by Paty Jager
“Would you knock it off?” Ethan stood the boy on his feet. “I’m not going to hurt you, your ma, or Shayla. When are you going to get that through that dense head of yours?” Colin took another swing. Ethan sidestepped, and the boy landed on the floor on his hands and knees.
Shayla giggled. Colin sent her a glare and fisted his hand, rounding on her. Ethan caught the boy’s hand as it rose.
“If I ever catch you or hear of you hurting any female whether they are your family or some other, you will answer to me.” Ethan spun the boy around and looked him dead in the eyes. “Men don’t hit women. Cowards hit women.” When the boy’s gaze finally lowered, Ethan dropped his fist.
Colin grabbed his coat off the back of the chair and flung the door open. He’d disappeared by the time Ethan crossed the floor to close the door.
“That boy is holding in a lot of anger.” Ethan turned to Aileen. Her pale face and sad eyes tugged at his conscience. “Did his pa beat you?”
Her eyes snapped with anger. “Nae! But the boy was too small to remember his da.” Her eyes softened. “His da was a strong man, no one dared to cross him. But with me and the boy, he was like a gentle lamb. Never a raised hand. An occasional raised voice, but only when speaking about his enemies.” She dropped her gaze to the floor. “He was a lot like ye.”
The thought she compared him to her first husband, a man she loved, warmed him nearly as much as her kisses. Which brought him back to something that should be said. But damn, he wasn’t ready to tell her he knew next to nothing about the coming together of a man and a woman. As he thought of mating with Aileen, the body part involved flared. That part wasn’t the problem, it was the courting steps he’d never done.
His face heated at the images his mind concocted.
“Ah didn’t mean to say…” Aileen’s color deepened, making her freckles less noticeable.
“Colin’s pa was a good man. I try to be a good man.” He had to get this conversation on to firmer ground. Maybe he wouldn’t have to tell her the truth. He could skirt around the subject until he’d had a chance to talk with— Who?
Shayla tugged on his hand. “Are you goin’ to read?”
Yeah, read. Finish the book and leave. Then he could get away from the woman and think about how a man his age found out how to react to a woman whose presence turned him into a randy school boy.
“Of course. Looks like your brother will have to read the ending himself.” Ethan picked up Shayla and sat on a chair. The child spread the book open in front of them on the table. Aileen picked up something she was sewing and sat in another chair. He flipped to the chapter, ignored the woman not five feet from him, making his body hum, and began to read.
Chapter 15
Ethan swung the fifteen pound hammer, pounding the spikes into the track as Clay and Hank laid them out. The physical activity the last few days had dropped him into bed every night too exhausted to think about the mess he’d made. He’d spent part of the night before haggling with Clay over the schedule for the miners to use the mill. It really didn’t matter, but he wasn’t going to give in. Not when he could be in control. The mill, his brothers, these things he had control over.
Kissing Aileen—he’d lost control. And he needed some guidance. He wanted to make things right for her. She knew a whole lot more about intimacy between a man and woman than he did. He found himself thinking about her at inopportune times. And about the affection growing between them. He just didn’t want to disappoint her with his ignorance.
The ringing of metal echoed in his ears as sparks flew from the contact of the hammer and the spike. A few more feet and they’d head down the side of the mountain toward the mill. Two days earlier they cleared trees and underbrush making way for the path of the tracks.
Miles sauntered up the cleared area toward them. “Mr. Tulley sent a piece of mail for ya,” he said, handing the envelope to Clay.
“It’s from Zeke.” Clay opened the envelope and started reading. “Him and Maeve are headed this way after someone.” He held the letter out.
Ethan wiped at the sweat on his forehead and took the paper. He scanned the writing. “Don’t know when they’ll get to stop by, but will keep us posted.” He took the canteen Hank offered and gulped down the cool liquid.
“Didn’t give much detail about what they’re doing,” Clay reached for the letter.
Ethan handed it to him. “Probably not for general knowledge.”
Clay only scowled and stared at the letter.
“You seen much of the widow woman?” Miles asked Clay.
Ethan glared at the man. Why did he want to know something like that?
Clay shot a glance at Ethan. “Why?”
“Just wondered if she still has her claws out and scratchin’?” Miles’ derisive tone simmered Ethan’s blood.
“You keep away from her,” he growled.
Miles backed away, his eyes growing in size. “I wasn’t meanin’ nothin’”
“Just stay away from her. I think you’ve caused that woman enough grief spouting your bitter lies.”
“I never—”
Ethan stepped forward. “You’ve been lying to the whole community about that woman just because she wouldn’t have you sniffing at her skirts.” Miles’ face blazed crimson under his scraggly whiskers. He’d hit the truth. Ethan rounded on Clay. “Tell your friend how Mrs. Miller has treated you.”
Clay crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Miles, Ethan is right. I don’t know where you come off saying the things you have about her.” Clay flicked a glance at Ethan then looked his friend in the eyes. “She’s a good woman. A bit high and mighty when it comes to business, but she ain’t what you’ve been saying she is.”
His brother’s praise for the woman eased Ethan’s heart. He’d hoped one day they would all see her as the woman he saw.
Miles’ chin dropped to his chest as he stared open-mouthed at the three of them. “What? You’re going to believe a woman who murdered her husband over someone you growed up with?” He spat on the ground. “You’re all as crazy as she is!” He threw his hands in the air and headed back down the cleared area.
“I think it’s going to take more than you two talking good about the widow to make him change his mind.” Hank picked up a rail and set it in place.
Clay tucked the letter in his pocket and put a spike in the rail hole.
Ethan picked up the hammer. “I agree.” He brought the hammer down hard on the spike, nearly setting it with one swing. If only it was so easy to make people’s distrust disappear.
****
Aileen stretched, rubbing her aching back. She peered up through the ventilation hole. The faded light and dim shadows of limbs told her it was late afternoon. There was enough rubble around her feet to keep her busy for two days hauling it out of the mine.
She propped the pick against the side of the mine and grabbed the lantern handle. Colin didn’t need to know how hard she’d been working to make up for the days he’d been unable. With the mill done and the men setting out track to get the diggings to the mill, Colin had switched to working with Mr. Fellowes on the office.
The man had been as good to Colin as Ethan. Training him on the finer points of carpentry. Also teaching him anger got you nowhere. Mr. Fellowes, according to Colin, didn’t even curse when a heavy board landed on his foot. He’d told that story over and over again, letting her know it had completely amazed him.
She walked back through the mine and thought of the man who helped dig the ventilation holes. The one kiss, well, you couldn’t call it one kiss—She smiled. She bet he’d never kissed a woman before. His lips, though soft to the touch, had remained firm under hers. No, that man had never seduced a woman. She could be his teacher for a change. The thought made her heart hammer in her chest and the juncture of her legs throb.
It had been a long time since her body came alive under the hands of a lover. Not since her first husband. Could she make Ethan her lover and not have him think he
had to marry her? Colin wouldn’t take well to another man in their lives. Even Ethan.
She stepped into the late afternoon sunshine and found Shayla talking to the bajin Miles. The little man offended her in more ways than his leering gaze. She knew he was the root of the rumors about her.
“Shayla, go to the house.” Aileen stopped better than two arm’s lengths from the man. Her body shivered in disgust.
It still made her seethe to think he tried to court her right after Mr. Miller died. He treated her like some simple woman who would take up with anything just to have a man. She’d shown him the door, and he’d spouted lies about her ever since. What brought him here now?
“What kind of lies you been tellin’ my friends?” He took a step toward her. Instinct from years of dodging drunken assaults took over. Her nerves quivered, readying her body to shift quickly and be on the defensive.
“Ah dinnae tell lies.” She narrowed her gaze at him. “Might be ye need to look at yerself.”
“Listen, bitch. I growed up here. I’ve got more respect than you’ll ever get.” He lunged forward, grabbing her arm, and twisting it behind her back. Though smaller, he compensated by using quick, restrictive moves.
Pain shot up her arm, but fear of being seen caused her to glance about frantically. They stood out in the open and in clear view of the office. The hatred in his eyes and leering smirk on his face proved he didn’t care and didn’t believe anyone would help her. She closed her eyes and thought. If she screamed Colin would hear. No! She couldn’t have him come to her aid. Not again.
“Leave me be,” she said through clenched teeth.
“I’ve got plans. Plans I’ve been thinkin’ about for some time.” He shoved her toward the shack.
Shayla. So far her darlin’ hadn’t seen the violence in men. She had to do something. Shayla couldn’t know this side of men. Not now. Not while she was still so innocent.
She dragged her feet to slow their momentum and give herself time to think. He twisted her arm and shoved. She wouldn’t be a victim again. With a spurt of strength and dignity, she came around with her other arm and jabbed her elbow into the man’s chest. He wheezed and let go, giving her enough time to dash to the shack, slam the door, and throw the board across.
She braced her back against the door to tell Shayla to hide. Her gaze darted around the small room. The lassie was nowhere to be seen.
“Darlin’? Are ye hidin’” she cooed, wanting her to stay hid, but wondering where she could be.
The door popped behind her and forced her forward, throwing her into the table. She turned as the vile man stepped through the doorway and walked across the door.
“You’re going to pay for that.” Miles came at her, his eyes wild and his mouth drooling. She backed into the table and froze. All those horrible years came back to her. It wasn’t Miles—it was her dead husband— drunk and raging, headed for her.
****
Ethan looked up at the sound of a strangled cry. Shayla raced through the clearing toward him.
“Momma! He’p!” she shouted as Ethan dropped the hammer and ran to her.
“What’s wrong with your momma?” He knelt in front of the child as she clung to him. Her small body heaved as she gasped for breath.
“Man.” She panted. “Mean. Got her.”
Ethan picked her up and turned to Hank and Clay. “Keep her here.” He gave Shayla a brief hug and handed her to Hank. Then set off down the clearing at a run. He heard footsteps behind him and knew it was Clay.
He cut to the right through the trees—a more direct route to the shack. He broke out of the trees. Fear tightened his chest at the sight of the busted down door. He growled and quickened his pace. If anyone hurt Aileen—
He burst through the open doorway. Aileen was sprawled on the table with Miles standing between her trouser-clad legs. Ethan grabbed the man by the back of his collar, picked him up, and threw him against the shack wall. The whole building shuddered and creaked.
Ethan looked down at Aileen’s stricken expression. Her torn blouse splayed open, revealing her chemise and heaving breasts. It appeared the man hadn’t had time to…
“Don’t let him leave,” Ethan said over his shoulder to Clay as he leaned down to help Aileen.
“Nae! Dinnae touch me!” she screeched, pushing away from him.
“Shhh, Aileen. It’s me.” He moved to the side of the table and sat in the chair to make himself less threatening. He touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “I won’t hurt you.” She gazed into his eyes and slowly the fear faded.
He pulled her shirt together and placed a hand behind her back, helping her to a sitting position on the table. He stood, moving around the table to nudge her legs together with the side of his thigh. Thank God she wore men’s britches when working. Otherwise it would have been much too easy for the little weasel to have… He seethed at the thought of what the man had planned to do. His hands clenched in fists, his muscles bunched. He wanted to rip the vile man to pieces.
Aileen’s shattered composure made him gulp down the rage. “Are you all right?” Her brief nod did little to squelch his anger.
Miles came to and tried to talk his way out of the incident with Clay.
“Can I leave you for a moment?” Ethan asked, touching Aileen’s pale cheek. She stared at him, eyes wide, but nodded. He gave her a smile and crossed to the man still sitting on the floor.
“Get up!” Ethan grabbed him by the shirt front hauling him to his feet. “Outside.”
“Ethan.” Clay shook his head.
“I’m just going to talk to him. Keep Aileen company until I get back.”
Clay shrugged and moved toward Aileen.
“Be slow and quiet.” Ethan added and pulled the whining man out the opening.
Not wanting Colin to happen along and witness what he was about to do, he pulled Miles a good distance into the trees.
“Now, why were you stupid enough to go bother a woman we’d just finished telling you to leave alone?” He held Miles up by the shirt front.
“She’s nothin’ but a bitch.”
Ethan’s fist connected before he could constrain his anger. The smaller man’s head snapped back. Blood spurted out his crooked nose.
“Owww! Why’d ya go and do that?” Miles held his nose with one hand making his words sound hollow and muffled.
“Because that woman you just referred to as a bitch has more brains and courtesy than you’ve ever or will ever possess.” He stood the man in front of him. “If I ever see you along Cracker Creek or anywhere near her when she’s in town, I’ll make sure you haven’t any teeth to go with that broken nose.” He shoved Miles. The man staggered backward and fell to the ground. “If you had done more than ripped her clothes, you wouldn’t be walking away from here.” He strode over to the man and knelt down. “You harm a hair on her or those kids and you won’t see your next birthday.”
“You can’t—”
Ethan glared at him. “I’ve got more people behind me than you do. I won’t be charged for killing you if I’m protecting a woman or child. Think about it.”
He stood and hurried away from the disgusting man before he broke more than his nose.
Hank and Shayla walked hand in hand across the clearing toward the house. Hank raised a brow but kept on walking when they met him coming out of the trees. He scanned the doorway and walked through with Shayla dragging him.
Ethan crossed the threshold as Shayla crawled on her mother’s lap. Aileen sat on the bed. She’d pulled a large man’s shirt on over her torn shirt. Clay poured tea into cups. He looked up.
“Miles?”
“He won’t be back.” Ethan knelt beside Aileen. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
“Ah’ll have some bruises and my arm hurts the way he twisted it, but ah’m fine.” She glanced up from where she’d been studying Shalya’s face. “Thank ye,” she whispered as tears started to glisten in her eyes. She kissed the top of Shayla’s head, hiding the
tears.
He turned his attention to the girl. “You were smart to come find me.” He took her small hand in his and smiled into her wide, concerned eyes.
She patted her mother’s arm. “Momma’s gonna be fine.”
“Aye, lassie, ah’ll be fine.” Aileen brushed at the tears sprung from a mixture of aftershock, relief, and gratitude. After Ethan pulled Miles away, she hadn’t pulled out of the nightmare that clenched her. His size and looming body had kept her locked in terror. Until he’d made himself vulnerable. His loving gestures broke through her fear. With each gesture the man chipped away at her resolve not to let another man into her life. Colin would—Cach!
“We cannae tell Colin about this!” She grasped Ethan’s arm. “The laddie cannae find out.” If he thought a man had hurt her—She looked at Ethan’s brothers and then down at Shayla.
“Please, dinnae tell Colin about this. He—he wouldn’t understand.” She held Shayla’s chin. The child had to understand. “Darlin’ ’tis a secret we must no’ tell yer brother.” Shayla’s small face scrunched in thought. “Please, lassie?”
“Why can’t Colin know?” Ethan leaned forward, watching her.
“Ye’ve seen his temper. Tis best he dinnae find out.” She hoped that offered a good enough answer. She couldn’t, wouldn’t tell him the truth.
Hank lifted the door. The middle boards had splintered from the force Miles had used to enter. “How are you going to explain this?”
Her head began to ache. And her arm throbbed. “Ah…”
Ethan stood. “I’ll go see if the office is ready to move into. We can have your stuff moved in within the hour.”
She captured his hand. “Ah dinnae say ah’d take the job.”
“It looks to me like you don’t have any other choice. For one, the office will have a good lock on it and secondly, if the broken door doesn’t bother you, I’ve noticed the list to this building is worse since I threw Miles against the wall. It could fall down around you during the night.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “Start packing. We’ll move you as soon as I get the all clear from Fellowes.”
