Lasso That Cowboy

by Lynde Lakes

  “You’re right about that,” he said as grabbed her hand in a steely grip and jabbed the blade under the same fingernail as before. White hot pain shot through her. She couldn’t hold back her scream.

  ****

  As Amber’s scream echoed through the tunnel, the agony behind it stabbed into Luke’s heart like a thousand knives. Hot crimson anger tore through him, the like of which he’d never experienced, overwhelming and consuming in its power. He ran like the wind, no longer worried about stealth. He would kill the bastard who had hurt her. Please, don’t let her be dead.

  Matt, the sheriff, and his men followed on Luke’s heels, guns at ready.

  Ahead, a man’s voice shouted, “Get up, slut.”

  Relief that Amber was still alive came first. Then, rage twisted in Luke. He would tear the guy limb from limb.

  The tunnel curved—and there they were—Amber on the ground, surrounded by a very tall woman and three armed men. She rubbed her head, then grabbed onto the cave wall and tried to stand. When her knees buckled, the woman put her hands under Amber’s armpits and hauled her to her feet.

  Blood flowed from Amber’s hand. “Now I won’t tell you a damned thing!” she shouted, as tears ran down her cheeks. Her voice wavered as though she was scared to death, but her chin shot up.

  Too gutsy for her own good. Luke’s heart pounded. The glint of the razor blade reflected on the wall. As the man lunged toward Amber’s face, Luke leaped and took him down.

  “Luke!” Amber’s voice rang with surprise.

  The man rolled and maneuvered Luke under him. The bastard was as strong as a bull, and it was taking all of Luke’s strength to hold off the blade from inching to his throat.

  The tall gal shouted, “Freeze!” then stooped and poked the muzzle of a gun to Luke’s head. He ignored her—he was too busy keeping the knife from cutting his jugular.

  Amber jumped the woman and struggled to get her gun.

  Shots rang out.

  “Amber!” Luke fought his panic.

  “She’s okay,” Matt said as he bent and jabbed a gun to the knife-wielder’s head. The guy stopped fighting and dropped the razor blade. Matt hauled him off Luke and cuffed him.

  The sheriff’s men had already disarmed and cuffed the woman and the other kidnappers. Luke realized then that the shots had been the sheriff’s. He’d winged the guy they called Garcia.

  Luke sprang to his feet and raced to Amber. He put his arms around her, then pulled back, not knowing how badly she might be hurt. He grabbed her wrist, examined her hand—there was so much blood.

  “It looks worse than it is. Just razor cuts under my fingernail.”

  He winced. “Where’s Alicia?”

  Amber struggled to pull away. “Safe. But we have to get to her quickly.”

  The urgency in Amber’s voice sent his heartbeat into double time and he wanted to race to his daughter, but he forced himself to hold Amber fast until he stemmed the flow of blood and wrapped her hand with his handkerchief. “Are you sure you can make it?”

  She darted him a quelling look. “This way.” Amber grabbed a flashlight from the cave floor. “Follow me.”

  Luke grabbed another flashlight.

  They raced through the darkness toward the dead end, beaming big circles of light ahead of them. Amber was breathing hard. Suddenly, she stopped and grabbed onto the wall as though she might collapse.

  “You okay?” Concern gripped Luke in a stranglehold, making his voice husky.

  She nodded, but looked pale, drained. How much blood had she lost?

  He swept Amber from her feet. Mingled with her own scent, even cave musk and dust smelled terrific. She took a couple of deep breaths and her breasts rose and fell against his chest. He frowned. His untimely surge of desire disgusted him.

  “Put me down, Luke. This isn’t necessary.” She wasn’t heavy, but even her light weight made his leg throb. He felt a coolness at his bullet wound. Damn. He was bleeding again.

  He carried her to a point where the tunnel widened.

  “This is it,” she said. Then, in an insistent tone, she demanded, “Put me down.” He stood her on her feet. She called out, using the nickname Rosebud, and flashed her light on the wall.

  Silence hung in the dank air.

  Amber’s eyes were wide, frightened. Her voice rose in panic. “Rosebud, answer me.”

  Luke’s neck prickled. He trained a beam of light on the wall. “Rosebud, this is Daddy. Speak to me, honey.”

  “Is that really you, Daddy?” a trembly little voice asked.

  Luke’s throat constricted and he flashed the light on his face. “It’s really me, see.”

  Overhead, a flashlight flicked on, and beamed downward. “Get me down. I wanta go home.”

  Luke sent his ray of light toward the sound of the demanding little voice, eager to see his baby—to be sure she was really all right. He laughed with joy. With her dirty, tear-streaked face, and endearing pout, she’d never looked more beautiful.

  Luke scratched his head and studied the wall. “How the hell did you get her up there?”

  “One toehold at a time,” Amber said as though it were nothing. He knew better. It had taken tremendous determination and love.

  “Well, I think we’ll try a quicker way to get her down.” He looked up. “Alicia, baby, sit on the edge and scoot off. I’ll catch you.”

  Without the least hesitation, Alicia jumped and launched herself into his arms. Her weight hit him like a sack of feed, but he didn’t drop her or lose his balance. He closed his arms tightly around her, and she clung to his neck as if she would never let go—and that would suit him just fine.

  “I was so scared, Daddy. I didn’t think you’d find us. Amber tol’ me I shouldn’t call out if she wasn’t alone. But you didn’t mean my daddy, did you Amber?”

  “No,” Amber said with a choked voice. “You did everything just right.”

  Luke’s heart swelled like a flooding creek. “I’m proud of you, Rosebud.” He noticed, then, that Alicia was holding tightly to Amber’s gold bracelet. Bless Amber. She had left it with his baby for comfort. How like her.

  “And you’re proud of Amber, too, right, Daddy?”

  Amber stood close by. He drew her into the fold. Alicia was safe because Amber loved her as if she were her own, and was willing to trade her life for his daughter’s. But his throat was so tight all he could say was, “Yeah.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Amber winced at Luke’s tight tone. He’d answered like a man who couldn’t wait to get rid of her. She darted a look up into his face. He didn’t meet her gaze. He was staring down at Alicia. Like magic, his expression changed and his lips turned up in a smile as bright as the Texas sun. His happiness at getting his daughter back was as satisfying as Amber had hoped. So why did she feel so empty? As much as it hurt, she had to accept that he would never forgive her for failing to protect Alicia from kidnappers. Never. When he withdrew his hand from around her shoulder, a nearly devastating wave of loss consumed her.

  They headed back through the tunnel toward the rest of the rescue group. Luke was limping. To lead the search for his daughter, he had discarded his crutches too soon. Now he was paying for it. Amber wanted to touch him, soothe him, but that would only slow them down. The sooner they got out of the cave the better.

  Luke glanced down. “How’s the hand?”

  It throbbed something fierce. “Some antibiotics and a tetanus shot and I’ll be like new,” she quipped.

  He shook his head. “You’re a tough cookie. I have a first aid kit in the chopper. We’ll clean the wound, and get you to a doc.”

  If only the warm concern in his voice meant more.

  Luke pulled a couple of squashed peanut butter power bars from his pocket and handed them to Alicia and Amber. “This should hold you ladies until we can get some real chow.”

  Alicia tore at the wrapper like a starving chipmunk. After a bite, she made a little mmm sound of contentment as though the nut
bar were a gourmet meal. Amber wasn’t hungry. She stuck the extra bar in her pocket in case Alicia wanted it later.

  Fighting a second wave of dizziness, Amber rubbed her head and staggered against Luke. With his free hand, he steadied her. “You need to stop a minute?”

  “No, I’m fine, really.” Was she? When Carrillo slammed her into the wall she’d hit her head and shoulder hard. Was it the lingering pain, or loss of blood that made her head spin?

  Alicia was chattering a mile a minute. In spite of Amber’s throbbing pain and dizziness, she smiled. Her little Rosebud was back to her talkative self.

  “How’d you know I was here, Daddy?” Alicia clung to Luke’s neck as though afraid he’d disappear.

  Amber longed to do a little clinging herself. Couldn’t he tell how much she loved him? She wished things were different, that she hadn’t lost his trust.

  Luke kissed Alicia’s dirt-streaked cheek. “I didn’t know you were here for sure until I saw—” He cleared his throat. “Your little boot print.”

  Amber blinked back an unexpected rush of tears. She wouldn’t let them see her cry. She gave Luke’s arm a supportive squeeze. He glanced down at her. His face looked tense, pained. She lowered her eyes. It was then she saw the splotch of blood. “My God, Luke. You’re bleeding.” Blood soaked the upper pant leg of his Levi’s. No wonder he was limping as though every step was torture.

  “It’s nothing. Damned bullet wound tore open during my fight with Carrillo. No biggie.”

  Amber stopped him with her touch and reached out. “Give me Alicia. I’ll carry her.”

  Luke shook his head. “I can handle my own daughter.”

  ****

  Luke met Amber’s gaze and was rocked to his soul by the wounded look that darkened her eyes. Why had he snapped at her? The worst was over, yet he felt like he might explode. He took a deep breath to calm himself and started walking again. In spite of the throbbing pain in his leg, Luke limped along faster.

  Amber matched his pace, amazing him. He considered slowing down to make it easier on her, but they were both bleeding and needed first aid ASAP. He should say something to smooth things over. “I meant to say—you’ve got your own problems.” Dammit. That didn’t come out right either. He’d better shut up before he put both feet in his mouth.

  What was wrong with him, anyway? Against all odds, they had made it. The love of his life and his daughter were alive, miraculously spared. Amber proved she was tough, smart, and incredibly brave. He had so much to say to her, but he couldn’t seem to get it out. Although rocked with gratitude, he was raw, needy and unable to say what was in his heart.

  ****

  When they trudged out of the cave, tired, dirty, and looking like war-torn soldiers, Amber sighed in relief. The sky was black with only a scattering of stars. Compared to the inky blackness of the cave, with flashlights and lanterns, the brightness and rejuvenating fresh air was like walking from a tomb into the land of the living.

  The sheriff and his men herded the handcuffed Carrillo and his gang into the sheriff’s helicopter, and Luke helped Amber into the Ryan chopper. His touch was warm and the regret it stirred bittersweet. Her heart thundered against her ribs. She hadn’t even left yet, and here she was missing him already.

  “May I sit with Amber, Daddy?”

  Amber’s breath caught. Surely he wouldn’t deny his daughter this small request after all she’d been through.

  In answer, he swung Alicia into the chopper and she climbed into Amber’s lap. “I love you, Amber,” she said, looking up at her with wide blue eyes and a strangely shy pixie grin.

  “Goes double for me, Rosebud.” A twinge of sadness slid through Amber and she drew Alicia close, trying to store up her warm softness for when they had to part. But she knew she’d never get enough of her Rosebud. It was a miracle the child was unharmed.

  Luke got the first aid kit. “Let’s see that hand, Amber,” he said in a low drawl.

  She eased the handkerchief away and looked down at her trembling, throbbing fingers. He gently wiped away the blood. When he applied antibiotic ointment to her cuts, it brought him so close she could feel his body heat. His nearness gave her something to think about besides pain. “Thanks,” she said softly.

  Their gazes locked. “That should make you more comfortable,” he said in a husky voice.

  Alicia watched the first aid procedure with big eyes. “Daddy’s a good fixer.”

  Amber forced a smile for Alicia’s sake. Could he fix the mistakes destined to keep them apart?

  After Matt herded everyone into the helicopters, he said, “I’m flying the three of you straight to Villa Rosa Emergency.” He gave Luke a hard look. “No argument from any of you. Got that?”

  Amber sighed, relieved that Matt had taken charge. It was good to sit back and let someone uninjured take over. Luke must have agreed. He put his head back against the seat and closed his eyes. His skin was ashen, and she longed to smooth his brow. Even in pain, he looked ruggedly handsome. He would always be handsome to her—scars, clipped ear, and all. He moaned and shifted his leg. He had tied a fresh bandage over his wound. But it might still be bleeding. Bless Matt for taking them to emergency. The doctor would stop the bleeding and treat Luke’s wound. And Alicia could be checked for dehydration and exposure. For herself, the last thing Amber wanted was to sit in a waiting room for God knows how long. What she really wanted was to lie down and rest her bruised and battered body.

  Alicia patted Amber’s cheek. “The doctor will make you all better.” The child wriggled in Amber’s arms and gestured with the gold bracelet. “I held tight to this like you said, and I wasn’t scared…much. Now you take it an’ you won’t be scared.”

  Amber gripped the gold loop and forced a smile. “Thanks, pal.” She was less afraid of her treatment than of what would happen after she left the hospital.

  Later, after X-rays, she was even more grateful to Matt for taking them to the ER. The persistent ache in her shoulder had been caused by a hairline fracture. She felt better after the doctor gave her a pain pill and put her arm in a sling. He gave her a tetanus shot, and a prescription for more antibiotics and pain pills, then told her to take it easy. Taking it easy didn’t fit in with her plans, but what choice did she have?

  Feeling a little spacey from the codeine, she headed for the room where everyone was waiting. Luke sat next to Matt on a green leather couch with his leg sprawled out, and a hand resting on a cane. Amber stopped dead in her tracks when she heard what he was saying.

  “Alicia’s kidnapping made me rethink things,” he told Matt. “Just wanted you to know, I’m not hitting the rodeo circuit. I’m staying right here on the ranch.”

  Amber’s heart sank as Luke’s words confirmed her fears—he wouldn’t need her anymore. She understood his change of mind. He would never again completely trust anyone with his daughter’s care. Her stomach knotted. She had ruined his plans to follow his dream. And ruined her own dream, as well.

  On the flight back, Matt insisted that everyone stay at his house. “All you have to do is rest and heal,” he said.

  It was past midnight by the time they returned to the ranch. In spite of feeling doped up from pain pills, Amber didn’t want to go to bed. Too much needed to be said. And it seemed important that it be said tonight. She touched Luke’s arm. “Could we have a cup of tea and talk for a few minutes? Alone?” She had a driving need to get some things out in the open.

  Luke shook his head. “The doc gave strict orders—you’re to go straight to bed.”

  She wanted to protest, but her tongue felt swollen, unruly.

  In spite of his cane, Luke took her good arm, ready to escort her upstairs. “As long as you’re dizzy and taking pain pills,” he said in a husky drawl, “I don’t want you to navigate the stairs alone.”

  Matt exhaled heavily, and gently moved Luke aside. “I think I’d better escort the lady to her room,” he said, taking her arm. “A man on a cane has no business on stairs.”


  Amber rooted herself to the spot. “I don’t want to go upstairs, yet. Please, Luke, we need to talk.”

  Matt hesitated, giving Luke a chance to respond.

  Luke looked at her with tired, pained eyes. “It’s late. Too late for talking.”

  Guilt washed over her. He was exhausted, and she was pushing for more than he could give tonight. Or ever? Did his words and resolute tone express more than the late hour? Was it his way of saying it was too late for them?

  ****

  Early the next morning, Amber paced the floor, fighting tormenting thoughts and the feeling the walls were closing in on her. She didn’t want to go downstairs. She’d hoped to stall until everyone was finished eating. Activities started early on the ranch, so she shouldn’t have to wait long.

  She jumped at the tapping on her door. “Yes?” she asked.

  “Amber, it’s Matt. I’ve come to help you downstairs.”

  “Good grief, I’m not an invalid.” She was tempted to shout, go away. But she knew Luke was behind this. Would Matt notice the packed bags? She laughed nervously as she thrust open the door. “Really, Matt. I’m fine, and I don’t need help down the stairs.”

  Matt chuckled. “Let’s humor Luke one more time, okay?”

  “Why not?” Now wasn’t the time to make an issue of her independence. She took Matt’s arm and let him lead the way. As they entered the dining room, the Ryan family was at the breakfast table, talking and laughing. Luke stood, and like a dyed-in-the-wool hospitable Texas gentleman, he limped over and pulled a chair out for her.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked with concern in his eyes.

  “Ready to take on the day,” she said in the strongest voice she could muster.

  Matt laughed. “This lady’s got grit.”

  Virginia poured tea for Amber. “I’ll second that. Alicia told us everything. We’re so grateful. If you need anything, dear, we’re all here to help.”