Angel Eyes went back to the hotel to stow the supplies he bought. He'd purposely chosen a corner room in the rear of the hotel, near the back stairs, so he could come and go unnoticed

He also called for a bath to be brought up, so he could get the trail dust off him, and also be presentable to the young woman he'd be sharing a bed with that evening.

As he soaked in the tub a short time later, smoking his pipe, he was baffled by how forward she'd been with him and wondered what her angle was. But he didn't let it trouble him. If she'd chosen him to fulfill her fantasies, he was more than glad to oblige. It would be a nice change from the jaded whores, usually past their prime, that he normally had to go to. It would also be nice to get it for free for once.

He hadn't asked her name, nor had he offered his. Angel Eyes rarely used his real name, and was satisfied to have people just call him Angel Eyes. He really didn't much care what her name was as he wasn't interested in a long term relationship.

Later, after having a short nap, he sauntered out the back door to the nearby cafe for a good meal. He was flush with money, having just completed a job, so he ordered a steak dinner with all the trimmings. Sitting with his back to the wall, he slowly enjoyed his meal, and had dessert and coffee afterwards. He was in no hurry; he'd consulted his pocket watch and he had plenty of time before he needed to meet Emma Baker. After leaving the restaurant, he'd stop by the saloon for a bottle of whiskey to help the young lady relax, in case she got cold feet.

Emma Baker spent the rest of the work day thinking up an excuse to give her parents to explain why she'd be gone all night. It didn't take her long to come up with a plausible story.

She had a friend of sorts, Janie Parker, whom she'd met at church when they'd first moved to Cactus Flats. Slightly younger than Emma, she was more a follower than friend, as she was impressed with Emma being a "city girl". Emma decided to tell her parents she was spending the night with Janie, who lived on the outskirts of town. Her parents readily accepted the story, and Emma knew they'd not check up on her, as absorbed as they were in running the store. They'd not closely supervised their five children in all the time they'd lived in this dull, dreary town.

As soon as her work shift ended, Emma quickly changed her clothes and freshened up a bit, putting on some lemon verbena cologne. She then hurried to the kitchen and packed some leftovers, so they'd have something to eat at the cabin. Just as Emma was about to go out the back door, her mother came into the kitchen and caught her wrapping up the food.

"What are you doing?" her mother asked, mystified. "I thought you were going to Janie's."

"I am," Emma said. "But you know the Parkers are going through some hard times, what with her father being sick and all. I thought it would be nice if I brought some food for Janie and I to eat."

"That's thoughtful of you," her mother said. "Go on with you, then. Don't let me keep you."

After giving the older woman a peck on the cheek, Emma went out the back door, eager to meet the mysterious man she'd met that afternoon. She went through the alley behind the mercantile and went through other alleys not wanting to attract the attention of any nosey townspeople on her way to the livery stable.

When she arrived at the back of the stable, the man was waiting, mounted on a sleek black stallion. She shivered briefly, thinking of what an impressive sight he was.

"I hope you haven't been waiting long," she said as he dismounted to help her get on the horse.

"Nah," he replied lazily as he took her hand to give her a boost. "I was a bit early, so I took the time to have a smoke."

Once she was secure on the horse, he swung up into the saddle in front of her. She sighed in appreciation as she caught the subtle scent of bay rum coming from him. Emma put her arms around his waist just before they set off. It felt right.

As they rode off, unbeknownst to Emma, her fifteen year old brother peeked out from the side of the livery stable and watched the couple ride off. He filed away this useful bit of information for future reference, chuckling to himself. He'd seen Angel Eyes in town and knew he was some sort of outlaw.

"Take this pathway up the hill and the cabin will be at the top," Emma instructed when they were about two miles out of town.

Angel Eyes followed her directions and the two soon found themselves in front of a snug, well-built cabin. There was a small stable around back, and a lean-to filled with firewood. Several pine trees surrounded the cabin, giving it a feeling of privacy.

After dismounting, Angel Eyes helped Emma down, then led his horse to the stable. "I'll be right with you," he told her. "Got to get my horse settled for the night."

A few minutes later, the two entered the cabin and, for the first time, Emma felt awkward. Nevertheless, she was drawn to this man, and was determined to go through with her plans.

She turned to light a kerosene lamp that was on an end table near the door, then walked across the room to a table with four chairs to put her food bundle down. There were beds in two corners, built into the wall, each with plenty of pillows and blankets. A fireplace completed the room.

Angel Eyes could tell she was having doubts, so he was glad he'd brought the whiskey. He had very little experience in deflowering virgins, so he'd do his best to coax her along.

Pointing to the bundle on the table, he asked, "What's that?"

"Just some food," she said. "I thought we could eat first."

"All right," he agreed. Pulling out the bottle of whiskey from his coat, he said, "And I brought this to help us feel more comfortable."

"I've never tasted whiskey before, but I'm glad you thought to bring it along," she admitted. "That was very thoughtful."

He said nothing, but poured it after she brought two glasses she'd found in the cupboard. As she served the food she'd heated up at the fireplace and joined him at the table, he told her, "Just sip it at first. It has a bit of a bite."

"I'll say!" she said, sputtering as the unfamiliar sensation hit her throat. "But it also makes me feel warm and cozy, too." She picked up her glass for another sip and let it sit in her mouth a bit before swallowing this time. "Much better!"

He bared his teeth to her, ready to get on with it. After allowing her to take several more sips, he took the glass from her and set it down. Angel Eyes wanted her relaxed, not sloppy drunk.

"Come here," he said in a low purr as he took her hand and stood up. Once they were both standing, he took her into his arms and gave her a deep kiss as he ground his body against hers. She was hesitant at first, but then responded needfully to his kisses and his roaming hands.

After she'd wrapped her arms around him and did some exploring of her own, he began easing her slowly to the bed nearest the fireplace.

When they both were seated by the side of the bed, Angel Eyes put his gun on a shelf on the wall by the bed. Getting back to business, he reached for the buttons on her bodice.

Emma shivered as her bodice fell open. She felt bashful at this point, but helped him to remove it. Next, she guided his hand to the skirt button on her waistband, because it was necessary before her corset could be taken off.

Angel Eyes was a bit confused at first, as the whores he'd been with had never worn corsets. Once her corset was off, he was back to familiar territory. Within moments she was lying naked before him, ready to be taken.

"Get under the covers and warm them up," he ordered. "I'll be just a minute."

Emma obeyed, then watched in fascination as he quickly stripped down. She'd never before seen a man's naked body and her eyes raked over his well-built form avidly.

She didn't have much time to admire his body, as he immediately pulled the covers back and got between her legs, using his knees to nudge her apart. Emma inhaled sharply, wondering how she could possibly accommodate his jutting male member.

What happened next went far beyond her wildest fantasies. Though there was a sharp pain at first, it soon subsided and she felt as if she couldn't get him close enough, pushing her hands on his backside attempting to bring him closer yet. It was the most exhilarating experience she'd ever had.

It was satisfying for Angel Eyes as well. He enjoyed knowing the mewls of pleasure she gave were genuine and unrehearsed. He thought to himself that deflowering virgins was something he should try more often, and maybe he should give this one a few more rides before leaving town.