To Tame a Renegade (9 page)

Raw emotion surged through Chad, primitive and undeniable; an emotion he’d never expected to genuinely experience.

“I don’t know what happened, Sarah, and I don’t really care. I do know that your parents have no business treating you like an outcast Everyone makes mistakes; no one is perfect. I’d say you’ve paid dearly for your mistake.”

Sarah blinked away her tears. Despite the small spark of compassion Chad displayed upon occasion, there was an aloofness about him, a dangerous, unreadable temperament that made him hard to understand. He confused her, and she found that unsettling. Then all thought vanished as Chad’s mouth claimed hers.

Chad tasted the sweetness of Sarah’s mouth and groaned. Reason bid him stop. Inexplicable need urged him on. He wanted Sarah Temple. Not just sexually; he wanted to protect her and Abner from the people of this town. From her own parents. What had started as an unaccountable need to comfort Sarah had grown all out of proportion. He’d never felt this way before, never thought he was capable of giving solace. Not only that; he wanted to give her more pleasure man any man before him had.

Sarah whimpered as he pressed her closer.

“Don’t,” she said, dragging her mouth away from his.

Painfully aroused, Chad was barely able to think beyond the pressing need between his legs. “I want you, Sarah,” he muttered against her throat as his lips teased the wildly beating pulse there. “Let me comfort you. I won’t get you pregnant, if that’s what you’re worried about. I know how to prevent it”

His words were like a dash of cold water. “Let me go.” Her voice was deadly serious.

Chad’s arms dropped away and he stared at her in consternation. There was nothing wrong with two lonely people wanting each other, was there? He searched her face. What he saw shocked him. There was a wounded look to her eyes and mouth. He had somehow hurt her and for the life of him he couldn’t think what he had done.

“What’s wrong? What have I done?”

Chad’s words shamed Sarah. She’d tried so hard to live a respectable life despite the town’s groundless condemnation. Then Chad Delaney had marched into her life and made her feel things that frightened her. She disliked men intensely. Yet something about Chad made her think sweet, romantic thoughts instead of dark sin and pain. His kisses evoked irresistible pleasure. Nothing had prepared her for the shattering effects of desire. It puzzled, humiliated, and terrified her. For a brief moment, though, she had reveled in the unique taste and scent of him.

The pressure of his body against hers had felt good and right despite knowing it was wrong. But it was Chad’s careless words that had brought her to her senses. He considered her a whore, like everyone else in this town. Would Chad believe her if she told him she’d been raped? Would he pass judgment and call her a liar and a sinner?

“I repeat, Mr. Delaney, I am not for sale. The One-Eyed Jack Saloon has a variety of women who I’m sure would suit your needs.”

Chad’s eyes narrowed with contempt “Are you holding out for a better price? I should have known. Women are all alike. All they do is take. I finished giving a long time ago, Miss Temple.”

“I never asked you for a thing, Mr. Delaney. Your opinion of women is appalling. Experience has taught me that men can’t be trusted. What soured you on women, Mr. Delaney?”

“What soured you on men?” Chad shot back.

Sarah gave a harsh laugh. “Need you ask? Look at me. Look at my circumstances. My own parents despise me, and do you know why?” Chad opened his mouth to speak but Sarah forestalled him. “I’ll tell you why. Because I believed a man’s sweet talk I was a trusting, naive child who fancied herself in love. And then…” Her words fell off and she looked away.

“So you fell for some man and he got you pregnant. I’m surprised your parents didn’t make him marry you.”

“That’s not exactly how it happened,” she said bitterly, “but close enough. My parents refused to believe the truth and disowned me when I told them I was pregnant”

“What is the truth?”

Sarah stared at him. “The truth, Mr. Delaney, is that you’re like every other man I’ve ever known.”

They were still glaring at one another when Abner rushed into the house, nearly bursting with excitement.

“Mama, Mrs. Barlow is having her baby. Doctor Clayter is there now.”

Chad looked at Abner in disbelief. How could this be happening to him? He thought he’d solved the problem of Sarah’s care and now he faced a new dilemma. With a new baby added to her other responsibilities, Carrie Barlow would not be able to help Sarah or care for Abner. Now what? Chad wondered. How in the hell did he get himself into these messes?

“Isn’t it exciting, Mama?” Abner enthused. “Doctor Clayter sent me home and said he’d be over as soon as he’s through at the Barlow house. Can I go out and play, Mama? I like Danny Barlow, he doesn’t call me names.”

“Go out and play,” Chad said, answering for Sarah. “And stay out of trouble.”

Chad could not imagine a worse scenario. He had no clue where to find Freddie Jackson. He had arrived in Carbon looking for an outlaw and had unwittingly inherited responsibilities he couldn’t seem to escape from. His entire life was going to hell in a handbasket. At one time life had been damn near perfect He had his brothers, his ranch, money, and all the women he wanted. Now he was a moderately successful bounty hunter saddled with a woman and child he couldn’t wait to get rid of. His pockets were nearly empty and the man he was hunting was still at large. What else could go wrong?

“I’m going over to the Barlows to see if I can help,” Sarah said, heading out the door.

Chad’s gaze settled on her bandaged arms, and he raised one eyebrow in surprise. “How do you propose to do that?”

“Carrie and I have never been close but she’s always been kind to me. The least I can do is lend moral support”

She swept out the door and Chad felt obliged to follow. The Barlow shack wasn’t far. Chad rapped on the door when Sarah stared at her useless hands and stuck her foot forward to tap the door. A large man on crutches answered.

“I’m Sarah Temple,” Sarah said. “I’ve come to lend whatever support I can for Carrie. Is the doctor in with her?”

“Come in. I’m Charlie, Carrie’s husband. I don’t believe we’ve met.” His gaze swung to Chad.

When Sarah offered no introduction, Chad jumped into the void. “I’m Chad Delaney, a friend of Sarah’s.”

“Friend, indeed,” Sarah mumbled beneath her breath as she walked into the tiny parlor. Just then Doctor Clayter came out of the bedroom, wiping his hands.

“You have a fine son, Charlie. The baby arrived a bit early and is rather small, but he’ll be fine. You can go on in and see Carrie and your son now if you’d like. But first, a word of advice. Let Carrie rest a year or two before putting another babe in her belly. She’s had too many children in too short a time. This one is healthy but I can’t guarantee the next one will be if you don’t give her time to recover fully.”

Charlie had the grace to flush. “I’ll be careful, Doc. We don’t need any more mouths to feed. By the way, when can I get this cast off my leg? I need to get back to work to support my family.”

“I’ll come out early next week to remove it Meanwhile, see that Carrie stays in bed for a few days. You can manage that long without her, can’t you?”

“Sure, Doc,” Charlie conceded. “I’ll see that you get paid, too. Just as soon as I get back on my feet again.”

Chad said nothing as Charlie disappeared into the bedroom, but he couldn’t help thinking how privileged he’d been compared to the kind of poverty the Barlows and Sarah experienced on a daily basis. The Delaney ranch was a prosperous business that supported all three brothers rather well. Some years were leaner than others but there had always been money for the little extras that made life enjoyable.

“I planned to stop by just as soon as I finished here, Sarah,” Doctor Clayter said.

“I came to see if I could help.”

“There’s nothing for you to do. I gave Carrie something to make her sleep and she’ll be dropping off soon. Charlie can handle the children until Carrie’s on her feet again. Go on home, I’ll be there directly.”

Sarah headed for the door, then paused when Charlie hobbled from the bedroom and motioned to Chad.

“Carrie asked to see you, Mr. Delaney. Make it quick, she’s exhausted.”

“Are you sure she asked to see me?” Chad wanted to know.

“Yeah, very sure. Go on in.”

Chad glanced at Sarah, shrugged, then entered the bedroom. Carrie looked very small and fragile lying in the big bed. A tiny bundle rested in her arms, nuzzling at her breast.

“You wanted to see me?”

Carrie looked up, a worried look on her face. “It’s about the money you gave me to help Sarah. The baby came early and I won’t be able to live up to our agreement.” She flushed and looked away. “I already spent the money on food. I’m sorry. As soon as Charlie is on his feet again we’ll pay you back.”

“Keep the money, Mrs. Barlow,” Chad said gruffly. “You need it more than I do.”

“Who will assist Sarah? She’s so… helpless… and she has no one.” Her eyes were glazing over and it was obvious the laudanum was taking effect.

“Don’t worry about Sarah. I’ll take care of her.” No sooner had the words left his mouth than the portent of what he said dawned on him. He had just committed himself, something he’d vowed never to do again.

Sarah couldn’t imagine why Chad Delaney was still here. It worried her. Men like Chad didn’t do anything without wanting something in return. He’d already admitted he wanted her sexually. His thrilling kisses had made her forget the fragile state of her reputation. She didn’t need a man in her life, especially one who was bound to be here today and gone tomorrow. Chad Delaney wanted one thing from her. What she didn’t understand was why he just didn’t take it while she was helpless and then leave for parts unknown. That’s what Freddie Jackson had done.

Sarah retired to the bedroom directly after supper. Abner and Chad were still in the kitchen doing up the dishes. Very carefully she pulled out the dresser drawer with her bandaged hands and removed her nightgown, feeling very satisfied with herself for being able to do at least that much on her own. The last thing she wanted was for Chad to undress her.

Sarah gazed in dismay at the several buttons marching down the front of her dress. Her burns no longer pained her like they did shortly after the accident, but manipulating the buttons was beyond her meager capabilities. She wanted to scream in frustration.

Chad knocked once and entered the room. Sarah blinked away her tears. Being dependent on a man for things she had done herself all her life angered her. She didn’t want to be indebted to anyone.

“Can I help?” Chad asked as he lit the lamp Sarah hadn’t been able to manage on her own.

“Where’s Abner?”

“He fell asleep on the sofa while I was finishing up in the kitchen. I’ll put him on the trundle as soon as you’re settled in bed.”

“I think I’ll sleep in my clothing tonight.”

His big hands moved to the buttons on her bodice. “You’ll rest more comfortably without your dress.”

Sarcasm fairly dripped from her words. “What did I ever do to deserve such kindness?”

Chad grinned. “Nothing that I’m aware of. I’m here because I’m responsible for your accident and I can’t find anyone to help you. Now be quiet and let me concentrate on these buttons.”

Sarah’s lips clamped together as Chad’s hands moved over her breasts. His touch was light, experienced, and she wondered how many women he’d undressed in his lifetime. Plenty, she’d wager. She tried to remain stoic but the tingling sensation in those places he’d touched gave her butterflies in the pit of her stomach.

“Can’t you hurry?”

“There,” Chad said, releasing the last button. “I’ll just work your dress down your arms and hips now.”

Sarah stood absolutely still as Chad carefully removed her dress and petticoats. When he tried to lift her shift, Sarah planted her arms at her sides and gave her head a vigorous shake.

“Leave the shift,” she said tightly. “It can serve as a nightgown.”

Chad gave her a wicked grin. Did she have no idea how appealing she looked? Her back was to the light, rendering her shift nearly transparent. The shimmering outline of her body sent blood pounding through his veins. He wanted…

Sarah.

Chapter 5