Chapter Nine

Kitty

I awoke with the sun shining through the window. I couldn't believe I had slept through the night considering the amount of sleep I had on the train. I walked over looking out the window. Not much below except the street which was quiet at this time of day. I decided that I needed a bath. I had been in the same clothes for three days. The problem was I didn't see anything here that I really wanted to wear. The dresses were too revealing and so was the lingerie. I continued my search and found a simple day dress hid way back in the armoire. I took it and some of the satiny lace undergarments and went into the washroom. I turned the water on marveling at the hot and cold running water. I couldn't help it even though I was being held against my will. I got it a comfortable temperature and added some of the lavender and vanilla scented oil to the water. When the tub was full, I removed my clothes and lowered my body into the water. It felt wonderfully soft and silky against my skin. I leaned my head back against the porcelain relaxing for the first time several days. For the time being, I put everything behind me and just let myself unwind. My thoughts drifted to my cowboy and the last bath we shared.

We had both been extremely busy for several days and we hadn't been able to spend much time together. That morning, I had been working on the books when Matt came in the Long Branch. No one was around at the moment as Sam was in the cellar and the saloon hadn't opened for business yet.

"Hi, beautiful."

"Hey, cowboy! What are you doing here so early?"

"Things seem to have quieted some and I thought I would get my dibs in for your time this evening."

"Well, mister, what do you have in mind?"

"I had hoped we might spend a peaceful evening in your room. A good soak in the tub, dinner, a fire, and a lot of lovin'."

"Oh, cowboy, that sounds heavenly."

And it had been, Matt had come up to my room about eight with supper from Ma's. He had put it down on the table and took me into his arms. It felt so good. It had been days since we had this opportunity.

"Which do you want first, supper or a bath, lovely lady?"

"How about we go into the washroom and check out the water. It should still be hot."

"My, my Red, I love the way you think."

We headed to the tub. Standing beside it, we slowly undid buttons and ribbons while undressing each other. I climbed into the tub sitting forward so Matt could slip in behind me. I leaned back enjoying the feel of his muscular chest against my back. He carefully pulled me closer and cupped my breasts with his large hands. I could feel his arousal touching my behind. Oh, he felt good. I turned my head as he leaned over and our lips met in a heated kiss. The whole evening turned into a slow burning passion filled wonder.

As I lay here in the tub in my prison, I wondered where my lover was and if he was out there looking for me. My mind was so engrossed in my reflections that I didn't hear the door to the room opening. Suddenly, I realized I wasn't alone. I looked up to see the dark haired stranger staring at me with lust in his eyes. I quickly grabbed the towel lying on a chair and covered my breasts.

"What are you doing in here? Get out now."

"My beautiful redhead, what are you concerned about. I have seen naked women before. Why don't you get out and join me in the other room. It will give me a chance to really look at and admire your body."

"Get out now! You are a filthy disgusting pig."

He just laughed and headed out the washroom door.

"Hurry up pretty lady, we have to talk."

I hurriedly got out of the tub, dried off, and dressed. As I entered the bedroom, mystery man was sitting on the bed.

"What do you want with me?"

"You my pretty lady are going to become the belle of the gambling house. The Redheaded Ladywill have its own redhead to entertain the customers.

"Oh no, I will not go back to being entertainment for anyone. Do you understand me?"

"Sweetheart, it is you who doesn't understand. You have no choice in the matter."

He walked over to the armoire and pulled out an off the shoulder red dress. I could tell that once it was on it would just barely keep my breasts covered. One pull on a shoulder and my assets would be out for all to see. I was starting to panic, but knew I had to keep my wits about me.

"You are the lowest of scum. You pathetic son-of-a-bitch, I will not put that on for you or anyone. "

The next thing I knew, he backhanded me, knocking me to the floor. I held my jaw and slowly made my way back up on my feet.

"Now, Red, you will wear this dress or I will make things really bad for you. I have ways of inflicting pain without leaving a mark. You should also know that your lover Matt Dillon is being watched and if you don't cooperate a telegram will be sent. One by one your lover boy and your friends in Dodge will be eliminated. Which is more important, keeping them alive by doing what you're told or killing them by refusing me?"

I sat on the bed dejected and afraid, not for myself, but for those I loved. The sickness I felt at what I was sure would be expected of me, didn't come close to what I knew I would feel if anything happened to Matt, Doc, and the others. With resignation, I looked at the stranger and gave a slight nod that I would do as I was told.

"Okay, Red. I want you dressed and ready to go downstairs at seven o'clock. I will send up some food in a short while. I am sure you are famished. I want you to eat and clear your mind. What you left behind is over; this is your new life now."

The thought of food made my stomach roll with what was to come. What I wanted to do was slap his face and tell him to go to hell. Had I not been afraid for Matt and the others back in Dodge, I would have been fighting my way out not caring what became of me. But I knew by the look in his eyes, that he meant every word he said about what would happen if I bucked him. I resigned myself to doing his bidding.

"What will be expected of me?"

"For tonight, just look gorgeous and be friendly. And remember, you say anything to anyone about our little arrangement and the marshal will end up dead. You will also be expected sit in on a card game and deal. I expect you to win. Do you understand how it is going to be?"

Letting out a sigh and hanging my head, I said, "Yes."

Sitting there thinking of all that had transpired the last several days, I heard the door open and close. With that, tears rolled down my checks as I was filled with heartbreak.