Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 35908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
The room sat empty when she woke. Sitting up, she groaned at the stiffness, which owned her body. She retied the bandanna on her head and replaced her hat. She’d fallen asleep with her boots on so she only gathered her things and walked out.
In the privacy of the outhouse, she rewrapped her breasts then washed up at the pump. Wasn’t perfect, but better than nothing. She grunted and nodded in response to the few greetings she received on her way to the stable.
Without wasting time, she saddled Polaris and led him out to the pump. Reins on the ground, she worked the handle and filled her canteens. She carried three figuring with her lighter weight it wouldn’t hurt her horse.
“You heading back?”
“Yes sir.” She capped the final one and secured them on Polaris. “Did you need me to take a message?”
“I do have one for Cy. Stop in before you go.”
“Yes sir.”
Alone, she blew out a breath and watched Joseph walk away. One hand on her mount she sighed. “Working so far, Polaris. Just have to make it back and get some rides in.” She was on her way back within the hour. To Cyrus.
No, I mean to the station. Not to Cyrus. He’s nothing to me.
* * *
Cy went to the door when the sound of approaching hoof beats reached him. He was pleased to see that large dun returning. While he wasn’t what one would call “close” to the riders, he had a great deal of respect for them given the perils they faced. It was hard on a rider especially without sufficient rest.
For a long time he’d wanted to be one but with his size, it wasn’t meant to be. His ride would tire far too quickly with him on its back. These riders were small and thin.
Stepping out onto the porch, he winced at the shaft of spiking pain that shot up his leg. A hiss of discomfort slid from his lips, and he gripped the railing for balance. I don’t need to fall on my face when Robert comes riding in.
By the time the dun entered the yard, he had made his way down to the hard-packed ground. He worked hard to mask his frown as he watched Robert draw to a halt and make a sliding dismount. Something was different but still, for the life of him, he couldn’t put his finger on it.
Hat lowered over his eyes obscuring his features, Robert made his way to him, the gelding following behind.
“Have a message for you from the station master.” A quick hand in a saddlebag and he offered it.
“Thank you. Did you…see Bill?”
A single nod. “Found him. He’s resting under Doc’s care now.”
That was it and they were walking away. No bragging that he’d been the one to rescue the man. Nothing that would indicate he wanted any recognition for doing so.
Who did something like that?
I’ve thought it before, Robert is acting different but I don’t know him that well.
He scowled and looked down at the message he’d been given.
Sent word to the Army. Hope they will help. Will let owners know about Robert as well. Joseph
He wasn’t sure the Army would help, but he also hoped they would. Before he knew it, he was on his way to the barn. The whickers which met him, made him smile. They’d gotten in more horses yesterday to replace those lost. He loved working with horses. Their smell, warmth, brutal honesty made him smile. It was a comfort no matter where in the country he happened to be.
Soft murmurs reached him and spark ran along his veins. That was no man’s voice it belonged to a woman. Low and husky, it stroked along his skin and sent lust to his cock. Instant heat thrummed through him, reminding him so much how long it had been since he’d had the pleasure of a woman beneath him. Above him.
Aww fuck. He gripped the hard length in his denim and adjusted himself. Time to get under control.
What the hell?
Was there a woman hiding in here? He moved through to check. Nothing. The only person he saw was Robert who stood brushing down his horse.
“Did you see anyone in here?”
Robert whirled only to flick his eyes over him before returning to his task of rubbing down Polaris. “Not other than you.”
“I thought I heard a woman.” And again, thinking about the soft, husky voice, his cock decided to pulse again.
He noticed the stiffening of the man by the horse. Was he hiding her here? A spear of jealously hit him and he didn’t understand why.
Cy ground his jaw. “You know you’re not allowed to have women here.”
“You think I have a woman in here?” Honest incredulity tinged the tone. “When would I have told her to meet me?” Robert didn’t face him again but dark fingers tightened so hard some of the color leeched out from where they gripped the brush.