Chapter 7: Chapter Seven

Elaine's first waking sensation was delicious, lifegiving warmth. Her eyelids fluttered open. She found herself in bed, cocooned under a pile of blankets. Lying on her side, she peered around the dark room. Moonlight shone through the single window, painting white shadows upon the floorboards. Her muscles stiffened by sleeping in one position all night, she struggled up onto an elbow.

Cricket was sprawled out at her feet, his soft fur rising and falling with each breath.

Candlelight flickered against the opposite side of her face. She craned her neck and was astonished. Slumped down in an uncomfortable wooden chair, her guest was sleeping by her bedside.

The afternoon's events came flooding back and stole her breath away. He had come from nowhere to her aid, earning a grateful place in her heart. Reaching out, she squeezed his forearm and gently woke him. His head tilted up and a smile spread across his handsome face.

He stood up and helped her sit against the headboard. A pillow was slipped behind her back before he leaned her backward. Touched by his gentleness, she fought a lump in her throat. No man had ever been so kind since...well, never had she known such kindness and concern for her physical health.

His attention elsewhere, he bent across her to fluff the other pillows. He was tired, face drawn by a sleepless night. His busy fingers skimmed along her body, tucking the blankets further underneath her legs.

Deep affection pooled within her soul and spilled over. Heart beating faster, she reached up in a quick, calculated motion. Her lips captured his fine mouth, even as her hands tangled within the silky, golden locks at his neck.

For a breathless heartbeat, he hesitated but didn't pull away. Instead, his hands grasped her waist and pulled her against his burning warmth. Powerful, earnest, tasting like spiced tea on a winter's night...his kiss overpowered any defenses.

A spark ignited deep within her breast. As his strength held her suspended between possible love and cruel reality, so did she struggle to choose between the two trails. Men were still scum...right?

When their hungry mouths broke apart, she gazed into his sparkling eyes. Her fingers touched his face, caressing the fair skin to be found under her fingertips. A quirky smile twisted his mouth as he lowered her back to the bed. Gently brushing her skin, his lips trailed across her cheeks, chin and neck.

Tears escaped from under her quivering lashes as he drew away. She sought his hand and wouldn't let go. His head tilting, he sat on the bed and confidently squeezed her fingers. He smiled again, waiting for what she had to say.

You have shown me such kindness. But I don't even know your name. Isn't there a way you could tell me?”

His gaze fell, focusing on their joined fingers. He squeezed firmly as if looking for courage. Opening his mouth, he winced painfully. Yet once more, he tried to speak. A moan rumbled from his chest, communicating frustration. He stood up and turned away, looking out the window. Moonlight illuminated his troubled features.

Guilt pricked Elaine's heart. “Mi dispiace—I'm sorry, my darling. I didn't want to cause you pain. Please...forgive me.”

“G...Ga...Gavin.”

“What did you say?” she asked, doubting her own ears.

“My n...name...is...G...Gav...in.”

Heavily accented, his voice was hoarse and barely above a whisper but he had spoken.

Astonished once more, she pulled the covers back and stood upon weakened legs. Each shaky step threatened to collapse underneath her but she had to touch him. Gently, her hand met his shoulder. He spun around, an emotional, joyful grin on his face. He caught her against himself, spinning her around until she giggled. A second kiss was far sweeter and possessed the most tender feeling.

“Gavin...what an unusual, beautiful name.” Held in his arms, she laughed joyfully. “I can't believe you were able to tell me. In time, your throat will heal enough for your voice to return. Until then, you mustn't push yourself. Let your throat and mind heal from the torture you endured.”

With a smile, he nodded, understanding her concerns. They hugged and shared their relief at his progress. In time, he pulled away and walked from the room. Panting a puppy grin, Cricket yipped from the bed, begging Elaine for attention. She sat down and hugged the little dog to herself.

Uncertainty washed over her. She shouldn't have kissed him. That action had ruined their friendly relationship. Now he would expect that she provide her body for his needs. Why did I do such a stupid, foolish thing like kissing him? Still, it was so incredible to have human contact again.

Interrupting her guilty thoughts, his footsteps re-entered the room. Looking up, she was surprised yet again. He carried a bowl of soup and a cup of water, setting these on the bedside table.

Under his insistence, she climbed back into bed. Spoon by spoonful, he fed her the steaming broth and poured cool water down her throat. When she was finished, he set the dishes aside and turned to go.

"Please...stay here tonight with me. I can't bear another night alone.”

She pulled back the blankets, inviting him inside. “Perhaps our nightmares won't bother us tonight if we support one another. Don't you agree?”

A grin lit his face as he nodded. Removing his sandals, he lay down by her side and drew the blankets over them both. She expected him to touch her. Instead, he rested his arm over her waist and joined their hands.

Much to her relief, he didn't grope or force his will. In fact, he fell asleep within minutes, snoring lightly beside her. She lay awake for awhile longer, listening to his deep breathing. Her eyelids grew heavy and she gave into fatigue. Snuggled against him, she knew that morning would come far too soon for her liking.

When sunlight was pouring through the window, she found herself alone in bed. Gavin was nowhere to be found, taking Cricket with him. Disappointed, she rolled over and stretched out languidly. While her sore throat felt much better, a splitting headache marred her good mood.

Hammering could be heard outside. She got out of bed and shuffled to the window. Gazing out, she couldn't believe her eyes. Gavin was at the broken fence, sinking a post. Wielding a sledgehammer, he pounded the last post into position. The fence was almost finished. He had only to finish cutting rails from fallen trees.

She watched him work, drifting into a dreamworld.

Working in the morning sunlight, he had unlaced his tunic. His torso glistened, tempting her attention. His back rippled, undulating under the thin, blue fabric. While soft and gentle, his spirit was kept locked inside a hard, desirable shell.

Her desire for him was rising with each passing day. Something beyond affection was nudging at her heart. She was terrified. If he was allowed beyond those prison walls, the price could be deadly.

Her father had sold her body into sexual slavery. Every man since had taken his pleasure and another piece of her soul before leaving forever. Surely, once she had given herself to Gavin, he would lose any small affection. If he ran off without her, she didn't know what future was left.

Wrestling aside her doubts, she got dressed and went out to the kitchen. He had left the cast-iron skillet on the stove. Scrambled eggs had been left for her. An empty plate and cup of milk had been set out on the table. Smiling, she sat down to eat her breakfast.

The eggs tasted smoky and were dry but she was touched by his thoughtfulness. Only Julia Bulette had ever provided breakfast for the working girls. In all other brothels, the prostitutes had to scrounge their own meals in between customers. Never had a man made breakfast for her...that was for damn sure.

Having eaten, she cut two pieces of bread, slathered both with butter and placed them on a plate. Walking out to the well, she pulled up the covered bucket containing buttermilk. Ladling out a cupful, she took the snack out to him.

As she walked across the meadow, he paused in his furious work to look over at her. The sun had risen behind him, setting his golden hair on fire. She inhaled, struck by the sight. A bit flustered, she closed the distance between them.

“Grazie per aver finito questa recinzione—Thank you for finishing this fence. You did better than I ever could have. Um...I thought you might be hungry. I brought buttermilk and bread with butter. Do you want to sit in the shade for awhile?”

He followed as she led the way to a nearby stand of pine trees. Cool, soft moss underneath created a comfortable picnic spot. He ate his snack greedily, polishing off every bite. She collected the dishes and set them aside.

“You shouldn't be working so soon, Gavin. Your wounds haven't healed yet,” she chided gently. “Let me check them first before you keep working.”

His eyes settled upon her again, intently observing. With a nod, he offered his hand to her. Confused, she accepted the gesture, slipping her hand into his. Leading her across the meadow, he brought her into the barn. He sat on his cot, shrugging his tunic off his shoulders. She was becoming alarmed until he handed her the jar of herbal salve.

“Oh, yes, of course,” she said, laughing nervously. “Stay still while I change the bandages.”

With the utmost care, she unwrapped the cloth from around his chest then peeled the bandages away. Underneath, the wounds were healing at a fantastic rate. Healthy, pink tissue had already filled in the holes where white bone had once poked through.

Dipping her fingertips into the jar, she spread the green salve across his first wound. He hissed in a sharp breath, tensing with pain. She squeezed his shoulder to console him.

"I'm sorry. It must be done. If I don't do this, infection might set in again.” She checked his other injuries and was pleased. “You are healing beautifully but be careful while working. Too much strain on the new tissue could tear what has been repaired.”

He caught her hand, interrupting her work. She was drawn onto his lap and entrapped in a kiss. Under his power, her protests fled. Her arms stole around his neck, drawing him ever closer. His masculine scent was intoxicating, warm and protective. Veined hands held her reverently, not pushing his advantage but also refusing to let go.

When they came up for air, he brought his fingers up to caress her left cheek. Gazing into his green eyes, she went numb. How easily he could distract her from harsh reality. When he glanced her way, she wanted to be a better person.

He took the jar and swiped a bit of salve on his finger. The sore cut on her forehead was brushed lightly. She winced, grasping his wrist to stop the discomfort. With a disapproving frown, he shook his head and removed her fearful grip. More gently than before, he soothed the salve across the gash.

His firm kindness formed a lump within her throat.

The pleasant interlude coming to an end, they walked back to the meadow. Holding hands, the couple parted to finish their work. Elaine assisted in repairing the fence and soon the project was complete. That afternoon, she baked bread and a batch of sugar cookies while he took a nap in her bedroom.

Over the next several weeks, their lives fell together and aligned into a comfortable rhythm. Since their first kiss, Gavin didn't speak again and seemed at peace within his silence. Though they kissed often and slept in the same bed, Elaine kept him at a distance. She couldn't go all the way and didn't understand why. A crippling, sexual fear had gripped her heart.

September arrived and with the new month came seasonal pioneer anxiety.

Autumn fire spread across the mountain valley, painting the trees with glorious colors. Winter wouldn't be far behind and many preparations were required. Gavin chopped a huge pile of firewood while Elaine toiled in the kitchen. Root vegetables and canned goods were stored in the cellar. She picked baskets of berries, nuts, wild onions and mushrooms. Gavin helped to pick barrels of wild apples to supplement their winter diet.

In addition, she collected various herbs in the woods for medicinal remedies. Through experimentation with Jim's notes, she figured out which ones were best for common ailments like colds, dry skin, chillblains and wound salve. Such work was enjoyable for her as she could exercise creative muscles.

Once Gavin was instructed on how to shoot the shotgun, he spent many hours hunting for deer, rabbits and even brought home a bear. He taught himself how to butcher these animals and she prepared the meat for storage. Some was dried for jerky while the rest was salted thoroughly.

Then the day came when Elaine's flour, salt, sugar and coffee staples had run out.

On a sunny, warm morning, she hooked up Mercury to the buckboard and set off for Bodie. The gray gelding trotted along merrily, excited to be stretching his legs. She was less eager for this outing and knew the reception that the townspeople would provide. A shunned outcast, she wondered if the general store would sell the goods to her. Only one way to find out, unfortunately.

Judgmental eyes and hateful whispers followed her down main street. Steeling herself, she pulled up by the store and climbed out to tether Mercury. Two women walked by on the boardwalk, pointing and turning up their noses.

Taking down her basket, she pasted on a smile and walked into the store. An elderly woman was the only customer and left promptly, muttering about sinful, unclean gentiles. Ignoring her, Elaine approached the counter where the storekeeper was writing records into a log book.

“Good morning, Mr Cinder. I have a short list here that I'd like filled if it's not too much trouble.”

The storekeeper looked up, a scowl pulling down his mouth. “I won't serve a prostitute. Take your business elsewhere.”

“But there isn't another store in town and I desperately need these items. You were so kind and helpful when I first arrived. Can't you find that kind regard in your heart again?”

He slammed the book shut. “No, I cannot. This town doesn't have time for a harlot. You should return to the big city and your clients. No doubt, there is plenty of demand there for your iniquity.”

Stunned by the man's cruelty, she watched him stomp into the back room. Rooted to the spot, she didn't know what to do. If they were to survive the winter, she and Gavin needed these items. Turning to leave, she was stopped by a soft voice.

“Miss Bower, wait a minute.”

Turning around, Elaine saw Cinder's pregnant wife beckoning her. The poor woman was jittery, her eyes darting where her husband had disappeared. Putting a finger to her mouth, Becky walked closer.

“Stay quiet and give me your list. My husband would be livid if he knew what I'm doing.”

Overcome with gratitude, Elaine thanked the Lord for providing. Swiftly, the food and supplies were gathered together and carried out to her buckboard. Becky was thanked for her kindness before she hurried back into the store.

Her mission complete, Elaine climbed into the buckboard, picked up the reins and clucked to Mercury. The gelding stepped into a slow trot, pulling her away from ridicule. But trouble stalked her even now.

Near the town's outskirts, a shadow emerged from an alleyway. It was Jonathan Tanner from the dance. He ran out into the road and grabbed Mercury's bridle. Startled, the horse half-reared, nearly dumping Elaine off the buckboard.

Furious, she stood up and glared down at him. “What the hell do you think you're doing? Unhand my damn horse!”

“Not just yet, Elaine dearest. I want to talk to ya.”

“There isn't anything to be said, Tanner. I never felt anything for you. That was a year and a half ago!”

“Not the impression I got when you were screaming under me. How about another round for old time's sake? I doubt you've had better.”

“Let my horse go or I'll scream!”

“Bitch, don't put on airs with me. No one would do anything to help a whore like you. I've made sure to spread your shame around town. If I want to get my nuts off, you'll lay down and take it.”

Elaine grabbed the buggy whip. “I said let my horse go and I meant it. If I ever see your face again, I'll kill you!”

Wielding the whip, she lashed him furiously until he staggered back, releasing his grip upon Mercury. Without urging, the gelding leapt into a gallop. Tanner's angry voice shouted after her but the wind spared her from his foul language. Only when there were several miles from Bodie did she pull the exhausted horse down to a heaving walk.

Tears flowed as the ordeal consumed her. The world was crumbling around her. That horrible man had been right. She was just a whore and shouldn't be pretending otherwise. Gavin didn't deserve the baggage she brought to their budding relationship.

When she drove into the barnyard, the man in question was throwing a stick for Cricket. The dog abandoned his toy, tearing across the grass toward her. Stepping down from the buckboard, she knelt and caught him in her arms. Sloppy kisses rained upon her face.

Straightening, she found Gavin walking toward her. A concerned frown tugged at his mouth. Avoiding those intelligent eyes, she hurried over to unhitch Mercury. Her hands shook as she fumbled with the buckles. He came up behind, slipping his arms about her waist. Turning her to face him, he lifted her chin to meet his gaze.

Tears flowed down her cheeks as he pulled her in for a hug. She sobbed on his chest, releasing wretched emotions. Then explanation was needed of course. Anger darkened his handsome face as the sorry story was told. She assured him that no more trips to town would be required.

Jonathan Tanner wouldn't bother them any longer.

With his help, Elaine unloaded the supplies and set about making dinner. Once they had eaten bear steaks and an apple cobbler, he went hunting as dusk fell across the landscape. Cricket followed behind him, prancing along happily.

After dishes were washed and put away, she grabbed the egg basket and sashayed out to the barn for chores. Despite her ordeal, Gavin's support had lightened her load considerably and she felt quite gay, in fact. Her hens produced around one dozen eggs each day. Tonight, there were nine for the taking.

“Thank you, girls, sleep well tonight,” she said cheerfully, latching the wire gate closed on her way out.

While Mercury guzzled down his ration of oats, Elaine tethered the cow for night milking. As Doe munched away at the hay manager, she sat on her three-legged stool. While milking, her thoughts were consumed by Gavin and new possibilities.

What if she awoke one day and he was gone? She couldn't go on without a purpose to live for each day. He needed her in a way that even the animals did not need her. Even Cricket could live on his own without her, scrounging for mice and such. But this man wasn't like any she had ever known. So strong one minute, he could then be vulnerable, shy or unsure the next. He was an eternal mystery, one that could....!

Hands clamped around her shoulders, catching her by surprise.

Yanked up and held fast, she came face to face with the devil. Sneering, Tanner walked into the barn, flanked by two more men as the first huge one held her captive. She struggled but couldn't budge the brute's grip.

Smoking a cigarette, Tanner flicked it onto the barn floor and crushed it underfoot. “Well, well, well...seems you have no choice now, my pretty. You had one before but you weren't nice to me. Take her, boys.”

His three cohorts set upon her, ripping off her dress. Left in only a thin, white chemise, she was thrown into an empty stall. They held her down, tying her wrists and ankles to wooden posts. A dirty handkerchief was stuffed into her mouth. Grinning down at her, the men began undressing, led by her nemesis.

Hope evaporated because Gavin was too far away to hear her screams. She would be raped by all four of them and left for dead if not outright murdered. There wasn't anything left to do except one thing. Closing her eyes, she prayed for mercy from a loving God.

A deafening shotgun blast split the air and the largest man dropped like a rock, pants down around his ankles.

The rapists stopped and spun around, startled eyes centering upon Gavin. He stood in the barn doorway, shotgun in hand and chest heaving with rage. His eyes widened more as he took in this horrendous scene. Yanking against her bonds, Elaine screamed through the gag, begging him for help.

Tanner held up his hands, stepping toward him. “There's no need for all this violence, friend. Do you want a piece of her too? Fine but we get her first and you can have what's left if you don't bother us.”

“Come osi voi animali vili toccare questa donna—how dare you vile animals touch this woman! I don't need this weapon to finish you.”

One of the men laughed. “That's a lot of babbling. What kinda foreigner are you anyway, boy?”

Restrained and almost naked, Elaine craned her neck helplessly, watching as Gavin squared off against the three rapists. He looked different than ever before. His clear voice, beautiful to her ears, had been deep, commanding and deadly serious. Like an enraged bull, he widened his stance, squaring his shoulders.

Suddenly, he charged forward, clashing with her attackers.

Without much effort and zero mercy, he tore the men apart. Such strength couldn't be human alone. One man's head was crushed. The second was impaled upon a pitchfork. Tanner was kept for last. Crawling on his belly, he tried to get away as Gavin approached. With a strangled scream, the victim was lifted into the air by his throat.

Looking away, Elaine heard the man's neck snap cleanly before his limp body was thrown against a barn wall.

Silence fell over the barn, except for the terrified animals' cries. Disheveled and chest heaving, Gavin spun around to face her. Murderous rage was still upon his features. Blood sprinkled his golden hair, face, arms and tunic. He didn't look like a savior, but an apex predator.

She jerked against the ropes as he came closer, powerful and terrifying. Tears soaked the gag as she trembled in terror. Would he release her, kill her too or continue what the other men had started? He towered over her; she at his mercy.