All alone

[Lovely]

May 14, Year 2
afternoon


Vic was putting up their horses and came across 'her' alone by the livery. The boys were all busy so he took the moment to discus some intentions with her in whispers in the shadows, keeping her about pinned, standing close against the wall. Doyle came across them before anything really happened, but there was something about her....

The encounter left Alice quite flustered, blushing, scared... also excited and curious and.. wondering about his completely improper suggestions and intentions. He was pulled away by a strong handsome bystander, but something in his smile, his eyes, the expression.. Alice barely noticed her rescuer. All she could think of was 'him' so much so that instead of heading toward her house she goes in the other direction, getting herself all sorts of turned around. Once she realized it, which was a little awhile later she was frustrated and knew she now had to walk back the other way. At the same time she realized she wasn't alone, She stopped walking and turned to look behind her.

He'd seen her, followed her... and didn't seem to care that she knew he was there. Vic kept walking toward her, no change in pace... directly toward her. Would she run or would she wait?

Alice glanced around, no one there to rescue her this time... one foot steps back but the other doesn't.. she seems 'frozen' watching him come toward her.

He stopped beside her, watching the path to town "What's your name?"

She nervously answers after regarding him for a moment. "Al..Alice.."

He reveals a knife in his hand, grabs hold of her, hand over mouth. "When I move my hand Alice, you won't scream, will you? You bite me and you and my friend get well acquainted, understood?" Wiggles the knife.

She makes a small squealing noise behind his hand, dropping her small basket in order to bring her hands up to try to keep the knife away from her. At his threat, she goes still again, trembling slightly. She nodded or tried to, a muffled "I understand." Also came from behind his hand, she did not wish to be acquainted with his 'friend'.

"Good girl. There's a boarding house, right. You're going to take me there. You're going to go in with me and there's not a thing wrong, is there? I'm meeting someone and you're going to meet him with me. Pick that up," he added, giving her enough slack to carefully retrieve her basket. "Try to run and you'll regret it."

Run? She wasn't entirely sure she could even walk at the moment, her legs felt weak and wobbly. "P.. please don't.. hurt me.." She whispered, her voice lost somewhere in the fear of what he could do to her. She moved as carefully as she could and grasped the handle of her basket, lifting it and straightening up again.

[Lovely]

"We've been friends a very long time, you and me. Gooood friends, do you understand?" She straightened the basket and his arm wrapped around her waist, the knife staying in her sight as he spoke close to her shoulder, shifting some of her hair with the knife's tip. "The kind of good friends who miss each other a dear bit when the other's been so far away for a long time. I think you need to be convincing in how much you've missed me, Alice. Can you do that?"

"Mi..missed you?.. I.. what.. I'm not sure I understand what you want me to do?" Part of her did but she didn't want to admit that, her cheeks heated with a slight blush. "You don't mean friends.. you mean.. like.. an item.. as if you were my beau?"

He grinned, pleased with how quickly she put the story together. "Were? Oh, Alice, have you let your heart grow so cold? I still am, I assure you," he said as if convincing her she'd only lost her memory of him. He was already so close to kiss her shoulder, he moved enough to kiss her neck. "Give us a kiss, now."

If not for the arm he had wrapped around her waist, she would have jumped away when he kissed her neck, but there was no place for her to go and she shivered. Why was he doing this? "A kiss?" It took effort to turn her face toward him, but she did it.

The kiss was roughly delivered, harsh and deliberate, though lingering and every bit as passionate as the words he'd uttered earlier in the alley. "A promise is still a promise," he muttered as he pulled away, licking his lip. "Start walking."

She was left to stare at him, wide eyed for a moment after he pulled away. She'd tried to make the kiss a chaste, slight thing, but was unsuccessful with how he'd brought the kiss on her. She could still feel it as if his lips were still on hers after he pulled away. "A promise..?" She was confused, thrown by the kiss and by all of this, she did start walking though, not forgetting his threats or the knife. Alice felt as if her mouth was branded by his kiss, glowing and that anyone who looked at her would know she'd let him kiss her like that.

"My promise to you, though you only heard part of it before I was so cruelly interrupted by your white knight back there. Who was he? Brother? Cousin?" He spoke of the man who must have been at the smithy or preparing a spit for a side of beef. "He reeked of smoke and sweat. Why some choose professions like that is beyond me."

"I... " She began, having to take a deep breath to steady herself before she could speak. "Mr. Carlisle, the blacksmith.. " She explained not sure what else to say beyond that, he seemed to think such a profession wasn't a worthy one. ".. and what do you do, that is so much better?"

He chuckled as if she knew the answer as well as he did and was teasing him now. "Just walk, Alice. Just walk," he grinned, staying close as they walked with his arm around her, his hand slithering down below her waist. "I think we'll have some time to get caught up on everything I've been doing all this time. Just wait, alright? Oh, and you'd better call me Vic, short for Victor of course, but we're familiar, you and me. It's alright."

"I see.." She said quietly, trying hard not to squirm or flinch from his touch as they walked, her fingers tightened around the handle of her basket. "If we're familiar.. Vic.. then you should know, it's not alright for a mere beau to... touch me the way you are. Or to kiss me like you did.."

[Lovely]

"Not while anyone's watching, but I don't see anyone watching right now, do you? Don't worry your pretty head about me being 'a propah gentleman' when I need to be. Right now, though, I don't have any need, or want, to be. Soon as we're on the street..?" They very nearly were back where any number of people could see them and perhaps someone had, but Vic was unphased. The knife in his hand lowered from view now, hid flat against his wrist and his other arm slipped from behind her, brushing her skirts enough to feel the girl beneath in passing. His arm bent and his demeanor changed as well as if he'd placed a mask on. "I can be right propah when I should, miss. Now, kindly show me the way to the boarding house... if'n you don't mind."

The heat rose in her cheeks again when he moved his hand and brushed her skirts enough to be felt by her beneath them. She turned her head to him with a surprised expression. "What if I do mind?" She asked, sure she knew the answer but would he really attack her in the middle of the street? Her gaze drifted to his bent elbow, which she took with a small sigh. Perhaps if she simply went along and escorted him there he'd leave her be. "Down this street on the left."

He admired the rose color in her cheeks and the surprise in her eyes, again pleased and his grin brightened to show it. "You might have to remind me just how much you do mind. It's been a long time, after all. Time enough to forget what upsets you so. Just up this road here?" He pulled his stride into slower, more shallow steps to lengthen their journey. "How might you do you that I wonder. Raise your voice? Raise your hand? How might you fare in this fine town to raise such a fuss, hm? You're not wild, are you girl?"

"Not wild for a proper lady to slap a smug grin off a man's face when he amuses himself by getting out of line with her." She countered, still rightly scared of him, blushing softly but feeling a bit safer now that they were in town. No one right there but still there were people nearby in homes and businesses. Strange thing was, she didn't deny being otherwise wild and declined to comment about how she fared in this fine town. Alice felt her gaze dart around them and then settle back on him, she bit her lip lightly. "Your actions make no sense to me, I suppose they aren't meant to... are you going to let me go once we get to the boarding house?"

"No, I don't think I will," he sighed out quietly though he turned to give her another odd smile. "You see Alice, I'm a man of my word. The part of the promise you failed to hear over the braun of your dear smithy is the part where I expressly don't intend to let you go. You have something I... require."

Her eyes grew wide again as she recalled his whispers in the alley and now to hear him say he had no intention of letting her go. What did he intend to do with her? She was afraid to even think about it, yet couldn't help asking. "What could I have that you require?" Her voice hardly a whisper now as she watched him.

"Your time, Alice. And family. Surely someone's going to notice when you're not home to supper," Vic explained vaguely as the boarding house came in view.

Her time, she sort of understood but what did he mean by the rest.. what did he need her family for? Yes, they'd notice when she wasn't home for supper but... that's when she realized that meant he was planning to keep her for who knows how long. Her steps hesitated a little as the boarding house came into view and she looked around again.

[Lovely]

His hand rose to scratch his nose, the blade still flat from his palm up his wrist, shown to remind her how quickly his demeanor could change and knife put to use. "Don't do anything foolish and draw attention," he reminded her. "Handle everything with grace and do as you're told, you'll be home safe when it's time."

"I wasn't...." She started to protest and let her voice fade to nothing, she glared at him a little but that too was very short lived. "I won't... I mean do anything.. I'll do as you tell me." She added with a slight pout to her lips, watching now as the boarding house seemed to loam up in front of them, it suddenly seemed so intimidating.

"Alright. First, don't pout. A happy beau doesn't like to see his girl upset, does he? Show us a smile, now," he said gently, coaxing her with a smile of his own, nearly genuine it seemed for thinking himself as the 'happy beau'. "Convincing, remember? You've missed me terribly and simply can't wait to get reacquainted."

She swallowed and took a breath, her eyebrow arching up at his words though slowly a small smile peeked out. "How aquainted do you think we are?" The smile showed more but there was a touch of sarcasm in it to go along with her question. "So I be sure to act appropriately." She stressed the last word, sliding her arm around his in a closer stance rather than the timid bare hold she had before. Her shoulder now rested against his, her body turned toward him rather than straight ahead, as if she might actually like him and be curling to him. Her heart was pounding in her chest, part in fear and part because of him... handsome and dangerous.

"Enough I'm sure your father would have his shotgun to my head for your hand to make us honest," he said with a lift of his brow and a tip of his smile, letting her imagination wander where it would.

"Do I seem like the sort of girl who would know how to act in such a manner, to you?" She asked with a slight tip of her chin, though the blush heated her cheeks and would be clearly visible to him. "You've surely picked the wrong girl for such a ruse.. " Her fingers dug into his arm as hard as she could, there really was nothing else she could do. "You'll have to be satisfied with knowing me to a much lesser degree."

"You seem the sort of girl who's curious to know," he countered, staring her down with a sweeter smile. "The rose in your cheek speaks louder than you do, and I'm quite sure... and satisfied already... that I have the right girl."

"Wha.. how dar...." She hmmphed slightly, so flustered by him, the blush growing deeper as he pointed it out. She had to take a moment to compose herself, looking away from him and huffing and fussing with their linked arms until finally speaking normally or somewhat so. "Who made it your business what my private thoughts might.. or might not be?" She smoothed her hand over her dress, trying to ignore his smile, the way he looked at her, and how it made her feel. "Shall we?" She motioned toward the boarding house, trying to show him that he was annoying and that she wanted this done with, though she was very aware of how her hip brushed against him when she moved.

"You did. The moment I saw you. Then I did, making sure to make it my business, though you made that easier, didn't you. Why did you follow me out of town?" He spoke through the grin, though he watched ahead to the windows of the boarding house.

[Lovely]

What he said was actually kind of sweet and the haughty act was dropped with her surprise as her gaze drifted back to his face. "I.. you thought I was following you?" She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I wasn't.. not intentionally." Why she was speaking to him like this now, baffled her and yet she did feel as if she knew him for a moment. "I was so flustered.. I went in the wrong direction, I wasn't paying attention and didn't realize it until just before we came upon each other.."

"Flustered? And why would that be, Alice?" He turned the grin to her, another raise of his eyebrow with it. "Who's to say it was the wrong direction, exactly? Maybe it was the right direction, but you haven't admitted it yet. I'm sure it's one of those rooms. Facing the street, the town..," he mentioned, looking back at the house as they came up to the step.

"I was.. accosted by a .. devilish man who whispered all sorts of things which were very inappropriate and should have made a good girl faint right there. If you were there you would have beaten him senseless for saying and thinking such things about your sweetheart. Really quite scandalous.... scoundrel, yes, thats what he was." She stepped up, looking at the house as he did, her head tilting to the side a little. "Why do you say that? Who are we going to see?"

"A devilish scoundrel," he chuckled in response. "A careful, watchful one who should be expecting us. If he's not then I'm sure he's pleasantly preoccupied... I so hate to interrupt." The sarcastic hum assured her that was far from the case and he had no qualms about being as abrupt with others as he was with her. The blade was flashed one more time to ensure the ruse would continue. "Two years... it's been two years and I came by train from Kansas City. If anyone asks how and where we met, stall them and laugh it away as a secret between us. Do you know the proprietors here well?"

"Two years.. no wonder we're practically strangers. You must have made quite the impression to make me wait all this time for you." She whispered in return, pausing at the door so he could open it for her. "Well enough, sisters.. Emma, and Ame Walcott."

"Haven't I?" He asked about the impression he'd made so far. He was certain she wasn't going to forget him terribly soon. "Sisters, but not relatives of your own? How long have you known them?"

She swallowed and tried not to blush again in reply to his question about the impression he'd made on her so far. "Actually they are, relatives that is.. their mother is my cousin.. I've known them.." She paused and laughed softly. "..about two years, a little less. We moved out here then, after.." She trailed off a moment. "..my step mother left."

"Rather perfect if I do say... and I do," he emphasized with a whisper that came close to being a kiss though he turned to the door and led her up the step. "Let's go say hello to your cousins, then."

"For you.." She whispered back once he'd turned to open the door for her, she stepped inside, still clinging on his arm as if she adored him. Ame was in the foyer with a broom and a quite round tummy, trying to sweep around the bulge. Alice smiled at the woman, watching as she remained determined to be independant. Not really surprising given Ame's nature and the fact that she got pregnant without being married.

"Alice... what nice surprise.. and.. you have..." Ame smiled brightly, setting aside her broom and approaching, she paused to run her eyes up and down the man beside Alice. Her gaze ended with an arched brow, she didn't seem to judge only question. "..a friend with you."

"A friend... long lost and just found, actually. Victor. Hm.. you must be..tsk... Emma?" He looked to Alice for help like he'd be told a dozen family stories but never met them. "I'm sorry, it's been so long."

[Lovely]

"Ame." She corrected, giving him another quick glance and then letting her smile warm up some. "Emma is the younger of us, thank you for mistaking me.." She laughed quietly her gaze rolled to Alice, full of questions that would wait for later and 'girls only time'. "Any friend of Al's is welcome with us.."

Alice was relieved that Ame wasn't cranky today and took the slip in stride. "Thank you Ame, Victor and I were just getting caught up a little on the walk over. It's been so long and we have so much to talk about." She added a soft chuckle to the comment, running her hand over his arm a little.

His hand went to his back as if to scratch, slipping the knife up into his sleeve . He brought his hand back to set on Alice's, giving it a pat and a gentle clutch of endearment. "The strangest thing, finding her on the way from the station. It's been... well over a year since I've seen her. And I was only coming to visit my brother. I believe you have a Mister Tiernay here?" He smiled at Ame, hopeful for her reply and hopeful that she hadn't seen him leave so he could be taken directly to the room.

"Such a wonderful surprise.." Alice murmured, smiling at him as if she was smitten and delighted at running into him. He may have put the knife away as she didn't feel it when he clasped her hand, but that didn't mean he wouldn't take it out, or worse use it on Ame.

Ame nodded to both of their comments. "When something is right, fate has a way of bringing things around where they should be, when you least expect it." She smiled at Alice and then brought her attention more fully on Victor. "We do, let me show you to his room." She motioned for them to follow her as she led them down the hall to the room.

"Not sure about all that talk of fate, but I'm sure I won't be so hasty to leave town," he said, turning adoration to the girl on his arm, rubbing her hand softly. "Your hospitality is appreciated, thank you. When is your baby due?"

"Soon." She said quietly, stopping by the door of the room. "Here we are." Ame smiled at them, reaching to give a knock on the door.

Her hand tightened on his arm a little when they stopped in front of the door to his brother's room. Alice hoped that whatever was going on that he felt the need to have her with him for this, wasn't about to get her hurt or worse. What if this other man was angry because she was there?

The door didn't open yet, mumbling voices heard in the room beyond. The shuffle came closer to the door, a man's voice answering. "Yes, what is it?"

Vic's expression darkened a little as he stared at the door. He reached forward and knocked, himself, the hilt of the knife at his wrist helping the sound carry. "It's me. Open the door," he said coldly. He corrected his tone with a soft laugh for the girls. "Never was one to be ready for visitors... when they're expected."

"Your brother has come for a visit. Would you like me to have him wait in the parlor?" Ame offered her hospitality if the boarder wasn't ready for his company.

[Lovely]

The doorway cracked open enough to see the man but not the room behind him. "No, it's fine, thank you." He looked at the girls and reached for the man and the girl he didn't know to pull them into the room. "The room's just a little untidy right now, but family is family. So understanding. Thank you Miss Walcott."

Vic pulled his hand away so neither of them would get cut and put his hand back onto Alice's. "Always the perfectionist. You can talk to the minister on Sunday about not making your bed," he added, nudging Alice to enter ahead of him.

"Thank you." She nodded to Ame, part of her wanting to scream and cry out for help, another part of her enjoying the last few minutes at Vic's side. She worried still about the man in the room, but scurried in, in front of Vic.

"You're welcome. Should you need anything please let us know.. enjoy your visit." Ame nodded to the man and to her cousin, turning to go back down the hall and finish her chores so she could go lay down for a bit.

"I would hate to trouble you," Vic nodded, his attention suddenly divided with concern about Iain's reactions and haste, and the possibility of Alice taking an opportunity. "I'm sure we'll be fine, thank you."

"Your timing is impeccable," Iain spat, with obvious preoccupation, though not as pleasurable as Vic had suggested. Nicoletta was there with him, but the room was in slight disarray, a few items shattered and his hand wrapped in cloth. He shut the door behind them. "Use the chair."

Nicolette looked up with the new arrivals, her cheeks had been swipped to clear the tears but her eyes were still puffy. She couldn't hide that she'd been crying though she was composed for the most part at the moment. She'd come with 'bad news' for Iain, her mother had forbidden her to see him. There didn't even seem to be a reason behind it other than she disapproved of anyone who had interest in Nic.

Alice entered the room and when she looked up to see the distraught girl, she started to take a step back, bumping herself into Vic. What was she to say, what was she to do? She was now closed in a room which showed signs of a struggle or some kind of fight and there was a girl who'd been crying, the fear in Alice jumped up several notches.

Iain returned to embrace Nicoletta and console her further, shushing at her ear, his head on her shoulder. His own tirade hadn't helped matters but his temper was calmed now and his hand throbbed from the porcelain water bowl that was in pieces about the floor. "Are the horses ready?"

Vic turned the chair Iain had suggested and stood behind it. The knife slid back into his hand like water and was caught tight, the blade tapping the seat where he wanted Alice to sit. "Ready and the others are waiting," he nodded to the other man, watching curiously a moment at his scene of affection. He turned his attention back to Alice and offered her his hand. "Please.. sit here."

Nic curled to him as he leaned against her shoulder, reaching for his hand with one of hers while the other reached to cup his cheek. A small temor went through her but that was all, his temper had frightened her but he was calmer now. She closed her eyes a moment, drinking in the comfort at his closeness.

Alice was further confused by this man and this other girl's actions, but they seemed to be soothing one another. Perhaps they'd had a quarrell or had some upsetting news, she calmed some at seeing them together. When Vic tapped the chair and then held his hand out for her, she took it, this time without a fuss. She didnt know him well at all but knew him more than the others, she'd seen them in town but,, She bit her lip gently, holding Vic's hand and sitting down where he asked. Alice didn't know what was going on and didn't know whether anyone would tell her, she wasn't going to ask.

[Lovely]

************************


Once the discussion was finished with Iain and the immediate plan laid out, Vic took Alice to fetch his horse and ride out of town. No one was in the livery at the time and Alice put up a bit of a fuss, not wanting to be taken out of town. How could she refuse really, when he'd asked so nicely that she ride along with him and his friend (the knife)..

Well he did ask, "Saddle or sack anyway?" He points to large burlap.

She let her hand fly to slap him or try to for suggesting that she be put in a sack.

He grabbed her arms and tied them behind her for slapping him... he could've suggested a lot worse things, depending on how deeply she was looking in his fierce baby-blues.

She was looking, while squirming and writhing and trying to twist free -telling him to.. "Stop being a brute!"

"When you stop being a bucking little filly and behave, I'll think about it."

"When you stop being a bully and threatening to put me in sacks and tying me up, maybe I'll behave nicer for you!" She stopped struggling and glared at him.

"Better.." He plops her on the saddle and gets behind her. "Heeeyah..." and off they went.

"It's bumpy ride with me in your lap.." She said after a short while, being jostled a bit as they road. "Poor man.. having to put up with that.."

"Depends who you ask..." He doesn't seem to mind.

"Hmm, no? because if I'm too heavy or something, you could just let me go."

He laughs... "No, I don't think so..."

"Why are you doing this to me? What did I ever do to you? I never even met you before today.. What is it you intend to get out of this, out of taking an innocent girl hostage?"

"Just making a living.." breathes over her neck . ".. somebody's gonna pay - either to get you back... or take you off our hands."

She tries to jerk away from him, filled with a fear that makes her shake "Y-you..you're going to... sell me?"

"Not if you go and fall off this horse. Nobody's gonna take you all bruised up, now sit still. We're about there."

"No.. If no one will want me that way.. then I'd rather be bruised.." The fear of being sold to some horrible man, stories that were heard now and then about such things... it was enough to make her struggle. She rather be trampled by a horse than what else would surely come of being sold off by a kidnapper.

[Lovely]

"Easy now... Didn't say for sure you're being sold. Might be better just to keep you until your family wants you back."

"You're a disgusting.. despicable.. vile.. horrible man.. " She spat at him in an angry, frightened whisper, she didn't seem to hold much faith in being returned safely to her family or on them missing her all that much.

He ignored the spittle and laughed again, trying to hold on tighter. "Who knows. You seem a little old for marrying, but I might keep you for myself. Like a filly with a little kick in her."

With her hands tied behind her, she could only really kick her legs and wiggle against his hold on her, it might not be very effective in getting free but she didn't feel she could go with him without some protest. "That's none of your business.. my age or.. I am not too old for marrying! You are.. just mean!" If she could have hit him, she would have. "I hope you..." She tried to think of something but it wasn't in her nature to be mean even if he was acting so toward her. "..chafe.."

"Not to worry about that. I got a surefire way to cure whatever ails me, or at least something to take my mind of it a while. Seeing as you're not going anywhere we don't want you to. Now come on inside and sit down a spell," he snickered, slowing and stopping the horse at the ramshackle barn that crept up in view.

She looked up at the barn the crept into view after he spoke of it and she trembled with a deeper fear, it was all becoming too real. She wanted to wake up from this bad dream but it kept going on and on.. "Th-this is where you're taking me?" She practically cringed against him as if some evil creature was going to come lumbering out and drag her off to meet a horrible end after giving Vic a handful of coins in payment for her. "Please.. let me go.." She whispered, turning her face toward him. "Please.. I promise I won't say a word.. please.."

"Don't matter if you do or don't. Nobody out here to hear it anyway, 'cept me and Tiernay. Unless the boys come pay us a visit. I'm sure they'd like to get to know you as much as I do. All that screaming I told you not to do - feel free now."

"Boys?" The word was another whisper as she paled with his mention of them wanting to get to know her and being able to scream now. Her breath was shallow and her fear deep as she stared at the ramshackle barn. There was no screaming, there weren't even anymore words, she felt as if she could barely breathe though she was still breathing fine enough to keep her awake and aware in this nightmare.

"Even better. Like 'em when they don't talk too much," he laughed again, stopping and pulling her off the saddle with him like a potato sack. "We're going inside and have ourselves a little chat, you and me."

Her pulled her off the horse and her feet hit the ground, she barely kept herself upright and sagged against him a little. She didn't want to go inside, she didn't want to have a little chat with him, she wanted to kick him and claw him but she didn't. Her eyes squeezed closed and she started silently counting to ten, hoping when she was done and she opened them she'd be in her room at home.

[Lovely]

He tugged to get her moving the right direction, stalking closer to the large door that rested slightly open letting the odors of damp hay and old horse stalls seep out to meet them. "Takes your breath away, don't it?" He smiled as she winced and crinkled as if he were pulling her toward a rich country cottage instead.

She opened her eyes as she was tugged, finding herself still outside the barn and being 'dragged' into it. She struggled mildly, she was fully aware that he had the upper hand, the knife, and her wrists were tied behind her back. "It smells like an old barn.." She managed to reply with a bit of a sigh, she wasn't spoiled as not to know what a barn smelled like. Alice tried to twist away from him and kick him in his shin as she did so.

He was light on his feet to dodge most but not all the kicks she drove at his shins and ankles, making him laugh more at her attempts. She was working him up more by the minute and his already-piercing stare drove into her more harshly like her toes against his boots. "Keep puttin' up a fight like that, I'll double your price," he laughed.

If her hands were free she would have slapped him, but they weren't and all she could do was glare to show how much she disliked his comment. Suddenly her eyes seemed to sparkle as she had an idea, this time the twist wasn't to try to kick him. She practically lunged at him, intending to dig her teeth in.. somewhere. Al really didn't have much time to think or plan and her bite was a reaction.. his arm, his neck, or his chest.. anything would do as long as she was able to lash out at him in some way to retaliate.

He was busy watching her feet, not the rest so much as she practically flew at him like a crazed hen after the hand stealing her eggs. His hair was longer than it should have been, having not seen a barber or so much as a sharp knife in several months, enough to be long and caught in her teeth along with the top of his ear. Vic squealed at the sudden nip and pinch of pulled tresses and the threat of losing flesh to her teeth. The yelp startled the horse that reared and dodged further out of reach as his hand shot up to the side of his head. The glare had turned from playful and insistent to sinister and unpredictable as he fought the sting and the urge to strike her across her blushed cheek. "What did you do that for? Haven't hurt you none," he hissed.

Her mouth dropped in shock as she tried to regain her balance and composure with her retreat after the bite and his squeal along with his question. "You kidnapped me at knife point! You tied me up, threatened me with all sorts of awful things and dragged me off to some barn.. planning to do who knows what with me.. and you ask me why I've fought you.. biting you is about the only thing I can do!"

He begged to differ with the thought that billowed with the slow curl of his smile threatening like late summer storms, dark and turbulent chaos brewing and just as electric. "Thinking now there's a lot more you can do for me before I take my dime for all my trouble trying to keep you pretty-like." Vic tugged again, keeping his attention clear on all of her.

Alice tried to back up a step from that smile and look which caused a chill to run over her skin. He was tugging her again and instead of going back she was moving forward with him again.. toward the darkened barn and whatever he might choose to do with her or to her once inside. The fear crept along her spine and all she could do is shake her head in protest, realizing that her struggling and fighting back had probably just gotten her in even deeper trouble. Her steps stumbled a little but for the most part she let him drag her along and into the barn.

[Lovely]

A few more feet and the door was in reach. Vic looked at her then at the partially opened door. If he let go of her she might run and if he didn't, he might have to manage his whims on her out here, unless... "Mick?!? Nicky?! Get a hand on this door. Got my hands full. About to get 'em more full, " he muttered after shouting to the shadows within the dark building.

Alice felt her mouth go dry as she heard him call out to others.. assuming they were the boys he'd mentioned before, she'd hoped perhaps it was an idle threat but it appeared now it was not. He'd likely feel the tremor that ran through her, her face losing a bit of it's color as she considered all the things he'd said about selling her off to some man.. oh god what if he was serious.. what if he truly meant all the things he'd said to frighten her? She was now biting her own lip and looking at him from the side, clearly frightened and worried about what was going to happen to her.

The footsteps didn't come and he bent down to take her up at the knees and lift her onto his shoulder. He was thin and lank, hardly appearing strong enough to lift the reins on a cart let alone her. "You're not thinkin' of runnin' now, are you?" He chuckled, making sure she certainly wouldn't be able to.

Alice made a slight noise of protest, not quite a grunt, as she was hoisted up onto Vic's shoulder. He held her tight enough and her angle gave her view enough to realize that if she put up a fight at the moment, she chanced being dropped head or face first onto the ground. Her angry sigh was her answer to his question, her hands clenched in fists near his face where they sat, bound behind her and resting on her rear with how she was being carried. She was thinking of biting him again, he seemed like he enjoyed making her uncomfortable and scared and it was her only way to get back at him. She didn't bite but shifted her knee a bit to try to make him uncomfortable as he walked, since he was doing such a good job at making her feel that way.

He pushed the door open to reveal more than just an old barn. Some of the stalls had been knocked out to leave wider spaces of dried hay. A hammock draped lazily across the supports of one of the 'rooms', a huddled form rousting from sleep within it at the sudden creaking of the door. There was no sound but the flurry of movement as the form rose, adjusted a hat then sank to the floor in the shadows, leaving the hammock swinging alone. Other stalls showed no such quick and quiet shudder of activity. The nest did show signs of discreetly borrowed lanterns and supplies, crates turned downside up for tables, chairs, other beds and a few rucksacks stuffed with tack and clothing to outfit several men and their horses. Turning again once the door was secured would turn her view away from expanse of the room and back to the walls that had been splashed with lamp oil, paint, tanner's fluid and char, and the faint reddish brown of what was likely blood. Whose it was didn't matter now. Vic set her back down on her feet between himself and the door, reaching around her to secure the lever that served as its lock. "Home now," he said in a strange tone, nearly warm but not enough to offset the chill of his grin at her cheek.

The gasp and small noise was very soft but audible in his ear as he curled close to secure the lever behind her and spoke at her ear. Her fear nearly made her dizzy, she trembled as she stood trapped between Vic and the door. She could hardly do more than nod, her mind racing along with her heart at everything she'd seen so far and all his taunts and words which seemed to echo in her head now. "What are you going to do with me?" She asked again in a small voice, he'd clearly scared her enough that she wasn't fighting him at the moment and she wasn't certain what he intended to do with her.

[Lovely]

"Wait," he whispered, pulling the word slowly across her cheek and down her neck in a long breath. His hand traced over hers in their bonds before pulling again, directing her toward the yolk and the plow that stood upright at one end of the long room, a crate with a folded potato sack to cushion it waiting for her to be seated. "Guess you get to set for a spell."

Her knees buckled slightly as his breath took the word over her neck, she caught herself and didn't fall but trembled a little more, feeling his hand tracing over hers. "Wait..?" She could hardly breathe or so it felt for a moment as Vic guided her to the end of the room where there was a place for her to sit. She looked to the makeshift seat and then to him for a moment before gratefully sinking down onto the crate to let her legs rest. It was easier not to stand when your legs felt weak and rubbery with fear. She stared at the floor, blinking back a few tears and chewing at her lower lip. "Are... are you really going to sell me?" Alice asked in a soft voice that was a bit unsteady with a genuine fright, she was scared of what might happen to her.

Vic let her sit still, turning back with a chuckle over his shoulder for her as he headed toward the hammock. "Told you 'maybe' already. Haven't made up my mind yet." He stopped, putting his hand on the creaking and still-swinging ropes before ducking under them and hauling out a man of similar size by the collar. "Get some coffee going, Nicky. We've got a guest," he seethed at the man before shoving him out into view to gather his feet.

The other man tumbled forward but didn't fall, nimbly staying upright like a scarecrow as he spun against gravity, kicking up a spiral of dust that smoked in and out of the ray of light that peered down from the leaky rafters. He brushed the insult and smear of drool from his lip as he glared back, setting his hat right again on mouse-brown locks. He glanced down to the girl on the box and tipped the tan leather in greeting, agreeing silently from across the space that he'd get her a cup started and did so, going to the far end of the barn that was cleared of straw, knealing down at the fire that had nearly gone out.

Alice closed her eyes tightly to keep the tears at bay, Vic's answer wasn't reassuring in the least and she took a moment to fight a wave of emotion and keep herself from falling apart. She refused to give him the satisfaction of going into hysterics or wailing. Al lifted her head in time to see the one called Nicky spun to his feet, she even managed a small smile at his greeting, nodding her head a bit in a return greeting. She watched him move off and couldn't keep her gaze from seeking Vic again, she took in a deep breath and let it out softly. "Thank you." She thanked him politely for thinking of her welfare enough to let her sit and even getting the other man to make coffee.

Vic came back beside her, checking that she was still well bound. "Where are the others?" He called out to the quiet man at the fire as he stood up again and came round to face her. "Thank me when I get what I want from this," he said, tapping her feet apart and kneeling down between them, showing her the knife again.

The man gestured as a shower of sparks spit up from the log he tossed on top of the embers, pointing to the door Vic had secured. To no avail - Vic turned and didn't see it. He rose his voice, straining out the words, "Gone out."

[Lovely]

She stared at Vic, her eyes wide as he kicked her feet apart, knelt between them and then showed her the knife she had not forgotten about.. she wasn't sure why it had been wrong to thank him for showing her some sort of thought and kindness but apparently it had been. Her teeth caught her lower lip and held it as she watched his every move. "What do you want?" She was afraid of what his answer might be but she had to ask, hoping for some sort of reasonable answer.

The knife cut easily through the fabric of her skirt, making a gash a few inches above the sewn hem. He pulled the fabric apart in a few quick tugs, pulling away a fair length of broad ribbon. "Gettin' out alive, gettin' a little richer, maybe gettin' me a little somethin' else 'fore it's all through," he grinned again, glancing up as he set his teeth to the threads that held the hem, snipping it loose and unraveling the thread into her lap.

The gasp was clear at the ripping of her skirt, her eyes going wide again, she tried to shift and push him away from her, using her legs. "What are you doing?" She asked and sort of demanded he explain why he was tearing her skirt, her voice rising just a little. She was shocked and upset enough to try and struggle with him again.. one shouldn't go around tearing up a lady's skirt or exposing anything that was beneath it!

The fabric and knife fell to the floor as she struggled against him. One hand grabbed at her ankle, the other reaching behind her to keep her from falling backward into the tiller blade. The movement brought him closer over her, his hair snaking and tangling down with hers as he peered down at her, holding her still. "I'm doing something to keep me from doing anything else before I should," he said, his breath shaking as if he was nearly afraid himself for a moment as he held her so.

She found herself held still with Vic over her, something in his voice and the way he grabbed her caused her to cease her struggles. She stared up at him, his face so close to hers, his hair mingling with hers. "I have no idea what that means.." She licked at her lips, feeling herself tremble again. "I'm sorry... I'm scared.." She trailed off not sure apologizing was the right thing to do and not knowing how to explain why she kept reacting the way she did. Plain and simple she just didn't know what to do and she was terrified of what was happening and might happen.

His head tilted as she admitted her fear and uncertainty. She'd stopped kicking for the moment and his hand at her ankle loosened, moving up to the top of her boot and slowly higher, stopping to warm the smooth skin of her knee. "Means I got a little more patience than the others. A little," he grinned again briefly, though it quivered this time as his gaze searched deeper in hers.

Her chest rose and fell with the somewhat heavier breaths she was now taking, it might be 'just her knee' but no man had ever touched her there.. like that. Her mouth parted but for the moment she couldn't find words, she nodded slightly to his words. Alice was caught in his gaze for a long moment, seeming to search in return, maybe looking for some sort of compassion, caring.. reassurance.. anything that would settle some of her fears. Her gaze slowly dragged away from his to glance over his shoulder, he'd mentioned the others and though he claimed to have a little more patience, she worried what they might try or succeed in doing to her. "Are they going..." She felt slightly dizzy again. ".. will they.." Her lips trembled and she couldn't even get the question fully voiced as she brought her frightened gaze back to his as if she hoped that he might protect her from them.

[Lovely]

"I'd kill them first myself," he said, shaking his head slightly. "Set yourself up and stay still. Can't have no marks on you, now," he muttered, letting loose of her knee as he backed away a little.

A clang behind him was followed by a shuffle of further activity as the other man seemed distracted by the scene enough to have spilled on himself. He hopped around the fire, brushing away the water, patting in as much as he tried to wring away. "Coffee's ready," he sighed, falling into a slump shouldered repose as he gave up and gathered up the mismatched tins of the hot liquid he poured from the hot can and brought them over.

She felt the soft sigh of relief ease out and she nearly leaned into him, her eyes conveying an enormous amount of sincere gratitude that he said he would protect her from that at least. "Can I thank you for that?" She asked softly. Her head nodded a bit and she shifted carefully as he let her knee go, noticing how strangely cool it was without his hand over it. Nicky returned with the cups of coffee once he'd recovered from his mishap of spilling while watching her and Vic. Her eyes darted between the two men, there was no way she could hold much less drink a cup of anything with her hands tied behind her. That meant either Vic was going to untie her, which she doubted, or he was going to stay close and help her.

This time he nodded, not going far. He seemed to think a moment and then pointed to the hollow of his cheek, holding still himself. His fingertip tapped there where he indicated.

Nicky watched on, snickering a little as he set the steaming cups down and sipped from his own.

Her eyebrow arched a little as Vic tapped his cheek but it settled down after a moment when she realized what he seemed to be indicating. Alice leaned to close the small space between them, placing a soft but definite kiss to his cheek. She lingered the length of another breath letting her lips stay pressed gently against his face, making the kiss just a bit longer in 'reply' to the snickering she heard from the one called Nicky. As Vic had pointed out before she was a bit fiesty and she tended to react to things rather than think them through.. which is what led her to peck the corner of Vic's mouth as she pulled away.

He said nothing for her beyond the curve of a smile beneath the kiss at its corner that faded as she pulled away. He glanced back to her then to Nicky, grabbing his cup in one hand and sitting down finally at her feet to gather the thread and cloth that had fallen in the dirt. He made note of his knife and glared at the other man. "Pick that up and clean it. The blade's dull," he snipped. The blade had been sharp enough to cut the scraps but its mention was a reminder and something to occupy their onlooker. Vic sipped the bitter liquid but wasn't disapproving of it. He blew across it to cool it down a touch and offered her a sip. "'Bout all we got for food til the others get back."

Her cheeks tinted lightly with a blush as he looked to her after her slightly bold move of kissing him partly on the mouth. She offered a bit of a smile to him after he'd dealt with Nicky and settled himself near her. Al nodded to his offer of the sip of coffee, leaning toward him and letting him bring the cup to her mouth. "Not sure I could eat anything right now, anyway.. this is fine.. thank you." Her eyes went to his face as she wondered if he'd scold her for thanking him again as he had the first time.

[Lovely]

"He got it good 'n hot. Watch yourself," he said softly now as she took the offered sip. There was a gentle, almost fatherly aspect that washed over him with Nicky's shadow as he crept away inspecting the blade as he'd been told. Vic watched carefully that she wasn't spilled on or burned. "Nick, bring me that back quick," he said without turning his head.

The smile peeked out a little more as Vic warned her of the temperature of the coffee and his demeanor changed to something more gentle, nearly caring. Alice took heed and was careful, blowing on the liquid a bit herself before taking the sip as he held the cup to her mouth. She froze as he called Nicky back with the knife, wondering why he had and what he intended to do with it.

Nick stood there, looking back at him, shrouded in the shadow cast from his hat that blocked the rays from the ceiling, the conflict drawing his mouth into a frown below the barely-there moustache. He eventually turned and brought the knife back, his hand outstretched but steady.

"Just give me the knife and don't ask questions," Vic said coldly, taking the blade in his hand though the other had said nothing. He waited til she was done with her sips then lowered the cup to the floor and snipped her hands free from each other.

Alice was once again surprised by Vic, this time it was quite pleasant as he cut her hands free. She smiled up at him, it was small but warm and she looked almost as if she'd kiss him again in thanks but her eyes darted past him to Nicky who was watching and she cleared her throat softly. She nodded a little and slowly brought her hands around to rest in her lap, wincing slightly at the ache in her shoulders from being in that position so long.

"She'll run away," Nick said quietly, watching her stretch herself out. His hand went to his own throat, rubbing it like it hurt. Beneath his fingers and collar was a still raw looking scar.

"She won't," Vic said, sure that she wouldn't try. If she thought differently, the light off the knife was a subtle reminder as he handed it back to the other man standing there. "I said clean it. Go."

She looked down at her lap as the men spoke to each other, glancing up now and then to watch them. She wondered what had happened to Nicky's throat but didn't ask, she sat quietly, unwinding the remaining rope from her wrists. Alice chewed lightly at her lower lip, rubbing her wrists gently and watching Vic and his knife which didn't need to be sharpened up anymore in her opinion, not that her opinion mattered much if at all. "I won't run away." She spoke to Vic mostly as he sent Nicky off with the knife again, she didn't think she had to reassure him of that but wanted to tell him that she wouldn't try anything and ruin what bit of trust he offered by untying her.

He seemed satisfied hearing it from her. Nodding, his hand rose to shoo off the other with his knife. Vic noticed the gestures had gotten her attention and he explained as he wrapped the salvaged thread around a spool made from a piece of a broken wheel spoke. "Ever see a man get hanged?" He said it clearly enough and certainly loud enough that Nick stopped on his heels again and turned to listen, this time taking a seat on an upturned crate near the sun ray that had moved some and gave him clearer light to work with as he took out a strop to sharpen the blade more.

[Lovely]

"Hanged?" She shook her head and frowned a bit, father would never allow her to witness such a thing. "No... why would you ask me that?" Alice asked him as she tried to study him a little, watching what he did with the thread.

"Why don't you tell her, Nicky," Vic chuckled and shook his head. "Maybe I should. See, he's had himself a bad run of luck, haven't you Nick? Dominick's such a good boy. Also runs a little too slow. Horse threw him, law got him and strapped him to a tree for the whole town to watch, all for taking a couple bottles from the apothecary. Got him cut down, though. Still makes a good cup of coffee," he said, tucking the last bit of thread under a notch and picking up the ribbon of cloth, biting it to split it down into thinner strips. "We thank you for the bandages and the seamstress for her thread. The next nasty bit we get into, we'll be ready for it."

Alice was stunned to silence for a few long moments. "That's.. awful.. hanged him for stealing a couple bottles of.. " Her head shook as if she couldn't believe any law officer would do such a thing, but then she glanced at Nicky, remembering the way he spoke at first and the marks on his neck she saw after. "That's.. not right." She shook her head some more, her gaze moving down to watch Vic's hands. She found the edge of the tear in her skirt and her fingers played with it gently, she seemed to be in thought for a moment before she spoke again. "You can have more if it will help."

Vic laughed louder. "Oh, that's just what he got caught for. Stole the horse and shot the man that owned him tryin' to get away. Been about a month now, but those ropes burn right through when you're all caught up in 'em, now, don't they?" He nodded to the marks on her wrists and looked at the strips of cloth and threads.

The knife went still on the strop and he examined it in the light, brushing a few arm hairs away with the sharpened edge. "Didn't kill him," Dominick offered in his defense, running his palm over the scars again as the story was told again as he brought the knife back to its owner.

Alice curled into herself a bit as Vic brought up killing a man, even if he was saying Nick did it and Nick said he didn't.. the thought that he had, that he could, or would. What might that mean in regard to her own safety? Would either of them just kill her without a second thought if served their purpose? She didn't want to be killed and thoughts like that made her want to run but she'd made a promise that she wouldn't. At the gesture toward her own chaffed wrists, she folded her arms around her middle, closing her hands gently over the marks. "Still must have been awful.." She said softly, glancing back to Nick then to Vic again. "Is that why you all are here? I understand if you can't tell me anything.. I just don't understand what you need me for. Won't taking me get you into more trouble?"

"Not 'less they come nosin' around in here or trip up Tiernay in town. He's near untrippable, so I wouldn't worry much. Kind of you, though. My turn to thank you," Vic said, putting the items down and getting back onto his knees. "And thank you for the offer of more scraps, but since there's a doc here with what we really need, these'll get us by til we pay him a visit."

Alice nodded and let out a soft sigh, she glanced around the barn they had fixed up into a place for them to stay, taking a better look at how things were set up. "Do you think he's going to marry that pretty redhead? and.. how come he gets to stay at the boarding house but you all have to hide out in this barn?"

[Lovely]

"Marry? Him?" The short burst of laughter from both boys echoed off the aged boards and stained walls. Nick's rattly voice stalled into a cough and a reel of pain. He curled into himself, catching his breath and trying not to force any more loud sounds out. Vic calmed himself as he watched his friend's pain get the better of him and thought about what he'd seen and heard. "Don't know that he's made up his mind either, but you can bet sure as winter's freeze that if he wants it to happen, it's going to."

She blushed as they laughed at her thought, maybe being a woman herself she saw things differently than these men would. "I see.. " Her gaze went to Nick as he coughed and curled, that must be so painful. "..but.. what if he does.. I mean if he marries her?" She turned her attention to Vic, her tongue running over her lips. "You know.. your group.. gang.. here.. what happens to it if he marries her? Does she know the truth.. does she join you or ..? I'm probably being too nosey."

"He'll leave us just like he found us, digging in the dirt... just tryin' to live, miss," Vic said, sounding very nearly like Tiernay himself as he cited the words he'd heard the man say before fatally a shooting a man when they'd first met. "He's not all he seems, just like the rest of us. This desert's a hard place for the best of men, and we here are the best of hard men to face that fact."

Dominick pulled himself up from his ball to sip at his cup again, savoring the heat and the wet that calmed his cough. "If she really knew... bet she wouldn't marry him. She'll turn him in, just like that one's gonna when you let 'er go, Vic."

"Turn him in for what? All he did was take me for a ride.. without a chaperone.. I'll get in more trouble for that than he will.." She spoke to Nick and sort of shrugged as if that was all it had been, before turning her gaze back to Vic. "Either that or he'll sell me off to the highest bidder instead of letting me go.. and they'll probably keep me locked in a closet or do all sorts of horrible things to me and I'll be too busy suffering to turn anyone in for anything.. and whoever buys me will probably kill me anyhow so I don't turn them in.."

"No one's getting turned in." He got to his feet and started toward the door. He trusted that she wasn't going to run. "Not likely she'll get bought either to worry about what goes on anywhere. Nobody's supposed to get hurt," he said with shocking force as he turned back toward them both, kicking a spray of dirt and debris into the air. "We're not supposed to get hurt. Tiernay was gonna make sure of that."

Dominick looked up, cowering back from Vic though he was several feet away. "N-nobody's f-fault but my own," he stammered out, pulling his collar around his neck tighter to hide the marks as he stumbled off the crate and backed away.

Alice flinched and she glanced at Nick as he spoke up at it being his own fault.. Vic appeared to be upset about it all and she took a chance by standing up and walking toward him. She moved sort of slow and cautious, showing him she wasn't trying to run away and scared of making him more angry. "I'm sorry things didn't go as they were supposed to." She reached out a little as if to take his hands or put hers on his arms, letting him step toward her if he wanted to. She felt the draft on her leg where her skirt was split and tried to ignore it as best she could. "I know.. that I don't really understand everything and know all of what's going on or your plans.. but if I can help.. you probably don't want or need a girl's help but if I can make it a little better somehow. I mean I'm already here and all.. and maybe it'll help make you less angry about no one wanting to buy me?"

[Lovely]

"Plenty would. That's not what I'm sayin'. I'm talkin' 'bout not letting 'em," Vic explained in a softer tone as she came closer. He stood still, as cautious of her as she was in approaching. She reached out and he gazed down, away, ashamed of many things in that moment yet still prideful to stand strong and look back. His eyes were firey behind the haunted glance. "Nobody's supposed to get hurt and I'll be damned right here by god's own hand if I let anybody hurt you."

Nick stopped still, afraid to breathe as he listened. Vic wasn't upset about what he'd done at all. He was upset about the girl? Relief made him chuckle a little as he nestled down in the dirt where he was.

Alice found herself blushing lightly and smiling softly as Vic revealed the reason for his upset and that he didn't want to sell her off.. he wanted to protect her. She saw how he looked away a moment and how he seemed almost as afraid of her as she was of him, though in different ways. She nodded, understanding and in a way telling him that she accepted him as she took another step closer. Her hands brushed over his lightly, tracing over them as he'd done to hers earlier at the door. Rather than saying the words, she leaned up to thank him with a kiss, this time not aiming for his cheek but gently pressing her mouth against his, that is if he didn't fling her across the room or shove her away first.

Her hands were warm on his and the kiss made his own knees shudder though he fought it. Vic grasped for her lips and the kiss he'd kept himself from moments before, lingering, longing... Her thanks were his own and now he was more certain than before that she wouldn't run, that he wouldn't let her if she tried and that anyone coming for her would have to go through him first... Tiernay included.

She had meant her kiss to be brief, soft, light.. but it went on as he responded to it and sought more, her fingers laced with his and she shifted a little closer. Her eyes had closed and she followed after what she felt in his kiss, there was something about it that pulled her in. It felt like so much more than just a kiss, as if threads were twining them together. She wasn't going to run, she wasn't going to turn him in or turn on him.. not when a kiss from him made her heart flutter and her knees feel weak. As much as he'd scared her before, she trusted him now and knew he was sincere in what he said, she believed he'd protect her.

The mousy giggle faded into the shadows as Dominick watched in awe for a moment then realized Vic wasn't teasing or laughing now. He felt hot and nervous, turning away from watching them and looking for the can to pour more coffee in his cup. "Clean the knife, coffee... gotta be somethin' needs doin'. I'll do ... somethin'...," he muttered mostly to himself, trying to avoid watching but finding himself looking up now and again as he shuffled about, wishing a little for himself to know what it felt like.

Vic traced the contour of her cheek and slid his fingers into the thickness of her hair, pulling free the locks that were still loosely tied. He'd seen her eyes flutter closed and wondered what she painted in the vision behind them. "I'm a terrible man," he muttered, reminding her as his lips traced over hers. "But trust that I stick to my word."

Her long, thick curls tumbled as he loosened them from the tie, they slipped over his fingers in dark tendrils of softness, falling nearly to her waist when all set free. At his words her eyes slowly opened and she gazed at his, still close and letting their lips brush against each other. "I trust you." She whispered it, her mouth curving in a slight smile but then to a small frown. "Why do you say you are a terrible man?"

"Cuz I get what I want," he said, grasping her neck more firmly and giving another kiss that lingered and smoked like the steaming cup Dominick held across the room.

Her hands dug into his shirt at his shoulders as she clung to him in the kiss he delivered which made her head spin and her knees feel weak. It was worse than what she'd felt before and oh so much better, her body shifted with the rubbery knees, sagging against him a bit. She didn't know how getting what he wanted made him a terrible man and she couldn't really think about it or anything else. She gave a soft whimper of surprised delight as he held her more firmly and his mouth moved over hers. Alice felt sort of tingly all over and she didn't want it to stop.

[Lovely]

May 17, Year 2
night


They had come back to the boarding house with the rings to prove it was proper for them to share a room, though Alice wasn't sure that would matter much to Ame. Vic had mentioned that he had his share to keep them in the boarding house a while and he thinks differently than Iain... doesn't think it's so smart to use it all up and got nothin left for it... he likes horses and cattle.. investments - different kind.. Now two more quiet ones were in their room with gold rings that feel kind of funny on their hands.

"Ain't never worn nothing like that afore."

"Well me either!"

Vic played with the one on her hand. ".. it's pretty on you."

Alice smiles in that sweet way she has, putting her other hand over his to gently play with his ring. "I like it on you.. it makes me smile.."

He smiles back, crookedly, almost shy though his eyes say otherwise. "..what else would make you smile?"

She reaches her finger to trace his smile softly. "Don't need anything else... you are more than enough to keep me full of smiles..." She bit her lip lightly. "..though.. there is one thing.. I've been wanting.."

He takes her hands in his and kisses after the lip she's biting. "What'd that be?"

She giggles softly with a light blush and whispers. "You just gave it to me.."

Vic grins and follows the blush with a brush of his boyish cheek over hers. "You're a married girl Alice, you can have more than a kiss now."

Her lip trembles and she blushes a little more, just thinking about it, her hand grasps his a bit more firmly. "I know and I do... want... I'm nervous.."

"Preacherman made us one from two... no way to say it's not right." He kisses her neck softly, letting go of her hand to curl his arm around her waist. "We got this room til I say we don't, so you have plenty of time to be nervous... and for me to help you not be."

She nodded, her eyes closed as he kissed her neck and she almost held her breath, his arm curled around her and she shifted closer to him. Her hands rose to rest against his arms, not to push him away but because she wasn't sure yet what else to do with them. "Does.. is it..." There were questions she wanted to ask but didn't know if she could or if he'd think she was stupid for asking.. or maybe be upset that she did or that she'd even thought it.

"Got to ask me clear for a clear answer." His response to the partial question was partial nibbles over the edge of her prim collar that sat too high on her shoulders for him to see them like he wanted.

"How can I ask you clear.. when I can't think clear when you're doing that?" Her voice was a little uneven as was her breath - only slightly but enough to make it pretty clear she'd never felt that sensation before. She did giggle just a bit, not really scolding him or asking him to stop. "It feels.. funny.. nice.. kind of like tickles.."

[Lovely]

His hand slipped downward from her waist, squeezing fairly through the thickness of her skirts. "I plan on ticklin' you all over soon as I can get to you," he teased, tugging her collar over her shoulder more with his kisses.

Her breath caught again and she uttered a small 'Oh' of surprise as he gave her a squeeze. Her fingers curled more tightly over his arms and she felt the taunt muscles beneath his shirt, she realized then as if all of a sudden that she could touch him, really touch him now. Her grip loosened and her hands moved a little, working over the ripples and hard curves of his upper arms. "Will it hurt when we... they say it does.. have you ever.. ?" She bit at her lower lip again and closed her eyes a moment. "I'm sorry.. I shouldn't ask such things."

"Don't you worry about whether I ever... I never with you before and you're my wife...," he said, pausing as the words came out of his mouth like that for the first time. He chuckled and squeezed her again, nearly lifting her into his lap. "My wife!" He didn't answer whether she'd be hurt. He didn't know about all that, but knew enough that she'd probably forgive him right quick if she stung.

The way he said 'my wife' made her feel all tingly on the inside and she lit up like a star had planted itself inside her, her delighted smile and the sparkle of her eyes would tell him how much she liked that thought as well. His enthusiasm made her forget the questions and his squeeze lifted her up enough that she moved and shifted herself into his lap. Alice hoped he wouldn't mind her doing so, her hand rose to his cheek as her arm slipped around his shoulders. "I'm yours now Vic.. for always.." She giggled softly and leaned to kiss him. "Your wife!" She felt giddy and sort of like she was dreaming or maybe drunk, though she'd never been drunk to know what it felt like.

She moved up to his lap and his fingers pulled up her skirts a few more inches. He made no effort to conceal his fingers' wandering to move them more to his liking, either, slipping his hands down behind her and drawing up the cloth as she kissed him and he leaned back with her atop him.

She had to stop herself from reaching to stop him from shifting her skirts, he was her husband now, she'd swore it in front of the preacher and god and witnesses. It wasn't wrong for him, for them to be doing what they were, being married took a little getting used to. She almost laughed at herself for being so silly and feeling so nervous but then his fingers grazed her skin and it felt like the sensation ran all over her. She pulled away from the kisses, her smile sort of shy as she tried to keep his gaze and not chicken out. "Would you.. help me with my laces?"

He considered it a moment then nodded, letting the cloth fall from his palms and cover her again... for now. "May want to stand up first," he suggested, though he seemed to be playing at something.

She watched his expression as she nodded her head to his suggestion, carefully moving away from him and getting her feet on the floor so she could stand up. She kept watching him, wondering what thoughts he was having behind his gaze, her hands reached up to pull the pins from her hair and she set them on the small table. Her fingers starting to run through the long curly locks to let them flow loosely over her shoulder and keep them out of his way when he helped her out of her dress.

[Lovely]

She stepped away to the table and as her hair tumbled down about her shoulders he crept off the bed, kneeling before her and helping her first with the laces of her shoes, one hand slipping gently up to her bared knee beneath her skirt.

Good gracious how was she ever going to make it through this when she swore her skin was on fire and he was only touching her knee? She hadn't meant the shoe laces but couldn't protest as she looked down at him kneeling before her. She smiled, a little shy in it but also warm and welcoming to whatever he desired, she knew there wasn't much he could ask of her that she'd deny him and right now she couldn't think of a single thing she wouldn't give him.

Only the one foot was uncovered with a gentle tug followed by a kiss to her ankle as he rubbed away the tightness in her toes. The attention served to hold her foot propped and her knee bent for him to follow that kiss with another to the inside of her calf, then her knee, burrowing inch by inch beneath her skirts, hidden for the moment only from her view.

Alice was delighted by the care he showed in slipping her foot free of the shoe and then rubbing her toes, it made her smile a bit brighter. Each tender kiss that he bestowed on her leg released a tiny gasp from her lips. Of course no man had ever done such things to her but she found herself enjoying the attention and hoping he'd continue to be so sweet to her.


*************************

May 18, Year 2
Morning


He'd certainly gotten to her - nearly every inch of her though, there might have been a spot on the back of her shoulder that he hadn't yet kissed. He was slowly working his way there once he'd rested a while. Vic had lay there quietly for several minutes, drawing circles in the tips of her hair that painted the pillow, being careful not to tangle them. His own hair was nearly as long as hers and would need trimming if he wanted to be rightly respectable enough... if... He chuckled to himself wondering what it mattered to him and his gang to look proper when most of their time was spent not being seen! Definitely not the case at the moment, he and his new bride were hardly hiding so much as under any covers at the moment. He was still happily reeling from their first introduction and he was waiting for her to feel rested enough to be entertained further. In the back of his mind he wondered what would happen when Tiernay decided it was time to leave. Vic let out a sigh that was angry and anxious. He didn't want to leave town just yet. He didnt want to leave her side, but the thoughts made him sit up and rub his face as if he could wash the thoughts clean out through his skin. "It's not a mistake," he convinced himself quietly, looking back at her at the pillow and hoping she hadn't heard him.

She'd been dozing lightly as he lay beside her musing and stroking her hair, she was pleasantly relaxed from their earlier activities. Now that she'd experienced such passion in his arms, she wondered how she'd existed without it. When he sat up, she stirrred and her eyes fluttered open, his words were quiet but with no other sound in the room it was hard to miss them. Alice pushed herself up, curling around his shoulder from behind and using one hand to brush his long locks over that shoulder. "What's not a mistake?" She asked with a soft kiss against his bare skin.

He seemed quieter now than she'd seen, lost in the thoughts and tempted not to say anything and worry her. Maybe there was no worry. Maybe... He chuckled and shook his head. "Any of it. Just confusin' me is all. Knowing any minute now it won't be so quiet... or beautiful," he said, turning enough to slip his arm around her and bring her closer where he could see her and feel her against his chest.

[Lovely]

Her eyes searched his face and as she came to the conclusion and realization that he meant her.. them.. being married, she started to push at his chest and lean away from him. "You mean marrying me... you were thinking it was a mistake?" The hurt was clear in her tone, in her eyes, and in the slight tremble of her soft voice. Getting married had been his idea, he'd almost forced her into it, though she agreed with the idea anyway... and now he was confused? The only reason she could think of for him to feel conflicted was because she'd not been pleasing enough for him and he would rather have someone else.

He held tighter, shushing her softly, insisting that wasn't the case. As he tutted her, he turned to face her directly. "You're no mistake. Don't even think I meant you," he said, trying to kiss her.

He was stronger than she was and held her easily as she didn't put up much of a fight, though she pouted. She turned her head as he tried to kiss her, being stubborn and showing him some of that fiestiness that had seemed to make him like her to begin with. "Well what did you mean then? Why are you confused and what about if not me?"

He smiled as she struggled. The pout seemed to goad him on a little. "I meant -not- you. That's all I was sayin'. I keep hearin' Tiernay and his pokin' and pryin', tellin' me it's a mistake. I was just sayin' out loud it's not. Here he's got his girl tying him in knots, haven't even seen him in days. Just sayin'... he'll show up and he'll make a pest of himself. He always does. You can kindly close the door in his face and won't make any difference to me if you do."

"Oh... Oh.. I'm sorry.. just the way you said it and all and how you were looking at me.." She apologised and turned her face toward him, the pout was now for her own assumptions and fretting over it. "I'm a terrible wife already!"

"Terrible?" He chuckled and embraced her as tightly as he could. "Terrible... is makin' me think all levels of things no right thinkin' folk should be thinkin' this time of day," he grinned, letting his fingers brush down her cool and bare back.

"So are you saying I am terrible or I'm not?" She asked with a soft sigh as he ran his fingers over her back. "... and what if you're making me think things no good girl should be thinking at any time of the day?"

"Terrible - completely," he nodded though he smiled and still sought her kiss or to kiss whatever he could catch as he tried to lay her back to the pillows. The reality of Tiernay's imminent intrusion made him feel anxious and urgent, perhaps demanding though he tried to remain tender. "If I'm makin' you think that way, I think you best tell me what you're thinkin'. We might be thinkin' the same."

She gasped with somewhat pretend shock as he called her terrible and giggled as he laid her back to the pillows. Her blush heated her cheeks and she shook her head, biting at her lower lip though her fingers trailed over his back and arms. "I can't say such things.."

"Then don't say them," he chuckled, darting after a quick kiss. "Just tell me if it's something like this." He hovered close, kicking the blanket out of the way entirely. He stared down with that boyish smile and started to share his thoughts the way he'd shared his first kisses, brushing her knee with his.

[Lovely]

"Mmhmm.." She smiled shyly but very sweetly, her eyes sparking with desire and excitement as he tenderly shared his ideas, which were very much like the ones she was having. "Just like that.." She encouraged him with gentle movements and her knee bent, sliding her thigh against his.

"Then just like that," he nodded, saying little else and showing her his thoughts in exquisite detail and tender movement. His confusion was certainly not with her, every thought being quite clear with a caress and kiss. Every now and then he'd pause, expecting the door to creak open and Tiernay to be standing guard, or worse having Dominic stumble haphazardly into the room with some urgency only he understood. Just as quickly, his attention turned back to her, slightly more vigorously each time.

She had nothing more to say once he began demonstrating his thoughts in such a manner, words were replaced with sighs and her fingers gripping at his arms and back. She returned his kisses and explored with her own along his neck and shoulder, still shy but not timid in her affection, she was slowly growing more at ease with doing the things they were doing. Each pause and restart made her arch beneath him, her cries grew louder and harder for her to control.

The door stayed closed and his movements remained rough and determined, bringing his thoughts finally to an abrupt halt with a shock and a soft gasp that answered her cries. He curled into the embrace, no longer angry and for the moment he wasn't confused. He knew his heart would speak for him if the man challenged him. He loved this woman and would do whatever he needed to, though he had no grasp yet of what that might be. If the others left town, where were they going to go? If they stayed in town, how long would it be before they were found out? He couldn't wrap his mind around it now and frankly couldn't care. He only cared for the warmth he felt and the softness in her touch, even as her fingers gripped at him.

She was breathless, her heart racing in her chest, she felt amazing and wonderful, Alice tried to tell Vic but couldn't get the words to come out as she lay tangled with him. Her cheeks flushed but not by an embarrassed blush, it was a wonder how married folk managed to get anything done! Who wanted to do chores when you could do this? Her fingers ran into his hair at the sides of his face, brushing and holding it back as she showered sweet kisses over his cheek.

"Love you," he whispered, not afraid of saying it, but finding no volume he could force out above the sensations of her heart beating madly and her shaking breaths against his skin. The shuddering was almost like laughing and made him chuckle. He'd shout if he could get the breath behind it but instead he only chuckled and sought to tickle her everywhere with soft kisses.

Her eyes melted along with the words he whispered, those very words had been running through her head but she'd not had enough voice to say them. She felt herself laugh as he chuckled, truly feeling giddy and completely in love with this man.. her husband. "I love you." She managed in a not so breathless whisper as she squirmed under the light nearly tickling kisses he bestowed.

[Lovely]

Married and loved in any fashion... This was foreign to him and suddenly so real as she uttered her words. Her sincerity made him pause, the chuckling and tickling pausing as well. He felt a cork in his throat and a sting in his eyes that surprised him, emotions welling he'd not let himself feel for some time. Knives and guns were simple, cold and uncaring, but this felt more deadly than both together. A tear slipped free as his eyes closed and he tried to make sense of this overwhelming rush and the beating of his own heart racing as if trying to run away from him and this...elation... this utter joy that took his breath away. He slid down to the pillow beside her in awe of how she'd struck him with such the simplest of little things, and reached out to her cheek like she had his. The tear was gone almost as quickly as it had appeared, though he made no attempt to hide it from her.

Her fingers covered his on her cheek as she rolled to her side to face him, kissing his palm as she shifted and then settled. She'd seen the tear but he didn't look sad or upset, could it be a tear of joy? Alice had seen him be so cold and harsh and he likely was in many things, yet here with her, he was so tender and sweet.. and passionate. She gazed into his sharp blue eyes that now seemed softer, he seemed more boyish and it was quite endearing. "We should do this every morning.." She blushed and giggled at the suggestion she made, but she meant it whole heartedly.

"Why stop at only morning?" He queried with the return of his smile. Her suggestion was not only delightful, but brilliant and made her shine behind the blush and laugh. He was certainly considering this for more than just waking up. "Don't have so much time to waste on just waiting for a rooster crowin'."

"Wh.. well I didn't mean only in the morning.. wouldn't be right to neglect the rest of the day.. no, not right at all. I reckon we should at least three times a day.. in the morning.. again in the afternoon.. and of course at night.." Her cheeks were warm and red as she spoke, trying to sound firm rather than shy, her finger tracing over his lower lip and her eyes full of love.

"And you wonder why I picked you from all the girls in town?" He chuckled again, watching her expressions. She was trying not to show him how innocent she still was. Her fingertip was captured briefly with a kiss and the nip of his teeth. He let go and sighed. "No.. wouldn't be right to neglect the rest o' the day... which it's startin' to get to, honeymoon or no. Guess that's what this is."

"Mmm yes.. that's just what this is, a honeymoon.. no, not just any honeymoon - our honeymoon. That means we get to stay right here in this bed, the whole day.. if we want to.." She giggled and shook her head, reaching to push lightly at his shoulder. "And just how did you know... that'd I'd be this... terrible before now, hmmm? Why did you pick me?"

"Didn't know. Just sort of felt it. May sound crazy, but the blade said so," he said, shrugging a little against her push. "Can't say you looked terrible because you don't. Took getting all mad to know for sure, though."

"What do you mean.. about getting mad and knowing for sure.. how did you know then?" She was curious and didn't call him crazy for the comment about the blade saying so. She smiled a little and snuggled herself a bit closer to him, letting her fingers brush lightly over his side.

[Lovely]

May 22, Year 2
late afternoon


Alice had quietly slipped off earlier in the day, needing to run a few errands, one of which was to pay a visit to her father and tell him the news. She fully expected he would be upset with her, since she'd run off and gotten married without so much as a word to him until days later. Part of it wasn't her fault as she'd originally been kidnapped but since then she had been enjoying the bliss of her honeymoon with Vic and had almost forgotten how worried her father would be. The visit had not gone well, it had been even worse than she'd thought it might be and she returned to the boarding house with tears in her eyes and a red, slightly raised mark on her cheek. Coming into the room, she quietly closed the behind her and wiped at her eyes trying not to show how very shaken and upset she was.

When she'd gone he didn't know. Vic had been still, staring at a bent nail in the ceiling for a while now, watching the tiny web weaver shuffle around it with its silvery net. His ears were ringing from how hard his jaw had tightened, angry with himself for letting her slip out of his reach. He'd been careless, foolish, but so exquisitely sedated by her attention he'd not managed to wake up until the chill of her absence shivered him. He didn't turn at first when the door opened. The relief was welcomed but was not enough to calm him into bursting up to embrace her. He waited for explanations. Who had she been to see? And, when might the kind sheriff arrive to arrest him if that had been her errand? "You went out. Don't suppose you was just gatherin' eggs," he muttered, moving enough to let her lay back down which he'd prefer. He was feeling cold all over now.

Alice leaned against the door, feeling herself sag a little with how heavy she felt, Vic seemed angry but she had no idea why he would be. He didn't even look her at her at first and she didn't feel like she could deal with him being so upset with her as well, her father's anger was more than enough for one day. "I had a few errands.." She explained, meekly holding up the small satchel in her hand that contained a few small items she'd purchased for them both. The tears now burned her eyes and a few slipped free to slide down her cheeks as she brought the bag over. She slowly took the items out to set on the dresser, a brush and a few pins and ribbons for her hair, a bowl, brush, and razor for him. She crossed to the bed and sat down on the edge of it, not looking directly at him.

He glanced up at her with her bag and the items she set down. "What kind of errands that you don't need me for? And where'd you get all that from?" He was worried about the money she'd used, hoping it wasn't too much for anyone to question where it had come from. She wasn't looking at him now. Vic sat up to reach her, noticing the tears and seeing the swollen mark. "Alice...?"

"I had a few coins of my own.. not much but enough to get a few things." She stared at the headboard of the bed they had been sharing for days as husband and wife, trying not to tell him about where else she'd been. She blinked and a few more tears slipped free, she reached for his hand to clasp it tightly. "I went to see my father."

"You went alone? Is he coming here, then?" He sat up further, clenching her hand in return. She'd come back but for how long? Her tears fell onto his hand and the words worked slowly from him. "Tell me what happened and how long before he comes here, Alice."

[Lovely]

"I thought it would be better if I talked to him first.. I knew he was going to be upset.. worried.. I've been gone almost a week.. but I couldn't tell him anything about.. well about how we really met and the being kidnapped.." She looked upward and sighed, bringing her gaze to his face in search of some kind of understanding from Vic. "He was... furious." Her free hand lifted to gingerly touch her cheek. "He said it wasn't valid.. that we weren't really married.. that I wasn't your wife and I'd let you make me a.. " Her mouth quivered over the word she had a hard time getting out but finally barely whispered it. ".. wh*re." The rest of her cheek flushed to nearly match the color of the mark that was there. "I tried to tell him it was.. that we were, but he wouldn't listen.. he wouldn't let me get any of my things and tried to stop me from coming back here. I don't know how long it will be if he shows up here. He said he was going to talk to the preacher and straighten it out."

"Nothin' to be straight's not already," he growled. The man didn't understand much, did he? "You're no wh*re either. The father would'na let us in if you were." The man was furious with her, why not with him? "Not gonna be any straightenin' either way, but there'll be stoppin'. He doesn't know me and I'm lettin' him close," he said, letting go to get up and get himself dressed.

"He said I was now because I.. I've been acting like your wife though I'm really not.. said you tricked me.. and that I was awful and wicked." She sighed, watching him from where she sat on the bed for a few minutes before rising and going toward him. "He's wrong.. isn't he? We are maried proper.. aren't we?" The doubt came from her father's strong disapproval and words which showed that he certainly didn't believe they were.

He didn't agree or disagree at first as he threw on his unbuttoned shirt and pulled his trousers on by the suspenders before fastening anything. Vic couldn't believe the man made her doubt her own vows done in front of a man of faith. That same man of faith was going to lead her father to their room though there were few other places they could have gone to still be in town. "Knew we shoulda left already. Yes, Alice. Yes! He's wrong and you're not a wh*re," he spat as he turned to face her dewey eyes.

She flinched a little as he spat his words, she hadn't meant to make him angry but had succeeded in doing so anyway.. it seemed she had a knack at upsetting people today. "Well you don't have to yell at me!" He hadn't really but she was upset herself, confused and afraid her father was going to take her away from Vic. "What does that mean.. that we should have left already? Where did you plan on taking me?.. that you haven't even bothered to tell me you were planning on!"

"All of us, Alice. We should have left town, not stayed in the heart of it, been somewhere out, safe on the plains, not here waiting for someone's father to come put me in jail and you in the cathouse. You don't want me to yell? Hah?" He stared more sharply and took a step to push her back. "I wasn't yelling, but I rightly will. He will not come here and take you. You are my wife! He will not strike you, not ever again, and once he knows my face it will be the last he sees of it before it's put on some card outside the sheriff's door."

Her eyes went wide in shock as his anger flared more sharply and he stepped to push her back, she stumbled a little and was silent as he went on about her father. She gasped and took another step backward to find the bed hitting her legs and she tumbled down to sit upon it. "Why would you go to jail?" She asked, on the verge of tears again, her lower lip trembling lightly. "I didn't tell him anything, Vic. I swear! I didn't say a thing about you taking me at first.. he just thinks I ran off with you, all romantic like.. I didn't say anything to get you in trouble.. I promise I didn't.. I wouldn't ever.. why are you going to be put on a card outside the sheriff's office? Unless it's true what he said.. about it not being real.. but I still don't think you'd get arrested for carrying on a girl who isn't your wife.." She was truly concerned, worried, almost terrified that he'd go to jail and it would be all her fault, just for trying to tell her father that she was alright and had gotten married.

[Lovely]

He started laughing again. She didn't understand, either, just how many reasons there were not including getting tangled with her, though that was creeping near the top of the list. He perched on his fists he planted on either side of her where she sat. "Not because of that," he said, nose to nose with her. "Because murder's still a hangin' crime."

"Murder?" She asked with a gentle gasp, her eyes searching his face, her own having a confused expression, she had no idea why he was bringing up murder when they were just talking about her father being upset over their marriage.

No longer laughing, his jaw set tighter and his hand rose to her cheek, brushing it lightly. "Because I'm on the wrong side of the law," he said, now almost sorry he'd dragged her into his life. "Done some things, Alice. That's just how it is."

She was gasping, feeling as if she couldn't get any air, her eyes wide and nearly wild with the fear that made her heart race so fast it hurt her chest. Her head shook and she bit at her lip, her arms flying up around him, holding him tightly. "No." She finally managed to squeak out. "Then.. don't meet him.. he has no idea who you are.. just go.. I'm nothing but trouble for you since the minute you met me.."

"Not leaving," he clarified. "Not long anyhow. Just need to take care of him findin' out any more than what's on those papers. He'll know and I can't let him."

She didn't loosen her grip on him, her fingers twisted into his shirt and nearly digging into his skin, her head slowly nodded though she wasn't any less confused. There was so much she didn't even know about him yet she'd so easily agreed to tie her life to his. Yes, he'd insisted on it when Iain and Nic were getting ready to say their vows but Alice hadn't really fought the idea. "What should I do? I don't want to cause anymore trouble than I already have.. I'm sorry. I didn't know just telling him would.. I'm just sorry.. alright?"

Her grip almost felt like the bars he feared being behind and he tried to wrestle free, grabbing her arms to push her off. "You shouldn'ta told him anything at all. Shoulda let me just handle it. Now I will handle it, but promise me you won't leave. Promise!"

She didn't know why he pulled himself from her embrace, she only knew it stung that he had and that he was so sore with her. She looked down at the floor, biting her lip hard enough that it bled a little and she nodded, her cheeks hot with her shameful blush. Her fingers twisted into her skirts and she fought hard against the fresh tears that were dangerously close to flowing. "I promise." She whispered, barely feeling like she could even say that much.

"Stay here. If he comes here, don't let him in," he said, hoping that she'd be too frightened to set foot out the door, either. "If anyone... ANYone, even Tiernay comes lookin', I'm sleeping and not waking up for anyone but my wife. Understood? I'll come back and it will be like I never left."

[Lovely]

Alice dared to glance up at him quickly, but her gaze quickly darted away, she didn't like it when he was angry, he frightened her something awful when he was like this.. like he had when they first met. That look in his eyes gave her a chill and so her eyes didn't stay on him, afraid of seeing it. She nodded again, her fingers twisting into her skirts even more. "I.. I.. understand. I won't open the door for anyone."

He grasped her chin to make her look at him with a grip harder than it needed to be. "Open it for me," he warned, hoping she wouldn't get crafty and keep him out as well. "You have to trust I'm doing the best for us, Alice. Please don't be scared of me."

There was no way of hiding the way she trembled with how he grasped her chin and held it, making her look up at him. "I don't like that I made you angry." She spoke softly but honestly, keeping her gaze steady on him. "I'm scared of losing you.. all those things you said about jail and.. I'm sorry that I messed everything up." She'd never had to deal with the things he did because of his way of life and truly hadn't known that something as simple as telling her father they were married would cause so much trouble.

He searched for promise and honesty behind the wet corners of her eyes, letting go to step back and fasten his shirt. What he saw assured him enough for now, but would she truly be waiting for him and not running more errands? "Not losing anyone who matters, Alice. Now lay down and sleep. I'll be back before anyone knows I've been gone."

She would lay down and pretend but doubted very much at the moment that she would actually sleep or even rest while he was gone. He still seemed distant, more cold like he'd been at first when he'd pulled her off the street and into his life, first as his hostage and now as his wife. She wasn't sure of the difference with the way he was acting, different from the tender side he'd shown her in the days since he'd first taken her. "Alright." She nodded again, her gaze cast down now that he'd let go of her chin, her fingers lifted to undo her buttons and let down her hair. If anyone did come looking, they wouldn't believe she or Vic were sleeping if she was fully dressed with her hair all pinned up.

Vic watched her undo her buttons and hair as he pulled on his boots. He would rather stay, but didn't have the luxury of that rest or time. He hid his knife away in his boot and walked back over to her to move a few strands of the hair to either side of her shoulder before tangling his fingers more deeply into the locks to hold her for a kiss before leaving.

[Lovely]

*****************************

About 5 hours later
Night time


It had felt strange to Alice to go to bed in the afternoon with the sun still out, and more so without Vic there beside her to keep her distracted and appreciating the delights of being in bed at such a time. She stripped down out of her dress but didn't have a nightgown and it didn't feel right to be bare in the bed, so she kept her underthings on and lay there quietly watching the door for Vic to return. Hours passed and the sun dipped beyond the horizon, Alice had shed many tears in that time, she began to wonder if he'd truly left her and what he could be doing all this time if he was coming back? Her eyes were red from crying but her cheeks dry and she'd finally fallen into a light fitful sleep.

When Vic returned his shirt was wet and his face had a new, small scratch. He stood in the doorway staring over the bed, assuring himself he saw her laying there still and that nothing had changed. In fact a great deal had changed and for the better, he thought. A grin shifted his face as the wildness in his eyes dimmed. He closed the door and started to pull off his boots.

Alice didn't hear him return until the door closed and she startled with the quiet sound and sat up, peering into the darkness to see something moving. "Vic?" She whispered his name, unsure if he was really there, if it was someone else, or if it was just her imagination. Maybe she had dreamed of him coming back?

"Light the lamp," he said, followed by the sound of the bottle he set down on the floor beside where he'd sat down to finish taking the boots off that seemed to be causing more trouble than usual.

Hearing his voice made her breathe a sigh of relief, he was truly there - he'd come back to her! Her delight made her hands shake a little and she fumbled a moment to get the lamp lit, in the dim light the crying she'd done was still evident on her face but not as harshly as if might have been. The mark on her cheek was less bright but remained as a reminder of her father hitting her. Alice turned to Vic, placing a shy hand on the back of his shoulder as she curled up behind him, trying to sneak a kiss in on his cheek.

He turned to keep her from touching the cut and to grab her around the waist to pull into his lap as he kicked the boot free. "Hope you got yourself some sleep," he warned, noting how nice it was to come back to her softness in his bed.

"Ah!" She giggled as he pulled her into his lap, for a few seconds she imagined what it might be like for the girls at the cathouse who dressed in just their underthings and were scooped up by men who adored them. The difference was that Vic didn't just adore her for a night, she was his wife and adored freely.. anytime he wanted to. She smiled, wrapping her arm around his shoulders though she shook her head to his question. "Not much.. I was worried.." Her smile faded and she shifted to look at the cut on his face. "Are you alright?"

[Lovely]

"Better," he smiled. He put the back of his hand against the mark, finding it was still wet. "Nothing to worry over now. Took care of it. This? It'll dry up. Just caught my cheek on the bedside while wrestlin'," he explained how he would tell anyone else if they asked as he started to tickle her.

More relief washed through her as he smiled and started to tickle her, she laughed as she tried to stop his hands and squirmed in her lap. "Wait.. who were you wrestling.. and who's bed?" She felt jealousy rise up in her, it made her cheeks flush and her eyes narrow. "Did you go to the cathouse?"

"Nooooo," he laughed. "I'm not sure how I got cut, but if anyone asks, I was here sleeping except when I wasn't and was wrestlin'... with you," he clarified, tumbling her back to the pillows.

She didn't laugh at first but once he explained and tumbled her back to the pillows, she smiled up at him, he was nearly irresistible to her.. but he was her husband - why would she need to resist him? She wasn't one who ever lied to anyone but looking at his face and running her fingertip over his lip, she knew she would lie to protect him. She had put him in danger by going to her father and so she had to help him, it was her duty as his wife. "Alright." She agreed with a slight nod and leaned up to kiss him softly. "Who won?"

"I did," he whispered, nipping his lip in his teeth as he nestled against her. "Hmm...or maybe you did," he chuckled, entertaining a notion to wrestle a while now. He started on his buttons again with one hand as he leaned over her.

"Youuu did?" She giggled again, her eyes full of sparkle and she sighed as he nestled, feeling such strong desire for him that she could hardly breath for a moment after. "I think I like it when you win." She admitted with a still shy smile for feeling how she did and brought her fingers up to help with his buttons.