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New Home	By : Pegasus2966 Category: M through R > Magnificent Seven Views: 1568 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: The Magnificent Seven is owned by Trilogy, Mirisch and MGM. No money or profit is being made from this story

Chapter List
- 1-New Home
- 1
Title: New Home
Author: Pegasus
Rating: NC-17 to X
Summary: Takes place about 2 weeks after “Coming Back”. Contains rape and slash (men on men – though not Magnificent Seven characters).
Disclaimer: The Magnificent Seven is owned by Trilogy, Mirisch and MGM. No money or profit is being made from this story.

Brandi had had a long morning. She went by the reservation to check on matters there, took food out to the squatters on her land, and verified fence lines where holding. By the time she got back home, she was hot and tired and was looking forward to a long hot bath and sitting down to write a long letter. She had only been gone for two weeks, but she was missing Chris and she was ready to take some time and go back, though this time not because she was running. Lost in thoughts as she took the bridal off Thunder and brushed him out, she didn’t notice the shadows that passed over the sun washed barn.
She suddenly felt a rough pull on her ponytail as she was pulled against someone. Two men walked around and stood in front of her, hands on their crotches. Rough hands moved to the front of her shirt and held her in place with elbows. She heard from behind her a familiar voice say “Look what we have here boys. A hot little half breed whore, just waiting for us. Why don’t you show her what you have there while I remind her what it is I have for her.” She was forced to watch as the two in front of her pulled down their pants and underwear, exposing their stiff members while behind her Jeff took his out and let it lie between her legs so she had to feel it through her pants. One of the men in front of her laughed and said “Now boss, how’s she gonna enjoy the feel of you if her pants are in the way.”
With a laugh, Jeff said “Oh, don’t worry; they’ll be gone soon enough so she can feel it lying against her cunt. But I’ll tell ya boys, this little whore can feel it already cuz I can feel her juices through them pants. I just thought you would like to enjoy looking at,” he started as he ripped open her top, “her fuck me tits. You could put these together and fuck them good while that hot little cock sucking mouth of hers finished the job.” Watching his men, he said “Samuels, you look like you’re about to bust open. What do you want to see?”
“Well, boss, I do want to fuck those tits if I get the chance, but right now, I wanna see your dick sitting under her cunt, not under her pants, and I wanna watch and then taste her juices dripping over you. I bet that would taste real nice, you and her together.”

“Well, if that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get,” Jeff said ripping her pants off. With a nod from Jeff, Samuels was down below the two, taking Jeff into his mouth and licking at Brandi. Jeff’s hands started squeezing and pulling roughly at Brandi’s breasts and nipples, enjoying the feel of himself against Brandi and in Samuels’ mouth. When Samuels finished, Jeff asked “Who wants to fuck that ripe cunt while I fuck this tight ass?”
His other man, Jenkins, said “Hell boss, I’ll take that hot little half breed whore.” Nodding, Jeff turned Brandi, stuck himself briefly in her too slick himself before turning her back and entering her ass while Jenkins took her from the front. Jeff’s hands didn’t stop as they both fucked her hard. Watching the show, but not wanting to be left out, Samuels stood behind Jenkins, entered and started to fuck him. Jenkins felt himself grow larger at fucking her and getting fucked by Samuels causing him to pound harder into Brandi as he pounded hard against Samuels. Pulling her hair to bring her closer to him, Jeff said “You like this you little whore, don’t you? Being fucked by two men at once and feeling another man get pounded?”
Brandi didn’t answer. She felt Jeff nod and Jenkins slapped her face. “You’re supposed to answer me when I ask a question. You like this don’t you?” He squeezed harder on her breasts.
“No,” she said.
Taking himself out of her, he turned her around, much to the dismay of both his men, and said “Don’t worry Jenkins, since she gave the wrong answer, her cock sucking mouth will take care of it for you, and then I want to taste him in your mouth before you swallow it. And you will swallow it. In the meantime, Samuels, you can fuck her cunt with your tongue while I fuck her with my dick and then I’ll come in your mouth, giving you more of a taste of her and I mixed. Then I want you to kiss her and give her the taste and in turn she’ll give it to me.” Turning her back around, and bending her at the waist, Jeff took Jenkins member and put it in her mouth, moving her head up and down, while he fucked her some more. When he felt Jenkins coming tremor through her body, he pulled himself out and let Samuels finish him. Taking her lips and getting the taste of her and Jenkins from her mouth, he let go in Samuels’ mouth, coming harder than ever before. When he finished, he released her lips and turned her to Samuels, letting him give her the combination of her own and Jeff’s cum. When Jeff took her lips again, he felt himself grow hard again and knew he had to take her again. He suddenly felt tremors go through her body and looked down to see Jenkins growing hard again as he sucked the combination of Jeff and her off her inner rim before it dripped and was lost. With a smile, Jeff said “She tells us she doesn’t like it boys, but I’d say that ripe cunt is what’s being truthful at how it drips when we touch it or fuck it. I think I want a bit more of that cunt. Jenkins, you want to slide into that ass? It’s nice and tight and pulls on ya good.”
“Yeah, I’ll take a go at it. What about you Samuels, what are you gonna take?”
Smiling, Samuels said “Well, the boss hasn’t been fucked by one of us in a while. I thought I’d give him this thick dick.”
After shoving her to her knees, the two entered her again, with Samuels entering Jeff. Jeff grabbed her right arm and held it between them low, wanting her to play with herself. When she wouldn’t do it, he twisted the arm so they all heard a crack of bone re-breaking. With a laugh, Jeff said, as he felt himself and Samuels expanding, “Here Samuels, why don’t you let her feel how good that size of you is, especially right now.   And I do believe that you’ve had the pleasure of fucking us, but you haven’t been fucked in a while, and I don’t think you ever have by me, and even though I’m enjoying fucking her and being fucked by you, as you can tell from the size of my own dick, let me do this for you. You also haven’t had a woman in a long time and what better one than this half breed cock sucking whore.”
Smiling his thanks, Samuels switched with Jeff and roughly shoved himself into her, feeling Jeff enter him, as he felt her delicate skin rip. They both started moving hard, so all three were going at the same time and Samuels and Jenkins didn’t care what they ripped or tore on her. Looking at her, Samuels said “Your answer wasn’t liked before, so I’ll ask again. You liked being fucked by two of us at the same time while one of us also gets fucked, don’t you?”
Knowing she had to answer the way he wanted, she said “Yes.”
“Good girl. Now I have another question. Getting fucked by the three of us is better than when you were fucked by only your now dead cowboy isn’t it?”
She refused to answer again. He hit her hard with the back of his hand and looking at Jenkins, said “Grab her right leg and hold it.” Looking back at her, he said “I didn’t want to have to ask again. We’re better than your dead cowboy, aren’t we?”
“No,” she replied defiantly.
“Wrong answer again,” he told her and just nodded. She felt her leg twist behind her at an unusual angle and heard the bones snap in it. “Do I have to ask one more ask one more time, or are you going to give me the correct answer?”
Trying not to cry, she said what they wanted to here, knowing it wasn’t true “Yes, you are.” With her saying that, each came, Samuels and Jenkins in her and Jeff in Samuels. They got up, shook the last of their cum onto her body, kicked her a few times, got dressed and left her lying there in her own blood, unable to move.
Ten minutes later, Gray, Adam and Lexi walked into the barn. All three stopped dead and then ran to her. Adam gently turned her over and when she saw what he was about to ask, all she said was “Jeff”. They also noticed Herc and Ares coming over to her, looking like they were shaking themselves off.
Adam picked her up and as they started to the house, she looked and said “No. I’m not going in there.”
Gray walked back to her and said “Adam needs to take care of you love. We need to get you inside.”
“No, I don’t know if they were in the house waiting for me first. I don’t want to go in there.”
“Mischka, why did you say they,” Lexi wondered.

“Because there were three of them, Jeff and two of his men. They surprised me in the barn.   Please, can’t one of you go get me something to wear and my full length hooded robe and then we leave?”
“You can’t ride anywhere sweetie.”
“Fine, besides you know there is only one place I want to go and if we take the quick route and Lexi or Gray holds Thunders reins, fine. But I’m not staying here.”
Knowing that it didn’t help arguing the point with her, Lexi and Gray went in and got her something to wear now and her robe along with a few changes of clothes. As they got what they needed and wanted, both could tell her room had been looked through, which meant the men had been in the house waiting and watching for her to get back.
They got outside and nodding to Adam so he knew she was right in the men being inside, Gray got Thunder and they left, walking a short way from the house to being just outside Four Corners.
None of the four noticed they were being watched from the saloon as they went into the hotel, with Adam still carrying Brandi, now wrapped in the robe with the hood up so no one would be able to tell who it was.
Chris and Vin had just walked out of the saloon when JD said “Look at those three walking into the hotel with the fourth being carried. That one must be hurt, but I don’t recognize the three men. Hey Chris, doesn’t that horse look like Nic’s?”
Nodding, Chris said “Yeah. I’ll be back.” He headed over to the hotel, giving them time to check in and go upstairs. He recognized all three men but only had suspicions about the hooded figure Adam was carrying. Getting upstairs, he heard a familiar voice say “Y’all can quit looking at me like that. I wasn’t going back in that house. I saw Lexi and Gray nod to you, Adam. They were in there. They violated my house, my barn, me. Right now, I don’t care if you burn the whole thing down.”
“What about you, love?” Gray asked.
“Hell, add me to it. Unlike Lexi, it won’t hurt me. Go get supplies from Nathan if you have to Adam, but I’m not going back to Rock Creek yet. No, don’t touch me, don’t do anything. And don’t bother asking because I’m not going to tell you what they did at the moment.”
Getting more worried, Chris knocked on the door.
Still angry with what she said, Adam opened the door and said, without looking, “What?” Looking at who was at the door, Adam said “Oh, sorry Chris. Come on in. Maybe you can talk some sense into her. I’ll be back. I have to get supplies from Nathan to fix her leg and arm.” With that, Adam left the room.
Instead of returning with supplies, Adam returned with Nathan. Adam noticed that she still sat there looking defiant, which meant they hadn’t gotten her to say a word. That was surprising because Lexi and Chris, especially Chris, could get her to talk normally.
Nathan looked at her, noticing the misshapen right leg and that the right arm, that had been healing, was broken again, and said “It’ll be easier to take her over to my clinic to fix her up. And I don’t think she should go back to Rock Creek any time soon if you want her to heal properly, no matter what it is she can do.”
Adam and Chris noticed her squirming on the bed like something was bothering her. Seeing Chris look at him from the corner of his eye, Adam asked in Gaelic “Are you ok Bree, or are you bleeding again?”
Answering the same way, she said “Bleeding again and I think it’s worse.”
Nodding, he picked her up and said to the room in general, in English, “Let’s go.”
Getting downstairs, Adam stopped at the front desk and said “We are not checking out so please do not give our rooms away.”
The man temporarily watching the desk nodded his head.
Turning, Adam handed Brandi to Chris and said “You and Nathan go ahead over. Me and one of these two will be there shortly.”
Taking her gently since the broken arm and leg were closest to him, Chris nodded and as he headed out the door, Brandi quietly said with tears in her voice “I hurt everywhere.” He stopped so he could listen to her, knowing she would say more. She continued with “There was three of them and they hurt me worse this time, taking turns to use me two at the same time. I won’t say what the third one was doing.   I feel like I’ve been ripped open. They were in my house Chris. They musta been waiting for me cuz they were in the barn not long after I got back. All I wanted was a long bath and to write to you. I still want that bath, but I have you here.” He didn’t want to say anything until she said “It’s bad enough when he says it, but one of the others called me a half breed whore.”
“You aren’t either of those, babe,” he told her getting more pissed and wanting to kill Jeff.
Burying her head into him more, she said “Please don’t do what you’re thinking. They think you’re dead and they can keep thinking it. Do me a favor. Don’t leave the room when we get upstairs. Even if Adam and Nathan start to kick you out, stay. Please.”
“I won’t leave,” he told her.
Adam, Gray and Lexi watched as she talked to Chris, figuring that she was telling him more. Shaking his head, Lexi said “She was right.” At the look from the other two, he finished with “She had dreams and visions about him from 1779 on. She knew that he was her destiny.”
Nodding, Adam said “Ok, one of you will have to go tell Dave and Stephan what is going on and where we are.”
“I’ll do it,” Lexi said. “I’ll be as quick as possible and be back as soon as I can.”
Adam and Gray nodded and followed him outside. As Lexi got on his horse, Adam and Gray started to follow Nathan and Chris over to Nathan’s clinic. Adam watched as Nathan stopped the other five from following Chris. He also noticed the woman that headed over toward him and Gray. Looking at Gray, he asked “You mind talking to her. I want to get upstairs to take care of Bree.”
Smiling, Gray said “Nope, don’t mind a bit.” Walking over to the woman, he said “Mrs. Travis isn’t it? I’m Grayson Stevens. We sort of met when Brandi was here a couple of weeks ago. Was something wrong?”
“I remember seeing you Mr. Stevens. I wanted to know about that person that Chris took to Nathan’s clinic. She looked familiar. Wasn’t she here a couple of months back and then a couple of weeks ago? It seems the first time I saw her, she was dressed as a working girl and last time I saw her she was sitting in bed with Chris after he was shot.”
“Please call me Gray. Your right on both counts and though I didn’t see how she was dressed that first time, I’m not surprised if she did dress like that and had her hair dyed so no one, not even Chris or Vin, would recognize her.”
“Yes, she did have black hair and when she walked up to Chris to tell him they needed to leave, her face was tear streaked and I saw a fresh bruise under whatever she had on her face.”
“Yeah, she probably realized someone she didn’t want to see, the person that gave her the bruise in fact, was there and she wanted to leave before he saw her. As for her sitting in bed with Chris, considering they’ve been in love with each other for twenty-two years, and if they have been, shall we say, more intimate, and he is the only one she has given herself to willingly, I wasn’t surprised to see her there. I would also bet that if they have been, it has only been in the last few months. Yes, he was in love with his wife, but he was still in love with Brandi. If Brandi had been living down here instead of farther north, he may not have met and married Sarah. I’m sure you’re wondering who I am to her also. She is my cousin. The man you saw me talking to that just headed over to take care of her is my twin. Brandi is not now and never has been a working girl. Any disguise she has used has been to keep the person that does this to her from finding her, but unfortunately he does and it only makes it worse. To answer the question I see in your eyes, he beats her up and he rapes her. But, he is not always by himself, which was this time. He has been doing this since she was four, so for the last twenty-two years. Which if you’re figuring out what I said about how long they’ve felt the way they do, yeah, that is when they met. Now, since both are private people, they probably wouldn’t be happy I told you anything about either of them, but I’m not worried. She isn’t in a position to do anything about it at the moment and Chris has never worried me. So anything else you wanted to know?”
Mary stood there speechless at what she was just told. She shook her head and started to turn when she suddenly turned back and said “When Nathan and your brother are done, if she is up to it, I would like to speak to her.”
“Alright, I’ll see what I can do. Oh so you know, my brother’s name is Dr. Adam Stevens, but I’m sure he’ll tell you to call him Adam. And, if you need anything else, just find me and I’ll help you with it.” He gave her a smile and headed over to the clinic to help keep the five men out.
With Chris’ help, Adam got Brandi out of the skirt and top she was hastily put into before leaving Rock Creek. Neither Adam nor Nathan was going to take the chance in kicking Chris out. They worked together in silence first setting her arm and leg, and then Adam got her attention. When she looked at him, he said “Sorry Bree, but we gotta do it. It’ll hurt like hell, but be better when we’re done and you won’t be bleeding anymore when we’re done.”
She didn’t say a thing, just nodded and turned her head toward Chris. Chris watched her as she kept mute, but let the tears flow down her face. Adam and Nathan sewed her up as quickly as they could. At one point Nathan had to stop and, looking to make sure Brandi didn’t see him Nathan looked at both Adam and Chris with a look that said he wanted to kill the bastards that ripped her up like that. Adam and Chris both agreed with a look back and Chris didn’t know how bad she looked, only what she told him for what happened and how she felt. The two of them finished repairing the damage done and covered her legs back up. Herc and Ares jumped up to lie at her feet once she was covered. When she felt the sheet go down and the extra weight, she turned back to Adam and Nathan.
“Rest. We’ll let everyone know you’re ok but no visitors for now, except Chris. Do you want me to tell Gray or Lex how bad?”
“No. Lexi doesn’t need old memories like that stirred up and both would have the same look all three of you have. Besides, they already have an idea of how bad it was. I’ll rest and thanks for not letting anyone else in right now.”
Nodding, Adam and Nathan left.
Gently helping her to move over, since she was trying to do it on her own, Chris sat on the bed, on her left, on top of the covers, stretching out slightly. She moved as best as she could so her head was on his lap. Feeling him run his fingers through her hair, she fell asleep.
When Adam and Nathan got out of the room, they both held up a hand to stop anyone from going in. “No one’s going in right now,” Nathan said.
Adam continued with “She is resting, hopefully asleep now and the only one that can be in there with her is Chris because if we made him leave, no one would like the results. One, or both of us, will check on her later and if she is doing better, she can have visitors. I am including myself, Gray and Lexi, the other gentleman that came with us, in the no visitors. As to what happened, that will be up to her to tell anyone, if she wants to. No one is to push her to tell. Now, why don’t we all go to the saloon and I’ll buy.”
He heard the mumblings from them about wanting to see her and it not being fair that Chris was able to see her. He also heard Nathan telling them that she didn’t need everyone converging on her right now asking questions and she didn’t need the questions later. She needed the rest to start letting her arm and leg heal.
Gray walked to Adam and said “When she is ready to have visitors, Mrs. Travis wanted to talk to her. I’m betting it is alone also.”
“Ok, we’ll let the guys all have a chance to see her and visit with her and then figure out some way to get rid of them all including Chris for Mrs. Travis to talk to her.”
“Works for me,” Gray said as they headed down.
On their way to the saloon, they saw Mary heading to them. They both stopped.
“Gentlemen,” she said, “I was wondering if now would be a good time to talk to Brandi?”
With a smile, Adam said “Actually Mrs. Travis, Gray and I were just talking about that. Right now she’s getting some rest, but in a couple of hours Nathan and I will be checking on her. At that point she’ll be able to have visitors if she is feeling better and you can see her then. Gray said you wanted to be able to talk to her, but I have a question for you. Would you mind if the five that just went into the saloon with Nathan had a chance to visit with her and such before you talk to her. You’re more than welcome to go in when they are there, but since we figure you don’t want anyone there when you talked to her, we can kick Chris and the rest out at that point.”
“Please, both of you call me Mary, and that would be fine Adam. I may go in while they are there also. Please let me know when she can have visitors. I’ll be in the Clarion working.”
“I’ll do that Mary. Thanks for understanding.”
“You’re welcome.” She turned and went back into the newspaper office.
Gray and Adam smiled and headed into the saloon.
Brandi slept for about two hours. When she woke, she didn’t open her eyes but noticed her head was on Chris’ shoulder and he was gently holding her. She opened her eyes as best as she could and saw him watching her. With a small smile, she wondered “Are you doing any better?”
“Yeah, you do good work for healing. How are you feeling?”
“My whole body still hurts. I don’t even want to see how bad I’m bruised.”
“Your face, right arm and right leg are each one big bruise. Your eyes are nearly swollen shut, so I’m surprised you can hold them open at all. The rest is bruised, but not as bad.”
She noticed he missed saying one area in regard to the bruising, so she said “I’m sure there is one more place that is also one big bruise, but thanks for not mentioning it. At least that isn’t hurting as bad now.”
“That may be but you’ll have to settle for me just holding you for a while. Besides, your arm and leg will need to heal, since that arm hasn’t gotten the chance to yet.”
Nathan and Adam walked in as Chris finished so all they heard was about the arm not healing.
Looking at Brandi, Nathan said “I’m glad Chris said that Nic, cuz I have some advice that I hope you’ll take. First, Adam and I want to see how you’re doin.”
Smiling slightly, she said “If y’all had been here just a couple minutes sooner you would’ve heard. My entire body hurts, and from what Chris said, there are areas, like obviously my face, that are just a big bruise. No place stands out for hurting the worst, which is surprising. My arm and leg feel slightly numb, but I can still feel them, it’s more like pin pricks in them. When it’s possible, I want a bath, but don’t want a mirror.”
Adam laughed and said “For now, I’ll see about getting you some items from the general store so you can at least get cleaned up since it will be another couple of days at least before you can get into a tub. Before Nathan gives you his advice, and I’ll say I agree with it and suggest strongly that you take it, I have a question. Do you feel up to having a room full of people for a little while?”
“Yeah, as long as it isn’t a long time. And you have something else you want to say. What?”
Adam shook his head and smiled, saying “Yeah. When the boys get done seeing you, Mary wanted to talk to you. Alone. Think you can stay awake that long?”
Wondering what Mary wanted, but knowing she had things she wanted to ask Mary about, she said “Yeah, I think so. So Nathan, what was it you wanted to say?”
“I don’t know if you heard me say it at the hotel, but since that arm hasn’t gotten the chance to heal anytime you’ve gone back to Rock Creek, I think you should plan on not going back at all, unless you have to check on your grandfather and the reservation, or take care of something with your house. And actually, if it is something with the house, get a message to your brothers, Adam or Gray and let them take care of it.”
Since she had already thought the same thing, she said “Alright, that’s a good idea. But, where do you plan on me living?”
Giving a pointed look to Chris, Nathan said “You have a room at the hotel. Use that as where you’ll live, unless someone else comes up with a better idea. I think between the hotel and boarding house, the hotel is safer for you and I don’t think anyone likes to use the room you’re in. If it becomes a problem, you can stay up here unless I need the bed.”
Brandi didn’t miss the look Chris got and she could tell he was aware of it also by the slight tightening of his arms.
Not getting a response and not seeing anything cross her face to make him know she heard him, Nathan said “Nic, you ok with that.”
“Sorry was lost in thought for a moment. Yeah, that’s fine Nathan. When I can move around, I’ll look into paying for that room for an extended time, since there’s no way to know if any other suggestion will be made. I’ll have Adam or Gray write up a list of what I want, for now, from the house and what Mike, Brad, and Ben will have to do besides everything else they do around there.”
“One of us will do that for you. Oh, so you know, Lex made a run to see Dave and Stephen. Let them know we’re here and the very basics of why.”
“Alright, but what about Ben, Mike and Brad?”
“He may stop on his way to let them know. If he doesn’t, when I get what you need from the house, I’ll let them know.”
She nodded and said “If someone wants to help me sit up, I guess I’m ready to have company.”
Chris had already started to get up to help her, so he and Adam helped her to a sitting position while Nathan got a blanket to put over her besides the sheet. Once those were done, Chris sat back down next to her and Nathan let everyone in.
When Adam saw Gray start to walk in, he stopped Gray with a look walking over to him. They walked outside together and once the door was closed, Adam said “I need you to do two things for me. One now and the other after you see Bree. The first is would you go down to the newspaper and let Mary know it’s alright to come up. Before I tell you the other thing I need, I wanted to let you know, Bree isn’t going back to Rock Creek for a long while. Though I think she was already starting to decide not to go back anytime soon, between Nathan and me, we convinced her to stay here. Unless Chris asks differently, she’ll be at the hotel full time. What I need you to do is go to Rock Creek and get some money from her stash for her. Also, have you let Mike, Brad, and Ben know...”
Before Adam could finish, a voice behind him said “Let us know what? By the way, do either of you know where Bree is?”
Turning, Adam said, as Brad, Mike, and Ben became human, “Yeah, that’s what I wanted Gray to let you know. She’s here and she’ll be staying here. She needs money to pay for an extended time in the hotel, among other things, so hopefully one of you has some she can borrow until you get home and can repay yourself. Gray, Lex and I weren’t thinking of money for her when we left.” Turning to Gray, Adam said “If you want to go and get Mary, that’s fine.”
Nodding, Gray left.
“So what happened?” Ben asked.
“Jeff and two of his men happened. Since he doesn’t know we left and that she won’t be back, I know she would appreciate it to look like she hasn’t left, or is only gone a short trip. I think the only time she’ll be in the area is to go to the reservation to see Wind Rider and make sure everything is ok. If any of us need her, we can come here. Since you’re here, you may as well hang around. When she is finished visiting and talking to all us guys, she and Mary Travis are going to talk alone, and then she’s getting some more rest. After that, she can let you three know what she needs here and anything extra you need to know to help keep everything smooth at her place without her there, but still looking like she is there. Go on in to see her and I’ll come back in. Gray will be returning with Mary shortly.”
As they walked in, they heard Ezra say “Nicci, how will you be able to play poker?”
With a smile she said “Don’t worry Ezra, after a day or two I’ll be able to play and beat you, one handed, without a problem. Nicci? Where’d you come up with that one?
As Mary and Gray walked in, Ezra said “It sounds more feminine and seems to fit you better than Nic. Objections?”
“Not at all. If that’s what you want to use instead of Nic, go ahead.” She knew when Adam walked in with her brothers and uncle. Looking at them, she smiled and said “Well, this solves Lex or Gray having to go tell you. It will also make it easier for me to go through with you what I’ll need.”
Never one to mince words with her, Ben said “You look like hell, little one. You feel any different than that?”
“No, not really. I wish I could say it looks worse than what it is, but I’d be lying,” she told them while showing all five a portion of what really happened with her mind. Adam realized why she had so much damage. They didn’t let it show what they saw.
Watching his sister and seeing the exhaustion in her eyes, Mike said “Me, Brad and Ben will be back later. We still have to get rooms at the hotel, and I have to get something else taken care of.”
Knowing he meant paying for her room, she only nodded. Then they were gone.
She smiled over at Gray and Mary and thought they looked good together. Looking at Gray, she said “What’s this? Not a sound out of you since you walked in, and yeah I did notice. Maybe I do need a mirror to make sure it really isn’t worse than I’ve been told.”
Laughing, Gray said “Sorry love. I didn’t feel like interrupting. Actually you look good. It’s an improvement over your normal look.”
“Oh good, all is right again. I was hoping you’d say that. Thanks.” The smile never left her face and she started laughing.
Neither Nathan nor Adam had to kick anyone out. After joking and talking with them all, Brandi said “Ok, everyone but Mary out. I’ve had all I can take of you boys for now. If any of ya want to visit later, that’s fine, just make sure I’m not asleep, and I’d prefer if y’all didn’t come at once. Also, if Mike, Brad, and Ben are here, you wait.”
Five of the eight grumbled as they walk out, while Nathan, Adam and Gray laughed. Getting up, Chris said, looking at her, “I’ll be back in a while Dee.”
“Ok,” she replied. “Oh, Chris, would you take these two with you and find them something to eat and drink, please.”
Nodding and calling the wolves, Chris left.
“I was glad Adam said you wanted to talk, Mary, because I actually wanted to talk to you also.”
Surprised, Mary said, noticing Brandi watching her lips, “Really? I don’t see why.”
“Before I explain what I mean, why don’t you say or ask me what it was you wanted to.”
“Your cousin, Gray, told me that you dress as a boy, and the way you were that first time I saw you, to hide from someone, or so you can travel safely. You looked like a working girl to me that first time I saw you, and so I thought…” she said unable to finish the thought.
“You thought Chris had brought me back from Mexico or somewhere and was going to keep me in town.” At Mary’s nod, Brandi continued “Although I’ve been called a half breed whore, on many occasions including this morning, I am neither, as I was also reminded this afternoon. I am full Kiowa Indian, and I have only, willingly, given myself completely to one person.   When you saw me dressed like that that first time, I traveled to town dressed as a boy and then dyed my hair and changed into that outfit to both hide from the person that did this to me, and from Chris and Vin. Vin and I’ve known each other and been friends for roughly sixteen years. I should have known it wouldn’t work on Chris because even though we hadn’t seen each other in a few years, he still saw past it and knew it was me. I wasn’t trying to cause any trouble between you and Chris.”

“Between Chris and, you think there is something with Chris and I?”
“Isn’t there?”
“No, we’re just friends. He’s really good with Billy and Billy loves being around him, that’s all there is. I feel comfortable with him, but nothing romantic or physical. More like a brother sister type comfort, if you understand.”
“Considering I have five brothers, an uncle, and three male cousins and no other female in the group, yeah I do understand, even if one of those brothers lives out of the country. I just wanted to make sure, because two weeks ago the look in your eyes looked like you felt betrayed when you saw me here with him. So I thought I was stepping on toes or overstepping some boundaries.”
“No, I guess I was still thinking you were a working girl.”
Nodding, Brandi said “Chris and I have known each other for about twenty-two years. He is my very best friend and as much as a four year old can, I fell for him the day we met, and he fell for me, from what he’s said. We saw each other at different times over the next twelve years, but when we saw each other ten years ago when I lived in Sweetwater, I took one look and knew I was in love with him, and I could see the feeling matched in his eyes. Unfortunately he was living in Eagle Bend. He met Sarah and fell for her, but we stayed friends and I became friends with her. We’ve stayed in touch these last ten years, no matter what happened with either of us, so I knew he was here when I got hurt that first time you saw me and I came to who I knew I would be safe with. But for some reason I still felt I needed to hide for a short time even after I got here. I never meant to give you or anyone else the wrong impression about me. I just have a problem with a man that wants to beat and rape me. So I ran from my own town. Now, with my arm not getting the chance to ever heal because I go back and have it happen again, Nathan made the strong suggestion that I stay here and live at the hotel, and because I’m tired of hiding in my own house, I’m taking it. I may hide out until the bruising, at least on the face, goes down, but I’m not going to hide anymore, and my brothers that are here, uncle, and cousins will make sure he doesn’t find out that I’m not there anymore. Before you ask, I don’t know how long I’ll be here, but if that trouble finds me, I’ll be leaving to keep this town safe.’
“I can see when Chris looks at you that he cares and loves you and I can also see it when you look at him. But I didn’t want to see it until Gray explained some things to me earlier. He told me that you probably wouldn’t be happy about it, and I’m sorry. I think he wanted me to know that I had the wrong idea and he wanted me to be more open minded about you.”
“Probably. Mary, I’m hoping we can be friends and if you ever want someone to visit with, complain to, whatever, find me and I’ll be glad to help.”
“Thanks, Brandi. I’m going to go and tell Chris he can come back in so you can get some rest. Oh, one more question. Can you hear? I noticed you watching what I was saying, and that you would do the same at times when everyone was in here.”
“Alright. Thanks Mary. And, no I can’t, though with some, if they talk to Chris, Vin or one of my brothers, my uncle, or my cousins and I’m right there, I can sometimes ‘pick up’ the voice by ‘listening’ with my heart and mind. Sounds weird I know, but it was a trick my grandfather taught me when I lost my hearing.”
Mary smiled and nodded to Brandi as she went out the door.
Kelly walked up to Nathan’s clinic. She’d overheard the boys talking and wanted to find out how her friend was. Forgetting Brandi could no longer hear, she rapped on the door softly, waiting for Brandi to answer.
“Kelly, why don’t you get in here already?” She heard a soft voice say.
“Hey, little one. And I felt you snooping around in my head again.”
Brandi smiled, “It’s been a long time.”
Kelly nodded, closing the door and coming over to the bed. “I heard, just that you were hurt. Is there anything I can get for you?”
“Get that cowboy back in here.” Brandi smiled and let out a small laugh.
“He is a handsome one at that.” Kelly smiled, “But I ain’t about to take him away.” She knew how much Chris meant to her friend and wasn’t going to jeopardize it.
“Chris was talking about Ezra acting strangely?” Brandi gave a pointed look to Kelly, who simply sat and said nothing. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that would ya?”
“Why would you think I’d know anything about it?”
“Oh, because of that look in your eyes.”
“Aw, hell—fine. I like him. He’s the first man I’ve met that I’ve actually had more than a crush on.” She shook her head. “He’d never go for someone like me.”
“Of course he would. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.” Brandi put her good hand on her friends arm.
“How does he look at me? I mean whenever I’m at the saloon all he asks me for is to get him a drink.”
“I think he’s just shy.”
“Shy? Why that man never knew the meaning of the word.” Kelly said, crossing her arms.
“You sure about that?”
“He’s more forward than any man I’ve ever met, including Vin. Vin is what I would call shy. First time I saw him he’d barely look at me, much less say a word.”
“He can be like that sometimes, but once you get to know him, the shyness goes away.”
“Yeah.”
“Why don’t you ask him out?”
“Vin?!”
“No, Ezra, you goof.”
“I ain’t no goof.”
Brandi giggled. “I’m sorry, but sometimes the things you say.”
“I know, you can add that to the list of reasons Mr. Standish won’t like me.”
“Did he do something to you?”
“Heavens no, I just, after 400 years of not being with anyone, it’s still a bit hard to control my emotions when it comes to people of the opposite sex.”
Brandi smiled, “You’ll get used to it.”
Kelly nodded, “You need your rest and I ain’t gonna bother you no more.”
“You never bother me Kelly.”
She smiled, “You need rest so you and that cowboy of yours can do whatever it is you do. And if he hurts you I swear to the gods….”
“He won’t. But thank you for the offer; I’ll keep it in mind. And if Mr. Standish does anything to you….”
“He’d be dead before he done hit the floor.”
Brandi smiled. “I am sure he would be. Why haven’t you asked him out?”
“Is that what Chris did with you?”
“Basically.”
“Well, I’m the lady. I thought the gentleman was supposed to ask the lady out.”
“You like him, right, and he likes you…. so…”
“How do you know?”
“Ezra plays poker, and he doesn’t always have a good poker face.”
“You looked into his thoughts didn’t you?”
“Maybe, just a little.”
Kelly shook her head, “I should’ve known. Well did you find out his intentions while you were in there?”
“He hasn’t thought everything out.”
“I coulda told ya that, and don’t you worry about paying for your room. It’s taken care of.” Kelly put a hand up to silence any protests. “And I know I didn’t have to do anything, I wanted to, you’re one of my best friends. So it’s no problem.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.”
* You’ll think to me if you need anything? * Kelly mentally said to Brandi.
* I will * she gave Kelly a hug and Kelly returned it.
“Oh, actually there is something I need Kelly,” Brandi said.
Smiling, Kelly asked “What?”
“I only asked Chris to get the wolves’ food and water, but I forgot about something else I needed and I’m not sure if he’ll do it, since Adam is the one that mentioned it first. I want to clean up, but I don’t have anything with me. Would you mind going to the general store and picking up a few things for me? I like rose water, but anything else doesn’t matter. When Mike comes back up, I’ll make sure to have him pay you back.”
“Sure, and I’ll make sure that cowboy of yours didn’t before I do. Do you want me to just bring it in, even if you’re resting?”
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
“Ok, and let me know if you need anything else.”
“I will and thanks again Kell.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s the least I can do.” Kelly left, and went to the general store to pick up the items Brandi had asked for; she asked the clerk if Chris or Adam had been there before her. Much to her relief neither had so she purchased the items, going back to Nathan’s clinic. She wasn’t surprised when Brandi shouted for her to get in. “I brought the stuff.” She held up a canvas bag.
“You’re an angel.” Brandi said, opening the bag and looking through it to make sure everything was there. “I didn’t ask for soap.”
“Well, I got you some anyway, and it’s rose soap, just like the water.”
“It smells wonderful.” Brandi inhaled the soap deeply.
“Doc said he just got some in and people have been eating it up like candy, ‘specially the women.”
“I bet.” Brandi looked up at her. “You didn’t.”
Kelly just smiled, “Why shouldn’t I have a least one bar of a sweet smelling soap?”
“Uh huh. That you’ll use just for Ezra.”
“I never said it was for him.”
“You forget…”
“Stop it.” Kelly laughed and gently nudged Brandi’s good arm. “I really hate it when you do that.”
“Sorry.”
Kelly stroked some hair back behind Brandi’s ear. “Chris is one lucky man.”
“Ezra will be, as soon as he gets his act together.”
“I’m not that special, I already told ya.”
“Yes you are. And don’t sell yourself short.”
“I’m not; it’s not my fault men don’t find me attractive.”
“No, it’s theirs.”
“You do flatter me so.”
“Tell you what.”
“What?”
“I’ll get Chris or Vin to talk to Ezra….”
“Brandi…” Kelly warned already not liking where this was going.
“What? They’ll just ask him what he thinks of you. There’s no harm in that.” Brandi looked at her straight faced, trying not to give anything away.
Kelly still wasn’t convinced and had her reservations about the matter. “Fine, but I don’t want you goin’ and settin’ me up again.”
“I’ve set you up with some good guys!” Brandi protested.
“Harrison, he was only nice to me when you were there. I left soon after you did. Let’s see, Farell, Joss, and a list of others.”
“You know I was only trying to help, you seemed so lonely.”
“I appreciate it, but honey, next time you wanna try and fix me up at least ask me what I think of the guy?”
Brandi nodded. “I promise. I won’t fix you up blindly anymore.”
“Thank you. You have everythin’ you’re gonna need?”
“I think so and thank you for the soap.”
She smiled, “I hope you enjoy it. And if ya want ya can borrow some of my clothes, we’re almost the same height… I can always make the skirt shorter for ya…”
“We’ll see.”
“If you need me, Nathan or Ezra knows where I am.”
“I know how to get you also. You wouldn’t mind stayin, just until Chris gets back? I’m just a bit scared still since I don’t know if Jeff is gonna realize I’m gone and come looking.”
Kelly nodded. “We can catch up on things.”
“I’d like that. And I think while we do, I’m gonna clean up what I can. Nathan got any water over there?”
Getting up, Kelly went and looked. Nodding, she brought a pitcher and basin back over with her. Without having to ask, Kelly knew Brandi had been raped, again. It was usually the only thing that scared Brandi.
They visited as Brandi cleaned up the best she could, with Kelly helping to get Brandi’s back and hair. Brandi had thought about having Chris help, but she knew the only thing she could stand right now was for him just holding her. He already told her that was what she would be getting for a while and she was glad he understood, but she also knew that if he helped her with her bath, he’d forget and let his hands wander. Banishing the memories from earlier that day would be great except that she still felt like she was ripped open, even with having been sewn up she still hurt, though she wouldn’t admit to anyone just how badly it still did.
“Earth to Brandi, or any planet to Brandi,” Kelly said, noticing the far off look in her friend’s eyes.
“Hmm, oh sorry, didn’t realize I’d drifted there. Thanks for helping me get clean since I don’t think I could have stood it much longer. And, right now, I didn’t want Chris’ help with it.”
“That’s fine, I understand,” Kelly told her.
As they covered Brandi back up, since she didn’t have anything in the clinic but what clothes she was brought to Four Corners in, the door suddenly flew open. Both women looked up at the same time.
“Mischka,” Lexi said, walking to the bed. “Did Adam already get you taken care of?”
“Yes, Lexi, between him and Nathan, I’m all patched up. So you know Ben, Michael, and Brad are here also.”
He nodded, finally realizing Brandi wasn’t alone. Looking at her, he said “Kelly?” At her nod, he continued with “It’s good to see you again. Are you living in this town now?”
“Yeah, I am. It’s good to see you Lexi. What are you doing here?”
Smiling, he said “I am the Territorial Governor for Wyoming Territory. I was with Adam and Gray when Brandi was found. David and Stephan send their best to you Mischka.”
Brandi just nodded, as she heard from the door “I thought Mary was in here with you.”
Looking at him, she said “She was, but it didn’t take long. Kelly came by just after and after getting some supplies for me at the general store, we visited while I got cleaned up. She has also been keeping me company til you got back. Lexi just got here.”
“Well, now that Chris is back, I’ll be going. Let me know if you need anything else. I’ll be back to see you later.”
“Alright, and thanks Kell.”
With a smile and a nod, Kelly left.
“Sorry Alexi,” Chris said, “but she needs to rest right now.”
Smiling to himself at her protector, Lexi nodded and said “I’ll come by later to see you.”
She just nodded to him as he left.
“I stopped by my room at the boarding house and grabbed you a shirt,” Chris told her. He helped her sit up and put it on, leaving her right arm out of the sleeve. Shaking his head, he said “I would’ve helped you clean up.”
“I know you would have, but since Kelly was here I figured I would get it done, and that way it also leaves you with less temptation.”
“Nah, that’s always there with you, but I know you still hurt, even if you aren’t saying so. Come on, let’s lay back down and you can get some more sleep. Let you start healing.”
She nodded and they got her lying down. He took off his boots, and then lay down with her under the covers, holding onto her gently. She was asleep within minutes.
He laid there thinking about events of the day and what Nathan said about the fact she should stay. He knew that was what Michael was taking care of, her room at the hotel, but he knew he wanted her out at the house also. Only to stay in town when it was too late to ride out to the house, and he wanted her staying with him at the boarding house, but he knew she would have to keep the room at the hotel for anytime he and the boys left town for longer than a day. He didn’t want her out at the house alone and knew the hotel was safer for her alone than the boarding house. Now it was a matter of asking her to do that and that would be hard for him to do. He was brought out of his thoughts by feeling her move slightly and then feeling her hand move down the front of him. He looked down and noticed her eyes were still closed and he wondered if she was still asleep. Her hand stopped and rested on his hardness.
After a minute or two, she started stroking him through his pants, his hips moved to bring him into her hand more. Her left, good, leg moved further over his right one, sliding her onto his thigh more. Through his pants, he could feel she was wet, but he knew he had to restrain himself from, ah hell, he couldn’t remember what from as she moved her hand over him more and moved more onto his thigh. He was watching her, so he wasn’t surprised to see her open her eyes and look up at him. Her hand started to work on undoing his pants. “Help me, please. I want to feel you without this damn barrier.” Without a word, he helped her get them undone, letting his cock spring free. Then he helped her take them off him. As soon as they were off, she was back across his hip, nearly straddling him, her hips moving into him in matching rhythm to her hand, as her hand stroked up and down him, making him harder. When she looked at him again, her eyes were slightly glazed and she asked “Touch me, please. I want your hands on me.”
He knew she wouldn’t ask if she wasn’t sure, so he moved a hand to where she was spread across his hip and with gentleness that surprised even him, he moved his finger and thumb over her clit, stroking and pinching. As she moved herself more into his hand, she said “Please, take me more. I want to feel you in me.” Not saying a word and adding another finger, his fingers slid down and into her, still moving gently. She moved against him hard as she felt her world get more unsteady before throwing her off completely with an exploding force.
Her head fell onto his chest as she drenched his fingers, her hand pulling tight on him as he knew she would be doing to his cock if it was buried in her instead of his fingers. Not able to hold back anymore, he came in her hand with the same explosiveness that she had around his fingers. Calming, she moved her hand back up his body, unbuttoning his shirt on the way. When she got to the top, she looked at him, smiled, and said “May as well take it off now. And mine too. I like feeling your skin against mine.”
Giving her a smile, he shrugged out of his and then helped her out of the one he brought up with him, bringing her back down to him when he was done.
Getting comfortable, she said “Kelly is interested in Ezra. Will you help me in talking to him to find out how he feels about her?”
Smiling, he said “Yeah, when do you want to?”
Yawning, she replied “Today, but a bit later. I don’t have the energy right now.”
With a laugh, he said “Alright, then see if you can go back to sleep. Hell, I may even sleep now.”
“Umm, good, glad to hear it.”
She closed her eyes and was right back out, with him not far behind.
They slept for a few hours, with Chris being the first to wake. He gently got up as to not wake her, cleaned up, and got dressed. He figured he would help her clean up if she woke before anyone came in, but he wasn’t going to worry about it at the moment. He wanted her to sleep as long as possible. As he finished getting dressed, he noticed her stir slightly. Walking to the bed, he put a hand on her and noticed her eyes open.
“How long have you been awake?” she asked.
“Not long. Do you want to clean up again and put the shirt back on before anyone comes by, or I have someone get Ezra?”
“Yeah,” was all she said.
He grabbed some water and the soap Kelly brought up and helped her clean up from their fun. Once that was done, he grabbed the shirt and helping her to sit up he helped her get her left arm into it and then buttoned it up. Just as he finished buttoning the shirt and bringing the covers back to her waist, Adam and Nathan walked in.
Smiling at her, Adam asked “Did you get any sleep?”
With her own smile, she replied “Yeah and actually we both did.” She knew Adam was aware of what they had been doing earlier since she hadn’t had the chance to put up that high of a block.
“Any soreness,” Nathan asked.
“Not so much now. It’s starting to feel better,” she told them both.
They nodded, knowing she wasn’t just talking about the general soreness she had.
“Did anyone get you something to clean up with?” Adam asked.
“Yeah, Kelly did. She came by just after Mary was here and she stayed til Chris got back.”
Nodding, Adam asked “So besides maybe food, do you need anything else right now?”
Brandi looked at Chris and just raised an eyebrow. Nodding he said “Would either one of you ask Ezra to come up by himself?”
Wondering what was going on with wanting Ezra by himself, Nathan said “Sure Chris.”
They both left and within a few minutes Ezra walked in. “Nicci, Mr. Larabee. Something I can do for you?”
Brandi looked at him with a smile and said “Yeah Ez, wanted to ask you something. You know who Kelly Jerrad is, don’t you?”
“Yes, Ms. Jerrad works in the saloon. What about her?”
“What do you think of her?” Chris asked, enjoying this.
Not sure where it was leading, Ezra said “Think of her? She is someone I would like to get to know better. I enjoy watching while she works, but she seems to be on the quiet side.”
Brandi started laughing at that. Both men looked at her so she said “Sorry, I was just thinking of something she said earlier. Have you thought about asking her to dinner at all Ezra?”
“No, I doubt she would be interested in me. She seems more taken with Mr. Tanner.”
Brandi smiled and said “Nah, she and Vin are friends only and have been for about the last eight years. It’s you she’s interested in and crazy about. Go ask her to have dinner or something like that with you and find out. You’ll be surprised.”
“She’s right, Ez. I’ve seen Kelly watching you more than anyone else. I’ll bet she thinks you’re not interested, that you wouldn’t take a second look at her, except to ask for another drink.”
“That’s why I always ask only her to get me a drink. All right, if you’re both sure she would be agreeable then I will do that. Thank you Nicci, Mr. Larabee.”
“You’re very welcome Ezra. Oh one more thing,” Brandi said with a smile, “you hurt her, you better run. You’ll want to make sure to run fast and far and hope that I never find you, because I’ll do worse if you hurt my sister.”
Not knowing what to say to that, Ezra only nodded and left the room.
**
Kelly saw Ezra enter the saloon. She was at the bar and walked over to where he was standing. “What can I get for you Ez?”
“The pleasure of your company Miss Kelly.”
“What’s going on Ez?”
“I just had a lovely chat with Nicci and Mr. Larabee.” Kelly held her breath, preparing herself for bad news. Ezra took off his hat, keeping his hands busy with it. For the first time he was at a loss for words. “Might I request the pleasure of your company to have dinner with me at the restaurant this evening? Only if you have no other appointments on your calendar.”
“I don’t have any other appointments, Ezra.” A grin broke out on Kelly’s face
Ezra breathed a sigh of relief, “Marvelous,” he knew he should go, but he couldn’t seem to pull himself away from the bar. “Might I have a glass of whiskey?”
“Sure.” Kelly turned and got a glass setting it in front of him and getting the bottle of whiskey out from under the bar, pouring it to the brim of the glass for him. Ezra tipped his hat to her before downing the drink in one swallow. Kelly smiled and turned her head away.
“You do have one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen, Kelly.” Ezra said softly.
“I find that hard to believe, Mr. Standish.”
“Believe it, Kelly.” Ezra’s eyes locked on to hers as his hand reached out to touch her face. Kelly blushed when she felt his fingers brush her cheek.
“You are a charmer of the worst kind Ezra. I’m not used to such attention.”
“You should get used to it; I aim to do it a lot more often.”
“What time should I meet you for dinner?”
“Twilight? That is if your humble employer will let you off the hook for a few hours.”
She nodded, “I’ll see you then.” She smiled, going back in the back to get some more bottles. Ezra reached behind the counter and pulled out the bottle of whiskey Kelly had replaced there after pouring him his shot, and poured himself another, smiling like a schoolboy.
***
Kelly met Ezra at restaurant in town at twilight as he’d requested. She’d dressed in a red dress, the one she mostly used for special occasions and she hadn’t worn in a while. She smiled when she saw Ezra’s shocked expression as he stood from the table. “You look divine.” Ezra said, holding out her chair for her.
“You look nice, Ezra.” She sat down, and watched as he sat back down in his seat.
“What will be your pleasure this evening?” Ezra asked, holding the menu for her to look at.
“I’d like to have a glass of wine. The steak looks good.”
“Steak it shall be then, waiter,” The waiter came and Ezra told him their orders, he left and returned with two glasses of red wine.
Kelly took her glass and raised it, “To handsome men who ask hard working ladies out for dinner.”
“Here, here.” Ezra said as his face lit up, the glasses clinked and Ezra watched Kelly take a slow drink from hers. Kelly blushed as she put her glass down, feeling Ezra’s eyes on her.
“What did you, Nicci and Mr. Larabee converse about this afternoon?”
“You actually.”
“Me?” Kelly was perplexed.
“Nicci was under the impression that you didn’t think I would take a second look at you, except to ask you for a drink.” Kelly bit her lip. “Dear lady, the reason why is because,” he cleared his throat and drank some more wine. “I admit I was too afraid to ask you to dinner. Afraid you would reject, this old southern gentleman.”
“Impossible.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I’ve seen you treat folks decent, not just swindling them out of their hard earned wages. Which I must say, your poker matches are quiet interesting. Like the one where you had to remove your clothing.” Kelly giggled and blushed that the memory.
Ezra cleared his throat. “My dear, I do believe you flatter me.”
“Oh, is that what it’s called?” Kelly smiled as she sipped more of her wine. Ezra laughed, brushing a stray hair behind her ear, and Kelly turned into his touch slightly. Their dinner was brought and they began to eat, both looking at each other constantly. After dinner they walked through the town, Kelly’s arms wrapped around one of Ezra’s.
“It was a lovely dinner, Ezra. Thank you.”
“The pleasure was mine, Kelly.”
They stopped in front of the hotel, “Well this is where I get off.” Kelly said reluctantly, she didn’t want to leave Ezra.
“Might I escort you to your room?”
“If you insist.”
“I do.” And Ezra walked her up to her room. And watched her long fingers as she turned the key in the lock and the door came open.
“Thank you once again, Ezra for the lovely meal and the kind escort.”
“My pleasure. I hope to see you tomorrow.”
“I’m sure you will.” Kelly said standing on her tiptoes she kissed his cheek before going inside. Ezra stood at the closed door for several seconds before smiling to himself and leaving the hotel.

~~~
Chris walked in with dinner for the two of them saying “Just saw Ez and Kelly having dinner. But I don’t think they saw me. Looks like it worked with talking to Ez”
Brandi smiled and said “Good, I’m glad he did it. They’ll be good together.”
Chris just shook his head as he handed her a plate.
“I’ve been thinking about what Nathan said earlier. About you staying,” he said, looking at her. At her nod he continued with “I agree. I don’t want you to go back to Rock Creek. I’d like it if you’d stay with me out at the house or even at either the boarding house or your room at the hotel, and that’d only be if it was too late to ride out to the house.”
“I am not staying here--or out there with you just because you tell me to. I’ve been thinking about what Nathan said too, but if I stay it’s gonna be my decision, I don’t want to be pushed into it.” Brandi shot a pointed look at him.
“I’m not trying to tell you what to do, I never have. But I just want you to consider it.”
“I will as soon you stop trying to boss me around, you’ve never been able to and you never will.”
“You’re twisting my words.”
“Damn it, Chris, you’re not listening to what I’ve been saying, you haven’t even heard a word of it.”
“I’m right here, what are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you wanting me to do what you want me to. And you know I’ve never been one to follow or take orders.”
“I’m not giving you a fucking order, I just made a suggestion!” He raised his voice.
“Well next time keep your suggestions to yourself. Or try asking how I feel about it first.”
“Asking how you feel about it? I didn’t think I would need to ask with this. I made the suggestion thinking it would be something you wanted also.”
“That’s why you should’ve asked. I want to decide for myself where I’ll stay. I didn’t say I wanted to go back to Rock Creek, but no one has asked what I wanted.”
Before Chris could answer, Lexi walked in. He knew he was interrupting an argument that could potentially escalate since both Chris and Brandi were both hard headed enough to not listen to the other or back down from what they were saying.
“Mischka,” he said with a smile. “I wanted to let you both know I will be leaving in the morning to head home. I will stop in Rock Creek and check the situation there. I will send a wire to let you all know if you should expect trouble or not.”
Chris nodded to him then said “I’m gonna take these plates back and get some air. Should I come back?”
She smiled slightly but never said a word. He saw all he needed to in her eyes and gave a slight nod. He knew she wasn’t giving in and that she was still upset at his suggestion, and he thought he was asking her, but at least she didn’t want him gone.
“What was the argument about, Mischka? And don’t ask me what argument because I know you two were having one.”
“Just a difference of opinion Lex, that’s all. Are you the only one leaving in the morning?”
On a sigh, he said “Yes, Adam and Gray will be staying for a while longer. This is probably what you were arguing about, but I’m putting in my opinion, but since I know you I want to know something first. Have you thought about what Nathan, I believe that was the healer’s name, said about you staying here for as long as possible?”
Sighing, she put her head back and replied “Yeah, and I think it’s a good idea, in fact I had already thought about it when I said I wanted to come here this morning. But no one else has bothered to ask me if it’s what I wanted, just advise and make suggestions. I’m sure your opinion is the same as the rest, I should stay. And that all well and good, and I probably will, but on my own conditions.”
Understanding, he nodded to her and said “I will stay until Chris gets back. Try to get some sleep. One last thing though, remember it is he that you said you are destined to be with from this life on. He is your other half; I can see it when I see you together. Do not let this upset that.” Leaning down, he gave her a kiss on the forehead and watched as her eyes closed.
As they were talking, Chris dropped the plates by the restaurant and then headed into the saloon. He was met by some surprised faces.
Thinking she might be alone, Vin asked “Who’s with Nic?”
“Alexi,” was all Chris said as he got himself a bottle and a glass.
“She gonna stay?” Nathan asked.
“Don’t know, touchy subject right now.” Seeing Ezra playing solitaire, Chris asked “If you wanna play a round, you can deal me in.”
Nodding Ezra picked up the cards and shuffled, noticing Adam, Buck and Vin sit to join the game.
They played several hands of poker, with no one bringing up Brandi and her staying. They knew Chris wasn’t in the mood to talk about it or else he would have said more. When Chris got up to leave and said goodnight, no one was sure where he’d be going for the night.
When he got to the clinic room, he saw she was lying on her left side, asleep. He nodded to Lexi, who left, then got undressed and joined her, laying to her left. He put his arms around her and felt her head move to his shoulder. As her head rested, he felt the tears sliding down her cheeks.
She awoke to find him up and getting ready to go out. He noticed she was awake and went to give her a kiss. “I’ll be back after while. Got some things I need to check on.”
She only nodded and watched him leave.
Chris wasn’t gone a minute, when Kelly came through the door, “I heard.”
“Yeah.”
Kelly came to sit on Brandi’s good side. “He just needs time to cool off.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“When have I steered you wrong before?” Kelly asked. Brandi simply shook her head resting her head on Kelly’s shoulder. Kelly played with her long blonde hair. “Are you still intent on leaving little one?”
“What else can I do?”
“He didn’t mean what he said and you know it.”
“How? I don’t feel like I know much of anything right now.” Kelly held her a bit tighter. “I love him too much, I hate when we do this.”
“I know you do, I know.” Kelly kissed into her hair as Brandi cried on her shoulder. Kelly’s eyes teared up, and she kept whispering to Brandi until she felt her fall asleep.
Kelly heard a light knock on the door. Sitting Brandi gently down on the bed, Kelly answered the door.
“Mary,” she said.
“Hi Kelly. Is Brandi awake?” Mary asked, stepping into the room and carrying a plate of food.
“No, actually,” Kelly started and then turned to the bed.
“I’m awake, Kell. Hi Mary. What brings you up?”
“I wanted to check on you. I also saw Chris as I came up and he looked less happy than normal.”
“Yeah, I‘m not surprised. We got into argument because he and the rest of the men around here, including Adam and probably my brothers, have decided that I should stay here in town for an indefinite amount of time. Only problem is none thought to ask me what I wanted, just told me or made strong suggestions.”
“Then what is it you want to do?” Mary asked.
Smiling she said “Thank you because that is one thing I want out of them. Chris thinks that he was asking and that I’ll just agree with them all. What I want to do is stay. I don’t feel safe going back to Rock Creek, but I want to be given the choice, not told. If any had bothered to ask I would have told them I agree with them but as it is, I don’t think I can stay where my opinion doesn’t count when it pertains to my life.”
“That makes sense. You should be given the choice and not just told or have strong suggestions that are telling you to do it. I hope you decide to stay on, but I know that the final decision is yours. I take it you told Chris that and that’s why he’s in this mood now?”
With a small laugh, Brandi said “Yeah, I did tell him and that’s what put him in this mood. They want to fix everything for me, and hell I’m all for that, but would’ve been nice to get asked if I wanted to stay. I had already started deciding I didn’t want to go back when I asked Lex, Adam and Gray to bring me here, and I’ve done more thinking about it since, and it is a good idea. Maybe they all think they’re asking or doing what’s best for me.”
Handing Brandi the plate, Mary said “I know you’ll do what you need to and what’s right. I also thought you might want something to eat. I’ll be by later; I need to get back to Billy. I left him with Mrs. Potter while I came up.”
“Thanks Mary. I’m glad you did,” Brandi smiled at her.
Nodding, Mary left the room. Getting back down to the street, Mary went to the general store to get Billy. Coming out, Mary and Billy saw Chris pass by.
Smiling and running to try and catch up, Billy called “Chris, Chris. Look what I got.”
Much to Mary’s surprise and Billy’s disappointment, Chris didn’t stop or even acknowledge Billy.
“Billy,” Mary said. “Why don’t you go back to the general store and wait for me. I’m sure Mr. Larabee just didn’t hear you. You can show him that new fishing pole later.”
“Alright ma,” Billy said and turned to go back.
Catching up to Chris, Mary grabbed a hold of his sleeve and made him turn to face her.
“How dare you do that to my son,” she fumed.
“Mary?” he wondered.
“Just because your mind may be on your stupidity for not asking Brandi what she wants when it comes to staying or leaving, does not give you the right to ignore my son. He was calling your name trying to catch up with you to show you what he got.”
“I’m sorry Mary, I didn’t hear him. My mind was on other things. Where’d you hear about that with Dee?”
“From her. I was up there visiting with her. In fact, you passed right by me when I was heading up, and didn’t see me. If you had actually asked her what she wanted, you’d be surprised at the answer. You may try doing that before she decides to leave and go back to Rock Creek.”
Mary turned away from him, leaving Chris standing there speechless and wondering what she meant about him asking Dee and being surprised at the answer. He already figured he’d asked and got his answer.
When Mary left the clinic room, Brandi took the cover off the plate and ate the breakfast Mary brought up, sharing it with Kelly. When she was done, Kelly took the plate and set it to the side.
Looking at Brandi, Kelly said “Close your eyes and try to go back to sleep little one. You put on a good face for Mary, but I know you’re still upset and trying not to cry.”
“Yeah, I am and it’s hard not to right now. You staying?”
“Yeah, I’ll be here as long as I can,” Kelly told her.
Nodding, Brandi lay back down, closed her eyes and was asleep immediately.
Kelly sat on the bed, on Brandi’s good side, and let her fingers trail through Brandi’s hair. She must have dozed because the next thing she knew was Chris was there lightly shaking her awake.
~*~
Ezra saw Kelly coming down the street and went to her, knowing she’d been in Brandi’s room. “Our illustrious leader seems out of sorts.” Kelly started laughing at Ezra’s acute observation.
“You can say that again.” Kelly wrapped her arms around his arm. “Dee is all messed up; she’s as stubborn as him. I don’t know how they manage it.”
He smiled, “Perhaps the same way we do.”
“Don’t tell me we’re that bad.”
“Well it’s not me,”
“You’re telling me I’m the one with the mouth when you say all them fancy words? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Well–“
“Watch it, Standish.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Now get me a drink, I need one.” They both walked off to the saloon.
~*~
Brandi looked up at Chris, wondering why he was waking her. “Something wrong?” she asked.
“That’s what I was wondering. I got stopped and chewed out by Mary earlier. What did you say to her?”
“She actually asked me whether or not I wanted to stay and I told her which I wanted. And, if we are going to argue about this again, you may as well stop now, because I’m not in the mood.”
He had time to think back over the conversations the two of them had had and those combined with what Mary had said, left him realizing he had forgot to do one important thing. Sighing, he asked “What do you want to do?”
She smiled at that one question. She replied, “That is what I wanted all along, to be asked what I wanted. And in regards to staying or going back to Rock Creek, I’d rather stay. Personally, I’d rather stay at the hotel or out at the house and not at the boarding house.”
Getting up and moving to her good side, he said, “You don’t have to stay at the boarding house, as long as you don’t mind company at the hotel when you stay there.”
She smiled at him and said, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
- 1
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