Across the brook and into the thicket

Randy had her! Marlton's only daughter - helpless and gagged in his arms - his prisoner, his captive, his prize. Unfortunately, now that he had her, Randy had no idea what to do next. The only place he could think to take her was his lair at Rainbow Falls, but if he brought her there he'd have to abandon his most comfortable hide-out as soon as he released her.

The sound of a hunting horn told him he had little time to make a decision. One thing he knew for sure, he couldn't stay here. Randy lifted Charlotte easily from the sand and held her squirming body in his arms. Ignoring her muffled protests he waded through the shallow brook and climbed onto the far bank. Unlike the smooth sand and grass bank of the near side, just a yard from the water on the far bank, alders grew thick and green. From this heavy foliage he could wait in hiding until he knew what Miss Charlotte's companions were doing. With luck they'd ride back to the manor house and leave him time to figure out what to do with the feisty Lady Marlton.

Generations of deer had made their beds among the alders, and Randy deposited Charlotte in one of these small ovals. He knelt by her side resting his hand on her flank to still her thrashing.

"Easy girl." He whispered as he drew his flintlock from his belt and checked the priming in the pan. "There's no need for anyone to get hurt." To his surprise her struggles slowly ceased. Through the soft fabric of her dress he could feel the firm layer of muscles relax with each breath she took. She was more sensible than most of her peers; better looking too, Randy decided as he took in the curve of her hip and thigh and the swell of her breasts rising and falling with her breathing. Again the horn sounded, this time from much closer.

The armed man must be Black Brand, Charlotte realized as she lay in the deep thicket wondering at her predicament. Who else would dare treat her like this? Hidden as they were, Charlotte had little hope that anyone in the hunt would spot her as they rode by. Perhaps if she were able to stand, but with his palm resting firmly on her side there was no chance of that. The strength in his hand was unmistakable, and he had carried her effortlessly over the brook. Charlotte felt a wave of heat as she recalled how his arms had cradled her gently as he carried her. Of course she had no illusions about how precarious her situation was, but still, when he carried her in his arms she felt safe in a way she could not explain.

Suddenly Copper, bless his wild heart, decided to be helpful for a change. With an eager whinny he splashed across the brook and up the sandy bank onto to road just ahead of the hunt.

With cries of surprise and concern the riders of the hunt pulled to a halt circling Copper as he stood placidly on the road waiting for them. Charlotte felt the warmth of Black Brand's body press her into the matted grass of the deer bed as he eased his body lower. His lips were almost touching her ear as he whispered a hushed warning.

"Don't do anything stupid my lady, I can hardly miss from this range." Soon the far bank of the river was crowded with men, women, horses and dogs erasing any signs that Randy may have left from his abduction.

"CHARLOTTE!" A good looking young man called loudly into the empty forest. He was dressed in the latest fashion, a golden riding jacket cut high at the waist and tight cream coloured breeches that clung to his legs like knitted hose tucked neatly into the black leather Hessian boots.

"Is that your beau?" Randy asked Charlotte as others joined in the yelling. "He seems very concerned." She turned her head a little until she could glare at him, but he was not intimidated by her scornful glance. Instead when her soft cheek brushed his lips he leaned even closer pressing his hard body against her soft curves.

He kissed her. He hadn't planned to, but when her cheek touched him he couldn't help himself. His lips puckered instinctively against the smooth skin of her high cheekbone savoring the softness and warmth - she smelled of apricots and tea. Miss Charlotte stiffened beneath him in shock or anger or both, but Randy didn't care. He should be focused on the party just on the far side of the water, but instead his mouth explored the geography of Charlotte's features. Following the line of her cheek to the corner of eye, he paused to savor the flutter of lashes caressing his lips. Then he moved slowly to her temple were the skin was so thin he could detect the wild beating of her pulse. There was more shouting and movement on the far bank, but Randy barely noticed as he gently kissed his way down her hairline until his lips found her ear.

From the first gentle caress of his lips Charlotte had found herself beset by a turmoil of conflicting fears and desires. She was outraged, of course, at the way this man had treated her, and fearful of her fate at the outlaw's hands, but part of her was excited by the strength of his arms as he swept her off her feet. By the time he lowered her into the bushes on the far side of the water the warmth that filled her from the inside was as real as her fear. Shame at her response joined the melange of anger, fear and desire. Paralyzed by these contradictory emotions Charlotte barely moved as the brigand teased her face and hairline with his soft kisses. Only when she felt the heat of his breath on her ear did she react. An explosion of desire washed over her, if he were allowed to continue his nibbling much longer any resistance left would melt. With a Herculean effort Charlotte jerked her ear from his mouth and rolled onto her belly away from his tempting lips, her legs kicked against the thin trees and a shimmer shook the leaves above her. Was it enough?

Randy dropped his full weight on his struggling prize pinning her to the warm dry grass almost immediately, he was only too aware of the rustling of branches above his head. If any of the hunting party noticed, things would get messy very soon.