Outside Jasper untied and mounted his horse, holding his hand out for Crystal. After hesitating for a moment and judging whether she could get to Bo Magnusson's livery before Jasper caught her, she held up her hand. Easily, he pulled her up and planted her on his lap. His heels kicked his horse and they were off, heading out of town at quite a clip.
Clem hung on keeping quiet until with a deep groan in her ear, his hand slid under her dress and bee lined for the area between her legs. The fine fabric of her drawers ripped easily under his strong fingers and he plunged ahead not stopping until he was prodding at her entrance.
"Ouch, stop it," she squealed, slapping at his hand.
"You're dry," he remarked, slowing his horse to a walk as he explored further, ignoring her discomfort.
"Ow, you're hurting me," she cried, struggling to jump down.
"Why are you so dry?" he asked, apparently unconcerned with her resistance.
"Maybe because your jealous, proprietorial attitude doesn't excite me," she cried, elbowing him in the ribs as she kicked out with her legs. "Put me down, I've changed my mind."
"I don't understand it," he said absently as he ignored her demand and urged his horse back into a cantor. "You should be slippery with his seed. In fact," he continued nuzzling her neck and sniffing deeply, "I don't smell anything but your perfume. There's not a trace another man has touched you. Did you bathe after?"
"After what?" She sniffed, hanging onto him once again now that the horse was going too fast for her to safely jump.
"After you sold your body to that old miner?" he groaned into her ear.
"What I do with my time and body is my business. Now take me back to town," she insisted.
"No."
"Jasper Montgomery, I find you the most annoying and nosey man on the face of the earth. I wouldn't let you touch me for a thousand dollars tonight," she sassed, pinching his thigh.
"We'll see about that, fancy pants," he laughed, kicking the horse into a gallop.
Chapter Nine
His home was not at all what she expected. At times he had a grand manner about him as though he came from some old and aristocratic family. Clementine imagined valuable antiques and servants, crystal chandeliers and marble. Instead he slid her to the ground and dismounted before the largest cabin she'd ever seen. The log structure was massive with a porch that ran across the front and around the side. Taking her hand, he pulled her up the steps and through a very wide door.
Once inside, she looked up. The ceiling seemed to go on forever and one wall held a stone fireplace where she could stand upright inside. The furniture was as over-sized as the man beside her. Everything had a Mexican flair, from the warm earthy colors of the rugs scattered around the hardwood floor, to the artwork on the walls.
"Maria," he bellowed.
Instantly a short round woman in a colorful skirt appeared.
"Refreshments, por favor," he instructed.
Nodding, the woman hurried away.
"Welcome to my home," he said with a slight bow.
"It's lovely, although most guests are invited and not carted off like so much baggage," Clem replied, walking slowly around the huge room. The staircase to the upper level had to be at least six feet wide, she noted. It turned and an open upper gallery surrounded the room on three sides. Everything gleamed, obviously polished with care.
Maria returned carrying a tray Jasper took from her and placed on a table in front of the davenport.
"Gracias," he murmured and the woman vanished. "Come," he ordered holding out his hand. When Clem complied, he seated her beside him and reached for a pitcher. Pouring her a half glass of what looked like red wine, he handed it to her and watched while she took a sip.
"What is this? It's delicious," she smiled, licking her lips.
"Sangria, a mixture of wine and fruit," he answered. Placing several pieces of cheese and fruit on a small plate, he passed it to her. "Eat something," he said, taking her now empty glass and setting it down.
"I'll have more, please." Clem frowned, but took the plate.
"This isn't the watered down whiskey you pretend to drink at The Red Petticoat," he warned. "You'll get drunk."
"So what," she sniped, nibbling on a piece of cheese. "It will make it easier for you to have your wicked way with me."
"I thought you weren't going to let me touch you for a thousand dollars?" Grinning he refilled her glass, again about half way.
"You will anyway. There's not much I can do about it," Clem replied, taking the drink from him.
"You think I'd rape you?" he demanded.
"No, not rape exactly," Clem replied, popping a grape into her mouth. "After all, you have paid for me, or you will at some point. I don't have much say. A deal is a deal. Besides, you have a way of making me…"
"Making you what?" he asked, peering at her closely.
Clem looked away, unable to meet his eyes.
"Answer me," he demanded softly.
"A way of making me want you to do those things to me," she whispered with a defeated sigh before raising her head and glaring at him. "I suppose that makes you happy?"
"It does indeed," Jasper responded, smiling. "I'm grateful to know I'm not the only one emotionally involved."