Free Outlaws Of Phantom Canyon (Savage Series) by Lisa Rae Page A

stagecoaches is not the only business the Phantom outlaw gang is into. They rustle cattle, alter the brands, and then ship them off to be sold. Of course they keep some for eatin' purposes," Gabriel explained to Julianna.
    Gabriel then led Julianna over to sit under a natural bluff overhang, that shaded the ground from the intense sun. He then began . . . "I'm so sorry for what I did to you last night."
    At first Julianna thought he was referring to him walking out on her last night, but soon discovered he was talking about their lovemaking as he said, "It shouldn't ever of happened. I took advantage of your innocence and it won't happen again."
    "You didn't take advantage of me. I knew what we was doing and I wanted you to make love to me."
    "That still don't give me no right to take away your innocence, and ruin you for your future husband," Gabriel explained.
    Future husband? Julianna couldn't believe what she was hearing. "The only man I want as my husband is you!"
    Not realizing he had been holding his breath, Gabriel exhaled and said sadly, "I want you too, but once I kill those men, I won't be any good to you. You deserve a better man than me."
    Hurt and angry, Julianna jumped up and stormed a few feet away before she turned on him as he stood up. "What gives you the right to decide what I deserve?"
    "I'm only doing what is in your best interest." Gabriel knew she would be upset, but he did not expect her to lash out at him in this way.
    " My best interest. You have no idea what is in my best interest!"
    Gabriel couldn't help but be aroused by the fire and temper in Julianna as she raged at him. Her hand swung at his face to slap him as she said, "How dare you."
    But Gabriel was quick to grab her arm before she made contact. Too many years having lived on the edge, to not stay alert for all quick movements. Gabriel pulled her hard against him, and kissed her with such force it bruised her lips, but not hard enough that she didn't want more. She put her arms around Gabriel's neck, and pulled him down for another kiss. This time much gentler, as their lips parted and their tongues continued the battle.
    When they came up for air, Gabriel looked into Julianna's deep green eyes as she said, "You're the only man I will ever want. I love you ."
    If there had been a turning back point, it was gone now. The world, her father, could damn him forever, Gabriel didn't care. He wasn't going to let her go. Hoarsely, from raw emotions Gabriel said, "I love you too."
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
     
    Chapter 5
    Gabriel took Julianna home and made sweet passionate love to her the rest of the late afternoon and into the early evening. He only left long enough to go see Barry about a couple steaks and baked potatoes for their supper. While he waited for Barry to cook up the steaks, Gabriel visited with some of the outlaw s eating supper in the cook's shack.
    As he was about to leave with two platefuls of food in hand, Ted walked in with his wife Ruby. Gabriel nodded hello to Ruby as Ted said, "Gabriel we head out at daybreak."
    "I'll be there," was all Gabriel said to Ted, as he hurried back to Julianna with their plates of food. He did not want to ruin his good mood right now. Tomorrow morning would come soon enough . . .
    Their passion momentarily satisfied and their bellies full, Gabriel sat across from Julianna at the table looking at her dressed in only his shirt. He was already getting aroused again. As he tried to keep his mind on the matter at hand he said, "I will be gone in the morning when you wake up. Ted told me over at Barry's that we leave out at daybreak."
    Julianna tried not to show her fears. She wanted to be strong for him and for herself. But she knew that there was real danger in what he was about to go do. With the faintest glimmer of a tear in her green eyes she said, "How much longer must you keep doing this?"
    "A little while longer. " Was all Gabriel would say on the matter