Love Me Again (6 page)

His breathing labored, Cord snapped, “I’m fine.”

“I admire your determination, Cord, but I said go and rest.” With a jerk of his wrist
, Nick pointed at the grove of trees by the field.          

Perspiration dripped into his eyes, causing them to burn. With the back of his arm, he wiped across his brow. “I’m sorry, Nick. I’m sorry I took Abby’s innocence. There is no way I can make up for what I have done. If there was, I would fix it.”

“Abby is a devout Christian and would never easily succumb to the sins of the flesh. You seduced her. What bothers me most is we know nothing about you. What are you hiding?” His temper escalated with his voice. “Stop evading my questions and answer me!”  

Fists clenched at his side, Cord knew Nick wanted to punch him. “My life is none of your concern.” Cord removed his hat and raked his fingers through his wet, sweat drenched hair. “I know I have wronged Abby. But there is nothing I can do to rectify what I have done. I will leave in a few days and you will not see me again.” Before Nick could say another word Cord turned and stomped away.

  Cord sat under the same tree where he had sat with Abby yesterday. It had started out to be a perfect day sitting on the quilt that they later made love. He enjoyed her company and the picnic immensely. Hearing her laugh and joke with Nick, noticing how happy she had been. Now that happiness was gone and it was because of him.

He didn’t
need the distraction she had become. Not able to forget how she felt in his arms, he knew he was falling in love with her. As he sat there pondering the quandary he had gotten himself into, he knew he would not succumb to his lust for her again. He would leave in a few days. She would marry Andrew and have his children. A woman like her would only complicate his life. She would expect him to settle down and he was not ready to do so. 

****

For two days Nick kept Cord busy, too busy to spend any time alone with Abby. Knowing the time for him to leave was near, she decided to go to him. The house was dark and silent as she tiptoed to Nick’s bedroom. Thankfully, the door did not creak as she slowly pushed it open. She crept to the bed and looked down at Cord sleeping peacefully on his back. Even though it was a moonless night, she could still see his profile. Her heart skipped a beat when he rolled over onto his side. It was now or never, she told herself. Her gown fell to the floor at her feet. Pulling back the quilt covering Cord, Abby slipped into bed and curled against his back. In a sound sleep, he never moved, not even when she ran her fingers through his chest hairs. Her hand crept lower, taking his member into her hand. She wondered what was wrong with it because it was limp, not hard and pulsing like the day in the barn. Cord moaned and Abby felt it growing in her hand. Amazed, Abby became bolder with her touches. It wasn’t but a moment and she could feel it throbbing and hot against her hand. Suddenly, Abby found herself flat on her back pressed into the mattress from Cord’s weight.

His throaty whisper in her ear made her pulse quicken. “What do you think you are doing?”

Abby’s lips curved into a smile. “I want to feel the passion you showed me once more.”

Cord pushed himself above Abby to see into her eyes. “Your brother has forbidden me to touch you again.”

“Please Cord, I’m not asking for any promises. Let’s enjoy the time we have left with each other.” She pulled his head down and claimed his mouth with a demanding kiss. She kissed him like he had taught her the day in the barn; a kiss that set him on fire. Her hands caressed his body, exploring, touching him intimately. She almost shrieked when his lips left hers and began to suckle on her breast.

When her moans became louder, Cord whispered in her ear, “Shhh, Abby. Someone will hear you.”

She bit her bottom lip to keep quiet. She pulled him closer fearing he would stop. She realized nothing could stop Cord from having her. His hands became more savage as he grabbed her thigh and massaged. Her hips came off the bed as she felt his finger slip into her wetness. She bucked up and then back down in a quick rhythm melting against his hand. Moans escaped her lips again so Cord moved from her breast to her mouth to halt those moans before her father or Nick heard. 

She tore her lips away and whispered breathlessly in Cord’s ear, “Take me, Cord. Please, take me now.” 

Bracing himself between her thighs, Cord entered Abby. With an exquisite thrust, he drove into her moist body. To keep from screaming, Abby sunk her teeth into Cord’s shoulder. He ignored the pain and began to move with wild abandon inside her. The headboard thumped against the wall, but neither seemed to notice because they were too caught up in the moment.

Abby thought she would die of pleasure as he thrust himself deeper. Cord quickened his strokes slamming into her with hard jolts. Her thighs clenched as her orgasm ripped through her and she squirmed with pleasure. Several more thrusts and Cord collapsed onto Abby exhausted and sated. Rolling over onto his back, he gasped for air. She could feel his pulse pounding, and felt ecstatic she pleased him. Maybe he
would ride away, but she felt content it had been him to introduce her to the pleasures of the body.

****

Morning came and as usual Nick woke Cord before the sun even begun to make an appearance. When he stepped into the kitchen tired and exhausted, Abby was singing, “Amazing Grace,” as she prepared breakfast. She was beaming. Her cheeks glowed like a woman well satisfied. Cord wondered how she could be so chipper when she had been up most of the night making love to him. One thing was for sure, Abby enjoyed sex. He had several bites to prove it. It definitely took its toll on him and he would be hard pressed to keep up with Nick in the fields today.

Since Nick had not made an appearance for breakfast, Cord whispered, “Don’t you think you should act normal? Nick is going to know something is out of the ordinary if you’re singing like a bird. You sound like a woman in l…” Never finishing the sentence, Cord stared at Abby. She was in love with him. That was why she came to his bed last night, and why she was so happy and content this morning. Cord stared at her.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Cord.”  Her face turned bright red from embarrassment. “I like making love. You have shown me passion and I am enjoying that passion. I meant it when I said I was not looking for any promises.”                 

Was she trying to force him to marry her? If that was the case, she would have told her father he took her virginity. Even if she did, he doubted Jacob would force him to marry Abby. The man felt he was not worthy of her. What would her father do if he found out? 

Before he could ponder the question, Nick entered from outside. “Day’s a wasting.” Still a little miffed at Abby, Nick ignored his plate waiting for him on the table, grabbed a couple of biscuits, stuffed them with bacon, and headed out the door. He didn’t even bother to tell her goodbye. 

Cord heard Abby’s sorrowful moan. Gone was the happiness he witnessed when he first walked into the kitchen. By her expression, she was hurt by her brother’s behavior. “I’m sorry, Abby. He’ll come around. He loves you dearly and won’t stay mad long.”

“I hope you are right. Not only is he my brother but Nick is also my best friend. I can’t tolerate him being angry with me.”

“I’ll talk to him today. I’ll try to make him understand.” Cord
didn’t confess he had already asked Nick to forgive her. He did not want to cause her even more pain. She would need a shoulder to cry on when he left, and Nick was the only one she could trust.

Chapter Five

Tired of waiting for Abby to come to his room as she did every night, Cord went to her. The moment he opened the door he heard her crying. Walking to the bed, Cord saw her lying face down on her stomach sobbing into her pillow. Gently, he touched her shoulder. His husky whisper filled the room, “What’s wrong, Abby?”

Abby sat up and wiped the back of her hand across her eyes and forced back the rest of the tears threatening to spill forth. Her loud sniffle sounded pitiful, as if she were a small child. When she spoke, Cord had to bend closer so he could hear her low whisper. “You know what is wrong. You are leaving in two days.”

Cord sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped his arm around Abby. It was not going to be easy to leave her
, especially knowing she didn’t want him to leave. However, it did not matter, he had to leave. If he stayed any longer, it would make the inevitable even more difficult. He was falling in love with Abby. She was like a drug and he had become addicted. He could not wait for her to come to his room every night to make love to him. She stirred his desire more than he thought possible. She was usually so gentle and sweet, but the moment he touched her, she became a tigress. His back had so many scratches from her sharp nails and his shoulder was riddled with bites from her sharp little teeth.

Nick was always telling him to take off his shirt and get some sun, but he had to keep it on because of all the love marks. Because she had to suppress her moans of pleasure, he suffered. Maybe he could not really call it suffering. Bold and brazen, he savored every moment with her. 

“I will miss you, Abby.”  Feeling as if he were deserting her, Cord felt guilty. He knew she was in love with him, but he was still leaving. A man in love could be distracted and he did not need those distractions because they could mean his death. He must remember what Bart Langley did to his family and get back to the task of revenge. Abby was making him soft and when facing a man like Bart you had to be cold and hard. 

Cord pressed his face into her neck and took a deep lingering breath. He would never forget her scent, vanilla fresh and sweet. He would always associate the smell of vanilla with her.

Shrouded in darkness, he wanted to see her as they made love so he lit the lantern on the table. The moment he sat on the bed, Abby wrapped her arms around him. Her mouth devoured his in a kiss meant to possess. Her tongue thrust into his mouth causing him to become hot with desire. Cord shivered when she sucked his tongue causing him to groan. He raised her gown and caressed her thighs. Abby sat up and looked into his smoldering eyes. His muscles rippled under her hands as she felt his chest, shoulders, and last his broad back. It was as if she couldn’t get enough of him. A shiver shot up his spine when she pressed her lips to his nipple and teased with her tongue before drawing it into her mouth. He felt it harden under her soft lips. She cooed as the room filled with sucking noises. His engorged member pressed against her legs and he trembled with need. Her hand slid over his shoulder to cup the back of his neck as her mouth returned to his. Her mouth was luscious, full, and provocative as she feasted on his tongue.

Inch by inch, she sat on his shaft slowly taking him inside her almost driving him over the edge. He took several deep breaths to gain control of his emotions. His hands cupped her breasts and he rolled them roughly, reveling in the ecstasy he saw in her eyes. Abby threw her head back and propelled herself down on his throbbing member taking all of him. Then her moans started as she came down on him harder and faster. Cord had to put his hand over her mouth to silence her. She rode him faster and faster until her passion reached the explosive point. The scream started deep in her throat. To keep from screaming out, she gritted her teeth, gripped Cord’s chest and dug her nails in until blood oozed from his skin. Cord cupped her round bottom and held her in place while his seed released deep into her moistness. Abby fell to the bed beside Cord pant
ing for breath. Cord’s last thought as he drifted off to sleep, was this was the most powerful lust he had ever experienced in his life.

****

Rough, angry hands shook Abby. Too tired to understand, she pushed at the hands not wanting to get out of bed. “Abby!”

The horror of recognizing her brother’s voice caused her stomach to turn inside out. Nick loomed over her. His eyes showed his cold rage.

Keeping his voice low, Nick whispered, “Have you lost your mind? What if father finds you in bed together?”

In that moment, Cord must have awakened because he bolted out of bed, and donned his pants quickly. Nick’s mouth fell open in shock when he saw all the scratches and bites that littered Cord’s body. Livid, Nick stalked toward Cord with murder in his eyes.

Still wrapped in the sheet, Abby jumped in front of Cord. “Please, don’t Nick. He is leaving in the morning. I just wanted one more night with him before he left.”

Fury vibrated off the walls. “How many nights have you been saying goodbye, Abby? It looks like he has been sleeping with a cougar!”

Her face lost all its color and Abby looked as if she would faint. Nick must think she was the worst kind of whore. Her thoughts bleak, Abby feared she had destroyed their close relationship. They had always been inseparable and now she feared that bond was forever broken. And for what? Cord made her no promises. He would ride away on his stallion and never look back. She could only blame herself because she took a huge risk giving her heart to him. 

Nick took several deep breaths as if trying to control his anger. His fist clenched and Abby knew he lost all control. He swung hitting Cord in the jaw. There was a lot of power behind the punch and Cord instantly fell to the plank floor. Not making an attempt to get up, he looked at her brother and wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his hand. In one quick movement, he grabbed Cord’s shirt draped over the bedpost and threw it in his lap. “Get your shirt on before father sees the aftermath of making love to my sister.”

Too guilty to look at Nick, he kept his eyes downcast, and struggled to his feet. Just when he finished the last button on his shirt, her father walked into the room.

“What’s going on in here?”

No one answered him, no one needed too. His eyes narrowed on Abby. Still wrapped in the sheet, white as a piece of cotton, and her hair in disarray, it was apparent Nick found them in bed together. His bellow caused Abby to shut her eyes in fear.

“What have you done, Abby? Your poor mother is probably turning over in her grave!” Her father lunged for her, but Nick caught him, pulling him away before he could get his hands around her neck.

“No, Father. Do not touch her while you are so angry. Go outside and calm down.” Nick all but picked her father up and pushed him out the door. Abby was thankful when he did as Nick asked and didn’t try to return to the room.

Nick faced Cord and shouted, “Get your things packed! You are leaving today!” Eyes filled with repulsion, he glared at him. In a voice filled with anguish, he whispered, “You promised you would not sleep with her again. You lied to me.”

Tears began to fall from Abby’s eyes. “It is my fault, Nick. I seduced him. Every night I have been going to his bed. This is the first time he came to me.”

“Get dressed, Abby.” Never had she seen Nick so angry before. 

Wrapping her hand around his arm, Abby pleaded, “Please, Nick, calm down.”

Strong, calloused hands gripped her by the shoulders. “There is nothing more to say, Abby. He used you. How can you not see him for what he is? He took your innocence and has no intention of marrying you.” 

Abby faced Cord hoping he would say the words she longed to hear. If he would ask her to marry him, then everything would be okay. But he said nothing. He would not even look at her. Nick followed Cord as he left Abby’s room. He never took his eyes off him while he packed his things, retrieved his guns from the bureau, and walked stiffly out the front door. 

Already tied to the porch railing stood Pepper, saddled and ready to leave. Her father stood off to the side glaring at Cord.

Cord placed his hand on Nick’s shirt sleeve and pleaded, “Please do not punish Abby for my horrible behavior. All this is my fault. You are right. I took advantage of her innocence. Please do not let Jacob beat her.”

Nick did not answer. His arms crossed over his chest, he stood waiting for Cord to leave. 

Shoulders slumped in defeat, Cord hesitated before he mounted his horse. The moment he threw his leg over the saddle, Abby ran out into the yard and shouted, tears streaming down her face, “Cord, wait!” 

She didn’t
get far because her father backhanded her, sending her falling to the ground at his feet. His fists clenched in anger he shouted, “You Jezebel! God will punish you for your wanton behavior.”

Cord was off his horse in an instant. Before he reached Abby, Nick helped her off the ground. Blood oozed from a cut on her lip. When Jacob started to slap Abby again, Nick grabbed his arm and shoved him causing him to stumble back two steps.

“Don’t you ever hit her again! She is not responsible. She had no idea what she was doing.” His finger pointed at Cord, he shouted, “He used her innocence!” Nick wrapped his arm protectively around Abby. He scowled at Cord and lowered his voice. “You have worn out your welcome. It is time for you to go.”

Already swelling, her lip still oozed blood where her father had slapped her. The taste of the warm blood mingled with her pain of losing Cord caused her to gag. It took all the strength she could muster not to break down and sob.

Cord maneuvered Pepper toward the road leading to town. Silence filled the yard as he sat in the saddle unmoving. Impatient, Pepper began to paw the ground. Broad shoulders straightened before he reined his horse around. His pain filled eyes met Abby’s. “May I say goodbye to Abby in private.”

Nick huffed in annoyance, “No, you may say goodbye now.”

Sad, deep blue eyes looked at Nick. She cupped his face and pleaded, “Please, Nick. I will never see him again. Let me say goodbye.” Never able to deny her anything, he moved away from her so she could say goodbye to Cord.

Cord took her hand into his. He rubbed her calloused hand against his cheek. “Come with me, Abby.”

Her heart began to beat so fast she thought it would fly out of her chest. It was just what she hoped he would say. He did love her and wanted to marry her. But she knew her father and Nick would not let her leave without a fight. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt. Wait for me in town. When father and Nick go to the fields tomorrow I will come to Tarboro.”

“Are you sure?” He tucked his hands into the back pockets of his jeans, and leaned back on his heels.  

“I love you, Cord. I want to be with you.” Abby forced the smile from her face the moment she felt Nick take her hand. Even though she was happy, she forced tears from her eyes as she watched Cord mount his horse. She needed Nick to believe Cord would be leaving Tarboro without her.

Glancing back at her one last time, Cord raised his hand, and kicked his horse into a gallop. 

****

Several times Abby tried to slip away so she could meet Cord in town. Nick never let her out of his sight. Fearing she would follow Cord, he decided to stay home and her father went to work the fields alone. Frantic with worry that he would leave town without her, she was a jumble of nerves. She tried tears and pleading, but nothing worked. Determined Cord was not the man for Abby, her brother would not relent. “I love him, Nick.  I want to marry him.”

“Did he ask you to marry him, Abby?”

Abby stiffened. “No, Nick, but I’m sure he will. I know he loves me.”

“You know nothing about him, Abby. Did he tell you where he was from? Did he tell you who shot him and why? Did he tell you what he does to make a living?” Nick took Abby by the arm. “He is not worthy of you.”

A tear escaped and trickled down her cheek. Gently, Nick wiped it away with his finger. “You don’t know him like I do. I swear he loves me.”

Nick took a deep breath. “You don’t know him, Abby. He could be a cold-blooded killer for all you know. He could be a bounty hunter. All I know, he was mighty handy with a gun. He probably makes his living with those guns. What was he going to do with you? You can’t drift from place to place. You need roots. You need a man like Andrew who will cherish you, provide a home, and security.”

“Nick I will never be able to love another man. I love, Cord. I will never be able to marry Andrew now.”

His eyes narrowed and his expression grew serious. “I’m sorry, Abby. You can hate me, but you mean too much to me. I will not let you ruin your life. Father is going to talk to Andrew tomorrow. He is going to tell him Cord seduced you. If Andrew wants to marry you, even though you are no longer a virgin, the wedding will take place after the harvest. You have little choice in the matter.”

“How many times do I have to tell you? I seduced him. Why won’t anyone listen to me? No one cares what I want!” Abby ran to her room and fell on her bed, tears soaking her pillow. Abruptly, Abby sat up and stopped crying. She knew she had to find a way to sneak into town before Cord left without her. 

****

For two days Cord had been waiting in town for Abby. He sat facing the window, so he would see her if she rode into town, a bottle of whiskey in his hand. Almost three weeks had passed since he had a drink, and he was making up for lost time.