by Lana Dare
After she finished dressing, she sat at the table and nibbled on her breakfast. “Where did you learn to speak English so well?”
His brow went up at that. “Because we’re Indians, you think we wouldn’t speak English?”
Mortified, and afraid she’d insulted him, she dropped the biscuit and reached for him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. I knew a few Indians in Waco, but none of them spoke English as well as you do.”
Dropping into the seat next to her, he poured her a cup of water from the metal pitcher on the table. “Our father was Lakota, and left when we were young. Our parents were never married and he came and went as he wanted. One day he left and never came back. I think I was only one or two. Our mother was white, and she only spoke English. Hawke and Blade were older and learned his language, but after he left, no one spoke it any longer. When our mother died three years later, Hawke and Blade quit school, but made sure we all spoke English. Hawke and Blade only speak our father’s language when they’re upset.”
She remembered hearing Hawke speak in a different tongue the night before, and vowed to pay more attention. “When your mother died, who took you in?”
He smiled coldly, staring into his cup. “No one. We’re bastards and half-breeds. No one would have taken us in. Hawke was around ten, I think, and Blade was seven or eight. I think I was five.”
Shocked, Sarah gasped. “I can’t believe you were completely on your own! How did you survive?”
Phoenix’s jaw clenched. “At least we had each other. How the hell did you survive being raised in such a rough place with no one to protect you? We survived the same way you did. We did what we had to do. Somehow, the thought of you doing it makes me sick to my stomach.”
Breaking off another piece of the biscuit, Sarah chewed, eyeing Phoenix thoughtfully. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.” He leaned back in his chair and eyed her expectantly. “You can always come to me and ask me anything you want. You can ask me about sex. Anything.”
Her face burned, but she had to know about Hawke’s behavior the night before. “Last night, after Hawke… you know…” She took a sip of water to ease her dry throat, grateful when Phoenix finished her thought. “When he took your virginity?”
Her face burned at that. Nodding, she tore off another piece of biscuit, making crumbs all over the napkin in front of her. “He was so gentle and kind, even when he…and then afterward…”
Phoenix smiled faintly. “He was distant.”
Sarah nodded, trying to hide how much Hawke’s coldness had hurt. “I disappointed him, didn’t I?”
“No. Just the opposite.” Leaning forward, he took her hand in his. “You got too close.”
Sarah blinked, setting her food aside. “Too close? I don’t understand.” She’d felt close to him, too, but now wondered if that was something that Hawke didn’t want.
Phoenix smiled and leaned back again, picking up a cup of coffee that she hadn’t seen. “You have to understand that Hawke doesn’t allow himself to get close to anyone except Blade and me. He likes the others, but he keeps them at a distance. He talked to you in a way he doesn’t talk to anyone except Blade and me. Hawke seldom puts two words together around the others.” Lifting her chin, he ran his thumb over her bottom lip. “I saw the way he looked at you. He looked like he’d found heaven.”
Sarah’s stomach fluttered, the memory of the way Hawke had looked at her still making her weak in the knees.
“Then why—?”
Getting to his feet, Phoenix made his way to the window. “Hawke’s a hard man. He took his responsibility to Blade and me seriously—and at a vulnerable age. He had to become a hard ass in a hurry. He had to in order to survive—and to protect us. You really shook him. He feels something for you, and Hawke isn’t a man who takes things lightly.”
Still uncomfortable at having three husbands, Sarah looked up at him through her lashes. “And you? Do you take things lightly?”
Grinning, he turned from the window. “A lot more than my brothers do. I certainly don’t have a chip on my shoulder like Hawke does. He’s very sensitive about being a bastard and a half-breed. I like to have fun, and Hawke doesn’t know the meaning of the word.”
Folding the remaining biscuit in the napkin, Sarah allowed a small smile. “I wonder if that’s why he was so nice to me. I’m a bastard, too, and although I’m not a half-breed, I was raised in a saloon.” Getting to her feet, she frowned. “How about Blade? He watches me, but I can’t figure out what he’s thinking.”
Phoenix ran a hand through his hair before shoving a hat on it. “Blade can be as hard as Hawke, and as quiet. You definitely never want to be on his bad side. He likes to have fun, but my brother Blade has a dark side. He’s not as forward with it as Hawke. Before you realize it, he’s already got you in his trap.”
He helped her with her shawl and opened the door. “Come on. We’re burnin’ daylight. After you spend the morning with the other women, I’ll show you around the ranch and we can talk some more.”
* * * *
Sarah cut another row of soap, glancing up at Maggie, who had her small son at her breast. She’d been thinking about Phoenix’s words all morning, and had to struggle to focus on the other women’s conversation.
“Sarah? Are you there, or are you still thinking about your wedding night?”
Sarah blinked, looking up at a beaming Maggie. “I’m sorry. I seem to be a little distracted this morning.”
Savannah tied yet another bow around the soaps they’d been cutting. “Really? I never would have guessed. Please, don’t be embarrassed. When I first married Wyatt and Hayes, I couldn’t even carry on a conversation for weeks.” Grinning, she shook her head. “There are still some days that it happens. I can’t even imagine what having three would be like.”
Maggie laughed softly at her friend and turned her attention back to Sarah. “I said that the soaps in the box are the ones going to town. You, Savannah, and I will split the rest for ourselves.”
Sarah’s face burned. “No, thank you.” At Maggie’s stunned look, Sarah rushed to explain. “Please don’t be offended. For some reason, Hawke doesn’t want me to take anything, and I don’t want to do anything to upset him.”
Shaking her head, Maggie smiled. “I understand. Believe me. Until you figure them out and learn how to get around them, you have to be careful. But I started making these soaps for myself. I only take them to town for a little extra money. I like buying things for Eb and Jeremiah, and I’m certainly not going to do it with their money. Just take them home. You’ll figure out a way to get around him. Just pout.”
Sarah sighed, remembering Hawke’s distance the night before. “I can’t imagine ever getting around Hawke.”
Savannah laughed softly, and looked up from the box where she packed rows of the scented soap. “I thought that way, too. I figured it would be easy for Maggie to get around Eb and Jeremiah. She’d been doing it for years.”
Sending a look of amusement in Maggie’s direction, she reached for the soaps Sarah had just cut. “Wyatt and Hayes are both hard men. When I agreed to marry them, I knew they loved me, but I never thought they would love me the way Eb and Jeremiah love Maggie.”
Blushing, she shook her head and started packing the other soaps. “There’s nothing like having the heart of a strong man.” Grinning, she looked at each of them. “Or strong men.” She sighed again, staring at the far wall, obviously thinking of her two rugged husbands. “They’d do anything to make me happy. In turn, I’d do anything to make them happy.” Shrugging, she went back to packing the box, sharing a look with Maggie. “Of course, they’re really possessive and perhaps a little overprotective, but I know that they mean well. It’s hard to argue with a man who would do anything to keep you safe.”
Wrinkling her nose, she grinned. “Still, I manage to rile them up now and then.”
Maggie lifted the baby onto her shoulder, rubbing his back when he began to
fuss. “I used to think Eb and Jeremiah regretted bringing me here because they were so cold, but after I realized how worried they were about keeping me safe, I understood. How in the world is a woman supposed to resist a man like that?”
Sarah forced a smile. “I’m so happy for both of you, but I don’t think it’s ever going to be that way for me.” When they looked at each other wide-eyed, she rushed to reassure them. “Not that I’m complaining. I’m just so grateful that they gave me a home. Feeling safe is something I’ll never take for granted.”
“Amen.” Savannah turned back to her and smiled. “But I think you’re in for a real surprise with those men you married. I saw the way Phoenix looked when he brought you here.”
Maggie rose, placing the baby in the large padded basket in the corner of the kitchen before straightening and turning to her. “How’s Hawke?”
Sarah didn’t feel comfortable telling her new friends that Hawke had been the only one to make love to her. Shrugging, she cut into the large block of soap again. “He’s been very kind to me. When I met him on the platform, he was so nice. So protective. I found myself telling him everything. I was going to leave again, but he talked me out of it.”
Savannah frowned. “Why were you going to leave? After what you escaped from in Waco, I thought you’d be happy to come here. You said that you saw one of Eb’s posters.”
Remembering the relief she’d felt when she’d had a plan, Sarah smiled. “I did, and it seemed like the answer to my prayers. Once I got to the train station and Hawke told me about the ranch, I had second thoughts. If Willy Krenshaw comes here and causes trouble, I’ll never forgive myself. You won’t forgive me either, if one of your men gets hurt.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Maggie touched her arm. “I can’t believe you escaped the way you did. Good for you for stealing his gold. He deserved it.” With a shiver, she turned away. “I can’t imagine how scared you were. I’m just so glad you got away.”
Setting the knife aside, Sarah wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly chilled. “I appreciate that, but I’m scared. You tolerate me now because Willy hasn’t come yet. But he’ll come for that gold. He’ll hurt someone, and then you’ll hate me.” She dropped into a chair, choking back a sob. “You’ve been so nice to me. I’ve never had friends before.”
Savannah jumped to her feet. “Oh, Sarah!”
Shaking her head, Sarah got to her feet again, wandering around the kitchen to keep Savannah from hugging her. If she let her, Sarah knew she’d break down for sure. Pausing next to the baby, she couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to have one of her own. “I’ll need that gold when I leave. I know I’ll have to, and I’m dreading it.”
She feared she’d never be safe again.
Dropping into a chair, Savannah smiled and shook her head. “Running away isn’t the answer. You’d be alone, and even in more danger. Besides, I don’t think Hawke, Blade, and Phoenix are going to let you go.”
Maggie placed several more bars of soap in the box. “If Willy comes here, the men will take care of them.”
Sarah moved again, too restless to stand still. “I wish I had your confidence.”
Maggie smiled. “You would if you knew them better.” Sharing a look with Savannah, she sighed. “I still get scared every time they go out, but I know how the men all watch out for each other. It helps more than you know.”
She picked up the knife and cut the last of the soap with expert precision into perfectly even bars. “Eb and Jeremiah won this place in a poker game and knew just how they wanted things done around here. They made a home where the three of us could be together. They made a home where I would be safe. They hired the best men—men they could trust completely.” Glancing at Sarah, she smiled. “They can be hard. Cold. Deadly, if necessary. They have to be, but they all have hearts of gold. They’re very protective of us and each other.”
Savannah ran a hand over her abdomen. “Now that I’m with child, I appreciate that more than ever. It can be a dangerous place, and we all need to count on each other. I heard Wyatt and Hayes talking last night. If Willy and his friends come, the men are ready for them. They have lookouts anyway so no one can sneak up on us. They’re just staying a little sharper.”
Maggie patted Sarah’s shoulder. “It won’t be the first time the men have dealt with trouble, and I can’t imagine that it’ll be the last.” Grinning, she went to the coffee pot and poured each of them a fresh cup. “Now, let’s talk about something more interesting. You say that you and Hawke actually talked? I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say more than three or four words strung together since I came here.”
Savannah gave her a sly grin. “Hawke usually nods, shakes his head, or grunts. He doesn’t talk more than he has to. I can’t wait to see the two of you together.”
Maggie placed a cup of coffee in front of Sarah. “You haven’t said much about Blade.”
“I don’t know what to say.” She couldn’t forget the look of possessiveness in his eyes the night before, or the satisfaction in his eyes as he watched Hawke make love to her.
Her nipples tingled with sensation every time she thought about the way he’d held her hand firmly above her head, or his firm caress as he tenderly explored her.
She didn’t want to admit that she was nervous at the thought of being alone with him, or that it gave her a secret thrill to know that it would happen.
Her face burned under her new friends’ expectant looks. “Blade hasn’t really talked much. He’s been very kind.”
Savannah nodded. “They’re all very kind—with each other, and with women.” She raised a brow, running a hand over her abdomen. “As Willy and his gang will find out, they’re not so kind when it comes to men who show up to make trouble.”
Maggie wrapped up the remaining bars into three bundles, handing one to Savannah and one to Sarah before setting the other aside. “And they’re nothing short of deadly when it comes to protecting their women—and you’re one of the ranch women now, so you’re under the protection of all the men here.”
When Sarah started to speak, Maggie frowned and shook her head. “And if Hawke says something about you accepting the soaps, tell them they’re payment for helping to make them. If that doesn’t work, get Blade or Phoenix on your side and get around him that way.”
Sarah eyed the burlap bundle, nervous about Hawke’s reaction, but she didn’t want Maggie and Savannah to think he was being mean. “He bought me so many nice things, so it’s not like he doesn’t want me to have them—”
“He’s very proud.” Savannah sipped her coffee, making a face. “I used to love this stuff.” Setting it aside, she took Sarah’s hand in hers. “Hawke and Blade are both very proud. Phoenix is a little more easy going because Hawke and Blade kinda raised him. Hawke’s real sensitive about taking handouts and won’t accept charity from anyone. If not for his brothers, he’d be a real loner.”
The image of Hawke’s eyes, warm and then distant, went through her mind. Lifting her gaze, Sarah forced a smile. “I’m grateful for whatever closeness he allows. He’s a good man.”
Maggie nodded. “They all are—but that doesn’t mean they won’t be firm enough to do whatever’s necessary to protect what’s theirs. I know things happened fast for all of you, but make no mistake, Sarah, Hawke, Blade, and Phoenix consider you theirs. They can be hard and cold about getting their way, but don’t mistake that coldness for distance.”
Sharing a look with Savannah, Maggie laughed softly. “Distance is the last thing these men want when it comes to their women.”
Chapter Nine
Sitting on the bench across from her in the crowded chow shack, Phoenix watched Sarah eat her dinner with gusto.
Her hands waved through the air as she talked excitedly about her morning to Hawke and Blade, who sat on either side of her. “Maggie and Savannah were so nice to me. You should see how many boxes of soap we made. The baby’s so beautiful. Maggie wants to show me how to quilt.
They’re both so friendly. The morning just flew by.”
Hawke’s lips twitched. “Heard you got a late start.”
She stilled, lowering her gaze. “Yes. I’m sorry.” Sarah looked away, her face burning when she glanced at Phoenix.
Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, Hawke touched his lips to her hair in a show of affection so unlike his brother that if Phoenix hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed it. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” Bending low, he touched his lips to her ear, his voice barely carrying to Phoenix. “It does a man good to know he can wear his woman out, and you were probably worn out anyway.”
Blade grinned and bent to kiss her shoulder, keeping his voice low. “It was hard as hell to concentrate on work, though. We kept looking back at the house and thinking about you lying naked in bed.”
Her blush made his cock stir, and when she glanced at him, she turned a fiery red.
Delighted with her, he watched her closely, noticing with no small amount of pleasure how often she looked in his direction.
The woman sitting before him had changed so much in the short time they’d known her, glowing with happiness at the small amount of attention and affection they’d shown her.
She’d become more animated, and eyed the other men with curiosity instead of the fear that had been in her eyes the night before. Her eyes danced with amusement, and although she seemed hesitant at times, and she tended to lean toward Hawke whenever she felt uneasy, she’d come a long way in such a short amount of time.
Phoenix smiled to himself, imagining what she’d been like when they grew closer.
After taking a sip of her milk, she wiped her mouth and smiled at each of them, her eyes sparkling. “It was such a lovely morning. It’s so nice to have friends.”
Gesturing for her to eat her stew, Hawke scooped up a spoonful of his own. “No friends in Waco?” He kept turning to look at her as if finding it hard to look away.
