To Love a Stranger

by Connie Mason

  Pierce went still, his eyes never leaving Zoey’s face as she shaved him. Zoey was right, he thought grudgingly, she was very good at this. She finished and stepped back to inspect her handiwork.

  “You’ll do.”

  “All this for a wedding neither of us wants?” he asked with a hint of mockery.

  She gave him a mischievous grin. “A girl doesn’t get married every day.”

  “Neither does a man. My first marriage was attended by the entire town of Dry Gulch.”

  Zoey went still. “You’ve been married before?” A terrible thought suddenly occurred to her. “You’re not married now, are you?”

  “No. After the first time, I swore I’d never marry again.”

  “Pierce, I’m truly sorry to force you like this. But it’s either that or … well, you know the alternative. I wish it didn’t have to be like this.”

  “No more than I do,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “Like most women, all that matters are your own selfish needs. You don’t give a tinker’s damn that I’m tied to this bed, unable to travel more than ten feet on my own. Blackmail isn’t a pretty word, Zoey.”

  Zoey’s chin rose stubbornly. She was doing the right thing, she knew she was. At least for her. “Hate me all you like, Pierce, I don’t blame you. But I do need you. I swear I’ll never bother you again once this mess is cleared up. Besides, where would you go if you left? Obviously you can’t return to Dry Gulch. You’ve nothing to lose by remaining here for a time.”

  “Nothing except my freedom,” Pierce said harshly. “You’ve got it all worked out, haven’t you? Beware, lady.” His voice was low and strident. “You might get more than you bargained for.”

  Zoey blanched, struggling to keep her voice even. “I’ll bring up a basin of water and the clean clothes you requested. I assume you’re strong enough to wash and dress yourself. Don’t dawdle, Cully should return with the preacher soon.”

  When Zoey, Cully, and the preacher walked into the room two hours later, Pierce was dressed in Robert Fuller’s cast-off clothing and sitting up in bed. He smiled ruefully, thinking that at least Zoey had obeyed him in one thing. She wore a lovely blue dress fashioned of silk and lace that matched the bright blue of her eyes.

  “This is somewhat irregular,” Reverend Tolly said when he was introduced to the bridegroom. “I understand you’ve suffered an injury.” He pursed his lips. “Young people, always in such a hurry. Can’t seem to wait. Very well, take your places.”

  Pierce stared at the tall, gaunt reverend, convinced at last that this wasn’t a bad dream. He never thought he’d find himself in this position again. He’d sworn he wouldn’t. Time and luck had run out Zoey took his arm and helped him to his feet. Cully stood as witness.

  When it came time to say “I do,” Pierce balked. Until Cully poked a gun in his ribs and whispered into his ear, “Make up your mind fast, Delaney. Miz Zoey needs you, and I aim to see that she gets what she wants. You ain’t gonna like the consequences.”

  It was done. Pierce and Zoey were husband and wife. Zoey saw Reverend Tolly to the door, and Pierce collapsed on the bed. He had a wife but could expect no wedding night. He gave a shout of laughter, more bitter than mirthful.

  “What in the hell is so funny, Delaney?”

  Pierce had all but forgotten Cully, who had remained behind. “This entire scenerio is a farce. I never thought I’d live to see the day I’d be railroaded into marriage.”

  “Them are harsh words, Delaney. Miz Zoey was desperate. She didn’t like doing what she did. You don’t understand what this ranch means to her. Or how much she hates Samson Willoughby. Play along and you can be on your way again before you know it. If you try to hurt her, you’ll answer to me. I promised Robert Fuller I’d take care of his daughter if anything should happen to him.”

  Pierce felt a hint of admiration for the crusty old man, but that didn’t make his situation any easier to swallow. Did Cully actually think he was a match for Pierce once he regained his full strength? As soon as he could ride, he was out of here, marriage or not.

  Zoey paid Reverend Tolly from the money she’d found in Pierce’s vest and watched the clergyman ride away on his mule, his long legs hanging nearly to the ground. It was a comical sight, but Zoey didn’t feel like laughing. Forcing Pierce to marry her didn’t sit well with her. Using his money to pay the reverend made her feel like a thief. Unfortunately she had no ready cash. She hoped Pierce would understand. She’d pay him back when her ranch was in working order and the cattle that remained were rounded up and sold. With any luck, Pierce could go on his merry way soon. Even if she couldn’t prove there was no mortgage on the Circle F, Willoughby could no longer force her into marriage.

  Would she have actually turned Pierce over to the law if he hadn’t complied? Zoey wasn’t sure and preferred not to speculate.

  “Your bridegroom ain’t feeling particularly friendly,” Cully complained as he came down the stairs to join Zoey.

  “I didn’t expect he would.”

  “I sure hope you know what you’re doing, Miz Zoey. We still ain’t sure Delaney’s no woman beater. You better keep your distance. He’s getting stronger every day. I can’t be around to protect you every minute.”

  Zoey’s eyes grew misty with gratitude. “I can take care of myself, Cully. I know you feel you have to keep an eye on me, but it isn’t necessary. I did what I had to do. I’m not too happy with my decision, but I don’t regret making it. As for Pierce, I don’t believe he’d hurt me. Things will work out.” A small sigh slipped past her lips. “I have to believe that. Now I’m going to try to placate my bridegroom.”

  Pierce had known she would return. He’d counted on it. If he had a wife, he might as well enjoy the benefits. Not that he could do much about it right now … but eventually, before he left …

  Zoey walked into the room and closed the door quietly behind her. Pierce’s smile sent her pulse racing. He was propped up in bed atop the covers, still fully dressed. She thought he looked handsome and virile … too damn virile.

  He patted the bed beside him. “Have you come to join me, wife?” His hot gaze ran the length of her; he felt his blood thickening and his groin harden. She had no idea how tempting she was to a man who hadn’t had a woman in a very long time. Or did she? Had she come to taunt him with her lush lips and ripe body? It was no more than he expected from her.

  “You know I haven’t. I came to see if you’re all right. Is there anything you need before I finish my chores?”

  He gave her his most charming smile. “Would you help me remove my shirt? My left arm isn’t working right.”

  “Of course,” she said crisply.

  Pierce waited until she bent over him to help him remove his arm from his sleeve before wrapping his right arm around her waist and bringing her hard against him.

  Zoey squawked in surprise when his left hand, not nearly as weak as he’d intimated, tugged at the buttons on the front of her dress. “What are you doing?”

  “I want to see my wife. It’s perfectly legal.”

  “I thought we agreed that this is to be a marriage in name only.”

  He had the top three buttons of her bodice undone and moved on to the bottom three, noting with pleasure that the skin visible in the vee of her neckline was creamy white and smooth. “I never agreed to a damn thing, including this marriage. It was forced on me.” The bottom three buttons fell open and he shoved the material down her arms. She wore no corset, she had no need of one. Her lacy chemise did little to conceal the rosy pink nipples crowning her full breasts.

  “You’re too weak for this!” Zoey protested.

  “I may be too weak for some things, but I’m certainly strong enough for this.” To prove his point, he ripped the fragile chemise down the front, baring her breasts. “Very nice. I’m impressed, Zoey. But not surprised. The way you walk around the ranch, your unfettered breasts bouncing beneath your shirt, gave me a hint of the beauties you were hiding.”

  “
How dare you! Why are you doing this?”

  He shot her a twisted smile. Right now he was so angry at being railroaded into an unwanted marriage that being outrageous made him feel better. “You wanted a husband and you got one.”

  Zoey was so angry she was trembling. But was it really anger that made her body shake? Pierce’s hot gaze upon her bare flesh gave her a shivery feeling all the way down to her toes. She’d never felt like this before. All warm and trembly and confused. Her thoughts skittered to a halt when Pierce lowered his head and nuzzled her breasts. His breath was so torrid she feared he might be feverish again. Then he took her right nipple into his mouth, and Zoey felt as if her world had tipped upside down.

  Pierce sucked vigorously, moving from nipple to nipple, coaxing them into swollen pink buds with the rough pad of his tongue. Never had Zoey thought it possible to feel this kind of arousal. Never had she imagined that Pierce would be the man to make her feel these things for the first time.

  With cunning and obvious expertise, Pierce’s hand moved down Zoey’s hip, catching the hem of her skirt and slowly raising it as he continued to torment her breasts with his mouth and tongue. By the time she realized what he intended, it was too late. His hand was between her legs, testing the wetness that had seeped through her drawers.

  Pierce knew he must stop, for he was in no condition to do either of them any good. But he’d wanted to prove to Zoey precisely what he thought of the “conditions” she’d placed upon this marriage. He’d comply as long as it suited him, if he didn’t die from lust first Soon he’d contact his brothers, then he’d leave with no regrets.

  After he’d taken Zoey’s virginity.

  Suddenly Pierce shoved Zoey away. She sat up, staring at him in confusion.

  “I could have had you if I’d wanted you, lady,” Pierce gloated. “You were hot and wet for me. Count yourself lucky that I’m still too weak. If I’m forced to stick around, I’m damn well going to get something out of this short marriage of ours.”

  Zoey leaped off the bed, angrier than she had ever been in her life. She had made a mistake, a terrible mistake. What was she going to do? Had she traded one devil for another?

  “You’ll get nothing from me!”

  His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Want to bet? I’m quite familiar with a woman’s body and the various ways to arouse it. You, lady, were aroused.” He fixed his gaze on her breasts. “Look at your nipples. Have you ever seen them so hard or swollen? I could feel your wetness. You were—”

  “Stop!” Zoey pulled the gaping edges of her bodice together and backed out of the room. “Don’t talk to me like that.”

  His words were as arousing to her as his mouth and hands had been.

  “Heed my words, wife,” Pierce said in a low, seductive whisper. “I will have you.” He wanted her to feel as uncomfortable as he did in this sham of a marriage.

  Zoey turned and fled. Abruptly she stopped in the doorway and glanced over her shoulder. “By the way,” she said sweetly, “I used the money in your vest pocket to pay the reverend. I know you’d want it that way.”

  Then she was gone, leaving Pierce with his dark thoughts.

  Chapter 4

  Eager to regain his full strength, Pierce spent a large portion of each day pacing the small bedroom. By the end of his first week of married life he had regained strength in his legs and was working on his arms. He w’as also consuming prodigious amounts of food. His first appearance at the breakfast table surprised both Zoey and Cully.

  “Should you be downstairs?” Zoey asked with concern. “Less than three weeks ago you lay near death.”

  “I’m fine now,” Pierce answered as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “Thought I’d go outside today and look the place over.”

  His words gave Zoey pause. “Why? You’re not going to try to tell me how to run my ranch, are you?”

  “If I’m not mistaken,” Pierce said bluntly, “that piece of paper we both signed gave me control over both you and your land.”

  “No one controls me,” Zoey said from between clenched teeth. “You know as well as I that ours isn’t a real marriage.”

  Pierce seated himself at the breakfast table and helped himself to a biscuit. He popped it into his mouth and chewed with relish. “These are good. Are there more?”

  Zoey glared at him. “I suppose you’d like some eggs to go with them.”

  “If it wouldn’t be too much trouble,” Pierce said complacently. He gave her an enigmatic grin. “It’s a wife’s duty to serve her husband.”

  Chuckling to himself, Cully scraped back his chair and rose abruptly. “I reckon I’ll mosey on out to the corral, Miz Zoey. Go ahead and feed your husband. I’ll saddle your horse and meet you later.”

  Zoey slammed a frying pan down on the stove. With ill humor she fried eggs and bacon, biting her tongue to keep from flinging angry words back at him.

  “Where are you going this morning?” Pierce asked curiously.

  “Cully and I are going to round up livestock that have wandered into the mountains. Most of our stock has been stolen or run off, but there are still some around.”

  Pierce frowned. “Do you think that’s wise? Could be dangerous.”

  “Who’s going to do it if I don’t? Samson Willoughby has made it all but impossible to hire decent ranch hands. If I can round up enough steers to sell to the army, we can get through the winter.”

  “What’s the use if Willoughby forecloses?”

  Zoey sent him a scathing glance. “What would you have me do, sit here and do nothing?”

  Pierce’s gaze slowly traveled the length of Zoey’s trim form. The britches she wore hugged her rounded hips and bottom indecently. The arousing sight made him squirm uncomfortably in his chair. The top buttons on her shirt were open, allowing a tantalizing view of creamy skin and hint of tempting breasts. Pierce was certain his fingers would meet if he tried to span her tiny waist with his hands.

  “I’ll go with you,” Pierce said, digging into his breakfast. “You’ll have to loan me a horse.”

  Zoey looked astounded. “You’re not well enough to ride. The section we’re going to is rough and mountainous with steep, treacherous trails. I’ll be glad to loan you a horse when you’re strong enough to sit one.”

  It rankled Pierce that Zoey was correct in her assessment of his condition. He was growing stronger every day but was not yet ready to tackle a mountain trail. Getting himself wounded had been damn inconvenient. Look at the mess he was in because of it. Here he was, married against his will to a tempting vixen and allowed none of the benefits.

  “What are you thinking?” Zoey asked when she noticed the odd look on Pierce’s face.

  “I’m thinking you’re too damn pushy for a woman so desperate for a husband that she railroaded a stranger into marriage.”

  Zoey’s chin rose fractionally. “I was desperate, as you well know.” She could see anger burning beneath the dark flush of his jaw. “Cully is waiting for me.” She picked up the lunch she had prepared earlier. “We’ll return by sundown, hopefully with some of our missing livestock.”

  “What am I supposed to do in the meantime?” Pierce asked, feeling useless for the first time in his life.

  With an impatient motion, Zoey jammed on her hat. “Rest,” she threw over her shoulder as she walked out the door. “Ask again after you’ve regained your full strength.”

  His gaze lingering on the twin mounds of her round bottom, Pierce watched her stride through the back door. His body reacted predictably and he cursed beneath his breath when he realized he wanted Zoey Fuller Delaney. Wanted her spread beneath him, naked. He wanted to be inside her. Before he left the Circle F he’d damn well have her on his own terms.

  Later that day Pierce wandered outside, intending to have a look around. It had been so dark the night he’d arrived that he’d seen little of the ranch itself.

  Pierce’s chest expanded as he breathed in fresh mountain air for the first time in three weeks, dr
inking in the sights and sounds of the Circle F. The first thing he noticed was that the weathered paddock fence begged for a coat of paint. Twenty feet beyond, a hip-roofed barn with peeling paint added to the sense of neglect. To the left, a sturdy log bunkhouse stood forlorn and deserted. He sniffed appreciatively of the mingled scent of horses, hay, dust, and manure. The familiar odors made him homesick for his own ranch, and he couldn’t help wondering how his brothers were faring without him.

  Pierce gazed for a moment toward the mountains where Zoey and Cully had gone earlier in the morning, then followed a path around to the rear of the house. Several yards from the back door a pipe dribbled water into a trough, dragged up from the well by a pump.

  The ranch house was solidly constructed, Pierce thought, admiring the sawed wood and log two-story structure. Obviously Zoey’s father had taken great pride in his land, for he had built sturdy structures upon it. Taking into account the sparkling stream, meandering river, and lush grasslands, Pierce decided the Circle F possessed everything necessary to make it a prosperous spread. Unfortunately Zoey’s father had died before the ranch could realize its full potential, and Zoey was hard put to keep it in operation with Willoughby dead set on gaining possession of it.

  Pierce glanced briefly at the corral and several paddocks, deciding to leave further inspection for another day. He returned to the front of the house. The sound of pounding hooves brought his gaze around to the road approaching the ranch. Shading his eyes against the glare of the setting sun, he saw a lone rider appear over a slight rise. Curious, Pierce leaned against the porch railing to wait.

  By the time the rider passed through the gate, Pierce knew the Circle F was being honored by a visit from Samson Willoughby. He cursed beneath his breath, wondering what the bastard wanted now. Had he heard about Zoey’s marriage?

  Willoughby reined in sharply at the front steps and dismounted, glaring at Pierce with outright hostility. “Who are you?” he asked harshly.