Ilsa (Pendleton Petticoats Book 3) by Shanna Hatfield

Author:Shanna Hatfield [Hatfield, Shanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chances, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Sweet Western Historical Romance, Pendleton Petticoats Series, Small Town & Rural Area, Beautiful & Feisty, Talented Seamstress, Sister's Ranch, Enterprising & Hardworking, Pendleton Oregon
Publisher: Shanna Hatfield
Published: 2014-04-02T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Dreaming she was with Tony, Ilsa envisioned his bare chest, muscled and bronzed, as he swept her into his arms and kissed her cheek.

Over and over, she heard him say “cara mia.” She wondered what it meant. Maybe Caterina would tell her, since she was sure it was Italian.

As she rested her weary head on Tony’s strong shoulder, her fingers reached out of their own accord to explore the solid angles and planes of his exposed tan skin. Expecting it to be rough like his callused hands, she trailed her fingers across the smooth, warm expanse of his chest and shoulders in surprise.

He suddenly let go of her and she drifted off into quiet darkness.

The next time she was aware of his presence, he clutched her hand to that magnificent chest. His strength and warmth soaked into her from his touch, and the steady beat of his heart made her feel relaxed and content.

He quietly held her hand for the longest time before he let it go, placing it gently beside her. She heard him whisper “cara mia” again before he left her. She knew he was gone because she felt bereft of his presence, although his scent continued to linger all around her.

In a deep sleep, she dreamed of Tony until other images — frightening, awful images, invaded her rest.

Delmon came at her with a knife and she smelled the sickening stench of him so close it was suffocating. Unable to move, she struggled to free herself. A scream pierced the air and brought her fully awake.

“It’s okay, Ilsa. I’m right here. You’re fine. Everything is okay,” Aundy assured her. Her sister settled a calming hand on her shoulder.

It hurt to open her eyes, so she left them closed. Ilsa knew tears rolled down her cheeks by the salty taste of them on her lips. Although she tried to speak, her throat felt parched so she held back her questions.

The sound of thudding footsteps startled her then she heard Tony ask Aundy what he could do to help.

“Sit with her a moment. I’m going to get her a drink of water,” Aundy said.

Ilsa felt her sister’s weight lift from the mattress beside her then held her breath when it sank beneath Tony’s.

“It’s me, chickadee. Your friend and picnic partner, Tony.”

She squeezed his hand, to let him know she recognized his voice.

“Are you in pain? Can I get you something?”

Ilsa tried to shake her head but the movement made her dizzy and queasy.

“Don’t move, Ilsa. It’s fine,” Tony said. His fingers brushed the hair away from her forehead. She liked the feel of them against her skin, warm and tender. Slightly turning her head brought her face against his palm.

Ilsa heard the swish of Aundy’s skirts as she returned to the room.

“Can you raise her head up?” Aundy asked. “I’ll hold the glass for her.”

Ilsa felt Tony rise from the bed then his hands gently slid beneath her shoulders, supporting her neck as he lifted her up. The rim of the glass touched her lips and Ilsa drank deeply of the cool water.

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