Chapter 12
Emma saw my tired posture. She told us that we had rooms designated on the third floor. Then she explained, “The mines run three shifts, so we could have ‘customers’ any hour of the day or night. As a practical matter, unless we have an overnight guest the daylight morning hours we are deserted. After lunch, we may have a modest trade, with most arriving late evening and early morning. Right after payday of course will find many more customers at all hours. A miner or prospector with fresh nuggets or dust in his pocket could show up anytime. I have an assayer scale in my office. I buy the gold directly, right here.”
Krista laughed, “Of course, less a ‘handling’ fee.”
Emma said, “Yes. I must charge for my trouble, just as I charge for each glass of champagne he and his companion drink. That is also what the toughs wanted. They knew as well as anyone that I accept gold ore for payment. You arrived before ‘they’ could steal it from me. Do you wonder why I am eternally in your debt?”
Gabrielle explained, “The problems have always come at night. They need time at the saloon to find the courage to beat up helpless women. My hero is here. I no longer fear sundown.”
I asked, “Emma, love. Do you know any spot we could settle? Someplace to build a small cabin, while we look into doing business here. We have no interest in mining.”
Emma replied, “I have just the place. I came into a quarter section of land near Cheyenne Crossing about fifteen miles from here along the stage route. No gold, of course, but ample timber for your cabin. If that is not suitable I have another half section near Four Corners a bit further away. They are yours for the asking. In fact -- take them both. I have little use for them.”
We thanked Emma for her generosity. I told her we would figure out a fair price. She said, “I already did. The land is yours to do with as you see fit. That is more than fair to me if it means you stay near us. Know that you always have a room here.”
Jan asked, “How many ladies do you have working?”
Emma smiled. “I have twelve working girls here. At any given time some are working and some resting. Only on payday at the mines is everybody working every shift. I have twelve ‘helpers’ plus four ‘kitchen girls.’ The helpers bartend, serve food and beverages to patrons as well as clean up rooms between customers. The helpers have a dormitory room on the fourth floor. The kitchen girls have a room next to the kitchen.”
Gabrielle suddenly spoke up. “That is why it is so important to bring my sister here. We need her on payday. Jacinthe and I work as a pair on that day. You must help me, William. I would do anything to bring my sister here.”
Krista giggled as she said, “Hear that, William? Anything!”
I grinned at her audacity. Krista loved to tease. As she demonstrated, she could also deliver on that tease! I settled back against the cushion of the love seat, with my arm around Krista watching J and D cuddle. Krista lightly stroked my cheek. She spoke softly to Gabrielle. “Gabrielle. W. is tired. We must put my true love to bed.”
Emma rang her tiny crystal bell.
Gabrielle directed the girls to carry our saddlebags and carpetbags to our room. I grabbed my rifle, throwing my gun belt over my shoulder. Krista took one arm, with Gabrielle on the other. We said our good nights in the parlor. Jan and Dan were staying there with Emma.
Gabrielle took us up to the third floor. She led us into a large corner room at the top of the stairs. Gabrielle pronounced this ‘our’ room as long as we wanted it.
Krista saw only the huge four-poster bed. She stacked her gun belt on the dry sink as she undressed. Then Krista stripped me. My guns joined hers with my rifle next to it.
Krista arranged my naked body on our bed. She knelt over me, deciding ‘how’ she wanted to sleep. Krista looked over at Gabrielle, standing by the door. Krista beckoned her to our bed. Naked Gabrielle joined Krista with a kiss as they both knelt on the bed. They each leaned down to kiss me.
After a brief whispered conversation, they rolled me on my left side. Krista spooned with her back tight against me. She tugged my hand until it was handing her left tit. Gabrielle spooned up tight to my back, as she reached over to lightly grasp my cock. Gabrielle kissed the back of my neck.
I leaned forward, until my face was in my love’s honey blonde hair. I inhaled her scent, feeling her pulse and breathing. I fell into the most relaxing slumber of my life.
Waking, to a room bathed in sunlight. After a sudden flash of disorientation, I realized where I was. I was on my back, with Gabrielle lying across my chest. Her tawny curls were tucked under my chin. It was a delightful way to awaken. It got better.
Gabrielle realized that I was awake. She slid her naked body up until she could kiss me. Gabrielle greeted me with tender kisses, giggling as she said, “Krista said you have work to do. She said you don’t have time for what you are thinking. Krista said you are to behave yourself. She promised us a reward.”
I groaned. During her recitation Gabrielle was stroking my cock. I finally had to take hold of her wrist. I said, “Gabrielle. If you don’t stop that we’re going to be in this bed all day.”
She laughed delightedly as she sat up. She reached up to tug the bell pull next to the bed.
I was naked, sitting on the bedside next to Gabrielle, when the door opened to admit a naked ‘helper’ with a silver coffee service, on a silver tray, with china cups to serve it in.
Sipping my coffee, I reflected. This was a very elegant way to greet the morning. I approved.
The helper returned with my clothes brushed and pressed. She laid them out on the bed. Then she stood quietly with her eyes downcast. I looked at Gabrielle for guidance. She asked, “Do you need her assistance with washing or dressing?”
I shook my head. Gabrielle laughed as she dismissed the girl with the words, “Not today, Caitlin. Perhaps tomorrow he will want your help.”
At that the girl looked up and gave me a flirty smile then turned to the door. Gabrielle gave me a kiss as she asked if I needed ‘her’ help to wash or dress. I said, “Gabrielle. We might never leave here if you keep offering.”
She giggled as she walked out, with a saucy glance over her shoulder just before she shut the door.
I cleaned up a bit, then put on the dress clothes provided. I slipped into my shoulder holster. I threaded my sheath knife onto my belt. Krista left me a different gun belt for today. Today’s belt was a traditional two-gun straight draw holster, with substantial forward rake on the holsters. My two shortest Colts were next to the gun belt. Today would be a ‘speed’ day, I guessed. Loath to second-guess Krista, I belted on the guns without protest.
I threw the black jacket over my arm. I shut the door as I left the room and walked down the stairs.
Continued in Chapter 13
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