Abby's Last Stand

For Abby, sleep was impossible. As it grew later, the saloon across the street got even louder and more rambunctious. Add to that the occasional gunshot and the fact that she was sandwiched between two of the most gorgeous men she’d ever laid eyes on and you had a recipe for insomnia. She opened her eyes and stared at Bear’s massive back. The knotted muscles along his shoulder blades gracefully folded into the indentation of his spine. Even in the bedroom’s dim light she could see the round scars of two bullet holes on his right side.

She wanted to touch those strange, round scars. She wanted to run her index finger along the scarred edge and feel the notch in his flesh. She imagined a few scenarios where he’d gotten those scars and immediately felt compassion for him.

Snake shifted behind her. She turned around found herself face to face with him. He smiled, and it was charming. “Hello. Having a hard time sleeping?” he whispered.

“I guess so. So much has happed so quickly I can’t seem to relax.”

“Why don’t I give you a back rub? That always works to calm me down when I’m all riled up.”

Abby knew she should say no, but the truth was she secretly wanted to be seduced. The thought of this man’s rough hands on her back was just too tempting to refuse. So, without saying a word, she turned her back to him and lifted up her nightdress until it was just covering her breasts.