To Love a Stranger

by Connie Mason

  “We have to keep working on Cora Lee. Maybe one of us can butter her up a bit, get her to talk.”

  “Which one of us?” Chad wanted to know, cocking an eyebrow at his younger brother.

  “You’re older than I. You have to do it, Chad. For Pierce’s sake.”

  Chad sighed. “Very well. I’ll do what I can.”

  Circle F Ranch

  Rolling Prairie, Montana

  Scanning his brother’s letter, Pierce was disheartened. Nothing new had transpired in Dry Gulch. The vigilantes were still looking for him, and Cora Lee hadn’t recanted her story. As much as Pierce wanted it, he couldn’t go home yet. Nor could he stay here, pretending to be a husband when being married went against everything he believed in.

  “I assume the news isn’t good,” Zoey said as she walked into the parlor and found Pierce reading his letter.

  “I’d hoped … Ah, well, my brothers are still working in my behalf. Unfortunately they’ve made little headway. Cora Lee is sticking to her story.”

  “What are you going to do?” Zoey asked quietly.

  Deliberately Pierce turned away from the longing visible in the depths of her blue eyes. She was so transparent. He knew precisely what she was thinking. “Don’t say it, Zoey, don’t even wish it. I’m not staying. I never wanted to be married, remember?”

  “You can’t go home yet,” she reminded him.

  “Perhaps not, but there are other places I can go. I have sufficient funds to go anywhere I wish until this thing with Cora Lee blows over.”

  Zoey swallowed convulsively. Despite her good intentions to let Pierce go, she didn’t want to lose him. Just the thought of all those empty days and nights without him made her ill. What good was her land without someone special to share it with?

  “You’re safe here. No one knows who you are.”

  “We can’t be absolutely certain of that.”

  “How would anyone know?”

  “I’m not sure, but no matter what, things haven’t changed. I want out.”

  A small sigh slipped past Zoey’s lips. “Do what your heart tells you, Pierce.”

  “You should know by now I have no heart. I said I’d remain until the men return from the cattle drive, and I will. Then I’ll be on my way.”

  Zoey’s pride was seriously breached as she pleaded with him, saying things she knew she’d regret later. “I saved your life. Doesn’t that mean something?”

  “I saved your ranch. Doesn’t that mean something?” he shot back.

  “I could have let you die, or given you up to the vigilantes.”

  “But you didn’t.”

  Her chin rose stubbornly. “I still could.”

  He stared at her, his gaze cool and assessing. “But you won’t.”

  She turned away, unable to withstand the cold fury in his eyes. “No, you’re probably right.”

  “I’m not helpless this time. If I thought you’d do that to me, I’d leave now.”

  “I don’t know why we’re arguing,” Zoey said. “Especially after all you’ve done for me. Ours was never meant to be a permanent arrangement, I know that. I’m not happy with myself for using you. I hope you can forgive me one day.”

  “I’m not happy with that either. It’s what I expected from a woman, though.”

  “You showed me what it felt like to become a woman. I’ll always remember that.”

  Her words took the bite from his anger. “Any man could have done that for you.”

  “But you did it so well.”

  Pierce stared at her for a breathless minute, then threw his head back and laughed. “Very well. You used me. I can accept that. That makes us even. I wanted your body and took it. Our short association has been mutually beneficial.”

  “You took nothing!” Zoey declared hotly. “I gave myself to you. I wanted you to be the first.”

  The amused look left his eyes. “Are you saying I won’t be the last?”

  Zoey gave a careless shake of her head. “I’ll never remarry. As for taking a lover … who knows?”

  Having said all she was going to on the subject, Zoey excused herself.

  “Wait!” Pierce grasped her arm and pulled her against him. “How long will you wait after I’m gone before taking a lover? Do you already have one picked out? I’ve noticed how you enjoy flaunting yourself in front of the hands, and the way they ogle you.”

  “You don’t know a damn thing, Pierce. Besides, why should it matter to you?” Zoey knew she was baiting him, but couldn’t help it. She didn’t want him to know how devastated she’d be without him.

  “I reckon it doesn’t.” He stared at the lush outline of her lips, then slowly lowered his head. His mouth settled over hers, and he pulled her closer, grasping her buttocks and molding her against the hard ridge of his arousal as his mouth plundered hers.

  “We shouldn’t be doing this,” Zoey panted when he released her mouth long enough for her to catch her breath. “You know where it usually leads.”

  “Indeed I do.” Then he kissed her again, not at all concerned.

  “It’s still daylight,” Zoey argued, more shaken than she cared to admit. “There’s supper to prepare and—”

  “You should hire a woman to help with the cooking and housework. I know you’d rather be doing outside work.”

  “I’ve already thought of that. I’ve spoken with Dom and Hector. They have a sister willing to live in and help with the cooking and chores. They’re going to stop by their home on their return from the cattle drive and bring her back with them.”

  “Good.” He tried to kiss her again, but she held him away.

  “Later, Pierce. I really do have chores to do. There are the chickens to feed, eggs to gather …”

  “I give up,” Pierce said, holding up his hand to stop her nattering. A strange, faintly eager look flashed in his eyes. “I’m pleased that you want to continue our intimate relationship until I leave. We’ll take up where we left off tonight.”

  Turning abruptly, he strode away. Zoey stared at his departing back, unable to utter a word. Since their first night together, an unspoken arrangement between herself and Pierce had been in effect. Each night he waited for her in his room. If she didn’t show up, he went to hers. And after each night spent in his arms, Zoey felt the invisible bond between her and Pierce strengthening. She wished Pierce felt the same way; but she was merely an amusing pastime to him. He used her body to release his frustrations and appease his lust. And she let him.

  Sighing distractedly, Zoey followed Pierce from the room. She’d certainly gotten herself into a fine mess, she thought. She’d expected being married to Pierce would be a straightforward, no-nonsense arrangement. She hadn’t counted on Pierce’s attractiveness, his virility, or his determination to get her into his bed. She certainly hadn’t expected her eagerness to oblige him.

  Pierce had never made a secret of his unwillingness to remain in the marriage she’d forced upon him. Yet, despite knowing the kind of man Pierce was, with his aversion to love and marriage, she had given herself to him freely and would continue to do so until he left. Pierce had more compassion than he gave himself credit for. Despite his protest to the contrary, he did indeed have a heart. She’d experienced his caring in many little ways even he wasn’t aware of. Zoey tried to come up with a reason for her unexpected need for Pierce, and didn’t like what her mind and heart were telling her.

  The hands began the monthlong cattle drive to the fort. At the last minute Cully joined them. Pete had up and disappeared, leaving the Circle F short-handed. Pierce would have gone along himself but felt he was better qualified than Cully to protect Zoey should she need protecting. So he had remained behind.

  A few days later, after many long hours helping Zoey with the chores, Pierce retired early and waited for her to come to him. On most nights exhaustion got the best of them and they did little more than collapse into bed and go right to sleep. But tonight Pierce was going to make love to Zoey. She had tempted him all
day. He closed his eyes and visualized the sensual way in which she moved, the way the thrust of her lush breasts filled out the material of her shirt, the provocative way her denims hugged her taut little bottom. His hunger for her had grown as the day progressed. By now he should have had his fill of Zoey, but instead of growing tired of her, he wanted her more today than he had yesterday, or the day before, or the day before that. He could make no sense of this hot craving he had for Zoey, and decided he shouldn’t try to explain it, just enjoy it.

  Zoey knew Pierce waited for her, and it wasn’t exhaustion that kept her from traveling those few feet down the hallway to his room. It was the knowledge that all Pierce had to do was give her a certain look or beckon and she’d fly into his arms. When had she become so damn accommodating? she wondered. And why?

  The answers to her questions were lost to surprise when the door burst open and Pierce stepped into the room. He found her standing beside the bed in a golden puddle of lamplight, and his body turned to stone.

  The air around him seemed to vibrate. His eyes had darkened to the deepest emerald, filled with promises and passion. His chest was bare and he carried his shirt, boots, and gun belt with him. He looked dark and dangerous and compelling.

  “I waited for you.” Huskiness lingered in his tone. “Maintaining separate rooms seems rather ridiculous.” He dropped his boots and his gun belt to the floor.

  Zoey’s mouth went dry. “It seemed … best.”

  “Why, when we both want the same thing?”

  “You think you know me so well.”

  His mouth quirked with amusement. “I know your body.” He approached her slowly. “I know what you like. I love the way your nipples pucker and beg for my kisses. I know the exact place behind your knees where you’re ticklish. And that tiny little mole on your left buttock I love to kiss. When I put myself inside you, you’re hot and wet and tight and—”

  Her hands flew up to cover her ears. “Stop it!”

  He stepped closer, until she could feel his hot breath brush her cheek. “Why are you still dressed?” His fingers rested on the front of her shirt. Before she could stop him, he’d released the first three buttons. “I’ve missed you.”

  Two more buttons fell away and he peeled her shirt down her shoulders and arms, tossing it aside. Then he released the straps of her chemise, covering her bare breasts with his hands. Pleasure washed through her in opulent waves that heated her blood and left a delicious heaviness in its wake.

  Pierce fell to his knees, unfastened her denims, and skinned them down her hips and legs. Then he buried his face in the soft down between her legs, savoring the tangy-sweet essence of her arousal. Zoey’s legs started to crumple beneath her, but Pierce grasped her buttocks and held her in place as his tongue located a place so sensitive, she jerked violently and cried out. “Pierce, oh God, stop, I can’t stand it!”

  Rising abruptly, he lifted her into his arms and gently eased her onto the bed. “I’ll give you what you want, love.” He removed his trousers and lay down beside her. His hands slid down her silken belly, then upward to her breasts. He smiled at her, kissing her with his eyes and then his lips. Her mouth first, then the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat, her breasts, her thighs, between her legs.

  Zoey molded herself against him, rubbing her bare breasts against the soft fur of his chest, filling her hands with the firm mounds of his buttocks and the hard thickness of his arms and shoulders. She offered herself up to him, seeking the lush decadence of his mouth and hands on her body.

  “Now, Pierce, oh, please, now.”

  He slid his hand between her legs and found the folds of her sex swollen and heavy. Dewy moisture spilled softly onto his fingertips, feeding the fire inside him.

  “You’re ready for me, love,” he whispered as he fit himself into the cradle of her thighs.

  More than ready, Zoey reflected as her thoughts fragmented.

  He poised at the sweet entrance into her body, gave a triumphant shout, and thrust into her. Zoey cried out in ardent welcome, arching upward to take him deeper. Then he began to move, thrusting and withdrawing, his breath rasping harshly against her mouth. Zoey felt the hysteria of delight rising like the hottest fire inside her. The turbulence of his passion swirled around her, invaded her entire being as he drove her higher and higher. Then he freed them both in a bursting of incredible sensation.

  Pierce shifted to his side, watching Zoey as she spiraled down from the pinnacle to which he had taken her. Tears ran down her cheeks and he gently wiped them away with the pads of his thumbs.

  “I hope those tears aren’t for me.”

  She opened her eyes, embarrassed to find him watching her. She sighed. “They’re for me. You’ve ruined me for anyone else, Pierce Delaney. Don’t forget me, Pierce. Try to remember me after you leave.”

  He gave her a wistful smile. “Oh, I’ll remember you, Zoey Delaney.”

  “Then why can’t you … ?” She bit her lip. “Forget I asked.”

  “You know why,” Pierce said, anticipating her question.

  Zoey gazed into the stark depths of his green eyes and saw disillusionment and betrayal. That one glimpse into his naked soul was more than she could bear. The thought that her relationship with Pierce had aided and abetted his distrust of women added to her distress. He had more than repaid her for saving his life, and the least she could do was let him go. But it wasn’t going to be easy.

  “All women aren’t alike,” she said in her own defense.

  “I have yet to meet one different from the rest,” he said cynically.

  Aggravated, Zoey turned away, too hurt to reply. What could she say in the face of such skepticism? Why couldn’t Pierce see that she wasn’t like the women who’d disappointed him?

  “Go to sleep,” Pierce said. “Tomorrow is going to be a full day.”

  It was a long time before Pierce drifted off. Something nagged at his conscience. Something to which he didn’t want to put a name.

  Pierce jerked upright, rudely awakened by a frantic pounding on the door. The room was awash in a murky gray dawn that appeared almost menacing. He leaped from bed, scrambling for his discarded clothing.

  “What is it?” Zoey asked, roused by the racket at the front door.

  “I don’t know.” He pulled on his shirt, pants, and boots, and snatched up his gun belt on his way out the door. “Wait here.” He checked the chambers of his gun as he hurried down the stairs.

  Fully awake now, Zoey wasn’t about to let Pierce deal with their early morning visitors alone. Maybe it had something to do with the hands or the cattle drive. This was her ranch, and the problems hers to deal with. She tugged on a robe, stepped into her slippers, and ran down the stairs.

  Pierce flung open the front door, recognized the men standing on the doorstep and felt the color drain from his face.

  “Howdy, Delaney. Did ya think we wouldn’t track you down?”

  “Riley Reed.” Pierce’s voice was toneless; he was already resigned to his fate. “I should have known you wouldn’t give up. How did you find me?”

  “Someone ratted on you,” Reed said with a sneer. “Hal Doolittle’s gonna be mighty pleased. He’s been on our butts to find you since you gave us the slip. Keep your hand away from your gun, Delaney. As you can see”—he extended his hand to include the men riding with him—“I’m not alone. You’d best come along quietly.”

  “What is this all about?” Zoey asked, moving from around Pierce to confront the vigilantes.

  “You’ve been harboring a violent man, ma’am,” Riley said, assessing Zoey’s night attire with a knowing eye. “We’re taking Delaney back to Dry Gulch. He’s gonna to do the right thing by Cora Lee Doolittle or pay the consequences.”

  Zoey stepped forward to shield Pierce. “No, Pierce is innocent. He’s my—”

  “Zoey!” Pierce’s warning effectively cut off Zoey’s sentence as he picked her up bodily and placed her behind him. She looked askance at him, and he shook
his head. His expression warned her not to reveal that they were husband and wife just yet.

  Pierce scowled. He should have known that one day Reed would track him down. He wasn’t the kind to give up easily. Pierce realized he should have left long ago, before he could be traced or linked to Zoey in any way. He didn’t want to involve her in his problems. She had enough troubles of her own without taking on his.

  Reed held out his hand for Pierce’s gun. “Hand it over, Delaney. You ain’t gonna escape this time.”

  Pierce eyed Reed and the dozen or so men riding with him and knew there was no escape. He removed his gun from his belt and tossed it to Reed.

  “Bring a rope,” Reed called to one of the men standing behind him.

  “No! You can’t hang him!” Zoey cried out, dismayed by the turn of events.

  Reed grinned nastily. “Could if I wanted to. Vigilante law rules the territory. But I ain’t gonna hang him … yet.”

  “But he—”

  “It’s all right, Zoey,” Pierce interrupted. “I’m not going to hang.”

  “But you heard him.”

  “Don’t worry,” Pierce repeated.

  Someone produced a rope, and Reed ordered Pierce to turn around. When Pierce complied, Reed tied his hands behind him. Another man walked toward them from the barn, leading a saddled horse.

  “Mount up,” Reed ordered.

  Without his hands, Pierce was virtually helpless. Laughter followed his clumsy attempts to mount. Finally Reed grew bored with Pierce’s efforts and motioned two men forward to help him.

  “Wait, can I have a moment alone with him?” Zoey asked when Reed grasped the leading reins of Pierce’s horse.

  Reed’s gaze slid over Zoey insultingly. “You gonna miss him in your bed, lady? I heard he was good in that department. Just ask Cora Lee.” He laughed at his crude remark.

  “Please,” Zoey pleaded. “Just a few minutes.”

  Having finally caught Pierce, Reed was in an expansive mood. “All right, lady, talk. But keep it brief.” He moved off to converse with his men.

  “I’ll come with you,” Zoey offered. They couldn’t take Pierce away like this. She wouldn’t let them.