Dutch's Girl

Chapter Nine

Dutch

I blinked open my eyes and stared ahead, but all I saw was the wall of my tent. I went to move, but I noticed I was holding something. Someone.

I studied the naked person, and realized it was Chelsea. And another detail, I also was without clothing. Whoah, last night DID happen! I chuckled silently, feeling like a fool. That wasn't a bad thing.

Chelsea was nestled so comfortably against me, and I was holding her tightly, protectively. This felt right. Molly and I had fun together the time we were, but she was not Chelsea. Not even close. I was smitten, and I was happy.

I stayed like this for an hour, studying what features of Chelsea I could. She had bruises in certain areas that I had left, and I felt a sudden possessiveness. She's mine.

When she did finally stir, she tried to stretch, but with me here, there wasn't really much room for her to do so. She tensed and then relaxed as if realizing where she was. "Did last night actually happen?", she asked. I chuckled. "Yes, last night actually happened." She turned in my arms to face me, her chocolate orbs sparkling with amusement. "What does that mean for us?"

I hesitated. What does this mean? We did things to each other that showed how badly we longed for each other. Maybe I could settle down with her? "I think, maybe this means we have started something we can't stop. I think this is turning into somethin' beautiful." Chelsea smiled. "I agree," she said. My heart fluttered.

"So, does this mean I'm officially yours?" I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. "I think it does Miss Wolff. I'd like to marry you one day. Once we get enough money and we leave this place, we are free and we're gonna get married. I hope so atleast." This seemed to really make Chelsea happy as she started to laugh happily and snuggle into me.

We stayed like this for several minutes before a voice outside the tent called me. "Dutch, you awake? You never sleep in late?", sounded the questioning voice of Javier Escuella. I sighed. "I'll be out shortly!" Chelsea groaned in annoyance that our peace was interrupted, and I couldn't help but chuckle in amusement.

"Cmon, lets see what trouble we can get into today hmm?", I offered. Chelsea squeaked and clapped her hands. "Yes please! I love getting into mischief!" We got dressed, although after getting a good look at her, I really wanted to stay here. We pulled open the flaps of the tent and the first thing I did was light me a cigar. Chelsea walked past me and went over to the wash bin, and I smiled. She definitely ain't lazy like Molly O'Shea.

"Well, look who's finally up!", teased a voice to my right. I chuckled and shook my head. "Yep, I'm up now Hosea, did you miss me?" My best friend scoffed. "Of course, how could I go on without your teasing of my old age? But my friend, it seems that it's catching up with you too, what with all that sleeping."

We both laughed and stared out over the camp. "Hosea, I wasn't sleeping because of old age tiring me out, but that gorgeous woman, Chelsea Wolff." Hosea looked surprised. "Well I suppose it was bound to happen eventually, just didn't think it would so fast! But make sure you don't throw your back out in the middle of it!"

We joked and laughed for hours before I ultimately decided to go to Valentine. I bid Hosea goodbye and walked off. Before I walked to my horse, I did a detour and went over to the wash bin where Chelsea was. "Miss Wolff, would you like to go to Valentine with me?" Both Chelsea and Tilly who was next to her looked up at me. "I'm sorry Dutch, but I have to finish this up and then help Tilly sew up a few dresses. Maybe next time?" I smiled and leaned down to plant a kiss on her temple. "Of course my dear."

As I walked away, I heard Tilly say, "Girl you got some tea to spill right now!", and I laughed a little. I whistled, and The Count trotted over. I began to pat him and feed him, but stopped once a figure passed in my peripheral vision. "Mister Strauss," I said. The German stopped and walked over to me, his famous ledger in his hands. "Yes Mr. Van der Linde?"