Outlaw's Bride Read Online Free Page B

couldn’t wish his death.
    The gunman’s fever continued to rage into the night and she cooled him down with a damp towel, drawing it across his broad chest and down his muscled arms. She took more time to cool his neck and wrists, like Kevin had taught her. He’d also told her that cool cloths on the groin area helped bring a fever down. Mattie raised the sheet and steeled herself. Carefully, she laid the cool cloth across his masculinity, and her traitorous gaze remained on him a few moments longer than necessary.
    I’ve been without a man for too long.
    Mrs. Hotzel at the orphanage had always said Mattie had the devil in her—and had punished her more often than any of the other children. Ruth had pshawed such a notion and told Mattie she was merely a woman with a passionate nature, which was nothing to be ashamed of. However, Mattie couldn’t bring herself to accept that explanation. Her wicked thoughts proved Mrs. Hotzel had been right.
    The clock downstairs chimed two in the morning and Mattie took a moment to sit and rest her aching muscles. She leaned back and rocked as she listened to the man’s raspy breathing. Occasionally his breath stammered, and her own heart missed a beat. As much as she hated to admit it, she didn’t want him to die.
    â€œNo… don’t hurt … her.”
    Mattie awakened immediately to the man’s pain-filled voice, surprised that she’d fallen asleep. She scooted to the edge of her chair and looked into his sweat-slicked face.
    â€œLeave her … be,” Beaudry murmured, his eyes still closed.
    Mattie realized he was lost in fever dreams. “It’s all right, Mr. Beaudry. You’re safe here,” she said softly.
    He muttered something she couldn’t understand, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. She’d been around delirious patients before and often a human touch would soothe them when nothing else would.
    Beaudry’s mouth twisted into a grimace and he tried to rise, eliciting a groan. Mattie stood over him and wrapped her fingers around his arms, holding him down. “Don’t move or you’ll injure yourself further.”
    Corded muscles flexed beneath her palms and Mattie used every ounce of strength to keep him from thrashing around and opening the fragile scabs on his wounds.
    â€œNo… have to help,” Beaudry slurred.
    â€œEverything’s all right. You don’t have to help anyone,” Mattie said calmly, hoping he would understand her through his feverish haze.
    â€œEmily… needs me.”
    Surprise shuttled through Mattie. Who was Emily? A sister? A wife?
    â€œEm!” he cried out.
    â€œI’m right here,” Mattie said, not knowing what else to do. “I’m all right, Clint.”
    His eyelids fluttered open, jolting Mattie with the intensity deep in his startling green eyes. He stared up at her, but Mattie knew he was seeing someone else. Beaudry stopped struggling and Mattie eased her grip on his arms as her muscles trembled with exhaustion.
    Tentatively, Beaudry raised his right hand and his fingertips grazed her cheek. She remained motionless as he cupped her face in his palm, and for an insane moment, Mattie wanted to press her cheek closer to his callused skin.
    â€œI thought … you … were dead.” He coughed and a spasm convulsed though his lean frame. “Em, I’m … sorry.”
    His anguished voice cut through Mattie’s defenses, and her chest tightened. “It’s all right.” Her voice shook.
    He blinked a few times and moisture filled his eyes, and a tear rolled down the side of his face into his tangled hair. “God, I’m … so sorry.”
    The agony in his eyes tore a hole in Mattie’s heart. She felt a tear burn a trail down her cheek to fall onto Beaudry’s bandage.
    He closed his eyes, then his hand slipped down onto the mattress.
    Mattie’s knees collapsed and she dropped