His Prairie Princess (Prairie Brides 1) Read Free Page B

warm.  The sensation brought comfort and helped ease the pain that throbbed through out her entire body.
    He returned her to a sitting position.  “You promise you won’t scream?”
    She nodded.  It hurt.
    He reached behind her head and untied the bandana.  She nearly choked when he removed it, her stomach suddenly sick.  She must have looked the same for he quickly took her in his arms and cradled her against him. 
    “You’re going to be all right,” he said gently as he looked down into her eyes.  “I’ll take you to town to see the doctor and then we can find the sheriff.  He should be back by now. He’s been hunting an outlaw gang.  Possibly the same ones that kidnapped you. Would you like some water?”
    She stared back.  His face was bent over hers, his eyes covering her with a warmth no amount of blankets could produce.  It was a look she had never seen before and couldn’t quite put a name to.  She licked her dry lips.  “Water ...”
    Without taking his eyes off her, he reached behind himself and grabbed a small canteen, opened it, and held it to her lips. “Here, not too much.  Take little sips.”
    She took little gulps instead.  It was a mistake.  She immediately turned and retched into the hay.
    “No problem!  No, not at all!  Let me help you.”  He pulled a handkerchief out of his back pocket, poured some water onto it, and cleaned her face as if it was the most natural thing he could do. 
    “I dare say, but you’re in a bad way. I’ve got to get you to Doc Waller.”
    Sadie looked at him.  “Who are you?” she croaked.
    “Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Harrison Cooke, at your service.  And you are?”
    “Sadie Jones, ” came out a raspy whisper.
    “Would you like to try some more water?  Perhaps just rinse your mouth this time? Then a little sip.”
    She did as he suggested.  It was better.  The water stayed down. 
    “You’ve been through a horrible ordeal Miss Jones.  I’m terribly sorry you’ve suffered so.”
    She looked him over with what strength she had left.  “What are you doing here?”
    “I’ve come to help you, of course.”
    “No.  I mean, what are you doing here in Oregon territory?  Where are you from?”
    Oh, that.  Yes, well I hail from Sussex, originally.  We came over twelve years ago.”
    “An Englishman?” Sadie whispered and put a hand to her head to still the throb there. 
    “Here now, lie back. There’s a good girl.  I’m going to get the wagon ready and take you to Doc Waller.”
    “What happened to me?” She asked as the room began to spin.
    “You were kidnapped by outlaws.  I rescued you and brought you here.”
    “To a bar n ?”
    “Er, yes. A barn.  Trust me, it’s much better than the alternative.  We’d best see to your head now.”
    He gently re-covered her with the blankets.  He then poured more water on the handkerchief, folded it, and placed it on her forehead.  The cool cloth felt good.  Sadie closed her eyes, her body heavy with exhaustion.  Sleep began to pull at her, his voice like soft silk against her raw nerves.  “Now, princess, let’s see about getting you to the doctor.”

Three
     

    Harrison wanted to kick himself for the forward statement.  “Princess?” he mumbled as he tucked the blankets around her.  She had fallen asleep quickly.  Perhaps too quickly even considering her ordeal.  He knew of this sort of thing.  And it was dangerous for someone to drift in and out.  He watched it happen to his own father. But when his father drifted off to sleep after hitting his head in a carriage accident, he never woke up again.  Harrison had to hurry.
      But despite his need to get the woman to town, he couldn’t help but ta ke a few scant seconds to study Miss Sadie Jones.  Her dark lashes were long and beautiful against her pale skin.  Her lips a delicate pink color.  A lock of her hair had fallen across her face as he laid her back upon the hay.  He gently brushed it away,