Thread: an officer (gentleman?) and the lady ( picklechiffon and wolvenrogue)

PickleChiffon said Her green eyes flicked open again, she had the sensation she was cold. The stranger leaned over her, forcing his fire liquid down her throat. She sputtered at the acrid taste and the burning she felt in her throat soon after she swallowed. Surely he was trying to poison her, she coughed, plain lancing through her side as it jostled. Wh-a-t happened? Her voice was cracked and scratchy as she tried to talk. She flicked her tongue over her dry lips, moistening them. She vaguely noticed the heap of crimson stained clothing by his side. Thats such a pretty color, Im wearing a dress just like it . Her gaze fell down to see a naked arm resting on top of his cape. She startled, a look of terror in her eyes as she looked up into his face. Why? Why am I undressed? She tried to be calm, but she heard the panic in her voice as she asked the question. Her body still throbbed in agony, as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. Click to expand... It will be alright now ma'am, but your hurt, hurt bad. The stage has been run off the road and robbed and everyone but you are dead. Please just stay still. You have an awful wound on your side. Looks like you got thrown from the stage and a tree branch got you. Robert tried to look calm and protective, but he knew only too well her situation was grave. They were three days ride from Dodge. Three days for a healthy man on a fresh horse. This girl couldn't ride anywhere, and they had but one tired horse between them, little food and less water. None of that could he tell her. She needed to stay calm. Ma'am I'm plumb sorry about your dress, but I had to pack that wound or you'd have bled to death. He looked in her eyes hoping she would see he was sincere. You stay here and for God sake stay still, I don't want that wound opening up. I'm gonna build you a litter, and were getting out of here while we can. He didn't tell her why he was in a hurry, but he well knew what the Appachies would do if they found him with a woman, even a wounded one. He worked quickly rigging a litter behind his horse. he padded it with the cushions from the stage and found some blankets in the storage at the back of the stage. It hadn't been Indians, they'd have taken the blankets. Robert returned fro her about 20 minutes later. Ma'am I'm gonna lift you onto the litter now. It gonna hurt like living hell... I'm real sorry. He lifted her as gently as he could his arm supporting her naked back and right side. he kept her wound against his body not wanting to bump it. He skin was soft and smooth against his trail hardened hands. Its alright he said as she screamed and passed out again from the pain. As he pulled her from the stage, his cape caught on the door hinge and pulled off of her and he found himself holding a beautiful naked woman in his arms. He quickly laid her on the litter and covered her again with his cape. He thought about bringing her dress but decided to leave it. The smell of blood would only bring predators, and they had no water to wash it. He covered her with blankets leaving only her face exposed, loaded his horse and started the long trek to Dodge. It was nearing evening but he pushed on into the night, knowing the day would bring blistering heat. He needed to find water and shelter before morning. Watching the stars he headed east, and it was nearing sun-up when he heard the most welcome sound he could think of water. Through the almost pitch blackness he pressed on toward the sound and after a few minutes the horse stopped and bent to drink. Robert dismounted and reaching in his saddle bag pulled out a stump of a candle and a stick match. He struck the match and lit the candle. Holding it up he looked around. They had stumbled on a small stream surrounded by a grove of trees. He filled the canteen and led the horse into the trees. He tied the horse, spread a blanket on the ground, lit a fire, and laid down to wait for daylight leaving his wounded companion snug in the litter. He laid his carbine by his side, and took a few moments rest. His mind returned to the vision now stuck in his mind of his helpless companion naked in his arms....