Microsoft Word - Jenny dreamed by kps Page A

her lovely face. "It'll cost me enough as is," he replied cryptically, adding in a low tone that was hoarse with desire,
    "an' I won't forget it, even without the feel of your claws, wildcat, not for a long, long time!"
    Pulling her arms above her head, Beau held them easily in one large hand, his mouth coming down on hers with surprising gentleness as he kissed her once. She tensed as his fingers brushed the swell of her breast but startled a moment later when he merely drew the bed-spread up to cover her once again.
    Jenny's expression showed she was dubious of this new ploy, and Beau shook his head in exasperation. "Don't ask why or how, I ain't even sure m'self, but I'm gonna see you have a chance to get out of here. Now, I ain't given you much cause to trust me, but I could just as easy take you here an' now, if I wanted to. You believe that?"
    Jenny stared at him in utter confusion. Her whole body ached now that the effects of the laudanum had worn off. It was difficult for her to think, to concentrate on anything but the need to relieve the trembling and anxiety that seemed to paralyze her entire system. His look was steady enough, and what he'd said was true. She had little strength to fight off any assault. It was an effort just to keep her eyes open, and she closed them, nodding that she did, indeed, believe him.
    "Good. I hope I ain't makin' a mistake by lettin' you loose. Can't say I'd much care to have my face marked up." A second later, her hands were free and Jenny's eyes fluttered open in surprise. She still found it hard to believe he meant her no harm. "That's a good girl," he added reassuringly, telling her that before the day was over, he'd see she had her chance.
    "What about Isa?" He looked blank for a moment, and Jenny rushed on, hope brightening her features for the first time, "My maid-the girl who was with me ... I can't leave without her!"
    Beau frowned. He was risking enough already, and he cared little about the maid's safety.
    When they'd first arrived, Johnson had dragged her into one of the rooms intent on having his pleasure from the screaming woman. Beau hadn't seen her since and had almost forgotten she existed.

    He could hardly tell Jennifer Bryant that her companion had been raped, now, could he? "I'll check on it," he promised. "Meanwhile, if a woman named Lil comes to see ya, I am the meanest, most low-down son-of-a … it's been your misfortune to meet! That shouldn't be too hard t'make her believe. I ain't got the reputation of goin' soft on anybody." He grinned and gently pushed a wispy curl out of her eyes before he swung his legs over the side of the bed to retrieve his clothes. The bed shifted under his weight once more as he sat to pull on his boots.
    Jenny hesitated, tentatively reaching out to touch his shoulder. Her position was extremely vulnerable. In effect, if she could believe that he was telling the truth, she would owe her freedom to the man who'd taken it from her. The drug and continued isolation had combined to wear
    down her pride and self-reliance. "Please," she whispered softly. "You meant it, didn't you?
    You'll help us get away?" Jenny desperately needed something to hold onto, a belief that would give her the strength to last out another long day.
    Beau turned to stare at her, uncomfortable with the desperation in her voice. He stood and walked to the door, pausing after he'd unlocked it and retrieved the key. "I meant it," he answered simply, and a moment later the door closed behind him.
    Jenny spent the day alone, huddled miserably in the rumpled, twisted bedsheets. She hadn't eaten for two days, and the very thought of food was nauseating. She had ventured a look at the meal Mavis had brought the day before, realizing she had to keep up her strength, but sight of the cold, congealed slices of ham and fried potatoes immediately made her gag.
    Alternately she felt feverish and then chilled as a cold sweat covered her entire body. Wave after wave of cramps