Free Prairie Fire by Catherine Palmer Page A

dwarfed her clasp.
    “This is a hand that can protect a dear sister,” she said softly. “You will bring healing to your Lucy.”
    “No.” His jaw clenched tight, he shook his head. “No. Nobody can fix her troubles.”
    “What problem could hold a woman prisoner all her life … and offer no hope of solution?”
    Jack was silent, but Caitrin could feel his heartbeat hammering against her shoulder. Finally he pulled away from her, the muscle in his jaw working hard. He looked up at the rafters of the loft. “Lunatic Lucy, they call her,” he ground out angrily. “Touched in the head. Crazy as a coot—”
    “Stop.” Caitrin grabbed his arm. “Jack, you mustn’t—”
    “People throw rocks at her. Taunt her. And now, for her protection, we have no choice but to keep her confined. My parents can’t manage her, but I can. And if anyone tries to interfere—if anyone hurts Lucy ever again …”
    Beneath Caitrin’s hand, the muscle in his arm bulged and hardened into solid granite. She laid her cheek against it, praying for the words to calm him. “You’ll save your Lucy. I’m sure of it.”
    “Yeah, like I saved Chipper from the clutches of Seth Hunter.”
    “Chipper belongs with Seth. They love each other.”
    He grunted. “Love.”
    “Aye, and your love will save Lucy from her troubles.”
    “Nothing will save Lucy.” His eyes hard, he scrutinized her. “What is it with you? You don’t back away from me like I have smallpox. Don’t you know I’m Loony Lucy’s brother? You know what people say—maybe it’s a family disease, and you’ll catch it from me. Or maybe my wicked, lying ways brought Lucy’s calamity on us. Maybe it’s the punishment for my sins.”
    “Stop it, now.” She covered his mouth with her hand. “Nothing you’ve done has brought this calamity on your sister. All of us have sinned in one way or another.”
    “I don’t stand a chance of forgiveness for what I’m feeling right now, Caitrin Murphy, and I can’t make myself repent.” He pressed her hand hard against his lips. “The need you bring out in me burns like a fire inside. I think about you day and night, wanting a taste of those sweet lips …” He covered her mouth with his and pulled her roughly against him. His fingers slid into her hair, dislodging pins and combs. “Caitrin, hold me. Hold me tight. I’ve had the scent of your hair racing through my head like a cyclone whirling out of control.”
    For a moment Caitrin hung motionless as his mouth ignited a blaze across her lips. Shock captured her breath in her throat. Pleasure reeled through her, sending tingles dancing down her spine and shivers skipping into the base of her stomach as she arched into his kiss. And then truth tore through her heart.
    “Jack,” she said, clutching his shirt and pushing him away. “Sure, you must not be so bold with me.”
    “Don’t tell me that look in your green eyes isn’t desire.”
    She shook her head. “I won’t lie to you, Jack Cornwall. You’re the first man since Sean to fill my thoughts for even a moment. Aye, I’m a woman, and inside me … there’s also a need …” She bit her lip. “There’s a longing in my heart that only the true love of a man can fill. But the Bible says—”
    “Don’t preach at me, Caitrin,” he growled.
    “No, but if you would possess my lips, then you must take my mind and spirit, too.” She struggled to her feet and tugged him up to stand beside her. “I’m more than a creature with flaming hair, Jack. I’ve a brain, so I do, and you know precious little of what’s inside it. I’ve a heart, too. The Spirit that dwells in my heart is not my own. Sure, it’s the very presence of God himself. You’ve a good face and strong arms, but I know nothing of your mind and heart. Indeed, you and I might find pleasure together. But pleasure lasts no longer than a season. And then what?”
    Jack searched her eyes, and Caitrin refused to lower them in modesty. Let him see