White Flame Read Online Free PDF

sinister-looking savages, she dearly regretted leaving the comparative safety of the Annabella.
    But she didn’t have time to bemoan the vulnerable position in which she’d put herself and Renny. Heated shouts filled the air as an argument broke out between Captain Sanders and the warrior. When the fierce-looking savage glanced at her and pointed, she shivered, instinctively sensing that he wanted her.
    Derek shook his head, his hand going to the pistol he wore around his waist. After a final spat of words, the angry warrior mounted his horse. With a harsh shout, he shook his fist in the air and glared at them through hate-filled eyes. Emma breathed a sigh of relief when he rode off.
    After the Indians crossed the river and melded into the lengthening shadows, Derek rejoined her. “It’s all right, Miss Emma. They’re gone.” He reached for her and drew her into his arms.
    Instead of feeling comforted by his embrace, a feeling of suffocation assailed her. Derek’s bold attentions since leaving the steamboat had grown from flattering to tedious, increasing to the point where she felt uncomfortable and rushed. She didn’t understand her conflicting emotions. She pulled free but, not wanting to hurt his feelings, laid a trembling hand on his arm. “What did they want?”
    “Not to worry, Miss Emma. Just a bunch of beggars. I sent them away. They won’t bother us again.”
    “Are you sure? Why was he pointing at me?”
    Derek patted her hand then carried her fingers to his lips. “My dear, these are savages. They probably haven’t seen a white woman before. Now, don’t worry none. I won’t allow anything to happen to the woman I hope to marry soon. Trust me, Emma. I’ll take good care of you.”
    Emma hid her impatience at his assumptions. She hated feeling helpless and dependent on Derek, but until they reached the fort, both her life and Renny’s rested in his hands. Though she felt far from reassured, she forced a smile. “Thank you, Captain. I do appreciate all you’ve done for us.”
    She turned to go, but Derek pulled her back to him. His hands cupped her face. His head lowered.
    “Captain!” Her voice rose in panic.
    “Derek,” he breathed. “Say it, Emma. Let me hear you say my name.”
    Emma planted her hands against his chest, fearful of the underlying tension she felt in him. “Derek,” she complied.
    Satisfied, Derek smiled and touched her lips briefly with his. “You have no idea what you do to me, Emma.” His hooded gaze drifted down to the tailored fit of her bodice. “I want you. When we arrive at Fort Pierre, I will ask your father’s permission to wed you. Then you’ll be mine—forever.” Derek took her by the arm and led her away from the rest of the soldiers. “Now, why don’t you rest while my men see to supper?” Shaken and uneasy by what felt like a threat more than a declaration of intent or love, Emma called Renny to her and gladly made her escape into their tent.
     
    As soon as the tent flap closed behind Emma, Derek posted his men around the temporary camp, then went to the one remaining soldier tending the horses. Gus, a simple boy around nineteen, was one of the soldiers Derek could trust to do whatever he ordered. “Keep your eyes open. I don’t trust Yellow Dog. He’s getting greedy. I’m putting you in charge of the colonel’s daughters. I don’t want anything to happen to them.” Derek knew the boy would die protecting the girls if he ordered it.
    “Wha’d he want?”
    “Guns,” Derek scoffed. His gaze hardened. And Emma, he added mentally. Slightly uneasy, he studied the camp, calculating their weakest positions.
    “Guns? You ain’t gonna give him any more, are you?” Gus looked horrified.
    Only paying slight attention to Gus, Derek scowled. In his distraction, his voice lost the refined quality he strove hard to maintain. Long ago, he’d vowed to leave poverty behind forever and live the life of a gentleman. “Hell, no. I’m no