Perfect Wyoming Complete Collection: Special Agent's Perfect Cover ; Rancher's Perfect Baby Rescue ; A Daughter's Perfect Secret ; Lawman's Perfect Surrender ; The Perfect Outsider ; Mercenary's Perfect Mission

by Marie Ferrarella

  She dumped the roses in the kitchenette sink and joined him in the tiny living room. But she refused to sit too close. This guy was giving her the creeps. She wasn’t sure if it was because he was a Devotee and since Nathan had helped her she could see them clearer now or if it was because he was just all around creepy.

  Pulling up one of the dinette chairs, she sat across from him. “Can I offer you anything?”

  “No, thanks. I was hoping to take you out to dinner tonight, but it’s gotten rather late.”

  She smiled, at a loss for what to say. She hadn’t wanted to eat with him anyway. What was he doing bringing her roses?

  He finally said, “I understand your child was a girl and that she wasn’t perfect. Is that correct?”

  Careful. “That’s right. It was most unfortunate.”

  “Where is she?”

  Trying hard to look him straight in the eye with a blank stare, she said, “I found a couple on the internet who seemed nice, and they were willing to take her. It was a blessing. I knew Samuel would not have been pleased if I tried to bring her back here, and I didn’t want to make any waves in the community. I’m sure she will be much better off where she is.”

  Actually, Susannah felt positive Melody was a whole lot better off where she was right now—safe and with people who loved her.

  “I’m sorry you took that step,” Jonathan said with no emotion. “Samuel would’ve preferred to handle things himself. You know he is always here for your protection. He wants to make life easier for you in whatever way he can. Let him take care of these little life problems.”

  The hair stood up on her arms. Giving up your child was a little life problem? How could she ever have bought into this nonsense?

  “Did those ranch people influence your decision?”

  Another trick question. “No, not at all. I didn’t care for them. They took me in when I was lost but made me work with the horses in the dirt. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.”

  “I’m sorry you had such a bad time. But you’re back where you belong now.”

  “I’m the one who’s sorry if I caused Samuel any concern over my child. I thought I was doing the right thing.”

  Jonathan smiled, but it still didn’t reach his cold eyes. “Samuel forgives you. He has plans for you, Susannah. Big plans. You will be mother to the next generation of Devotees. The child you gave away was not pure. Its father was not a believer. Small wonder it was not sound. Things will be different with the rest of your children. Every one of them will be healthy and perfect.”

  It was all she could do not to scream at him that Melody was perfectly healthy and absolutely beautiful. But the real meaning of what he’d said crawled into her consciousness like a computer virus.

  “If I’m to be the mother of perfect children, who will be the father?” Please don’t say Samuel. All Samuel’s girlfriends ended up dead.

  “Samuel has chosen me for that privilege. You and I are to be married. We will make beautiful children together.”

  Her stomach rolled. “I…see. And when are we supposed to be married?”

  “Within the week. But don’t worry. Samuel and I will make all the arrangements. I am to be promoted soon—to a place of prominence within Samuel’s circle. Becoming my wife will be a great honor. All you have to do is rest and stay calm and do what we tell you.”

  He reached over as though to take her hand, but she casually slid it into her lap. “You might want to start back at the gym,” he said indulgently. “You’re going to be married to the boss soon, and it would be encouraging for people to see you using the facilities.”

  She nodded as if she agreed with everything he said. What in the world was she going to do? She couldn’t marry this horrible man.

  Her mind slipped back to the memory of Nathan and how much her time with him had meant to her. Now there was a real man…a good man. He was a man she’d not only trusted with her body and her love but also with the job of raising her daughter.

  Nathan was so far above the scum sitting across from her right now that he might as well be on the moon while this guy crawled through the gutter.

  They were different as heaven and hell.

  But she needed to go along with whatever Jonathan said—at least until she could find a way out of Cold Plains. She had no doubt there would be a way out eventually. And she would find it if she kept her eyes open.

  Oh, but what would she have to put up with in the meantime? Stay alive.

  Suddenly it occurred to her that Jonathan might be expecting a kiss tonight to seal their engagement. Eww.

  “It’s a little late, and I’m not feeling very well,” she began.

  She’d expected an argument, but Jonathan stood and smiled down on her. “Go to the clinic in the morning for a checkup. Everything must be perfect for the wedding. Your health is the most important thing.”

  “I’m just a little tired. Surely I don’t need to…”

  “Susannah. Samuel has chosen me to be your physical guardian. I will be your husband. Your teacher. And your guide in the way of the Devotees. Please do as I say.”

  Oh, brother. “Yes, Jonathan.”

  This time he did take her by the hand. “Now, there’s my girl. You sleep now. I have an important errand to do yet this evening and should go. But I’ll send someone to sit outside to make sure you’re safe.”

  She was under house arrest? And he was running an errand at eleven o’clock? It sounded fishy to her. She almost opened her mouth to question him but realized in the nick of time that a proper Devotee woman would simply accept what they were told. She would have to tread carefully from now on.

  She stood to show him out, still praying he would not force a kiss. Whatever was left in her stomach would come back up if he did.

  At the door, he turned, and before she could escape, he placed a kiss on her forehead. “We will have a long, fruitful and significant life, Susannah. Pleasant dreams.”

  And then he was gone. She peeked out the front window and watched him go down the front steps and onto the lighted sidewalk. Finally breathing easier, she remained quietly staring at his retreating back. He hadn’t driven; almost no one drove in town. So he must be walking to his errand.

  But in a second he stopped in midstride and gazed around as if he was expecting someone to be watching him. Backing up to where she was sure he couldn’t see her, her curiosity flared.

  What was going on with him? He was acting so strange.

  He began creeping down the street as if he didn’t want anyone to notice him. But there wasn’t anyone on the street at this hour anyway. It was very odd.

  On impulse, she grabbed her keys and jacket and inched out her front door. Where was he heading? If she was going to get out of her house, she had to go now before her guard arrived.

  After all, if they were to be married, she had a right to know what Jonathan was up to. Or wasn’t that in the Devotee wife’s handbook?

  Whatever. She couldn’t help herself. She had to find out.

  CHAPTER 11

  Nate had searched every damned barn on their entire property. He’d done it in record time, too. Barely a half hour had gone by since he’d left Sara’s rooms. By now his heart was pumping adrenaline to his body like a gas pedal pumping fuel to a race car.

  He was having trouble breathing. And thinking was becoming out of the question.

  For the third time, he stopped into the bunkhouse, hoping the young ranch hand had come back from his supper. Sure enough, the moment he walked in he spotted the kid.

  “You looking for me, boss?”

  Mac must’ve warned him. “When was the last time you saw Susannah Paul? I told you to stick with her while she was outside the house.”

  “I did. Honest
. All afternoon. She curried a half-dozen horses and then I helped her muck the stalls. She’s a hard worker, that one.”

  Nathan gritted his teeth but held his temper. “Where was the last place you saw her?”

  “Just finishing up in the barn. I was running a little late, so I told her to go next door to the office and walk back with you or Mr. Pierce. She said she would.”

  The ranch hand fidgeted where he stood. “She was fine then, I swear.”

  What the hell had happened to her between the barn and the office? “What time was this?”

  “Near six. It was late.”

  Nathan shook his head. He’d been there at six—right outside the barn arguing with his father.

  The sinking feeling in his gut grew worse. “You didn’t see any strangers around about that time, did you?”

  The ranch hand straightened up and threw his shoulders back. “No, sir. I wouldn’t have let them on the property. Or if I’d spotted them in the woods, I would’ve notified you right away.”

  Nathan couldn’t be bothered soothing this earnest kid’s feelings at the moment. He was too dang worried about where Susannah had gone.

  A few of the other hands were still awake in the bunkhouse, playing cards and watching TV. He turned to them and called out, “Hey, y’all, I need your help. Anyone here spot the woman who’s been staying with us on the ranch this afternoon? Her name’s Susannah. We can’t locate her.”

  A lot of mumbling and shrugging went on for a few moments. But no one spoke up.

  “Talk to the other hands, will you? If anyone saw her at all today, I want to know.”

  “You want us to start a search party, boss?”

  He didn’t hold out a lot of hope but said, “Check all the barns. I’ve checked them a couple of times myself. This time go over every inch. If she’s injured, she won’t be able to call out. I’ll call Ford McCall. I’m sure he’ll help, maybe organize a few men to search the woods.”

  Storming out of the bunkhouse into the crisp and clear night air, Nathan was trying his damnedest to stay calm. With his hands shaking, he flipped open his cell and dialed Ford’s number.

  Ford sounded sleepy, but Nathan couldn’t muster the reserve to apologize for waking him. “We have a problem out here, McCall. Susannah is missing, and my gut tells me she’s in trouble.”

  “What? Hold on a second.” He could hear Ford yawn and clear his throat. “All right. Say that again.”

  “Susannah’s gone. The baby’s here, but the mother’s missing. We’re searching the ranch, but if you could round up some help, we’ll need to check the woods, too.”

  He couldn’t breathe but raced on out of breath to say what he most feared. “I think they may have gotten to her, Ford. The Devotees. Somehow they snatched her right off the ranch.”

  “Hold on. Calm down. You say her child is still there and safe. But…”

  Nathan interrupted him. “Yes, that’s why I’m sure something awful has happened. Susannah would never leave her child.”

  “Well, now, I have big news for you, Nathan. That must’ve been just what she did. I saw her…early tonight in town. She was getting out of a car and heading into the boardinghouse where she has rooms. She looked happy enough to me. Some male Devotee I didn’t recognize right off was driving. And a couple more were in the backseat. She smiled at them and waved when they dropped her off.”

  Nathan’s knees went weak. His brain could not process what Ford was telling him. It wasn’t possible. He refused—

  “Are you sure it was her? You might’ve been mistaken.”

  “No mistake. It was definitely her. I know this is particularly hard for you. Let’s hope Susannah comes to her senses.”

  Nathan’s stomach churned, and he hung up the cell without saying another word. Not Susannah. It was impossible.

  “Hey, boss. You okay? Are the police coming?”

  Shaking his head, he turned his gaze to the same young ranch hand. “No need. She’s been spotted in Cold Plains.”

  Clinching his fists at his side, he spun to face the kid head-on. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance before. Apparently she left of her own free will. It wasn’t your fault. But I do want to know how those bastards got on and off the ranch without anyone seeing them.”

  He suddenly thought of Melody. “We’ll need to set up a perimeter guard. At least two men should ride the fence line at all times. Armed. And everyone should stay alert for intruders. I won’t have those damned Devotees set foot on ranch property again.”

  “I’ll tell Mac, sir.” The kid disappeared back into the bunkhouse.

  Susannah had gone back—really gone, of her own free will.

  With his chin dropped to his chest and his feet dragging through the dirt, Nathan started back toward the house. No one in the family was going to believe this. He didn’t believe it. She’d left her baby.

  She’d left him.

  He wanted to scream…shout. He wanted to find her and shake some sense into her.

  Was it his fault?

  Or was it something in her background that she’d never divulged that had made the difference? A couple of times he’d known she wasn’t telling him everything. Had some dark secret kept her from trusting him?

  Was that what happened?

  The crushing sensation in his chest made him cough. And the cough caused his eyes to water. Swiping a hand across his face, he sniffed and blew out a breath of air. He wasn’t sure he could live through this a second time.

  He’d been heading toward the kitchen, but right this moment he couldn’t stand to face everyone with the bad news. Where could he go? Was there anywhere on the whole frigging place where he could hide out and lick his wounds?

  His feet turned toward Sara’s rooms without him being fully aware of the intent. Stumbling forward, his mind filled with images of Susannah—mental pictures of her standing in the sunshine and smiling at him with that special come-to-me look in her eyes…visions of her lying in bed, Melody at her breast, and inviting him to join them broke what was left of his heart.

  It had been the most spectacular few weeks of his life. He’d never fallen for anyone so fast and so hard.

  Had it all been a ruse? Had she used him?

  Considering everything they’d been through, he couldn’t find any reason for why she would’ve done such a thing. He told himself this must be yet another case of Samuel Grayson winning in the end. His hold on Devotees had to be so strong that it was nearly impossible to break free of the bonds he’d created.

  Susannah. Susannah.

  She was too sweet. She didn’t stand a chance with those Devotee sharks. Nothing had changed with them. If anything, things were much more dangerous than they had been when Laurel was there. Oh, God.

  He burst into Sara’s playroom. It was late, but Kathryn was still sitting on the sofa in a low light.

  “Did you find her?” she asked softly.

  He could barely breathe again. “She’s in Cold Plains, Kathryn. Apparently she’d rather be there instead of here.”

  “But that can’t be. What about Melody?”

  The baby. “Where’s Melody?”

  Kathryn pointed to the other side of the room, where a crib sat in the shadows. “I didn’t want to take her back to the house until we found her mother.”

  He went to the baby’s crib and found Melody asleep on her back and looking so peaceful and unaware that it choked him up again. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he gently scooped up the child and cradled her in his arms.

  “Don’t you worry, darlin’. You’re safe here with us.”

  At least Susannah had enough sense to leave her baby behind with people who would love her and care for her as if she were their own. Why did she leave?


  “I promise you, Melody. I swear on my mama’s grave you will never spend a bad day. I will treat you as though you were my own—more, if that’s possible. No family has ever shown a child as much love as you’ll get with us on the ranch.”

  Kathryn came up beside him and put a hand on his shoulder. “Put her back down now, Nathan. Don’t wake the child.”

  Tenderly, he placed the baby back in the crib and turned to Kathryn. “She’ll be all right, won’t she? What about feedings?”

  Kathryn led him back to the sofa so they could talk. “Susannah left a couple of days’ worth of mother’s milk. After that, I imagine we can find a good formula. Babies have gotten along on a lot less than this one will have. I’m more concerned about Susannah.”

  He felt the hurt and rage like a physical blow. “Don’t be. She made her choices. Let her deal with it.”

  “You don’t really mean that.”

  “The hell I don’t.” He jumped up and grabbed his hat. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to leave Melody here for tonight. We’ll work out sleeping arrangements and details tomorrow.”

  “That’s fine. She’s no trouble.”

  He headed for the door.

  “Nathan, give yourself a little time. The hurt will fade. But rethink Susannah’s predicament. You can’t really mean to leave her with those awful people.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said without turning.

  He was suffocating and needed air—lots of air. Maybe for the first time since his mother died, he would take one of the horses out for a midnight ride.

  Anything to forget…anything to ease the pain.

  * * *

  Susannah stayed in the shadows as she followed Jonathan through the streets of Cold Plains. No one was out at this hour. Most people in Cold Plains were asleep.

  So where was he going for his important errand?

  He wasn’t headed toward the Cold Plains Community Center. And he’d turned away from Main Street and the side of town where restaurants and clubs might be still open and busy.

  Was he going to a secret rendezvous? Did this jerk ask her to marry him when he already had a girlfriend on the side?