by Megan Besing
He needed to refocus on his assignment, take her statement, add whatever she said to Jack’s list of crimes, and…
Swallowing hard, he shook his head and, just for now, blocked out everything but the fact that Mariah was in his arms. She was safe. On some level, she cared for him. He could hold on to that, even if it was all he ever truly had of her. Eventually, she stopped shaking. He swept her into his arms again. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he set her on his knee then captured her gaze. “Will you tell me what happened?”
It would have been tempting for her to gloss over any uncomfortable and personal aspects of the attack. Yet Wyatt believed her account to be complete, which meant the attack hadn’t progressed as far as he’d first feared. That was a relief. After she finished, her hand traced the planes of his shoulder then rested at his nape. “Say something.”
“I’m sorry.”
Her brow furrowed in confusion. “You’re sorry?”
He lowered his gaze to the plank floor. “I promised to protect you. I should have been here.”
“Stop blaming yourself. I could just as easily say I shouldn’t have been so friendly with him. It’s only—well, somehow, I got complacent. I should have known better than to trust an outlaw.” That familiar, jaded expression crossed her face, then her eyes widened and she winced. “I didn’t mean…”
He smiled. “You didn’t offend me. You’re right. No one in the gang is trustworthy.”
“Except you.”
“Except me,” he echoed softly. If only that was true. He shook his head. “You are definitely wrong about one thing, though.”
“What’s that?”
“In no way, shape, or form is what happened your fault. Once you realized what he was after, you told him to stop. He didn’t. That’s on him. I’m betting he’s regretting it about now. If not, I’ll—”
“Wyatt.” Mariah’s hand covered the fist he hadn’t even realized he’d made. “Leave it to General Lorde. He seemed to have it in hand.”
Not to mention her brothers. He pulled in a deep breath. “Mariah, there’s something we need to discuss.”
Wariness filled her eyes. “Is something wrong?”
A fist pounded on their front door, making her jump. Her eyes widened as Colin’s voice called through the wood. “Coulter, we’re done waiting! We demand to see our sister!”
Mariah’s mouth dropped open. Standing, she stared at the front door then turned to face Wyatt as betrayal swept through her. Her voice came out in a rushed whisper. “You brought my brothers here? Are you out of your mind? Do you have any idea who they are?”
A hint of amusement glinted in his eyes. “Oh, they introduced themselves.”
“Of course they did,” she said with a frustrated sigh.
“Mariah?” Dave called. “Are you coming out here or are we coming in there?”
“I’ll come out. Give me a few minutes, though. I’ll meet you at General Lorde’s house.”
Colin sounded decidedly cross. “Fine, but hurry up.”
Wyatt lifted a brow as their footsteps faded away, then reached out a hand to her. “So you’re a member of the Wescott gang.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” She took his hand and he tugged her onto his knee again. “Leastwise, not by choice. My mother married their father when I was twelve. She didn’t know he was an outlaw until after they said ‘I do.’ ”
He smiled. “That sounds familiar.”
“Colin was fourteen. Dave was twelve. They desperately wanted a ma, since theirs had been dead for ten years. The Wescott men treated us like we were queens, angels, and saints all wrapped up into one. Everything was wonderful except for the fact that the Wescotts were wild, violent, and greedy with everyone else and we were hardly ever allowed to leave the ranch. Ma got sick and died three years ago. Their pa soon followed. That’s when the boys took over the gang.”
“And you?” He released her hand and let his slide along her arm comfortingly, distractingly. He still hadn’t kissed her hello. They’d had more urgent things to deal with. That didn’t stop her gaze from straying to his lips as he asked, “What did you do for the gang?”
She sighed. “I didn’t do anything for the gang. I kept house same as I do here until I was able to get away.”
He frowned then lifted her hand to kiss her palm. “Why couldn’t you leave freely?”
“They wouldn’t let me. They said it wasn’t safe. According to them, there are too many outlaws and lawmen waiting to take advantage of me or settle the score. Besides, I had to wait until the timing was right, until I had someplace to go. Some way to start over without anyone knowing about my past or my brothers.”
He tilted his head. “So you were protecting them?”
“No,” she said firmly, in case he had any illusions as to where she stood when it came to the law. Sadly, that wasn’t on the same side as him. Heaviness settled over her heart and blurred her eyes with tears. “They’ve done awful things—especially Colin. I know one day they’ll have to pay for all of it. Maybe even with their lives. I can’t protect them from that.”
He rubbed a circle on her back. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“They’re hardly the type of in-laws a prospective husband hopes for. Besides, I wanted to leave all that behind. You can understand that, can’t you?”
“I understand.” He was quiet for a moment, no doubt sorting through all these new revelations. “What about you and your brothers? Did they continue to treat you well after your parents died? Are y’all close?”
“They treated me as they always did. We get along well, but I’m not sure I’d say we’re close. They have a lot of secrets—most of which I’d rather not know.”
He nodded. “Anything else I should be aware of before we face them?”
“Two things. First, you’d better let me handle them. Second…” She pressed a kiss as soft and fleeting as a butterfly upon his lips. “I missed you horribly, almost-husband.”
A softness she’d never seen before entered his eyes. “I missed you too.”
His lingering kiss proved it before he stood and set her on her feet. “I memorized a few psalms while I was gone.”
Memorizing scripture while rustling cattle? That had to be a first. She reached for her gun—not that she intended to use it, but she’d rather have it on her than off especially after what had happened with Jack. “That’s wonderful. Which one is your favorite?”
“ ‘Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.’ ” His serious gaze met hers. “I’ve been making my bed in hell for a long time, Mariah. The fact that I’m still alive on this dangerous path I’ve taken makes me think God’s been protecting me all this time, even though I’ve strayed from Him, even though I didn’t always believe it or see it. He was my—what does Isaiah say? My ‘rear guard.’ ”
“I’m glad, Wyatt. I’d…I’d like to believe that’s true for me too.”
Concern filled his gaze. “You don’t?”
She shrugged. “So much of my life was chosen for me. Then when I did have a choice, I ended up in almost exactly the same place—only worse in some ways. At least no one in the Wescott gang ever tried to attack me. I can’t help but think maybe God wasn’t with me when I made that choice.”
“He was.”
She gave a watery little laugh. “How do you know that?”
“Because he led you to me.” Her heart melted as he took her arms and gently pulled her closer. “Sweetheart, I won’t let you go back to that life. I’m going to get us both out of here. Trust me. Trust that the God you’ve been leading me back to has a plan to rescue you even if you can’t see it and are afraid to believe it. He does. I promise you He does.”
His words filled her heart with a hope she hadn’t felt since she’d arrived in Hidden Springs. The faith he exuded wrapped her in warmth and made her want to soak in it like a flower wou
ld the sun. Something true and genuine shone in his eyes, making her search them deeper. Her words came out in a breathless whisper. “Who are you?”
Just like that, Wyatt’s eyes shuttered then closed. He pulled in a deep breath and met her gaze, guarded once again. “Someone who wants a new start.”
There was more to it than that. She could feel it in her bones. Sliding her arms around his waist, she hugged him tight then tilted her head back to meet his gaze as more questions formed on her lips. He claimed her mouth with a possessive kiss that took her breath away. Distracting her. Always distracting her. Why was that?
He deepened the kiss and, as usual, she let her questions fade away…. At least, for now.
Chapter 6
He was slipping.
Never before had Wyatt had such a hard time staying in character. Then again, he wasn’t altogether sure where the characters stopped and Luke Bellamy began. He always maintained his true personality. It was his history and his name that changed from time to time. And, his values.
What if lack of skill wasn’t the reason Mariah was starting to see through the veneer of Wyatt Coulter? What if, in truth, he wanted her to know—to care about Luke Bellamy?
He hoped not, because that would be the easiest way to get himself killed. And where would that leave Mariah? Trapped in the life she so badly wanted to be free from. He needed everyone to believe he was exactly who he said he was—especially now that her brothers were here.
Apparently, they hadn’t been appraised of Mariah’s plan to take point on this discussion. Other than the initial “What were you thinking?” and “How could you leave us?” questions, they’d aimed their ire at him. He couldn’t blame them. He felt sick to his stomach now that the shock of Jack’s attack on Mariah had waned and they were all faced with the reality of what could have happened.
Perhaps they were right. Perhaps Wyatt ought to be shot for failing to protect Mariah. Colin lifted a gun that seemingly materialized out of nowhere. Mariah jumped in front of Wyatt yelling, “No!”
“Mariah!” Wyatt grabbed her by the waist and spun around to shield her.
“I love him!”
So intent was he in bracing for the bullets that it took a moment for her words to register. When they did, he froze. Their eyes met. Hers widened as though just realizing what she’d revealed. He pulled her into the General’s study and closed the door on the fracas in the living room, letting the rest of the gang sort out exactly how Colin had smuggled in a gun, how to restrain him, and what was to be done about the infraction.
Winded for reasons he couldn’t define, Wyatt stared down at her in bewilderment. “You love me? Or did you only say that to stop your brothers from killing me?”
He’d given her an out. They both knew it. Part of him hoped she’d take it. This would all be so much simpler if she did. Instead, her voice turned soft and vulnerable. “I…I love you.”
He didn’t believe it. He couldn’t. How could she love him? She didn’t even know his— Her hand settled on his arms, stilling his racing thoughts. A sad little smile touched her lips as she shifted closer. Her whispered words answered his thoughts all too perfectly. “No matter what your name is.”
“Luke,” he said quietly. “My name is Luke.”
He might as well have said, “I love you too.” That’s what it meant, didn’t it? Trusting her that much. Being willing to lay down his life for her, not because she was a potential witness or an informant under his protection, but because she was Mariah. The woman he loved. The one he wanted with him when the rest of the world faded away. She seemed to understand, for her eyes lit from within and her smile spread into something new and glorious.
He thought for sure she’d say his name then, but she didn’t. Instead, her lips pressed together and she gave him a single nod. All but saying, “Whatever your secret is, I’ll keep it.” But she couldn’t understand what that meant. Not really. Otherwise, she’d know that one day soon, he’d be responsible for the incarceration of everyone in the next room and, most likely, the hanging of at least one of the men she called brother. Could she love him even then? Trust him after that day?
A knock sounded on the door and Dodger’s voice filtered through the wood. “Come on out. We’ve got him tied up.”
Wyatt exited first, to find Colin already working to untie himself from his chair. Dave leaned against a nearby wall shaking his head at his older brother. Colin sent Dave an irritated look. “Aren’t you going to help me?”
Dave rolled his eyes. “And get tied up myself? No, thank you. Mariah, why’d you have to go and fall for an outlaw after all we’ve done to keep them at bay? What would your mama say?”
“My mama would hardly be one to talk. Bless her outlaw-loving soul. Besides, I tried not to marry an outlaw and this is where I ended up. Maybe it’s fate.”
“I don’t care who you married,” Colin growled. “I care that you’re not going back with us. Who’s going to look after us while you’re living out here?”
Dave shrugged. “I guess we could always order our own brides.”
Mariah’s eyes widened in horror. “Dave Wescott, don’t you dare.”
Colin got one hand free then started on the other. “Wyatt, you could go back to Texas with us. Join the Wescott gang. After all, you’re practically family now.”
Pinkerton would love that. Unfortunately for Wyatt’s boss, Mariah was having none of it. Her hands went to her hips. “Wyatt Coulter, if you join the Wescott gang, it will be without me.”
Wyatt shrugged, not letting one bit of his relief show. “Well now, that wouldn’t do at all, Mariah.”
“I thought not,” she said with an adorable little smirk.
Dave sighed. “This has been a fine waste of time.”
“It doesn’t have to be.” Colin freed himself from the restraints completely. “While we were in Laramie, I did a little digging. There’s a payroll due there in five days. It’ll be guarded, so it’s too big a job for me and Dave to handle alone. But if we team up with you guys…Well, let’s just say it’ll be worth it for all of us. What do you say, Renegades? Who’s up for a little fun?”
General Lorde glanced at his men to gauge their interest. Dodger nodded. Blade shook his head no. It was majority rule, so everyone looked to Wyatt, including Mariah. This could be the chance he had been looking for to get all of the Renegades out of the valley and capture the Wescott brothers to boot. He had no hesitations whatsoever in nodding his agreement. “I’m in.”
General Lorde confirmed, “We’re all in.”
He’s in? He’s in? After everything Wyatt had told her, he was going to ride out there with her brothers and get himself killed? For what? More money? The thrill of danger? Had anything she’d said to him made any difference at all? Or had he simply told her what she wanted to hear to keep her from leaving with her brothers? As if she’d ever do that.
With a frustrated sigh and tears smarting her eyes, she hopped onto the last boulder large enough to sit on. Dave, who’d been left behind to guard her while Wyatt, Colin, and General Lorde scouted out the job, was right on her heels. He settled next to her on the smooth boulder and they let their feet dangle in the cool water below. “Do you really love Wyatt, Mariah?”
“Yes.” Although, not for the first time, she was starting to wish she didn’t.
He shook his head in disbelief and seemed to remark more to himself than to her, “No hesitation, even knowing he’s a killer.”
A chill washed over her, stealing her breath. Wyatt’s warning not to ask about his past drifted through her mind, but she couldn’t deny the dread that made her eyes search Dave’s. Her voice came out softly, haltingly. “A killer? What do you mean, Dave? What has he done?”
“He killed a man during a train robbery back in Texas. That’s why he’s on the run.” He frowned. “Didn’t you know that?”
“I…didn’t know the details.”
“Well, he did. I remembered it as soon as I heard his name. It
was in the newspapers at the time. Mariah, you know as well as I do it doesn’t matter if a man kills one person or seven. After the first one, it’s all over. You’re marked for the hangman’s noose. The rest of your life will be spent in hidey-holes or on the run. I thought you wanted more for yourself. Isn’t that why you left us?”
“It’s exactly why.”
“Well, you won’t get it with Wyatt Coulter.” His gaze snagged on something behind her and muttered, “Speak of the devil.”
She turned to see Wyatt walking along the bank of the creek toward them. Dave waved then backtracked over the boulders to meet with him. The two spoke for a few seconds before Dave left her with Wyatt. She stood and wrapped her arms around her waist but kept her back toward him as her ears tracked his every step toward her. She stiffened when his hands settled on her arms from behind. His sigh tickled her ear. “You’re still angry with me for agreeing to this job?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t be.” He kissed the nape of her neck, which only made her angrier.
She spun to face him and lost her balance. Tumbling backward, she grabbed his shirt to steady herself but only succeeded in pulling him into the cold lake with her. She freed herself from their tangled limbs and shot to the surface, gasping in a breath of air. He popped up beside her with a drowned chuckle. “That wasn’t nice, Mariah.”
“You can’t kiss me and expect all of our problems to go away.”
He stilled for a moment then began treading water again. “We have problems?”
“Is it true?” she asked through chattering teeth. “Did you kill a man down in Texas? Is that why you’re on the run?”
Wyatt’s gaze turned stormy. “I thought you weren’t going to ask about my past.”
“I didn’t have to ask. Someone told me. And that isn’t the denial I was hoping for.”
