“No,” she answered, folding the drying cloth and placing it on the table. “But I’m a quick study. You could be my teacher.”

  He let out a harsh breath. There were many things he’d love to teach her, and chess wasn’t even in the top ten. Nevertheless… “I’d love to. Come on over and I’ll set up the board.”

  Over the next few hours, Jolie had never laughed so much in her life.

  Austin gazed at her with narrowed eyes. “You lied to me.”

  “I did.” She moved her queen next to his king. “Checkmate.”

  “Who taught you to play?” He was hypnotized by her vibrant beauty. Even in the midst of the storm, when she smiled, birds sang.

  “My father.” Her face grew solemn. “He was a very smart man. His name was John Belmont.”

  The niggle of a thought moved through his brain. The name sounded familiar. He was about to ask her to tell him more when a bolt of lightning hit so hard just outside the cabin that she sprang up and jumped on the bed. Austin laughed. “You’re safe. Sandy and I are here.”

  “I know; it just makes me nervous.”

  “I guess it is time for bed.”

  As he saw to things, she rose and got ready for sleep also. Returning to the bed, she wiggled around until she was beneath the covers, careful to maintain the integrity of the line of pillows stacked between her side of the bed and his. When she’d finished arranging herself, Jolie noticed Austin hadn’t put out the light and he was undressing. Unabashedly fascinated, she watched the play of the muscles of his back beneath his skin. He was golden all over – long burnished gold hair, smooth golden skin, even his eyes had golden flecks. Jolie licked her lips, a hunger unrelated to food rose within her.

  Turning down the lamp until the flame flickered out, he turned to join Jolie. With his eyes unused to the sudden darkness, he could barely make out her form on the far side of the bed. Austin sighed. He was tired, but not tired enough to completely ignore the craving he felt for her. “Goodnight,” he offered as he lay down, stripping off the shirt he’d slipped on to preserve her modesty. He’d tried sleeping in the garment, but he got too hot during the night.

  Jolie placed her arms stiffly at her sides, endeavoring to relax. “Goodnight, Austin.”

  She closed her eyes, trying to count sheep. The sound of his breathing seemed to surround her. All she could think about was the man lying next to her. Jolie bit down on her tongue to keep from crying out. Her thoughts ran wild, even to the point of considering the honey spell her grandmere taught her, the one that would sweeten a man toward you. The more she tried, the more impossible it became to push aside the desire she had for him. Jolie began to tremble, her whole body ached with the need to be held, to be kissed, to be loved.

  “What’s the matter?” Austin asked, aware that something was wrong. Her breathing was uneven, and the mattress kept jerking from the undulation of her small body.

  Jolie huffed out a breath. “I hurt.”

  Immediately, Austin sat up, turning to face her. “What’s wrong? Where do you hurt?”

  “Everywhere.” A small sob burst from her lips.

  “My God, honey.” Austin started to rise. He’d light the lamp and see if he could help her.

  “No.” She grasped his arm. “Don’t go.”

  “What can I do?” he asked, stretching back out and facing her.

  “Hold me, please, Austin. I feel so empty. My whole body aches…for you.”

  It took Austin a second to comprehend her meaning, but when he did, the pillows separating them went to flying. “Jolie, do you mean it?”

  “Oh, yes, please. I can’t stand to be so far away from you anymore.”

  When the last pillow had hit the floor, Austin gathered her to him. The feel of her small body nestled against his was the sweetest feeling in the whole world. “God, I’ve wanted this so much,” he confessed.

  “Me too.” She lifted her face and began to kiss his neck, her hand resting on his naked chest. “You took off your clothes.”

  “Yea. Do you want me to put them back on?”

  “No.” She placed her lips on his skin and rubbed them against the soft fur on his chest. “I want…”

  “I know what you need,” he whispered, tipping her face up with a finger beneath her chin. “I’ve waited so long to kiss you. Sometimes I haven’t been able to work for thinking what this would be like.”

  “Don’t wait anymore,” she spoke to him softly. “Kiss me, Austin McCoy.”

  “Thank you,” he muttered, refusing to rush. He placed soft kisses on her face, her cheeks, her eyelids, the corners of her mouth, seeming to relish the anticipation.

  Jolie loved what he was doing, but if she didn’t feel his lips on hers soon, she would die. Framing his face, she held him still and zeroed in on his mouth. “Too slow,” she murmured against his lips.

  With his heart so full of happiness, it felt like it might explode. He chuckled, reveling in the feel of her soft lips. “Impatient minx.” He’d waited so long for this moment, he wanted to savor every second. Giving her what they both craved, Austin pressing his lips against her mouth tenderly.

  Jolie’s head was spinning. As much as she wanted him to devour her, the man was determined to tease her unmercifully. He brushed his mouth across hers, seeming to delight in the texture of her lips. He pressed gentle smooches to the corners, then teased the seam with his tongue. And when he did, she opened her mouth and invited him in.

  With a groan, Austin accepted the invitation, sinking in, drinking in, twining his tongue with hers. His whole body lit up in ecstasy, his breath coming in hard anxious pants. Between his legs, his manhood was so hard, he was afraid he might embarrass himself and shoot off like an untried schoolboy.

  How long had he needed this? Needed her?

  A lifetime. Austin was so grateful for this moment, he thanked God for every answered prayer.

  Swamped with ecstasy, Jolie couldn’t process the wonder of this moment. This was her first kiss, but it was so much more. This was acceptance, this was validation, this was what it felt like to be cherished. She kissed him back as best she could, hoping he didn’t mind her awkward efforts at seduction.

  Austin was enchanted, totally immersed in the ecstasy of her kiss. Yes, she was innocent. He was aware. He expected nothing less. The privilege of schooling her in the art of sexuality would be heaven. Clasping her close, he continued to make love to her mouth, knowing he could do this for hours, taking joy in her taste, the velvet lushness of her lips. “I can’t get enough of you,” he whispered as he let his mouth slide to her cheek so they could take a much needed breath.

  “I want more,” she whimpered, moving her body against his.

  “Oh, baby,” he murmured. “My sweet baby.” With reverence, he let his hand skate down her side, memorizing the perfect curve of her waist, the feminine rise of her hip. Coming to the hem of his shirt that she wore, he tugged it up until he could get his hand beneath it. He knew she wore nothing under it, because he’d had nothing to give her. Now he appreciated her lack of undergarments, but one day he fully intended to shower her with every frilly bit of feminine unmentionables that her heart could desire.

  Jolie began to tremble. She buried her face in neck. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m going to make you feel good, I’m going to give you what you need.”

  Jolie thought she would swoon. His fingertips grazing the flesh of her thigh caused her skin to blossom with frissons of excitement. Instinctively, she shifted one leg, opening her thighs, hoping… “Oh, Austin,” she gasped.

  When she lifted her head and laid it back on the pillow, he laid his beside it, pressing his forehead to hers. “Oh, you’re so sweet.” His words feathered against her lips. “So soft. So wet for me.”

  Every cell in Jolie’s body thrilled at his touch. He was caressing her secret place, his fingers gentle, rubbing up and down, causing her to clutch his arm, holding on to the only anchor she’d ever need.

  “Austin!” she gasped and he treasured the puff of air on his skin, moving the pads of his fingers over pure creamy silk. His aim was to give her pleasure, give her ease, give her a hint of joys to come. Although he cherished every moment, this wasn’t about him – this was for her.

  “Feel good?” He rubbed up and down, teasing her, coming close but not quite touching the small pearl of her femininity. Austin could feel her response, the way she strained toward him, the damp evidence of her arousal.

  “So good.” She sighed against him, her lips hunting his again. He had to smile when she hooked one foot behind his knees, pushing against his hand. “Touch me harder.”

  Giving her what she asked her, he massaged the softness, his reach coming up further…nearer… “Oh, Austin!” Jolie cried out when he finally touched the swollen button, the center of her sensitivity. She threw back her head and he pressed soft kisses to her neck as her hips bucked in the age old dance of desire.

  “Take it, take what you need, my love.” He crooned as she luxuriated in his petting, the swirls of his fingers as he pleasured the woman who’d stolen his heart in so short a space of time. When she tensed he kept his thumb on the seat of her delight, while pushing one finger up inside of her. And when he did, she froze, drew in a deep breath and then shattered against him, her femininity fluttering around his finger.

  Austin closed his eyes, in awe of her response to him. Her heart beat so hard against his, her breath came in precious little pants. He kissed her hairline, smiling at the slight perspiration that had gathered there, evidence of how moved she’d been. “My sweet Jolie,” he whispered.

  Jolie pushed into him, seemingly trying to get as close as she could. “How did you know? How did you know what I needed?”

  Austin shook his head. “Women are the greatest of God’s creation, and you are the crown jewel, beautiful. You are so wonderfully made; I can’t wait to share many delights with you.” He wasn’t about to tell her how he’d been schooled in the ways to pleasure a woman by the owner of a brothel who took great pleasure in teaching him things of which he’d only dreamed. Now he would use her tutelage to forge a bond between himself and the woman of his dreams.

  He held her until she quieted, then he kissed her forehead and excused himself, stepping outside and into the night. Leaning against the side of his cabin, Austin took himself in hand and worked his organ feverishly, reliving the marvel of touching her, making her shudder in his arms. His fist moved up and down, his mind picturing her face, remembering the texture of her skin – the heart-stopping miracle of her surrender. As he replayed their encounter in his head, his whole body convulsed, white plumes of his seed erupting and falling to the ground.

  He stood there a little longer, catching his breath, before wiping his hand on some leaves, then reentering the house, only to find Jolie sitting up in bed waiting for him. She’d relit the lamp and he could see her face – uncertain and flushed.

  “Where did you go?”

  Austin didn’t know what to say. Seeing her lower her gaze, he knew he couldn’t let her think anything was wrong, so he spoke the truth. “I went out to relieve myself. My excitement at touching you was overwhelming.”

  Jolie understood. She’d seen one of the slaves touching himself. “Why didn’t you do that with me?”

  Her innocent appeal made his knees weak. She was so beautiful. Going to her, he knelt by the bed. “I want to do this right, Jolie Belmont. I want to take things slow. Court you. I want to give you everything a man can give a woman.”

  Jolie reached for him. “But I just want you.”

  Austin smiled. “Oh, you’ll have me, sweet girl. But I want to treat you with all of the love and respect that you’re due.” He gathered the pillows and placed them on a chair. “We won’t be needing these. I intend to spend the rest of my nights holding you in my arms.”

  * * *

  Jolie hummed while she worked, a smile playing about her lips. Last night had been the highlight of her life. She blushed, remembering how she’d felt when he touched her. He’d known exactly what she needed, what to do to make her feel fulfilled and satisfied. Oh, there was more, she was sure of it. But for now, she would place herself in Austin’s care, let his judgment reign supreme.

  She trusted him.

  At the moment of that epiphany, Jolie knew she needed to find a way to tell him who she really was, the whole truth.

  With great care, she straightened his home, touching each possession with care. This could be her home too. Last night, his speech brought many questions to her mind, none to which she possessed the answers. No matter, this day had dawned with great promise and she was determined to be happy.

  “Jolie!” Austin’s voice rang just outside the door. “We have company!”

  Company?

  She placed a hand over her heart, having no idea what to expect. She didn’t have to wonder long. Austin threw the door open, and his entrance was preceded by a red-bearded man and a tall blonde woman. The man openly stared at her, making Jolie cast her eyes down. Austin moved around to place an arm around her shoulders. He gave her arm a slight squeeze. “Jolie, this is Armand Pierce and his wife Celeste. They’re our neighbors.”

  “Hello.” Jolie was so aware of the woman’s proper dress – her bonnet, her apron, her shoes. Here she stood with her unkempt hair and bare feet, dressed like an Indian squaw. “I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  Armand came over and slapped Austin on the arm. “I didn’t know you’d gotten hitched.”

  Jolie blushed anew.

  “We’re getting marred as soon as I can take her to a priest.”

  This was news to Jolie.

  Unbelievable, spectacular news.

  Celeste made a face, as if she’d tasted something sour. “You aren’t married?”

  Austin bristled. “Jolie is as pure as the driven snow. She’s a lady.”

  The woman made a huffing noise, but her husband gazed at Jolie with outright admiration and a covetous eye. “I’m not sure when we’ll have a priest available. I do know Jose Antonio Sepulveda, that rich Mexican rancher, petitioned Father Jose Antonio Diaz de Leon to be our priest. They’ve offered him three churches, the one in Liberty, the one in San Augustine and the one in Nacogdoches.”

  “Do you think he’ll accept?” Austin asked, trying to plan ahead.

  “I have no idea,” Pierce took off his heavy coat.

  Finding her manners, Jolie stepped aside. “Please sit and allow me to make you some coffee.” She knew they had enough for a couple more pots. “I also have some cookies.”

  Austin pulled up chairs and Jolie served them. Celeste nodded her head in thanks, but the men dominated the conversation.

  “We were passing through, traveling to see our daughter. She married a man who has a farm just across the Sabine.” Armand took a sip of coffee and a big bite of syrup cookie, leaving crumbs clinging to his beard. “We spent last night at the half-way house.”

  Celeste looked down her nose at the cookie Jolie had placed on a plate and set in front of her.

  “How nice. Austin has told me about the half-way house. He’s promised to show me the El Camino Real.” She knew she was babbling. When Celeste still didn’t comment, she hung her head. Austin touched her back in comfort and she breathed a little easier.

  “Have you heard about all the trouble?” Armand asked with his mouth half-full.

  “What trouble?” Austin looked concerned.

  Armand shook his hand, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Unrest. Haden Edwards is stirring things up. He’s angry that the land Mexico granted him as an empresario is already inhabited. He’s posting signs demanding people come forward and produce their deeds proving ownership of their land. If they can’t, he’s threatening to resell the land and throw the original settlers off. Of course, most of them are Mexican and he wants to bring in more Anglos. If you ask me, he’s wanting to break off with Mexico and get rich in the process.”

  Jolie watched Austin’s face closely.

  “Well, I best travel over to the San Augustine and talk to the Alcalde over there. I bought this spread from him.”

  “Nathan Davis?” Armand nodded. “If I were you, I’d travel into Nacogdoches, see what’s going on. That’s what I’m going to do. Some of those original settlers have been on their land for seventy or more years. Many of them don’t have any paperwork. Luis Procela, the previous Alcalde, and Sepulveda, who was acting as town clerk, attempted to validate the old Spanish and Mexican land grants. When Edwards found out, he threw a fit and accused them of forging deeds. It’s a mess. I hope you don’t end up losing your land.”

  “I won’t.” Austin stated emphatically. “I’m not afraid of a fight.”

  Jolie shivered. She didn’t want anything to happen to Austin.

  “Speaking of a fight, did you hear about that bear attack?”

  At this, Jolie stiffened, her eyes widening.

  “No.” Austin stood up to pour more coffee all around. “The only company we’ve had is Chief Richard Fields. He stopped to make a trade for one of my steers. He didn’t mention anything about a bear.”

  “Well, you best keep an eye out. This bear has developed a taste for human flesh.” Armand smiled at his wife, who grimaced. “I’ve heard tell he ate a slave trader a few miles away. They found his tattered remains and one dead woman, but the other two slaves either escaped or the bear got them too.”

  Jolie didn’t dare breathe. She didn’t look to the right or the left. Could they look at her face and see the guilt?

  “That’s news to me.” Austin continued sipping his coffee. “I’ve seen a few bears in these parts, but they’ve never made any aggressive moves.”

  “Well, that’s something I guess.” Armand said, taking another big bite of cookie. “Ow!” He held his jaw.

  Celeste shook her head. “My husband has a bad tooth and he won’t let me pull it.”

  “It doesn’t hurt all the time.” Armand frowned. “I use it, you know.”

  “Jolie prepared me some willow bark for my headaches.” Austin turned to her. “Do you know anything that would help Mr. Pierce?”

 

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