Unfortunately, nothing would be the same ever again. It didn’t matter if he was a thief. Every time he smiled sweetly, her heart softened.
He took another step toward her. “I see your reasoning, but you haven’t answered my question on why you came to my house when you thought I was gone?”
Oh, dear. She moistened her mouth and swallowed again before answering. “I had actually dropped by hoping you were home, but the lights were out. I knew it was late, and…and I really didn’t want to bother you with something so mundane. I thought if I could sneak in and just peek in your study, no harm would be done.” She smiled as charmingly as she could muster with quivering lips.
“Miss Bastian,” he said, coming even closer, “do you take me for a fool? What are you doing here when it was you who made plans to meet me in an abandoned shack tonight?”
Her mind scrambled for an answer. “Tonight? No, I told you to meet me Friday night.”
“Nicole,” he whispered her name closing the space between them as he stood in front of her. “I have always wondered something about you from the very first time we met. I couldn’t quite understand what had me so perplexed, but I felt as if you were holding secrets.” He swept the fingers of his free hand along the curls by her cheek. “I now realize that you are not the woman you pretend to be.”
Ice chilled her blood. No! He couldn’t possibly know that. She wouldn’t admit the truth to him even if he threatened her life. She couldn’t risk her father and brothers lives. Then again, with Ashton holding a gun on her, perhaps her life was at stake, too.
She mentally pushed the thought aside. He wouldn’t shoot her. They’d been through too much already; too many shared kisses, too many shared moments that could never be erased.
She inhaled deeply, breathing in his leathery scent. Obviously, he’d been riding his horse again. His fingers stroking her cheek created warmth in her face, which the shock from seeing him here had taken away from her. “I-I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
“Oh, my dear, Nicole.” He shook his head slowly. “It is time to stop playing this game with me. You’ve done nothing but lied to me since we’ve met. Besides, I’ve suspected who you were for a few days now.”
She gasped, her mouth turning dry. Blood rushed to her head, causing her skull to pound so fast she thought it would explode. She must do something to change his mind. Scanning the room behind him, she hoped to find a direct path in which to bolt, without being shot, of course. She couldn’t possibly accept the fact that her cover had been blown.
“You thought I’d been lying to you?” she asked, her voice much higher than she’d wanted.
“Not at first, but the more we talked, the more I realized your charade.”
He couldn’t possibly have guessed. “I, sir, do not have a charade. If anyone has one, it’s you.”
“And how did you come to that conclusion, my dear?”
Once again, he had put her on the spot. When would her mind start functioning correctly? She needed to think rationally soon. “Oh come now. You cannot tell me that you haven’t heard the rumors.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Rumors? Of what, may I ask?” His voice was steady and entirely too confident.
Feeling more uncomfortable, she laughed lightly. She tried to regain her breathing and grasp for some kind of control once again. “The train robberies these past few months, of course. Have you forgotten about them so soon? The government’s money has been stolen from your train.”
“You don’t have to explain the robberies. Because I’m one of the owners of the rail line, I know what is going on. But what does this have to do with me?”
She swept a still-shaky hand through the air around her, motioning to the room’s décor. “It’s rumored that your coffers have doubled in the past few months. Now tell me, Mr. Lee, is it just a coincidence that this happened around the same time as the train thefts?”
An indescribable expression crossed his features and darkened his face. She couldn’t tell if he was extremely humored at her comment, or shocked that she would say such a thing. Gradually, she felt like things would turn her way. She had caught him, not the other way around. Indeed, she would take back the upper hand in this verbal sword-play of mind control.
He kept silent for a few awkward moments as his gaze bore deep into hers. She didn’t dare say anymore until he gave his reply.
Slowly, the unfathomable expression left his face as a grin tugged at his mouth. He moved closer, not stopping until he was a mere breath away. The bulk of her gown rubbed against the material of his trousers. Uncertainty jumped inside her, and although instinct told her she should be afraid, fear was not the emotion swirling inside her stomach and warming her blood right now.
The pistol he clutched fell to his side, but his weapon of choice now was his limb-melting gaze and sensual grin. This one was more dangerous.
“Nicole,” he said in a husky tone, “are you seriously accusing me of stealing money from my own train?”
A quick thought flitted through her head. He must be some kind of thief because he’d stolen her heart. Up this close, the few freckles across his nose were more prominent, and the dimple in his cheek made her want to stroke the pad of her finger across it. Instead, she did her best to remain still, even if her insides were having a jumping match at the moment.
“I’m not accusing you of anything, Mr. Lee. I’m merely pointing out the similarities. Money was stolen, and suddenly, you have acquired quite a bit.”
“Why aren’t you calling me Ashton?” His voice deepened.
“Because I thought…well, you see…I just don’t think—”
“Nicole, do you know how lovely you are when you’re flustered?” He used his other hand to caress a lock of hair.
A shiver of excitement rattled through her, and she cursed him for being able to do this. Why had he said such a thing—now, of all times? Had it slipped his mind that he’d caught her in his house, and that he was holding a pistol? Or had she somehow gained control over this conversation without knowing it?
Then it struck her like a railroad spike between the eyes, and the realization made her heart sink. He was trying to change the subject. For some reason, he didn’t want to talk about the train robbery or that he’d suddenly come across more money. He was using his charm to weaken her.
That only meant one thing.
The man was guilty. Ashton Lee was indeed the train robber—or at least one of the men involved. Because of his position with the company, he was probably the one who had planned the whole thing and hired the thugs to do the dirty work.
“You think I’m flustered?” she asked, her voice cracking.
His grin widened. “Aren’t you?” His touch moved from her cheek to her bottom lip. The pad of his thumb rubbed the skin, his gaze staying on that spot. “In these past few weeks of knowing you, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you stumble over your words. In all that time, you have been a confident woman. You say what’s on your mind. So to answer your question, yes, I do think you’re flustered.” He paused, and then added, “And I find it adorable.”
Slowly, his head dipped closer as his hand dropped to her shoulder. He’s going to kiss me! Yet knowing this didn’t make her want to stop him at all. Instead, she was encouraged and grasped his waistcoat with both of her hands, waiting…anticipating his lips on hers.
His warm breath touched her mouth just before his lips did. Sighing a satisfied breath, she leaned into him, pressing her mouth intimately against his. Strong arms wrapped around her body, settling her in his embrace a little better. When her hands felt imprisoned between their chests, she slid her palms up over his shoulders to the nape of his neck.
Although gentle, the kiss was also wild. He kissed her like he couldn’t get enough, slanting his head from side to side. She responded with the same eagerness.
Inside her heart, emotion grew—very tender; very endearing. But inside her head, doubts crept in, reminding her that he only acted t
his way as a diversion. It shouldn’t matter how charming, handsome, and sweet he’d been to her—and how incredible he made her feel when kissing him—he was guilty. He would eventually be arrested and thrown in prison for his crimes. Unless, of course, the judge decided to hang Ashton, instead.
Her conscience screamed for her to stop the kiss, but she couldn’t because the thief would take away her control once more. This time, however, she didn’t mind that much, especially when a few pleasurable sighs released from his throat. At least she wasn’t the only one enjoying the moment.
Within seconds, his lips grew soft, and his actions tender, his kisses slow, almost leisurely. He left her breathless. How could a heartless criminal show her so much affection? It was obvious he did care about her in some way.
When he finally broke the kiss, he seemed to have difficulty breathing as well. His hazel eyes smoldered with desire while he held her stare. She scrambled for something intelligent to say, but as before, she was at a loss for words.
Soon, the scowl reappeared on his face and he frowned. “You kiss too well for an innocent woman. Just as I suspected, you are not whom you proclaim to be.” He released her and stepped several feet back, raising the pistol to her once more. “Such a shame I have to shoot you. We could have been good for each other.”
Fear jolted through her again. This time, it nearly dropped her body to the ground. Why hadn’t she thought to unarm him when he’d been in her embrace? He couldn’t kiss her as passionately as he did and then kill her! This wasn’t how it was supposed to end. There must be a way to convince him otherwise.
Sadness darkened his face and he shook his head. “Believe me, Nicole, I wish things would have turned out differently.”
Tears blurred her vision. “No, Ashton!”
The fire of a pistol exploded through the room. Darkness quickly filled her mind as she collapsed on the floor.
TWELVE
Shock vibrated through Ashton as he stared at Nicole. Her body lay on the floor, still as death. Blood soaked the bodice of her gown as well as her left shoulder. Fear immobilized him for several seconds. What had just happened? Had he really shot the woman he loved? There was no smoke coming from the end of the pistol barrel.
His mind scrambled to comprehend what was going on. He hadn’t meant to pull the trigger, even though he’d threatened to shoot her, but when the pistol fired, the sound came from somewhere in back of him. Prickles of awareness danced over him, hinting that he wasn’t the only person in this room with a pistol.
He swung around, aiming his weapon on the unknown stranger. Glynn Nickerson stood in the doorway. He held the smoking pistol as his wide-eyed gaze rested on Nicole.
“What have you done?” Ashton gasped.
“I…I stopped her, that’s what I’ve done.” He took one more step into the room. “Is she dead? I don’t see her chest moving.”
Ashton glanced back at Nicole. His partner was right. She wasn’t moving at all. There was so much blood covering her chest he couldn’t tell where the bullet had entered her body. He dropped his pistol and rushed to her, kneeling beside her. Immediately, he placed his fingers on her neck, searching for a pulse. “Why did you shoot her?” He turned his attention back to Glynn. “She wasn’t even armed.”
“I got scared, and I… Well, I only did what you were not able to do.” He pursed his lips and nodded. “Now at least one of the train thieves will be out of the picture so the police can concentrate on capturing the others.”
“This cannot be happening,” Ashton grumbled. He swiped his shaky fingers through his hair. “Glynn, if you’re caught you will be arrested for murder.” Why couldn’t he find a pulse? His throat tightened. She couldn’t be dead. He wouldn’t accept that answer!
“No I won’t. I was only taking care—”
“Glynn,” Ashton yelled, “believe me for once in your life. If you’re caught, you will be hanged for murder. She was unarmed! Now get out of here now and let me take care of this.”
Nickerson’s face lost color. Nodding, he spun around and dashed out of the house so fast Ashton wondered if demons were nipping at his boots.
Ashton focused back on Nicole. The deathly pallor of her skin made his stomach churn. Please be alive… When a slight movement pounded against his fingers, he breathed a sigh of relief. She was alive, but barely. He needed to stop the blood somehow and keep her alive until he could have a doctor fetched to the house. Yet, all the servants were gone to that blasted ball tonight. Who would get a doctor since he couldn’t?
But he had to find a physician soon. If not, she would indeed, die! However, he first must somehow stop the flow of blood and get her comfortable.
He yanked off his coat and threw it aside before shucking out of his waistcoat. As he balled it up, he searched carefully through the blood painting her chest for the bullet hole. He found it near her shoulder. Perhaps she wasn’t in as much danger as he’d first expected. Cautiously, he placed the garment on the wound and pressed hard.
“Nicole, my darling. Can you hear me?” With one hand still holding the cloth against her injury, he used his other hand to swipe the hair away from her pale face. “Please hear my voice and let me know you’re all right.”
Pain twisted his heart and brought a lump to his throat. He hadn’t planned on shooting her at all. He’d figured his threats would do the trick and she would confess. So why had Glynn felt the need to shoot an unarmed woman? What could he have been thinking? None of this made sense. Ashton blew out a frustrated breath and shook his head.
“Nicole, sweetheart. Can you hear me? Please say something.”
Closing his eyes, he prayed—something he didn’t do a lot of—but he needed the Lord’s help now. Ashton didn’t know the first thing about caring for a person with a serious injury. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach that he’d lose her no matter what. With no servants in the house, how could he keep Nicole alive?
She moaned softly, and he snapped his eyes open and looked at her face. Slowly, she blinked before meeting his stare.
“Oh, Nicole. You’re alive.” Relief poured through him, but he didn’t dare get too excited now. There was still so much to be done or she would surely die.
“Why did you…shoot me?” she asked softly.
“Oh, no, my dear.” His voice cracked, so he cleared his throat. “I didn’t shoot you. It was Glynn.”
“W-why?”
“Because well, he…” He grumbled and shook his head. “I don’t know why he did it, but right now we need to worry about stopping this bleeding. With the servants gone this evening, I need to leave and fetch a doctor.”
“No. I’ll walk you through it.” Wearily, she turned her head to look at his bloody, bundled waistcoat pressed against her shoulder. “Where did the bullet strike me?”
“Barely below your left shoulder.” He pointed to his own shoulder, showing her the location.
“Carefully, roll me in the opposite direction to see if the bullet exited my shoulder on the other side.”
Could she possibly know how to stop the bleeding? He didn’t dare move her. He didn’t want anything to bring her more harm. “Are…you sure?”
“Yes. Now carefully turn me.”
Doing as she instructed, he gently turned her over and peered at the back of her arm. Blood coated his rug, coming from her body, but he was able to see another wound. “Yes. It appears the bullet did leave your arm.”
“Good, but I’ll need something…pressed up against that side…to stop the flow of blood,” she said faintly. “Pressure is the key to stopping…the bleeding.”
Nicole’s voice grew weaker by the second, and that scared him to death. Finding a doctor immediately was necessary.
He laid her on her back again before ripping off his shirt and bundling it in a wad. Using gentle care, he slid it underneath her shoulder, which tilted her slightly to the side. As he studied the wadded up garments, he worried this wouldn’t be enough pressure.
&nbs
p; Glancing around the room, he searched for something that might assist him in some way. His gaze fell on the curtains and the ropes holding them open. He quickly stood and went to the curtains, yanking them off the ropes. The curtains fell together, shutting out the moon’s light from the window.
“What…are you going to do?” she asked in a weak voice.
Just the sound of her voice made his heart break that much more. “I’m trying to find something that will help hold pressure against your wounds.” He came back with the rope, then carefully wound it up and over her shoulder, pulling the two bindings together.
Closing her eyes, she sucked in a quick breath, making him stall. “Are you all right?”
“It hurts…but I’ll be fine. Continue what you’re doing. It’ll work…I’m sure of it.”
“Nicole, I need to fetch a doctor.”
“No, you can do this…I know it.”
Once he had the rope tied securely around her, he sat back on his legs, staring into her face. Pain etched her expression and tore at his heart. Although she was the one shot, she couldn’t possibly be in as much agony as he was experiencing right now. Why had he allowed his anger to do this? True, he wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger, but the guilt flowing inside him was just as heartbreaking.
“Ashton? Why—why—” She closed her eyes tight and tears ran down the sides of her face.
His heart broke once more. “Why, what?”
“Why did you have a pistol on me?” She blinked her eyes open again. “I thought we had shared something wonderful.”
“Yes, I thought we had, as well.” He shrugged. “But apparently, we don’t know how to communicate with one another.” He reached over and caressed her cold cheek. “I can’t believe you thought I was robbing my own train.”
“And you thought it was me,” she whispered.
“Tell me the truth, Nicole. I think you owe me that much.”
Slowly, she nodded. “And you also owe me the truth.” She shivered.
“Let me find you a blanket.” He jumped up and rushed out of the room. There were quilts in the hall linen presses, and he grabbed two. He hurried back, eager to hear what she really thought of him.
Too Many Secrets Page 10
