by Lopp, Karen
“Did Hawkins give you something to eat or drink?”
She nodded.
Mike’s muscles bunched. Hawkins better hire some guards.
“He showed me wanted posters that described me. Said you went to fetch the sheriff.”
Mike shoved his hat back. “He waved those pages under my nose. At first I was shocked and angry. Told me to get the sheriff, said he’d watch your door. I did go see Barker. He swore me in.”
Kathleen tried to press into the rock. “I never committed any crimes.”
“I know.”
She raised one brow. He squeezed her knee. She slapped his hand away.
“When Barker and I returned, we found Hawkins on the floor and he told us you left out the back door with someone. Barker sent me after you.”
“He lied.”
“Yes, he did. There’s more.”
“What makes you think I’ll believe your story? Sounds like I can’t trust anybody.”
Mikes throat went dry. “Let me finish, then you can decide what you want to believe.”
She raked a hard gaze over him. “Go on.”
“Soon as I left the hotel, it hit me. This was all too easy. Then I felt eyes on me. I rode out of town and sure enough I was followed. I tried to get him to confess who his boss was with no luck.” He patted his shin. “He got a good swipe at me, though. Doc sewed me up. You can ask him.”
“Sounds like Hawkins wants you dead.”
Mike snorted. “No way. He’s still bent on me marrying Sally.”
“Why?”
“More land. We’re neighbors. He practically sold his daughter to me for the alliance.”
“And you agreed?”
He hitched up one side of his mouth. “Women are scarce around these parts. Rich, beautiful women even scarcer. She looked my way, let me escort her around. Guess I got too cocky. Didn’t give it much thought. After all, Sally’s all, umm, she’s Sally.”
“She’s all what?”
“Never mind, doesn’t matter. We really need to get out of here.”
“Tell me.”
Mike drummed his fingers on his thigh. Why the hell did he let his tongue wag so freely? Now Kathleen demanded he explain. He sucked in a deep breath. “She’s all curves, packed in tight-fitting, tailored clothes. Every man within miles lusted after her.”
“But you won the prize. Plus a ranch.”
Damn it. Kathleen made it sound cold-hearted. Callous.
She crossed her arms. “So, when did you decide my ranch was a better deal?”
Mike blinked, then blinked again and furrowed his brow. “What?”
“Don’t play dumb.”
“I’m not.”
“Oh? Danger, or what I perceived as danger, has stalked me from the day I met you. You were always right there to assure me things would be fine. You told me the attempts on my life were aimed at you. Looking back, I think they were all staged or I’d be dead.”
“Kathleen—”
“I’m not through. Then I arrive here and am forced to marry you. Convenient, I’d say. So tell me. How did you find out who I was?”
Ice flowed through his veins. From her point of view, he’d have to agree with her. Any jury would. But it wasn’t the truth. “What ranch?” He paused. “Who are you?”
“Ben Simpkins’ heir.”
Hell. No wonder she thought him guilty as sin. Had that Turner fellow told her about him? How he wanted to purchase her land? “I don’t expect you to believe me, but I didn’t know that. Does Hawkins know?”
“Yes.”
“That explains why he tried to kidnap you.”
“Why’s that?”
“Think about it. If I married Sally, he’d have my ranch at his disposal. If he married you, all three would be his.”
“And if you murdered me and then married Sally, they’d be yours.”
“And if I’m killed and you marry Hawkins, you’d have them.”
“Oh, you insufferable man. I’m the one hurt, been scared spitless, drugged. Shall I go on? And you dare accuse me?”
Mike threw up his hands. “What do you want from me?”
“My life back.”
He almost didn’t hear the faint whisper but could sense her weary, crushed tone. His heart split down the middle. Kathleen was stubborn as a mule, strong as an ox, and vulnerable as a kitten. And like a kitten he wanted to cuddle her close, stroke her hair and protect her.
His lips curved upward. She sure could spit and claw but when she was through, she was through. No pouting all day, no whining, and no grudges.
Mike scooted beside Kathleen, shoulder, hips, and thighs touching. He even dared to reach for her hand. She didn’t pull away. He laced his fingers through hers. “You feeling any better?”
“Yes. Not moving helps. How did you find me?”
“You were too weak to go far without some form of transportation. Those wagons were right in front of the doc’s.”
“Maybe you’d make a good lawman.”
“I enjoy ranching. It’s peaceful.” Mike studied her profile. “I won’t let Barker toss you in jail.”
“How are you going to stop him?”
“I’ll think of something. For now, stay out of reach. He’s too lazy to step foot outside of town.”
“I really would like some clothes.”
“Oh, I think you look cute in your under things.”
“Thought you liked your women large breasted.”
“I like you.” Mike stilled. He hadn’t meant to blurt that out. But he did like Kathleen. Liked the way her hand fit in his. Liked her spirit. And he liked the way she kissed after an argument. He cupped her chin, tilted her face up, and brushed her lips.
He coaxed her lips apart and delved in for a better taste. Oh, yes, he really liked making up with Kathleen. She leaned into him and he shifted to accommodate her. He trailed kisses down her neck, across one shoulder and up to her lips.
“Now ain’t that sweet.”
Mike froze at the unmistakable press of a gun barrel on his cheek and the familiar voice. What the hell was Willie doing here? Was he involved with the robbery? No, Willie worked for Hawkins. Kathleen squeaked and twisted a handful of his shirt in her fist.
“What do you want?” He had let Kathleen’s enticing lips distract him, knowing full well they were still in danger. Only he hadn’t expected it from Hawkins. Yet.
Willie chuckled. “Her.”
Stars exploded before his eyes and the world went black.
Chapter 16
Mike slumped on Kathleen, pinning her to the ground. She’d seen this redheaded man before. Her struggles to get out from under Mike had left her weak and lightheaded.
Gloved hands tugged her up. “Don’t fret. I ain’t goin’ ta hurt you.”
“That’s a little hard to believe. You’re the one who suggested Mike murdered someone. Told everyone he was after me.”
“That? Just adding to the excitement.”
“Then what do you want with me?” Barefoot and shaky, she didn’t have much of a chance to out run him. All she wanted was a soft bed to sink into and close her eyes. The pain and slight fever hindered her ability to think quickly. But she must remain alert.
“Heard Mike spouting off about ending your marriage. Can’t let that happen.”
“We changed our minds.”
“Looks that way but I can’t afford to take that chance. Now, you either get on Blackie willingly or I’ll hog tie you.”
Kathleen skirted Mike’s prone body and tried to haul herself onto the saddle. No more. She couldn’t take this anymore. Tears blinded her. Pain wove its way around her head and shoulder and she slumped to the ground.
“Get up and get on that horse.”
Kathleen just shook her head. If he wanted her on that damn horse, he’d have to put her on it. The tears spilled over and ran unchecked down her cheeks. Unable to even move if her life depended on it, she teetered to the side. A strong arm caught her. The man cursed and picked her up. Hard leather slapped against her backside and she gasped.
“Don’t you dare fall off.”
Somehow, she managed to twist her fingers through the horse’s mane and stuff her bare feet into the stirrups just as the man grabbed the reins and tied them to his saddle horn.
“Why is it so important that we stay married?” she whispered. Delirium must have made her hear the man wrong. Unless he worked for Mike. But why would Mike have someone knock him out when she was stupid enough to let him sweet talk her into his arms. Again. It hurt to think.
“I ain’t saying.” He dug out Mike’s slicker and helped her put it on.
She slipped her arms into the ankle-length coat and pushed the sleeves up. “What’s your name?”
“Mine? Willie.”
“Well, Willie, who do you work for?”
He glared at her. “If you keep flapping your jaw, I’m gonna gag you.” Stomping off, he mounted.
Kathleen scowled at Willie’s back. So far he hadn’t touched her, hadn’t bound her, and didn’t seem to pay much attention to her long as she didn’t talk. Even showed her some courtesy by offering her Mike’s coat.
She swiveled in the saddle. At least Willie hadn’t disarmed Mike. She grinned. Willie had better run far and fast when Mike woke up. But then she frowned. Willie was leaving a well-defined trail for Mike to follow. He was setting a trap. Why? He could have killed Mike if that was the plan.
Could have killed her, too.
Questions burned her tongue. Mike swore Sally had hired Trigger and his cohort. Made sense that she’d be behind this also. A quick annulment and Mike would be free again. Free to marry Sally. Just what Sally didn’t want.
Kathleen chewed her lower lip. As Mike had said earlier, it all seemed too easy. Slumped over the pommel, she fought to keep her eyes open and it took all her strength to stay in the saddle.
Soon, the sun dipped below the mesa and shadows lengthened. Chills alternated with bouts of profuse sweat and drums beat against her skull. She clutched the saddle horn. Each step the horse took on the uneven ground sent a lightning strike of pain shooting down her arm.
“You don’t look so good.” Willie’s voice sounded far away.
“Can we stop?”
“Hang on for about five minutes.”
“Then what?”
A puff of dust kicked up at the feet of Willie’s horse, followed by a loud crack. Willie dove off his horse. Blackie stomped a hoof and snorted. Kathleen drew her brows together. A gunshot? She slid a leg over the saddle and wobbled off Blackie.
Willie crawled and shimmied his way to a nearby pine, tugged his horse close, mounted, and tore off. Divots of dirt and grass flew from his horse’s hoofs.
Kathleen flopped onto her back. She should be running for cover. Blackie happily chomped on a clump of grass. Birds decided to resume their songs and a light breeze fluttered the leaves. A cool breeze that felt so good on her heated skin.
“You all right?”
Mike. Mike and danger, the two constants in her life. Cool fingers touched her forehead.
“Kathleen?”
“Umm?”
She felt herself lifted from the ground and buried her face in Mike’s neck. She needed to be strong, needed to clear the fuzziness from her brain and, well, she needed to be held. She curled her fingers through his hair.
“Listen, honey, I’m going to find you a place to hide while I go chase Willie,” he said roughly.
“No.”
“You’ll be fine.”
Until she was well and had a gun in her hand she wanted Mike right beside her. Close beside her. In fact, if she could crawl inside his pocket she would. Didn’t matter if he wanted to argue with her, accuse her, or kiss her, just as long as he stayed.
“Don’t leave me.”
“Come on, honey, I can sneak up on them in the dark, surprise them.”
“And somebody can sneak up on me.”
“That won’t happen.”
“How many times has that already happened?”
Mike sat her on a soft patch of pine needles. She fisted his shirt in her fingers. He pried her hands loose and she lurched into him. Tears burst from her eyes like an afternoon rainstorm. “Is it ever going to stop?”
“I’ll make it stop.”
“How? By getting yourself killed? Where’s that leave me?”
“Well, you’d sure have your life back.”
“And no one to protect me? Thanks so much.”
Mike pushed out a sigh, lifted her onto his lap, and rocked her.
“Don’t get so worked up. You need rest.”
“Then stay. Promise me you’ll stay.”
His arms tightened. “I’ll stay. Can I unsaddle the horses?”
“Swear you won’t leave me.”
Mike eased her head up and brushed a light kiss on her dry lips. “I’ll never leave you.”
She nodded. She sniffled. He wiped her tears. “Got any water?”
He winked. “I’ll rustle some up if you let me go.”
She blinked, unclenched her fists, and gave him a smile. “I wrinkled your shirt.”
“Wrinkle it anytime you like.”
“Mike?”
“Yes?”
“I . . .” She dropped her gaze and heat unassociated with fever teased her cheeks. Here she was, curled up in Mike’s lap for the second time. Earlier, she held his hand. How many kisses had they shared? Somewhere in the wild, chaotic last few days, she had turned to Mike again and again for comfort, reassurance, and plain out and out desire.
Now sick, weak, and exhausted, she craved his kiss. He had an uncanny knack of defusing her anger, coming up with logical explanations, and ending with a kiss that melted her like butter in a hot skillet. Kisses that sizzled through her like lightning and curled her toes.
Mike eased her off his lap. “We’ll talk later. Let me set up camp.” He disappeared into the darkness and Kathleen shivered. Crickets chirped, the wind sighed in the branches, and she huddled in Mike’s coat.
A soft footfall sounded and she glanced up with a smile on her lips. A gloved hand covered her mouth, cutting off her scream, while the other circled her neck and squeezed.
Fury exploded in Mike’s chest at the sight of Barney’s hand around Kathleen’s neck and Jose with a rifle pointed at her. Careful to make no noise, he slipped his knife from his scabbard. Soft and slow, he eased behind Jose. “Drop the gun.”
Jose jerked at his whispered words and lifted the rifle. With a quick slash of the knife, Jose crumpled to the ground and Mike lunged toward Barney. He kicked the back of his knees.
“Run, Kathleen.” Barney grunted, grappled for his gun, and aimed it at Mike’s head.
Elbow deflecting the gun barrel, Mike gripped the knife and plunged it into Barney’s throat. Sick at the killings, he jumped up and glanced at Kathleen. She lay unmoving.
Mike wiped his bowie knife on the grass and stuffed it in the sheath on his belt. He ignored Barney’s dying gurgle and lifted Kathleen into his arms. Jose lay a few feet away with a similar slash to the throat. Mounting Blackie, he settled Kathleen across his legs and nudged the mustang.
If somebody wanted war, so be it. He’d spent four hard years serving his country and trained with Colonel Berdan himself. Dodged many bullets, had a few scars, and had learned how to be a man. Discharged from the army, he’d enlisted for two years with the cavalry, then hired on for cattle drives until he stumb
led across this pristine track of land. Hawkins wasn’t going to drive him to marry Sally. And whomever lusted for Kathleen’s blood would bleed.
Once inside the safety of his yard, Mike took Kathleen inside, striped off her petticoat, and tucked her into bed. He took down an old Winchester, cracked open a box of ammunition, and spread the bullets out on his table. Anyone tried to disturb Kathleen’s slumber could go visit the devil far as he was concerned.
When a noticeable brightening of the sky spilled through the windows, Mike listened to the jiggle of spurs on his front porch. He eased the door open a crack, gun at the ready. Juan’s dark eyes stared back at him.
“I’m on your side, remember.”
Mike stepped outside.
“Why you loaded for bear?
“We got trouble. Go get Hank, and be quiet. Kathleen’s still sleeping.”
Juan grinned. “Decided to keep her?”
“Get movin’.”
Juan’s chuckle followed him off the porch. Yes, he wanted to keep her. Or at least he thought so. Things needed to settle down first. Right now, they’d been driven together for safety. How she’d feel about staying when this was over he didn’t know. Last night’s plea for him to stick around was fever induced fearful talk. In a few days she’d be well. He’d find out then what Kathleen really wanted.
Spurs clattered on the wood.
“You look terrible, boss.” Hank’s jovial tone bellied the intense scrutiny in his eyes.
“Kathleen is Simpkins’ heir. I now think Hawkins wants me dead and aims to take her to the altar to be his bride. Kathleen said Hawkins knows she’s Ben’s heir. Willie kidnapped her but he sure lit out in a hurry when I shot at him. Then Barney and Jose tried to nab her. They’re dead.”
“Sounds like you had a busy day. How’s the little lady holding up?”
“She’s sick, tired, and scared. And spittin’ nails.”
“Good. She spit some at you?”
Mike smiled. “Sure did. I got scars to prove it.”
