Jake's Secret

by Joannie Kay

Chapter One

"What do you want?" Sabrina moved forward, her intention to protect the children in her care. "Can't you see you're fright¬ening these children?" she scolded the five men who had guns in their hands and bandanas over the bottom of their faces. They were all dressed in black and all she could make of their fea¬tures were their eyes. Two pairs of blue, one gray, one green, and one pair of pure black, which glittered with fury as he glared at her.

"The children won't be harmed provided you come with us peacefully, Miss Davis."

"I'm not…"

"One more word, teacher, and…" he nodded toward one of his men, and Sabrina watched in horror as Benny Moore was jerked from his seat, his round eyes promptly filling with tears, which spilled down his pudgy cheeks as he looked at her in terror. "Do you understand, Miss Davis? Your cooperation is the only thing that will guarantee these kids' safety."

Sabrina nodded, wishing with all her might that she had her gun.

"Good. Walk out that door ahead of me, and mount the gray mare."

Sabrina forced herself to smile reassuringly at the children as she passed their desks on her way to the cloakroom.

"What is he gonna do to her?" she heard seven-year-old Molly Stuart start to cry.

"This is just a little joke, honey," one of the men reas¬sured the little girl. "Don't you worry none. Your teacher is gonna be fine."

"You kids get out your readers, and we'll have us a lesson," Sabrina heard another man speak up.

"A joke…! This is a joke?" Sabrina whirled on her captor. "Which one of the morons thought this would be funny? And, who in hell are you?" she reached for his bandana, only to have her hand caught in his gloved fist.

"This isn't a joke, Miss Davis. I am deadly serious. Mount up and keep your mouth shut!"

"You won't get away with this," she warned, realizing with dismay that it would be hours before her father and brothers missed her.

"By the time you're missed, teacher, we'll be long gone. Now mount up or I'll tie you across your saddle."

Sabrina reluctantly hiked her skirts and easily mounted the little mare, then sputtered indignantly when the black-eyed man took her reins and led off at a fast gallop. Somehow she had to escape the fiend and get back to the school! If only she'd disobeyed her scolding parent and wore her usual pants and gun!

"Schoolmarms don't dress like ranch hands, Bri!" he'd bellowed when she'd come down to breakfast.

"This is just temporary, Papa," she'd argued, "and only until the town finds someone else!"

"They got someone, girl. You! And you ain't gonna embar¬rass me the first day by dressin' like a man. You go change… now!"

Like a darn fool she'd obeyed the man. A rare occurrence, but there were times when defying Justin Masters was just plain stupid! She'd learned that the hard way on several occasions when she was much younger! At the age of nineteen she considered herself much too old to be subjected to the indignity of a paren¬tal spanking, but the stern, uncompromising look in Justin's blue eyes told her that that was exactly what he was considering if she sassed. And worse than the actual spanking from her normally indulgent parent, would be the merciless teasing from her three older brothers!

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

The Davis bitch wasn't exactly what he'd expected, Jake conceded, glancing over his shoulder at the beautiful young woman. She didn't appear the least bit frightened. She looked mad as hell! It didn't matter. By the time he was finished with her, she'd never look at another man, much less take advantage of a green kid! How could such a heartless bitch appear so inno¬cent? he railed. No matter. She would be severely punished.

They rode at a grueling pace for hours, stopping only for brief periods to rest the horses. Sabrina tried to draw her captor into conversation, but he simply ignored her. At some point he had removed the black bandana, and she was admittedly intrigued by his appearance. He wasn't the sort of man she would expect to do something as despicable as kidnapping a woman! He was obviously clean; he'd bathed and shaved, and there were laugh lines around his mouth. No, not the sort at all she would expect to hide his face behind a kerchief!

Sabrina was convinced he was going to travel all night, but he finally stopped, and ordered her to dismount. Exhausted, Sabrina did as she was told, forcing herself to stand on numb legs. "My father isn't the type of man to pay a ransom," she told her kidnaper. "He'll hang you himself."

"You don't have a father, Miss Davis," Jake replied coldly. "You were born to a prostitute, and raised a prostitute. The schoolroom was a clever hiding place, but it sure as hell didn't protect you this time!"

"I don't know… or care… what your problem is with Charity Davis," Sabrina declared, "but you have the wrong woman. I'm Sabrina Masters."

Jake laughed humorlessly. "It won't work, teacher. Lying comes as naturally to you as breathing."

"I'm not lying!" she stomped her boot in a display of tem¬per.

"It won't work, Miss Davis. I know all about you. And I intend to make it my business to see you punished."

"Punished? Are you crazy, or what?" Sabrina put her hands on her hips.

"Don't act so outraged. Surely you had to know that someday someone would put a stop to your scheming?" Jake glared right back.

"You-have-the-wrong-person!" Sabrina said slowly and suc¬cinctly, enunciating each word. "The-wrong-woman! I am not Charity Davis!"

For an instant Jake found himself believing the lying red¬head, the look in her bewitching green eyes was so sincere, but he quickly recovered himself. It was time to begin teaching the lesson. "For lying, you will go to bed without supper. And if you continue to lie, you won't eat tomorrow."

Sabrina was instantly furious and didn't bother to consider the consequences of her actions. She drew back and landed a punch square on his black-stubbled chin.

"Ow!" Jake roared, and then tackled the small woman, easily overpowering her, and tying her hands behind her back. When she kicked at him, he tied her feet together at the ankles.

"Damn you! My father is going to kill you… unless I do it first!" Sabrina threatened, and then gasped when he roughly flipped her over and forcefully whacked her tender backside six times.

"That," Jake informed her, "was for striking me. Do it again, you little bitch, and I'll bare you and paddle you until you're bright red! Got it?"

He didn't wait for an answer… just left her lying there, trussed up like a turkey, while he made a fire and went about fixing himself a meal! Sabrina was positive she had a set of fiery red imprints of his hand on her bottom, and vowed he was going to pay!

Jake struggled to control his temper as he routinely ate his supper. He had taken a vow he wouldn't get physical with the female, and he'd already gone back on his word! But, he defended himself, he hadn't expected her to punch his jaw. It still throbbed! And, by damn, if she ever did that again, he would take her over his knee, bare her backside, and spank her soundly! Grown woman, or no! No one hit Jacob Rider!

The longer Sabrina lay there, listening to the beastly jerk move around, the more helpless she felt. Why, what if he were to… to rape her? she chewed her lower lip. She was com¬pletely helpless to defend herself against a sexual attack, and that knowledge terrified her. She warily eyed the big man when he walked over and hunched down beside her.

Jake could see the genuine fear in her lovely eyes, and it made him sick to his stomach. "You don't need to worry about rape, Miss Davis. I'm real choosy about who I screw, and never with someone like you!" he scorned the redhead. "As a prisoner, you are entitled to one blanket. Don't expect me to cover you again tonight," he warned. "If you squirm around and get cold, it'll be your own fault." He covered her still form, then said quietly, "Your punishment doesn't include physical abuse, teacher, mostly because I couldn't bring myself to treat any female in that manner. But heed my words; if you ever strike me again, I will carry out my threat to paddle you."

Sabrina ground her teeth in frustrated fury, and then demanded, "Just what the hell did Charity Davis do to deserve punishment?"

Jake shook his head. "I'm not playing your game, Miss Davis. Once we reach the cabin where you'll serve your sentence, I'll introduce myself."

"My father and brothers are going to kill you," Sabrina said soberly. "Will you please listen to me? I am not Charity Davis. My name is Sabrina Masters. Charity quit her job and left town last week, and my father volunteered me to replace her. That is the truth, and if you don't believe me, then don't expect me to save you when Papa comes. I won't do it! And I'll give you a warning of my own. No one but Papa has ever dared to spank me. You lay a hand on me again, and I'll personally horsewhip you before Papa hangs you!"

"No breakfast, Miss Davis," Jake announced, then went to make up his bed.

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

"It's not your fault, Pa," Grady Masters, the eldest of Sabrina's three brothers, spoke up. "If Bri had had her gun with her, they might have killed her."

"You know Bri's temper, Pa. It's that red hair," Corey Masters insisted, unable to resist a dig at his oldest and youngest brothers, who had their mother's red hair along with Sabrina. "She would have done something rash and got herself or the kids shot."

"Bri's not stupid like you, Corey," the youngest Masters son intoned.

"Don't let Corey get to you, Will," Grady shook his head in mock despair. "He can't help it Pa found him under a rock some¬where."

Justin chuckled in spite of himself. Of his four children, only Corey resembled him physically. He had the same blue eyes and brown hair, and sometimes, looking at the twenty-four year old man was like looking into a mirror and seeing himself thirty years ago! "We'll rest the horses until it's light enough to see. If I know my girl, she'll leave us a sign."

"Little Molly said the one who took Bri called her 'Miss Davis'," Will worried aloud. "What do you think he wants with Charity, Pa?"

"I don't have a clue, Will," Justin shook his head.

"You'd think he'd let Bri go when he realized his mistake," Corey grumbled.

"Maybe he did, and Bri's waiting until morning to travel… and she could be on foot," Grady suggested.

"One thing's certain; Bri knows we'll come for her," Will said.

"I hope she controls her darn temper and don't make him mad," Justin worried. "She's so little… and I wish to God I let her wear her gun today! If that bastard hurts my little girl, I'll kill him slow!"

Grady, Corey, and Will looked at each other in silent under¬standing. Justin Masters was not a man to mess with when he was riled. And if Bri was hurt in any way, Justin would hunt the man who did it to the ends of the earth and back.

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

"It's time to ride out," Jake informed the redhead, untying her feet and hands. He'd eaten, ignoring her heated looks when he'd made good on his promise to make her go hungry. "Get mount¬ed," he ordered briskly.

Sabrina swallowed her pride and forced herself to speak. She was in misery. "I need some privacy." Her face was scarlet, lest she have to explain further.

Jake couldn't believe he'd been so thoughtless. Of course she had needs! Lord! What did he do now? If she bolted… "Fine. You can go over there by those bushes, Miss Davis. I strongly advise you not to try escaping."

Sabrina didn't waste precious time arguing. She was in pain. Once she relieved herself, Sabrina was abruptly re¬minded that she hadn't eaten in well over twenty-four hours. Her stomach was growling, and she actually felt faint, and thirsty. He hadn't given her any water, either!

"Teacher! You'd better show yourself real quick!" Jake's voice was close-by, and Sabrina smoothed her skirts in place just before he appeared.

Jake motioned for her to precede him to the horses, but didn't bother helping her mount. He wished he could read her mind, but the redhead wasn't speaking, just burning holes through him with those lovely, green eyes. The teacher was furious and making no attempt to hide it.

Too damn bad! He was furious, too, and with good reason. Tim hadn't stood a chance against her. She'd ruined Tim's life, and now she was going to pay. He wanted her to suffer for what she'd put Tim through!

Sabrina remained silent all day, and so did he. It galled her that she didn't even have a name to call him by, but he'd said he wouldn't tell her until they arrived at a cabin, and she wasn't about to ask him anything. She'd never been so completely angry at another human being. What on earth had Charity done to deserve this abominable treatment? No food or water for two days was taking its toll, but Sabrina was deter¬mined not to beg. She was a Masters!

Jake stopped to rest the horses by a small creek, and motioned for the redhead to dismount. She sank in a heap on the ground, and Jake jerked her to her feet. "You'd rather die than face-up to what you did, but it's not going to happen, teacher. You drink some of this water, or I'll force it down your throat."

Sabrina took the canteen and drank of the cool water, care¬ful not to overdo it.

"We'll be at the cabin by tomorrow this time," Jake told her, trying to get a response, but Miss Davis was determined to be stubborn. Fine! If she wanted to sulk, he would let her! To his horror, when the proud redhead attempted to mount the mare, she fainted into his arms.

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

"Damn it! Open your eyes, teacher!" Sabrina winced at the words. "I know you're awake, girl!"

"I'm…" she remembered where she was, and who was talk¬ing to her, and her vow not to speak.

"Damn it! Tell me what's wrong." She was warm to the touch, and Jake feared he'd let her go too long without water. When she turned her face away, he felt his temper flare. "Miss Davis, you are acting like a spoiled child." She still ignored him. "I believe in spanking grown women who act like children." That got a reac¬tion. Once second she was stubbornly quiet, and in the next, spouting words few ladies ever heard, much less used!

"Listen to me, you son of a misbegotten mongrel, you lay one hand to my ass, and as my name is Sabrina Masters, I will geld you and give you to my Apache friends as a toy!"

"You need your mouth washed out with soap!"

"Try it and you'll lose your fingers!"

"Temper, temper."

"Temper! You haven't begun to see my temper yet, Mister No-Name!" Sabrina jumped to her feet. "I don't give a rat's ass damn what Charity did to you; she doesn't deserve to be dragged across the country-side like a criminal! And even criminals are given water and food!"

"My name is Jake Rider. Sound familiar? No? Maybe the name of Tim Rider will jog your faulty memory?"

"I don't know a Tim Rider!" Sabrina yelled at him.

"Don't push me, teacher. Get your ass on your horse."

"No."

"What do you mean 'no'?" he advanced on the stubborn woman.

"Just what I said. I'm not going anywhere with you. Surely you can see I have no idea what this is all about?"

"I can see that you've played so many men for a fool that you can't even remember their names!" Jake said coldly. "Mount up before I hurt you, Miss Davis."

If she wasn't wearing the skirts, she'd take him on, but, dressed like a damn female, she was helpless! Cussing at the top of her lungs, Sabrina climbed into the saddle.

"I'm going to teach you some manners, Miss Davis."

"You couldn't teach a dog to piss!"

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

"They spent the night here, Pa," Grady said excitedly.

"There doesn't seem to be any sign of a struggle, or fight," Corey announced in relief.

"How much of a fight could Bri put up if he had a knife or a gun?" Will frowned.

"My girl would fight," Justin stated knowingly. "And that's what scares me!"

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

Tied again, Sabrina wondered what was keeping her father and brothers. She knew they would come to her rescue, but how much longer would it be? She'd tried to leave a trail without being obvious, and her brothers knew her well enough to read her sign. Still, they couldn't travel at night, and Jake Rider had a good head-start by taking her prisoner as the school day was beginning. Papa and the boys probably hadn't missed her until supper time.

"I'm going to untie you so you can eat, Miss Davis. No stunts."

Sabrina bit her tongue to keep from saying the words that would cause her to go hungry. Her body needed food. She accepted the plate of beans and ate quickly, before he could change his mind.

"Slow down or you'll be sick," Jake ordered sharply. He was beginning to feel guilty for denying her food.

Sabrina ate more slowly, and gratefully took the cup of coffee he offered. It was hot and strong, just the way she liked it.

"Has your memory returned yet, Miss Davis?"

"I can't remember something that I don't know about, Mr. Rider. I don't know what you are talking about. I am not Chari¬ty Davis."

"You do realize that I don't believe a word you say?"

"You do realize that I don't give a damn?" she countered.

"You will. Your punishment will begin tomorrow."

"What punishment?" she asked.

"I haven't decided the extent of it yet, Miss Davis," Jake replied. "You see, I was giving you a trial of sorts the last couple of days. A chance to show some sign of remorse for what you did to Tim. Instead of remorse, I get lies." He retied her hands. "I'm inclined to say that your punishment will be severe. You'll spend at least one year inside the four walls of your room. And you'll spend several hours a day at work."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then, as much as I hate it, you'll be punished physically. The choice is yours, Miss Davis."

"You'll beat me if I don't do as you say?" Sabrina was too appalled to be angry.

"That is one option, but believe me, teacher, there are lots of ways to force compliance without baring your backside. Withholding meals, for example."

He left her while he cleaned up the dishes, then he covered her with a blanket. "Sleep, Miss Davis, while you can. I'm told that withholding sleep for long periods of time can be another punishment that alters behavior."

"Go to hell, Rider."

"After we reach the cabin, profanity will not be tolerated."

Morning came after an extremely restless night, and Sabrina was given no breakfast. She'd been told to expect punishment, and Rider clearly meant to begin. She refused to give him the satisfaction of complaining, and mounted the mare when she was told.

Jake grew angrier the closer they came to the isolated cabin. The damn lying female didn't show a bit of remorse or fear.

A part of Sabrina was relieved when they finally reached the cabin. It would give her family a chance to catch up! But, the other part of her rebelled. She wasn't going to be punished for something she didn't do!

"Get inside, Miss Davis. Your prison doesn't have bars, but it will hold you just the same."

"You are making a big mistake," Sabrina refused to walk inside. "I'm not Charity, and I won't let you punish me for her actions."

"I've heard that lie so often it's boring, teacher, and if I'm forced to hear it again, you'll receive extra punishment."

"Damn it! I'm telling you the truth!"

"I warned you, Miss Davis," Jake took her arm and shoved her through the doorway. "This isn't a game to me. You're going to pay for seducing and using Tim. He went through hell because of you, and you won't be released from this cabin for at least one year after you express genuine remorse for your actions."

"You are insane! This is against the law!" Sabrina whispered in shock as she looked around the single room. There were two beds, one with ropes attached to the headboard and footboard, two wooden chairs and a table. And a stove. There were no windows, and only one door…

"This is a nicer prison than the one my brother lived in for four months."

"He was in prison? What did he do?"

"He let you seduce him into telling you when the Army's payroll would be shipped. And you told your friends. Tim was court-martialed. The Army didn't believe he wasn't in on it, and you, teacher, disappeared."

"It wasn't me! Damn it, Rider! It wasn't me!"

"I've had all I can take of your lies, Miss Davis. This is the first of many punishments you're going to receive. He jerked out one of the chairs, and sat her down with a thump. You'll sit here until you admit you're Charity Davis."

"I have better things to do with my life!" she jumped to her feet and headed for the door, fully prepared to fight if neces¬sary. "I'm sorry for your poor brother, Jake, but this is pure insanity. I'm leaving, and if you know what's good for you, you'll give this up! Go home and help your brother rebuild his life!"

Jake moved so fast it was a blur! He stood in front of the door, his dark eyes full of fury. In that moment she felt real fear. “Go and sit down, now!"

Sabrina decided she would simply wait him out. She would sit until her father came. An hour later, Jake approached her. "Are you ready to get off that chair, Miss Davis?"

Sabrina stubbornly shook her head no. "My name is Sabrina Masters. And you are a stupid fool!"

"You'll sit for two hours this time, Miss Davis."

"And if I choose to get up?" she dared to inquire.

"You'll be tied to the chair." He walked away from the angry redhead, and when she cursed him, he turned to face her. "You'll be silent unless you're spoken to, Miss Davis. And if you wish to know the penalty for speaking, I'll show you…?” When she remained mute, he said, “No? Wise choice. Spend the next two hours wisely, teacher. That chair is going to get uncomfortable."

Uncomfortable was putting it mildly, Sabrina squirmed, her temper in rare form. Just who in hell did Jake Rider think he was? How dare he kidnap her and drag her, half-starved, to this awful cabin? And then force her to sit on a chair like a naugh¬ty, disobedient child! Why, even her Papa had never done that! And thinking of Papa… Where was he?

Jake closed his book and got to his feet, deliberately walking over to the stove and stirring the simmering pot of stew. He also enjoyed a dipper-full of water before walking over to stand before the belligerent redhead. He'd never imagined she'd have such backbone. Most women would have begged for mercy long before now, but not this one! She was proud and defiant and he wouldn't be happy until he broke her. The way she broke Tim, he reminded himself.

Count to ten, Bri! Sabrina cautioned herself. Don't say or do anything rash! You don't have a gun or a knife!

Jake made a great show of checking his watch, standing there for at least two full minutes before asking, "Well, Miss Davis? Are you getting hungry or thirsty? A few simple words, and you can join me at the table."

She remained silent.

"Well…? Refusing to answer is also punishable," he stated, then jumped back when she came up off the chair.

"You are a despicable bastard, Jake Rider."

"And you're in need of a soaping."

"Try it! I dare you! No! I double, triple, quadruple dare you!" she taunted, giving vent to her pent-up frustration and temper.

"Fine. You asked for it," Jake was shocked to learn he wanted to accept the challenge. He wanted to touch her! He started around the chair, only to have her grab it, and whack him across the back of his legs.

While Jake was down, cursing and grabbing his calf, Sabrina ripped off her hated skirt and petticoats. Now, she could fight!

"What the hell are you doing?" Jake was shocked.

"Getting ready to kick your ass!" she heaved Jake's book at his head and the only reason she missed was because he ducked.

"You're asking for it, teacher!" Jake bellowed, and then ducked again when she grabbed the clock and threw it. It crashed against the door and shattered. "That tears it!" he jumped up and lunged for her.

Sabrina easily eluded his long arm, and then whacked him with the wooden spoon she pulled from the stew.

"Ow! Damn it! That's hot!" Jake cursed, trying to protect his head.

Sabrina hesitated to throw the scalding stew at the big man, and it was a big mistake. Jake grabbed her from behind and try as she might, she couldn't free herself!

Jake dragged her over to the bed and managed to pull her down across his knee.

"You let me go, Jake Rider!" Sabrina screamed bloody murder.

"You asked for this, you little witch!" Jake walloped her butt.

"Ow! Stop it!"

"No!" He whacked her again and again, while the redhead screamed, cussed, and struggled to get free. But it was to no avail; Jake was determined to make her one very sorry little girl. He kept right on spanking her scantily clad bottom until the cabin door crashed open.