Kissed by an Angel

“Am I now?” she said, obviously amused by him as she smiled down at him from her perch atop the piano. “Well, I appreciate your offer, but,” she paused as she reached down to wipe some dirt from the side of his face, brushing it between her fingers, letting it drop to the floor, “I could have guessed you’ve been on the trail a very, very long time. And while I’m sure you’re really sweet, I like very expensive drinks and I wouldn’t want you spending all your pay from the drive on one night.” Nick heard snickers from the men around him and the young woman rolled her eyes as if to tell Nick to ignore them. “After you’ve cleaned up a bit, why don’t you come back and check with one of the other girls, I’ll even introduce you to a couple and make sure someone shows you a real nice time.”

Nick looked at her perplexed, his eyebrows knitting together as he eyed her carefully. “You saying I can’t buy you a drink.”

She continued to smile, swinging her top leg ever so slightly, her voice still as calm and sweet as a gentle spring shower. “I don’t date cowboys. Sorry,” and with that she turned slightly and leaned on the top of the piano, directing her attention to men at the other side. Feeling a strong hand come to rest on her thigh, she slowly turned her head back to him, her eyes darting toward the bar before coming to rest on Nick’s dark gloved hand. “I’d move that, if I were you,” she said, her voice still soft but her eyes suddenly cold.

Nick quickly withdrew his hand, “Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“I think it’s time for you to be moving on.” Nick didn’t recognize the voice but with a glance over his shoulder at the man who was suddenly at his back, Nick knew immediately that whoever it was had a good thirty pounds on him and was there to protect the woman in front of him.

“The lady and I – ” Nick began.

“It’s all right, Mickey,” she said with a wave of her hand. “The . . . gentleman has already apologized.”

Nick felt Mickey’s breath on his neck. “Just see that you keep your hands to yourself. You sure you’re alright, Kate?”

“I’m fine,” she replied, her look once again full of sweetness and light, her eyes watching the bouncer as he moved back to the bar before she turned her attention back to Nick. “You wanted something else?”

“Kate, is it? I’m just curious is all, why don’t you date cowboys?”

She looked down at Nick, not sure whether to be impressed or put off by his insistence. With a shake of her head, she took a deep breath and held out her hand which Nick quickly took, helping her as she stepped down from the top of the piano, one foot lightly finding the edge of the piano, then onto the piano player’s bench before she reached the floor. As her eyes drifted up to Nick’s, she quickly scanned his body, noting with interest the lean, long body and she let out a slow breath, thinking about what she could be missing. “You look like a big boy,” she began, just a hint of a patronizing tone in her voice, “and I’m sure you know the way the world works. I don’t just sit with men for drinks. And while most cowboys are able to afford a couple of high priced drinks, some other things are just beyond their means and then I’ve wasted my time and theirs. And, any way . . . I have enough men who are interested in me that, at a minimum, I don’t date men who need baths. And neither do the other girls here. So why don’t you and your friends,” she said, nodding toward Heath and Jarrod, “do yourselves a favor and get cleaned up and come back later tonight.”

“And will you still be here when I get back?”

She laughed heartily. “You don’t give up, do you?”

Nick grinned at her. “Nope.” Rarely had he been so roundly dismissed by a woman, especially a saloon girl, but this one, Kate, had such a pleasant, easy way about her. Her willingness to warn him off, thinking she would be too expensive for him, amused him. And the sparkle in her eyes just set his heart and his groin on fire, so much that he knew he would bed her before the night was done.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the deep dimples that formed in his cheeks with his best grin. “Well, I guess persistence should be rewarded on occasion. I’ll tell you what, if you clean up nice, I might let you buy me that drink.”

A few hours later found the three Barkley men back in the saloon as all three knew they would be, with the great differences of being clean, clean shaven, fed and somewhat rested. But all three knew that Nick would be back at the saloon before evening had fallen. When they had entered, they had all swept their views around the room, wondering just where the object of Nick’s affections was. Knowing Nick was not likely to leave before seeing her again, the three settled down at a table, splitting a bottle of whiskey between them. Jarrod leaned back in his chair, lighting a cigar and breathing deeply, enjoying the deep breaths he could draw from a cigar that wasn’t wet. Quickly, the three brothers had company, young women eager to make the acquaintance of the handsome men, and eager to lighten the wallets of the cowboys who had finished their long drive. As eager as Nick had been for female companionship earlier in the day, now all he had in mind were the bewitching green eyes of Kate. Darting his eyes about the saloon, he thought about how recently any of the girls in the saloon would have sufficed, but now . . . He drank another glass of whiskey, not paying attention to the conversation around the table, telling himself he didn’t really have to listen, knowing that Jarrod would smile suavely and sweet talk the girls and that Heath would charm them with his aw shucks attitude as usual, both of his brothers eventually succumbing to the wiles of some young thing. Nick looked at the other occupants of the saloon, following Jarrod’s gaze to the pretty redhead with the feisty attitude whose wit was a match for Jarrod. And it was only a matter of time before Heath made his way upstairs with the brunette at his shoulder who had a quiet demeanor but who could say volumes with her eyes. There was no doubt about it, the girls here were real clever, or someone was. Nick leaned back in his chair, lightly rolling his cigar between his fingers, considering giving in to the poor substitute seated on his right, her dishwater blonde hair not nearly as golden, her eyes not even close to being the sparkling emeralds that had captured his imagination earlier. What was her name? He was at a loss, not really interested in finding out when he heard that sweet sound once again. “Well, well, well, you do clean up nice after all.”

He turned in his chair, his eyes immediately locking with hers. “Well, if it isn’t the fair Kate?” he answered, standing to hold a chair for her.

Exchanging a quick glance with the other young woman, Kate moved to the table, the other girl slipping away, her exit noticed by everyone but Nick. Sitting at the newly empty chair at Nick’s side, emerald eyes locked to hazel, everyone else faded away as the two sipped whiskey, the bottle at the table disappearing as quietly as the other young girl, replaced by a one of much higher quality, one far smoother, the best in the house. Kate poured them each a glass and as the caramel colored whiskey made its way into Nick’s lips, he sensed that she was watching him intently, watching as his lips lightly parted to take in the liquid, her tongue wetting her own lips as his tongue traced his bottom lip, savoring each exquisite drop. Nick held up the glass, “It’s as good as you said it would be.”

She smiled at him. “I thought you might enjoy a glass, cowboy.”

“The name’s Nick, Nick Barkley.”

“Nick,” she smiled, his name almost lyrical in the way she said it, and he wondered how long it would be before she gasped it in the throes of ecstasy. “So where are you from, Nick?”

“California.”

“My, but you’re a long way from home.” He nodded. “Do you work on a ranch there or do you plan on staying around here for a while?”

Nick leaned toward her. “Oh, I’ll definitely be going back to California. See, I don’t work on a ranch, my brothers and I own the ranch.” He watched her reaction to this statement, noticing the slight delay in the path of the glass to her lips as she took in the full measure of this news.

“Is it . . . a big ranch?”

“Pretty good sized.”

“How many cows did you bring in?”

“Steers,” Nick replied, leaning back in his chair, willing to hold Kate at bay for just a moment.

“What?”

“Steers. We brought in steers to market.”

She smiled, “I stand corrected. And how many steers did you bring to market?”

“About five hundred, give or take a few.”

“Five hundred! But with the price of cattle, that means . . .”

Nick leaned forward, “That means I can well afford these drinks.”

“And just about anything else in here, I suspect.”

“I suspect I can,” Nick answered grinning, “although I appreciate your concern for a hard working cowboy.”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“Like you said, my brothers and I were in need of a bath.”

She chuckled lightly, well aware that Nick was now the one sitting in judgment. “Well, I was right about that.” She looked over to Jarrod and Heath, each of them with a companion at their side, aware that she and Nick were being observed as well. “But as I said, cleaned up, there would be girls here who might be interested in showing you a nice evening.”

Nick leaned forward in his chair, his voice smooth, his eyes soft. “And might you be persuaded to let me show you a nice evening?”

Her eyes opened slightly even as she leaned toward Nick. “Funny, that’s normally my question.”

Nick shrugged his shoulders. “What did you say earlier? I’m persistent.”

Kate sat forward in her chair as the two eyed each other carefully, each grinning at the other, each curious as to what might happen between them. After a couple of moments of quiet challenge, Kate tossed her head toward the stairs and stood gracefully, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Nick was following. She took in a deep breath as she noticed that he was not lacking in grace as he stood from his chair and moved across the room, hoping that his grace would be evident in bed as well. As she felt his hand reach the small of her back, effectively escorting her up the stairs, she felt a slight gasp escape her lips, her breath literally taken away by the manner of his touch.

Part Two

She led him down the hall to a corner room opening the door wide to let him in. Had he scanned the room, he would have noticed that this room, too, was plush and richly furnished, but his eyes rested on Kate. Without warning, he pulled her from the door to him, reaching down, their mouths pressing together hungrily, his strong arms holding her in a crushing embrace. Already they were breathless and she pushed against him to escape his grasp.

“Where are you going?” he asked curiously.

She smiled up at him. “I figured I’d lock the door. If that’s alright with you.”

His brow knitted together as he smiled and he answered smoothly, “That’s probably not a bad idea.” He watched as she moved to shut the door, her hips swaying with every step, each move calculated to seduce him, smoothly but slowly sliding the bolt before she turned back to him, her eyes immediately locking onto his and she glided back to him, her hands reaching up as she began to unbutton his shirt. Nick reached up, taking her hands in his, pressing them flat against his chest. Having been with many, many men before this, Kate was used to men taking the lead and she was eager to learn just what Nick had in mind. What she was not prepared for was what his next move. She expected him to kiss her again, to fondle her, to reach for her buttons. Had he picked her up and laid her on the bed, dropping his body onto hers, she would not have been surprised. Many a man had taken hold of her roughly, immediately moving to grab between her legs, and there were those who started by kissing her neck and shoulders. None of that was unusual in her line of work. But Nick reached up to the back of her hair, pulling out hairpins, gathering them in his hand, letting her blonde tresses fall down around her shoulders, his fingers gently combing through the silken locks. Kate watched this man, amazed at how gentle he could be, her senses heightened as she waited for what would come next. She found herself trembling as he reached to the back of her head once again, this time holding it steady as he reached down to kiss her lightly, gently, this time, the hair on the back of her neck standing up as her body responded to him. Slowly reaching up, sending her arms about his neck, their kiss intensified, their mouths opening, tongues darting to play together and as they pressed tightly against each other, she could feel his manhood pressing into her stomach and he could feel her breasts pressing into his chest, massaging him with every breath.

She gasped as she felt him move quickly, his reflexes like those of a cat, springing so smoothly and she was lifted into his arms, and they were on the bed, each of them devouring the other, hands moving to undo buttons, cloth being pushed out of the way hurriedly as they sought skin. The room was filled with gasps and moans, the quiet sound of kisses on skin intermingled with the clunks that rang out when shoes hit the floor, the jingling of metal as Kate’s hands unbuckled Nick’s belt and the ever present soft creaking of the bed as their bodies moved without stop, their passion unrelenting, each spurring the other on. Nick opened Kate’s dress, his hands reaching for the soft hills of flesh, stroking them softly but firmly, his tongue moving lightly over the taut peaks before he opened his mouth wide, taking as much of her breast into his mouth as he could, her back arching in response, her hand dropping to slide into his now unbuttoned pants. As she reached in, finding the already wet head, her hand sliding down the shaft, his body twitched and his hips thrust toward her, his body hungry for release. She sent her other hand to the back of his neck, her face lost in the dark locks of hair still smelling of soap, some spots still slightly damp and she reveled in the feel of his smooth cheek as it rubbed against her chest. But Nick quickly grew frustrated by the clothes still remaining and he pulled away from Kate, reaching for the folds of her dress at her waist, and as she pushed her body off the bed, in one smooth move, he whisked the fabric down over her hips, sucking in a deep breath at the sight of her luscious body, her torso long but lean, curving out to full hips, the smallest hill of flesh rising between her hip bones, the soft, lightest brown curls beckoning him to move between her thighs. It would have been so easy to just stop there, but he forced his eyes on, glancing quickly at the long shapely legs as he pulled the dress down along them, letting it fall to the floor. Then, he turned his attention to his own body, pushing the pants over his hips, down his legs, and finally kicking them off as he moved back to Kate.

A small “Oh God,” escaped Kate’s lips as her eyes took in Nick’s body, his shoulders broad and strong, his own torso so long and lean, the muscles rippling down his stomach, his waist and hips so trim, his thighs, his legs firm. His body was so young, so beautiful. Because Kate normally dealt with older men, with bankers, doctors and lawyers, with men who spent their days at a desk, men who were long past their prime, the prospect of having this young Adonis as her lover excited all the more and she reached for Nick, grabbing the sides of his face, pulling him down to her. He stretched his body over hers, thrusting up against her slowly, shifting his weight onto one arm, sending the other hand down to stroke her body, evoking a light moan from her as her body instinctively moved closer to him, her body responding to primal needs. He reached her leg and pulled up on her thigh, then lightly stroked the inside of her leg, watching her reaction, seeing the desire in her eyes as moved the back of his fingers up and down her thigh. Taking his time, teasing her, grinding himself into her other thigh, he waited until he heard a moan escape her lips before he moved his hand further, letting his hand slide in between her legs, his fingers deftly moving between the folds of skin, a moan escaping his own lips at finding her wet and ready. Feeling her begin to move beneath his touch, knowing she was as eager and as ready as he was, he watched her for a moment more, bent his head toward her, stopping just before their lips met, and waited until she lifted her head to his. He pulled away after sweeping his lips over hers and smiled at her as she looked up perplexed, not knowing why he stopped. Then he watched her face melt into one of pure anticipation as he moved down her body, stopping briefly to once again lick and suck her breasts, listening to her gasp and sigh, before he moved to lick the valley between them. Glancing up to see her reaction, watching the look of pleasure come across her, he continued to slowly lick and taste her, working his way down her body, across her belly with licks and kisses, not stopping as he reached the soft curls of hair, parting the skin with his tongue, delving into her sheath so tenderly and with such skill that Kate had to remind herself to breathe. As her body reacted to his ministrations, as she moved underneath him, he reached around her thighs, holding her hips down, making her captive to his actions. He chuckled as the soft sounds continued to escape from her, and as he played her, sending one, then two fingers inside her, he felt himself straining to control his own passions, his mind being drawn to the sensations of his erection, his own body becoming hyper sensitive as he lay on bed, his hips moving of their own volition against the sheets. As the sound of her breathing turned to panting, as she began to call his name, pleading with him for release, he smiled and lifted his head from her body again.

“What was that?”

“Please, Nick.”

“Please what?”

She began to chastise herself inwardly for her reaction. She knew better than to let herself get involved with a customer, knew better than to lose all her inhibitions with a man who was going to be in her life for only a brief time, who would soon be just a fleeting memory, but her body betrayed her, needing this man, wanting him, wanting all of him for however long she could have him. Never had she felt this way with any of the other nameless, faceless men who paid to share her bed, her body, and although she knew would regret it in the morning, for tonight, she needed to give herself, give all of herself, to this man who seemed to care. Whether it was letting him see her vulnerable side, whether it was giving herself fully to him, whether it was giving her body, heart and soul to him, she knew she couldn’t keep anything from him. She knew better than to let him have control of her, but she didn’t care. Sitting up, she reached down and grabbed him by the sides of the face once again, her eyes flashing, her chest heaving as she fought for breath. “I want you inside of me.”

“Do you?” he teased, moving back to lie on top of her.

“I need you to fill me.” She pulled his face to hers, kissing him greedily, her mouth open and receptive as their tongues once again began to play, and she laid back, pulling her legs up as he settled between them, thrusting against her, coating himself in her juices. She reached down to grasp him, rubbing her hand around his long, thick shaft, watching as his eyes closed and his head fell back at her touch and she guided him to her center, reaching around him to pull him closer to her as he thrust into her, moving to join with her. Thrusting deeply, delighting in the sensation of being coated in her warmth, he moved his hips back and forth, each time sending himself deeper inside of her, feeling her core grip him tightly as he slid into her, finally thrusting as far as he was able, completely buried inside her, holding himself still for a moment before he continued, plunging into her depths with long, easy strokes.

As their bodies continued their dance, hips thrusting, their chests brushing together, their mouths exploring face, neck and shoulders, they fought their desires, each seeking to pleasure the other first, trying to maintain some advantage in this all too temporary relationship. Their bodies glistening with sweat, they each worked the other’s body, their passions continuing to rise unrelentingly until finally, their bodies began to move erratically, the long easy strokes having given way to unfettered movements as they began to near climax. Heaving for breath, losing the fight for control, Kate cried out “Nick, oooooooh Nick,” as she felt the tension start in her core, spread throughout her body, and felt the spasms begin as her body and mind exploded.

Nick ‘s body responded similarly, the low groans coming out as his eyes closed, his face the picture of concentration, and he found himself moaning “Kate, sweet Kate,” as the burn began deep in his body, spreading until he felt himself explode inside her, her contractions matching his as she milked him of every last drop, the two collapsing in each other’s arms, fighting for air and they lay exhausted in the bed, nuzzling as their pulses slowed and their skin gradually lost its heightened sensitivity, the two sharing tender kisses as their bodies recovered from their spent passion.

Part Three

They lay in bed, each of them exhausted by their love making, and quickly Kate recognized the change in Nick’s breathing. Smiling, she turned to look at him, her eyebrows lifting as one glance confirmed that her seemingly ever able cowboy had drifted off to sleep. Taking a deep breath, she sat up, and moved to the vanity against the wall, pulling on a dressing gown before sitting down and glancing at herself in the mirror. As she looked up, her face took on a hard look, and propping her elbows on the vanity, she cradled her face in her hands as she fought back a tear.

“Why’d you leave?” The sound of Nick’s voice caused her to shift her gaze, finding Nick watching her in the mirror.

Instantly, a mask appeared across her face, a calm appearing on cue. “You were asleep. I figured you could use the rest.”

“I felt you leave.” He shifted in bed, stretching out across the sheets, letting his head rest on his arm, continuing to watch her in the mirror. “You okay?”

www.angelfire.com/realm3/roshills/images/ShowLetter.jpg

She turned to face him, the sparkle returning to her eyes. Looking at his naked form stretched across the bed, she felt her pulse quicken. “Wonderful. How about yourself?”

“Couldn’t be better. Come back to bed,” he said, beckoning her to return.

She stood and crossed back, reaching to undo the tie at her waist.

“Don’t,” Nick crooned.

She smiled down at him, wondering what he had in mind and stopped her hands, moving to the bed, their eyes locked on each other. As she reached the side of the bed, she stood looking down at Nick’s body, and she reached down, pressing into his shoulders, letting her hands slide across his back, massaging him down to his firm backside, pulling her hands back up along his spine, eliciting a low groan from Nick as she went. “Ahhhhmmmmm, that feels soooooo good.”

“Does it now?” She bent down and whispered in his ear while her hands worked the muscles of his shoulders. “You’re easy to please, you know.”

“I think you just know what you’re doing,” he answered, another sigh escaping his lips as she kneaded the muscles in his back.

She chuckled. “That’s what I get paid for.”

He lifted his head just off the mattress, glancing up at her. “By the way, how much is this going to cost me?”

She continued to rub his back, leaning over to kiss his head. “I must be slipping, I normally make sure I get the money up front, especially with someone new.”

“I must have struck you as being an upstanding kind of fellow.”

“Mmm hmmm, you were upstanding all right,” she teased, reaching down to kiss his back again, letting her fingernails dance at his waist, watching him squirm underneath her touch. Taking pity on him, she quickly returned to long, slow strokes, pressing firmly through the muscles of his back. “You owe me thirty dollars, cowboy,” she said, looking down to see his reaction, shrugging her shoulders when his eyes slowly opened and he glanced up at her.

“And what does that get me?”

“The pleasure of my company until nine o’clock.” She reached over him again, the silk from her dressing gown gliding between their bodies as she lay across him for a moment, crawling across the bed to lightly nip one of the firm round cheeks of his backside, the unexpected action causing his entire body to tense momentarily. Watching every muscle contract, Kate let out a small groan of her own, “God, you’re gorgeous,” she muttered, retreating back to the side of the bed, continuing to rub his back, sensing the depth of his strength in the muscles under her hands, getting to know every inch of him, stretching long over his body, kissing the small of his back, her breasts brushing against him through the silk, her nipples already hard from sweeping along his body.

“How much for the night?”

“What?” she asked, her hands stopping their ministrations.

“How much for the night? All night.”

“Nick, you don’t have to – ”

“How much to wake up in your bed tomorrow?”

She looked away, flustered for the first time in a long time, then looked back down at him, his eyes open, watching her. “The entire night is $100.00.”

Nick swallowed hard, then closed his eyes and relaxed back into the bed. “Done. My money’s in my jacket if you need it now.”

“I think you’re good for it. And if what happened between us earlier is any indication, this’ll be the easiest hundred I’ve ever earned.”

As she continued to massage him, she felt him move beneath her and his arms stretched out to reach her. Finding the opening of her robe, he deftly moved his hands through the opening of the silk, his hands finding her legs, his fingers beginning to lightly touch and stroke her thighs. Standing tall, she continued to rub his shoulders and back as she shifted her weight, letting her legs separate slightly. Nick smiled when she did so, and taking it as an invitation, he began to reach between her legs, his fingers finding her depths and he soon realized that Kate had stopped stroking his back, that she was resting her hands on his shoulders, that she was standing there just enjoying the pleasure he was giving her. Taking a deep breath as he raised himself to his hands and knees, his muscles rippling with every action. He knelt on the side of the bed, his sure hands moving up to Kate’s waist, ever so slowly pulling on the sash, loosening the belt until the robe hung loosely and he moved his hands inside, letting them rest on the bare skin of her hips and he pulled her body to his. He sent his hands up, stroking her sides, his fingers caressing her already hard nipples for a brief moment, then bringing the tips of his fingers across the top of her breasts and up over her shoulders, he pushed the dressing gown off her body, each of them letting it fall down her arms onto the floor. Looking down at her naked body, he crooned, “God, you’re beautiful,” his deep voice rich with emotion. Sending his arms around her, he pulled her close to him, burying his face in her neck, muttering, “I want you, Katie.” Had he not been so intent on her reaction, he might have missed the slight shudder. He pulled back so he could see her face. “What is it?”

“What do you mean?”

“What’s wrong?”

She tried to bluff her way through it. “Nothing’s wrong,” she murmured, reaching up and placing a gentle kiss on his neck.

He pulled away from her. “Hey now, something happened. Is it something I did?”

She took a deep breath, laying her hands on his chest. “Nothing, Nick, don’t worry about it.”

“Something I said?”

He saw the slightest hesitation in her manner before she answered, “I’m fine.”

“Katie, what could I have said?” Once again, there it was, but this time he saw her eyes close momentarily as she seemed to steel herself.

“Nick – ”

“It’s because I called you Katie?” he said, his tone making it more of a statement than a question. He watched as her eyes dropped to the ground, her lids heavy, and he let himself drop onto his heels, pulling her to sit on the bed next to him, wrapping his arms around her, holding her tenderly. “I’m sorry, I just . . . I wanted to . . .”

“It’s okay, Nick.”

“You say that, but something’s wrong.”

“It’s . . . someone used to call me that,” her voice, so easy earlier, suddenly was tentative and shy, “ . . . and he wasn’t very nice to me.” She heard Nick’s breath catch and she looked up at him, touching him gently on the arm. “But it was a long time ago.”

“How long ago could it have been? You’re so young as it is,” he asked, his eyes seeking answers in her face. Almost as an afterthought, he asked, “How old are you?”

Immediately, her defenses started to go up, her schooled reaction to never discuss her life, never let the men know about her problems. She began to put up her false front, a happy face designed to allow the man she was with to think that all was well, to ensure that their time together revolved around him. “Nick, you don’t really want to know all about that,” she answered moving to bury her head in his neck again.

Moving so he could see her face, stopping her, he asked gently, “Is Kate your given name?” his hands absentmindedly stroking her arms.

She looked into the hazel eyes, eyes that seemed to look straight into her soul. Immediately, her soul was filled with a longing that reflected into her eyes. “My name . . . is Katherine,” she whispered.

“C’mere, Katherine,” he said pulling her into his arms, laying the two of them back on the bed, placing soft kisses in her hair, stroking her body gently. They lay on the bed, in each other’s arms, the random kisses and tender hugs becoming more, reawakening their passions and, soon, they were once again exploring the other’s body, sharing kisses and touches and soft nibbles that evolved into their once again joining together, making love not quite as furiously as the first time, but perhaps more intensely, certainly more gently, taking their time, their gaze locked on each other as their bodies moved together. Once again, their bodies became one, each one pleasing the other until they collapsed back on the bed, falling asleep in each other’s arms.

They might have slept for hours if not for the sharp rapping on the door. Nick woke more quickly, “Katherine, Katherine, Kate, there’s someone at the door.”

Sitting up, she called out warily, “Who is it?”

“It’s Jake, Kate, you’re overdue.”

“Stay here,” she told Nick. Then, she shook her head wearily, getting up from the bed, finding the dressing robe on the floor and pulling it on as she moved to the door, opening it just a crack. “I have a customer, Jake,” she said testily.

“You’ve been up here for three hours.”

“He’s paying for my time.”

“I have someone downstairs – ”

“The fellow in here, he’s paid for the night.”

Nick listened to the whispered conversation at the door, getting up out of the bed, pulling on his pants, reaching into his wallet for the hundred dollars, glad he had brought as much cash as he did, never really expecting that his evening’s diversion would be so expensive. He watched the door as the low mutterings continued but moved over quickly when he saw the door swing further open and Kate’s body jerk toward the hall. His voice was thick with tension, “Katherine, you okay?” he asked, moving to the door, his eyes glaring at the man holding her arm in a firm grip.

At the sight of Nick in the doorway, Jake let go of Kate’s arm, dropping his weight against the door frame. “So it’s Katherine, now, is it? Taking yourself a little seriously, aren’t you?”

Nick watched as Kate crossed her arms, one hand lightly rubbing the part Jake had handled so roughly. “What’s his cut?” Nick asked, holding the money in a fist planted at his waist.

Kate glanced over her shoulder, not meeting Nick’s eye. “100 dollars.”

Nick looked down at the top of her head, his eyes narrowed in confusion. “I asked what his cut was.”

Shrugging her shoulder, she said softly, “He gets it all.”

“What?” Nick asked, his face contorted in doubt, then shaking his head, knowing now was not the time to pursue this line of questioning. “Fine.” Counting out one hundred dollars, he thrust it at Jake’s chest, effectively pushing him out of the doorway, slamming the door in his face, pushing the bolt firmly into the doorframe.

They stood next to each other, Nick shaking his head, not knowing what to say or ask. “How much do you normally get for all night?”

“I told you, one hundred dollars.”

“But if his cut is one hundred . . .”

“He gets it all.”

“That doesn’t make any sense. Why would he get it all?” He realized she hadn’t looked up at him since going to the door. Reaching down, he cupped her chin in his hand and tipped her head back, waiting for her eyes to follow. When she finally looked him in the eye, he was struck by the amount of pain in them. “Why?” Her gaze dropped to the side and he saw her mouth set in a straight line. “Tell me, Katherine,” he urged softly. “No matter what it is, you can tell me. Why does he get it all?”

Slowly, her eyes lifted back to his. Swallowing hard, her voice breaking, she choked out, “He’s my husband.”

Part Four

Nick felt as though he’d been caught in a stampede. All the air was sucked out of his lungs and he found himself fighting the bile rising in his throat. He stared at Kate, taking her shoulders in his hands. “Your husband? No. He can’t be,” he choked out, the disbelief echoing in his voice.

“I’m sorry, Nick,” she answered, her eyes reflecting the pain he was feeling.

His mind was reeling at the news. “You’re his wife? And the men here don’t mind?”

She closed her eyes. “No one knows Nick. And I’ll ask you not to say anything.”

Quickly he was seething, a thousand questions rolling around in his mind. “How can he treat you like this?” She shook her head, shrugging her shoulders. “I mean, were you . . . Why did you marry him? And when? Were you already . . . Aw hell, Katherine, you deserve so much better.”

She looked up at him, shaking her head, almost as if she resented the suggestion, “How do you know what I deserve?”

“Katherine,” he said simply, his voice pleading.

“I’m a whore, Nick,” she stated plainly. “A very expensive whore, but that’s what I am, pure and simple.”

He might have believed she accepted her role in life if her bottom lip wasn’t quivering, and her eyes weren’t filling with tears. His voice and face became soft. “Katherine, don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t cheapen yourself.”

She pulled out of his grasp, moving to the window. “You don’t know anything about me,” she replied angrily.

He stood for a moment, watching her play with the fringe on the curtain before he crossed the room, moving to stand behind her, pulling her against him, wrapping his arms around her. “I know you’re beautiful. I know you have the voice and face of an angel. I know you care enough about strangers to warn off a working cowboy. I know you have a touch that’s warm and gentle and a personality to match. And that you’ve been hurt in your life and used more than any woman should be.”

“Stop, Nick.”

“Why should I?”

They stood in silence for a moment. “Because I asked you to.”

He took in a deep breath as he held her even tighter, letting it out slowly as he felt her settle against him. “Why’d you marry him?”

She moved her head from one side to the other, rubbing her hair against his bare chest. “I wish I knew. I was already working for him and one night, after we’d had a couple of drinks, I woke up and we were married. I don’t even remember it. But he had the papers and after it was done, he had control of all my money. Control of me.”

“Do you love him?”

“No,” she answered softly, “I’ve never loved him.”

She felt his breathing grow rapid and his muscles tense as she spoke and when he turned her in his arms, his actions far rougher than any other that night, she didn’t shirk from him, rather she collapsed into his arms, ready to let him claim her, sensing that the change in his touch was out of desperation, out of fury felt for Jake, not because she had dropped in his estimation. “He may have your money, but, Katherine, he’ll never have you.” Even though it went against every thing Nick held dear, to make love to another man’s wife, his overwhelming need for her, for this woman, won out over his conscience. His lips were bruising against hers and he held her tightly, her arms clawing at his back as she tried to press herself tighter against him, seeking confidence and strength in his embrace, each of them trying to blot out the horrifying reality with their passion, each eager to try to reclaim what had been between them earlier.

Pulling her mouth from his, Katherine’s words reached right into Nick’s heart. “Let me be yours, Nick, please. I want you to have me.” Katherine pushed Nick back to the bed, fingers fumbling with the buttons on his pants once again as he pushed the robe off her body. Quickly, her dressing gown, his pants were once again on the floor, with Nick sitting back on the bed, Katherine crawling up into his lap, straddling Nick, each of them fumbling to caress the other. Nick took her breasts in his hands, sucking them greedily, kneading the soft skin in his hands. Katherine reached between them, grabbing the base of Nick’s manhood, guiding herself to the head, dropping down onto him. Keeping his mouth against her breast, his tongue unrelenting on her nipple, Nick moved his hands to her hips, picking her up and pushing her back down, thrusting up inside her, continuing the action until she was fully impaled on him. Holding her tight against him, he maneuvered the two of them so that his entire body was well on the bed, his shoulders against the headboard and they kissed passionately as she rode him, their actions desperate as they tried to convince themselves that there was no one else that mattered. As Nick reached between them, stroking her bud, her back arching, pushing into his touch, she continued her efforts, pulling off of him so that only his head was inside, then pushing back down so that he filled her completely, so that he was buried fully within her.

As Nick kissed her face, his heart ached when he tasted the salt, knowing immediately that it wasn’t the salt of sweat but that of tears. And with a heavy heart, he redoubled his efforts to make the world disappear for both of them. Once again the room was filled with gasps and moans, and over and over their names echoed in the room, the cries of Nick and Katherine intermingling, her calling his name, burning it into her memory, him calling hers, fixing that as her name in both of their minds. Kate and her tribulations, her pain, disappeared from the room, replaced by the beautiful and loving Katherine. As their breath quickened, becoming ragged, the names, too, disappeared, and the only sounds were the primal grunts and moans as their passion reached its crescendo, and they both found themselves pushed over the edge with a blinding release, holding onto each other lest the world intrude between them and they be torn from each other. Gasping for breath, Nick held Katherine and Katherine held Nick as they lay outstretched on the bed, their bodies soaked with sweat, their legs intertwined, their mouths still pressing together, still tasting each other. Giving her one last soft kiss, Nick pulled his mouth from hers, taking a deep breath before he muttered “I love you, Katherine. I love you.”

“Nick – ”

“Sssshhhh. You deserve to be loved. You have to know that.” He felt her hold on him tighten. Then, as he expected would happen at some point, he felt her shoulders begin to shake and the tears began to drop on his chest as she sobbed in his arms, crying herself to sleep. Long after Katherine succumbed to sleep, Nick continued to stroke her golden hair, his heart aching for the woman in his arms. Breathing in her scent, he memorized how she felt in his arms, his Katherine, his beautiful, tender Katherine, certain she would disappear from the Earth when he left her, leaving only Kate.

Part Five

The sun spilled in through the window, shining down onto the bed, right into Nick’s eyes. He moved his head, moved his body away, blinking to let his eyes become accustomed to the bright light, still disoriented by sleep as he tried to figure out how the sun was shining up at him from the pillow. Shaking his head to wake up, he realized he was gazing into Katherine’s hair and his hand immediately moved to stroke the silken tresses one last time. Seeing her begin to stir, he moved closer to her, pressing himself against her, taking her in his arms as she rolled into his embrace. She woke to his kisses and they moved together one last time, whispering words of love as they joined, taking their time, enjoying each other fully, having already begun to learn how to excite and pleasure one another. Lying together after, the morning still early, Katherine lay with her head on Nick’s chest, listening to the regular beat of his heart, stroking his rippled stomach as he stroked her back, neither one wanting to leave the other’s arms.

But the quiet was disturbed by the soft chiming of a clock and they both looked up at the sound. Katherine was the first to speak. “Are you and your brothers leaving on this morning’s train?”

Nick took in a deep breath, continuing to stroke her as she lay in his embrace, placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. “That’s what we planned.”

“You should be heading back to the hotel so you can get packed up. And I’m sure your brothers are curious about where you are.”

“They’ll have figured it out.”

“Still, you want to get breakfast before the train.”

“You trying to get rid of me?”

She breathed deeply. “Not at all. I wish you never had to go. But you do.”

He moved so that he could see her face. “You could come with me.”

“Nick, I can’t.”

“Of course you can. Katherine, my brother, Jarrod, he’s a lawyer. A good one. He can get you out of this pitiful excuse for a marriage.”

“Nick,” she pleaded, “we both know that we’re from two different worlds and that you’re going back to California and I’m staying here. I am what I am, Nick, and no matter how much you or I don’t like my life, it won’t change matters any.”

“Katherine, but we could change it.”

“Please, Nick, don’t make this harder than it has to be.” With that, she got out of bed, pulling on her dressing gown once again.

Nick took in a deep breath, running his hand through his dark hair, watching Katherine as she moved to the vanity, sitting down and beginning to brush through her sun kissed hair, reaching into a drawer to find a ribbon to pull it back from her face. As he sat in the bed, watching Katherine in the mirror, he knew he couldn’t stay, that their only chance to be together was to return to California. Forcing himself out of her bed, Nick moved about the room, collecting his own clothes, pulling on shirt, pants and boots, picking up his jacket, feeling for his wallet. Pulling it out, he stood behind Katherine, each of them looking at the other’s reflection. “If I gave you money – ”

She closed her eyes, putting the brush down in front of her, looking back up at Nick, her eyes filled with sorrow. “I don’t want your money, Nick.”

He started to put his hands on her shoulders but pulled them back, planting them at his waist. “If I gave you money, could you keep it away from your husband? Hide it somewhere, let one of the other girls hold it?” She watched him in the mirror, trying to determine his motives. He dropped to his knees alongside of her, staring up into her face when she turned and looked down at him. “If one day you decide you do want to leave him, want to leave this life, it’ll give you a fresh start.” He reached into his wallet, pulling out all the bills there, forcing them into her hand.

She looked down at the wad of bills in her hand, then into his face. “Nick, it’s too much.”

He stared into her eyes. “I won’t even miss it.” Closing her hand around the money, his eyes bore into hers. “If you ever need it, for anything. And if he finds it or if you need me, you send word to me in Stockton and I’ll come for you. You understand?”

She smiled at him, laying the money on the vanity and taking his face in her hands. “And are you my guardian angel?”

“Your angel, huh? What kind of angel tries to take a woman from her husband? Or leaves her with such a sorry excuse for one?” he asked, the brightness of the new day sending pangs of guilt into his soul.

She stood up, pulling him up to his feet as well, then reached up into the dark locks, pulling his head down to hers, their lips meeting in one last bruising kiss. “My angel,” she whispered. “My beautiful dark angel. I promise you, Nick, if I ever need you, I’ll let you know.”

Nick closed his eyes, shaking his head, burying his face in her neck, holding her against him in a crushing embrace, certain he could feel his heart breaking as he held her tightly. “If you change your mind, meet me at the train. If you can’t get away with anything but yourself, that’s okay. Just meet me at the train and we’ll take it from there.” Swallowing hard, he looked into her eyes, “And Katherine, even if you don’t want to come away with me, if you just want to get away, start fresh, I’m here to help.”

***************

As Nick and his brothers waited at the train station, Jarrod and Heath watched as their middle brother restlessly paced in front of the depot.

Jarrod looked at his younger brother, at the man he knew could be so quick to give his heart, the gruff cowboy on the exterior, the sensitive man at his core. He walked over to Nick, placing a hand on his shoulder, looking down the street with him. “Did you really think she’d come, Nick?”

Nick looked to his brothers. “No, but I hoped she might.” He looked down at the ground. “It’s real complicated.”

“That wouldn’t surprise me,” Jarrod commented.

“Now what is that supposed to mean?” Nick challenged.

“Nothing, Nick, it’s just that Kate obviously has her life set out here for her. And whatever may have happened last night, you can’t deny what she does for a living.”

Nick turned on Jarrod, his eyes narrowing, his voice dropping to a growl. “I didn’t notice you spending last night in a church, Jarrod.”

Jarrod hooked his thumbs in his vest pockets and stared back at his brother, keeping his voice low. “No, Nick, but I didn’t spend last night falling head over heels for a girl whose job is to seduce men and make them feel special. Nick, I’m sure she’s a wonderful girl, she’s certainly beautiful, but did you ever consider that maybe she just did her job a little too well?”

“I think I know the difference, Jarrod. There was something special between us. Not like with other girls.” Jarrod and Heath watched Nick’s emotions fighting with his sensibilities. “We all know what she is, but there was a part of her that was so gentle, so good, so pure . . . I’ll tell you, for a while there, I thought I’d found a little bit of heaven.” He forced a smile for his older brother and poked him in the chest for emphasis. “And I didn’t need to be anywhere near a church to find it.”

Heath smiled at his older brother’s last comment, and decided to pick up on his attempt at humor, shrugging his shoulders. “Little bit of heaven? I’ll tell you, Jarrod, when I saw Nick’s bed wasn’t slept in, the last thing I thought was that he might be off earning his halo and wings.”

Jarrod smiled at his brothers’ easy banter. “Well, you know, if I had to choose, I would have guessed Nick had horns under that hat, but I suppose he could have a halo lurking there.”

“Yeah,” Nick answered ruefully, no longer smiling. “Some kind of angel I turned out to be.”

Heath and Jarrod exchanged quick glances. “Just what happened with you two last night, Nick?” Jarrod asked, getting no answer as the relative silence was broken by the clanging of the train’s bell and the call of the conductor, the signal for the men to board the train. Jarrod and Heath watched as Nick slapped his hat against his leg, then turned dejectedly and climbed the steps into the train car. The two brothers followed, the three men heading to the private compartments they had secured for the trip home. As Nick prepared to enter his, Jarrod caught him by the arm, “If you want to talk, Nick . . .”

“I know, Jarrod.” He reached for the door knob, then stopped, speaking over his shoulder as his hand rested on the knob. “I guess I just never realized that finding a bit of heaven would make the rest of life seem so empty.” With that, he opened the door and stepped inside his compartment, leaving his brothers in the hall, both of them knowing that Nick would talk when he was ready, knowing they could wait until his feet were once again planted on solid ground.

Nick walked into his compartment, tossing his hat and saddle bags onto the bed, cocking his head when he saw what looked to be a stuffed white canvas bag already there. Reaching over to look into it, he whirled around when he heard the voice behind him.

“I told Jake I needed to take some things to be laundered.”

His heart leapt into his throat as he saw Katherine sitting in the chair that had been hidden by the door. “You came,” he said, not sure if he could believe his eyes.

She nodded at him, standing and entering his embrace. “I may have done some foolish things in my life, but I figure if God is going to send me an angel to help me change my life, I should probably take him up on it.”

Nick smiled down at her, his eyes sweeping her length, her heavenly body swathed in a proper dress, the blonde hair once again carefully arranged, forming a golden halo on the top of her head. Taking her face in his hands, Nick leaned his head down slowly, his lips meeting hers and they held on to one another as the train lurched forward, starting down the tracks toward that bit of paradise called California.

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program Big Valley are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the authors. The ideas expressed in this story are copywrited by the author.

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