DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
“Bernie, Bernie” Buck called her quietly, watching hr fear glazed eyes, he knew that she was regretting having taken a man’s life, even as she was sinking deeper into the shock of what had almost happened to her, but he also knew that he needed her to cut the ropes that bound him before her father returned or her courage would be for nothing.
“Bernie, I need you to untie me sweetheart” he spoke softly
Bernie shook her head and crawled from beneath the body of her attacker, standing she pulled the knife from his back and walked slowly to Buck, slicing the ropes that bound him, she dropped the knife at his feet and sank to her knees. He quickly checked that the henchman was dead, he took one of his guns and stuck it in the waistband at the back of his trousers, then returned to the quivering Bernie’s side.
Sitting in front of her he pulled her into his lap, proud of her strength and composure, but as he cradled her against his bare chest, she dissolved into hysterical tears. His hands travelled her body, checking her for injuries, tracing the bruises already forming on her thighs and wrists, the raw abrasions on her knees and hands and the tender cuts and bruises on her feet. Wanting to preserve what little dignity and modesty she retained, also knowing that she would regret this moment of what she would see as weakness later, he clasped the tattered edges of her nightgown and pulled them together to meet. One gentle hand tracing the small v shaped nick left by his own knife, he bent his head, pressing his lips softly against the small cut.
“All I could think of was how much what he was doing would hurt you, and how much I wished that we had already shared our love” she murmured through gulping sobs, her arms tightening around his waist, her tears mingling with his as she pressed her cheek against his.
“Bernie” he murmured his awe for the young woman in his arms not allowing him to utter any other words, astonished by the thoughts she had spoken “Nothing he could have done, could ever take what we feel away from us” She turned to kneel at his side not noticing as her gown slipped apart, as his hands quickly moved to cover her again.
“No matter what he did to me, he would only have taken my body, he could never touch my soul or my love. That will always be yours.’ She murmured moving her hands to frame his face and place a gentle kiss on his lips.
“Touching, very touching” came the snide remark from Bernie’s father, neither Buck nor Bernie noticing his approach, so engrossed were they in each other. He pulled Bernie by the hair from Buck’s side, holding his pistol against her temple to ensure that Buck didn’t struggle against him.
“It’s such a shame, I would have liked to get to know my children a little better.’ He paused, then shrugged cocking his pistol “but you always preferred your mother to me anyway” he spoke bitterly his voice dripping with jealousy.
Buck’s eyes met Bernie’s both seeing the realisation of the hopelessness of their situation in the others eyes. Saying their silent goodbyes to the other, they had had so little time together, but Bernie knew that they were destined to be soul mates, both certain that even when her father performed the final act of cruelty against them they would be together eternally.
Just as she thought she would die at her father’s hands, a shot rang out. Buck watched in amazement as a bullet wound appeared in Alex’s forehead, his hold on Bernie loosening as he fell to the ground already dead.
Knowing that somehow his friends had been able to track them, and recognising Cody’s marksmanship he stood and lifted the trembling Bernie into his arms, trying to sooth the horrors and injustices she had suffered today from her mind.
It wasn’t long before Teaspoon and the others arrived at the small campsite. The other villain already in their custody, Jasper perched on Ike’s horse safe and sound. The boys bundled the two bodies across the back of their horses, Cody giving up his treasured buckskin jacket to preserve Bernie’s dignity as Teaspoon bound the third man to his pommel.
“Are you two okay?” Lou asked them quietly not wanting to embarrass either of them, knowing the horrors they had endured.
“We are now” Bernie spoke for both of them softly burrowed happily in Buck’s arms.
“C’mon lets go home” teaspoon called softly, happy to have his family of riders still intact. Watching closely as Buck swung into a saddle Bernie still cradled in his arms. He knew that it would take a long time for the emotions and wounds caused today to heal, but together they would heal and get on with their lives again. No matter what direction their relationships would take.
--oo0000oo—
Rachel was waiting with open arms and tears in her eyes to take care of Bernie as they all rode into the station. Buck slipped wordlessly from his horse and carried her into the bedroom. Lou and Rachel followed at a discrete distance wanting to give them a little time to themselves, but Lou could sense that something was troubling Buck and she wanted to be there for him when he finally succumbed to whatever the agonies were that were driving him.
Buck laid Bernie on her bed, then sat down beside her, smoothing her tangled hair from her face. Leaning forward he placed a tender kiss on her forehead, the tip of her pert nose and then her lush lips.
“My darling” he spoke so softly she almost didn’t hear him as he lifted his lips from hers “I’m sorry” he lifted one hand and stroked the side of her face one last time before he stood and without a backward glance walked out of the room. He ran down the stairs and past Lou and Rachel, not stopping until he reached the side of his horse. Swinging lithely into the saddle he ignored the calls of his friends and let his horse have its head, galloping away from the waystation, the wind on his face drying his tears.
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