He eased her thigh upward to allow him smooth entry. And while he filled her with himself, his fingers continued their exquisite manipulation until she shuddered and cried out his name.
She turned toward him and their mouths fused in a long, slow kiss. Still locked in a fierce embrace, they drifted back to sleep.
Morning light bathed the little cabin with golden rays that streamed through the tiny window and the cracks in the door. Seeing that the fire had burned to embers, Adam crossed the room and added a log, sending up a shower of sparks.
Then he returned to the warmth of Diamond’s arms. As they snuggled beneath the covers she touched a finger to the raised scar that ran from his shoulder to his hip.
“What sort of wound would leave such a mark?” she muttered.
At once he went very still.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered fervently. “Forgive me, Adam. I wasn’t prying. I just can’t stand to think about anyone hurting you.”
“It happened a long time ago,” he said against her lips. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”
She pulled back. “But everything that happened to you matters to me. Don’t you see? I love you.”
Love. He was thunderstruck. For the space of a heartbeat he couldn’t speak. He marveled at the feelings that swirled through him at that simple word. Feelings he’d never expected to experience again in his lifetime.
At last he found his voice. “You shouldn’t love me, Diamond. It isn’t wise. And it certainly isn’t safe.”
“Because of the way the townspeople fear you?” she asked.
He shook his head and leaned up on one elbow, tracing the outline of her lips with his rough finger. “Because terrible things have happened to everyone I’ve ever loved.”
“I don’t understand.” Her eyes clouded with concern.
He took a deep breath. It had been so long since he’d spoken of it. But now, seeing how much she trusted him, he realized he owed her the same trust.
“I spoke of family in Maryland.”
She nodded, afraid to speak. There was something in his eyes she’d never seen before. Not just danger, for she’d seen that before. It was something else. Something so painful, it caused her heart to contract.
“My family had lived in the same community for three generations, beginning with my father’s father. When the war started, my brothers and I chose to fight with the North.” His voice lowered. “The war was a hellish experience. But we were fortunate. My brothers and I survived. We returned home, eager to put it behind us.” His voice lowered. “But we learned a hard lesson. The war wasn’t over. Even after the guns fell silent, the hatred continued.”
Diamond heard the pain and held her silence, afraid even to breathe, for fear of what was to come.
“Not long after we returned, we were attacked while we slept. I was slashed with an ax, and left for dead.”
Diamond mentally calculated the length of his scar, and realized that he must have nearly bled to death.
“And your family?”
“All dead. My father and mother, my two brothers. And my wife and son.”
Wife and son.
She absorbed the shock of this news and managed to say, “Oh, Adam. How horrible. I’d heard about the bands of roving soldiers who wouldn’t accept the end of the war.”
“My family wasn’t killed by soldiers.” His voice roughened with emotion. “I suppose I could have accepted such hatred and violence from strangers. They were killed by our neighbors. Men and women who had known us for a lifetime. My father had loaned them money in hard times. My mother had helped deliver their babies. My brothers and I had helped harvest their crops when rain threatened. My wife had sipped tea in their parlors.”
She gasped in shock and horror. When she could finally find her voice she whispered, “But why?”
“Sometimes the reason is too simple to comprehend. They had chosen the other side in the war. They couldn’t punish the whole country for their loss. But they could blame us. We were an easy target.”
She fell silent for long moments. At last she said, “Thank heaven at least you were spared.”
His eyes were bleak as he relived the horror. “That was the hardest part. Having to bury everyone I’d ever loved. And knowing I would have to go on living. But I wasn’t prepared for what followed.”
She sat up. “What... followed? I don’t understand.”
“I went off half-crazy, seeking revenge, and wound up in prison for attacking my neighbors. Afterward, the murderers were never punished. There was a trial, but it was my word against theirs. And the judge was not inclined to believe a man in prison chains.”
At his words, she remembered his anger in the courtroom when he’d been brought in in chains. How helpless he must have felt. How desperate.
He took a deep breath and continued. “When I was released from prison, I couldn’t bear to live among my neighbors. I turned my back on my country and lost myself in hard work in Mexico. That’s where Zeb and I were reunited. We’d fought in the war together, and when I decided to try my luck in Texas, he decided to tag along.”
“Oh, Adam.” Her eyes filled.
He touched a finger to the moisture that spilled down her cheek. “Tears? For me? Diamond, I’m not worth them.”
“Not worth them?” She sniffed. But it was too late to stern the flow. They spilled unchecked from her eyes. She loved this man. Desperately. Loved him with every ounce of her being. “You’re finer than any man I’ve ever known except Pa. I can’t bear to think how you suffered.”
“Shh.” He gathered her close and tasted the salt of her tears on his lips. “It’s over now. The pain. The loss. The loneliness,. ”
“Yes.” She took the kiss deeper, seeking to comfort him, needing to comfort herself. “It’s over. For both of us.”
Their lovemaking took on a new urgency as they gave themselves up to each other, desperately seeking to heal forever all the old wounds.
Chapter Nineteen
“I’ve made coffee,” Adam called as he picked up a clean shirt and headed toward the door. In his hand he carried his rifle. “Latch the door behind me.”
Diamond stopped him at the door with a quick kiss. “If you take long enough with your bath, I just might surprise you with breakfast.”
“I don’t think I can spare that much time.” He pulled her back with another hard, quick kiss. “Besides, maybe you’d better leave the cooking to me. I’d like to live long enough to enjoy another night of your loving.”
The sound of their shared laughter warmed the little cabin. She latched the door and watched through the small window as he made his way to the creek. The sight of his slow, easy walk made her throat go dry. She could hardly wait for him to return.
She busied herself in the room, pausing to examine mementos from his past. A piece of fine linen, bearing neat, perfect stitches, and the names Caroline and Adam, and the date, May 1, 1860. His wedding date.
A mental image appeared, of a small, dainty woman, able to preside over a beautifully appointed home, cooking sumptuous meals and sewing fine clothes. Diamond was surprised that the thought caused no pain or jealousy. Caroline was his past. He was entitled to his memories. But from now on, she intended to be a special part of his future.
She leafed through his Bible, reading the names of his parents and brothers, his wife and son. It pleased her to know that he had been part of a loving family. She touched a hand to a wooden top and a child’s slate. She could imagine Adam with a baby in his arms. Strange, just scant weeks ago, she would have found that image impossible. She had thought him to be a gunman, a man outside the law. But that was before she had come to know him. Now she thought him the most wonderful, the most noble, the most honest man she’d ever known. Because of his loss, he was better able to understand hers. He was truly a man of compassion.
She smoothed the covers of the bed, allowing her hands to linger over the warmth that still clung to the folds. Her heart was filled to ov
erflowing for the man who had shared, not only his love, but his deepest, most intimate pain. She was certain that, together, they could put the past behind them and concentrate on the future.
Together.
The word made her heart soar. Together they could find out who had killed her father, and continued to stalk them. And why. If she could only figure out why her father had been shot, she was certain she would know who pulled the trigger.
At least now, with Adam’s explanation of his past, she understood why he’d been so sensitive to her loss. The thought of having lost an entire family in a brutal, senseless murder caused her to tremble.
His words, spoken in pain, suddenly jolted her. “Sometimes the reason is too simple to comprehend. We were betrayed by people we’d known and trusted for a lifetime.”
“...Known and trusted for a lifetime.”
Sweet heaven. How could she have missed it?
She let out a string of oaths that would have made even her wranglers cringe. The reason for Pa’s murder had been right there for her to see all along. And she’d been too blinded by loyalty and friendship.
She couldn’t afford to wait for Adam. She had to move now, before it was too late. It wasn’t only her life that hung in the balance. She had involved Pearl, as well. And Jade and Ruby.
She grabbed the slate from the shelf. Scrawling a note, she left it on the table and reached for her cowhide jacket. She ran to the corral, saddled her horse and took off at a gallop.
Adam stepped into the icy water and washed quickly. Come spring, when the weather gentled and the water was warmed by the sun, he intended to bring Diamond here with him. They would wash each other’s backs. And make slow, delicious love along the banks.
At the sound of an approaching horse he strode from the water and took up his rifle. Spotting Zeb, he sent him a quick grin and set aside his weapon.
“I’d better warn you,” he said as he started to pull on his clothes. “There’s a guest in the cabin.”
“A guest, hmm?” The old man knelt beside his horse and joined him in a long, soothing drink. When he straightened, he muttered, “It wouldn’t be a fiery little wildcat, would it?”
“It is.”
“I figured maybe the lady boss had spent the night. I just spotted her backside in a cloud of dust when I rode past the cabin.”
Adam’s hands stilled on the button of his shirt. His head came up sharply. “Dust?”
“Um-hmm.” The old man scratched his beard. “She looked to be in a mighty big hurry. Had her horse pushed to the limit.”
Adam snatched up his rifle and boots and started to run. Over his shoulder he called, “Which way was she headed?”
“She appeared to be headed home.”
Adam crossed the distance from the creek to his cabin and charged through the open door. Spotting the slate, he read the message while he struggled into his boots. He filled a pouch with bullets, then raced to the corral and saddled his horse. And cursed every precious minute he wasted.
Diamond pressed herself low over the back of Sunrise, urging the mare to new speeds. She had to get home. Had to get to Pa’s office before—
The gunshot echoed across the hills, and dirt exploded inches from her horse’s hooves. Sunrise reared up. Though Diamond was caught unawares, she was too experienced to be thrown. With deft movements she wheeled her mount and drew her own weapon. Again the bullet landed mere inches from her, falling harmlessly in the sand.
“That was on purpose. The next one won’t miss,” came a man’s voice. “Drop your gun.”
With a hiss of frustration she did as she was told and watched as the gunman emerged from behind a rock.
“Who are you?” she called as he strode toward her.
“Name’s Redmond.” He snatched up her pistol and removed her rifle from the boot of her saddle. “Hold out your hands.” With quick movements he yanked the reins from her, then tied her hands in front of her, leaving her seated helplessly astride her horse.
“Where are you taking me?”
“You ask too many questions.” He shot her an evil grin before climbing into his saddle and catching up her reins.
“I know who hired you,” she called.
“Then you know more than I do.” His voice was flat, the tone ominous. He was a hired gun, willing to do whatever was necessary for pay.
He nudged his horse into a run, forcing her mare to follow.
Within minutes, they had left the familiar trail and were hidden in a maze of rocks and gullies.
“Cal.” Pearl’s face was flushed. Her usually calm demeanor was replaced by a sense of urgency.
Jade and Ruby stood on either side of her, wringing their hands.
The ranch foreman had been summoned from his bunk. His hair was mussed, his chin covered with dark stubble. On his face was a scowl of fury. “This had better be important.”
“We can’t find Diamond. We broke into her locked room. Her bed hasn’t been slept in. We think she’s been gone all night.”
Cal looked from Pearl to Jade to Ruby. “Did she say anything? Do you know if she had any plans?”
The three shook their heads.
“She locked herself in her room right after dinner. She refused to respond to our calls.” Jade’s voice held a trace of sadness.
“Did you hear anything during the night?”
“Not a sound,” Pearl said.
“I thought I heard a horse’s hooves,” Jade admitted. “But it could have been one of the wranglers.”
“She may have gone to Adam Winter’s place,” Ruby suggested.
Cal’s gaze narrowed on her. “Why would she do that?” His look was so fierce, she cringed.
“Because –” she moistened her lips with her tongue, considering every word “—she’s sweet on him.”
Cal swore loudly, fiercely. “That’s just what I need. Damned female hasn’t even got enough sense to be afraid. There’s a man out there gunning for her, who might have been hired by Adam Winter. And she’s off on some romantic midnight ride. Maybe with the very man who’s out to kill her.”
“I do not believe that of Adam Winter,” Pearl said in her most injured tone.
“Then you’re a fool, too.” Cal turned on his heel and stalked out of the house. Minutes later he and the wranglers thundered past, headed in the direction of Adam Winter’s cabin. A lone wrangler was dispatched to the marshal’s office. Cal wanted it all nice and legal when he finally had his revenge on Onyx Jewel’s killer.
Diamond lay at the base of several large rocks, roped as helplessly as a calf at branding time. Apparently her abductor had been warned of her prowess in a fight. He was taking no chances. She fought against her ropes, seething with anger and frustration. If she could get herself free, if she could get her hands on a gun ...
She suddenly stopped struggling. Why had he left her here, in plain view? Why hadn’t he bidden her behind the rocks?
The answer came to her in a flash of understanding. She wasn’t to be the only victim this day. She was being used as bait. In a deadly trap. Bait to lure a second victim.
Adam. Dear God, Adam.
Carmelita and the three young women looked up at the knock on the door.
“Diamond,” Pearl shouted as she got to her feet.
“Senorita Diamond would not knock,” the housekeeper reminded her.
Deflated, Pearl and the others followed Carmelita to the front door. Chester Pierce stood on the veranda, his hat in his hand, a smile on his face.
“Good day, Señor Pierce,” Carmelita said in greeting. “I am sorry that Senorita Diamond is not here.”
His smile encompassed all the women. “That’s all right, Carmelita. I’m not here to visit Diamond. I’m just here to pick up the ledgers.”
“But Diamond told you last night that we haven’t finished them yet,” Pearl said.
“It doesn’t matter.” He strode past them into the house, then proceeded toward Onyx’s office. “As a banker, I deal with
figures every day. It will be nothing to finish the tally and prepare the wranglers’ pay vouchers.”
“But I don’t think Diamond would approve.” Pearl trailed behind him, wondering just how strongly she should protest. After all, this wasn’t really her business.
Oh, if only Diamond were here to make a decision.
“Nonsense.” Chester strode to the big desk and closed the ledger before tucking it under his arm. With a satisfied smile he turned toward the women clustered in the doorway. “I’ve been handling Onyx’s business long before any of you were even born. Now if you don’t mind, I’ll be on my way.”
The young women glanced at one another helplessly. They knew Diamond had wanted to handle the books herself. Yet none of them felt comfortable taking a stand against such a close friend of the family.
Taking advantage of their confusion, Chester made his way to the front door and tipped his hat. “Good day, ladies.”
They watched as he climbed into his rig and flicked the reins. The horse started off at a run. Within minutes he had disappeared from view.
“What do you make of that, Carmelita?” Pearl asked.
The housekeeper wiped her hands on her apron and shrugged. “Señor Pierce has often come to take the ledgers. Especially whenever Senor Onyx was traveling.” She walked away mumbling, “But I think Señorita Diamond will not like it. She was determined to finish the books herself.”
“Maybe it’s just as well,” Pearl said with a sigh. “I came across so many discrepancies, it probably would have taken another month to figure out what was going on. Daddy was a very poor bookkeeper. And Diamond seemed not much better.”
Adam was forced to backtrack, wasting precious time. But once he found the place where Diamond’s stalker had dismounted, the trail was simple to follow. Too simple. He fought to ignore the little tingle along his scalp. The whole thing smelled of an ambush. But there was no time to stop and prepare a plan of counterattack. Diamond’s life was at stake. His own safety meant nothing. Nor would his life ever again have meaning if he failed to save her.
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