Charles’ eyes focused on the man disembarking the dusty conveyance. “Ah, this must be him now.”

  He resembled a crumpled piece of brown paper that someone decided to unfold as he tried to smooth his vest back into place. The suit he wore was nutmeg-brown, nearly the color of his skin. He wore the same regal expression Celia was want to present Seth with more times than not. The man was Comanche, no doubt, evident in the prominent nose set in a square face with high cheekbones. He wore his dark hair tied in a thong under his dark brown derby. From eyes as black as coal, he sought out Seth and Charles. Though obviously travel worn, he moved with authority when he deduced who they were. Extending his hand in a firm shake, the Indian representative greeted them both.

  “Mr. White-Hawk, I’m Charles Harrison. I appreciate you coming all this way to see us.”

  “No thanks necessary, Mr. Charles, it’s my job.” His keen eyes never left Charles’.

  Seth couldn’t help sizing up the agent and found that he liked the determined, straight forward attitude White-Hawk displayed so readily.

  Making the introductions, Charles extended his hand toward Seth. “This is Seth Loflin. His wife is the woman I wired you about.”

  Nodding, White-Hawk shook Seth’s hand. “I’d like the opportunity to see the evidence you have to show me as well as speak with Mrs. Loflin if that’s possible.”

  “Absolutely, my wife and I are grateful to you for coming all this way.”

  White-Hawk smiled and bowed stoically. “As I said before, it is my job. Please, may we go?”

  Gathering the agent’s bags, they made their way back to Charles’ office.

  “I understand that we may have multiple murders on our hands.” White-Hawk said and Charles went about describing the situation while they walked.

  As Seth listened to Charles explain, he considered White-Hawk’s eyes and found that his name fit him perfectly. Those hawk-like eyes sought Seth out as he listened to the problem they faced.

  Back at the office, Charles made the introductions. “Mrs. Loflin, this is Mr. White-Hawk, the Indian agent I contacted.”

  “Mr. White-Hawk, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She offered her hand.

  The agent took it and bowed out of respect for her Indian heritage. “The pleasure is mine Mrs. Loflin. But, please, call me Hawk.”

  “I appreciate you’re coming here, Hawk.”

  “You’re more than welcome. I am glad to be of service. This is my first trip to Texas and the trip was interesting. I am part Comanche myself.” He said something in his native tongue.

  She answered in kind and smiled warmly.

  Seth found the exchange bothered him. He stared hard at White-Hawk. The man hadn’t been in their company more than five minutes and he was already flirting with Seth’s wife. Agreement, be damned, he’d have none of it. He was too bold for Seth’s liking. With a silent oath, he turned in the direction of Charles’ kitchen with the excuse of finding something stronger than coffee.

  Before he was able to reach the kitchen, Celia’s sweeter than necessary voice called to him. “Darling, would you get Mr. Hawk a whiskey? I fear the trip has beaten the poor man to pieces.”

  She smiled so sweetly at Hawk Seth swore she dripped sugar from her fingertips. A small rumble built in his throat. If he didn’t throttle her, he’d certainly tan her hide when he got back to the hotel with her. She would think twice before tempting him with first his best friend and now a perfect stranger. With the image of her thrown across his knee, he disappeared into the kitchen wondering what cutlery Charles had in his cabinet drawers.

  The agent seated himself on the opposite side of the ladies and wasted no time getting down to business. “Now I understand that there have been threats made by the Texas Rangers against you. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, I wasn’t present at the time, but from what Seth told me, Mr. Brannon would take me by force if necessary. He seems to think I can lead him to my cousin, Red Bear.”

  “And can you?” Hawk asked pointedly.

  “Since I am half-Comanche, Mr. Brannon feels confident that I will do as ordered, but I have no solid idea where my cousin is presently camping. He could be anywhere.” Celia waved her hand, demonstrating the vast area of wilderness surrounding the small town.

  The Indian agent pursed his mouth and shook his head briefly. “The Rangers power is far reaching, but not beyond the limit of the law. The most he could do if you refused is send you to a reservation. It’s not within his power to use you as a guide or scout without your permission. Mr. Charles tells me that you’ve recently married.” Hawk looked from Celia to Seth. “My congratulations.” Hawk inclined his head.

  Her face was all polish and manners. “Thank you, sir.” She smiled warmly for the agent and caught Seth’s heated glare when he offered Hawk his drink.

  The agent continued, “This will forestall any legal attempts by Mr. Brannon. Now all we have to do is make sure he doesn’t do something illegal, like kidnapping you. I’ll file a formal injunction on your behalf, Mrs. Loflin.” Turning then to include Seth, he continued, “I’m prepared to file a report concerning the murders of Mrs. Loflins’ father and her people as well.” His dark gaze returned to her. “The wheels of justice move slow, but they do move. I’ll do everything within my power to see that you are safe and justice is served.”

  “Please call me Celia.” She batted her eyes for the agent.

  Seth actually felt the pressure building in his skull. He could have blown a cork at that point. Still, he stood aside and fumed to himself. Patience, boyo, patience, he reminded himself. The image of her thrown across his knee materialized in his mind again.

  At the agent’s suggestion, Celia and Seth gave a formal statement concerning the murders. “I’ll file your statements with my report for the sheriff and my office in New Orleans. When the federal office in New Orleans receives my rep
ort, a team of investigators will be sent to assist in the search for those responsible.” He looked consolingly at her as he covered her hand with his. “It’s just going to take time.”

  Seth stepped close. With a possessive hand on her shoulder, he reached down and took his wife’s other hand in his. “We’ve had a long day and I’m sure my wife is tired. I’d like to take her back to the hotel now.” With a stony eye for the agent, Seth got her to her feet.

  “Certainly. I have to stop by the Sheriff’s office and interview him as well. Afterward, I’ll get a room at the hotel.” Hawk stepped to the hat rack and taking his derby, placed it solidly on his head. He paused a moment as if in concentration. “Mr. Loflin, do you feel confident that you can protect your wife under these circumstances?”

  “Yes, she will be safe.” Seth looked at Celia when she turned questioning eyes toward him. “She’ll be safe until we can get this mess straightened out.”

  “All right then, I’ll bid you good day.”

  “Wait.”

  Seth glanced at his wife. Curious, when she looked back at him.

  “I’d appreciate it if you’d get someone to come and get Mr. Hawk’s bags, dear. It would be discourteous of us not to see to a room for our guest.” She turned brilliant green eyes on her husband and smiled that sweet smile.

  He recognized her ploy immediately. Her smile was as disarming as having a gun pointed at your heart and twice as potent.

  “You’ll stay with us, Hawk.”

  Several unkind words came to mind. He would have a few of them with his wife when they got back to the hotel. “Of course…”

  “That’s very kind of you. Your hospitality is most generous, Mrs. Loflin.” Hawk touched two fingers to the brim of his derby.

  “Please, Mr. Hawk, think of it as our way of saying thank you for your help.”

  “That’s very gracious of you, Mr. Loflin.” Hawk reached out a hand to shake Seth’s.

  ***

  When the door to their room at the inn closed behind them, Seth went straight to the whiskey decanter.

  “I thought Mr. White-Hawk was a very informed professional. Didn’t you?” Celia remained near the door and removed her gloves.

  Without a glance in her direction, he drained the contents of the glass before pouring another. “Professional, right!” He threw back the contents and winced only slightly enjoying the burn as the bourbon went down. “What I enjoyed was how charming you were, darlin. That was quite a performance you put on over at Charles’ office.” Seth punctuated his statement with a finger in her direction.

  Celia turned slowly. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She fisted her hands on her hips and simply stared balefully at him.

  “Oh, don’t play coy with me, darlin’. You knew exactly what you were doing. Get me out in public where I can’t do anything and put on a show for everyone. Isn’t that right?” He yanked at the collar of his shirt and then threw his Stetson into the settee.

  “Put on a show. Well, of all the nerve. I thought we had an agreement. Don’t you want me to put on a show?” Celia flung her own hat before disappearing behind the dressing screen. “This was your idea to begin with. You’ve got no right to question me about the agreement or how I perform in public.” Yanking at her dress, Seth heard her mumble something behind the screen before her petticoat went flying.

  “I never said you had to flirt with every man you met.” He tugged at his belt and slapped it on the side-table. “You were positively…forward!” He dropped into a chair and began undoing his shirt.

  “Forward!” Celia stomped out from behind the screen in nothing but her chemise and pantalets. The corset that cinched her already trim waist made Seth ache to snip the laces with his pocketknife. Wondering what her reaction would be, he almost missed her next statement. “You’ve got a lot of nerve saying that. I was being a genteel hostess. Nothing more!”

  “Genteel hostess, my ass! You had me cornered and you were playing it for all you were worth, woman.” He stomped across the room to stand in front of her.

  Her breath was coming in great gasps. “You, sir, are despicable!” She wheeled then to return to her toiletry.

  Seth was through throwing barbs. He grabbed her by the elbow and turned her toward him. “You need to learn some respect.” He shoved her backward toward the bed.

  “Get your hands off me.” The look of shock on her beautiful face had him almost believing her act. She was no match for his strength, though she struggled.

  Seth drove her backward until her derriere was within steps of the feather mattress. With a low growl, he lifted her and threw her onto the bed.

  Celia bounced once before landing. She gathered her legs under her and rolled to the opposite side of the bed. With her feet soundlessly on the floor, she calculated her next move but forgot not to glance in that direction. He watched her like he would a calf. Cutting her out of the herd was second nature to him, so when she fanned left and then lunging right, the cowboy in him was momentarily surprised when his wife managed to barely clear his grasp. “I will not supplicate under such a harsh task master, Mr. Loflin.” Dark hair flying as she raced to the cover of the privacy screen, Celia clutched at her chest to gather her breath. With a desperate snatch, she slid first one and then another arm into her robe and peeked around the screen.

  He watched her like a stalker as he came up behind her and she couldn’t contain the screech when his hands grabbed the sleeve of the filmy robe. The material rent rapidly as she left the now invaded protection of the screen for the large, welcoming covers of the four-poster. With the duvet up to her nose, she pulled her knees up to her chest protectively and waited.

  His next move had her losing her breath. Seth took a running start and leapt upon the bed with such force, Celia feared he might pound her into the mattress.

  Ropes strained and the bed frame sang with the effort to remain intact. His eyes were molten blue blazing with the same expression she’d seen in them that night in the alley. He’d landed atop her like a panther atop its prey. She burrowed deep in the soft folds of the mattress.

  “Mine!” He growled the one word into the cool night air. “You are mine. I will have what’s mine, is that clear?”

  Celia couldn’t stop the trembling that gripped her. Control had shifted and she couldn’t fathom how.

  His eyes bore into her. “I will have what’s mine when and how I want.” With that proclamation, he took her mouth in a savage, possessive kiss meant to brand her. Rough and without regard, he took her lips and bit, sucked and devoured as he claimed her. “Time hasn’t changed one thing.” His voice was a hoarse rasp. “You are mine and always will be.”

  Warmth bloomed deep inside Celia. Her arms came up and around his neck encircling him in her hold. “Am I?”

  “Hell, yes. You know that. You have to know that.” His head came up a fraction and his eyes bore into her. “Celia…” His hair fell forward framing his face as he took her mouth again.

  Taking her chin in his fingers much as he’d done the first time they met, Seth cradled her face and stared into her eyes as something serious came into his. “Do you know how you steal my sleep? How many hours I lay awake wondering if you will be here in the morning or gone like the night birds at dawn? How the very thought of losing you would kill me?” He ran his free hand down her arm and gathered her closer as he explained.

  There was a yearning to reassure him. It came on unexpected and gave her a moment’s tribulation. Staring into the face that had become familiar to her now, Celia realized suddenly that this man she knew so little about, and yet needed like breath, was unequivocally hers. He was reaffirming that she had a home here and a purpose as his wife. She smiled up at him then.

  Seth took her solidly in his arms. He closed his eyes and breathed her in. “Celia, I’ve made a mistake,” he admitted gently. “I should’ve been honest and told you the real reason I married you.”

  She tensed and started to shove back. All her senses w
ent on alert. “What do you mean the real reason?”

  “I mean I should’ve told you the truth about my plan.”

  With apprehension riding high, she watched him. Celia’s mouth had gone bone dry.

  “I know when we were in Charles’s office Charles explained our arrangement as strictly business. But what he couldn’t tell you was that I was lying to everybody.”

  Celia’s breath caught. “Lying?” She dreaded his next words.

  “I wanted the chance to be near you. More than that, I wanted you. I have since I first laid eyes on you in Tyler that day you got off the stage.” He watched her face. “It’s true, that in the beginning, a part of me wanted to hurt you. But now, I want the chance to…” He searched her face. “I want the chance to be a real husband to you.”

  Celia stilled. His words, spoken with such desire and sincerity made Celia tremble.

  “Can you give me that chance?”

  Joy rushed up and swamped her. She could only smile at him as he waited. Finally, Celia found her voice. “Yes, Mr. Loflin, I can.”

  Smiling, he leaned in and tasted her lips that were bruised and pink with his ardent attention. “You are real.” He said it with some astonishment mixed with satisfaction. “The nights I’ve dreamt about holding you are over. You’re here,” he said in wonderment. Burying his head in the nap of her neck, he inhaled her scent and let the silk of her hair caress his skin. A soft moan left her mouth as he searched out the spot just behind her earlobe to flick his tongue over gently. She turned into him and took his mouth with hers in a wanton kiss. Mindless of everything but her, He tasted her need in the urgent way she sought his tongue for her pleasure.

  “I want to hear the words,” he told her as he rose up to look into her brilliant green eyes. “I want to hear you say that you want me. I won’t take you by force, though after that night in the alley, I believe you consider me a rough.” He settled on an elbow to allow her the time to answer him. Watching the pulse beat in her neck, he fought the internal battle to control his lust until he had her proclamation.