The Devil’s Daughter Suzie Grant
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. The Devil‘s Daughter Copyright © 2011 by Suzie Grant Cover Design by Heather Boyd
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The Devil‘s Daughter A bounty hunter facing his past encounters a criminal on the run from her own. Blaze Marie Austin is no longer the little girl forced to be an outlaw. Finding her chance at redemption, Blaze must repay the man who‘d saved her life. Only her savior‘s estranged son accuses her of betrayal and ignites a passion she can‘t deny. Gade Ryder returned to Eden, Texas, after a twelve year absence to investigate a gang of rustlers on the family ranch. Gade can‘t decide if he‘d accepted the job out of misplaced family loyalty or had the compelling mystery of the devil‘s daughter convinced him to stay in the one place he didn‘t want to be. Confronted by the memory of his mother‘s suicide and the father he blames for her death, Gade finds himself seeking comfort from the one woman he couldn‘t trust. When the little criminal is accused of murder, Gade realizes his growing attraction for her could not only cost him his freedom, it may well cost him his life. Blaze couldn‘t help but wonder if the murder were a subtle hint of her past and had she just lost her last chance to run again?
Dedication
For my parents who taught me how to dream, for my children who taught me how to love and for the love of my life who taught me true happiness. Special thanks to the critique group who never let me give up.
One 1874 Gade Ryder considered Eden, Texas anything but paradise. Yet, the Eve every man imagined strolled down the boardwalk as he stepped off the stagecoach. The way she moved intrigued him. Slow, smooth, calculated steps drew his attention as the rolling wheels on a passing wagon drowned out the tinkle of her Mexican spurs and the steady clomp of dusty black boots. The building‘s overhang cast the woman‘s profile in shade while late afternoon sun shed the shadow of lush curves across the wood-grain floor. He couldn‘t see her face yet just the red hair set ablaze, the ends curling like flaming fingers around her waist. She lowered one hand to rest on the set of Remingtons holstered on her waist. Gade narrowed his gaze. The customized army forty-fours had both of the wooden handles removed and replaced by solid silver. What made a woman pack a set of pistols like that? Plopping down in a chair outside the saloon, the woman offered a coin for a boot shine to the young boy, and propped one denim clad leg on the stool. A hand clapped down on his back and drew his attention. ―Welcome back, Gade. It‘s good to see you again.‖ Gade whipped around toward the dark-haired man in the three-piece-suit and black boots. ―I didn‘t even notice you there, Garret.‖ He dropped his single bag on the ground to give his younger sibling a hearty hug. ―It‘s been too long, hasn‘t it?‖
―Twelve years, but I‘m glad you‘re home.‖ His brother‘s intense silver-grey eyes, familiar even after all the time away, crinkled under the sun‘s rays. The slightest breeze trickled through the deserted main street and stirred the dust under their feet. The telegram he‘d received several weeks ago had been unexpected, and he couldn‘t shake the feeling, like a noose had slipped over his neck. After twelve years, his father still tried to correct a wrong he couldn‘t amend. Nothing would ever change the fact that he‘d left this part of his life behind years ago. Not even the urgency in the letter could erase the memory of his mother‘s suicide. Garret retrieved a small metal case from his vest pocket. ―Not everyone is going to be glad to see you.‖ ―Yeah, I figured as much,‖ Gade replied, a dull ache developed in his chest as he realized the truth of those words. Their brother never was the kind to forgive and forget. ―I‘m not sure how Warren is going to take the news of your return. So, don‘t expect a welcome wagon from him.‖ Garret spoke around the cigarette in his mouth. ―This place has gone downhill since you left.‖ He lit it and replaced the casing in his pocket. ―As if it wasn‘t bad enough already.‖ One hundred and twenty-five miles northwest of San Antonio, Eden had little to commend it. A town full of numerous saloons, brothels and gambling halls nestled in a valley south of Edward‘s Plateau.
―Don‘t worry, amigo, I don‘t plan to be here long.‖ Gade pulled on the chain then flipped the top of his pocket watch open to look at the time. I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to be. Garret retrieved the discarded bag and urged Gade forward. ―C‘mon, let‘s get a drink before we head out to the ranch. You‘re gonna need it.‖ He shuffled up the steps and past the red head. She tugged the brim of her hat down and he couldn‘t get a good look at her face. The double swinging doors swooshed to and fro behind him as he followed his brother to the bar, propping a foot on the brass rail. He squinted to adjust his vision to the dim interior. One of Eden‘s finest held about a half-dozen people. Three men played an early game of faro at the rear, and another sat at the other end of the bar. The stench of stale alcohol and cigars assaulted him, and the gauzy haze of smoke burned his eyes. An inch of dirt covered the interior of the Whiskey Spades and the grating scrape of his boots echoed in the curious silence of the establishment. So this is paradise. The doors thwapped open again and daylight spilled across the grainy floor. The woman entered behind them and headed for the bar, several spaces down. Her reflection distorted slightly in the smeared, cracked mirror and produced shards of color within the rows of bottles aligned across the counter. A whistle from a nearby stage driver split the late afternoon air and the soft murmur of voices increased at her entrance. Gade shifted. She appeared oblivious to the attention, or too confident to care. Over the last thirty-five years, some of the most beautiful women since Eve fed Adam the forbidden fruit had taught Gade some valuable lessons in love, but he imagined this red-head
could teach him something new. The woman who‘d attracted his attention walked right by with little more than a cursory glance in his direction. Like himself, she propped a foot on the brass rail. ―Bartender. Get me a whiskey.‖ The husky timbre of her voice sent a curl of heat through him. She glanced over at them and nodded. ―Garret.‖ Garret tipped his hat. How did his brother know this woman? Who was she? He was certain he would‘ve remembered her if she were from Eden. Gade waited for an introduction but seconds passed, and Garret had focused his attention out the window. ―So what‘s Pa want with me?‖ Gade asked, hoping to get his brother to open up about something. ―I‘ll let the ol‘ man tell you that. It‘s not my place.‖ He figured they should head on out to the ranch, but Gade wasn‘t ready to give up the view quite yet. His gaze met hers in the mirror. The first clear glance of the woman made his heart slam against his ribs and stick there. Classic features and a smooth complexion widened his gaze in surprise. But the full mouth turned up in a knowing smile as if she kept secrets from him. And he suddenly wished she‘d whisper them in his ear. Despite her delicate appearance, her dark midnight eyes were fierce, almost hostile. The intense look lasted only seconds, long enough for him to tip his hat in hello. Hell, my unwanted family reunion is twelve years overdue, what’s one more night? The steady thump of boots on wood brought Gade‘s attention to the stairs. His gaze rose
from the polished black leather to the hands fastening a set of shiny gold cuff links. Another face he hadn‘t seen in years greeted him. Gade ducked his head and glanced at Garret. ―When the hell did Sid come back?‖ The local town‘s instigator had caused enough trouble that old man Gerard had sent his son, Sid, off to school. Gade hadn‘t expected the trouble-maker to return but then again, smaller towns meant more chances to bully and less people to talk. ―A while ago, and since he‘s been back he thinks he‘s the biggest toad in the puddle.‖ Great, could things get any worse? Gade peeked at Sid from under the rim of his hat. Of average height, he didn‘t have any real impressive features. Other than the consistent leer he still wore. Sid didn‘t glance their way, instead his gaze lit on the woman, and he eased beside her, leaning one skinny elbow on the bar. ―Did you come back to reconsider my proposition?‖ She stiffened. ―No.‖ ―Then what are you doin‘ here?‖ The woman tossed down the whiskey and set the empty glass on the bar. ―Havin‘ a drink.‖ ―You should reconsider. You‘d make a hell of a lot more here than you do workin‘ at the old man‘s ranch. That cheap bastard holds onto every penny but then again that‘s what happens when you‘re flat broke.‖ He chuckled at his own joke as he vacated his spot and moved behind the bar. Jerking the bottle from the bartender, Sid refilled her drink until it sloshed over the sides. ―The Whiskey Spades could use a new addition. And a woman like you could make a lot of money.‖ ―I don‘t need money.‖
He picked up the glass, and set it before her without releasing it. ―Ahh, I don‘t believe that. Everyone needs money.‖ She didn‘t reach for the shot glass, instead brought her gaze up to Sid‘s. ―Then you don‘t know me.‖ Sid leaned over the bar and slapped the short, fat man wearing the sheepskin jacket next to her on the back of the head. ―What do you think, Eddie? Don‘t you think our little devil‘s daughter would make a nice addition to the Whiskey Spades?‖ The one named Eddie grinned and leered at the opened V of her shirt. ―I‘ll bet she‘s as hot as a whorehouse on nickel night.‖ Gade twirled the liquid in his shot glass and attempted to ignore the confrontation. It isn’t my business. ―See, Eddie here would pay you good money.‖ Sid sniggered and let go of the glass. The red head downed the liquid. ―Eddie would pay a bitch in heat for a little attention.‖ One of Sid‘s skinny hands shot out and grasped the back of her head, toppling her hat. The fist-sized scar on her neck drew Gade‘s attention. It appeared to be a pitchfork branded on her flesh. Now who the hell would brand a woman? And why? Sid let her go and her head snapped up. ―Pa gives you more credit than you deserve. He says we should keep a good eye on you. While I certainly don‘t mind the view, I don‘t think you‘re that tough.‖ Gade pinned his gaze on Sid and clenched the empty glass until his hand shook. Garret drank down his whiskey. ―Heroism is for fools, amigo,‖ he whispered to Gade. ―Don‘t worry. My hero days are over.‖
~*~ Sid leaned down into her face. ―Why don‘t you try your tricks on a real man?‖ Blaze Marie Austin raised a single brow at his arrogance. ―Show me a real man, Sid.‖ His cheeks turned a deep, ruddy red. ―Bitch.‖ A chuckle sounded from the other end of the bar, and Sid swung in that direction. Blaze risked a quick glance. ―Your friend seems to have a sense of humor, Garret.‖ Sid shuffled closer. Garret sighed. ―I‘ll say.‖ Sid‘s brow furrowed as he squinted, peering closer at the man beside Garret. ―Do I know you, mister? You seem awful familiar.‖ Out of all the men in the saloon, only one had been worth watching. Aware of Gade Ryder‘s every move, Blaze traced his hard visage. She‘d recognized him immediately because he looked exactly the way James must have as a young man. She wondered if James knew his son had returned to Eden. Or would he be surprised? Reputation colored Gade as a hard man. A man who didn‘t care about anything, much less family. So why would he return to a town he didn‘t give a rat‘s ass about? And to a family he hadn‘t spoken to in years? Blaze didn‘t know the details on the Ryder family scandal other than rumor and hearsay. It‘d been none of her business but now curiosity tantalized her. What had happened to make him leave in the first place? Gade didn‘t seem to want his arrival advertised as he lowered his hat, shadowing his features. Or maybe he avoided Sid. Unease slid along her spine. Shadows trimmed his profile, his chiseled jaw and prominent cheekbones the only visible features on his face. ―Hey, I‘m talkin‘ to you,‖ Sid shouted.
Gade leaned both forearms on the bar and his shoulders visibly tensed. He raised his head, emptied his whiskey glass and set it on the bar. ―Why don‘t you make yourself useful while you‘re back there, Sid, and get me another drink.‖ Sid lost his grin. Did the two have some bad blood between them? ―Well, well, Gade Ryder. You just get into town?‖ ―As a matter of fact, I did,‖ Gade replied. ―It‘s been a mighty long time since I‘ve seen you. Things have changed around here since you left.‖ Gade made an exaggerated effort to glance around. ―So I‘ve heard. But you know this place is as much of a shit-hole now as it was twelve years ago.‖ ―I run this shit-hole now. And we don‘t serve breeds here. In fact, Pa controls this town. James no longer has the kind of power to make everyone conveniently forget the real color of your skin. So why don‘t you mount back up and ride on out to wherever it is you‘ve been hiding for the last twelve years.‖ ―Change isn‘t like lightning. You never know when it‘s going to strike the same place again.‖ Those silver eyes hardened like hammered metal and his tone grew cool. Each word was said with precision, and Blaze had a sense of staring into the mouth of hell. Sid grinned. ―Change is only good when I get something out of it.‖ ―Still a greedy bastard and unlucky with the ladies.‖ Gade shook his head. ―Some things never change.‖
Sid eased back and frowned. ―Don‘t need luck with women, just a firm hand. I was offering a little friendly business proposition and I don‘t think it‘s any of your business, breed.‖ ―It didn‗t look so friendly to me and I don‗t think the lady thought so, either.‖ ―Normally, I‘d agree with you, but this ain‘t no lady. Are ya, darlin‘?‖ Sid chuckled, reached over and squeezed her jaw. She jerked away. ―Not exactly the angel she appears. You see, a lady wouldn‘t walk into a saloon, order panther piss and toss it down like a man. A lady doesn‘t play poker, pack a set of pistols like those, an‘ a lady wouldn‘t dress like a two bit whore in denim so tight a man can‘t even slide a finger in.‖ ―Lady or not, when a woman turns away, it means no in my book. Don‘t you agree, Garret?‖ ―I don‘t think she looks like she enjoyed it.‖ Garret shrugged. ―But then again, maybe you get that reaction all the time, Sid.‖ ―I don‘t give a shit what a woman wants,‖ Sid said. Blaze had enough of being the object of the conversation without getting a single word in. ―And that‘s probably why you have to hire one.‖ Sid crossed the area in half a stride, reached out and grabbed her by the collar. He yanked her over the counter. From the corner of her eye she noticed Gade straighten to his full height and take a step forward. ―When I want your opinion, bitch, I‘ll give it to you.‖ Both of her hands clasped his wrists and the prized gold cuff links he wore. She smiled. ―The only thing you give me, Sid, is a headache.‖ With a single thrust she nailed him in the nose with her forehead. Blood spattered across her brow and cheeks. As he let go to grasp his broken nose, Blaze tugged the cuff link off and
slipped it into her shirt pocket. He’d replaced the missing cuff link quick enough. Sid held his nose between his hands. ―That was really stupid.‖ He came up in a wide arc with a gun in his hand. But the Remington‘s cleared leather and she shoved both of her barrels beneath his chin. Sid swallowed. The men at the back of the bar stood to interfere but Garret and Gade drew their weapons. Silence reigned. A Mexican standoff. Blaze certainly hoped the prize she‘d placed in her pocket was worth all this. If her hunch proved wrong about Sid, and someone got hurt from this little escapade, she might feel a little guilty. Might being the key word. ―Do you really want to continue this, Sid?‖ she asked. ―I‘m not so sure your father would want to stir the pot yet, or am I mistaken in believing he‘s still got some unfinished business. After all, he hasn‘t even gotten word the breed is back in town yet. Like Gade said, change isn‘t like lightning.‖ Sid blinked and gave a crooked grin. He holstered the pistol and nodded in the direction of the four men in the back. They eased back in their seats, the weapons disappearing one by one. Sid didn‘t take his gaze off Blaze. ―Welcome back to Eden, Ryder. I hope you enjoy your stay.‖ ~*~ ―Damn Gade, I thought you said your hero days were over?‖ Garret said. ―I lied.‖ The double doors swung shut behind them as they backed out of the saloon.
Gade swung toward Garret. ―Now tell me what the hell is going on here?‖ The three of them pounded down the boardwalk to the south of town. Garret shook his well-groomed head and tugged on his vest. ―I‘m going to the livery to get you a horse. We‘ll head out to the ranch and you can get some answers there. Besides, we‘ll need to stay out of town for a while until the air clears.‖ Little Miss Trouble-Maker strode after Garret, and Gade seized her wrist. ―I want some answers now, especially since that little crack about the breed being back in town was about me. Now talk.‖ A smooth smile slithered across her features and her midnight eyes hardened. ―You‘ll get your answers, but not from me.‖ ―How the hell do you know me anyway?‖ ―You‘re a popular man around here, Ryder. Surely, you must realize that. It wasn‘t too difficult to figure out who you were.‖ She attempted to disengage his hand, but he didn‘t let go. ―Sid isn‘t exactly a good role model, lady. I‘d be lookin‘ for some new friends.‖ ―I have no friends.‖ ―Really?‖ He raised a brow. ―That isn‘t what Sid seems to think.‖ ―Sid can think whatever he wants. And you can too, for that matter. Listen, your father has the answers you need, so I suggest you go find what you‘re looking for. You‘re just wasting time here.‖ His brows drew together, and he backed her against the wood railing until she couldn‘t go any further. ―I‘m not so certain I‘d be wasting time as you so clearly put it. In fact, I think our time together might be rather enjoyable. We‘re just getting to know each other, right? You seem
to be as interested in me as I am you, or am I mistaken?‖ She sucked in a quick breath, and her eyes dropped to his mouth. So, she is interested. When her gaze collided with his again, the stubborn tilt to her chin raised a notch. ―I came here for a drink, Ryder, not a romp between the sheets. But don‘t take it personally. I simply have things to do before it gets dark.‖ He let her ease out from between him and the banister, though he pinned her to the spot with his gaze. ―What‘re you going to do if you run into your buddies again?‖ The woman swiveled to face him. ―What? You won‘t be around to help me out next time?‖ She chuckled. ―I don‘t need your help or anyone else‘s. I could‘ve handled the resident asshole myself.‖ ―It didn‘t appear that way to me.‖ ―You didn‗t hold off long enough to find out. Besides, I don‘t remember askin‘ for help.‖ Gade gritted his teeth. So much for playing the hero. You‘d think he‘d learned by now to mind his own damn business. ―That‘s your mistake, not mine.‖ Gade crossed his arms and shrugged. ―But you apparently know where to find me if you change your mind.‖ She paused, one foot about to descend the steps. Her gaze fell to his lips again and an answering heat coiled through his body. ―You want me to thank you for your help but the kind of thanks you‘re asking for isn‘t my style. I believe they have places for that kind of thing. I‘m sure you‘re real familiar with where they‘re located, so you won‘t need any directions. Here‘s a quick lesson for you, Gade, not every woman needs a hero. You should remember that.‖ She stepped off the boardwalk and headed down the street in the direction of the livery. The sway of those hips under the denim drew his attention and Gade found himself itching to pull them free of the material to see what lay underneath.
―I never caught your name.‖ ―I never gave it,‖ she shot back over her shoulder. He frowned and tamped down the urge to run after her to demand an answer. Gade had to face a past he hadn‘t confronted in twelve years before he could place the missing pieces of the puzzle to the devil‘s daughter.
Two
Gade rode hell bent for the ranch accompanied by images of red hair, fiercely seductive eyes, and a body a man could lose himself in. His encounter with the devil‘s daughter had left him with a yearning for a woman he knew nothing about. Brilliant rays from the afternoon sun poured over him and caused his head to throb in rhythm with the horses‘ hooves. Sweat ran down his temple in tiny rivulets and soaked into the collar of his dark shirt. Two hours later, he and Garret crested the last rise, stopping just short of the long, curved drive. The carved oak sign creaked under the weight of the breeze and read ―The Broken Circle Ranch.‖ The sprawling ranch nestled deep within a wide floor of dry grassland, with a small stream curling sharply behind it. So many buildings backed the rear of the house it resembled a small village. He took a deep breath. The familiar sweet scent of honeysuckle reminded him of late summer nights on the range with his brothers. From the time he‘d been able to walk, he‘d been in a saddle. He‘d learned to round up cattle by the age of seven and went on his first trail drive at nine. He‘d always assumed his life would be here at The Broken Circle. This had been home but...never really home. His attention followed the width of the wrap-around porch, then up the tall Roman columns to the second story verandah. He and his brothers had spent many days playing hideand-seek up there.
The large main house was whitewashed to a blinding hue. Even the pristine color reminded him he‘d never belonged here. It was too clean, too pure, too civilized for his kind. Or at least it used to be. The black trim matched the shutters, but there were two hanging by single nails. The once clean double-paned windows were streaked with age. Large oaks shaded the front lawn, surrounded by multicolored patches of wild flowers overgrown with weeds. They rode into the rear yard and dismounted. The veiled disrepair showed in the chipped paint and the missing section of rail on the back porch. Garret took the reins of both horses and headed for the stables. There wasn‘t anyone around and the wind whined eerily in the silence. Where was everyone? Gade leapt up the steps two at a time and paused with his hand on the dull, brass knob. He took a deep breath and yanked open the screen door. A resounding crash followed the click of the weathered screen door. Gade moved down the hall, to the front entryway. The door to the study stood open but he remained in the shadows. Paneled walls lined with bookshelves made the space appear smaller. His father, James Ryder, stood behind the polished mahogany desk. Not even the expensive, stylish suite he wore could conceal the signs of age. His hair had grown white around the temples and thin wrinkles fanned the corner of his eyes. Deep lines bracketed the corners of his mouth. He wore a mustache now, whereas Gade had only seen him clean-shaven. James seemed less invincible, even tired and worn down. Seeing his father again, his mother‘s image immediately sprang to mind. The expression she wore indicated a woman already given up on life. It‘d turned out to be the only expression he would remember. Gade leaned on the doorframe. His eyes darted from his father to his brother, Warren,
then back again. Seconds passed, before either of them noticed him. ―Why did you send for me?‖ Gade asked when his father‘s eyes strayed to him in the doorway. Warren whirled, his fist aimed for his face, but Gade ducked just before impact. ―What the hell are you doin‘ here?‖ Warren shouted. Gade straightened. ―What the hell did you swing at me for?‖ ―What kind of welcome did you expect after you‘ve been gone for so long?‖ Warren replied. ―What the hell are you doin‘ here?‖ Gade tilted his head toward their father. ―Ask him.‖ James stiffened. ―You‘re here. Come in, we were just having a little family discussion. I‘d actually given up on you. After you didn‘t show last week I thought you weren‘t coming.‖ Warren whirled and strode to the side of the desk. ―Did you ask him to come back?‖ James sat behind the desk and offered Gade a seat with a sweep of one hand. ―Suit yourself,‖ James muttered stiffly when Gade remained where he stood. ―Let‘s cut the bullshit,‖ he said. ―Why‘d you contact me, James?‖ Gade called his father by his given name purposefully. This was business. Pleasure in Eden, Texas had disappeared the day they‘d buried his mother. Warren leaned one hand on the desk. ―You contacted him? Why? You didn‘t think I could handle this on my own?‖ James sighed. ―Yes, I contacted Gade and no, I‘m not sure any of us can handle it. But let‘s face it, Warren. We need all the help we can get.‖ ―Not from him, I don‘t.‖ Gade arched a single brow. ―According to you, you don‘t need help from anyone, so I
don‘t think it matters who he asked to help.‖ ―I don‘t think it‘s any of your business, period. You can‘t waltz in here after twelve years and imagine you have any say in the matter.‖ ―Both of you sit down,‖ James intervened. He lifted his spectacles and placed them on the bridge of his nose, peering at Gade over the top of them. ―Let‘s try to remain civil, shall we? I‘m glad you decided to come. There‘s a matter we need to address.‖ Gade closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, wishing just once he could have been wrong. Of course, my father had a reason to send for me, heaven forbid he simply ask me to come home because I’m missed. ―I‘ve been waiting on you for several weeks now. Didn‘t you get the telegram?‖ James asked and settled back into his armed chair. ―I had some business to take care of,‖ Gade said. Actually, it had taken him several days to decide whether or not to come. ―Well, you can‘t have a spread this large in west Texas and not have a problem with rustlers. We all know that. But this time Drew hired himself some damn professionals.‖ Drew Gerard, Sid‘s father, had been their local competition since Gade was young. Gerard was known for his underhanded tactics and it didn‘t surprise him to learn Drew had added rustling to that list. James opened the drawer to place a stack of papers inside. ―We‘ve got some decisions to make, and it wouldn‘t be fair to exclude you, Gade.‖ ―Like what?‖ ―Like what to do about these rustlers,‖ James answered. ―As I was saying the rustlers have a clean operation. There are no distinctive markings on the shoes and no particular time of
day they hit.‖ Horses picked up stones or marks on their shoes every time they were ridden. Which in Gade‘s line of work meant the rustlers put new shoes on their horses recently. For the simple reason it would be harder for any would-be trackers to identify them. ―The timing is so well planned, usually on the shift change, it leads me to believe they‘ve acquired an inside man,‖ Warren said and glanced at James. Gade frowned. The look appeared accusing. Gade didn‘t miss the emphasis on the word ―man.‖ The hair rose on the back of his neck. Had he just missed the punch line? James slammed the desk drawer. ―I‘ve lost almost four hundred-head in less than six months and more men than I can count on two hands! They‘ve killed two of our men already. It‘s a clean operation and they make sure there aren‘t any witnesses. Some of our men have quit. I don‘t blame them. They don‘t get paid enough to get themselves killed. We have enough men to finish round up but nowhere near enough for the drive to market. I need to get these cattle to market early and get whatever cash we can before they wipe us out.‖ ―Which is why you‘re all here.‖ James stood. ―I went to San Antonio to check on an offer I‘ve received on the ranch. And I‘ve been considering this offer for the last several months. With Gerard‘s hired guns, I‘ve been backed into a corner with little choice but to keep all my options open. Drew has already bought out the other smaller ranches; even old man Rowly‘s place.‖ ―That piece of junk?‖ Gade‘s brows drew together. James nodded. ―Yes, and I‘d rather this place go to anyone but Gerard.‖ He sighed. ―But you and your brothers hold the final decision, it‘s your inheritance.‖ ―What!‖ Warren dropped his arms. ―You‘re not selling this ranch, with or without their
consent. I can‘t believe you didn‘t tell me this.‖ He crossed the room and jabbed his finger into James‘ direction. ―What the hell has gotten into you lately? Ah shit, never mind, I already know.‖ James threw up his arms. ―Will you stop? This has absolutely nothing to do with-‖ ―Bull shit.‖ The desk stood between them, but Warren bowed up, his stance daring his father to argue with him. ―It has everything to do with her. Ever since you met her, you‘ve been ignoring all the evidence that points right to her. You can‘t seem to pull your head out of her pants long enough to realize how much of a threat she is.‖ Warren‘s neck turned red under the dark of his tan. He was a man whose expressions read like an open book. ―This place is all I have left. I‘m convinced now more than ever Gerard hired her to help persuade you that you need to sell. It‘s too much of a coincidence, she shows up, the rustlers suddenly get lucky and now you’re ready to sell?‖ ―What proof do you have to make any kind of accusations?‖ James asked. ―I don‘t need any proof. My gut tells me she‗s the rat.‖ James slammed a fist down on the desk and vibrated a pile of papers onto the floor. ―That‘s enough, Warren!‖ Gade no longer knew his family. But from the look of things, it hadn‘t gone so well without him. They‘d lived together all this time but appeared to be as uncomfortable with each other as they were with him. ―What in the hell are you both talking about?‖ Gade asked. ―Our father‘s newest fling,‖ Warren sneered. ―We haven‘t been intimate with one another,‖ James insisted. ―He met her in San Antonio six months ago.‖ Warren gave a tight grin. ―Rather
convenient, isn‘t it? He brought her back with him. Oh, she takes the cake, Gade. I do believe she‘s got your mother beat in the time it took to win him over. It only took her a few days.‖ Gade crossed the room in three strides. He stopped short and glared at his brother, his jaw ticking away the seconds. Their ragged breath tore through the silence. James pushed between them and shoved Gade back with a hand to his chest. ―Leave it alone, Gade,‖ James demanded. ―Just walk away.‖ With a disgusted sound, he gave Warren another cold look and retraced his steps. ―Oh yeah, take his advice, Gade.‖ Warren grinned. ―You‘re both used to walking away.‖ James cleared his throat and hardened his jaw as if struggling to hold onto his own temper. ―I hired her to do a job.‖ He leaned over to gather another stack of scattered papers. Warren snorted. ―I‘m sure you did. I hope she‘s good and worth the money.‖ James jerked upright and glowered at his son. ―I hired her to do legitimate work. She pays her own room and board.‖ ―From day one, she‘s been trouble. You see, the inside man happens to be a woman. Only the old man here can‘t seem to see what‘s going on right in front of his face.‖ ―You‘ve no proof,‖ James retorted. ―You get me proof and then we‘ll talk. Until then, we have to work together if we‘re going to find out who‘s ratting us out. And we can‘t do it if we‘re fighting. I hired her to help us get these cattle to market.‖ He wiped a hand over his face. ―I can‘t wait any longer I won‘t have anything left to sell. Her gun is going to ensure we make it there.‖ ―She‘s a hired gun?‖ Gade‘s eyes widened. ―A woman? You‘re kidding, right?‖ A vision of red hair and a set of Remingtons crossed his mind. ―No, I‘m not. She‘s good at what she does. I've seen her myself, she's quite remarkable. And I trust her.‖
―Then you‘re the fool, old man. I‘ve been a bounty hunter for some time and I‘ve learned two things. Women are never to be trusted and hired guns are only murderers who get paid. Being a woman makes her no different in my book.‖ James sighed. ―You don't know her like I do, and I know she isn‘t involved with Gerard. And while I'm still alive, this ranch belongs to me.‖ Warren threw up his hands. ―Well, I'm not giving up our ranch, not for you, her, or anyone else for that matter. I‘ve got Luke to think about now. And you may have forgotten this is the last thing that we,‖ his arm swooped around to indicate both himself and Gade, ―have left to remind us of our mothers, but I haven't. You let them both slip away and I'll be damned if I‘ll let you give this away, too. That red-headed vixen may have caught you in her web but not me. One way or another, I'll prove she's involved.‖ At Warren‘s mention of red-head, a piece to the puzzle fit into place. Warren slammed out of the room hard enough a picture on the wall tumbled to floor and shattered. So the red-head in the saloon and his father were having an affair? What could she possibly see in a man who’s twice her age? Did they love each other? It wouldn‘t last. The illusion of love faded quickly when a new fascination came along. He‘d seen too often, his father‘s infidelity to believe in love. Marching straight to the desk and the man who sat behind it, Gade paused. He started to talk and stopped. He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. ―You never answered my question, James. Why am I here? Why did you send for me when you know I want nothing from you or this place?‖ His father removed his reading spectacles and laid them down with a heavy sigh. ―Don‘t call me James.‖
―Answer me!‖ Gade‘s hand slammed down on the desk. ―Whether you want it or not, this is your investment, too. When I die this place will be a quarter yours.‖ ―I don‘t want it.‖ ―Warren will still run it,‖ James insisted. ―But it will be here if you ever need it.‖ ―I won‘t need it.‖ James shook his head. ―You never know, Gade.‖ ―I‘ll be damned if I take anything from you!‖ Gade shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from throttling his own flesh and blood. ―I need your help. You‘re the only one who knows the cattle rustling business. It‘s your job to hunt down men like these, and as much as I rely on Warren, he simply isn‘t qualified to deal with this.‖ ―Ask your little gunfighter girl.‖ James shook his head. ―She‘s not family. I need someone I can trust and that‘s you. I‘m willing to pay you, no matter what you‘re charging your clients.‖ Gade ground his teeth so hard his jaw throbbed. Why couldn‘t his father see he didn‘t want money? He didn‘t want the job. Hell, he didn‘t want to be here. He ambled away from the desk toward the shelves of multi-colored books lining the wall. His eyes roved over the titles, but he didn‘t read them. Years ago, I would’ve welcomed a chance like this to make up with my father...but after twelve years of no contact, no word...it’s too late. He swung around. ―One condition.‖ James smiled. ―Excellent. Name it, anything.‖ Stopping short of the desk, he held James‘ gaze. ―I don‘t want your money, I don‘t want
my inheritance and this is the last time you ask me for anything.‖ The blood drained from his father‘s face as he shot to his feet and he realized whatever request James assumed he would ask, that hadn‘t been it. James shoved his hands deep into his pockets. ―You can‘t ask that of me.‖ ―I can and I did.‖ One of his father‘s hands crept out of the pocket to caress the corners of the mustache as James considered this. Gade allowed his father to digest his words. He wanted it understood this would be the last time he returned to Eden, Texas. ―Agreed.‖ There was no need to shake hands. There was an unspoken trust, knowledge one-way or another their lives would change. Gade took one last look and walked out. Had he agreed to help out of loyalty to his family? Or had the compelling mystery of the devil‘s daughter kept him here in the one place he didn‘t want to be? ~*~ Gade stalked out the back screen door and it slammed shut behind him. Warren stood on the back porch with a man in a dark brown hat and beady dark eyes. The man nodded in his direction. Tobacco-darkened teeth flashed in a smile. ―Howdy. I‘m Jake.‖ Gade shook the man‘s hand. ―Gade.‖ Jake remained warm enough but Gade sensed something he couldn‘t define. Wary, Gade studied him. The scar running parallel with his chin on his neck told tales of a criminal life but the beady eyes said it better. ―Gade, this is Jake Trask, a friend of mine and the ranch foreman,‖ Warren said.
―Uncle Jake!‖ A voice called out, and Gade turned toward the corner of the house. ―Uncle Jake, I got it.‖ The flash of movement raced around the porch and up the stairs bumping into Gade‘s side. A pair of silver-gray eyes peered up at him over one shoulder. ―S-sorry, mister.‖ ―Hold on there, littl‘ buckaroo. You headin‘ for a fire?‖ Jake knelt. The child jumped up and down. ―C‘mon, come and see it.‖ Warren laughed. ―C‘mere pard. I haven‘t seen you all day.‖ The child skipped into Warren‘s arms. He scooped him up and kissed the blonde head. ―What did you get?‖ ―I shot a rabbit.‖ The child grinned and flashed a pearly white smile, missing a single tooth. ―All on my own! I shot him and Uncle Jake said I can skin him for supper.‖ ―Well, I‘ll be, little man. I‘m proud of you.‖ His smile faded and the frown returned. ―Gade. This is my son, Luke.‖ A son? Those words hit his gut like a freight train. Words left him. When the hell did that happen? The silver-gray eyes peered up at him. The blonde hair and tall, lanky build an exact replica of Warren as he‘d been as a child. For a second, it was like looking into the past. Before the scandal...before the heartache...before the suicide. Gade swallowed. He nodded. ―Howdy, Luke. Nice to meet you.‖ Luke hesitated. ―Hello.‖ Warren set him on his feet and he tugged on Warren‘s shirt. ―Who‘s that, Daddy?‖ ―This is my brother, Gade.‖ The eyes widened to the size of the blazing desert sun in a cloudless day. ―You‘re the one daddy hates.‖
―Luke!‖ Warren shouted. Gade laughed. ―Yeah, that‘s me.‖ He peered at Warren above the blonde head. The truth of those words hit him in the gut like a full grown bull. Warren‘s jaw clamped shut. He could see his brother would offer no apologies. Not to Gade. ―Listen here,‖ Jake said and turned Luke around by the arm. ―You go on an‘ git that rabbit and I‘ll meet you at the chuck wagon in a few. Now skedaddle.‖ The child raced down the steps toward the stables. ―He‘s always in an all-fired hurry.‖ Jake chuckled and turned to Warren. ―I came to tell you, that good fer nothing coward‘s got everybody more scared than a chicken in the rain. We‘re gonna have to head to San Antone to get us some supplies. It‘ll be slower than molasses in January but it‘s our only choice.‖ ―Ed wouldn‘t sell us anything?‖ Warren asked. ―Nope.‖ Warren exhaled. ―All right, I‘ll make plans to head out after the round-up. You go ahead and get Luke, I don‘t want him out there alone anymore.‖ Jake turned to leave. He stopped next to Gade and nodded. ―Mighty pleased to meet ya, Gade.‖ Gade clasped his hand. ―Same here, Jake.‖ Apprehension slithered up his spine. Something about Jake Trask set Gade on edge but he wasn‘t sure what it was. But he would be sure to find out. After Jake left, Gade turned to Warren. The click of Warren‘s boot heels on the wood planks seemed unnaturally loud to him. Gade narrowed his gaze as his brother stopped next to him. Shoulder to shoulder now, they stared each other down. ―Just because Pa asked you to return doesn‘t mean you‘re welcome here, Gade. I‘ve been
running things for twelve years without your help. And I‘ll be running things long after you‘re gone again.‖ They measured each other. Warren had always seen him as competition. This time, however, Gade found an enemy in his brother instead of an ally. ―I wouldn‘t get too comfortable...brother.‖
Three
Hours later, Gade found the campsite easily enough. Every year, Warren used the same spot for spring roundup and this year wasn‘t any different. Wind kicked up dust and swirled it across the compacted earth. The wide basin of trampled grassland had very little green left. He pulled alongside Garret and Jake on the outskirts of the camp. Jake tipped his hat. ―Howdy.‖ Gade nodded and squinted under the heavy afternoon sun. Garret sent Gade a genuine smile and removed his black felt hat from his dark hair. The silver-grey eyes Gade remembered so well held a hint of real affection. ―I didn‘t think you‘d stay after you heard. You know when Pa said he'd written to you, I wasn't sure you‘d even come.‖ ―Had no choice.‖ Gade clasped his offered hand. Garret didn’t need to know this would be his last visit. ―So you‘re stayin?‖ ―Long as it takes, I reckon.‖ Garret wiped the sweat from his brow with the tip of his kerchief. ―Should‘ve known you‘d come anyway. You always did play the hero. Where you headed to after this?‖ Gade shrugged. ―Don‘t know, you?‖
―Depends on how things turn out here.‖ Gade's attention wandered past Garret to the campsite beyond. He couldn't miss her, even if her hair was pulled up under her hat. Feminine, she stuck out like a sore thumb among the rough-looking company she kept. Especially when the light blue shirt remained unbuttoned enough to expose more flesh than any decent woman would dare. Gade tensed. Instead of a regular cow pony, she rode a magnificent black beast. She roped the horns of a year old maverick. The ―heeler‖ caught up the bull‘s legs and wrapped the rope around the pommel a few times. Her big black strained under the fury of the calf. It appeared to be well equipped and used to the work. Another rope wrapped around the oversized calf; the cowboy gave a short nod before Blaze hopped to the ground. Gade uttered a soft curse. ―What the hell is she doing?‖ When Gade started forward, Garret stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. ―She knows what she's doing. Like I said, that‘s one little lady you don‘t have to worry about.‖ Gade thought that debatable but didn't say anything. Moving in, she grabbed the bull-calf by the horns. She twisted its neck, forcing it to the ground under its own weight. The animal hit the packed earth with a dull thud. He‘d seen male steer wrestlers who hadn‘t done the job near as well. Her movements were precise, calculated to react to the doggie‘s every move. Impressed, Gade turned to Jake. ―What do you know about her?‖ The smell of burning hair and hide reached them. Jake shrugged his wide shoulders. ―About as much as you do I reckon. But, she may have an ace up her sleeve. I don‘t think it has anything to do with Gerard.‖ He spit a wad of tobacco to the ground. ―She‘s got a shady past,
even a good ol‘ boy like me can tell that. But does it have anything to do with the rustling? I don‘t rightly know.‖ Garret took a swig of water from his canteen. ―The rustlers definitely have someone inside. I just don‘t know if it‘s her.‖ ―I‘m not with her much,‖ Jake said. ―She helps us out every once in a while, since we're so short on men right now. But she's real quiet and keeps to herself most of the time.‖ Gade had been holding his breath. It came out in a whoosh, the moment she safely mounted her horse. She slapped the dust off her hat against her leather chaps. ―What's her name?‖ ―Blaze.‖ Jake took a kerchief and wiped his forehead. ―I don't know her last name or anythin‘.‖ ―Has she mentioned anywhere she‘s been, somewhere she‘s lived before?‖ Jake rubbed a hand across his jaw. ―Well, now that I think about it, she did mention she knew someone from Kansas once.‖ He stared hard at Gade. ―Why‘ya askin‘?‖ ―Curious.‖ ―Warren‘s suspicious of her, too.‖ Garret leaned his forearms on the pommel. ―But to tell the truth, it‘s not so unusual out here for someone not to tell where they're from. There‘re a lot of men who do the same.‖ ―Only men with bad reputations, something to hide, or hide from,‖ Gade pointed out.
―From the little time I‘ve spent out here with her, I know she works real hard and takes pride in what she does. She‘s real smart too,‖ Garret insisted. ―Smart enough to run a scam on a lonely old man and his crew?‖ Gade urged the horse in the direction she headed, leaving the two men to mull over his words. Reaching the campfire, she dismounted and headed for the water barrel to ladle up the liquid. Lust hit Gade like the weight of a full-grown bull when she poured it over her face. The water sluiced down her neck and chest, disappearing between the folds of her shirt. He swallowed hard and stopped to stare. Blaze actually had to repeat what she'd said to him because his attention had been focused on the deep crevice between the sunburned globes. Droplets glistened on her skin. What would they taste like? His brow arched. ―Giving the old boys a peep show?‖ She glanced down at his unbuttoned shirt and mimicked his raised brow. ―And you? Giving your own peep show? I‘m sure it‘s one the good ol‘ boys will enjoy. I know I do.‖ ―It‘s hot. And I‘m a man. There‘s a big difference.‖ She shook her head. ―Not out here, there‘s not. I‘m hot and need a cooling breeze. I wouldn‘t get one if I were all buttoned up to my collar, now would I?‖ Blaze let out a sigh. ―You didn‘t come out here to talk about my choice of apparel, so what do you want, Ryder?‖ She wore the same knowing smile again. He wanted to shake her for it. ―You know what I want.‖
―Oh, I know what you want, but we were discussing why you came out here.‖ She winked. ―Didn‘t I tell you already I wouldn‘t give that kind of thanks?‖ The grin on her face suggested she teased him, but he scowled as the comment hit too close to the truth. ―Tell me what you‘re up to, Blaze.‖ ―I see you've spoken with your brother. Does James know?‖ ―So familiar when addressing a man you barely know? A man who‘s supposed to be your boss?‖ ―And that bothers you?‖ He leaned down over the horse‘s neck. ―Doesn‘t it bother you? Just yesterday you were flirting with me outside the saloon and yet, you knew you were my father‘s newest fling?‖ She headed to her horse. ―If I were trying to flirt with you, you would be well seduced and sated by now, Mr. Ryder. I‘m not exactly the kind of woman who cares a fig for society‘s rules and I‘m not afraid to go after what I want.‖ Gade‘s heart beat faster. Her bold words incited an immediate reaction in his body. ―But I assure you, James and I are friends. He‘s no more interested in me than I am in him, and even if we were, it wouldn't be any of your business. Now if you please, some of us have to work for a living and don't have the time for idle chit chat.‖ She mounted the black in one fluid motion and started toward the branding fire. That round had definitely gone to her. The next one, he refused to lose. ~*~
The sound of a hundred hooves rumbled beneath Gade‘s feet as the cattle were driven back to the grazing range. Garret rode up next to him. ―I guess I should‘ve known you‘d stay.‖ His brother‘s black felt hat cast his face in shadows. ―Yeah, well, it wasn‘t easy,‖ Gade said. ―I haven‘t seen you in years. How‘ve you been holding up?‖ Garret looked the role of a gentleman in his dark tailored suit and shiny boots, but there was a shrewdness about him you couldn‘t miss. Pa always said you could tell a lot about a man by his boots. Gone was the chunky, nervous little boy from their childhood. Here sat a man who had tackled life head on and it showed. ―Good, good. I arrived from New York a few months ago. I‘d forgotten what a long trip it was.‖ ―I‘ll bet.‖ Gade leaned his forearm on the pommel. ―So how‘s New York treating you?‖ ―Set up my own practice there about six years ago with a man named Polkton. Things have been going better than I thought they would, to tell the truth.‖ ―That‘s good. How‘s your mother?‖ ―She‘s been ailing pretty bad for the last year or so. I‘d hoped Warren would go visit her by now.‖ Gade nodded and peered off into the distance where the ten foot wall of dust brushed across the canvas of the horizon. Large puffy clouds dotted against the backdrop and the sun burned down on their heads. ―You know she asks about you all the time?‖ Garret asked.
Gade‘s attention swung back to Garret. ―It‘s been a while. Maybe one day I‘ll head up that way to say howdy.‖ I haven’t seen my step-mother since the day they laid my mother to rest. He probably wouldn‘t ever make good on that promise, but Garret didn‘t need to know that. He wasn‘t sure he could face the woman who‘d helped to put his own mother six feet under. ―Bring Warren with you when you do. She misses him for some unknown reason.‖ ―Don‘t hold your breath on that one. He doesn‘t have a forgiving bone in his body. Trust me. I was on my way back to the house, wanna join me?‖ Garret brushed a hand across the lapel of his suit. ―Good, I can‘t stand all this dust. I‘ll be glad to head back north.‖ Gade urged the horse forward. ―I need to ask you about a few things.‖ ―What do you want to know?‖ ―Tell me anything you know about Drew and his hired guns?‖ Garret sighed. ―He hired them several months before Pa got back from San Antone. There are at least ten of them that I know of. The leader‘s a pretty mean looking fellow. Sharp dressed. You‘ll know him when you see him. I‘ve been trying to gather some information on him but no one knows a damn thing about him.‖ ―What about the girl Warren told me about?‖ ―Blaze?‖
―Yeah.‖ Garret shrugged. ―Pa brought her back with him. We know how Pa is with women. I figured it was just his latest paramour. But the two don‘t act like lovers.‖ Gade stiffened. ―How do they act?‖ ―Honestly?‖ Garret asked. ―Like friends. Lovers tend to be all over each other, as a lawyer in New York City, I‘ve seen enough of them to know. These two don‘t even touch, at least not in front of me. So I don‘t think they‘re lovers like Warren does, but he‘s stubborn and refuses to accept anything but his own judgments.‖ ―So you don‘t think she‘s on Gerard‘s payroll?‖ Garret shook his head. ―Now I didn‘t say that...I only said that I don‘t think her and Pa are lovers.‖ He leaned forward in the saddle. ―I have contacts, Gade. I can get any information on most anyone in a matter of weeks.‖ Gade nodded. ―Good. I can‘t do this alone and I know Warren won‘t help me, so that leaves you. You‘re the only one I trust.‖ ―So what have I got to go on? I have to be able to tell my contact something.‖ Gade shook his head. ―I don‘t know, Jake said she‘d mentioned Kansas once. Maybe you can find something there.‖ ―Is that the only information we‘ve got?‖ Gade arched a single brow. ―What? You need more. What happened to being able to find anything on anyone?‖ He chuckled. ―She may be some outlaw‘s whore, so try that. She‘s got a
black- beautiful animal and let me tell you she didn‘t get that kind of horse working on a cowboy‘s pay. Oh, one more thing, she has a scar on the side of her neck in the shape of a pitchfork. It looks like it came from a branding iron. I noticed it the night I met her.‖ They entered into the rear yard and headed for the stables. ―One of my contacts is in San Antonio. So, I‘ll head out tonight and see what I can find.‖ Gade dismounted and peered up at his brother. ―Telegraph me when you find anything.‖ ―Do you know she used to hang around Trask?‖ Garret asked. ―I heard him say they‗ve got a long history together. So that‘s another avenue I‘m going to pursue.‖ ―Funny, he said he didn‘t know her well.‖ Gade‘s brows drew together. ―You don‘t like Jake either?‖ ―It has nothing to do with liking him. It has everything to do with trust and I don‘t trust him. I don‘t care how long he‘s worked here.‖ ―Why is that?‖ Garret controlled his restless mount and shrugged. ―He looks an awful lot like a man I‘ve been searching for named Sebastian Trask. A criminal from Kansas. But Warren swears he‘s not Sebastian. Coincidence? I don‘t believe in happenstance. And if Blaze is mixed with men like Jake—Sebastian, or whatever name he‘s going by, I wouldn‘t trust that pretty filly if I were you either.‖ Gade nodded and headed for the door. When it came to the ―filly‖ in question, trust was the last thing that came to mind.
~*~ Blaze Marie Austin found it hard to admit being afraid. She‘d lived alone far too long to be frightened of anything life could throw at her. But fear settled in her belly like hot molasses on a warm day. Would getting too close to these people cost them their lives? Was she being selfish by not leaving while she had the opportunity? Blaze had never allowed anyone in her twenty years to get close to her for this very reason. She didn‘t want the responsibility for anyone else‘s death. But she'd found a friend in an unlikely man and she didn‘t want to let it go. Her past would catch up to her eventually and force her to leave all this behind, including her friendship with James. Her presence had caused some dissension between James and his family. But, this family had bigger problems to contend with than her right now. Besides, the estrangement had started years before. What exactly had happened to tear this family apart? Blaze rode up to the hitching post in front of the house she rented from James. It was about five minutes from the big house if she took the short cut through the fields. Otherwise, it took a half-hour by the road to skirt the two adjoining ranches, the Broken Circle and the Diamond G. Skipping over the broken step, the creak of aged wood groaned under her weight. At one time the paint had probably shined as white as the Colorado mountain snow, but the years hadn‘t been so kind to the long, single storied structure. Huge sections of the railing were missing and several shutters hung by a single nail.
James hadn't wanted her to stay here, had in fact offered other places around town, but she hadn't chosen this place for its looks. She‘d chosen it for its strategic position. A person could see around the house in all directions for a hundred yards or more before trees and brush blocked the view. It was perfect. She could pick off any attackers, man or beast, one by one from the safety of the house. Living on the run had left little room for mistakes. She‘d been an outlaw since the age of four, and on the run from the very man who‘d made her one since she‘d turned twelve. Luxury and living the good life weren‘t even in her vocabulary. Being a whore‘s illegitimate daughter, she‘d known she would never be given the chance to get married, and live a respectable life. Still, she‘d refused to sell her body like her mother before her had for any amount of money. So, that left her with what she knew. Bottom dealing cards, rustling, guns, and gambling. The life of a criminal died hard. She wanted to forget the day in San Antonio when she‘d first met James and the underlying sadness he carried with him. Though most of all, Blaze wanted to forget how Gade and everyone else in the world viewed her and what they considered her ―kind.‖ The choices she‘d been given weren‘t easy. And she couldn‘t deny she did whatever it took to survive. The west didn‘t allow room for any meekness. Dusk colored the sky in a light spray of pinks and yellows. The bowed plank sunk under her weight and she turned to scan the area. The small cloud of dust indicated a single rider coming up the trail from the side passage instead of by the road out front.
Without thinking, Blaze reached for the rifle by the door. As the rider neared, she replaced it. She knew who it was from his posture in the saddle. She‘d been expecting him. She plopped down in the single folding chair by the door to wait for him. He tethered the reins and entered the gate, stopping short of the stairs, his focus, not on her but on the door beyond. The strange expression faded, replaced by the cynical stare from earlier. She crossed her arms over her chest. ―How did you find me? Did Warren tell you where I was?‖ ―No.‖ ―Really?‖ ―I followed you.‖ His gaze strayed past her for a moment but it was so fleeting maybe she'd imagined it. ―Well, if you‘re here to discuss the relationship between me and James, I already told you it's none of your business.‖ He strode up the steps in two long strides. His hands grasped her upper arms to pull her out of the chair until they were nose to nose. ―Everything here is my business for the moment and that includes you. I can‘t leave until I find these rustlers and I think you fit in the picture somewhere so I‘m gonna start with you.‖ She pulled from his grasp. His stare hardened but he didn't reach for her again. ―What game are you playing?‖ he whispered. The soft tone made her hesitate. ―It's always a game between a man and a woman, Ryder, surely you know that.‖
Awareness tingled along every nerve ending in her body as his gaze swept over her. His eyes were so intense they fairly took her breath away. ―You play the game well. Do you play it often?‖ A nasty chuckle accompanied his whispered reply. ―Not often enough and surely not as often as you.‖ His gaze swept over her insultingly. ―I'm not so sure about that.‖ She lifted her chin a fraction. Blaze pushed him back with a hand to his chest. ―It's a wonder you've gotten any women at all with your charm.‖ ―You mean a hot little piece like you?‖ The smile he gave in return held contempt. ―It doesn't take much, a couple of dollars here and a couple there. Women like you aren't too hard to please.‖ ―It‘ll take a lot more than a couple of dollars to satisfy me, Bounty Hunter.‖ ―I‘m not interested in satisfying you but I am interested in the game you‘re playing with my father. You‘re obviously scheming. So the question is what exactly do you get out of this?‖ Blaze stiffened and her brow furrowed. ―Contrary to what you believe, James is a good man. I‘m doing what any good friend does for someone they care for.‖ She shook her head. ―There‘s no hidden agenda‘s here. Trust me, Gade.‖ ―Let‘s get one thing straight, I don‘t trust you. You see, I know your kind, a lot better than you think I do. In my line of work, I‘ve come across every kind of criminal there is, and you‘re hiding something. Unlike James, your charms hold no sway over me. I'm letting you
know now, whatever information you're giving over to Gerard, along with whatever else your giving him, is going to stop.‖ ―You're insinuating I'm Gerard‘s lover, too?‖ She chuckled. ―Wow, I‘m a busy woman apparently.‖ ―There‘s no insinuating to it.‖ He stepped closer, forcing her to look up at him. ―One way or another I'm going to find out the truth about you. I won't allow you to play your games with my father-‖ ―Concerned for a man you haven‘t spoken to in years?‖ She cut him off. ―The concern for my father, or lack of, isn‘t the issue here. It‘s whether you‘ve betrayed him, and I‘m going to do whatever it takes to find out the truth.‖ ―You want to find the truth? Then you should start with your old buddy, Sid.‖ She reached in her shirt pocket, withdrew the gold cufflinks and handed them to him. ―I found this one the last night the rustlers struck and this one is the one I snatched off Sid‘s wrist in the saloon. They‘re not exact because he obviously had to replace the one he lost but they‘re made by the same person. See. The inscription says C.L Jennings.‖ Surprise widened his eyes for a second as he examined the links. ―You really don‘t think I went into the saloon for a drink? Do you? Why don‘t you start digging for the truth — if that‘s what you‘re after?‖ ―Who‘s to say you‘re not trying to pawn the whole thing off on Sid?‖ ―Then prove me wrong.‖
He leaned down and the warmth of his breath blew across her face. ―I plan to do just that, my little devil‘s daughter.‖ His eyes like hammered metal were hard and relentless. His voice so soft she could barely hear him. ―I'll learn your secrets, lies, and be your shadow until all you see is me. Then, when you least expect it, I'll make my move.‖ He turned on his heel and walked away with a control that seemed so much a part of him. Yet, she could sense the ruthlessness he was capable of, like a wild beast on a leash he could break. But didn‘t. And when the leash finally broke, would she be able to handle the beast?
Four James‘ crew consisted of men better classified as outlaws than cowboys. Gade couldn‘t believe Warren had hired these men, but a big operation such as this, in a small town like this, took whatever it could find. Morning painted the horizon pink as Gade knelt by the campfire and sipped his coffee. ―When did you hire Trask?‖ he asked Warren. ―Years ago. Why?‖ Warren stooped beside Gade with a tin cup in his hand. ―Did you know he may be a criminal?‖ ―Garret‘s been running his mouth again, hasn‘t he?‖ ―If he‘s Sebastian Trask, he‘s got a good sized bounty on his head for armed robbery.‖ Gade was fairly certain the man hadn‘t limited his talents to petty thievery either. ―It‘s not the same man.‖ Warren stood and tossed his coffee into the fire. ―I‘m a much better judge of character than Garret is. Jake is a good man. I wouldn‘t trust him with my son otherwise.‖ Gade glanced out at Jake. The man was simply rude to look at, tall and gangly with uncombed brown hair and a three-day shadow across his chin. The hard life of a criminal creased his face with deep lines. Gade was certain he‘d led some kind of criminal life before he‘d hired on here. Now I’ve got to convince Warren of it.
Just then his father rode into the campsite and headed for the two of them as they hovered by the campfire. Gade sipped the remaining liquid in his cup. He peered over the rim. James greeted them and hunkered down across from him. Resentment left a nasty taste in his mouth or could it have come from the thick black molasses they called coffee? ―Why didn't you tell me?‖ James frowned. ―Tell you what?‖ ―Why‘d you let her stay in my house?‖ Gade remained stock-still. The tin handle on the cup popped off under the force of his grip. He glanced down at it, and then tossed it aside. James sighed as if he prepared for another confrontation. ―Let's just say it was the best solution at the moment.‖ ―Why?‖ Gade clenched his fists. His arms rested on his knees and his anger, a palpable thing, generated an almost visible barrier between them. ―She couldn‘t stay in the bunks with the men, I wouldn‘t let her. She refused to stay in the house with Warren and me, said it wasn‘t proper. She couldn‘t stay in town. It would‘ve been too far for her to travel every morning. It was the only option left.‖ ―You could‘ve warned me first.‖ James shrugged. ―I came down here to talk to the both of you. I had planned to tell you about it now.‖
―You‘re a little late.‖ Seeing the old house again had sent chills down his spine. He hadn‘t set foot near it in almost twenty years. Even now memories assaulted him accompanied by a deep ache in his chest. ―I can‘t believe you let your lover stay in my mother‘s house?‖ James crossed his arms across his chest, his gaze darkening. ―She‘s not my lover.‖ Warren sprang to his feet. ―He had no care for my mother‘s feelings when he cheated on her with Raven, so what made you think he‘d have a care for yours?‖ ―Shut your mouth, Warren,‖ James shouted. ―No, let him talk,‖ Gade said, standing. ―It‘ll be interesting to see him laid out on the ground.‖ Warren smirked. ―I‘m a lot bigger than I used to be, Gade, if you hadn‘t noticed.‖ ―The bigger they are, the harder they fall.‖ James stepped between them and pushed Gade back. ―Stop it, this instant.‖ James changed the subject. ―I came down here because I ran into Blaze this morning and she was acting strangely. It didn't take a real genius to figure out someone has decided to take matters into their own hands and maybe throw out some threats to her. So, I decided maybe it was time I did the same.‖ ―Well, don‘t look at me. I haven‘t gone near the girl,‖ Warren said with a disgusted sound. ―I don't know who did it but I'm letting you know now she's my guest for as long as she chooses to stay. I will not have her treated with anything other than respect. I'm only going to
remind the two of you once. I'm not dead yet and that means I'm still in charge.‖ James walked to his horse and turned back. ―I built this ranch from nothing and I built it strong enough the war couldn‘t tear it down. If it's going to fall, it won't be from the inside out.‖ After his father‘s exit, Gade found himself staring at her over the flames of the fire across the campsite. She bent over to check the shoes of her horse. What had she done or said to make his father trust her so implicitly? What was their relationship then if not lovers? Should he believe James or was James simply trying to protect her reputation? He almost laughed. Blaze‘s reputation was already shady. There was nothing to protect. Anyone looking at her could tell the type of life she led. Which brought him back to the original question, what kind of relationship did the two have? Jake‘s voice cut through Gade‘s trance. ―I'm shorthanded by at least six—no make that seven men now that Cal McCarty‘s down and out.‖ Gade swung toward Warren and Jake. He cursed himself for not paying attention to the conversation. ―Where's Cal? Did something happen?‖ Warren asked, kicking dirt into the pit, dousing the flames. A prickling sensation started at the back of Gade‘s neck. ―Who‘s Cal?‖ ―Cal MacCarty. He‘s my point rider,‖ Warren answered. ―We got hit again two nights ago around two in the morning,‖ Jake said.
The same day I met Blaze in town. ―Cal was on watch at the time,‖ Jake continued. ―And it seems he tried to be the hero. He chased 'em down past Hawthorne creek. Well, he got too close, I reckon, and got shot in the leg. So, I had him go on up toward the house to have it looked at. It wasn't more than a scratch but, I figured he ought to have it checked out anyway. Are you telling me he never showed up?‖ Warren shook his head. ―No, he didn't, not that I know of.‖ Gade studied the foreman carefully. Jake‘s brow creased, presumably with concern. But Gade wasn‘t convinced. A chill of forewarning shimmied over his skin and snaked down his spine. What was it about this man that put him on edge? ―I should send out a few men to search the area. That wound might have been worse than I thought.‖ But even those words didn‘t convince Gade that Jake cared. Instead an inner alarm went off in his head. Whatever happened next it didn‘t bode well for any of them. Blaze strode up behind them and tossed her saddle bags on the ground. Her eyes touched briefly on Gade before returning to Jake ―What wound? What's going on?‖ she asked. Jake, obviously, not in the least mistrusting of her, turned and explained. Gade watched her closely. Other than an almost indiscernible look of concern, a slight widening of her eyes he almost missed, her expression remained bland. She would've made an excellent poker player. Very few men had the ability to mask their emotions. Especially Warren, that man was like an open book. Even now, his eyes accused Blaze. Jake organized a small search party and Blaze offered to help.
Gade sneered at her concern. ―I'll go with you.‖ A warning, added with contempt. He didn't trust her. Her smile said she knew it. She raised a questioning brow and mounted her horse. If there was anything he‘d learned about Blaze so far; she was as skilled at this game they played as he was. ~*~ Gade wore another dark shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the collar opened three buttons down. Sweat glittered like diamonds on the smooth bronzed expanse of chest. She tried not to stare but couldn‘t help herself. His physique was as perfect as any mythical god and drew her gaze time and again. He still hadn't shaved, and the thickening stubble only gave his look a more sinister appeal. His appearance stated clearly; he was a man who lived by his own set of rules. Blaze didn‘t have to wonder how he‘d gotten the reputation of being such a ruthless man. With his hard visage, no one would mistake him for being anything else. Several times over the duration of their forced company, Blaze gave him a sideways glance as they rode over the flat terrain of west Texas, side by side. He seemed not to notice, or if he did, he didn't let it show. The strip of fluffy white clouds in the sky widened. The sun shone through, raining heat on them, and Blaze forced her gaze away from him. Her eyes wandered to the vast walls of Edward‘s Plateau in the distance and outlined the low clouds adjacent to the mountainous range. The dark bruised color indicated water and seemed close enough to touch, but in reality, was too
far away to do the drought-infested land here any good. The streams that broke away from Devils River were more than likely almost dried up with the unexpected heat. The ever-changing scenery became a source of wonder, much like the man who rode beside her. Why this man? What draws me to Gade? The sound of the horse‘s hooves on the dry packed earth beat a rhythm like a heartbeat. The silence killed her, she wished he would say something, anything, but he didn't. She couldn't help the familiar excitement when he neared, which was exactly opposite from what she experienced when she was with James. She enjoyed sitting in silence with him, with Gade it was nerve racking, each moment escalating in tension until she thought she would fall apart at the seams. ―What were you doing in San Antonio in the first place?‖ She swiveled to face him at the sound of his voice to find his eyes on her in a direct, unblinking stare. She shrugged and glanced away again. ―Why do you care?‖ ―I don't,‖ he answered. ―I'm just curious how you met my father.‖ He slowed his horse to match her pace. ―I want to know why you came here to Eden in the first place, when it's obvious you and James don't really know each other well. Why trust someone you've just met?‖ ―I don't think it's any of your concern.‖ She pulled up on the reins and glared at him. Hadn‘t she asked herself the same question on more than one occasion? ―Why the sudden interest in my life?‖ ―I want to know if you were the one persuaded by a dollar to stab James in the back. This is my family—‖
―Oh bullshit,‖ she cut him off. ―Don't give me any lines about family. Since when has anything on this ranch or your family ever concerned you? You‘ve been gone for twelve years; don‘t try to tell me you care now.‖ He turned about and came up beside her, the horses standing head to tail. ―Just how much has the old man told you?‖ His eyes narrowed. ―I don't know what happened between the two of you. But I do know you haven't been home in twelve years, haven't even bothered to write to let him know you're alive. Those aren‘t the actions of a man who supposedly cares for his family, are they? And I think you‘re angry because he asked you to come home. Just what is it you've left behind, Ryder? Gambling, drinking, oh, and let‘s not forget your whoring either. My, my, that's a lot to give up isn‘t it?‖ ―Yeah, I came home to find my father doing a little whoring of his own.‖ She slapped his face hard enough to swing his head sideways but not hard enough to hurt. It served as a warning. He reached out and grabbed her upper arms in a vice like grip, all but pulling her out of the saddle. His lips crashed down on hers, using the advantage of her surprise to plunder the interior of her mouth. She'd been kissed a few times before, but this assault on her senses bombarded her entire being with waves of heat. He effectively robbed her of breath and sent her every nerve aflame. His mouth slashed first one way and then the other. Every ounce of restraint fled. He didn't trust her, claimed not to want her, but it didn‘t matter anymore. Growing up in the back of a whorehouse, she understood the physical attraction between men and women. And she wanted this man.
Blaze returned his hungry kisses with the same intensity, clinging to him and urging him closer. She kissed him back as eagerly as he kissed her. Her sharp nails dug into his back and he groaned aloud. The musky scent of horse and man assailed her but it wasn‘t repulsive. It was intoxicating. His fingers wound tightly in the skein of hair at the back of her neck, knocking her hat off. His other hand sought and drew her completely onto his lap and settled her across his thighs. Her horse, Trajan, whinnied loudly and shook his head. Despite being well trained, even he didn‘t like this position. The reins dropped from her hands, and Trajan moved away and stamped his foot. Gade squeezed her too tightly, making it difficult for her to breathe. But she didn‘t care. The dark stubble across his chin rasped against her sensitive skin, instead she reveled in the rough texture, branding every moment to memory. He nibbled and nipped. He licked and sucked at her lips, his tongue mated with hers in a sensual dance of discovery. He caught her lower lip between his teeth and bit with care. She gasped. She loved his arms around her and she wanted to keep him here. Just like this. The sound of his rattled breath thrilled her. She turned and pressed as much of her upper body into his as she could. He growled. The sound sent Blaze‘s senses singing and caused her to tremble and shiver. The intense, frightening feeling left her powerless and because of it, she paused.
She‘d never been powerless before. It scared her. Her hesitation brought Gade to his senses and as quickly as he'd elicited the kiss, he broke it. She recognized her disappointment and for several moments, they did nothing but stare at each other. He eased the mare over and set her roughly back in her saddle again, which jarred her out of her sensual haze. Attempting to regain some kind of control she wiped a sleeve across her mouth and said, ―That‘s your first warning, Gade. You won‘t get a second.‖ ~*~ Each time she rode up to the Ryder house, Blaze was awestruck by the appearance of serenity and peace. From out here one would never have known the intense roiling emotions that warred inside those walls. From out here no one would guess at the hidden pain within. The almost physical pull to this house and its family of men made her hesitate every time she rode up to it. How could she not be drawn to men who cared about each other but didn’t want to? With every day, she became more embroiled in the conflict between the two cattle barons. Drew Gerard was the wealthiest rancher this far west, and he didn‗t like competition. The two families had a long history together and their dislike of each other included their hired hands. After her encounter with Gade, Blaze had continued the search for Cal alone but hadn‘t come up with anything. She finished making a final sweep of the area and headed to the big house to report to James. She hadn‘t seen Gade since this morning.
Had he run away already? Blaze made her way to the ranch stables, and dismounted in the darkening night. While she pondered Cal‘s whereabouts, she would ask if there had been any more news. Jake hadn‘t mentioned anything, and she‘d been too distracted by memories of Gade‘s kiss to ask. She approached the opened doors to the stable, the dim light inside shone across the ground and she peeked in hoping that it might be James. She‘d rather talk to James out here, than have to go inside the big house, not wanting to run into Gade if he were here. She hadn‘t seen Gade at the campsite with the rest of the men. The smile faded from her lips and her voice left her, along with her breath. The scent of manure mixed pungently with the hay covering the coarse soil beneath her feet. Blaze tried desperately to calm her rioting senses and catch her breath. Gade stood bare to the waist, removing his saddlebags. Her gaze lingered on the fascinating bronzed wall of ridges and muscles displayed, her eyes tracing the lean hard lines of him. He threw the saddlebags out of the way and his muscles contracted and released, rippling with the slightest movement. Her mouth went dry. She should go. She wasn't ready for another confrontation with him, especially after the kiss they'd shared. But she must have made some sort of noise or movement because he stopped in mid-motion. ―Go away,‖ he said. Gade tensed, but didn't turn. He knew who was behind him. He sensed her like an animal sensing its mate. He closed his eyes as her scent came to him on a breeze. She smelled faintly like wet rain on a hot summer day, a unique scent all her own. Unlike the familiar smell of soaps and perfumes other women wore.
His teeth ground together in remembrance of her in his arms. She had responded so beautifully to his touch. And I want another taste. Leather hissed over leather as he released the cinch with jerky irritated movements, forcing himself to ignore her. She didn‘t pick up on it though and asked, ―What? No sweet whispered words of welcome?‖ ―Not from me.‖ ―Not exactly the chivalrous kind, are you?‖ He didn't answer, just removed the saddle and placed it on the ground, then yanked off the blanket beneath. He‘d returned from his search for Cal and had come up with nothing. Frustrated by the lack of information and uncertain exactly what to do next, Gade wasn‘t in the mood for chit chat. She repeated the question. Didn't she understand he wanted no part of her? He whipped around. And stalled. He couldn‘t remember what he‘d been about to say. She stood just inside the door, the light from the single lantern not quite strong enough to reach her. The moonlight from outside spilled over her and turned her face pale and her hair dark. She was beautiful. Tension stiffened his spine. He frowned. ―Does it really matter?‖ She shrugged and gave him a half smile. She reached into her shirt pocket, pulled out a
small case and took out a cigarette, striking a match against the bottom of her boot. He marched to her, so close he could see the hidden slivers of gray in her midnight eyes. He took the lighted cigarette from her lips and placed it between his own. Startled, she watched him with wide eyes. Blaze wanted him. He knew attraction when he saw it. And he wanted her. So why didn‘t he just lay her down and take what she offered so freely? He couldn't deny he was irrevocably attracted to her. The color of her midnight eyes deepened to a hazy fog. The blue-gray smoke, the same color as her eyes, spiraled up over their heads. She placed a hand on his chest. He hissed, jerking away as if burned. She‘d singed him with the heat in her soft fingertips. Her eyes were river dark with desire and she looked at him as if she'd like to see what he'd taste like with peaches and cream. Gade had never resisted a woman he craved so much. If he'd give in and sleep with her, she wouldn't hold any appeal to him afterwards. He'd certainly known beautiful women before, of course not a one of them had ever had legs quite so long before, or eyes so intense. Her warm breath blew across his face. He placed the cigarette back into her mouth, the soft lips closed over the end of it. Fascinated, his fingers brushed against their texture until she shivered. He leaned closer to whisper, ―Go away, Blaze, before we get into trouble.‖ She removed the cigarette from her lips. ―I‘m not afraid of a little trouble.‖ ―Let‘s get something straight here.‖ His mocking brow rose over his left eye, and the sarcasm of his tone, unmistakable. ―I‘m not here for a roll in the sack. You did quite well directing me on where I could go for that. So let‘s do ourselves a favor and leave our relationship
at a platonic level. I‘m not interested in the offer your eyes are giving away.‖ She took a step back. A hostile silence settled between them as she absorbed his rejection. He could've phrased it better, but at least he'd gotten his point across. ―If I remember correctly, you were mighty interested this afternoon.‖ Why was that husky tone so tempting? ―A temporary lapse in judgment,‖ he reminded her. ―One that won't happen again. You see I learned something today.‖ ―Oh?‖ She lifted a brow. ―I learned that what you‘re offering isn‘t in my best interest.‖ His eyes lowered to her lips. ―You see...The price is too high.‖ ―I don‘t recall naming a price, Bounty Hunter.‖ His jaw clenched. He didn‘t want her closer. Heat plunged through his veins and his heart pummeled against his ribs. ―Oh, there was no need for words. The exorbitant fee for a night with you has nothing to do with money.‖ ―Oh?‖ ―Absolutely. The going rate for betrayal is far too high a price in my book.‖ She gave a stiff smile. ―I don‘t doubt for a moment you would be a superior lover and I would love to explore the fires blazing between us.‖ Her voice chased chills through his body. She lifted a hand to his chest and his arms dropped to his sides. His jaw tightened.
Don’t move. If he moved, he might back her up against the wall and give her exactly what her eyes yearned for. ―Like you.‖ Her hand coasted down slowly over the expanse of muscles. The warmth of her touch scattered his thoughts and his view narrowed to that one hand. His chest rose and fell with each breath he took. ―I want to see how hot they burn.‖ Hell, he already burned. She was killing him slowly with her words and the light touch of her fingers. ―But, I can understand if you aren't man enough to take on a hot little piece like me.‖ She threw his words from earlier back at him. Like a cold spray of water, his eyes shot up to her face but irresistibly found the hand making its slow decent over his stomach muscles again. He shivered. Her hand reached the waistband of his jeans, he sucked in a deep breath and she stopped. He almost growled. Without a glance back, she tossed the cigarette behind her in the dry straw and disappeared into the darkness. Gade stomped out the lit cigarette glowing red in the dry hay and fought the raging desire she‘d left behind.
Five Hands reached out of the shadows. One wrapped around Blaze‘s waist and the other clamped down over her mouth. For a moment, panic seized her. Her hands clawed at the arm before she went for her gun. ―Uh, uh, uh. I wouldn‘t do that if I were you.‖ She recognized the voice immediately. She remembered it well. ―Don't make a sound.‖ The hand eased and she pulled out of the tight grasp and turned. ―Trask.‖ The gravelly chuckle brought the past flooding back. An ugly grin with uneven, decayed teeth greeted her. Small beady eyes mocked her. His gaze roamed over her face and body a little too leisurely. He‘d always been vulgar and obviously time hadn‘t changed him a bit. Funny how when Gade looked at her this way, she shivered with pleasure, but when Sebastian did, she shuddered with revulsion. Sebastian Trask had a reputation for violence. His emotions ruled him. It‘s the reason he made mistakes and would one day get himself killed. He‘d yet to learn the games he enjoyed required certain diplomacy. ―It‘s been a long time, Blaze,‖ he said. ―Not long enough, Sebastian.‖ ―The name is Jake. Remember that.‖ ―Oh? Perhaps Warren would like to know why you‘ve changed your name.‖ ―Still the little cold heart?‖ His grin widened. ―I always thought he’d taught you a little
too well.‖ Blaze crossed her arms. ―What are you doing here pretending to be someone you‘re not? Did the money you stole from Chains finally run out?‖ The grin faltered. ―He told you, eh?‖ ―He tells me everything.‖ The calculated grin smoothed across his craggy features again. ―But, you don't tell him everything do you, Blaze?‖ he taunted. ―As I recall we never got a chance to finish what we started.‖ She stared at the scar on his neck. It ran parallel with the line of his chin. She‘d put it there when she was twelve years old. The day everything in her life changed. His attack had forced her to grow up quickly. She didn't regret putting the scar there. She'd do it again. Her reality as a criminal made her life clear-cut. Her first rule was simple: don‘t trust anyone. She had to appreciate the difficult lesson Sebastian had taught her. Her tone hardened. ―I'm no longer a defenseless child, Sebastian.‖ A hand reached up and rubbed across the scar, the hard look told her he remembered. ―Child you may have been, but you have never been defenseless.‖ His grin faded at the memory. ―He made sure of it.‖ Blaze lifted her chin. ―Yes, he did.‖
A burning resentment smoldered under the surface of Sebastian‘s smooth facade. Shrouded in a false polite front, his eyes promised her she would pay, but obviously not today. He relaxed and chuckled again. The sound grated on her already taut nerves. ―You always were a cold one. It must run in the family.‖ Blazes‘ eyes narrowed, but she made no comment. She wanted him to get to the point of this pre-arranged meeting. He must have sent the note and signed James‘ name. Sebastian crossed his arms over his chest, and the two stood tense, waiting for the other to suddenly strike like rattlers. ―Tell me, do you have something to do with these rustlers? I wouldn‘t put it past you, Sebastian. This has your name written all over it.‖ ―I hear he's still searching for you.‖ He changed the subject. ―But you already knew that didn't you? He'll likely never give up looking for you.‖ She sensed he hinted at something. ―You know,‖ he continued. ―An anonymous wire to Kansas might just bring him out to Texas.‖ Blackmail. So, that‘s what this was about. He wanted to keep her quiet about his little deception. Otherwise, he'd never have bothered with her. She'd been here for several months now, and not a word had been spoken between them. Until now. ―And?‖ She leaned a shoulder against the side of the wooden building. ―I have nothing to lose, nothing to fear.‖ His smile vanished. His eyes became a tad cooler. ―I wouldn't be so sure,‖ he said a little too softly.
Here was the man she remembered, callous and caring little for humanity. There was little this man hadn't seen or done in his past, nor had qualms about doing again. He laughed. ―You always were soft hearted when it came to the innocent people,‖ he said. ―It‘s your weakness. Maybe your only one...but it‘s the one that‘ll bring you down, Blaze.‖ She froze. He widened his stance and crossed his arms. ―I don't think it would end well for Chains to get wind of your newest affair, would it?‖ He raised a brow. ―Or, should I say affairs?‖ Blaze stilled, her heart came to a stop, but she made no outward sign she'd heard him. Every instinct warned her, whatever move she made now, needed to be thought out carefully. She couldn't afford to give Sebastian the impression she cared anything for James or his family. ―I would be mighty careful what you say from here on out, especially when you call me Sebastian. I'll bet the Ryder boys won't be such pretty boys once Chains gets through with them. Will they?‖ His words turned her blood to ice. He didn‘t want her to reveal his real identity. Why had he waited until now to confront her about it? Perhaps Gade had put a little fear into him. But Blaze knew whatever the cost she must not allow Sebastian to contact Chains. ~*~ Gade finally had a lead. What exactly did Jake want with Blaze? And why did they appear more familiar with each other than mere acquaintances?
He was glad now he hadn't trusted her. Sneaking out the rear door of the stables, he caught the two of them together, although he couldn‘t hear what was being said. Could Jake really be Sebastian Trask? Trask had been in too many gangs to count. His disloyalty caused him to have enemies on both sides of the law. He‘d betrayed many of those gangs but out of all of them, only one had been based outside Russell County, Kansas. Herod Chains, a man wanted in almost every territory west of the Mississippi, led the Chain Gang. Through reliable sources, Gade knew Chains continued to search for the elusive Trask. Sebastian may well be resourceful and able to elude the law, but a man like Chains wouldn‘t let his treachery go unpunished. Herod Chains would hunt him down until his last dying breath. And when he did finally catch up to Sebastian Trask, he would torture and kill him. Could Blaze be linked to Trask and Chains? Gade stared for a number of tense seconds at the two figures speaking in muted tones before the one melted into the darkness. She headed toward the main house. Logic had ruled his life too many years for him to ignore what his mind urged. Blaze appeared guiltier with every passing day. ―I‘ll get back in touch with you in a few days, Blaze,‖ Trask called out after her. ―And maybe we can finish our unfinished business while we‘re at it.‖ What unfinished business? And why were they going to meet up? Turning his attention to the man who remained behind, Trask struck a match. The dim glow lit the man's face for a brief moment. The nasty chuckle chilled Gade‘s blood before Trask
faded into the blackness, heading in the opposite direction. Gade stayed there in the shadows, not wanting to be detected by either of them. Seconds later, he moved. The knee high moccasin boots he wore aided his noiseless tread. His breathing hushed, he entered the house through the rear door and paused while his eyes adjusted to the dimness. The pristine white kitchen usually bustling with activity, now lay silent. He wandered through it on quick feet. His eyes scanned each room as he moved down the hall. She hadn't been too far ahead of him. The study door opened. He slipped into the parlor, fading into the dark room. He saw her. Her movements, measured and slow, indicated her need for silence as she tiptoed out, turned and quietly shut the door behind her. His resolve hardened and his jaw clenched. He'd known she was up to something. Blaze slipped down the darkened hallway. He stepped out and she collided with him. She gasped and his hands gripped her shoulders to steady her. Her eyes rose to his but her expression didn‘t change. His gaze traced the shadowed sculpted contours of her cheekbones and jaw line. ―What were you doing in there?‖ He jerked his head toward the study door. She lifted a brow. ―Does it matter what I say? Are you really going to believe any excuse I have?‖ He went very still, his voice whispered brutally, ―I would be very careful, Blaze, were I you.‖ ―James sent for me, but when I found him he was asleep in the chair.‖
Liar. ―Now are you going to let me by or are you going to keep me here all night?‖ Gade eyed her with speculation. He‘d like to keep her there all night, but not in the hallway. Her eyes lowered to his mouth, and he knew she wanted the same thing. ―Tell me something.‖ He took a step closer. ―What did Trask have to say?‖ She glanced away. ―I don‘t know what you mean?‖ ―Oh, yes, you do.‖ ―Nothing.‖ She shrugged. ―He just wanted to know if I had a smoke, so I gave him one. What‘s the big deal?‖ ―Uh huh.‖ He noted the increase of her breath. The tiny pulse in her neck pounded against the thin film of skin. She lied. ―Then I‘m so glad you were around at such an opportune time to help him out with his problem.‖ He dipped his head to get her attention and smiled. ―You‘re a very generous woman tonight.‖ One corner of her lip lifted slightly. ―Except with you.‖ ―I don‘t need your generosity.‖ She brushed against him and her gaze lowered to his erection. ―Could‘ve fooled me.‖ He hissed. ―You should work on that problem, Gade.‖ She grinned. ―You might actually loosen up some.‖
―I‘ll have to remember to do that, Blaze.‖ He pressed his lower body against her, backing her into the wall. He clasped her hips and pulled her close. ―Just not with you.‖ He let go and backed away. She gasped. ―Can I go now? I‘d like to hit the sack sometime before the sun rises.‖ He couldn‘t resist this teasing game she‘d started. Why couldn‘t he just let her by? He did say he wasn‘t interested but his body said otherwise. And it showed. Gade lowered his hands to her hips and squeezed. He wanted her unsettled. Aroused. After the little unladylike display she‘d given him in the stables, he wanted some revenge. Gade couldn‘t resist the satisfied smirk when she gasped for breath. Good, let her throb and ache with need. Maybe then she wouldn’t be so quick to tease again. He affected her as much as she did him. A hungry welling of satisfaction surfaced. He welcomed the desire pulsing through his body. He arched his lower body into her; her hot breath fanned his cheek. His hands cupped her rear and lifted her against the wall. God, she felt so right. ―Please,‖ she whispered. Something in her tone set his blood on fire. He couldn‘t stop himself. He pressed his erection into her soft stomach and lifted her legs around his waist. ―Please what?‖ ―Either satisfy me, bounty hunter, or let me go.‖ He grasped her chin. ―You can leave anytime you want,‖ he said. ―But I don‘t think you want to.‖
She leaned her head back and his eyes roved hungrily over her neck. God, she was beautiful. And to be honest, he wasn‘t ready to let her go either. His lips settled in the hollow of her neck, just under her ear. The very air between them seemed to tremble. He leaned closer, his voice perfectly modulated, and lowered her feet to the ground. ―First, I want to know what things did you have to do?‖ Her brow creased at the change of subject. ―What?‖ ―The first day we met. You said you had to leave to do some things before the sun went down. What did you have to do?‖ ―You know.‖ She shrugged. ―Supplies and things like that, why? Ahhh, I see you wondered what I‘d done that night.‖ ―Cal disappeared that night. It‘s logical to consider maybe you had something to do with it.‖ Her brows came together in anger. ―Why would you think that? What legitimate proof do you have other than Warren‘s opinion about me? He doesn‘t like the fact that I‘m not dressed in what society deems as appropriate, so what‘s your excuse?‖ ―I‘ve proof,‖ he lied. ―And a hunch. That‘s all I need.‖ His hand settled beside her on the wall and he whispered, ―I'm watching you.‖ She attempted to catch her breath, the heavy rise and fall of her chest drew his attention. After a moment, she ducked under his arm and stepped away from him. ―I know you‘re watching me,‖ she answered him. ―You‘re a little late on the draw because I already knew that, Ryder.‖ Then she turned on her heel and made her way out the way
she'd come. He followed her at a discreet distance and gazed out the screen door long after she'd disappeared. She‘d lied to him. Whatever she hid from him, it wouldn‘t be long before he found out. She was weakening. He‘d seen her desire. She wanted him, and she wanted to trust him. He needed to get her alone. Again. And what then? The seduction he‘d planned affected him as much as it did her. Could he walk away from it? From her? He would have to. He couldn‘t get caught up with a criminal. His entire life, he‘d been told to do the right thing, when everyone else around him did all the wrong things. He refused to follow in those footsteps. He no longer believed in honor and trust. Except his own. He retraced her steps to the study and peeped in the door. He found James sprawled out in the desk chair with his legs propped on the desk, exactly where she‘d claimed he was. Scowling, he shut the door. Something bothered him. She'd obviously come in for a reason, but had found James there, so had left. Why then, had she gone to the trouble to cover James up, remove the book from his hands and the glasses from his face, when she planned all the while to betray him? ~*~
―I didn‘t have to go far to find out about Blaze.‖ Gade jerked around in the darkness and stared into the tangled brush a few feet from him. Crickets sang their song in the darkness and a faint light spilled from the stable. He‘d returned to finish his chores before heading to get some sleep. Garret appeared out of the shadows. He chuckled and crossed to him. ―She‘s got you all tied up, old man. I can‘t believe you let a woman get to you like this, Gade.‖ ―What did you find?‖ Gade snapped. ―First you tell me why you think it‘s her? What exactly do you want with her?‖ What did he want with her? He wanted her naked, under him, moaning out his name. That‘s what he wanted with her. He wanted to touch her and breathe in her scent, as he ran his hands over her heated flesh. He wanted her to tell him the truth. He wanted to hold her in his arms. He wanted to wake up to the sound of her voice, reach for her and know she would still be there in the morning. Gade ran a hand through his hair. ―She‘s not telling me something, all I know is that she‘s the key to this whole thing.‖ Garret reached into his pocket to pull out a cigarette and offered one up to Gade. Gade shook his head. Garret shrugged and replaced the cheroot. ―So what tipped you off about her?‖ ―The night I arrived she and I spoke briefly and she mentioned that she had to go before it got too dark, she had things to do. It was the same night Cal came up missing.‖ Gade sighed and
impatience made him snap, ―So what did you find?‖ Garret smiled. ―Well, you got what you wished for.‖ He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a folded piece of yellowed paper. ―I got to San Antonio when I found this tacked up on the sheriff‘s wall.‖ Gade grabbed the paper and opened it. The charcoaled picture was of a child. A young, smooth faced girl of about ten years of age stared back at him. Beautiful, wearing a dress and a dainty hat tilted on the side of her pretty curls. She looked innocent. Only the eyes told a different story, hard and cold, the eyes said clearly the kind of life the child had lived. But he couldn‘t be sure it was Blaze. Above the drawing were the scribbled words in bold letters; Wanted. Blaze aka, The Texas Blaze wanted for robbery and cattle rustling. Reward starting at five thousand dollars. Then he saw it. The faint mark of a pitchfork emblazoned on her neck. He closed his eyes and turned away from Garret. His hand clenched the paper tighter, crinkling the corner. It was her. Blaze was an outlaw and probably linked to these rustlers. His heart ached. Disappointment settled deep in his belly. What had he expected? A tiny voice told him there was still no proof. But he didn‘t listen. Smoothing the paper, he re-folded it, stuck it in his shirt pocket and headed for the stables. ―Thanks. I appreciate it, amigo.‖
Should he tell James? Or wait to see what move she’d make? ―She‘s a mighty fine lookin‘ female, Gade.‖ Garret leaned against the doorframe. ―And?‖ Gade raised a brow. ―I‘m pretty sure none of the outlaws you have ever taken in have looked like her before. I know I‘ve never seen one look like her, and New York has more than its fair share.‖ Gade didn‘t like where this was going. ―What‘s your point?‖ ―I only wonder if maybe this time you‘re in over your head. Can you separate business from pleasure? When the time comes will you be able to do what needs to be done? Are you sure you can separate fact from fiction without any preconceived prejudices?‖ ―I‗ll do what I have to.‖ Even if it meant seducing the little devil‘s daughter to get the information he needed. Even if it meant turning over the woman who‘d captured his attention so thoroughly, even if it meant telling himself, he didn‘t care.
Six
The man captivated her. Gade stopped and leaned one shoulder against the woodshed in the shadows and her gaze immediately found him. She tried to ignore his presence as she led the red colt by the reins across the corral. But it was impossible; the man was simply divine to look at. Blaze smoothed a hand down the colt‘s neck while Luke offered squares of sugar, an enticement the colt couldn‘t ignore. If only men were so easy to lure. Her gaze wandered again to the man in the shadows. James propped both arms on the top rail. Garret helped the child up onto the rail so he could see. ―Hold onto the reins, Luke, don‘t let him go.‖ Blaze instructed and handed the strips of leather to the child. The colt nudged Luke‘s hand with its nose, searching for more treats and Luke giggled. ―Blaze?‖ The boy looked up at her. ―Can I name him?‖ ―Sure you can. What do you want to call him?‖ Luke grinned. ―Red. I wanna call him ol‘ Red.‖ She smiled. ―That‘s a strong name, Luke.‖
Blaze held up a tattered yellow blanket in her left hand and allowed the colt to eat out of her right. Red trumpeted a call and nervously shook his head. Then she made her move, slowly with a sureness even the colt couldn't miss, she placed the blanket across the young horse‘s back. The big boned animal chewed the bit and yanked his head back. ―Be careful, Blaze. This is when he gets ornery,‖ Garret reminded her. ―Blaze.‖ James propped both arms on the top rail. ―Girl, that cantankerous critter isn‘t going to take to the saddle.‖ He faced Garret. ―She's been working on him ever since Will caught him. I'm surprised Ol‘ Red even let her near him after he tore up Will‘s leg but I guess even a horse can sense the heaven there in those beautiful hands of hers, huh?‖ ―Even a horse knows you can't trust a woman.‖ Gade strode up behind the two men, revealing himself for the first time. ―Especially, a beautiful one.‖ Why did his gaze search her out when he‘d said that? The underlying meaning behind those words wasn‘t lost on her and she tamped down the urge to cringe. Garret turned to him, rolling up his shirt sleeves and grinned. ―Maybe, but there's something about a woman that keeps men like us tied up in knots.‖ ―Especially a beautiful one,‖ James repeated the phrase and chuckled. Blaze attempted to ignore the three men and eased the reins from Luke‘s grasp. ―Luke, why don‘t let Uncle Garret hold onto the reins now.‖ Luke handed over his duty but puckered his lips in displeasure. ―I wanted to help.‖ The child hopped from one foot to the other holding onto the top rail. She laughed. ―You
did help and you are very good at helping but Uncle Garret wants to help too.‖ ―Yeah squirt, I want to help too,‖ Garret interjected. Luke frowned and stopped jumping. ―Oh, all right.‖ She laughed at the boy‘s soured expression. She glanced up to find Gade‘s intense stare on her. He still hadn‘t stated what he was doing here and why. She frowned and hefted the saddle off the fence. She spoke in a soft voice, words meant only for the horse. Easing the saddle on the colt‘s back, she received a whinny and a shake of his head as she slipped under him to secure the trappings. Red‘s ears pointed back in irritation. She grabbed the reins and let him go. Red bucked and jumped, dust billowed in the middle of the corral. Luke hollered and pumped his hands in the air. The colt pawed the earth and dirt scattered across the corral. Minutes later, Red gave one last half-hearted attempt to throw off the saddle before he blew out an exhausted breath and hung his head to the ground. Blaze laughed and Luke cheered. She whispered to the colt of how proud she was and removed the heavy saddle, promising to come see the animal tomorrow. Garret wrapped an arm around Luke‘s waist and hauled him down to the ground. ―C‘mon partner, we need to go find your Pa.‖ Blaze walked toward Gade after she finished rubbing down the colt. She dropped the saddle on the fence and tossed the bridle at him. He caught it and frowned as she climbed the rail, swinging one leg over the top.
His gaze blatantly roved over her figure and she grinned with her triumph, not only with the horse but with the man as well. ―All the male gender needs is a woman's touch to calm and soothe his ornery temper. Right, Ryder?‖ ―Patience is a virtue. But a little bit of sugar doesn‘t tame the beast, it only distracts him for a while.‖ Her smile faded. ―I know you aren't standing here to view my handiwork, so what are you here for.‖ ~*~ ―I was on my way into town and got a little distracted,‖ Gade lied and toyed with the strips of leather in his hands. ―By what?‖ Reaching up, he tugged his hat down, and avoided her eyes. ―By you.‖ Then he shrugged and situated the bridle carefully over the rail. ―I had no idea you had such talent with horses, though I should‘ve since I've seen that magnificent beast you own. Trajan is remarkably controlled for such a large animal. Where‘d you learn about horses?‖ She narrowed her eyes. ―In the back of a whorehouse where I learned everything else, is that what you're expecting me to say?‖ He raised a brow. ―Not one for compliments, are you?‖ ―Honestly, I don‘t get many.‖ His eyes widened. Why hadn‘t she received any compliments? What about parents?
Didn‘t she have any? He really knew very little about her past. ―Not everyone wants something when they compliment you. I would be surprised at that kind of skill in anyone, male or female. He‘s an extraordinary animal, the name suits him. What made you come up with it?‖ Blaze swung herself over and hopped to the ground beside him. ―A woman I used to know. She‘d been a teacher back east before her husband struck out on his mission for gold. He died on the way, leaving her to fend for herself, doing the only job opened to women. Prostitution.‖ Her tone sounded bitter. She busied herself with tack, then grabbed up the saddle and headed for the stables. ―She took the time to teach me history — a prostitute‘s daughter doesn‘t get an opportunity like that very often.‖ Disappearing inside the doors, she reappeared minutes later leading two horses. ―Headed back to camp?‖ she asked. He nodded and they walked past the stables toward camp towing the horses behind them. She shielded her eyes from the sunlight. ―I wasn't allowed to go to school with the other children in town. I had an unusual amount of interest in learning. Like every other human being, I found myself craving the forbidden and my favorite subject was history. I could listen to her stories of Greek Gods and Goddesses, Roman Emperor‘s, and Kings and Queens for hours.‖ Her expression reminded him of an eager child. It surprised him to find he liked to listen to her talk. ―Where‘d you get the horse?‖ he asked. ―Someone gave him to me. Someone I used to know. He looked so tall, and proud to a ten year old. It was the only name for him. Trajan was a great man and he is a great horse.‖ ―Did you have any friends?‖
―No. I didn‘t care much. As a child I enjoyed my solitude.‖ ―I wasn't allowed to go to school either,‖ Gade admitted. ―James had to hire someone to give me private lessons at the big house because the hypocritical, self-righteous people of Eden hadn‘t wanted their children to be around a filthy Indian. It didn‘t matter that they spent their time in saloons gambling away every last dime, holed up with whores instead of their wives and killed anyone who got into the slightest dispute with them. They weren‘t the villains. I was because my skin was darker than theirs.‖ He‘d wanted to be accepted, like they accepted Warren and Garret, but, he‘d never admitted it to anyone. ―Garret had always come home from school to tell me the current gossip on the other children like who had gotten into fights and who had kissed a girl.‖ He laughed at the memory. ―I had always pretended I didn't want to know, or that I hadn't cared, but I did.‖ ―You still do.‖ ―You don‘t know me, so don‘t pretend you do.‖ She gave an indulgent smile. ―You like to pretend family and responsibilities don't matter to you, but they do. If responsibilities didn't matter, you wouldn't have come.‖ ―And you? Does your family mean something to you?‖ He saw it then when she ducked her head and quickened her pace, the closed expression. ―Why do you have such a hard time answering my questions?‖ ―Why do you?‖ she countered and smiled. ―Tell me why you only call him by his first name?‖ His brow knitted for a moment at the change of subject before comprehension finally
dawned on him. ―Who? My father?‖ ―Of course, James, who else could we be talking about?‖ He shrugged and leaned down to pick up a blade of grass and twirled it between his fingers as they walked. ―I have always called him James. I always knew I was different. Ever since I can remember, he lived in the big house and I lived-‖ he paused. ―With my mother. So, it was difficult to think of him as my father.‖ A dark bruised looking cloud blocked the sun‘s rays. The smell of rain permeated the air. The unpredictable Texas weather made life interesting. Storms formed quickly, spent their fury and just as quickly died out. He glanced up at the sky then back to her. She hadn't noticed the clouds yet. The first fat droplet slapped onto the brim of her hat then rolled off the front to land on her relaxed fingers. She blinked and glanced up. ―It looks like we're about to get wet.‖ ―Do you mind?‖ ―Not yet I don't.‖ His eyes widened. He'd found a female who wouldn't run for shelter at the first hint of rain. The rain sprinkled over them and she lifted her face to it. No. She enjoyed it. Her wide genuine smile as each tiny droplet fell randomly across the bridge of her nose and smooth cheeks all said so. She took a deep breath and released it. Her lack of feminine guile pleased him. Of course, she was a woman who enjoyed the smaller gifts in life, rather than the small
comforts money provided because she'd never been exposed to them. Once she was, she would become as corrupted with greed as the rest of them. But right now he was here with a woman so totally different from the rest, one he found himself at odds with, enjoying the soft rain with her. ―I used to run outside the moment it started to rain, just to sit outside and let it fall on my face. When the other children would run inside, and during those few moments, I would be completely alone.‖ She peered at him through dampened lashes. ―There wasn‘t anyone to call me names, or throw dirt at me and no hateful stares. I could walk all over town in complete freedom and actually feel as if I belonged.‖ She shrugged. ―But it didn‘t last. Nothing good ever does.‖ Her lashes spiked with moisture, and lowered to lie across her cheeks. ―The rain always stopped and the children would come back.‖ She looked almost shy, childlike. A vision so different from the one he‘d become used to. She looked up at him, her eyes wide and unguarded. ―Have you ever sat in the rain before?‖ He shook his head. ―No, can't say that I have.‖ But, he was intrigued now, curious about what it would feel like to make love in the rain. With her. The rain caused steam to rise from the heat off the hard packed earth and their bodies. They slowed their pace and each droplet slid down her skin, her face, down her chest, even on her exposed arms below the rolled up sleeves. The image of her naked in the rain wouldn't leave him alone and his body grew steadily hotter.
Her eyes locked with his. She leaned her head back, exposing her long slender neck. A wide smile spread across her face. ―Doesn't it feel glorious?‖ No, it ached and burned. ―Yes.‖ Her hair, soaked now, became plastered to her face and neck. The sky turned completely dark and made her skin appear translucent. Her hand reached up to smooth back the saturated strands from her eyes. ―You are much too serious,‖ she whispered. ―You should loosen up a bit, there‘s so much more to life than what you believe.‖ ―Oh? And what is that?‖ Her face turned crimson. She tried to disengage but he grasped her arm to stay her. ―Tell me,‖ he encouraged. ―Tell me what is it I'm missing in life?‖ She shook loose and held her arms wide for a moment. ―This, all of this, you've gone through life mulling over your problems and somehow along the way you've forgotten how to enjoy the little things in life like you did as a child. Like splashing in the rain, running through the meadows with the wind or sitting to watch the sun‘s last rays. Didn‘t you do those things as a child?‖ ―Not really.‖ Her eyes beseeched him and her tone grew soft. ―Then you should learn.‖ She slipped in the thickening mud and slammed into him. His arms moved to steady her
but the weight of her toppled them both. In mid-fall, he maneuvered her so she landed on top of him. Both horses skittered away several feet but went no further than that. He looked up to see mud smeared across her cheek. Her hair filled with it. She chuckled. Most women would be furious, for having gotten wet and muddied. But not Blaze. Before he knew it, they were laughing like children. Tears stung his eyes and he wiped them away. This was foolish but also...freeing. She lay sprawled over him with a smile. His hand reached up and brushed away a muddy strand of hair stuck to her cheek. ―It‘s nice to lighten up, isn‘t it?‖ She smiled. ―There are so many gifts from Mother Nature. Can‘t you feel the power of it? It‘s in the very air around us.‖ Yes, but the vibration had nothing to do with the gifts Mother Nature provided, it came from her. It flowed over him, into him and through him like the sharp sting of a cold wind. The energy and heat came from her, and her alone. Blaze sat up and looked down at him. He propped himself up on his elbows, the intensity in those midnight eyes captured him. ―You've shut yourself off from the world, cutting off the very things that breathe life into most people, like family and love. You seem to think it isn't in the cards for you but it is. You wouldn't have come here to a place you didn't want to be if family didn't mean anything to you.‖
―And if I told you the reason I stayed was you?‖ She shook her head. ―I wouldn't believe it because you'd have had no qualms about making love to me whether I was James‘ lover or not. I wouldn't have said no and you know it. The only thing stopping you from doing it now-‖ She leaned down over him and the wet strands of her hair slipped over his chest, neck and face. He held his breath, waiting. ―The only thing stopping you is James.‖ The muck squished between his fingers and covered him from neck to boots. And it was the most erotic moment in his life. He wanted to strip her naked, roll her over in the mud and slide against her warmth in the muck. The thought tantalized him and he burned with need. His father was the last thing on his mind right now and he had a good mind to show her exactly what he was thinking. ―You're afraid of hurting him.‖ She raised a finger to his lips when he made to deny it. ―Shhh, don't even say it.‖ Her finger smoothed gently over the swell of his bottom lip and his heart pounded against his ribs. The rain sliced down over his face, coming down in diagonal torrents. How could she read him so well, when no one else ever had? He squinted to see her through the rain, her face for once open and the yearning he saw captured him. ―And you? Are you not shutting yourself off from the world, from me?‖ She shook her head and leaned back to get to her feet. He followed her, his hand reached for hers but she shook free. ―You have a choice, Gade. I do not.‖
―Everyone has a choice.‖ His hands though gentle pulled her around to face him. ―What are you afraid of?‖ ―Everything you are and so much more.‖ The whispered words tore through him. He wanted to ease the pain in those dark eyes. ―There's so much about me and my life you don't know and couldn't possibly understand.‖ ―Not if you don't tell me, Blaze.‖ ―And why should I tell you? You don't trust me any more than I trust you.‖ She started to leave then turned back. ―Just know that I'm not what you think I am. Of course, I'm not perfect. I've done things I regret like everyone else, I'm sure, but I would never betray James. He's the only friend I've ever had, the only person to believe in me.‖ She searched his eyes. ―I'm just a woman, Gade, trying to live my life the way I think I should. I can't change the circumstances of my birth anymore than you can change yours, but I'm making the best of it. And the best thing to do right now, is walk away. From this.‖ Her arm swept the area in front of her. ―From you. You deserve better. You still have a chance to make it right.‖ She reached Trajan and mounted in one fluid motion. He didn't follow her because she was right. They weren't for each other. It would never work. They could never trust each other. He shook loose clods of dirt from his fingers and hair as the rain helped wash it away. He mounted his horse and plodded toward camp at a much slower pace. He sat in a quandary over his infatuation and her relationship with his father. Should he
believe his father that they weren‘t lovers? Than what exactly was their relationship? He wanted to link her to Gerard with hard evidence, instead he found himself fantasizing about her a thousand times throughout the day. He‘d followed her this morning as she‘d searched out stray cattle, riding the big black stallion between her lovely thighs, her rear swayed gently in the saddle. The memory of her at the water barrel as she poured water over her heated flesh assaulted him. It‘d gushed across her face and pooled into the deep crevice between her breasts, soaking the shirt. Torture. Pure torture. Simple things he wouldn‘t normally have noticed suddenly caught his attention. Little things like the graceful curve of her neck as she'd glanced up at the sun, or the wide generous smile when she laughed at something Garret said. Especially, the still perfection of her face when she stared into the fire lost in thought. Why does the thought of her only friend being a fifty-year-old man bother me? The pelting rain created ever-widening ringlets in the growing puddles of water and like his thoughts, became a continual circle with no end and no beginning. His eyes searched the horizon for any sign of her. He could still see her riding away in the driving rain as the last rays of the sun filtered out before the clouds completely swallowed it whole. The brilliant shades of orange cast her silhouette in a soft auburn mist and sent a shaft of pain through his chest. What did she run from? Her past or him? ~*~
Bullets rang out as Blaze neared the campsite. She kicked the already exhausted horse into a run. She flew past the camp as men scrambled up from their bedrolls and shouts flooded the air. The loud thunder of hooves hit the hard packed earth and echoed through the flat valley. The cattle were being stampeded. Blaze raced across the terrain and headed toward the sound. She reached the creek and leapt across it. Three figures raced headlong in front of her on either side of twenty head of cattle. Dust hit her face like tiny needles and she pulled her kerchief over her nose. A single shot rushed past her. Leaning low, she drew her gun and fired back. A whistle and shouts from the rustlers split the air. Two men dropped back to hold her off. Firing two shots, she kicked Trajan faster. Reaching the first one, she dove head long from the horse and collided with the solid figure. As they tumbled to the ground, both of their guns flew and landed several feet away. Rolling to her feet, the sound of rushing feet came to her too late. She‘d forgotten the second man. The figure throttled her to the ground. Blaze shook off a wave of dizziness and tried to stand, but a gun barrel shoved in her face stopped her. Someone called out her name. ―Too bad I can‘t stay and finish what we started—‖ The rustler chuckled and the gold cuff links winked in the darkness from the light of the moon. ―But sounds like you‘ve got company.‖
The kerchief hid the face, but she recognized the voice. Sid bounded back on his horse and raced off with his comrade. Blaze lumbered to her feet, exhausted, she struggled to catch her breath. Gade trampled into the clearing and hopped down from his horse. The animal heaved in deep breaths after such a hard ride. ―Are you all right?‖ She nodded and wiped a hand across her mouth. Blood smeared across the sleeve of her shirt. He grasped her arm and looked at her. Tilting her head back, Gade examined the wound to her lip. ―Goddamn it Blaze! You could‘ve been killed.‖ ―It‘s just a cut.‖ ―It could‘ve been worse.‖ He dropped his hands to stare at her. ―I‘ll patch it up when we get back to camp.‖ ―I‘m fine, it doesn‘t need patching.‖ He reached for her arm but she scurried out of the way. ―Damn it,‖ he grumbled. ―Do you always have to be so stubborn?‖ Warren and Jake rode up behind Gade. ―What happened?‖ Blaze dusted off her pants and said, ―It was Sid Gerard. I got him down off his horse but his friend got me from behind.‖ ―You all right, little gal?‖ Jake asked, leaning over the pommel. There was a distinct twinkle in his eye. He enjoyed this little game they played. Blaze eyed him before she answered, ―yeah.‖
Warren jumped down. ―He got away?‖ ―Sadly.‖ ―Did you see his face?‖ ―No. But he wore the same gold cuff links like the one I got off him in the saloon.‖ ―Were you here, Gade?‖ Warren turned to Gade. ―Did you see anything?‖ Gade placed both hands on his lean hips and shook his head. ―Wait a damn minute. You‘re tellin‘ me you don‘t believe me?‖ she shouted. ―Give me one reason why I should?‖ ―Give me one reason why you shouldn‘t?‖ Warren shook his head. ―Either way, we‘re out twenty head of cattle with only your claim you saw Sid. I‘ve no proof to take to the authorities. And even if I did, it‘d be your word against his. Besides, who‘s to say you didn‘t help him and let him get away?‖ ―What?‖ Blaze took a step forward but Gade blocked her path. ―Why the hell would I let him get away?‖ ―I don‘t know.‖ Warren shrugged. ―You‘re so tough and all, surely you could‘ve taken him out. So you tell me.‖ Blaze ground her teeth in frustration and narrowed her gaze. She whirled and headed off to look for her gun and horse.
Footsteps alerted her she wasn‘t alone. She glanced back to see Gade had followed her. ―What do you want?‖ She shouldn‘t snap at him, after all it wasn‘t his fault Warren didn‘t believe her. He caught up to her and jerked her to a stop. ―I believe you.‖ She swung around. ―Why?‖ ―I‘ve known Sid all my life and I know what he‘s capable of. I‘ve no doubt he‘s a part of this.‖ ―Then why didn‘t you say something?‖ ―Do you really think what I say will change Warren‘s mind?‖ ―It might.‖ He shook his head. ―Not likely. He‘s as stubborn as they come, Blaze. Once he sets his mind, that‘s it, there‘s no changing it.‖ She turned from him and searched the darkened ground for her gun. The twinkle from the moonlight glinted off the silver handle a few feet away from them. She walked over and picked up the forty-four, sliding it in the holster. ―It would‘ve been nice, Gade, to have someone on my side, whether Warren believed it or not.‖ When she walked past him, he seized her wrist. ―But I‘m not on your side.‖ He faced her, his warm hand rested just above her palm. His grip firm but gentle. He drew her closer. ―I want to believe everything you‘ve said but I can‘t. You haven‘t been completely honest with me yet
and until you do, I won‘t side with you.‖ He let go of her hand but didn‘t leave. ―Just because I said I believed your word about Sid, doesn‘t mean I don‘t think you let him go.‖
Seven
The next day dawned hot and still. The flat terrain, covered by thin grass, stood motionless in the dry air. A brilliant sun rose in the cloudless sky and the oppressive air made it difficult to breathe. Gade stopped the horse to check the tracks again. Following Blaze had confirmed his suspicions. By day, she rode around the ranch with the rifle lying within reach across her saddle, an extra precaution only a person who had something to fear might use. Of course, after the rustler attack last night, she could just be wary. But he didn‘t think so. There were other things he thought a little strange. She never cut across a clearing unless she couldn‘t avoid it. She stayed to the shadows and she never rode into a narrow canyon unless she was forced to drive a calf out. Blaze was either afraid of her own shadow or she expected company. And Blaze wasn‘t a coward. His gut told him she was much too cautious to be the average cowpuncher. Cowboys tended to be more relaxed on the range than anywhere else in the world. These habits were the kind developed from necessity, mostly by men with bad reputations. All this told him Blaze had a violent past and he assured himself for the sake of his family that he would find out what she was up to.
So why did her words ring back at him? I’m just a woman trying to live my life. He had the proof he needed but he‘d chosen not to show the wanted poster to James. But he would, when the right time came. He patted his shirt pocket to verify the poster still rested there. He took off his hat, ran a hand through his overlong hair, resettled it on his head and kneed the mare. His eyes scanned the ground for signs of her horse. He circled back around one more time. Thirty minutes had passed since his last visual of her and somewhere he'd lost her tracks. She'd vanished. ―Damn.‖ How could she have slipped away? Being a skilled tracker, he couldn't fathom how he'd managed to lose her so quickly. He headed back the way he'd come searching the ground for any kind of mark in the dried earth. ―You just never give up, do you?‖ The voice came from behind him. He stiffened and spun his horse around. Blaze came out of the brush on foot, carrying her rifle in her relaxed hand. ―I hadn't realized it was you following me.‖ He cocked a brow. ―Why didn't you try to find out who it was before now?‖ ―There was no threat.‖ He cocked his brow even higher. ―If you‘d been a threat, you would have already killed me. You‘ve had several opportunities.‖ She gave a shrill whistle. The big black trotted out of the brush on the opposite side several yards down the path. She was craftier than he'd realized, but he wouldn't make the
mistake of underestimating her again. What other hidden talents did she have stored in her beautiful head? ―How did you know you were being followed?‖ Blaze returned the rifle to its casing and with feline grace, she mounted. She walked the black back the way they'd come. ―I could feel you.‖ She smiled at him. ―Call it woman's intuition. Besides, I‗m used to it.‖ ―What? Being followed?‖ She nodded. ―By whom?‖ She shook her head. ―I don't know who but I know why.‖ ―Then why?‖ ―Oh no, we‘re not getting into this again. It‘s none of your business. We've already been throu-‖ ―We have. But if you‘re placing my family - and myself - in danger then I‘ve got a right to know. If there was someone following you before and you never found out who it was, chances are, my little devil‘s daughter, they're still out there.‖ ―Do you think I don‗t know that, Ryder? But that still doesn‗t make it any of your concern, so stay out of my business.‖ ―Would this make it my business?‖ He pulled the piece of folded paper from his pocket
and handed it to her. She didn‘t move to take it from him. Instead, she stiffened. So, she recognized it. She hesitantly reached for it. The paper crinkled in her hands as she opened it. For a long moment, she stared. Days ago, he wouldn‘t have been able to tell a difference in her expression but now he could. The slightest frown marred her brow. ―What do you have to say?‖ She shrugged. ―What do you want me to say?‖ She handed him back the paper, then urged her horse forward. ―I‘ve made a few mistakes in my life, haven‘t you?‖ He didn‘t answer. ―My past isn‘t something I‘m proud of, but it isn‘t something I can change either. The only thing I can do is move on, and make sure I don‘t repeat those same mistakes again.‖ Something about her tone seized him. The sincerity surprised him. He hadn‘t expected an admission of guilt, maybe an excuse, but not a confession. For the first time since becoming a bounty hunter, he doubted himself. He should take her in. The bounty on her head would give him a nice little reward. Instead, he hid the evidence and made excuses for his behavior. He must be insane. He hated to admit he might be wrong but something told him she might be telling the truth. ―Is this the proof you claimed to have?‖ She smiled. ―Ahh...‖ She inclined her head. ―Does this prove me guilty?‖
―No, but it does prove you‘re not to be trusted.‖ ―Has James seen this yet?‖ ―No. He hasn‘t.‖ She turned to him. ―What do you plan to do?‖ ―Nothing for now. But make no mistake, Blaze, I will find out what‘s going on and if I find out you‘re involved, I will take you in.‖ ~*~ They rode back to the campsite together, both silent and reserved. Blaze avoided his gaze. She didn't want another confrontation and especially not here with the entire camp audience. She rode as far away from him in the makeshift corral as she could possibly go, to dismount and care for her horse. A bullet threw her back several feet. Searing pain shot through her left shoulder and she gasped for air as she tumbled to the hard packed earth. The sound of Trajan's hooves hitting the ground as he ran in the other direction along with her rifle and shotgun thundered in her ears. Great, just what she needed to be stuck out in the open without a long range weapon. Did someone call her name? She struggled to her feet to get to cover. A wave of dizziness assailed her and she weaved on her feet. Another bullet whizzed past her ear, just as a massive weight hit her. Gade‘s arms tightened around her and they landed some feet away with a bone-crunching thud. She yelped. Pain pierced her shoulder and radiated through her body. They rolled and came to a sudden stop.
She blinked. They‘d landed under the chuck wagon. ―It would‘ve hurt less to take another bullet.‖ ―It can be arranged.‖ His sarcasm wasn‘t lost on her but she didn‘t have time to reply as another array of bullets pinged the side of the wagon. He moved off her and ripped the sleeve of his shirt off. He handed the material to her and she packed the wound under her shirt then tied it off. He twisted around the wheel of the wagon to peer out in the distance, while he loaded his gun. The cylinder slapped shut and he gave her an annoyed glance. ―Why the hell did he shoot you?‖ ―How the hell should I know?‖ Blaze checked the six cylinders, cocked it, and flattened out on her belly beside Gade. Blood seeped from under the waded cloth and trickled down her arm. She winced. Another array of bullets sliced into the wagon. She ducked and then returned fire. It didn't do them any good, their six guns were out of range. Its effective range was only about fifty feet. ―It‘s funny how I was out in plain view but the shooter managed to get you instead?‖ Two more bullets embedded into the wagon close to her face. ―See what I mean?‖ The bullets were meant for her. Fear crawled up her spine. Had he found her again? Had Trask contacted him already? There would be no help from the crew. Unfortunately, the assailants fired from the direction she and Gade had just come from. The campsite lay another fifty feet behind them.
Should anyone try to get in closer, they would be shot down. ―Damn, I wish I had a rifle,‖ she muttered more to herself than to Gade. He swung around to stare at her, but had to duck his head as the dirt geysered in front of their faces. ―Can you hit them from here if you had one?‖ he asked, firing off the last two rounds in his gun. Blaze measured the distance with her eyes. The two men zigzagged their way in closer on the nearby hill about two hundred yards away. ―Yes,‖ she replied but had no idea how he planned to get a damn rifle when their horses were at least twenty feet from them. If they tried to run, they would be gunned down before they took two steps. There was absolutely no cover in the flat valley. She watched him stare at the varnished stock still in his saddle. Just how did he plan to get it? ―I can get to the horse. What I can‘t do is get back to the wagon and safety to use it. I have to rely on you to cover for me. The range from here even for someone experienced, is virtually impossible. Do you understand that?‖ ―Just put the damn rifle in my hands.‖ He leaned close, grabbed the back of her head, and kissed her on the mouth. Quick enough, it ended too soon, but hot enough, it left her breathless. Clambering to his knees, he let out a shrill whistle. Stunned, Blaze considered that maybe he‘d lost his mind. What was it that compelled him to play the hero all the time?
―Keep them busy!‖ Gade rolled out from under the wagon. Blaze‘s guns barked each time his feet hit the ground. He scrambled across the clearing and leapt into the saddle as the horse passed by. Dragging out the rifle, he whipped the mare around. The shots hit the dirt around the horses‘ hooves and he urged it to a dead run, back toward the camp. He wouldn‘t be able to stop the horse in time to dismount and slide under the wagon again. So, what did he plan? He hurled the rifle. With unbelievable precision, the rifle landed and slid right into her waiting hands. Blaze had no room for mistakes because Gade wasn't out of range yet. Bracing herself on her elbows she cocked the rifle, and emptied her lungs of air. Stillness settled in her, sunlight glinted off the enemy‘s rifle in the distance. She focused and smoothly squeezed the trigger. A single shot and everything went quiet. Blaze kept her eyes on the spot where the second man had fired from but couldn‘t see a thing. No sounds, no shadows, and no movements. Whoever it had been, they had simply disappeared. Unease slithered up her spine. It was almost as if someone knew of her skill with a rifle. But that would mean admitting that this had to do with her past. She shivered. Her skill with a rifle had sent the second assassin running for cover leaving his comrade alone, to die. ―Are you all right?‖ Gade and Warren raced up to the wagon. Warren clasped his rifle against his shoulder and scanned the area. Gade hunkered down. She shook off the hand he offered and shrugged.
―Yeah, I‘m fine.‖ She scooted out and got to her feet. Blaze followed Gade and Warren up the hillside with hand clamped over her wounded shoulder. ―Do you have any idea who it might‘ve been?‖ Warren asked. Gade stopped and bent down. ―Ask her, I‘m sure she knows.‖ ―Why the hell did the other one leave?‖ Gade shook his head, his brow deeply furrowed. ―I‘m not sure. It makes no sense.‖ Blaze searched the ground for clues. Stepping over a fallen tree, she glanced up at Gade. He stooped a few feet away. He tilted his hat back concentrating on something. ―I found one of ‗em,‖ Gade announced. Blaze strode to him and looked at the man lying on the ground, the hazel eyes still now in death. Her stomach turned and rolled with nausea. ―Do you know him?‖ Gade asked, peering closely at her over his shoulder. The face returned from a past long dead. ―I've never seen him before,‖ she lied and quashed the urge to cringe. She‘d always hated lying. The young man had ridden with Herod Chains. Two years before she‘d left Kansas, he‘d strode into the gang with a cockiness she‘d assumed would get him killed. Well it had, but she‘d never imagined she‘d be the one to do it.
She‘d only shot two men with the intention to do more than wound them. The first man had changed her life. And now this man, a boy who‘d taken the wrong path. Grief wheedled its way inside her chest and squeezed her heart. Refusing to show any emotion to the Ryder brothers, Blaze whipped around on her heel. ―I never thought she‘d hit him,‖ Warren said as she headed for her horse. ―Neither did I,‖ Gade replied. She mounted and with one last glance she swung the animal away as Warren pointed at her. ―She just shot a man from two hundred yards between the eyes with dead accuracy. So do you believe me now?‖ ~*~ Blaze swayed in the saddle. Gade wasn‘t the only one to notice. Warren eased his horse up next to hers, before she started to slip off the side and pushed her back up with a gentle hand to her shoulder. Warren glanced back at him, and shook his head. Blaze‘s eyes were fixed on the horizon, and didn‘t seem to notice anything. Her back remained straight and tall, but her eyes held a distinct clouded, feverish look as they head back toward the house. With a sigh, Gade drew up beside her. She slipped and he hauled her onto his lap. She relaxed her muscles and laid her head to rest on his shoulder. He reached over to lift up the lapel of her jacket and found the whole right side of her shirt soaked in blood. Gade shook his head. ―I should‘ve looked at that wound sooner.‖
―How the hell were you supposed to know the wound was that bad when she never even made a sound?‖ Warren pointed out crossly. Gade nodded. He knew Blaze and her stubborn pride. She would never have admitted to pain of any kind for as long as she could help it. He should‘ve looked at it. He didn‘t know too many men who would have lasted this long without making a sound or a single complaint, but this one woman had. ―Damn,‖ he muttered under his breath. Her soft cheeks were flushed and heat emanated from her body. He had to get her cool. She would more likely scream bloody murder over being inside the big house than from the pain of the wound but it was the safest place to keep her. He couldn‘t worry over her safety every minute of the day. After all, another assassin still lurked out there and he had to find him. Gade looked down at her again. Her face relaxed with sleep. The lines of worry and tension, gone, and her features softened. She leaned on him in a kind of trusting release she would never allow while awake, and Gade found he enjoyed it. Blaze actually appeared childlike. Blaze wasn‘t a small woman, but right now in this moment she appeared vulnerable. Helpless. He‘d learned today Blaze was anything but helpless. There were many different facets to her personality like the colors of a kaleidoscope, he‘d found too many to count. They rode into the rear yard at a fast trot, with Warren right behind him, leading Blaze‘s horse. He rode up to the back porch with his bundle still in his arms and stepped off carefully. Warren left her horse with one of the men and took off for the doctor.
Gade banged his way through the rear door. James whipped around, startled. ―What happened? Is she all right? Where are you taking her?‖ Gade ignored his father and headed for the stairs. ―Gade, where are you going with her?‖ James asked. ―To my room.‖ ―Oh, no the hell you‘re not!‖ Gade turned at the top of the stairs and looked down at his father. His jaw tightened. His body taut like a wire pulled tight. ―She‘s going to my room.‖ Those words ended any argument. He resumed his pace to his room three doors down the hall. Without even glancing back to see if his father followed, Gade kicked the door to his room shut behind him. Carefully, he settled her long frame and lifted her head onto a pillow. He straightened out her legs, and set about removing her clothes to look at the wound. His hands shook as he unbuttoned the bloodied cream-colored shirt. He lifted her in his arms and tried to slip it off her shoulders one at a time. After several tries, it finally came free of her hands. Laying her back down, he should have thought to cover her up. He tried to avoid looking but under the soft cotton of the threadbare camisole she wore, she was voluptuous.
His mouth watered. The small protrusions on the cotton‘s surface drew his eyes like magnets, and he‘d never seen a more perfectly made woman than Blaze. She wasn‘t beautiful in the traditional sense, she was too tall, too gruff, and yet something about her drew him. The soft moan brought him out of his trancelike state and forced him to focus on the wound. Gade pulled off the used makeshift bandage. He grimaced. Fresh blood oozed from the wound. He crossed the room and swung open the armoire. Yanking down the white cotton shirt, he tore it into strips. It should staunch the flow until the doctor arrived. Wrapping a strip around her shoulder, he tied it off tightly. Now to make her comfortable. His plan had been to do it quickly and efficiently. His heartbeat increased its pace and he tried to keep his eyes from straying to places they shouldn‘t. The boots and socks came off without a problem. The pants were another issue entirely. How the hell did she get these things on in the first place? And how was he supposed to get them off? With every tug, he elicited soft painful moans from her. Damn. He propped both hands on his hips, and sighed. Make her comfortable and then get out of here. He pulled out the knife from the back of his waistband. The blade gleamed under the sunlight. He started at the ankle, and cut a long slash up each leg on the outside seams. He could barely get the blade between the material and her flesh, because they were so tight. He held his breath as he replaced the knife. Jesus, the woman is injured and all I can
think of is getting her pants off finally. With quick frustrated movements, he jerked the material out from under her, and held them up. A pair of soft silk pantalets slipped out and floated to the floor. Surprised, he‘d never imagined Blaze as the type of woman who would enjoy silk undergarments. Tossing the pants over one shoulder, he turned back to his task, but stopped short at the sight before him. Her ankles were absurdly slender and delicate for someone of her height. The calves were sleek and toned. Her knees were well shaped, not bony, as most overly tall women were known to be. Her thighs were smooth and as white as alabaster. Blood soared through his veins and heated his flesh. He exhaled and his hands tightened reflexively. He imagined his mouth coasting up those slender thighs. He fought to control the unexpected fury of his need. He hadn‘t meant to tempt himself like this. If he were a smart man, he‘d run out of this room. Awareness of her soft flesh shattered what little strength he possessed. One hand crept out and his fingers brushed her ankles. So soft, her skin like velvet, enticed him. His palm flattened and stroked up to her slender thigh. His jaw hardened and he whipped away. He shouldn‘t be looking at her like this when she was injured. An honorable man wouldn‘t dare. He spotted the blanket folded neatly at the end of the bed and picked it up. He shook it out and spread it across her prone form. He took a deep breath and forced his hands into his pockets. Someone knocked. James entered the room carrying a bowl of heated water and some towels. ―How is she? The Doctor should be here soon.‖
―Good, because she‘s gonna need one.‖ ~*~ By the time the doctor arrived hours later, Gade had worn a visible path across the floor. The door to his room swung open and the doctor exited. The short man ambled directly to James and Gade shoved past them, eager to see her. ―The bullet missed all of the vitals, but the loss of blood has made her weak,‖ the doctor explained. ―She‘s stable, but the fever is high. If it‘s not gone within a few day‘s or at least cooled a bit, then send for me again.‖ The thin framed man with white hair and mustache peered at Gade over the rim of his wire-framed spectacles. Despite his aging appearance, the man‘s eyes were direct and intelligent. Gade knelt beside the bed, while the doctor outlined the necessary care and prognosis to James. He only listened with half an ear. The circles beneath her eyes were dark and bruised. Her pale cheeks bore two angry, red spots of color. She shivered visibly beneath the blanket. The wound on Blaze‘s shoulder glared up at him. The mass of red blood in the middle of the pristine white bandage reminded him of his stupidity. He‘d been distracted and hadn‘t sensed the danger. ―You seem to know her well.‖ Gade stiffened. The doctor stood behind him with both arms crossed across his chest. He pulled his gaze away from the man, back to the woman under the covers now. ―Maybe you can tell me how the girl got such a ghastly scar.‖
Gade‘s brow furrowed. ―What scar?‖ The doctor lifted Blaze and tried to keep her covered at the same time. ―What the hell are you doing?‖ Gade snapped. Still holding her up with one arm, the doctor pushed the spectacles up the bridge of his nose. ―I am trying to lift her up enough to show you which scar I am speaking of. I never would‘ve found it, if the bullet hadn‘t exited through the other side. When I lifted her to examine the wound I found it.‖ Gade scowled, then with one deft but very gentle movement he had Blaze sitting straight up, her head resting on his shoulder. The long angry mass of lumpy tissue ran in a diagonal line from one shoulder blade to the top of the opposite hip. Doctor Delyn fixed the loose spectacles once more and pointed out with a gentle finger. ―It‘s strange.‖ His index finger ran over the length of the scar. ―See here, it appears to me that there is more than one layer of overlapping scarred tissue. As if the wound had healed, scarred over, and then was re-opened again and again.‖ Gade could see with his own eyes the torture inflicted on her delicate skin, and it disgusted him. Bile rose in the back of his throat that any human had endured such punishment. ―A horse whip,‖ Doctor Delyn said. ―It could only have been made by a horse whip. The line is too thin to be any other kind of whip.‖ The man crossed his arms as Gade laid her back down. ―It would seem someone punished her, and apparently had an unbelievable skill with a whip, and deliberately hit the same mark each time.‖
Gade closed his eyes. ―But who would do such a thing?‖ ―That‘s what I was hoping you would be able to tell me.‖ He gathered up his things leaving Gade there to absorb the shock. He stopped and peered over his shoulder, the frames slid down the breadth of his nose. ―Have you considered maybe the man who shot her isn‘t one of the rustlers like you all seem to think it is?‖ ―Who else could it be but Gerard tying up loose ends?‖ The doctor gathered his bag and straightened. ―Well, I hope it‘s that simple but in my experience I‘ve found things rarely are. You know whoever it was they‘ll be back to finish the job.‖ That was true. But this time he knew they were coming.
Eight
―You can see how much the place changed after you left.‖ Garret collapsed the spyglass and handed it to Gade. Yes, it seemed Drew‘s ambition had been enough to turn the place around. They rode east from the Broken Circle, toward the Diamond G Ranch. Once, years before he‘d left, it had been a broken down, small time ranch with a lot of good grazing land, but nothing else of any real value. The Diamond G was now a big spread, not as large as The Broken Circle, but impressive nonetheless. Built like a fortress, the old house had been demolished, and the single story adobe with a surrounding wall had been put up in its place. There were several bunkhouses, storage buildings, and a mess hall located outside the main walls. Posted on those walls were heavily armed guards. Gade squinted, trying to get a better look. ―When did he start arming the place?‖ Gade asked. Garret shrugged. ―Recently. I was here last Christmas and it wasn‘t like this.‖ They crawled backwards on their bellies, until they came to the clearing where they‘d left their horses. Garret grasped the reins to his mare. ―He hired some new gun, and turned the place into Fort Knox.‖
Which could only mean one thing, Drew expected trouble. The promised heat of summer arrived early, and it pounded down on the two men. Within an hour they had had scoured the entire area without finding a thing. ―God I hate this heat. I can‘t wait to return to New York.‖ Garret wiped a hand down the side of his face, and removed the sweat from his temple. ―What is it we‘re looking for, anyway?‖ ―I don‘t know.‖ Gade stopped and pulled out his canteen. ―Anything unusual, I reckon.‖ Gade took a long swig and re-corked the canteen before hanging it across his saddle horn. ―Anything like a campsite?‖ Garret said, disappearing into the brush. Gade swiveled his head. ―What campsite? There shouldn‘t be any campsites around here.‖ He dismounted and pushed through the overgrown prickly brush. They were located on the edge of The Diamond G and The Broken Circle, where it would be a quick trot to or from either house. The only campfires should be the ones used for roundup. Garret knelt, his hand hovered over the ashes in the campfire. ―Still warm.‖ He shaded his eyes, searching the area. ―Single rider with new shoes.‖ He pointed to the barely visible tracks in the dried earth. He glanced up at Gade then back to the dark recesses in the surrounding brush. ―Warren said the rustlers were using shoes without any markings, didn‘t he?‖ ―Yeah. He did.‖ Gade frowned. ―But what if the two incidents aren‘t related?‖ Garret‘s brow creased. ―What do you mean?‖ ―What if we say this person knows ‗bout the rustlers. Which isn‘t unlikely if he‘s been in this area. How hard would it be for him to find out about the feud between James and Drew?‖
He frowned. ―He is your father, Gade. You should call him Pa. But I see where you‘re going with this. This person could be using the same tactics as those of the rustlers to throw us off his trail. Which is probably why he didn‘t bother to hide the evidence, but the rustlers would have.‖ ―Exactly. It would be a stupid mistake if the rustlers left this kind of evidence around for us to find when they know we‘re looking for them.‖ ―But, why does he want us to find it then?‖ Garret asked. ―Damned if I know.‖ ―So what now?‖ ―We get off our asses and search for a clue. There‘s bound to be something that will give the man away. We just have to find it.‖ They hadn‘t found a damn thing and were on their way back to the house. A gust of wind tore through the meadow. More than a mile or so away from where Blaze stayed in the old house, Garret picked up a strange scent. Gade followed behind. They crossed the creek and something caught Gade‘s attention. He turned the mare east and rode up creek. Water swirled around the mare‘s hooves and splashed with every step. The closer he came, a feeling increased in his chest. He knew what they were about to find. He stopped twenty yards away. ―Ahh Jesus.‖ Garret grimaced and turned away at the sight. They had found Cal‘s body.
Cal hadn‘t been killed in a typical fashion. Instead of with a gun or a knife, he hung outside an old run down line shack that hadn‘t been used in years, his body embedded with a pitchfork. Garret dismounted and carefully stepped closer to the body. ―What was he doing down here? Jake said he‘d sent Cal up to the big house after he‘d been shot.‖ Garret drew his gun and looked around. Cal had actually bypassed the big house. But why? Gade pulled his kerchief over his nose. ―He must‘ve seen someone creeping around in the dark, I guess.‖ ―Or maybe he‘d returned to find out why they‘d shot him when he‘d neared Hawthorn‘s creek?‖ ―From the smell of him, he‘s been here since the night he went missing.‖ Gade set about searching the area. He knelt beside a level expanse of dirt and studied the earth like the tiny print in a weathered newspaper. Nothing. Not a single hoof mark. ―Find anything yet?‖ Garret emerged from behind the shed. Gade shook his head. ―Nothing. No footprints, no horse tracks, or any discarded items. It actually appears the place was cleaned by someone who took the time to erase all the evidence.‖ A breeze rustled the leaves of a discarded branch about an arm‘s length away. Garret knelt down next to it. ―It‘s clean inside. This person is careful. Too careful. This is too
calculated. Someone used that branch to wipe out any trace of his tracks.‖ ―So why leave the body where it could be found and in such a way?‖ Garret shrugged. ―Got me.‖ Then he stood. ―We should get the sheriff. Maybe he can find something we‘re overlooking.‖ Gade nodded. ―Go ahead and get James while you‘re at it. And then I want you to head to San Antonio.‖ ―For what?‖ Gade reached inside his pocket and removed the pair of gold cuff links. ―Find out what you can about these. Who makes them? One of them came off Sid‘s wrists — get me some proof.‖ Garret raced off. The dust billowed under the horse‘s hooves and sprayed Gade in the face. A little later, Gade found his father in the crowd of men next to the sheriff, a middle-aged man. Sheriff Foxworthy was nearly the same height as Gade, but had a good forty pounds on him, all of it hanging over the front of his belt. They stood around the gruesome carnage, staring as the deputies began their investigation. Gade placed a thumb and forefinger on the bridge of his nose trying to sort out the thoughts running through his head. Opening his eyes, he couldn‘t help but notice Foxworthy had yet to offer to help out with the gruesome task. He‘d never seen the man before today, but Foxworthy struck him as lazy. He seemed the
kind of man who enjoyed the power of his position, but preferred to call the shots from the sidelines. ―Foxworthy is new to his position.‖ Garret crossed his arms. ―Out here these little communities and towns need strong leadership. A man like Foxworthy won‘t be tolerated by the good folks of Eden for very long.‖ ―It‘s the good folks of Eden who put him in office in the first place. Do you really think they know what they need?‖ Gade replied. ―And why haven‘t you left for San Antonio yet?‖ Garret grinned. ―All right, point taken. I‘ll be back in a few days, send word if you need me.‖ Gade wandered up behind his father and Foxworthy, and stopped abreast of James. Foxworthy said, ―I‘ll need a list of anyone who was missing the night Cal disappeared.‖ James nodded his head reluctantly. ―All right, but I‘m not sure any of my crew did this.‖ Foxworthy grunted and patted his large belly. ―Just the same, I‘ll have that list. Did Cal have any enemies you know of?‖ ―No. You knew him. He was a good man. Everyone loved him, especially children.‖ The sheriff squinted at James through the brilliant afternoon sunlight and rubbed his chin with two dirty-nailed fingers. ―Well, get me whatever information you can, any alibis, and I‘ll keep you informed on the investigation.‖ James shook hands with the sheriff and Foxworthy walked away toward his deputy. ―What do you think?‖ James turned to him.
Gade fell into step with his father and looked up from the ground. ―Honestly?‖ James stopped. ―Of course.‖ ―I don‘t think it was anyone from around here.‖ ―And the rustlers?‖ Gade shook his head. ―I don‘t know enough yet to say for sure. But I know one thing, Foxworthy won‘t find the killer.‖ James nodded. ―You don‘t like him either?‖ ―It has nothing to do with liking him. He‘s an imbecile.‖ Gade changed the subject. ―What do you know about Blaze, James?‖ His father sighed, and both hands came up to rub at his temples. ―Come on, Gade. Let‘s move away from prying ears.‖ They mounted their horses and started out for the house together at a slow pace. He loved the wildness of this land. The west Texas terrain they rode over wasn‘t as lush and green as the eastern side of the state but it held a certain fascination. The ranch lay about one hundred miles from Devil‘s river, which emptied into the Rio Grande. There were Snakes and scorpions, dust storms with dangerous forked lightening, coyotes, wolves, and to the north lay Indian Territory. Mexican banditos raided across the border to the south and all of this made this part of Texas extremely ruthless. But beautiful. Gade‘s eyes traveled to the barely visible walls of Edwards‘s plateau in the distance, bracketed by white creamy clouds. The high, fluffy patches occasionally gave a short respite
from the blazing heat of the sun. ―I made a promise to Blaze I wouldn‘t tell anyone, but I‘m afraid I can‘t keep that promise anymore. Things are becoming too dangerous.‖ Gade kept silent as they rode over the tall dry grass waiting on his father to go on. ―As you know I went to check out the offer I got from someone in San Antonio. After spending most of the day with this man I went to have a drink.‖ James shook his head. ―I found her outside an alley with a bullet in her back.‖ Gade‘s head jerked up to stare at his father in disbelief. Shot in the back? By whom? ―She was almost dead. She still managed to draw her gun on me though.‖ He laughed at the memory. ―She didn‘t want any help. That‘s what made her so endearing to me I think, because she reminded me so much of you.‖ Gade ignored the look James gave him. He didn‘t want any false admissions of love and loss. Not now. ―Anyway, she was so unlike the other women I‘ve met. Fiercely independent and proud, and I think we hit it off immediately. I had to listen to her hollow threats for weeks.‖ Gade had to smile at that. It sounded so much like something she would do. ―I was only scheduled to stay for a week, but because of her wound I ended up staying for a month or more. I guess that started the rumors.‖ James continued. ―I took her up to my room to tend to her. She made me promise not to get the doctor. She didn‘t want the attention. I had taken Will and old man Rowley with me. I guess they assumed we were...together.‖
―Weren‘t you?‖ James met his gaze. ―No.‖ The words were simple but powerful. Gade almost believed him. ―I never did figure out who‘d shot her.‖ James glanced away in the distance. ―I had assumed, spending so much time with me, she would open up a little. She opened up about spending her life as the daughter to a whore but whenever I brought up the wound, she went silent for hours.‖ They reached the ranch house and before Gade dismounted, James called his name. He turned to look at his father. ―There was never anything intimate between Blaze and me. I saved her life, and now some illogical inbred honor holds her here to repay a dept I told her isn‘t necessary.‖ James took his hat off to run his hand through his hair. ―And you‘re right I don‘t know her as much as I‘d like to believe I do, but I do know she‘s scared. She‘s running from something and she‘s living in this kind of hell, alone. I should have made her tell me what was going on. If I had, then we probably wouldn‘t be in this same situation again.‖ Gade frowned. ―If I had been even half the friend I‘d claimed to be, she would‘ve remained safe. And that‘s the one thing she needs right now...is a friend.‖ ~*~ Gade rarely left Blaze‘s side over the next several days. He washed and fed her, and slept by her side on the floor of his room. The whole day started bad when the sheriff paid them an early morning visit. Gade should have known from then on how the rest of the day would
progress. He sat with his father outside on the porch, both of them drinking a cup of coffee, with only silence as their companion. Trask hadn‘t come in from the night before. The sheriff didn‘t know Trask was missing yet, and Gade didn‘t plan on telling him. He wanted a chance to find the man first. He had his own form of questioning a suspect and it didn‘t concern the local authorities. Of course, James had argued with him about the whole subject but Gade won temporarily. James agreed he wouldn‘t tell the sheriff yet, not until Gade had a chance to look for him. Foxworthy spoke directly to James. ―I‘m looking for someone named Blaze. I understand she‘s working for you, Ryder. Do you know where she is?‖ ―Blaze is resting.‖ Gade stood, threw the remaining coffee off the side of the porch then crossed his arms, the cup dangling from his fingers. ―Can I help you?‖ The hazel eyes strayed from James to Gade slowly. ―And you are?‖ ―Forgive me, sheriff.‖ James eased to his feet. ―This is my oldest boy, Gade. He‘s staying with me for awhile. Gade, this is Sheriff Foxworthy. He moved here a few years after you left, and just got elected last season.‖ The two men sized each other up. The sheriff took off his hat and wiped the sleeve of his shirt across his brow. ―I‘m on official business. So if we can dispense with the pleasantries and you can tell me where to find this Blaze woman, I‘d be much obliged.‖ Gade nodded as if he understood. ―Well Foxworthy, Blaze happens to be feeling under
the weather at the moment, since a bullet got her from an unknown assailant.‖ It was a veiled reminder of how poorly Gade believed Foxworthy did his job. ―So maybe there‘s something I could help you with.‖ The sheriff eyed him. ―She‘s the missing link to my investigation. I need to question her about her whereabouts on the night Cal showed up missing.‖ Foxworthy propped a foot on the bottom step, leaned over and placed a hand on his knee. ―And what makes her the link?‖ A brief flash of annoyance crossed the sheriff‘s face. ―Well, according to the rest of the crew, there were only two people missing that night, and she‘s one of them.‖ The sheriff cleared his throat. ―The other person came up with an alibi.‖ Gade quirked a brow. ―Who was the other person?‖ ―Jake Trask.‖ ―Trask has an alibi? Who?‖ ―He was with Stella.‖ ―The prostitute?‖ Gade gave a nasty grin. ―You can write it down too, Blaze had an alibi that night as well.‖ Gade hid the surprise of his own admission and tried not to think about the lie he‘d just uttered. Foxworthy spit a stream of tobacco on the ground. ―And who might that be?‖ He wiped a sleeve across his mouth. ―Me.‖
He didn‘t look at his father. He could only imagine the expression James wore. ―She was with me all that night and throughout the next morning.‖ Foxworthy grunted. ―You‘re a breed. Why should I believe you?‖ James lunged to his feet. ―Now hold on just a damn...‖ Gade held a hand to his father‘s chest. He hadn‘t had James to fight his battles since he was nine. ―And what makes you believe Stella?‖ It was believe a half-breed or a whore. Gade had no doubts who in Foxworthy‘s opinion would be more trustworthy. ―When Blaze gets well enough we‘ll send word to you,‖ James said curtly. Foxworthy nodded and stepped back. ―I appreciate it.‖ He gave one last narrowed glance. ―I don‘t know you boy, but I have to say, I hope she‘s worth it.‖ Gade gave a short nod. He hoped so too. ~*~ Blaze‘s fever raged higher as the day continued. It had started shortly after the sheriff left and had grown steadily worse. Doctor Delyn had been called back. He‘d been in the room with her for over an hour now. Gade sat silently at the kitchen table across from James. Warren took the seat next to him and propped a foot on one knee. The back door stood open and the sounds of the voices entered through the screen door. It
was Friday and with round up finally over, the men were all headed to town to blow off steam. It wouldn‘t be too much longer before it was time to head out on the trail to the Kansas markets. The odd hostility between the three men became more evident with every slow moving second. Warren coughed. ―I think we need to move up the trail date.‖ ―Why?‖ James asked. ―Think about it, it would solve one of our problems anyway. The rustlers can‘t steal the cattle if we head out early.‖ James nodded. ―True, true.‖ He ran a hand through his hair. ―When should we leave?‖ ―My suggestion,‖ Warren leaned forward. ―Would be to head out in a week or two, the sooner the better.‖ James nodded. ―We‘ll sell at least several hundred-head right now. Whatever money we make we can invest into a new bull for next year.‖ ―A new bull should help our stock.‖ ―We don‘t have enough men to move this herd right now,‖ James said. ―I can get a few more, I‘m sure.‖ Warren tilted his chair back on two legs and leaned back. ―I‘ll go,‖ Gade offered. ―And I‘m sure Blaze will help, once she‘s better.‖ Now why had he said that? Warren toppled his chair as he got to his feet. ―What?‖ He pointed at Gade. ―You don‘t
think I‘m gonna let her ruin our chances at success a second time, do you?‖ Gade stood. ―She‘s an extra pair of hands, Warren. Think about what you‘re saying. We get this herd on the trail and she won‘t have time to warn anybody of our plans. We‘ll be able to keep an eye on her while we‘re gone and if nothing happens, we‘ll finally be able to rule her out for good.‖ James nodded. ―Yup, sounds like a good plan to me.‖ ―Besides, I need to get her out of here.‖ Gade sat back down. ―Before Foxworthy finds out from someone in town I slept here that first night. Alone.‖ James set his cup down. ―What?‖ He peered at Gade. ―You lied to the sheriff?‖ Gade nodded. ―I‘m not certain she has anything to do with Gerard.‖ Warren slammed a fist down. ―See!‖ He shouted. ―I knew it wouldn‘t be long before you said that.‖ He turned away. ―Damn it, you‘re just like him. You let women drown whatever common sense you own.‖ ―Not again.‖ James stood. ―I‘m not going through this again, Warren. Gade and Blaze are going on the trail drive with you. And that‘s an order. Defy me son, and you‘ll stay your ass here!‖ As the shock on his face faded, Warren glared at James, and then nodded. ―All right, Pa.‖ He headed for the rear door. ―You‘ve always sided with him on everything and I‘ve always been the one who sided with you. But you won‘t accept the fact that he‘ll never forgive you.‖ Warren turned and pushed open the door.
―Boss!‖ A voice yelled from outside. ―Boss!‖ Will Dreiser tore up the back porch steps and stopped just short of the screen door. He looked to Warren. ―It‘s Gerard!‖ The smooth faced boy shouted, ―He‘s coming! He‘s about five minutes behind me and he‘s got five hired hands packin‘.‖ Gade shot from the chair and headed for the front of the house before Will even finished his sentence. He reached for the gun belt hanging on the peg beside the door. Warren, hot on his heels, jerked opened the front door. The sound of hoof beats alerted Gade to Drew‘s arrival. He popped open the front screen and the door slammed behind him. Six men appeared on horseback down the long fenced driveway. James walked out loading a shotgun. Gade watched them near. Drew hadn‘t changed much over the years. Still short and stocky, and dressed in the plain, rough garb of a stockman who worked his own range. Incisive eyes the color of a Texas blue bonnet regarded them with keen interest. Gerard had a commanding presence despite his lack of height, which he shared with both sons. They flanked him to the left and right. Gade‘s attention strayed to Morgan. He remembered their short-lived friendship. It‘d been put to a halt quickly when Drew learned Gade was a breed. Gade believed Morgan didn‘t share his father‘s prejudice but Morgan wasn‘t brave enough to stand up to the man, since he would one day inherit the Gerard fortune. Sid, however, was another story. He did share his father‘s prejudices. Like two peas in a pod, those two were. Gade and Sid had always been at odds. And Gade had little doubt that would ever change.
―Ryder.‖ Drew nodded politely at James. ―I see you‘ve finally recruited all your boys at the same time.‖ ―What brings you here, Drew?‖ James ignored the jab. ―I heard through the grapevine that a few of your crew are handing out accusations about my boy,‖ Drew announced. His anger pushed aside polite conversation. ―Oh?‖ James crossed his arms. James spread his stance a little wider. ―And what makes you say that?‖ ―Hearsay has is Blaze started some trouble in town the other day with Sid. I came by to make sure you‘ve got a tight leash on your little hell cat.‖ Gade‘s brows rose. ―Hearsay? Let‘s see, if I remember correctly, Sid started the conversation with Blaze not the other way around.‖ ―I simply offered her a job,‖ Sid defended. Gade crossed both arms across his chest. ―I guess you didn‘t like her answer to your offer so you sent those two bone heads to settle the score?‖ Sid stiffened. ―I didn‘t send anyone but either way, Blaze had it comin‘. Mouthin‘ off like she does tends to make enemies. I didn‘t get the chance to shut her up and she better be damn glad it was someone other than me.‖ His piercing blue eyes swung to Gade. ―Because I would‘ve only done what any man does to a whore.‖ Rage exploded in his chest and caused a steady pounding inside his head. Gade flew off the porch and grabbed Sid out of his saddle, landing a solid punch to Sid‘s nose. A loud crack
echoed through the yard. Pandemonium erupted. Shouts rang out and the click of five triggers obliterated the red haze of his anger. A rifle appeared directly in Gade‘s line of vision before reality hit. His gaze followed the long barrel to the hands. Morgan. ―I‘d suggest you let my brother up, Gade, unless you want your pa to find body parts half way across the county. And I‘d hate to do that to him since you just got home.‖ Morgan‘s furrowed brow and steel gaze bore through Gade. He eased back. Sid held his nose, blood oozing from between his fingers. Belatedly, Gade realized it probably hadn‘t been a good idea to pound the resident asshole, when the asshole‘s father had half the small town‘s men in his pocket. Gade released Sid‘s collar. Even though the guns lowered one by one, the mounting tension didn‘t ease a bit. ―You and I are going to have our day, Ryder,‖ Sid said. Gade eased back a step, his eyes still on Morgan. Sid was all talk. Now Morgan on the other hand was quiet. Calm. Like the current under the still surface of a lake. Morgan would be the one to watch out for. ―Lookin‘ forward to it, Sid,‖ he replied. James broke the silence. ―Before you listen to your boy‘s accusation, Drew, you should know that Sid has it out for Blaze because she bruised his male ego.‖ ―I‘m well aware of what the little bitch did to my son,‖ Drew retorted harshly as Morgan helped his brother onto his horse. ―That doesn‘t change the fact that she‘s smearing the Gerard name in the mud and I mean to rectify the situation.‖ ―And how do you plan to do that?‖ Gade said. ―By sending an assassin to kill her? Too
bad it didn‘t work out, Gerard. The girl is a little more resourceful than you thought, huh?‖ ―I sure as hell didn‘t order anyone to kill that girl.‖ Drew stiffened. ―No?‖ Gade asked. ―Then maybe you can tell us who did. Maybe Sid here can tell us a little about what‘s going on, considering we‘ve found one of his cuff links on our land after the rustlers gave us a visit one night.‖ Drew whipped around to stare at his son. Sid glanced up at his father and let go of his nose to answer. ―I don‘t know what the hell he‘s talking about Pa. I swear.‖ Drew turned back to Gade. ―There‘s your answer. Now I‘ve got one for you.‖ Drew yanked on the reins to his restless horse. ―Whatever is going on, I‘ll be conducting my own investigation. I‘ll tell you one thing, if that little gal isn‘t the one behind this mess, then she‘s linked to the person that did. And if I find out that she knows who it is, I‘ll hang her right alongside the one responsible.‖
Nine
A light formed slowly behind Blaze‘s eyelids. The hushed voices in the distance sounded like they came from a tunnel. Goodness, a thousand needles poked inside her head. Her mind couldn‘t seem to form a complete thought or grasp a full image. Spears of light in sharp colors pierced through the deep blackness. Blaze squinted. Garret stood by the door. ―Those cufflinks checked out, Gade. A jeweler in San Antonio custom makes them and he said he remembers Sid vividly. He was able to describe him to me perfectly.‖ ―There‘s no point in telling the sheriff that though. He‘s so far in Drew‘s pocket he can‘t see the light of day.‖ The voice was loud now, too loud. It was Gade. ―The good people of Eden were the ones to put Foxworthy in office so blame them.‖ James. She recognized his voice. ―It‘s clear to me now though, that Blaze isn‘t in with Drew. There‘s something strange going on here though.‖ Someone grunted. Her vision wavered for a minute and her first clear sight was of Gade. He stood beside the bed where she lay. He looked disheveled, his hair in disarray, his shirt untucked, opened, smeared with blood and full of dirt. He held his right hand in his left one. ―It felt good smashing Sid‘s face didn‘t it?‖ Gade grinned, and her gaze drifted toward the voice. Garret leaned inside the doorway
with Warren right behind him. He‘d been the only one so far to totally avoid her and she only recalled a single conversation with him. It‘d consisted of a hello and goodbye. ―There‘ve been times when I‘ve wanted to do it myself.‖ ―He deserved it,‖ James cut in. ―Again.‖ James chuckled. ―I wish I could‘ve been there when Blaze popped him in the nose.‖ ―It was great,‖ Gade admitted, albeit reluctantly. ―She‘s tough, I‘ll give her that, but I still don‘t trust her.‖ Blaze decided to sit up and make her presence known, since none of them had noticed her yet. She moaned though when her head started to spin. Gade rushed forward and admonished her with a harsh tone. ―Lie down, Blaze!‖ She did so, not because he‘d said to but because she had no other choice. It was either layback down or end up passing out again. Her hands found her temples, and her face scrunched up in pain. ―Did I return from the dead?‖ ―Pretty much.‖ Gade sat on the bed beside her. ―You‘ve been out for a while now and you need to rest and rebuild your strength.‖ ―Yes,‖ James agreed. ―When you feel better you can get up but until then you need to rest and with that said we‘ll be talking to the two of you later.‖ James ushered the rest of them toward the door. He stopped and turned to smile. ―It‘s good to have you back with us, Princess.‖ ―Princess?‖ Gade muttered beneath his breath as they left through the door. ―More like
the devil‘s daughter.‖ Blaze managed to force a smile to her own lips but the movement was too painful to continue so she ended up with a scowl instead. Blaze looked at Gade as an uncomfortable silence filled the room now that they were alone. ―Well,‖ Gade said, his hands settling on his knees. ―It is good to have you back.‖ She gave a hesitant smile. ―Thanks.‖ He nodded uncomfortably. ―You need your rest though, so I‘m gonna go. I‘ll have Maria bring something up for you to eat, maybe some stew. Sound good?‖ She nodded. He started to rise but her voice stopped him. ―Gade?‖ It was the first time she‘d ever spoken his given name, and his gaze widened in surprise. What was he thinking? ―How long have I been out?‖ She winced at the quiver in her voice. His hand lifted and smoothed a lock of her hair away from her face. ―Almost a week.‖ He stood abruptly and walked toward the door. ―I‘ll be back in a bit,‖ he said over his shoulder and she was glad he missed the utter look of horror that crossed her face. A week! She had to get out of here. For Blaze, there was no longer any question of her staying. Somehow, Chains‘ henchmen had found her. She couldn‘t wait another moment and risk putting these people‘s lives in danger. She imagined Trask had sent the anonymous wire to Kansas. But what exactly would that gain him? It didn‘t matter now. She had no choice but to run again. She figured whoever it was who‘d found her would return to let Chains know where
she‘d been hiding. That left her with enough time to get a good head start on him. She had to leave so Chains would follow her and not harm anyone here. Her mind refused to acknowledge she might be making a mistake. The thought of escape consumed her, running through her mind repeatedly, until it finally formed a prison of its own. Fear clutched her heart and enabled her to ignore the mind-rending pain in her shoulder. She forced herself to get up and dress after Gade‘s departure. Her saddle bags lay at the foot of the bed. She dug through it to find her clothes. Wincing, she pulled on her pants and took up her shirt, sliding it on her arms slowly. Getting into her clothes had seemed like an impossible task but, with desperation fueling her reserve, Blaze accomplished the deed. Sliding the gun belt on gingerly, she fastened it. Blaze pulled out the forty-fours and checked both cylinders out of habit. With both of them fully loaded, she slipped them back in. She strode over to window stiffly. The pain of her aching shoulder told her she probably wouldn‘t make it. Sliding the window up, making as little noise as she possibly could, she scanned below. With it being a second story window, she had to find some way to climb down. Her gaze examined the side of the house but found nothing. Ducking back inside, she spied the bed sheets. They came off with a swift yank, and she pulled her knife from her boot. Small it might be but it could tear through flesh as easily as it could slice though these pristine white sheets. She made five long strips and tied them together tightly, tossing the long strand out the window. She paused, she wouldn‘t get to say goodbye to James or Gade. Her heart clenched. Leaving frightened her suddenly.
She would be alone again. Where will I go? She‘d finally found somewhere she belonged, and Chains had found a way to take it from her. Tears burned her eyes. Chains didn‘t allow crying. He considered it a weakness. Right now, she couldn‘t afford to tolerate them either. Her life, as well as the lives of everyone in this house, depended on her escape. Taking a deep relaxing breath Blaze eased one leg over the windowsill. This would probably reopen the wound on her shoulder but she had no choice. The bleeding wound would hinder her speed but leaving now would perhaps give her a few hours ahead before someone found her missing. Gade would try to find her, and she didn‘t believe she was clever enough to elude him for long, but she hoped he would grow tired of chasing after her and give up. Bending her tall frame to duck under the window frame. The door to her room swung open and she whipped around. Her breath caught and her eyes met the detached silver flames of Garret Ryder‘s. He paused inside the door holding the tray of food in one large hand. The tray hit the floor and the clatter of dishes spurred her into action. She managed to get both legs situated outside the window to lower herself but Garret hauled her back inside. No! Her mind screamed. She didn‘t realize the word had escaped her own lips as she struggled against his hold. Her foot kicked out, toppling the single chair beside the bed. The movement propelled them back and they crashed to the floor, Blaze still wrapped in Garret‘s vice-like arms. She kicked and screamed, cursed and struggled, an uncontrollable fear clawing its way
into her heart. The exertion from her thrashing weakened her until she grew limp in his arms from sheer exhaustion. ~*~ The most terrible sound Garret had ever heard in his life broke the silence. It was a cry full of pain and fear, and the sound had him loosening his hold on her. Blaze rolled away from him, giving way to silent tears. Hiding her face beneath the mass of red-gold hair, Garret imagined she was embarrassed by her failure as well as her tears. She stole Garret‘s heart and he knew it. He‘d sworn he wouldn‘t get involved. He only wanted to solve this thing so that he could return to New York. He didn‘t want to be stuck here, emotionally entangled with his family and their unending saga stories. Too late. Instead of turning away from her like he should, he found himself curling around the girl who had single handedly turned his whole household upside down, and offered her comfort. His hand rose of its own accord to stroke her hair with an awkwardness he hadn‘t experienced since he was young. Surprised to see a woman as strong as this one, break down in tears, Garret‘s resistance to her collapsed. Most women he knew cried at the drop of a hat, never turning away and hiding the tears, because it was a calculated assault on a man‘s good senses. To actually witness a woman‘s real tears terrified him and touched him at the same time. He tried logic. ―I can‘t let you go Blaze. I don‘t know if Gade has told you or not but we found Cal‘s body.‖ The silence of her tears unnerved him. He cleared his throat. ―The sheriff
wants to see you. If you leave now it won‘t look good.‖ No response, though it sounded as if the tears might have stopped. ―If you leave, you‘ll have your face plastered on a wanted poster in every town from here to Wyoming.‖ She turned suddenly, her nose and eyes red from the tears streaking down her lovely face. ―Th ...There are worse things than being wanted by the law.‖ Being a man of the law, Garret disagreed. ―You‘ll no longer be running from just one man, Blaze. You‘ll be running from dozens of people, bounty hunters, rangers, even people you thought you could trust will likely turn you over for some quick cash.‖ She turned away. ―Blaze,‖ he started again. ―I know that you don‘t have any peace in your life right now, but if you run now, you‘ll never find another chance like this. You have people here who want to help you and who can help you, don‘t blow it because of your pride.‖ ~*~ Blaze wasn‘t too proud to accept help, she was simply too afraid of having anyone else‘s death on her conscience. She couldn‘t think beyond her need to escape and she couldn‘t fathom staying here another moment more knowing she risked their lives. Garret propped on one elbow, his tawny hair tousled and silver eyes concerned. She clutched the gun. Her fear drove out all rationale. She aimed it at Garret‘s face. Fear skittered down her spine but her hands held a deadly control. She eased up to her feet, with Garret following her every step. ―Make a move, Ryder, and you‘re dead.‖ He held up his hands. ―Let me help you. Let my father or even Gade.‖
She shook her head. ―No one can help me.‖ He walked with her every step. She eased backward until she reached the window. He stayed back a safe distance but his nearness still caused enough wariness that her eyes never left him. He was a big man and she wasn‘t sure if he did try to stop her, if she would be able to shoot him, even in the leg. Her conscience screamed at her to put the gun away but her mind wouldn‘t listen. Even these strong Ryder men would be no match for the Chain gang. Chain‘s men would slaughter everyone here for the hell of it, and she couldn‘t let that happen. Twice now, this family had nursed her back to health. And how does she repay such kindness? With a gun in their faces and no good-byes. Yet, all the self incrimination couldn't change what had to be. Situating herself on the edge of the window, she didn‘t take her eyes off him and swung her frame sideways out the window. She lowered herself. The first, tearing pain ripped through her shoulder. She cried out and dropped the gun. Tears welled in her eyes. Garret‘s expression didn‘t change. It remained grim with a mixture of betrayal and concern. She lowered herself and winced, her heart filling with as much pain as her shoulder. Spots danced before her eyes and she stopped, and hung there. She breathed in deeply. How much further? She couldn‘t look, she was afraid she‘d fall. Warm blood seeped from the wound and soaked her shirt. With a soft cry, she slipped. She realized too late why Garret hadn‘t attempted to stop her. A man his size could have easily overcome her in her weakened condition, had he chosen too.
A set of hands grasped her hips to hold her up, just before she slipped off. She wasn‘t sure if it was relief or the realization that it was futile to resist that had her falling into the arms so trustingly. Gade captured her in those massive arms and bent to scoop her up. He cradled her against his chest. With the sound of his steady beating heart in her ears, the fight flowed out of her along with the blood from the re-opened wound. ~*~ Blaze slept for four days. She awoke to find Gade beside her in the chair next to the bed. Three days worth of beard covered his face and the circles under his eyes gave testimony to his lack of sleep. He remained silent. His gaze was unnerving in its unwavering stare. Blaze didn‘t know what to make of his mood and hesitated to speak. She waited on him to say something, but he didn‘t. He just stared. Had she perhaps grown horns or something? ―How are you feeling?‖ Blaze relaxed. He wasn‘t going to mention her failed attempt at escape. ―Fine,‖ she answered him truthfully. The sleep had done her worlds of wonder. But she grew nervous once again. What was going on in that mind of his? What did he want? ―What?‖ she snapped. ―Why are you staring at me like that?‖ He stood. ―Do you keep your promises?‖
―Of course I do. Why?‖ He walked over to the window to gaze out. Blaze scooted into a sitting position and grimaced at the small shot of pain. The sun streamed over him and streaked his jet-colored hair with blue. He leaned one shoulder on the window. ―Will you make me a promise?‖ Those eyes of his were intense and searched her face. Blaze looked away. ―You said you have to get out of here. If I take you away from Eden, will you promise me that you won‘t try to escape again, Blaze? I have to get you out of here for a little while until things calm down with this Cal thing. We have to able to trust each other to find out the truth, and if I can‘t trust you to stay put then there will be consequences.‖ She raised a single brow. ―What?‖ Crossing her arms over her chest, Blaze continued with a dry tone, ―Will I have to go to bed without my supper, or will I be sent to my room?‖ His frown gave testimony that he didn‘t appreciate her sarcasm. ―No, but I assure you, you won‘t like them. Now I‘m only going to ask once more, will you promise me to stay put?‖ Blaze hesitated. He was very serious and she thought about her answer carefully. ―I can‘t promise you that.‖ She lowered her eyes, instantly regretting the choice she‘d made. ―I have to leave here one way or another.‖ He stiffened and his manner grew cooler, more distant. ―I thought you wanted to find these rustlers. Wasn‘t that the whole point of your stay here?‖ his voice, tinged with ice,
responded. She shook her head. ―Things have changed.‖ ―How?‖ She threw up her good hand. ―Can‘t you see? I can‘t stay now, I have to leave.‖ ―Why?‖ ―Because, if I stay ...‖ she sighed. ―Things will only get worse.‖ ―And running will make your problems go away?‖ ―No!‖ She shook her head. ―But it will save people‘s lives.‖ He returned to his seat slowly. ―And what about your life, Blaze?‖ Why did he have to say it like that? Why did his eyes show his concern now, when all he’d ever shown her was contempt and scorn? ―This is my life, Gade.‖ The corner of her lip lifted just a fraction. ―It always has been.‖ ―Then change it.‖ He frowned. ―Isn‘t it time you did something about it?‖ She shrugged. ―What can I do?‖ ―Stop running.‖ ―I can‘t.‖ She lowered her head. I’m afraid to. He sighed and leaned back in the chair. ―And I can‘t let you go.‖ He ran his hands through his hair and he clenched his jaw.
―Then where does that leave us?‖ He took a deep breath. ―We found Cal.‖ He changed the subject. The silver-eyed gaze hardened and studied her. What exactly did he search for? ―Where?‖ There was a long pause. It was too long and she squirmed. Why is he staring at me like that? He leaned his elbows on his knees, and his eyes were grave. ―We found Cal‘s body down by Hawthorne Creek. He‘s been murdered.‖ ―I know, Garrett told me the other night.‖ Gade gave a short nod and interlaced his fingers. ―They determined he died on the night I arrived in town. The same night I met you, Blaze.‖ Again, he watched her and though she managed to control her facial features, she fidgeted with her fingers. ―It‘s the very night you were in town. According to the men, you and Jake Trask were the only ones missing that night.‖ For once, Blaze couldn‘t hide the shock. She couldn‘t control her features. ―What? I‘m a suspect?‖ Gade nodded and got to his feet. ―You think I did it, don‘t you?‖ ―No, but I think you know who did.‖
―How would I know that, Gade? I don‘t know anyone in these parts,‖ she lied. ―I don‘t think it was anyone from these parts, Blaze. I think you‘re running from somebody and I also think this person is quite capable of committing this sort of crime.‖ She looked away from him as he searched her face again. He grabbed up her arms shaking her. She yelped, pain shot through her shoulder at his rough embrace. He let go but growled. ―Don‘t you! You know who it is.‖ She shook her head, not looking at him. She hated herself. ―No, I don‘t.‖ ―You‘re lying.‖ He leaned down once more, this time seizing her chin and forcing her gaze to meet his. ―You know who it could be and you refuse to give me a name. And that makes you an accomplice in my eyes. And as long as you aid this man, you will remain under lock and key. If this man wants you bad enough, he‘ll have to get through me. And when it‘s all said and done, Blaze, you will go to court for aiding a criminal and you‗ll go down right along with him.‖ He sighed and got to his feet. ―I have to get these cattle to Kansas. If you try to escape again, I will chain you to me and the only way to get away from me would be to kill me and cut off my hand. And while I‘ll enjoy the close confinement a little too much, I assure you, you will not.‖
Ten
A week later, Blaze found herself imprisoned. The rope bindings weren‘t tight but rigid enough to hinder her. There were ten of them, the three Ryder boys, James, Jake, Cookie, Luke and Will Dreiser. Dust stirred under the horse‘s hooves and billowed up to form a gritty cloud in the middle of the drive way. Dawn‘s fingers inched their way over the horizon in an array of pink and gold as they readied for the trip. Gade crammed his hat atop his head and clutched her bound wrists in one hand. He dragged her across the yard to her horse. ―Let‘s go. I‘m in a hurry.‖ Blaze reached up with her bound hands to clasp the saddle horn and tried to mount. Her shoulder protested and she winced in pain. Though on the mend, it remained tender to the touch. Gade cursed. His hands wrapped around her waist and lifted her into the seat. Her stomach fluttered at his touch and awareness washed over her. She swung one leg across the saddle and balanced herself. ―You think this little piece of rope will keep me here, Ryder?‖ He double checked her gear and pulled on the straps. His gaze glanced up and he frowned. ―No, I‘m not stupid. But it‘ll slow you down and give me time to catch up.‖ She scowled. She would need to get out of these ropes in order to stay one step ahead of this man. He didn‘t know it yet, but he‘d provided her with the perfect opportunity to escape. ―So tell me where we‘re going?‖
He arched a dark brow. ―Do you really think I‘m going to tell you that? You‘re already making plans to escape.‖ He stepped closer. ―There‘s no way I‘m going to make it easier for you.‖ She grinned. ―Not feeling so generous today?‖ ―You won‘t escape, Blaze. I won‘t let you.‖ ―You‘re a mite overconfident, Ryder. You‘re so sure? Care to make a little wager?‖ She waggled a brow. Garret rode up next to her mount and held out one hand. ―I‘ll take that bet. It‘ll take a hell of a plan to escape the old man here, you‘d be smart to just give it up.‖ He winked. ―Of course, if anyone can keep his mind off work it‘s you.‖ She chuckled as Garret rode off. Gade slapped her saddlebags in her lap a little more forcefully than necessary and she grinned. ―So what do you say, bounty hunter? What do you want to bet?‖ He hesitated. A long second passed before he removed his dusty gloves and reached for her hand. The warmth of his palm encircled hers and sent a little thrill through her. His gentle hand brought hers to his mouth and he kissed her fingers one by one. His dark head lifted as he gazed at her. Those silver eyes bore through her. ―I‘ll take that bet. But how about we raise the stakes a little?‖ Blaze sent him a wary, narrow-eyed glare. ―To what, exactly?‖ All gentleness vanished and he tightened his grip. ―If you manage to escape, I‘ll let you go.‖
Blaze held her breath. ―If we get there without you managing to escape, then you have to confess everything and turn yourself in. Do we have a deal?‖ He held her hand but waited for the customary shake. If she agreed, she‘d be forced to tell Gade the truth. And while she knew she should, she only wanted to hide from the truth that had been her life thus far. A man like Gade would never understand. No one would. And she couldn‘t risk the truth ever getting out. Blaze never gave her word without keeping it and she hesitated. But if she didn‘t agree, she‘d proclaim herself guilty in his eyes and those of these men. And while months ago she wouldn‘t have cared what they thought of her, things had changed. Gade waited for her answer. Did he hold his breath? Her gaze lowered to their joined hands, and she squeezed his hand in return. ―It‘s a deal then.‖ They shook hands but he lingered. His warm palm, a caress against her skin, sent heat skittering up her spine. When he did let go, his gaze held her for long seconds after. ―Do you give your word?‖ She nodded. ―Yes, I give my word.‖ ~*~ ―How are you feeling?‖
Gade rode up beside her hours later. It would be time for them to stop soon. The sun lingered over the horizon in its descent into dusk. Like a burnished ball of brass, it‘d showered its heat over them. Sweat trickled down her temples and spine soaking into her shirt. She‘d ridden all her life and was used to this kind of work, but this summer seemed hotter than any other one before. She wiped a sleeve across her brow, below the brim of her hat and replied, ―Fine.‖ ―How much water do you have in your canteen?‖ ―Enough.‖ Gade grabbed the canteen and shook it. He frowned and opened the spout, turning it upside down. Several liquid drops dribbled to the ground. ―How long did you plan on going before you told me?‖ She clenched her teeth. ―I can wait until we make camp. I didn‘t want to bother anyone.‖ He cursed and wrapped the leather strap back across her saddle horn before he handed his own to her. ―Drink.‖ Blaze captured the canteen and tipped it to her mouth. She drank deeply, not realizing how thirsty she‘d been. Lowering it, she wiped her mouth. ―Happy now?‖ She thrust the canteen back into his waiting hands. His eyes speared her and replaced the canteen. ―No.‖ She grinned. ―You know what they say eases a foul temper? Too bad you‘re too scared to let me try.‖
His brow lifted. ―Are you certain its fear?‖ A corner of her lip rose. ―It would be my guess.‖ Those eyes heated to a degree that should‘ve burned her. His hand shot out and seized her wrist. ―Don‘t tempt me, Blaze. You‘re crazy if you can‘t see how much I do want you but let‘s keep one thing clear, I can‘t afford to let you that close.‖ He gave a cold grin. ―I‘d be a fool to give you that much power. An even bigger fool to believe you wouldn‘t stab me in the back at your first opportunity. I‘m not a fool, Blaze.‖ An hour later, they stopped to make camp. Gade sauntered over and offered her a hand down. She ignored him and struggled to swing her leg over. ―Forget your damn pride, Blaze, and just let me help you.‖ She glanced down at him. ―I‘d be a fool to let you get that close.‖ She mimicked his words from earlier. His jaw hardened. He reached out and hauled her to the ground. She stumbled and the little mare she rode sidestepped nervously. His arms wrapped around her waist, his face next to her cheek, and his hot breath in her ear, all caused a shiver to run up her spine. ―Now, do you want me to remove the ropes?‖ As long as you replace them with your hands. ―You sure do blow hot and cold, bounty hunter.‖ His arm tightened around her waist. ―I‘m always hot when I‘m around you. Now do you want ‗em off?‖
The sound of his voice so close and so soft sent tiny tingles through her body. She peered at him over one shoulder. ―No, you should leave em‘ on. They look good on me, don‘t they?‖ He chuckled. ―Actually, they do.‖ He turned her to face him and grasped her hands. ―But I‘ll take them off anyway.‖ He sliced through the bindings with his knife and replaced the blade. Tossing the rope, he leaned over to loosen the cinch on her horse. ―You‘re sure you don‘t wanna try them out later?‖ He stood. His moves measured, his eyes glazed with need. ―No.‖ ―Too bad, bounty hunter. You might find that you‘ll enjoy yourself if you‘d give it a try.‖ She grinned. He straightened and grabbed her already sore wrists in one hand. ―I already told you I‘m no fool.‖ He leaned close. ―But that isn‘t to say that I don‘t imagine just that every night before I go sleep, Blaze.‖ She leaned in a little closer, placing her lips next to his cheek. ―You don‘t have to imagine it, I‘m right here.‖ He stiffened in response to her erotic words. For a second, she forgot her teasing and her breath stalled. The slightest brush of his cheek against hers sent waves of awareness through her and she shivered in response. ―Perhaps I should remind you.‖ He reached for her arms. His hands softened to a caress. The warmth of his hands soaked through the fabric of her shirt. She leaned toward him. His mouth just inches from hers. ―It only takes one night of pleasure to create a lifetime of regret.‖
~*~ The campfire burned like a beacon in the night. Gade finished building the makeshift corral for the night and tied off the rope around the tree. He and Garret walked back toward the camp. The corral had been placed downwind of the camp. If anyone unfamiliar came near, the horses would alert them. Some sixth sense made him wary and he found himself constantly checking their back trail. Before Garret and he made it back to the camp he admitted, ―I‘ve got a bad feeling, amigo.‖ Garret glanced back at him. ―You too?‖ ―I haven‘t seen anything unusual yet though.‖ They stood outside the ring of firelight and out of hearing from the others but Garret leaned closer. ―I thought I saw someone following us this morning. I wouldn‘t tell Warren yet because he‘ll panic and what we need is to act as though nothing is unusual so whoever it is will show their face. So keep your eyes and ears open. Whoever it is will present themselves before too long.‖ Gade nodded and they headed for the campfire. ―I hope we‘ll be ready when they finally do.‖ The men sat around the fire with their plates of food. Blaze sat among them, between Jake and James. Both men seemed intent on talking with her. She laughed and Gade frowned. Damn. He tossed the remaining rope beside his saddle and headed for the chuck wagon. ―She‘s got you all tied up in knots, amigo.‖
Gade turned to see Garret‘s eyes flicker from him to Blaze, then back again. ―It isn‘t just her.‖ Garret swiped a hand over his hair-roughened jaw. ―Yeah, tell that to someone who hasn‘t seen the way you look at her.‖ Gade cursed. ―What‘s your point?‖ He turned back to Cookie and grabbed the plate of fried steak and beans. ―Men make mistakes when they‘re so distracted.‖ Garret grasped his plate and followed Gade. ―It‘s the reason why women shouldn‘t be allowed on the trail.‖ Gade whipped around. ―Do you have a particular point or are you complaining?‖ Garret peered around him. Gade‘s shout had drawn the others attention. ―No complaint, amigo. Just a warning.‖ Gade knelt by the fire a few feet from her. He tried to ignore her but he couldn‘t. He noticed the little things like the way she stared into the fire. The light flickered over her face, casting shadows and created a twinkle in her dark eyes. ―You ever been to the coast?‖ Garret asked Blaze. Gade shoved a biscuit in his mouth to muffle the curse. Hadn‘t these men ever seen a damn female before? Must they all pretend as if she‘s the sweetest thing since honey? ―No, I haven‘t. Have you?‖ she answered with a beautiful smile. Even dust covered, her face darkened with dirt, her smile lit up the night like a ray from the moon. Brilliant and mysterious.
Garret squatted next to Gade. ―Yep, the very last time I saw this mean hombre. I went to Galveston and let me tell you the ocean was the prettiest thing I‘d ever seen.‖ Garret swung a glance to Gade before turning back to face Blaze. ―Well, at least, until I met you.‖ Gade choked and swung around to face his brother. The grin on Garret‘s face showed he teased but Gade didn‘t like it. He didn‘t like the thoughts of another man noticing her as he did. He didn‘t want to think about another man imagining what it would be like to hold her in his arms. Especially if that man were his own flesh and blood. She grinned. ―Are you flirting with me, Garret?‖ ―Women. They‘re kinda like a jug of water to a man dyin‘ of thirst. A little will keep him goin‘. The whole shebang will kill him.‖ He grinned. ―But I know one thing, Miss Blaze, a woman like you don‘t come around often and if a man were smart, he‘d grab hold of you and not let go.‖ Those words hit a nerve with Gade and for the first time in all the years he‘d known his brother, he wanted to beat the hell out of him. ―What happened the last time you saw him?‖ Blaze asked. ―Ahh, let‘s see...‖ Garret settled back on his haunches and wrapped both arms around his bent legs, still holding his plate in one hand. ―It was about twelve years ago, we couldn‘t have been any more‘n twenty or so.‖ Garret slapped Gade on the back. ―He‘d gotten himself in a heap of trouble. He was still between the hey and the grass, and all roistered up. I could smell the alcohol a mile away.‖ ―Some whore—‖ Garret paused and tipped his hat. ―Forgive me ma‘am, I meant some
fancy lady got herself beat up, pretty bad. And this here rascal decided he‘d play the hero. Well, he was outnumbered by about eight but he wouldn‘t back down. So, I stepped in to give him a hand.‖ Garret chuckled at the memory. ―We got beat so bad.‖ Gade smiled. They‘d looked like a pair of clowns there was so much color on their faces after the fight. ―Out of the four of us, Gade was always the hero. Funny how things never change.‖ Garret got to his feet and tipped his hat to everyone. ―Well, I‘m dragged out. I believe it‘s time to hit the sack.‖ Gade watched his brother‘s retreating back. They‘d had some good runs together. Of the three brothers, he and Garret were the closest. Garret swore he wasn‘t the hero kind, but Gade sensed something in him that maybe he hadn‘t quite found yet. Perhaps one day, his brother would find the peace he sought. Gade turned back to see his father‘s silver gaze pinned on him. The ghost of a smile teased his lips as James stood to follow Garret with a tip of his hat. He scooted closer to Blaze and reached for her empty plate. She started to protest but he grabbed it up to take them over to Cookie. James and Warren had first watch. He would take the third watch with Garret. He would have to make sure she was fast asleep before his watch so he wouldn‘t have to worry about her whereabouts. Should he replace the ropes? And endure another round of jokes from her that sent his imagination running at full swing? He held out a hand to her and helped her rise. Gade grabbed up her saddlebags at her feet
and walked the short distance away. ―I ... uh, made up your bedroll earlier, next to mine.‖ ―Oh.‖ She blinked. ―Thank you.‖ ―It wasn‘t a courtesy, Blaze, but a necessity, to make sure you don‘t flee in the night.‖ She frowned. Was that disappointment on her face? The image of her sharing a bedroll flashed through his mind and heat gathered in the pit of his belly. Images of tangled hair and intertwined limbs assaulted him. He shook them off. He lowered himself to the ground. He removed a blanket and unfolded it across his body. She stood over him, watching. ―Are you gonna sleep standing up?‖ he snapped. She scowled and dropped to her knees. He sighed. It wasn‘t her fault he couldn‘t control his dark imaginings. ―Give me your boots,‖ he said in much calmer tone. ―Why?‖ ―Give me your damn boots.‖ So much for control. ―Why?‖ He sighed. ―Just do it.‖ She tugged her boots off one at a time and tossed them at his feet. He raised a hand and wiggled his fingers. ―Give me your hands.‖ ―Why? You‘re not going to put those ropes back on, are you? Gade, I won‘t be able to sleep.‖ ―Too bad. I don‘t trust you.‖ He ignored the guilt. There would be no chance at escape.
Not for Blaze. Hell, they‘d made a damn bet, and he knew she‘d seize the first opportunity she could. He couldn‘t afford to let his guard down. Not now. She thrust her hands out and he wrapped the rope around her slender wrists. He made sure it was loose enough she‘d be comfortable before tying it off. Her eyes spit her anger and frustration at him. He laid back and settled his hat over his face ignoring the jab of remorse. She shifted as she made herself comfortable and then silence reigned. He was painfully aware of how close they lay. Why had he laid her bedroll so close to his? A baleful howl rent the air and the sound of rustling fabric sent his imagination into full swing. ―Settle down. We‘ve got a long day ahead,‖ he snapped. ―I know.‖ The covers rustled again from her movements and he slammed his eyes shut. He peered under the rim of the hat to see she‘d turned on her side away from him. He traced the curve of her hip into the deep crevice of her waist with his eyes. Heat engulfed him and he clenched his jaw hard against the desire coursing through his veins. He wanted to trail one hand over those curves, learn every delicious line of her body, and imprint it to his memory forever. The flutter of wings broke his thoughts and the hoot of an owl rent through the tension in him. One of her hands reached over her shoulder to pull the cover up to her neck. His flesh burned at the memory of her touch and he knew he wouldn‘t get any sleep this night. He cursed and rose to his feet. ―Where are you going?‖
He glanced down at her. She‘d rolled halfway onto her back and leaned on one elbow. It was the most erotic pose he‘d ever seen on a woman. Her lids lowered over dark eyes and her hair a tousled mess, framed her beautiful face. Her eyes locked with his and tension ebbed through her body. He wanted to ease it for her, the only way he knew how. ―I‘m going for a walk.‖ His tone sounded harsh to his own ears. He softened it. ―I‘ll be back in a few.‖ ―Before you go.‖ Blaze sat up, her eyes appeared curious, questioning. But something else lingered in those dark depths. Desire. ―Tell me, have you always played the hero?‖ She asked the one question he wasn‘t ready to answer.
Eleven
The soft mewling of the cattle and the chirping of the crickets should have lulled her right to sleep. After almost eight hours in the saddle, exhaustion took over. She had to remain alert and seize the first opportunity to escape. She didn‘t delude herself; Chains would find her, it was only a matter of time. She didn‘t plan to make her escape now but soon enough Gade would get lazy. She would bide her time until then. Gade had spoken rarely today, only when necessary and only about things that had to do with the cattle or the sleeping arrangements. They‘d carefully avoided any conversations that had to do with one another and their attraction, James or any mention of their past lives. So why had she asked such a personal question before he‘d stalked away? She shouldn‘t have but she‘d wanted to know. She remembered he said to Garret that their hero days were over when he‘d saved her in the saloon. How many times had Gade risked his life for another? Perhaps she‘d been wrong, maybe Gade was more like James than she‘d first imagined. Blowing out a frustrated sigh, she peered into the sky. The moon faded behind the milky puff of clouds. The stars burned in such radiant profusion even the shadows among the darkness faded in their light. The shadows though faded were nonetheless real, and they danced before her in multi colored flashes through her mind's eye. In every shadow she saw Gade and Chains. Whatever her future held for her, she must not let Chains hurt this family anymore. This family didn‘t need the kind of pain and despair Chains would bring it, when they had so much to deal with already.
Sleep eluded her completely. Her shoulder ached and throbbed. She‘d checked it a bit ago. It‘d grown a little red so she‘d put some salve on it Doctor Delyn had given her and wrapped it back up. She was tired. Her exhaustion had gotten to the point she didn't know if she was coming or going, and it was Gade‘s fault. Ever since he'd given her such a soul-shattering kiss, her entire existence had been altered. She didn't know how to fix it back the way it had been. The kiss hadn't affected him the way it had her. Losing control of any kind seemed foreign to Gade and it angered him. Perhaps she had provoked the kiss. But he‘d wanted it too. She‘d seen it in his eyes. She glanced over at the empty bedroll next to her. Where had he gone? She gave up on sleep entirely and decided to go look for him. It wasn‘t his turn for the night watch, so where had he gone? Everyone slept. Her gaze touched briefly on Warren who slept a few feet away. She made sure to walk extra carefully around him. Gade had hidden her guns. He‘d taken her boots too. So she couldn‘t escape at night. Damned paranoid man. Well she‘d just have to go barefoot and take the chance. Scooping up her faded quilt with her hands still tied she struggled to keep it on her shoulders. Once she managed to hike it up on one shoulder, it would fall off the other. She tiptoed past the still forms in their bedrolls. The soft snores mingled with the sounds of the night. Sighing, she made her way toward the river. The rushing water soothed her wary nerves
and she welcomed the solitude. ―Can‘t sleep?‖ Blaze whirled at the sound of his voice. Blackness covered everything like a blanket and at first she didn‘t see him in the shadows until the glowing tip of his cigarette burned red. Blaze took a step forward her bare foot scraping against the gritty sand. Her eyes focused on the shadows beneath the oak tree. ―Hardly ever.‖ He threw the finished cigarette close to her bare feet. The swirling smoke drifted upward until the acrid smell reached her. He lit another one and the glow from the match lit his face briefly. He stared at her. ―I thought you didn‘t smoke?‖ ―I didn‘t,‖ he said. ―But you do now?‖ ―Appears so.‖ He shook the match and it joined his last cigarette on the ground. She took another step forward to try to see him better but then he stepped into the light of the moon. He gave her a hard look then sat by the stream propping his elbows up on his knees. She turned, stepped on a rock and winced. ―You shouldn‘t be out here without any boots on, it isn‘t smart.‖ ―You took my boots remember?‖ ―Yeah, to prevent you from traipsing around in the dark.‖
―Well, it didn‘t work.‖ He shook his head. ―I can see that.‖ She sat close to the stream and glanced back at him, sticking a toe into the cool water. The muted sound of the trickling water was interrupted by the sound of a coyote‘s howl splitting the silence of the night. The sound reminded her of Gade, a solitary creature searching for something in the night. She grasped the edges of the blanket together a little tighter in her hands and risked a quick glance at him. He wore his jeans and boots, but the dark shirt he wore was unbuttoned, revealing the dark smooth skin on his chest and hard stomach. Her mind flashed to the day he‘d kissed her and heat burned her face. ―What are you running from or better yet who are you running from?‖ he asked. ―My past. And that‘s where it should stay.‖ Even she heard the bitterness in her tone and hated it. ―Maybe I can help you, Blaze.‖ She turned toward him, her brow raised. ―I don‘t need a hero, Gade. If I needed one of those there are plenty of other men out there who‘re a lot better qualified for that position than you.‖ He stiffened and clamped his jaw shut tight. She instantly regretted the words. Damn. She didn‘t know of a more decent man than Gade. What man would‘ve returned to a father he hadn‘t
spoken to in years and agreed to help him, regardless of how he felt? ―I didn‘t mean that, Gade.‖ She lowered her gaze to her bound wrists. ―Tell me, why didn‘t you answer my question earlier?‖ ―What question.‖ ―Have you always played the hero?‖ He glanced out into the trees and brought the cigarette to his mouth. He inhaled, then exhaled. The puff of smoke drifted above him. ―You know you have that in common with James.‖ His gaze sharpened and focused on her. ―You don‘t know what you‘re talking about.‖ ―Oh, yes I do.‖ ―I don‘t like to see women get hurt, I never have. That‘s all. It has nothing to do with heroism.‖ ―I think it does. Most men wouldn‘t give a damn. But you do.‖ ―Have you always been a criminal?‖ One corner of her mouth lifted. ―Always.‖ He shook his head. ―I‘ve been a bounty hunter for years, Blaze, and I know a criminal when I see one. And you‘re not the bad guy. Whatever it is that you did in the past my guess is it wasn‘t your fault.‖ ―Are you so sure?‖
He nodded. ―Yeah, I think you‘re running from someone and I think I can help you.‖ ―I wish it were that easy, Gade. God knows I don‘t want to run for the rest of my life but what else can I do?‖ He leaned forward, his forearms dropping around his knees. ―How do you know no one can help you when you haven‘t given anyone a chance?‖ Blaze stood. ―How do you know I haven‘t let someone help me before?‖ She started to leave but he jumped to his feet before her, blocking her way. She tried to step around him but again he blocked her path deliberately. ―Look I don‘t know what you want from me, Gade, but I‘ve told you the truth to everything I know. I don‘t think my past has anything to do with this ranch or these rustlers. Now please let me pass.‖ ―Then who shot you? Are you going to tell me that doesn‘t have anything to do with your past either?‖ She frowned. ―Okay yes, the shooter does. But I don‘t think anything else is connected to my past. Now let me by.‖ ―No. I‘m not moving, not until you tell me.‖ ―Then we‘ll be here for quite some time.‖ She cocked a hip out to one side, making a frustrated noise. She gritted her teeth, tilted her head and asked, ―Please, let me pass.‖ He shook his head. ―All right! You want to know how I know.‖ She gripped the blanket tighter in her balled fists. ―I‘ll tell you how I know because someone tried to help me once.‖
Tears burned behind her lids. She shook her head, trying desperately not to let them fall. ―Someone cut in while I was being punished. And I watched him shoot her down in cold blood and then laugh about it.‖ ―This person also made those marks on your back?‖ She lowered her head. ―Yes.‖ The image of the strong, callused hand holding the whip flashed and she closed her eyes. The low chuckle sounded. “It’s your fault, Blaze. If you’d done as I’d told you to, we wouldn’t be here and you wouldn’t be getting punished. It’s your fault she’s dead.” The lifeless dark eyes stared back at her. “Look at her, Blaze!” Chains shouted. “Take a look at what you’ve done. It’s your fault and now, you’ll have to get double the lashings.” The whip slithered across the dusty floor, tracing a path through the inch thick dirt. She shivered and gritted her teeth. I’ve done this before, I can do it again. Just breathe. But it didn’t come right away and she glanced up. He stared down at her, his dark eyes traced her features. The other hand moved to caress her jaw line. “So beautiful.” Would he still punish her? She was afraid to hope. She winched when he dropped his hand. Waiting for the inevitable lashing. Please hurry.
She closed her eyes, silently praying. Hurry, hurry. “You are much too beautiful, Blaze. Beauty gets you nowhere here. It’s a curse. An illusion. Strength is the key to success. Your mother always believed her beauty would win me over too. She prayed that her beauty would make me love her. She was wrong. And so are you.” The rushing sound of his increased breath sounded loud in the cabin room. When would it be over? She heard the swirl of the whip as he drew back, just before the snap. ―Blaze!‖ She jumped and blinked. ―Are you All right?‖ Gade took a step toward her. ―Who was it Blaze?‖ Her heart skipped. She was safe. She tried to slow her breathing but couldn‘t stop her hands from shaking. She looked down at them, the chipped, dirty nails and callused palms. So different from what a woman‘s hands should look like. So different from her mother’s hands. She hid her hands within the blanket. ―Who was it?‖ Gade wrapped his large fingers around her upper arms. ―Tell me who it was?‖ Blaze lowered her head before the single tear escaped to roll down her cheek. ―The teacher,‖ she whispered. ―The teacher who was so nice to me. She helped me. She was the only person nice to me. And now she‘s dead.‖ His arms crushed her to him and the tears seeped from between her lashes. Don’t cry! I
shouldn’t cry. ―I meant who killed her, my little devil‘s daughter.‖ He squeezed her. ―But that‘s all right just let it out.‖ He rocked her and took a deep breath. ―I can help you. Let me help you.‖ She shoved at his chest and stepped back, wiping the moisture from her face. ―No!‖ She shook her head more vigorously this time. ―No, you can‘t help me. I can‘t take that chance Gade, can‘t you see? I can‘t have someone else‘s death on my conscience.‖ She choked. ―It hurts too much.‖ She jerked from him and walked away. A rock pinched into the delicate skin of her arch in her feet and she grimaced. Tears coursed a hot path down her cheeks and fell aimlessly to the dirt. Gade couldn‘t help her. No one can. ―Blaze!‖ She whipped around at his shout. ―What?‖ She threw up her arms. ―Don‘t you get it yet? I don‘t want-‖ ―Shut up!‖ He strode toward her with a purposeful stride. Her brow creased. ―What, damn it?‖ He pulled his gun in what seemed like slow motion and Blaze‘s eyes widened. What the hell is he doing? He raised his hand and shoved her to the side. She lost her balance and toppled to the ground, followed by the crack of a gunshot. Blaze sat. The rattling sound faded and the remains of the decapitated snake slithered in an eerie dance. Two more steps and she‘d have been bitten.
Her breath stalled. She‘d been so caught up with their conversation and the memories she hadn‘t even noticed the damn rattler. She glanced up. Gade‘s brows were drawn, his jaw clenched in his anger. He scooped her up in his arms and walked the rest of the way back to the camp. He settled her gently down onto her bedroll. ―There‘s something everyone learns at one time or another. Everyone needs a little help sometimes.‖ ~*~ ―Why won‘t you let me do something?‖ Gade and Warren finished their breakfast and lingered over coffee. Luke sat in front of Blaze drawing pictures in the dirt with a stick. She listened to them discussing the route through Indian Territory and the pre-cautions they should take. It had been two days and they would reach Fort Worth this evening. They traveled along the Chisholm Trail. The first of the major cattle trails to open had been the Shawnee, in the forties‘, heading north-east to Missouri. She couldn‘t wait until they reached Fort Worth. Maybe then, she might get a little freedom. Staying tied up to the chuck wagon or her saddle was driving her crazy. ―Just give me a chore to do or something.‖ Gade faced her. ―You are doing something, you‘re occupying Luke.‖ ―It‘s not the same.‖
Luke peered up at her. A smudge of dirt smeared across his cheek. ―You don‘t want to play with me?‖ She smiled. ―Of course, I do, but I also want to help. Do you understand?‖ He smiled, revealing another missing tooth. Instead of the single space, he now bore two gaping holes in his front teeth. ―Yeah, I want to help too. But Daddy says not yet. Maybe in a year or two. By then I‘ll be a better rider.‖ ―Yes, you will. I‘ll bet you‘ll be better than your daddy, too.‖ Blaze ruffled his blonde hair. He laughed and lowered his head to draw some more. She dropped her bound hands around her bent knees. Her back ached and sweat trickled down the side of her face. Using her shoulder, she tried to wipe it away. Warren tossed his coffee cup into the wash barrel. ―Don‘t be fool, Gade.‖ He glanced at her. ―It would be the stupidest mistake you‘ve made yet. Come on Luke. Let‘s get you in the saddle.‖ Blaze gritted her teeth as Luke scampered off after his father. She hated his condescending attitude toward Gade. ―Gade.‖ She rubbed the toe of her boot into the dirt, tracing a pattern across the gritty dirt close to the area Luke had vacated. ―I‘m losing my mind.‖ Gade sighed. ―You know I can‘t.‖ He tossed his own cup into the barrel. ―I‘d have to untie you. And I won‘t take that chance.‖
Cookie scraped the leftovers to the dogs and tossed the dishes into the wash bucket. ―She can stay and help me, boss.‖ Gade strode across the campfire and scooped up his saddlebags. ―I couldn‘t stay to watch her, Cookie.‖ he turned to her. ―Besides, I‘d like to be able to eat my food.‖ Blaze untangled her arms and picked up a pebble, throwing it. It missed his head by half an inch. Laughing, he headed off toward his horse. She gritted her teeth. ―You‘d better be glad I‘m tied up!‖ ~*~ The coolness from the rain shocked her heated skin. It had started sometime after breakfast and hadn‘t let up yet. It would soon be time to stop for the night. ―Let‘s get across the river and then set up camp,‖ Gade said. They would soon reach the Red river. She‘d been disappointed when they‘d camped outside Fort Worth and Gade hadn‘t allowed anyone to go into town. The days ran together until she didn‘t know how long they‘d been on the trail. She sighed and listened to Gade instructing Ray. ―If we wait until the morning, the rain might cause the river to rise and we‘ll never get these critters across.‖ Ray nodded and slapped the reins across the horse‘s backside. ―Git a move on.‖ Gade eased his horse back until he rode side by side with Blaze. She rode her horse, the lead rope tied to the back of the wagon. ―You all right?‖ The water slid off the brim of her hat and landed on her bound hands. He reached up and
tugged the collar of her slicker up around her ears. Then he sliced through the lead rope attached to the back of the wagon. She smiled in thanks. He gave her a long look, nodded and then rode back toward the herd pulling up behind them. She sighed and squinted from the fat pellets slapping her in the face. The rumble of thunder brought Trajan‘s ears up and she leaned over patting the side of his neck to reassure him. They made it to the river within the hour. Gade rode up next to her and Ray didn‘t hesitate to enter the rushing waters. Blaze clutched the pommel keeping an eye on the swirling motion below her. She lifted her gaze to Gade‘s back. The team of horses stumbled and the wagon creaked in protest. The wind whipped the hat off her head and the string around her neck caught it. Water reached her thighs, she held tight, and urged Trajan forward showing no hesitation. She didn‘t want the horse to get nervous and balk. Talking to the black in gentle tones, she shivered. The cold water seeped over her chaps, almost reaching her waist. The loud crack sounded before the force of the wheel knocked Gade off the horse in front of her. His body hit the surface of the water and rode the current downstream. Her heart plummeted. ―Gade!‖ Blaze screamed for help, kicked Trajan forward up onto the opposite bank to follow Gade. She leapt from the saddle, ran to the edge of the water and dove in. The water burned down her nose and throat. She struggled to swim with bound wrists but the current pushed her
further away in the opposite direction. It was damn near impossible to swim with her wrists tied as they were. She went under. Blaze broke the surface of the water and gasped for air. The broken wheel rushed down the river past her. Glancing back, the wagon faltered in the rushing water, unbalanced now without the needed support. The shouts from the embankment alerted her just before she went under. Someone had seen them. Gade‘s body bobbed on the surface of the water limply and she kicked forward. One hand grasped his shirt tail and pulled him to her. She hit the penetrating rock with enough force she screamed. Her hand reached up to the back of her head and came away with warm blood. Breaking the surface once again, she scrambled to swim to the other side of the river. She couldn‘t even see the crew and cattle anymore. The thunder of the river drowned out everything else. The violent force tossed them like a rag dolls and she gasped from lack of air. Her legs pumped mechanically. No matter how hard she tried, the river was too strong and it wouldn‘t let them out of its ruthless grasp. She sank beneath the cold surface and it closed off the scream. Was this where she and Gade would die?
Twelve
―Gade!‖ His eyes shot opened and he pulled himself back from the dark depths. Blaze clasped his collar and dragged him closer to the shore. He tried to call out to her but water filled his mouth, leaving behind a tangy, bitter taste. Gade grabbed up her wrists. Removing the knife from his back pocket, he slashed through the ropes binding her. ―Swim!‖ he commanded. ―Swim, damn it!‖ Somehow he didn‘t lose his grip on the knife. Ignoring the sting from the wound on his forehead he tried to swim. One after another, he kicked his legs. Slower and slower, movement around him seemed to stop. His vision blurred and then cleared. Blaze shouted something. Her mouth moved but no sound came out. The only thing he heard was the rushing sound in his ears. But it wasn‘t the sound of the river, even that seemed too distant. His arms slapped the surface of the water until they finally went limp. Blaze dragged him up onto the shore. The gritty sand and wet mud oozed between his fingers. Coming in and out of consciousness, he coughed and crawled until he stood. Sloshing through the calf-high liquid and mud, he grabbed hold of the first thing within his reach. The prickly spikes from the fallen pine limb poked the tender skin of his palms. He tried to replace the knife in its scabbard but his vision blurred and he gave up.
He choked up water, and slogged his way to the shore. He collapsed. On hands and knees, he used his wrist to wipe the dripping water from his forehead and then sat. Bringing his legs up, he clasped his hands around them, the knife still in his grip. ―Are you all right?‖ Blaze asked, leaning over on both her hands and knees. She removed the knife from his fingers and stuck it in the waist band of her jeans. ―It‘s a wonder you didn‘t stab yourself with this.‖ Gade nodded. His hands reached for the wound on his forehead. She kneeled beside him in the muck to inspect it. Blackness grew steadily until it consumed him. Someone called his name and he tried to answer. But his mouth refused to work. ~*~ Blaze swore. Gade had passed out. She immediately got to work finding a suitable spot to set up a small camp. She‘d have to get him dry and take care of the head wound. She stretched her rain slicker between a set of trees. Blaze picked up both his arms and dragged him across the ground under the makeshift shelter. She grunted. He was heavier than he looked. How far downstream had they floated? Was anyone searching for them? In order to dress his wound, she would need dry clothes. It took an hour to build a fire without matches. Just finding some dry wood near the river took a good half hour. She had to get him undressed. She pulled him upright and straddled him to hold him steady while she pulled the sleeves off his arms.
His flesh was cool to the touch. She frowned. If anything killed them, it would be from the cold. Head wounds could cause memory loss or worse, internal injuries. She would have to keep an eye on it. During her younger years in the gang, they‘d had several cases and she‘d seen men literally fall over dead without warning from head wounds. Undressing down to her chemise, Blaze laid out their clothes to dry next to the fire. She laid his gun belt next to the fire, within easy reach. The worst possible scenario would be to find yourself without a weapon in the wild. She was grateful, she had both his gun and his knife available. She covered Gade with his own rain slicker to keep some of his heat in. She needed to get him warm and get them something to eat. Surviving with little else other than the clothes on your back, had been a part of her life since she was a girl. She thrived in these kinds of situations. She retrieved a thin, long stick, broke the end off, and carved the end to a sharp point. Now she just had to catch their dinner. ~*~ Blaze jerked awake and brought Gade‘s gun up in one swift move. Silver eyes stared down at her and she gasped. She must have dozed off for a second. ―Gade.‖ Blaze tried to sit up. ―What are you doing up?‖ ―Morning, sleepy head.‖ Gade placed a hand on her abdomen. ―Lay back. Relax.‖ She grimaced. ―What time is it?‖ He shrugged. ―A little after dusk I guess.‖
Blaze got to her feet to check the clothes. They were somewhat dry. His eyes burned through her as she dressed in her pants. She tore the sleeves from her shirt and shred them into strips. Adorning her shirt, she wondered what he might be thinking. ―How is your head?‖ she asked. ―It‘s all right. I must‘ve passed out.‖ ―Yeah. It‘s a nasty gash.‖ She knelt beside him and checked the wound. Tying off the ends, she sat back on her haunches. ―I must‘ve drifted off for a second. I see you found your clothes.‖ Indicating the pants he wore. He still hadn‘t donned his shirt though. ―Yeah, I found them. I can‘t believe you did all this yourself.‖ ―Why? Because I‘m a woman?‖ He shrugged. ―Most men can‘t survive in the wild anymore, Blaze. Not just because you‘re a woman.‖ Blaze crossed to the fire and ducked back under the makeshift tent a few minutes later holding a cooked piece of fish. ―I just finished cooking not long ago, I was waiting to see if you would wake up. You want some?‖ ―Yeah, smells great.‖ He sat up and leaned against the trunk of the tree behind him. Handing it to him, he wiped his hands across his jeans. ―So, tell me what happened.‖ ―The wheel of the wagon snapped off and hit your head. You were unconscious, so I pulled you out the water.‖
―Your wrists were bound.‖ Blaze eyed him. ―Yeah, you woke up long enough to cut them with your knife. Don‘t you remember?‖ A silence stretched between them. He shook his head. ―No.‖ He tore off a piece of the fish with his fingers and ate it, placing the long digit in his mouth to lick off the juice. Blaze shivered. His gaze rose to find her watching him and he froze. Something changed in his eyes and he focused on her lips. She remembered their kiss. There‘s no way she could stay this close to him and not do something crazy. Like fall in love? ―We‘ll head out in a few to catch up with the crew,‖ he said. She shook her head. ―No, I don‘t think you should move. Not yet. We can take it easy for tonight and see how you feel in the morning.‖ ―I feel fine. We need to get back. Besides, Warren might leave us behind.‖ ―Not tonight, Gade. I didn‘t save your life just to lose it because you want to be stubborn. Now sit your ass down and we‘ll go when I say so.‖ He licked his finger and sat down the handmade wood spit she‘d used to fry the fish. Gade placed his elbow across his knees and his folded hands under his chin as he pondered her words. ―All right.‖ ―What were you doing?‖
His brow furrowed. ―When?‖ ―Earlier when I woke up.‖ ―I was taking a look at that scar you have.‖ ―Oh?‖ A hand came up to her neck, self-consciously. She pulled her long hair forward to cover the mass of burnt flesh. ―Why?‖ ―How did you get it?‖ He asked. ―It looks like a brand.‖ She sighed. ―I was thirteen. I called him the devil once and he branded me with this.‖ She lowered her lashes. ―Who?‖ She shook her head. ―It doesn‘t matter.‖ He reached out to caress her cheek. ―It does to me.‖ ―I belonged to a gang. You have to understand, I belonged to him. I will always belong to him in his mind.‖ Gade lowered his hand. ―He was a lover?‖ ―No. I‘ve taken no lovers. I‘ve never found anyone I‘m attracted to.‖ Until now. ―I‘m supposed to believe that?‖ He gave a short cynical laugh. ―There‘s no way in hell you‘re still a virgin.‖ His hands waved the air. ―Not dressing or acting the way you do. I‘ve seen virgins and they damn sure don‘t talk like that.‖ She frowned. ―Believe what you want.‖ She climbed to her feet. ―Besides there‘s only
one way to find out.‖ ―I already told you I‘m not that stupid. Where are you going?‖ She glanced back over her shoulder. ―To scout around, I need to make sure we‘re the only ones out here.‖ ―I can help.‖ ―No.‖ He struggled to his feet. ―No one appointed you as my guardian, if I remember correctly.‖ ―I did. Now lay back, you can return to your macho charade tomorrow.‖ He swayed. Shirtless, her eyes roamed at will over the play of muscles as the fire‘s light caressed his bare flesh. She itched to let her hands wander over every inch of him but she turned away. ―I‘ll be back, Ryder.‖ She returned an hour later. Full dark had descended and Gade had fallen back to sleep. She checked on his head wound, the bandage bore signs of new blood. She worried about the blood loss. She wasn‘t a doctor but she‘d seen enough wounds in the gang to know the loss of blood, even a slow seeping wound, could kill someone. He shifted in his sleep and threw one arm over her back to pull her over him. Her flesh heated on contact and she scrambled to get to her feet. He held tight though and she couldn‘t free herself. She cursed. She lay on one elbow next to him, stretched out against his length. He snuggled closer to
her bosom and squeezed her closer. The heat of a flush rose in her cheeks. Her gaze traced his features in sleep and she ran one finger along his jaw to his lips. She smoothed the pad of her finger across the full lower lip. His mouth opened and captured it. Startled, she jerked her gaze up to see his eyes opened, watching her. She rose and headed for the river. Surprisingly, he let her go this time. ―Where the hell are you going?‖ He sat up and propped his elbows up on his knees. ―To the river.‖ ―What the hell for?‖ ―To wash up. We‘ll be heading out at dawn so get some sleep.‖ She stepped over a fallen tree and wove her way through the trees until she reached the edge of the water. The chirping crickets sounded out a rhythmic melody. She found herself humming and swatted at the bugs. Sitting on her haunches, she dunked her hands into the cold swirling liquid. She wiped the wet moisture onto her pants and glanced around. She needed a bath. It wouldn‘t hurt to take a quick swim. ~*~ Gade shifted uncomfortably. What was she doing? Why had he followed her down here? Barefoot, she unbuttoned and slid her pants down her legs. They glided down much too
slowly for Gade not to notice. Those jeans hugged lush thighs much too intimately. He imagined his hands pulling them, replacing the fabric with his mouth. He burned and glanced away. Heat engulfed him and desire racketed his entire being. How could he get through this without laying her down on the cold ground and filling her with his flesh? Just the thought of it almost made him groan. The small foot eased out of the pants and kicked them out of the way. With her back to him, she lifted the short chemise over her head. The smooth flesh revealed to him sent his blood roaring through his veins. He glanced away and then back again to the lush, supple thighs and the soft curve of her buttocks. His heart raced and sweat beaded on his forehead. His erection strained against his pants and he shifted, hoping to ease the pressure. She glanced over her shoulder at him. Did she know he stood there? The familiar knowing smile spread across her features and he knew she deliberately tempted him. What was she up to? What did she want? But the real question was would he give it to her? ~*~ She had never tried to entice a man before but some wild part of her decided she wanted to see how far he‘d let things go between them. Some things were instinctive to a woman, and seduction was one of them.
She knew exactly how to pause, long enough for him to get a good view of her backside, before stepping into the murky water. Pure instinct made her lift her hair to the top of her head in a long, beautiful stretch, before she tiptoed into the water. The chill tightened her nipples. She sighed and let her hair spill down over her back. A small smile tugged at her lips. His eyes traveled over her. His gaze, an invisible caress all on its own caused her to shiver. The water rose to her neck and she swam out a ways on her backside, letting the coolness refresh her. But she couldn‘t stay long, the frigid temperature too much for her to handle for long. Wringing out her long hair, she swam toward the shore. The cigarette lit up briefly. His silhouette disappeared within the darkness again. ―What are you doing?‖ she asked. Gade hiked a foot up on the base of the tree. ―I‘m watching after you.‖ He pushed off the tree he‘d been leaning on and made his way down the incline to where she stood. ―A girl all alone out here in the woods...it can be dangerous.‖ He sounded entirely too cocky to Blaze. ―We both know why you‘re here. I‘ve lived out here my entire life, Ryder. There‘s nothing here I‘m afraid of...nothing I can‘t handle.‖ Blaze, naked, didn‘t retrieve her clothes yet. He stepped forward, his eyes raked over her body. ―There are other dangers than those that threaten your life.‖ ―Really? What are they?‖
Another step brought him so close she smelled the bitter twang of musk. ―Like me. A smart girl would be scared shitless.‖ He grinned, his hand reached up for a strand of wet hair. Was she smart? If she were smart, she would keep her heart locked up tight against his assault. But she wasn‘t. He drew her like water to a desert flower and she found herself standing before him. ―Then why am I not afraid?‖ For a single second she saw the pain he‘d tried to conceal. One corner of his mouth lifted a fraction. He reached out a hand to her cheek. ―I don‘t know because for some reason I‘m terrified.‖ He leaned close. He smelled of pine and the musky scent of horse. ―I keep telling myself to walk away. But I can‘t move. You said I didn‘t want you. You don‘t know how far from the truth you really are.‖ He breathed in deeply. ―I want you so much it hurts, Blaze.‖ A gentle touch of his lips and she surrendered. He kissed her leisurely, the touch soft and tender. He pulled back. ―But not enough.‖ One of her hands crept up his neck to plunge into his hair. ―Not enough to forget my past. Not enough to forget your judgments. Not enough to trust me.‖ He closed his eyes. He withdrew from her and she sighed. ―What do you want me to do, Blaze? Forget everything? Forget the fact that there‘s some madman out there who‘s killed one man already and stalking our every move?‖ He shook his head. ―I can‘t do that.‖ ―And do you want me to forget that you can‘t trust me? Do you want me to lie down right
here and let you have your way with me when you don‘t believe a word I‘ve said?‖ She shook her head. ―I can‘t do that, Gade. Unlike you, I can‘t keep my heart out of it, I already feel something I shouldn‘t and-‖ His gaze collided with hers and narrowed. ―What? What do you feel?‖ She gathered her clothes and held them to her chest as if in defense against him. ―I refuse to fall in love with you when I know I‘ll be leaving soon. You won‘t have to live the rest of your lonely days with a broken heart...but I will.‖ ―You don‘t have to live a lonely life, Blaze, if you‘ll come clean and help me bring this man in.‖ ―Oh? Really? Are you going to marry me, buy me a pretty white house and we‘ll live happily ever after?‖ At his hesitation, she smiled tightly. ―Just what I thought, not exactly the marrying kind are we?‖ ―I didn‘t mean me. Maybe you‘ll meet someone else...‖ He stopped in mid-sentence. ―Oh, I can see it now. Me, the pretty little housewife in a dress with a wonderful, handsome man who‘s going to love me so much, he won‘t care about my past?‖ He lifted a hand to rub his neck. ―It‘s not impossible.‖ She snorted. ―Oh, come on! I‘m not fool enough to believe that and neither are you. I‘ve known since I turned nine my life wasn‘t normal. I knew I‘d never have a family or children. Don‘t you dare try to paint a pretty picture to make everything all right because you‘re lying to
yourself. And to me.‖ She shook out her shift and dropped the rest of her clothes, to slide the chemise on. ―You can‘t justify it. Whether you take him in or not, my life will still be the same. I‘ll still be a wanted criminal.‖ ―You could change your appearance and travel somewhere else where they don‘t know you.‖ ―Jesus, Gade.‖ She threw up her arms. ―You have an answer to everything don‘t you. But you forget one thing. I‘ll know. I‘ll remember everything and I can‘t hide who I am, not for anyone. I can‘t pretend to be someone I‘m not.‖ She leaned over to grab up her boots and slid them on. ―If you take him in, you‘ll have to take me in as well.‖ His hand grasped her arm and jerked her up. ―And you think I won‘t? You think you shouldn‘t be taken in too because I feel something for you?‖ He leaned down. ―Well, you‘re sadly mistaken. I will take you in, the moment I find out you‘ve had anything to do with this.‖ Blaze gritted her teeth together. ―Then do it.‖ He reached up grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her roughly forward. ―Don‘t tempt me.‖ She struggled but couldn‘t disengage. ―Why not now? You seem to have judged and convicted me already, Gade. So go ahead and let‘s get this over with.‖ He grabbed up her chin and leaned down to give her a brutal kiss. One fist shot out. She hit him with enough force blood spurted from his mouth. A knee in his stomach doubled him over, and with a thrust to the face, he fell. Gade gasped for breath.
He clamored to his feet, his hand on the large oak behind him for support just as the knife sailed past his head and embedded into the tree. He glanced at the blade from the corner of his eye as it wobbled next to his ear. ―You‘ve misjudged me from the beginning. Don't be so cocky. Underestimating your opponent will be your downfall. I‘m done playing your game. You made sure of that the moment you took my freedom from me.‖ She turned away to head back to the camp. ―I‘m forced to stay with you. Don‘t expect me to give over and let you toy with my emotions whenever you feel a need to exert your masculinity.‖ Blaze didn‘t want to be safe with him. She didn‘t want to need him in her life. What she wanted to do was get these cattle to market before she lost something she could never get back. And she didn‘t mean just her virginity. His footsteps pounded the dry earth from behind her. She dropped her clothes and turned to confront him. But he didn‘t stop, he strode up to her, picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist to carry her back to the camp. His mouth found hers and breathless, she strained against him. He kissed her deeply and held her so tight, the breath seemed trapped in her lungs. He settled her under the makeshift shelter and lowered his body to her half-naked one. The warmth of his chest burned through the thin shift and she gasped at the contact. His hands dove into her hair to pull it away from her shoulders. His mouth followed and rained kisses across her collarbone, trailing a hot wet path up to her ear. Her hands clasped his head tighter and she moaned.
He inflamed her and his hot breath filled her ear. His hands began a new foray on her and stroked her shoulder, down over her breast. He palmed the fullness in one hand and his fingers glided over her nipple. She arched closer to him, wanting more. His hand traveled in a slow descent to her stomach and hips. He cupped her buttocks and ground his hardness against her body. Ecstasy washed through her and she loved being in his arms. A deep, guttural sound came from him and caused her to tremble. Their lips met in a searing fire as he explored every inch of her body. His eyes met hers. She reached up a hand to smooth away a lock of his hair from his forehead. He captured her hand and brought it to his mouth. ―You lost the bet.‖ She winced. ―No, I haven‘t.‖ He kissed her palm, then her wrist. ―You had a chance to leave but didn‘t.‖ His gaze drifted back up. ―Why?‖ She glanced away but he lifted one hand to grasp her chin, forcing her to face him. ―Tell me why, Blaze?‖ She didn‘t want to answer him because she knew if she did, he‘d know how much she really cared. But she couldn‘t lie. She lowered her gaze to his chin. ―I couldn‘t let you die. I couldn‘t leave-this time.‖ Those words made them both realize their time wasn‘t up yet. There would be other chances for her to leave and he knew it.
He seized her mouth in a tender kiss. There would be other times to run but not tonight. Not tonight. She also knew her answer told him more than she‘d intended. She could‘ve left but didn‘t because she loved him. And she couldn‘t take those words back. She wasn‘t sure she would‘ve even if she could. He clutched her hand and brought it to his chest, against his heart. Her fingers splayed and the erratic pulse beneath her palm sent every bit of common sense from her. The wall of vibrant, living heat encircled her and surrounded her in a cocoon of warmth. A fever emanated from his skin to seep into hers. She wanted him. Whatever price she‘d pay for it later no longer mattered. The price for letting go had become much too painful. The staccato of her heart pounded in her ears and they pressed together intimately. Flesh against flesh, palm against palm. He dragged her hands above her head and his lips found hers. A sweet, honeyed surge burst through her and she cried out softly. His hands smoothed down her arms and found her breasts. He ran his palms over the swollen peaks. They scraped deliciously against his roughened hands. Her head rolled to the side in wild abandon. His mouth followed and he wet a path from one to the other. He devoured her and shivers cascaded across her flesh. His hands resumed their quest down her torso to her stomach. She sucked in a breath. Those searching fingers found the apex of her thighs and she clamped them closed on instinct. He whispered something unintelligible and she gasped at the heat of it. He touched her with a shattering gentleness and urged her open, parting her flesh. She stiffened and gripped his neck in a vice.
His soft words eased her fears and he lowered his head to her breasts to lave them with his honeyed tongue. Her head lolled back on her neck and she arched closer. The liquid fire of his tongue traced her rigid peaks. Her lashes fluttered closed. One of his fingers sought her most intimate place and explored. She sprang up, shocked at the racking pleasure assaulting her. His other hand clamped down on her shoulder to push her back down and his mouth captured her lips. Evocative beyond measure, his finger circled the sensitive crest and Blaze‘s senses reeled. Her arms imprisoned his neck and forced him closer. He relented easily and slid the rest of his hardened flesh over her. He arched against her hot center and Blaze moaned. She writhed against the hardened ridge between her thighs and his lips nibbled across her flesh. Her chin, down to her neck and over her shoulders, brazenly she reveled in the sensations he created. Dizzy, she wrapped her legs around him to pull him closer. He gasped and clenched his jaw. One hand seized her breast to mold and squeeze its shape. ―I need you, Blaze.‖ He sucked in air and clamped her body close to strain against her. ―Let me have you. Let me love you.‖ Blaze gladly gave over every ounce of willpower she possessed to this man. There wasn‘t any way she would back down now. Her fingers filtered through his hair and her lips sought his. She kissed him tenderly. He came off her and to his feet in one powerful move. Stunned, Blaze laid there dumbfounded and then she heard it. Someone called out their names. The crew had come looking for them. Gade sighed loudly. He turned, reached down for her and lifted her to her feet. With her hand in his, he led her back to where she‘d dropped her
clothes. He picked them up and helped her dress. ―We‘re not finished yet,‖ he whispered to her. And she wasn‘t sure she could wait another moment for him to finish what he‘d started. He called out an answer to the calls and then took her back to the fire. They gathered their things and several moments later, Warren and Garret emerged through the trees. ―We‘ve been looking everywhere for you two. Cookie said you got swept downstream.‖ Gade nodded. ―The wheel hit my head. But we‘re all right.‖ Blaze couldn‘t hide the truth anymore. On the outside, it might appear she could care less but on the inside she could no longer pretend, not even to herself, Gade mattered to her. The course of the next several days went the same. They awoke, ate breakfast and rode hard all day. Riding drag for three days straight didn‘t even dampen her spirits because Gade rode with her. Eating the dust of hundreds of hooves kicked up should have made her miserable. Chasing after cattle trying to stray or trying to get the old slow ones to keep moving should‘ve have made her curse, but it didn‘t. She loved this kind of work and she loved watching Gade do it. She loved the way he rode with the horse, the sweaty material clinging to the hard muscles of his chest and arms. She loved his facial expressions. They weren‘t blatant like Warren's, but subtle; a crease in the brow when he was upset or concerned, a slight lift of his lips when he found something amusing. To her, he was everything a man was supposed to be. He was perfect. It shouldn‘t upset her so much when he wouldn‘t speak or look at her, but it did. Something had changed between them. A new kind of tension and wariness entered the
air. They were more than aware of each other sexually. They were aware of how close they were coming to care for each other. He‘d removed the ropes but she was bound to this man in a way she was afraid to name. She was bound by her heart.
Thirteen
―Blaze thinks we‘re being followed,‖ Gade announced, kneeling down next to the fire pit across from her. Blaze almost groaned and wished Gade had kept his mouth shut. Warren turned accusing eyes on her. She sat before the campfire but the heat from those silver orbs was hotter than the flames. Even from this distance, she could see they called her ―liar.‖ She couldn‘t explain what bothered her but she‘d had to tell Gade. For whatever reason, he‘d become her only ally. Duel silhouettes on the ridge last night had sent a chill down her spine that had nothing to do with the temperature. She had no solid evidence to prove her theory, only a gut feeling. ―How does she know?‖ Gade shrugged. ―I‘m not sure but I believe her. I came across some tracks yesterday. I don‘t know how recent they were but something doesn‘t feel right.‖ He crossed his arms across his chest. ―She suggested we head west toward Dodge City instead of Abilene.‖ Blaze stood and made her way over to them. She eased between Gade and Garret. ―Call it instinct.‖ Warren raised a brow and frowned. ―Instinct? We‘re going way off course to another market because of her instinct?‖
Blaze nodded. She hated to make them go so far out of the way for a feeling but surely it was better to be safe than sorry. Jake shook his hat out and peered at her through narrowed eyes. ―I think it‘s a good plan.‖ Garret nodded. ―It might throw the rustlers off our track, if indeed that‘s who‘s following us. If not, what have we got to lose? Dodge has a great market. It may be fairly new but from what I‘ve heard it‘s got decent prices. Besides it might shave some time off our traveling.‖ ―She may have seen something,‖ Gade suggested. ―We could even split up. You take half the herd to Abilene as we‘d planned and I‘ll head for Dodge.‖ ―Can I go with Uncle Gade, Daddy?‖ Luke bounced across the clearing toward Warren. ―No.‖ ―But, why not?‖ ―Because I said so.‖ Luke crossed his arms and puckered his lips. He stomped away, throwing heated glances back over his shoulder. ―We‘re in the middle of Indian territory.‖ Warren turned back to them. ―It could be anybody. Indians, Mexican bandito‘s, hell, who‘s to say she isn‘t uptight and seeing things.‖ Warren shook his head. ―I don‘t trust her.‖ ―She hasn't done anything yet for us to distrust her, Warren,‖ Garret pointed out reasonably.
―I still don't trust her.‖ ―Well, I didn't see anyone asking for your opinion,‖ Gade snapped. ―You changed your tune pretty fast.‖ Warren raised a single blonde brow. ―What happened? Did you get caught in the pretty web between her legs while you two were hol‘ up together?‖ Gade charged at his brother but Garret blocked his path. ―That was uncalled for and you know it,‖ Garret shouted. ―Hell,‖ Warren muttered. ―You‘re all just like Pa, you let women rule your life or should I say ruin!‖ Gade stiffened. ―I think it was the other way around.‖ ―Don't start with that sympathy trip.‖ Warren stepped forward, pushing Garret out of the way. ―It takes two to tango, and your mother was as willing as any woman I've ever seen!‖ Gade's fist connected with Warren's jaw like a clap of thunder. The resounding effect went on forever to Blaze. When Warren turned back to face his brother, Blaze thought for sure Gade was about to die. Warren tackled Gade to the ground in a tangle of limbs, fists and blood, and pulverized each other, laying waste to whatever lay in their path. Garret had to jump out of the way before they crashed into him. He caught up Luke in one hand and set him down several feet away. When Luke tried to run to his father, Garret clamped a hand down on one slender shoulder. Gade and Warren rolled across the ground, each trying to gain the upper hand over the
other. Gade had one hand to Warren‘s throat and swung his other fist into Warren‘s jaw. Warren fell off him giving Gade time to get to his feet. He turned and tackled Warren again. Crashing into the chuck wagon, they tipped it slightly and landed a foot from the campfire. Gade‘s head came too close to the flames for Blaze‘s peace of mind. She jerked Garret‘s gun out of its holster and fired a shot into the air. They glanced up at her and then started at it again. She gritted her teeth. ―I‘ve had enough.‖ Moving with purpose, she cocked the gun aiming right at Warren‘s head. ―Get up.‖ Warren jumped up. ―Oh, shit!‖ Gade was a little slower to comply. He dusted his hands off. ―What are you doin‘, Blaze?‖ ―Making sure the two of you don‘t bash each other‘s heads in. You know I‘m so tired of everyone talking about me as if I weren‘t right here. For whatever reason you distrust me, I understand. I won‘t try to change your mind or make excuses. But that isn‘t what we‘re here for. James needs us right now and that‘s all that matters to me.‖ Blaze tossed Gade the gun and turned to leave. ―You ungrateful pigs, you sit here, bickering and fighting over petty things. Don't you know you have the one thing most people fight and die for? You have each other, someone to care for you, to help you when you need them. You're a family. And by God, that‘s the one thing in my godforsaken worthless life I've never had.‖
~*~ Was she embarrassed? Blaze raised her hands to her face and fell to her knees in the dark. She sighed and leaned back against the base of the pine tree. That's where he found her. Gade sighed. He settled beside her. What was she thinking right now? He was a fool. It was humbling. Especially for a man like him, to have someone else point out his flaws and force him to open his eyes, seeing himself for the first time. He was at a complete loss as to what to say. I'm sorry seemed very understated. It couldn't possibly portray what he was feeling at this moment. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Moonlight washed the color from her hair and he brushed the strands away from her face. ―Listen, I‘m sorry...‖ he whispered. ―No. Don‘t say anything.‖ She held her hands over her ears. ―I don‘t want to hear it.‖ ―Don't do that to yourself. Don't beat yourself up over this.‖ ―Don't make excuses for my behavior. I was wrong, and I shouldn‘t get involved.‖ Silence descended between them and he propped his elbows on his knees as he sat beside her. ―Why don‘t you have any family? What about a father? Or your mother? What happened to them?‖ She sighed. ―My mother died when I was four. She was murdered.‖ Her lower lip quivered and she clamped her jaw shut. ―After her death I was forced to live with my father.‖ ―What happened to him?‖
She stood and brushed the dust off her pants. ―It doesn‘t matter now. Listen, I never wanted your father to help me but he sort of bombarded his way into my life.‖ Backing away, she threw up her hands when he stood and reached for her. ―Do you know how many times I've wished he'd have left me there in that alley to die. He saved my life, Gade. A life that really wasn't even worth saving, in my opinion, and he did it with no questions asked from the goodness of his heart. Regardless of what may have happened in your family, how many people do you know who would have done that for someone like me?‖ She smiled sadly. ―I was obligated from day one to come here. I had to try to repay him in some way. I've done this kind of work before and I thought for sure there was something I could do to make us even. I had no idea it would end this way. Believe me; I never would have come here, had I known.‖ He cupped her cheek. The soft texture of her skin under his palm sent chills down his spine. Something in his chest tightened when she leaned into his palm. ―How can you possibly say you aren‘t worth saving?‖ he whispered. Her dark eyes glanced up to him and then away. He turned her face back toward him. ―I‘ve never met a woman without any fear.‖ Her eyes shot open. ―Without any fear?‖ Her brow creased. ―How can you say that? Fear is the only thing I have left in my life. I‘ve run for so long, I have nothing else. I can‘t believe sometimes just how much of a coward I really am.‖ She started to walk away from him. ―Wait!‖ He gently grasped her wrist. ―Please, wait.‖ She faced him. ―You‘re the first person I‘ve ever met who takes whatever life throws at you and you
don‗t complain about it.‖ When she made to shake her head, he shushed her with a finger to his lips. ―Listen to me. In everything you‘ve faced, good and bad, you‘ve kept your head on straight and kept your focus. I admire that.‖ ―But you don‘t trust me.‖ ―No, I don‘t trust you. How can I? When you know something. I can see it in your eyes, Blaze, but you refuse to tell me. I‘ll tell you why because you don‘t trust me.‖ Blaze gasped. ―That‘s not true!‖ She yanked her arms free. ―It has nothing to do with not trusting you!‖ ―Then what! Goddamn it, then why the hell can‘t you tell me?‖ The fight drained from her. She slumped and her gaze fell. ―I wish I could tell you but...it‘s complicated.‖ He threw up his hands. ―How complicated can it be, Blaze! There‘s a murderer out there, and you‘re letting him off Scot free.‖ Her lip quivered and for the briefest moment, he paused. Maybe her life was in danger, maybe that‘s why she couldn‘t tell him. He reached for her again. ―Will someone hurt you if you do?‖ Blaze‘s expression grew amused. ―Come now, Gade, I think we‘ve already established the answer to that question or would you like another demonstration?‖ ―All right, then what? I‘m out of answers. And you won‘t answer the questions I have.‖ Her hand cupped his cheek. She stepped closer. ―Oh Gade, when I said you weren‘t hero
material...‖ she whispered on a sigh. ―I lied.‖ His breath escaped in a whoosh. His hand covered hers and he pressed his cheek into her palm. Why did he want to be her hero so much? Was it because she‘d never had one before? What was it about her that tugged at his heart? ―I want you to be my hero, so much. But I can‘t allow you to become involved with me.‖ ―Why because you think it‘s too dangerous for me?‖ ―Because I know it‘s too dangerous for you.‖ Her thumb caressed the roughened stubble across his jaw. ―It‘s too dangerous for Warren, Garret, and James. Think about them.‖ She smiled. A sad smile. One that would haunt him for the rest of his life. ―It‘s too dangerous for even me. I have to leave one way or another. Let me go.‖ ―I can‘t do that.‖ And why can’t I just let her go? She would leave and he could catch these rustlers without any distractions from her, then life could return to normal. Wouldn’t it? She dropped her hand and sighed. His arm swept around her waist and pulled her close. He wasn‘t ready to let her go yet. ―Come with me.‖ ―What?‖ He squeezed her tighter and buried his face in her neck. He inhaled the scent of her. Leather and lilacs. ―Come with me, Blaze.‖ He breathed in deeply. ―I want you to go somewhere with me.‖
She leaned back and frowned. ―We lost some of our supplies when we knocked into the chuck wagon. I‘ve got to go to the next town and get some things like flour. Will you go with me? And promise not to run away yet?‖ The silence was long and drawn out. ―Look,‖ he said. ―Whatever happens to us in the future, whatever happens when we get back...just happens. I‘m asking you to go with me, just you and me. We‘ll leave everything between us here.‖ She lowered her head and nodded. ―Yes, Gade.‖ She peered up at him. ―I‘ll go with you and I promise. I won‘t try to leave while we‘re there.‖ Now he had to ask himself would he be the one to regret this? ~*~ The noose swung in the breeze. A silent reminder of the consequences meted out by the benevolent citizens of Caldwell, should the law be broken. The sign read in large black letters scratched into the square wooden plaque, ―No weapons allowed.‖ The corner of her eye caught the slight movement from the man on the boardwalk. The way he leaned against the rail, the stance casual but his hand moved to the pistol strapped to his waist. The gold star pinned on his vest pocket gleamed in the sunlight. She stared straight
ahead, aware of the man‘s gaze as she rode. Blaze glanced at Gade. He showed no sign of concern. Luke rode happily in front of him. He‘d begged to go along to buy some candy and Warren had relented under his gentle assault. She‘d almost laughed at the look on Gade‘s face when he‘d realized they wouldn‘t be alone. Her own heart pounded in her chest. She attracted attention wherever she went but she‘d always avoided towns, especially towns where the law abides. Stories of one Bill Hickock, a sheriff in Abilene, told of a mercilessness man who shot first and asked questions later. In seventy one, the city council had fired him, but that didn‘t mean that there weren‘t other lawmen just like him. The law wasn‘t interested in how she‘d become an outlaw. They were only interested in the bounty on her head. Her palms moistened and perspiration trickled down her spine. They stopped in front of the sheriff‘s office and dismounted. Gade moved around the horse to her and held out his hand. ―Your guns.‖ Blaze hesitated. ―I just got them back today.‖ Gade made an irritated sound. ―Just give them to me. I don‘t need any trouble right now.‖ She sighed and reached for them. Placing them in his hands, he turned and headed for the door. ―Stay put.‖ It didn‘t take long before he came out and motioned for her and Luke to follow. Their heels clicked loudly on the boardwalk. Luke pitter-pattered along beside them. She became painfully aware of the stares they received. A woman with a small child clutching her hand
stepped off the boardwalk to walk around them and averted her eyes. Gade entered the hotel. He rang the bell on the shiny cherry wood counter. Blaze noticed a movement behind the burgundy velvet drapery, just before a small boned man thrashed through the curtain with his spectacles perched on his nose at an odd angle. He stumbled to a stop and with a single digit pushed the spectacles back in place. ―Good day.‖ He paused. ―W-what can I do for you?‖ His wide eyes flitted from one to the other. Beads of perspiration popped up on his forehead and gave testimony to his nervousness. And no wonder, Gade‘s expression grew fiercer by the second. It wasn‘t anything he did, it was the silence. The tense shoulders, the telltale way his gaze bored through the young man. ―We need two rooms, please,‖ she said. ―One room,‖ Gade corrected. She shrugged. The small man stuttered. ―I...I...‖ Gade slapped a hand down. ―Just hand me the damn key.‖ ―He can‘t.‖ They both turned at the deep voice. The sheriff stood inside the door. He opened and closed the gold pocket watch in his hand. ―The proprietor has instructed him not to allow breeds and whores in here.‖ He peered up from under his hat. ―Even ones with a child in tow.‖ Gade visibly tensed. His shoulders straightened. ―I don‘t see a whore.‖
Luke hid behind Blaze and concealed his face in her jacket. Her arm moved around his shoulders protectively. The sheriff shrugged. ―The rule stands.‖ He straightened and turned back toward the entrance. ―How long are you planning on staying?‖ ―We leave out in the morning.‖ The sheriff nodded. ―The Burnett house is two doors down from the dry goods store. Mary Burnett runs a boarding house. She‘ll have a room for you.‖ Gade didn‘t move. Didn‘t breathe. Blaze eyed the sheriff. ―C‘mon, Gade.‖ She shoved off the counter and headed for the door. ―Let‘s go.‖ Gade hadn‘t said a word about the sheriff calling him a breed, but he‘d been willing to argue over the man calling her a whore. Blaze didn‘t know what to feel about it. She couldn‘t allow the warmth to grow into something else. She couldn‘t allow herself to feel anything for him, not now. They knocked on the blue painted door a little later. The door opened and a pair of dull brown eyes stared back at them. The smile brightened the face dramatically. A wrinkled old hand reached out and grasped Blaze‘s hand gently. ―Come in, come in.‖ Blaze glanced back at Gade as the old woman drug her into the house. The faint scent of cedar mixed with cinnamon assaulted her. ―We heard you can offer us a room for the evening,‖ Gade said from behind her. The woman smiled. ―Yes, please come in.‖ She urged Blaze to sit in the ragged old upholstered chair by the fireplace. ―Call me Mary.‖ She turned toward Luke and grasped his chin
to study him. ―My, what a handsome devil you are. My Richard will be so happy to have someone to play with. I can‘t wait for you to meet him.‖ Mary disappeared behind the archway. She returned with a silver tray set with two delicate teacups. Setting it on the table beside Blaze, she said, ―Are you sure you‘ll only be staying one night?‖ Gade smiled and nodded. ―Yes, ma‘am.‖ He shifted from one foot to the next. His nervousness would have amused her, had she not felt like fidgeting herself. When the old woman handed the small delicate cup to Blaze, with one finger propped in the air, Blaze balked. What was she supposed to do with it? She‘d never held anything so fine in her life. The cups she‘d used were made of tin. Mary smiled at her, grasped one hand in her soft one, and opened her palm. Placing the cup in her hand, she moved off and handed Gade the other. He shook his head and actually stepped back. ―N-no thanks.‖ Blaze stared at the china teacup, afraid to move for fear of dropping it. She glanced up to the see the grin disappear from Gade‘s face. Blaze frowned. ―I don‘t get much company anymore, lest ways not any feminine companionship.‖ Mary sat across from her heavily and sighed. ―I‘d hoped you might stay for a bit.‖ ―I‘m sorry to disappoint you, but we don‘t have time,‖ Gade said. Mary‘s brow furrowed. ―Ah, well. Such is life. At least I have you for a day.‖ She smiled
again and shouted, ―Richard!‖ A scruffy blonde head swept by her so suddenly, Blaze jerked and spilled the hot tea over her hand. She cursed. The word brought a flush to the wrinkled old cheeks. ―Please accept my apology.‖ Blaze leaned over and hesitantly set the tiny cup on the table. ―I-I...‖ ―Oh, don‘t apologize, my dear. I‘ve lived with men my whole life.‖ She chuckled. ―Oh, I‘ve been known to utter a curse or two in my time.‖ She turned to the boy. ―Richard, please set up the tub and put clean sheets on the bed in the Paris suite.‖ The boy disappeared as quickly as he‘d appeared. ―We won‘t need anything fancy, if you would just direct us...‖ She waved a petite hand. ―Oh, nonsense. Please sit down. It‘ll only be a few minutes.‖ Gade shook his head. ―I need to make arrangements for a wagon.‖ Blaze headed for the door but his voice stopped her. ―Blaze stay here with Luke and I‘ll be back in a bit.‖ Her eyes widened. ―W-what?‖ ―You heard me.‖ It was his way of torturing her, she realized. He enjoyed her discomfort and looked forward to watching her squirm. She shook her head briskly. ―No, I can go. I can be of help.‖
―No. And remember I have Trajan and your guns, so don‘t think about doing anything...stupid.‖ Mary lumbered to her feet and placed her arm around Blaze‘s shoulders. ―Ah child, let your husband go. It‘ll be just us girls, and the children can go play for a bit. We‘ll have lots of fun.‖ Gade let out a chuckle and was out the door, before the word husband defined itself in her brain. Husband? He wasn‘t her husband. ―Come, come, child. We‘ll get you settled in. Then we‘ll see about dinner.‖ Dinner? She couldn‘t cook. The laughter that came from the front porch just before the door shut, told her Gade didn‗t think she could either. Damn the man. She‘d love to have her pistol right about now. Following the gentle tug, she settled back to the chair. ―Where‘s your luggage, child?‖ She glanced down. ―Luggage? What luggage?‖ Blaze lifted her saddlebags in her hands. ―This is it.‖ ―That‘s all you have? Oh dear, you should really do something about that. Do you have any other clothes?‖ ―What‘s wrong with what I‘m wearing?‖ ―There‘s a fandango tonight in town. You should be wearing a pretty dress. It‘ll be lots of fun.‖ ―No, thanks. I don‘t think Gade will want to go.‖
―Well, then we shall have to talk him into it then, won‘t we?‖ Blaze shook her head vehemently. ―No, no please, I don‘t want to trouble you.‖ The soft cackle escaped from her lips. ―Oh, dear, no, you‘re no trouble at all.‖ She reached over and took a sip of the tea, then settled it back on the little saucer. ―It‘s been years since I‘ve had some female companionship. I‗m looking forward to it. Let me enjoy it.‖ Put that way, Blaze couldn‘t bring herself to say anything else. ―The last time was when my daughter-in-law lived with me. She and my son stayed here for a few years...before she died.‖ Blaze squirmed in her seat. ―I‘m sorry to hear that.‖ She wasn‘t used to making polite conversation, what was she supposed to say? I‘m sorry seemed irrelevant. God, why had Gade left her here? ―Oh, no, she had a good life. She loved living, made every day special. Her children were her entire world. She caught sick and died about ten years ago.‖ She smiled sadly. ―Richard is my grandson. He helps me now, while his father is off at work. My son is a Texas Ranger. I‘m very proud of him.‖ ―I‘m sure you are.‖ Boy had they picked the wrong house. Her eyes flitted to the door. How long would Gade be gone? ―Children?‖ Mary‘s brow creased. ―What?‖ ―You said children but you only mentioned your grandson.‖ Mary‘s smile faded. ―Oh, well, I had a granddaughter. But...she passed on before her
mother did. She was the first to contract the illness. It was Scarlet Fever. My daughter-in-law got it from taking care of Laura.‖ Mary stood. ―They died within a few months of each other.‖ ―I‘m so sorry.‖ ―Well, it won‘t be long before I can join them. And we can be together again.‖ A loud thumping came from somewhere in the house, before the brown head bobbed over the railing on the staircase and paused inside the door. ―Okay, grandma, I‘m done. Can I go outside now?‖ The brilliant blue eyes sparkled with excitement. The boy looked to be seven or so. The same age she‘d been when she‘d robbed her first bank. She didn‘t remember being so...bouncy. Of course, this young man had a grandmother who loved him and she‘d had no one. ―Richard, say hello to-‖ She paused. ―I‘m sorry I forgot your name, sweetie. I swear I‘m forgetting so many things lately.‖ ―Blaze.‖ She‘d never given her name, but Mary didn‘t give her a chance to explain that. ―My, a lovely name and no wonder, with all that beautiful hair of yours. And what‘s your name?‖ ―Luke.‖ Luke ducked his blonde head. ―He doesn‘t look a thing like you or your husband. Richard say hello to our guests.‖ ―Hello, now can I go?‖ the child pleaded. ―Can Luke come with me?‖ ―Yes, yes. Go.‖
Luke stood and hesitated. His eyes looked from the door to Blaze. ―Can I go? Will Uncle Gade get angry?‖ ―Go play, Luke. I‘ll handle Gade.‖ The two boys raced from the room. Luke, almost a head taller than the brown haired Richard, stumbled and righted himself. When Mary tried to get back to her feet, Blaze stood and offered her a hand. ―Thank you, child.‖ Mary made her way to the staircase beyond the room. ―Come on, let‘s get you settled in.‖ Blaze followed her to the last room in the hall. She entered. No wonder Mary called it the Paris suite. It was the fanciest room Blaze had ever seen. Red velvet drapes held back by gold tassels hung from the over-large bed and the single window across from the door. The cherry wood furniture gleamed under the dim light. Across the surface of the night table were gold and ceramic figurines. Everywhere she looked there was something taking up space that probably cost more money than she‘d ever made in her life. ―Make yourself comfortable, child.‖ Comfortable? How could she stay comfortable when she suddenly felt like a bull in a china shop?
Fourteen Blaze stepped out of the heat, into the cool air. Her flesh dimpled from the chill. Shivering, she wrapped the plush white towel around her and marveled at the thickness. She‘d never owned anything so fine. She crossed to the window, the dim light of dusk poured into the room. Peering out the drapes, a wagon rumbled past and a dog chased Luke and Richard down the street. Their laughter floated up to her and she smiled. A small group of well-dressed women lingered in front of the dress shop across the street, talking. What did they talk about? A wagon rolled by and someone shouted. The high-pitched squeal came from a small girl with pigtails who ran down the boardwalk and disappeared down an alleyway. Will I ever have children? She shook her head. No. She could never subject any child to the life she led. Cursing she turned and bumped into the dresser, toppling the few glass bottles on top. She lifted one and sprayed it into the air. Vanilla, she recognized the scent. A girl from the whorehouse had loved the scent. It somehow smelled sweeter here coming from a real lady‘s room rather than the dusty, dirty rooms of a prostitute. Chains had never allowed make-up or perfume. He didn‘t want another whore. He had enough of them. Blaze sat on the bed and glanced up. The mirrored chest of drawers caught her reflection
and held it. She didn‘t move, didn‘t breath. It had been years since she‘d seen a mirror, much less looked at herself in one. Her hair was still wet from her bath and her face flushed from the heat. Her eyes. She didn‘t recognize anything about the woman in the mirror. Yet, she was the same person she‘d been this morning. The brief image of red hair came to her. Her mother‘s face appeared and disappeared. She knew they were a lot alike. Her smile and beautiful hands all she remembered. Something had changed. She had changed. No longer did she see fear in her eyes. No longer was she a child. She didn‘t see the hostility or anger. Instead, she saw contentment, ease and maturity. Who was that woman who stared back at her? Her hand combed through her hair, the texture softer, thicker than she remembered. When had she grown so...tall? Where had the chubby child‘s cheeks gone? When had she become so pretty? So feminine? When had she become a woman? Everything had changed in only a matter of days but she didn‘t regret anything. She‘d needed a friend and James had seen that. And now...Now she needed... What? A man? She needed love, to be loved. She needed Gade. ~*~ Mary pulled the strings of the corset again.
Blaze cursed a blue streak. ―How the hell do women breathe?‖ Mary chuckled. ―We don‘t.‖ ―No wonder women are always so uptight.‖ Mary wrenched the corset tighter and Blaze sucked in a breath knowing it would be her last. Blaze refused to believe women tortured themselves like this daily for the sake of appearances. ―Remind me why we‘re doing this again?‖ Mary peered over her shoulder in the mirror, her cheeks bright with exertion. ―To impress your husband.‖ ―Why must it be so painful then?‖ Mary laughed. ―Nothing good ever comes easy.‖ ―Good point.‖ ―Now.‖ Mary crossed to the bed and lifted the length of material. ―The petticoat.‖ She held it open for Blaze to step in and quickly tied the knot. ―It‘s time.‖ Blaze‘s brows met. ―Time for what?‖ ―Time for the fun part.‖ The fun part turned out to be no fun at all in Blaze‘s opinion. She perched atop the small stool in a petticoat much wider than the tiny piece of wood and cushion she sat upon, for an hour. Mary tugged, pulled, looped and swooped her hair into this mass of chaos until Blaze thought
she‘d scream. ―Mary!‖ Blaze staggered to her feet and tripped over the length of fabric piled at her feet. ―Damn it!‖ She yanked on the cloth. ―I‘ve got to get some air.‖ ―All right, let‘s go downstairs for a cup of tea. I could use a break myself.‖ Blaze tiptoed out the door and followed. ―How long does this stuff usually take?‖ ―Hours, my dear, hours.‖ Blaze‗s jaw dropped. ―Every day?‖ ―Oh yes, I remember days when I was still young that I wouldn‘t eat until noon because I took so long dressing.‖ Blaze whistled. ―Wow, it takes me ten minutes.‖ They made it to the kitchen without mishap and Blaze remained standing, too afraid to move a muscle. ―That‘s the benefit of not giving a damn, dear girl.‖ Mary crossed the room. ―There‘ve been so many times I‘ve wished I could do the same thing.‖ ―So why don‘t you?‖ Mary held two canisters and paused. ―Habit, I guess.‖ She settled them on the countertop and reached for the teakettle. Pumping water from the spout, she set it on the stove. ―My husband‘s been dead for ten years, you‘d think I‘d stop dressing up but I still do. When you‘ve done something for so long, you get comfortable and it‘s very hard to change it.‖
Gade‘s words came back to her, ―Make a change‖ but she‘d gotten comfortable with her lifestyle. She was used to running from her past. It was all she‘d ever known since she‘d turned twelve. She’d made a change once, so why couldn’t she do it again? The whistle from the teakettle made her jump. Mary poured two cups of tea and brought a saucer of the tiniest little cakes Blaze had ever seen. ―What am I supposed to do with these?‖ ―Eat them, of course.‖ Blaze frowned. ―That isn‘t enough to fill a bird‘s stomach.‖ ―Ahh but you haven‘t tried eating with a corset on, my dear.‖ Mary grinned. ―Two bites and you‘ll feel like you‘ve swallowed an entire herd of cattle.‖ Blaze gingerly picked up the tiny morsel but it slipped from her fingers to flop face down on the table. Blaze grimaced. ―Grace isn‘t my strong point.‖ Mary chuckled and grabbed up a towel. Licking her fingers, Blaze tried again. The slap on her hand resounded in the silence and caused the cake to plummet to the floor this time. ―Don‘t lick your fingers dear. It‘s very unladylike and you want to impress the man, don‘t you?‖ Do I? Eyes as wide as saucers, Blaze realized she had a lot to learn about being a female and she didn‘t think she‘d learn it all in one night.
Mary proceeded in giving a quick lecture on proper etiquette and table manners. Blaze listened closely but the more she learned the more confused she became. This isn’t me. Why couldn‘t men accept her for who she was? And more importantly why couldn‘t Gade? Her life had been full of dust and dirt, horses, cattle and finger lickin‘ meals. She‘d never even held a fork ―properly‖ until now. The silver utensil in her hand clattered to the plate. She rose to her feet. Mary stared with an expression of confusion on her face. Blaze didn‘t want to hurt the woman but... ―I can‘t do this, Mary.‖ ―Do what, child?‖ Be something I’m not? Something I can never be. Something I’m afraid of. Blaze shook her head. Then did it again, vehemently. ―This isn‘t me. I‘ve never done this-‖ She took a step back and stepped on the train of her petticoat. She cursed. Her cheeks blazed from the heat. She‘d hadn‘t meant to curse again but she couldn‘t help it. ―I‘m sorry.‖ She ducked her head. Blaze turned, grasping handfuls of white cotton in her hands. She hiked the material to her knees and ran to her room. She wouldn‘t change everything about herself to please a man. Not when she compromised not only her pride but also everything she‘d ever known about herself.
~*~ Gade shut the door behind him. The sounds of revelry outside in the streets muted now with the click of the door. The scent of roast beef and vegetables assailed him. He took a deep breath and strolled through the small living room to the kitchen. He stopped. Mary sat in a chair at the table, her face drawn and worried. She glanced up at him and gave a half smile. ―Good evening.‖ She held an empty shot glass in one hand and a bottle of whiskey, half-full in the other. He nodded and took a seat across from her. ―No, no,‖ Mary said. ―You should probably go see to your wife.‖ She gave a great heaving sigh. ―I did a dreadful thing to her today.‖ Gade‘s brows drew together and he pulled out the chair. ―How‘s that?‖ Mary swirled the liquid in the bottle. ―I‘ve never been a judgmental person before. I‘ve always thought of myself as accepting and kind but not today.‖ ―Now I don‘t believe that.‖ She nodded her head and the pinned up hair toppled across her brow to lay haphazardly over one eye. ―Oh yes, I did. I don‘t usually do this, and never with someone as wonderful as your wife is.‖ Gade grunted. ―We both know she‘s not my wife, Mary.‖
Mary raised both eyes to him. ―Yes, well...it was the very reason I decided to meddle. I wanted to fix that for the poor lass.‖ ―What happened?‖ ―I tried to change her, lad.‖ She gave a condescending grin to show her irritation with herself. ―In a way I guess I was telling her she wasn‘t good enough. And that was never my intention. In my excitement of finally having female companionship, I inadvertently hurt her feelings.‖ ―Who, Blaze?‖ His tone rose in his disbelief. ―Yes,‖ she said with a nod. ―I wanted to play dress up and make her the most beautiful creature you‘d ever seen. Hoping I guess to make you see the error of your ways.‖ He almost laughed. Dresses and Blaze didn‘t mix well. But he didn‘t think she‘d get upset over it. Angry maybe, but upset? ―And?‖ She shrugged. ―Well, she jumped to her feet and said she couldn‘t do it. Said, it wasn‘t her. Well, once she left me here, I realized what I‘d done.‖ Mary poured another glass. ―I‘d tried to change her and I‘m sure it must have made her feel terrible about herself.‖ Mary downed the liquid and Gade smiled. ―I‘m sure she‘s just fine Mary. Blaze just isn‘t the type to play dress up. I‘m sure it had nothing to do with you.‖ He got to his feet. ―You‘re being too hard on yourself. You don‘t know Blaze as I do. She probably got tired or bored. Now.‖ Gade pushed the chair back under the table and helped Mary to her feet. ―Why don‘t you go and have yourself a nice bath and relax a little.‖
―I hope you‘re right dear boy.‖ Setting the glass down, Mary headed for the stairs but paused. ―I only wanted to be her friend. I know what it‘s like to be gossiped about and have no friends. Ever since I grew old people assume I‘ve lost my mind. And I‘ve learned what it‘s like to be truly alone.‖ She ambled up the stairs until she disappeared and he couldn‘t fathom why anyone wouldn‘t want her as a friend. He shook his head and bounded up the stairs, pausing with a hand on the door. Had Blaze truly been upset? Surely not. Blaze didn‘t give a fig about dresses and such nonsense. It was too unlike the Blaze he knew to get upset over something as silly as clothes. He opened the door. There was nothing left of the tough female outlaw. All he saw before him was a beautiful woman. She lay across the bed in nothing but the sheer chemise and silk bloomers. The corset hung from the bedpost and the ragged ends indicated she‘d cut it off instead of untying it. He smiled. Impatient little devil. She slept with her knees curled up to her chest and her hands balled under her chin. She looked like a child. An innocent child. And a pang swept through him. He wanted to protect her. Long tendrils of hair curled about her sweet face and her lashes swept her cheeks, concealing eyes that hid secrets and a dark past. She refused to trust him. And he must remember that. He slammed the door shut. Blaze jerked awake and sat up. ―Shhh, you‘ll wake up Luke.‖
Sheepishly, he looked away. ―Sorry. Where is he?‖ ―In the next room, so keep your voice down.‖ Tear stains discolored the lily-white pillowcase and he studied her face. Her eyes were red rimmed. Blaze had been crying. Fidgeting, she brushed her hands over the already doomed hair-do. The fancy chignon tilted dangerously to one side of her head. The ringlets, once curled, lay on her shoulders in tangles. But she‘d never looked more alluring to him. He cleared his throat. ―Good evening, milady.‖ She blushed and jerked the bed covers across her legs. ―Don‘t make any jokes.‖ ―I‘m not.‖ She frowned and glanced at him from under her lashes. ―Why not? I would think this a perfect opportunity to thrust the knife in deeper.‖ ―No. I‘m flattered.‖ She jerked her head up. ―Why?‖ ―Because you thought enough of me to get dressed up.‖ ―Yeah well, don‘t get a swelled ego.‖ He grinned. ―Among other things?‖ Still looking at her hands, she chuckled.
Gade sat on the edge of the bed. He lifted her chin with a finger. ―I think you look exquisite.‖ Her eyes appeared wary. How could she not see how much he desired her? He whispered, ―It‘s true.‖ He smiled softly. ―I never would have imagined you in female attire, Blaze, but now that I‘ve seen it, I never want to see you in anything else.‖ Color flooded her cheeks. ―Liar,‖ she whispered, glancing at him. ―I‘m sure you wouldn‘t mind seeing me in my birthday suit again.‖ He threw back his head and laughed. ―Is now a good time?‖ He raised her hand once more and breathed in her scent, pulling her closer. ―You know me so well.‖ He buried his head in her neck and rocked back and forth, silently. ―I do, you know.‖ ―What?‖ ―Know you well.‖ Her voice was as soft as her skin. ―I know you better than you think I do.‖ He closed his eyes. ―I believe you.‖ She leaned away from him to peer into his eyes. ―You do?‖ He nodded. ―How can you not when we‘re so much alike, Blaze. And from the first moment, there‘s been something between us.‖ She shrugged from his embrace. ―Then, why have you fought it so hard?‖ ―Can‘t you see?‖ He turned away. ―I‘m not supposed to feel this way about you, Blaze. But I do. That doesn‘t change what my mind tells me is right.‖
―Really?‖ She got to her feet. ―You‘re so certain that you‘re right and I‘m wrong?‖ She pointed a finger in his chest. ―You‘re so certain I‘m to blame, that I‘m the one out to get James. When the truth is, you had me pegged as the bad guy from day one because of the way I dressed.‖ ―But had I been dressed in this...‖ She picked up the discarded fluff of yellow material. ―Or something like it, the thought wouldn‘t have crossed your mind.‖ ―What do you expect?‖ ―I expect a fair trial.‖ ―I don‘t rely on anyone else‘s judgments but my own.‖ ―Oh bull shit, Gade! That‘s what you tell yourself. When the truth is...‖ She stood and stared down at him on the bed. ―You‘re scared. You‘re scared of how you feel about me, about your family, and you‘re scared to admit you may be wrong. You‘re so terrified about loving someone, anyone, you push people away before they can get within two feet of you. You‘ve been judged by your skin color, but you‘re the hypocrite, Gade. You‘re no better than they are. Your insincere ethics and phony morals, shunning anyone who doesn‘t measure up to your standards because the truth is, it isn‘t our mistakes you‘re afraid of...It‘s yours.‖ Gade shot to his feet. ―Me! You‘re the one decked out in men‘s clothes instead of a damn dress. You know you‘re the one who brings it on yourself and for what? So that you can get some attention?‖ Blaze whirled. ―Is that what you think I‘m doing?‖ She crossed the room. ―Is it? You think I‘m so low and shallow to do that?‖
He threw out his hands. ―Women do it all the time.‖ ―I‘m not like other women.‖ He grabbed up her arm and yanked her close. ―I‘m interested to hear the excuses you tell yourself.‖ Blaze ambled to the window. The darkness had long since settled over the town and she peered down at the lit street. The townsfolk roamed the boardwalk in pairs. She sighed heavily and lowered her forehead to lean on the glass pane. How could they celebrate when her whole world crumbled around her? She turned and crossed to him. Her fingers pulled out the paper in his shirt pocket. She unfolded the crinkled letter. It was the wanted poster. He‘d kept it in his pocket. She stared down at the picture intently. ―Do you see this little girl?‖ She held it up. He nodded. ―I remember the last time I put on this dress.‖ She crossed to the window again. ―Everything started as it usually did that day. I got up and got dressed in my boy clothes. Ate breakfast. Beans and biscuits and sat by the fire. It was cool. The spring round ups had come and gone. I remember because we‘d stolen an entire herd the week before. We‘d made a lot of money off them. I was twelve. We were camped just outside of Dodge. It‘d been a long time since I‘d seen another female. I hadn‘t been back to the whorehouse in years. Five years I think.‖ She gave a soft laugh. ―I‘d just put my saddle on when someone came up behind me and grabbed me. He dragged me down to the creek. I didn‘t scream. I waited.‖ She faced him then. ―When he let me go, I slit his throat.‖
She peered into Gade‘s eyes. She wanted a reaction, he realized. ―Jake? Wasn‘t it?‖ He remembered the scar across the man‘s neck. He‘d wondered how he‘d gotten it and wished whoever it had been hadn‘t missed. ―I‘d left him there on the ground and went to put on a dress. I took my time that day, fixed my hair and pinched my cheeks.‖ Her eyes were wistful and distant. ―We left about two hours later. Something went wrong. They knew we were coming, we‘d long thought we had a leak inside. I went in as usual, said my lines and smiled real sweet. Just like I‘d always done. We were loading up the money. But the sheriff came in. He didn‘t say a word, just lifted his gun. I saw it all.‖ There was a point in all this but he didn‘t see it. ―I remember yelling out but not before I shot that son-of-a-bitch.‖ She looked up at him now. ―I killed him.‖ Gade shook his head. ―You said he raised his gun. He was going to shoot someone?‖ She nodded. ―And you saw it and shot him first?‖ Again, she nodded. ―So you protected the men in your crew, I don‘t see anything wrong in that.‖ She jumped to her feet. ―Don‘t you get it? I was already angry. I was ready for it. I hated men, all of them and I wanted a little revenge.‖
Gade‘s brow creased. ―What? You‘ve got to be kidding me? You think you did it in cold blood?‖ ―I know I did. I was ready for trouble; I thirsted for it just as I have all my life. But it was different this time. We ran out of the bank and mounted our horses. I looked back. I shouldn‘t have, I never have before. The man lay dead in the doorway, a woman kneeled over him crying and shouting.‖ She gazed at him, without really seeing him. ―But it was the little boy I remember the most.‖ Her eyes pleaded with him to listen. ―He stood above his mother and father. He was my age. Maybe a little younger. And he stared at me.‖ She shook her head. ―There was the same hatred in his eyes as I‘d seen in mine. And I‘d caused it.‖ Gade grabbed her arms. ―You couldn‘t have, Blaze!‖ He wanted to shake her for this non-sense. ―You said it yourself, the man wouldn‘t have hesitated in shooting those men in the back. You did the right thing, even if they were outlaws. There are bad lawmen too, it‘s a sad fact.‖ ―Gade, I tricked them. I‘d tricked them into believing I was something I wasn‘t. They should‘ve known who and what I was from the get go. They should‘ve taken one look at me and ran. They wouldn‘t have been so trusting had I dressed in my pants and boots.‖ She paused, her breath coming in gasps. ―They should‘ve known I was dangerous.‖ And then it dawned on him, her point. ―You dress this way to ward off everyone. You use it as a shield, to make people not trust you and stay away. And I fell for it too. I saw the clothes and came to my own conclusions. And just like everybody else I judged you.‖
His hands held her upper arms and his thumbs caressed her skin. Her lips trembled. His chest hurt and he let go of her to twist away from her. She didn‘t follow him. Why should she? He‘d done everything in his power to keep her at arm‘s length. He needed some air. Heading for the door, her voice stopped him. ―I‘ve run from my problems my entire life, that‘s true but you...You avoid anything that might put a smile on your face. Tell me what it is about being happy that scares you so much?‖ He walked out because he didn‘t have the answer to that question.
Fifteen
The crew made camp by dusk the next night. He and Blaze had made it back by early morning, after splitting the herd they managed to get a good day‘s worth of riding in. Splitting the herd had also meant splitting the crew and there weren‘t enough men to begin with. The chuck wagon had gone with Warren and they‘d split the supplies and used packhorses. Gade‘s crew would be eating out of cans the rest of the way. Gade had about four men plus Blaze. It wasn‘t nearly enough. Luke followed behind him, bumping into him when he stopped. Gade glanced back at the blonde head. Luke peered up and grinned, his cheeks grew a shade brighter. Luke had pitched a fit to ride with Gade again and after a lot of arguing, Warren relented with one exception, Jake went with them. Gade hadn‘t wanted Luke to come or Jake for that matter. The man watched everything and the closer they came to their destination, the stronger his unease about the foreman became. He propped the rifle against the base of the oak tree as Luke scurried off. The night sky grew continually heavy with clouds and with each passing second the cattle grew more skittish. By the time they had the cattle settled, the horses corralled, and supper finished, Gade became increasingly nervous about the weather. One look at Garret confirmed he felt the same. ―We need to increase the night watch.‖ Garret dropped his saddle bags on the ground. Gade nodded. ―Yeah, I agree.‖
―I‘ll stay up with you and we can let Jake and Will take the next watch.‖ Gade‘s gaze sought Blaze. She unrolled her bedroll and removed her hat. The long lush red hair spilled over her shoulders and down her back. Sitting back on her haunches, she glanced up at the sky. She must have noticed the weather too. Gade moved away to give out the new night watch orders when someone tugged on his arm. He turned. She walked up next to him, hat in hand. ―I‘ll take the watch with you and Garret can take the third watch alone.‖ He eyed her. ―Why?‖ ―I want to help.‖ The last rays of the sun hovered on the edge of the massive gray clouds and cast her soft features in dusky tones. Gade leaned casually against the cottonwood trunk. She looked beautiful with the muted hues of light bathing her skin. ―No.‖ ―Gade, don‘t be stubborn.‖ He shook his head. ―There‘s no way I‘m-.‖ ―You have no other choice.‖
She was right. Gade saw no way around it. And she was determined. The way her gaze bore into his and the slight angle of her chin told him that. The fact that he looked forward to her company raced through his mind so swiftly he almost didn‘t catch it. ―All right.‖ He held up a hand quickly. ―But there will be stipulations.‖ She straightened. ―Like what?‖ ―I‘m the boss, what I say goes.‖ She shrugged a slender shoulder. ―I have no problem with that.‖ At his astonished expression, she laughed. ―Contrary to popular belief, I honestly don‘t like to argue and fight with everyone.‖ ―Just me?‖ ―You‘re the exception, Ryder. You forget I like to inspire your passions. I‘ll take whichever one I can get.‖ She walked back the way she‘d come. She did a damn good job of it too. Of course, anger wasn‘t the emotion she invoked in him right now. His eyes drank in her disheveled hair and sultry look. He had to admit he liked her to inspire his passions. And it didn‘t take much to do it either. ―Blaze,‖ he shouted. She turned to him and shoved her hands inside her pockets. ―Remember, you follow my every direction or else I‘ll escort you right back here and tie you up again.‖
Her eyes twinkled and she winked. ―I‘m at your command, Ryder, but I thought we‘d agreed we didn‘t need the ropes?‖ Several of the others chuckled at her statement and he shook his head. She turned away and went to prepare her horse. Would he ever tire of her bawdy sense of humor? He could never be certain what would come out of her mouth next and he found he liked it. Whirling on his heels, he made his way in the opposite direction. He had some things to do before everyone settled in for the night. A half hour later, the entire southwestern sky turned black and it wasn‘t because of the coming night. Gade rode around the herd humming softly, hoping to quell their nervousness. The cattle shifted uneasily and laid their ears back. Their eyes widened at the shift in the wind. Blaze rode opposite of him and he heard the soft lulling sound of her voice singing to the cattle. It was a comforting sound but it wasn‘t enough to stave off the cattle‘s wariness. The wind rose in a sudden, whistling gale. Long, wicked fingers of lightening reached for the ground and thunder broke over the sound of the shrieking wind like a gunshot. Or was that really a gunshot? The steers pointed their noses to the sky and burst into movement leading the whole herd north. The thundering sound of thousands of hooves echoed that of the storm. Gade whipped the horse around back toward the crew. He shouted out orders, reached down, grasping Luke by the scruff of his shirt, and pulled him into the saddle behind him. He paused and handed the child to Jake. ―Stay here with him.‖
He kicked the mare into a dead run. Blaze rode ahead of him on the opposite side of the long chain of panicked animals. They weren‘t far from the pass up ahead. They had to either turn these beasts now or lead them right through the narrow pass. If the dead end ahead trapped too many of the cattle, they would trample each other. Gade measured the distance with his eyes and withdrew his pistol. A sheet of rain became a solid wall and he lost sight of Blaze. ―Turn the damn herd!‖ Garret shouted. A single shot and he pushed closer to the lead steers. They wouldn‘t turn. They couldn‘t make it. He had to ride this damn herd right through the narrow pass up ahead and pray to God, he wasn‘t squashed between the huge mass of beefy flesh and the cold stone wall rising up out of the earth. He kicked his horse faster; he had to take the lead. And he prayed that Garret and the others could squeeze the herd in as close as they could. The wind tore the hat from his head and the string around his neck caught it. That‘s when he saw her ahead of him. She‘d gotten in front of him somehow and led the damn cattle right for the two walls of sheer rock. She galloped in the lead of the great mass of living, breathing animals armed with horns and hooves. His breath caught. She raced alongside of the two front steers and the hard rock wall lay ahead of her. She was going to get slammed right into the massive rock barrier. The one wouldn‘t move over enough and it was either her or him.
He yelled Blaze‘s name. She didn‘t indicate she‘d heard him but with the shrill wind, he hadn‘t expected she would. He raced faster trying desperately to catch up with her. The rain lashed at his face and neck, prickling him like tiny needles. The wind sucked the breath from him, or was it just fear? His pulse beat out a deafening tattoo, and his heart tripped to see her take a pot shot in the air. He prayed it didn‘t make the herd veer now, to do so would surely mean all their deaths. Luckily, the steer moved away from the sound but not enough to veer in the opposite direction, stubborn beast that he was. It bought her enough space to miss the wall by mere inches. His heart collapsed but she wasn‘t out of danger yet and neither was he. It was his turn to make it between the two massive barriers and thin the herd down. There was only enough room between the two mountainsides for about eight head of cattle and himself. He had to break his way between the lines of cattle and just barely missed being squashed himself. The last clear look he‘d had of Blaze had been her own miraculous event. Now his eyes adjusted to the driving rain and he couldn‘t see a thing. Lightning flashed and temporarily blinded him before he burst through the narrow opening on the opposite side. The pass widened considerably but the two stone fortresses rose above them on either side and made turning the herd impossible still. They had to drive the cattle out of this enclosure. And even then, he still didn‘t know what was on the other side of those walls. They‘d been heading northeast when they‘d stopped. He‘d been sure to scout the area ahead of them but he‘d never imagined the cattle would have run right for the mountain pass. He prayed for enough area to the get these cattle turned around, so they could run off their fear in a circle.
The farther they ran the more cattle they were likely to lose in this rough mountain country. Many would be trampled, and some would be injured from the many sinkholes in the ground. They wouldn‘t be able to continue on the trail with a broken leg and they would have to be put down. They needed every head of cattle they could get. He couldn‘t afford to lose any more than he already had. Thunder crashed just as the cattle were about to slow down but instead picked up speed. Forcing him to continue his break-neck speed across the rocky terrain. Gade urged the horse to leap over the dead, fallen tree but the mare faltered. She made the jump but stumbled on the landing. Gade urged her fall to the right, away from the herd and leapt from the saddle. The impact took his breath and his head crashed against a large stone boulder. Damn! He scrambled to his feet and ran out of the way as two cows headed right for him. The mare lumbered to her feet, raced alongside of the cattle, and left him there. Making his way to a large boulder just ahead of him, he noticed it. Lightning flashed and revealed the shape of a man on the cliff above them. He jumped over the mass of low-lying bushes and took cover inside a deep crevice in the rock wall. The panicked cattle raced right by. He peered out and saw Garret and Jake coming up behind him whistling and whooping. Gade shouted, ―keep that damned herd moving! I‘ll cover you!‖
~*~ An Ambush! They didn‘t even get a chance to make it out of the box canyon. The ambushers were holed up directly above them on the upper cliff. They started shooting the moment the crew burst through the opening. The shots echoed off the red rock walls and ricocheted. Slithers of rock became bulletlike and one embedded in Gade‘s leg. He winched and grasped the wound, trying to alleviate the burn. The cattle kept moving but the drovers were forced to head for cover. The rain impeded any sight of their attackers and thunder masked the sound of the bullets. It took several long minutes before the last of the herd moved through the opening beyond him. The gunshot earlier had been masked by the thunder. But there was no doubt, they‘d been set up. Gade dove for the cover of the large boulder closest to him. ―Garret!‖ He shouted again. The return whistle split the air. He peered around the side of the boulder but the array of bullets had him ducking once more. The crashing hooves grew weaker until they finally faded, the cattle making their way out of the canyon.
The wind picked up speed and the howling sounded eerie in the sudden silence. ―You all right?‖ Garret‘s voice called out. He peered through the darkness trying to locate him. It was no use, he couldn‘t see. The shadows had already crept over the horizon and engulfed the entire area. ―Yeah! I‘m still here,‖ Gade said. ―I lost sight of Blaze!‖ ―Yeah I know.‖ Gade checked the cylinders and got to his knees. The cattle had scattered up ahead and had completely disappeared in the dark. ―Blaze!‖ His eyes scanned the surroundings. ―Damn it! Where is she?‖ ―I don‘t know,‖ Garret yelled back at him. ―She led the damn cattle through. Damn it, that was supposed to be me.‖ But he‘d had to return to the campsite to make sure Luke was safe. Gade shouted her name again. Still no answer. He spotted Garret zigzagging his way toward him. The howling winds died down and he heard voices. He recognized Sid‘s voice. ―Damn.‖ He should have known Drew would‘ve sent someone after them, but how the hell had they found them? How had they known they‘d split the herd and would come this way? He provided return fire to cover Garret. His brother plopped down beside him. ―Here.‖ Garret shoved something in his hand. ―Use these.‖ He looked down to see two long-necked bottles. A foot fuse dangled from the opening.
Garret sat up and took a quick look. ―If we can hit those rocks directly above us and take them out their right flank. You and I could make our way up and take out those others.‖ Gade nodded. ―I gave Jake two. He and Luke are hiding out twenty feet back or so.‖ Garret‘s former military strategies would save their lives. He had become a shrewd commander over the years and despite his long silences, there was a lot going on in that head of his. Garret struck a match and lit one. He took a moment and searched around the top of the protruding rock, the whining of the bullets stopped when the explosion sounded two seconds later. Gade tossed the two in his hands, sat back and covered his head. A nearby tree splintered and cracked, falling a few feet away. They‘d managed to hit their intended target. ―I would stop if I were you, Ryder!‖ A voice shouted down from the cliff. ―I can get to the top and take the rest out.‖ Garret made a sign with his hand and everything went silent. ―I‘ll go with you.‖ Garret turned to stare at Gade. ―I‘m ready when you are.‖ Gade nodded. ―Sid!‖ Gade motioned with the gun in his hand for the go-ahead to Garret. ―Sid! Is that you?‖
Garret disappeared around the corner and Gade glanced over the edge to find his next spot. He spotted a thick clump of brush and he made his way to it. ―Yeah, it‘s me. And I‘ve got something you want.‖ Gade leaned his back against the base of the Oak tree and caught his breath. ―Oh, I doubt that.‖ Gade crossed the area, the sound of his feet muffled by the wind. Sid laughed. ―I got your little vixen up here! And she‘s mighty purty,‖ Sid said. ―And let me tell you she was quite the little hero, Gade. Riding those beeves straight to me.‖ Gade froze. She‘d betrayed him. It made sense now, how else could Sid have known where they were headed. It had been her idea to split the herd. Fury furrowed his brow. He couldn‘t believe he‘d been duped. How had she managed to let Sid know of their plans? She could‘ve easily let someone know where they were headed while they‘d gone to Caldwell. But how‘d the rustlers known they‘d left in the first place? There had to be someone else in with her, but who? Jake? But he hadn‘t disappeared for any length of time. At least not that Gade had noticed. ―Gade! I don‘t think you want to keep tossing explosives up here since we got your little woman.‖ He heard several laughs this time. Sid thought he had Gade right where he wanted him. ―I wouldn‘t be so sure of that.‖
Sid laughed. ―Well, since you‘re tired of her, I guess you won‘t mind if me and the boys here have a go at her?‖ ―Go ahead, Sid. Just remember she‘s had me first, I doubt you and all your men could satisfy her like I did.‖ A loud angry sound reverberated down the mountain. ―You bastard, I‘m gonna enjoy killing you one day!‖ ―There‘s no better day to die than today, Sid. Or are you too scared to try?‖ Gade said. ―Do you still need your buddies and friends to help you beat me?‖ He evened his breathing and ducked beneath a branch. He slipped up the hillside and came up behind a man bent over an overhanging cliff. Gade made his move stealthily. He crouched. Grabbing the man‘s hair, he banged his head against the hard pack earth. Blood spurted onto Gade‘s hand. He checked to make sure the man still breathed and then wiped the fluid across his pants. ―Eddie?‖ The whisper came from his left. ―Eddie, can ya‘ hear me?‖ Gade inched closer. Just before Gade leapt, the man turned and caught the blade in Gade‘s hand. They tumbled over until Gade landed on top. The Mexican was shorter than Gade and agile. But Gade‘s lean strength allowed him to escape the assault. He did manage to topple Gade and toss the blade across the ground. They turned to look at the blade and then each other. They both bounded for it. Gade immediately saw he wouldn‘t reach it before his opponent would and grabbed for the Mexican instead.
Gade knocked him to the side and got to his feet. He turned and kicked the shorter man in the stomach before he could get to all fours. But the small dark hand grabbed Gade‘s boot. He landed with a dull thud. A fist hit the side of Gade‘s face and his lip split open. The Mexican crawled over top of him before the dizzy wave passed and took his head in both hands, banging it into the ground. Gade pulled back his fist and plowed it into the skinny jowls of the man. The man slumped over, out cold. He wiped a hand down his face and shook his head. The man had a good right hook. Shoving him off, he stumbled to his feet and made his way up the cliff. He parted the branches when he reached the top. Three men looked down over the cliff, their rifles keeping Jake pinned down and Sid sat atop a horse a few feet away. ―Kill that bastard when you find him. I‘ve gotta go handle the girl.‖ ~*~ The birdcall alerted Gade. Garret rose out of the brush behind the trio of men and crept silently across the small distance. His hand rose to indicate a count to attack. Gade stood and nodded. The soft murmurs and voices faded. His concentration centered and his breathing hushed. Predatory. His eyes on Garret, waiting for the go-ahead.
Garret knelt directly behind the last man, furthest from Gade and slithered the rest of the way, until he lay right behind the man. With one deft move, he struck like a snake and slit the man‘s throat. The gurgle alerted the others and they got to their feet. Garret moved in. Gade grabbed the rifle from the nearest man. One swing and the man crashed to the ground. Garret and the other man circled each other. Garret waved a hand to Gade. ―Go ahead, amigo, I‘ve got this one.‖ Gade nodded and headed off to follow Sid. The tracks led down the side of the mountain on a narrow path. A single shot and his boot slipped on the tiny rocks. He hunkered down. His eyes scanned the area below. He couldn‘t see a thing. Where had Sid gone? Silence stretched and Gade got to his feet. He lurked in the shadows, careful not to expose his presence. He reached the final landing and gazed over the side of the cliff to the few feet below. With the darkening skies, the temperature dropped. His heart slammed against his ribs. She stood next to a small campfire. Tied with her hands behind her back, her feet together, and tied to the tree behind her, leaving her little room to maneuver.
Sid yanked the tattered shirt from her body, exposing the soft cotton camisole beneath. Gade clenched his teeth. Sid held a bucket in one hand and tossed its contents over Blaze‘s halfnaked form. Water sluiced over her and soaked her clothes. Her white camisole became transparent from the fluid and her ample breasts exposed, the nipples erect from the cold air. Gade growled deep in his throat, the sound lost in the night. His gaze fixed on the two figures below. Sid grasped Blaze‘s breast. Blaze made a low sound behind the gag and popped Sid with her forehead. He cursed loudly and struck her across the face. Gade didn‘t think, he reacted. He leaped the last ten feet and tackled Sid to the ground with an animal like sound. Sid‘s surprise lasted a few seconds before he struggled to flip Gade off. He managed to wiggle from beneath Gade‘s heavy weight and the two hopped to their feet. ―Ahh, come on Gade. I only wanted to sample the sweets that managed to bring the mighty Gade Ryder to his knees.‖ Gade raised a brow. ―I‘m afraid you would fall too short in expectations, Sid. You see, a little prick like you would never satisfy a woman like that.‖ Sid swung a mighty punch. Gade ducked to the side.
―This will be a helluva contest, Gade.‖ The corner of Sid‘s mouth lifted. ―We‘re both men with nothing to lose.‖ ―Don‘t make comparisons between us. We‘re nothing alike.‖ Sid‘s grin widened. ―Right.‖ He nodded. ―And that‘s why you high-tailed it out of here. You and I both know you couldn‘t accept the fact you‘re just a rich man‘s bastard.‖ ―You know nothing about my life.‖ ―Warren gets everything, Gade.‖ Gade circled Sid. ―He can have it.‖ Sid leered. ―And you‘re just gonna slink off into the sunset and live happily ever after with your red-haired whore?‖ Sid laughed. ―Ah, come on, Gade. It never bothered you that your mother was the rich man‘s mistress? That Lily‘s boys would get everything and you...nothing? Being the second son my entire life I don‘t think it‘s so easy to shrug off, not for you or me.‖ ―Like I said, don‘t make comparisons.‖ ―Tell me something... how does it feel to be the bastard?‖ ―A bastard is not defined by the circumstances of his birth in my opinion.‖ Sid whipped around. Blaze aimed a gun at Sid, Garret just behind her. Garret tossed the ropes she‘d worn into the fire. The wind tossed her hair around, it billowed out behind her like a cloak. Wet, dirty and half-dressed she walked toward them. She‘d never appeared more beautiful.
―I suggest you drop the gun, Sid.‖ Blaze stepped closer, her hand steady and her eyes focused. Sid took a step back. He glanced back and forth between the two. ―And if I don‘t?‖ ―Then you‘ll die.‖ Gade answered for her. ―Try again.‖ Another voice announced the new comer. Morgan Gerard, Drew‘s oldest boy, rode into the clearing, a shotgun aimed on Blaze. Blaze hesitated. ―You‘d better tell her to lay it down, Gade,‖ Morgan said. ―I hate to steal the thunder from you, but my father will have my hide if I don‘t bring the brat back home.‖ Gade gritted his teeth. A moment passed. ―Put it down Blaze.‖ Her mouth thinned. She hesitated but placed the weapon on the ground before her. ―Are you in on this?‖ Gade said harshly. ―Morgan, you‘re the last person I‘d believed would do something like this.‖ ―No, I followed him. I don‘t condone what Sid does but I have to take him back home.‖ Gade gritted his teeth. ―And we‘re supposed to pretend half our herd isn‘t missing now?‖ He pointed to Sid. ―And that he wasn‘t involved?‖ Morgan reached down and helped Sid slide onto his horse. ―Do whatever you like with the rest of this riffraff but Sid goes home with me.‖
Gade clenched his teeth and watched the two ride into the darkness. The rest of Sid‘s crew had taken off with the herd and the one‘s left were dead or knocked out cold. Jake materialized through the trees, carrying Luke‘s lifeless form. Gade‘s heart leapt in his chest and he raced to them. Jake lowered Luke to the ground. The child‘s eyes rolled back into his head and his last breath passed through colorless lips. Gade closed his eyes and Warren‘s image as a child came to him. Pain wracked his body and he choked. Warren. ―He got away from me and I chased him. A stray bullet ricocheted off the rocks and hit him in the scuffle, Gade.‖ Gade‘s jaw clenched tightly. ―Why God? Why?‖ He whispered the words and the shadows of the others fell across the child‘s body. Gade reached out and closed the familiar silver-gray eyes for the last time. Why give this family one more reason to forget they were a family?
Sixteen
Abilene rose on the horizon and loomed in the distance like an ominous monster. Lightening crisscrossed and thunder rumbled across the sky. Heavy, black clouds crept across the sky in an endless churning mass that matched the sick feeling in Gade‘s stomach. ―Are you ready for this?‖ Garret asked. He glanced over at his brother and nodded. Gade couldn‘t breathe. The air thickened until it sucked away every breath he took. The pit of his stomach was empty and a lump had lodged in his throat. Warren. Moisture stung Gade‘s eyes and he hardened his jaw. How could he do this? Watch the life drain from Warren‘s face when he realized his son was dead? It‘s my fault. If only Gade had never brought Luke with him. If only he hadn‘t trusted Blaze. She sat her horse with her hands tied. The gag cut into her tender flesh and chafed the corners of her lips. Those sweet lying lips. I‘m a damned fool to have ever believed anything she‘d ever uttered. Tears tracked twin paths down her smooth cheeks as her head hung from exhaustion. He remembered the swinging noose in Caldwell. He remembered thinking one day it would be her hanging there.
An empty hole filled his heart because he knew her time had come. ~*~ The hotel door swung open. Blaze flinched and turned away. She didn‘t want to be a witness to the raw pain she would soon see. Guilt consumed her and settled deep in the pit of her stomach. Warren followed Jake inside the room and shut the door behind them. Garret glared out the window while Gade paced from one end to the other. He stopped the moment he noticed his brother. Gade‘s expression almost undid Blaze. Deep lines bracketed his mouth and tension ebbed through him, stiffening his entire body. Pure unequivocal pain radiated from those silver-gray eyes. Warren halted and glanced at each of them, puzzlement flitting across his features. He threw a stormy look at Gade and her heart sank. He knew. She closed her eyes and tried to tune out the next words. ―What is it?‖ Warren crossed the room to grip Gade‘s shoulders. ―What‘s happened? Where‘s Luke?‖ Gade didn‘t answer and the silence condensed into one solid mass, sucking the air from the small space. Her throat closed and she couldn‘t swallow. If only she could place both hands over her ears like a child and scream into the air. ―What is it!‖ Warren shook him. Gade ducked his head. He tried to say something but the words didn‘t come out. Warren curled his fists and then just as slowly uncurled them.
The air stilled, waiting. Watching. ―It‘s Luke, isn‘t it?‖ Warren murmured, realization dawning in his eyes. His face contorted with pain and he collapsed to his knees, his hands clutching Gade‘s shirtsleeves. ―No, no, no...‖ Warren shook his head in denial. ―Noooo!‖ The most god-awful shout rose to the ceiling and landed on her shoulders. The weight of that one word almost caused her to collapse. ―Please, God. No.‖ Blaze‘s lips trembled and she jerked her gaze away as tears burned her eyes. She heard someone shuffle over to him. ―I‘m sorry Warren, I did everything I could,‖ Gade whispered. ―No, goddamn it! Get away.‖ The loud crash made her jump but she couldn‘t look at Gade, Warren, or any of them. She covered her ears to block it out, as if she could hide from the torment and grief inside the room. This was her fault. If she hadn‘t come here... Pain racked her entire body as tears scarred a path down her cheeks as she dropped her arms to wrap them around herself. Luke. His precious silver eyes and that beautiful blonde hair...She remembered his toothless grin when he‘d named Red. How proud he‘d been of the horse. Anguish settled heavily in her stomach until she sobbed, the ache too much for her to hold in anymore. It hurt so much. She couldn‘t breathe. She didn‘t want to anymore. ―How?‖ Warren‘s single word tore through the room.
―They caught us outside of Dodge in a canyon and cornered us there,‖ Jake answered. ―The cattle spooked and ran right into their hands. We were pinned under gunfire and a bullet ricocheted off the rock walls...I never meant for this to happen, Warren...‖ Warren doubled over in a wail of pure agony. She‘d never witnessed such a large man breaking down into tears, his grief spilling across the floor before and it jabbed into her heart like a hot poker. ―No! No! No! He was all I had left!‖ Wracking sobs shook his giant shoulders and misery ripped into her. Blaze peered at him from under her wet lashes. Warren sat with his head hanging between his legs for a long time. No one moved or dared to speak a word. When he finally looked up, the silver of his eyes had dulled to a grayish-blue. ―How did they know?‖ No emotion sounded in his voice as if he‘d been drained of everything that made his human. Everyone glanced away, and Blaze‘s heart pattered to a stop. An agonized expression tore across Gade‘s face and his eyelids flinch at the question. Warren stood. ―How the hell did they know?‖ He swung in her direction and his furious glare pinned her to the spot. Fear skittered down her spine. Would he kill her now? She‘d never meant for any of this to happen. Warren started toward her but Gade blocked his path. ―It was her!‖ Warren pointed to her. When Gade didn‘t answer, Warren shook his shoulders. ―Wasn‘t it?‖
―Yes.‖ Gade sighed. ―Sid told me.‖ Blaze jumped to her feet. ―What?‖ Gade hadn’t told her that. What the hell had Sid said? Gade stepped closer to her. ―He said you led us right to him.‖ Her eyes searched his face for any signs of faith in her. ―And you believe him?‖ she whispered. He closed his eyes. ―Yes, Blaze, I believe him.‖ Dizziness assailed her. Tears blurred her vision. He didn‘t believe her and she‘d given everything of herself. How could he believe Sid over her? Warren grabbed Gade‘s shoulders and spun him around to face him. His blonde brows drew together in a frown and his jaw hardened. ―You weren‘t even going to tell me, were you?‖ ―I just did.‖ ―No.‖ Warren pulled something from his pocket. ―This!‖ He shook the paper open and Blaze‘s young face stared back at them. Her heart hit bottom. Gade placed a hand on her hip and scooted her behind him, protectively. ―Where‘d you get that?‖ ―After you came back from Caldwell. It fell from your pocket. I waited to see if you‘d tell me. You never did.‖ Warren grabbed Gade‘s collar with both fists. ―You never did!‖
Gade shoved him back. ―I did what I thought was right. At the time.‖ ―Was it right? I want to know, you bastard. Was it the right choice?‖ Gade just took his angry assault. He hung his head and didn‘t say a word. She realized he blamed himself for Luke‘s death and welcomed Warren‘s accusations. Blaze stepped around him. ―He didn‘t know, Warren. No one predicted this. It‘s not his fault.‖ Warren‘s gaze lit on her. ―Then who‘s is it?‖ he sneered. ―Tell me so I‘ll know. Is it yours?‖ Yes. She wanted to run, she wanted to hide. Instead, she froze. ―Was it your fault, Blaze?‖ ―Leave her out of this.‖ Gade growled. ―Or what?‖ Gade held his hands out in surrender. ―I don‘t want to fight, Warren. Not anymore.‖ ―Of course you don‘t. In a few more weeks you‘ll forget about it.‖ ―What does that mean?‖ Warren threw his arms wide. ―All of this. It means none of this affects you, does it? You‘ll go back to wherever it is you‘ve been the last twelve years, and we‘ll be here cleaning up the mess you‘ve left behind.‖ Warren pushed Gade back a step. ―You never really gave a shit about us or this place to begin with. It means you have a life and it‘s not here.‖
Silence reigned and Blaze‘s heart thundered inside her chest. ―Why the hell did you even come back?‖ ―I wish to hell I hadn‘t.‖ Gade‘s tone was too soft. ―I wish you hadn‘t either!‖ Warren said, ―In fact, I wish Pa would‘ve never met Raven in the first place. You know all of our lives would‘ve been a hell of a lot better.‖ Gade stiffened. ―Are you so sure? You‘re deluding yourself if you believe Lily and James would‘ve lived a happily ever after. They were unhappy together long before my mother came in the picture.‖ ―But my mother would still be here, wouldn‘t she?‖ Warren shouted. ―She wouldn‘t have left!‖ ―I had nothing to do with her leaving. She always cared more for money than family.‖ Warren swung and he ducked. ―Don‘t do this,‖ Gade said. Warren swung again but Gade stepped back, missing Blaze‘s toe by mere inches. Garret stepped in front of the two. ―Break it up!‖ He held Warren back. ―Whatever happened to us back then, it‘s over. We can‘t change it.‖ ―Don‘t worry.‖ Gade dragged her to the door. ―I‘m taking her back to Eden to hand her over to the Sheriff for rustling.‖ Blaze didn‘t fight, she didn‘t scream, and cry out her innocence. None of them would
believe her anyway. Not after this...There was only one way to prove she wasn‘t in with Sid. She grabbed up her saddlebags. ―Then let‘s go. I want to get this over with.‖ ~*~ Gade sank back into pure fury for the second time. Ever since he'd awakened where she'd left him in the grass, he'd been on a rampage. He couldn't believe he'd been duped so easily and by a woman he was already suspicious of. The little witch had taken him by surprise and conked him on the back of the head with a rock when they‘d stopped the next day. ―I‘m sorry, Gade. But I can‘t go back,‖ she‘d whispered. But he wasn‘t so sure she was. What was it about Blaze that made him want to believe what she said? She‘d taken her guns and horse, and tied his horse a good twenty yards from where she‘d left him. Smart girl. It‘d taken him a good half hour to find the mare. At least, she‘d left his gun within reach, in case he‘d needed it to ward off danger. He did know one thing; she'd played them false all along. He couldn't even be sure if anything she'd said had been the truth, but her running away had only proven her guilt. He caught her trail outside of Abilene, only to lose it within a matter of minutes. The moment he found her again, he was going to lock her up hand to foot. He would take no chances this time. Gade collapsed the spyglass, jumped down off the rocky rise and moved with a sure foot back to where his horse and packhorse were tied to a fir pine tree.
Someone else followed Blaze too. Worry hounded him. What if this person got to her first? He frowned. Why should he care? Because he wanted to take her in to a judge, not find her dead in some ditch somewhere. The mare's nostrils flared at his scent, and her head nodded in greeting. Without slowing his pace, he climbed into the saddle, stroked her neck, and reined the mare toward the steep trail leading back down the overhang to the trail below. She headed south, following the Canadian River toward the mountains of west Texas. It had been two days and she made good time, although he still hadn‘t had a visual of her yet. He knew he needed to catch up to her, before whoever else followed her got there first. Zigzagging his way down the steep ravine to where the tracks she'd left faded, Gade relied on his intuition, and remained heading South-west. He hoped for his sake and hers, he‘d made the right decision. Darkness hovered on the horizon and the dry air whirled in sandy swirls of wind. What Gade's eyes couldn't make out, his instincts did. Despite the darkness, Blaze had covered her tracks well and she‘d lost her follower. Both sets of tracks stopped, and the single tracks went around and around in large circles for yards still searching for her tracks. They broke away heading Southeast toward the small town of Silverton. The man obviously thought that she'd been heading to civilization but Gade wasn‘t so sure. Gade doubled back heading toward the mountains. If he'd guessed right, Blaze had
known someone followed her and had circled back, heading toward the one place she more than likely wouldn't be followed; the steep dry mountains. It‘s what he‘d do. Two hours later, he stopped. The trail narrowed. In the past several hours he hadn't covered too many miles because of the lack of light and the dangerous footing. He was getting nervous, having not seen a single track and maybe he‘d made the wrong choice. A shiver of apprehension slithered up his spine. Enclosed as he was between two walls of rock, he was a sitting duck. Gade kept going, something told him he would find Blaze up here. A single drop of rain smacked against the brim of his hat. With a curse, Gade pulled his rain slicker from his saddlebags, and put it on. He lifted the collar up around his ears. Not only had she deceived him, she led him on this merry little chase through dangerous country. The water in the streams gradually became less and less, trickling past him with a soft soothing sound. Dubiously, he glanced at the thin dirty ribbon of water coiling through the dry ravine. Why was she headed into an area where water was so scarce you could travel for days without seeing any at all? He at least had a packhorse and several full canteens of clean water, which would last for a few days, but Blaze didn't. He looked up, the farther he went south-west, the higher the walls on either side became, and the more narrow the passage between. He shook his head, no wonder the other man chose to ride the opposite way; it was safer. He hoped Blaze knew where she was going. The dry metallic sound the shotgun made as
he broke it open to load it, echoed against the walls of stone. ~*~ The fading sunset hung on the horizon, a deep colored red like blood. The full moon rose. It contrasted vividly with the red sky, the shadowy land, and the dark dusky clouds creeping past the brilliant ball in the sky. Gade‘s emotions, like the sky, roiled with electric charges; passion and rage warred within him. It seemed even Mother Nature sensed the chaotic swings of his moods. He'd searched for four days for her and had given up only to find her by complete accident. Why had he let his guard down? Had he allowed her to escape? The thought of her spending the rest of her life in some prison sickened him. It had been rather easy for her to make her escape. Perhaps he‘d expected it and simply let her go. He‘d lived his entire life doing the right thing, why would he do the wrong thing now when it mattered the most? What was he doing here stalking her like some randy youth spying on the first naked girl he‘d ever seen? Instead, he should walk up and wring her pretty, little neck for running from him. Of course, he hadn't expected to find her like this. She stood in the small pool of water, the moon‘s light casting her in a soft silver glow. This was some kind of insane, sick, obsession he should be locked up for. And he was crazy, and maybe even a little mad to want this woman so much, even after her deception.
He crept closer. His clothes snagged on the sharp thorns of the low-lying prickly brush. In his determination to get a closer look, he ignored the cuts and scratches. His shirt caught and hung on the prickly branch. He yanked away from it and tore the shirt. The deep red scratches stung the skin on his face, neck, arms and hands but he kept moving, inching closer to his goal. Blood trickled down his cheek and he wiped it away. Blaze rose up out of the water, which sluiced over her flesh like wet fingers. Gade‘s heart slammed against his ribs and stuck there. Even with the scar on her back, the sensual line of her spine intrigued him. His gaze traced the curve of her back to her derriere as it disappeared into the water. The glorious mane of fiery red hair was pulled up loosely on top of her head. A few strands escaped confinement, trailing down her neck and licked at the creamy skin. He must be possessed. He couldn‘t breathe. ―Come here Gade,‖ she said without turning. How had she known he stood here? Lightening slashed in the unstable sky. He clamored to his feet. He was drawn to the enchanting seductress, even while his mind screamed retreat. He swallowed air, and stopped just short of the edge of the water. He braced his knees to lock as they started to wobble. In a hypnotic lure, he feasted on the flesh revealed to him. She turned slowly and his breath caught. She was brazen. The pale skin glistened in the muted light from the water droplets coasting down her ripe curves. His mind argued with him, she had deceived him and would likely do so again. But, he couldn't leave.
He could see the raw need in her eyes and it drove him right to the edge. The power in the air seemed to surge forth, creating a jagged bolt of lightning, but it was nothing compared to the intensity between them like a turbulent storm of restless energy rushing over them. She raised a hand to him and crooked a finger. ―There is no explanation.‖ He knew that, God how he knew that. There was no use in denying it. They had both known that it would come to this from the day they'd met. He entered the swirling water with his clothes on, unbuttoning his shirt as he moved. They came together like a clap of thunder. The feel of skin on skin was physical, making them both gasp as his mouth fastened to hers. The blood on his cheek smeared across her pale one. ―How did you know that I was here?‖ he asked, reaching up a shaking hand to wipe the smeared red blood off her cheek. ―It could only have been you looking at me that way.‖ ―I can't fight this anymore,‖ he whispered. ―I don‘t want you to fight it anymore.‖ Gade‘s mouth captured hers. He crushed her to him from breast to thigh. Her arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer. Both of her breasts flattened against his chest and the pebbled peaks brushed against his chest, sending his pulses rioting. His mouth traced a wet path down her neck to the hollow of her throat and she gasped. Cupping her rear, he dragged her against the hardened ridge of his arousal, grinding against her.
She tossed her head back, ecstasy written on her face. He couldn't resist the satisfied male grin that spread across his features. This was instinct, male conquering female and there was a need to make her respond. His hand coasted down her thigh, lifted her and wrapped one leg at a time around his waist. His entire body flexed as he lifted her and walked toward the shoreline. ―You've fought me from day one even when your body craved me,‖ she whispered. ―You are mine.‖ He lowered her to the damp ground and her arms pulled him closer. He had reached the point of no return the moment he'd seen her naked, and now she tortured him for refusing her for so long, as her hands tore the shirt off his body like a wild cat. His heart hammered inside his chest. Her bold attack excited him. When her hands went immediately to the buttons of his pants, and her lips fastened themselves to one small male nipple at a time, he groaned. She drew him onto a sensual torture rack, killing him a little at a time, utterly transforming his superior strength into helpless surrender. She straddled him pulling off the rest of his clothes with a savage quickness that set his blood racing in his veins. Her expression of utter triumph called out to the male ego to assert itself, but she didn't give him a chance for her hands and lips took on an exploration that his male need couldn't refuse. Blaze could not deny as she looked at this dark man, that there was a primitive masculine beauty to his body. Although, it wasn't all that drew her to him. His gentleness touched her in ways that nothing else ever has, and his stout honor, and automatic response to protect what was his. His very actions fairly screamed stay away while loneliness hung over his head was as
compelling as his intense mysterious eyes. She ran her hands over his chest lightly at first, then harder, and her mouth lowered to his flesh. Her tongue ran down his chest to where the small line of hair trailed downward just below his belly button. He gasped and his muscles tightened. The look he fixed on Blaze took her breath. Hot, intense, scorching flames shot from those molten silver flames and engulfed her as he peered down at her. He hauled her beneath him, pinioning her hands above her head in one of his despite her protests. His other hand captured her breast, her erect nipple yearning for his touch. His mouth drifted over the valley of her breasts to tease first one hardened peak then the other. Her body arched like a bow while greedy lips savored her until she became a liquid pool of fire. He released her hands and she breathed deeply the masculine scent of him, enfolding him within her embrace. Having him in her arms this way was a phenomenal sensation. She wanted to devour him, as fiercely as he consumed her. The muscles in his back moved sinuously under her hands with every move he made. She delved her hands into his hair at the base of his neck. Fire ignited under her skin and burned her flesh, awash with the heat he seemed to infuse into her. Blaze couldn't even form a single thought save for the one that she needed this man. He treated every inch of her bare flesh to another round of kisses and caresses while she was laid out on the ground in a vulnerable sprawl, unable to breathe. Shamelessly she cried out, begging for more of his touch. And when his tongue traced a teasing path down her thigh she tensed, hardly daring to breathe.
She trembled as his soft breath rushed across her heated flesh. Another caress. Her legs shifted until they were no longer tensed, but falling open wide. His tongue traced along her inner thigh to the apex of her legs. She clamped them closed. He chuckled at her reaction, eased a warm hand between her legs and rained kisses along the top of her thighs. The slow drawing of Gade‘s finger on her skin sent chills skittering across her flesh. She shivered under the assault, then relaxed, allowing her legs to ease open once again. His warm lips dropped tiny kisses in the deep crevice next to her hip bone. The violence of her reaction to the swirling sensations scared and excited her. Her hands found their way into his hair and urged him on. ―Easy.‖ She didn't want it easy. She couldn't fathom slowing down, not now. She needed Gade to ease this pain, this pleasure pain. His hand crept between her legs and entangled in the soft curls there. She cried out, feeling his finger dip into her slick depths. She was desperate to end this maddening torment and find satisfaction. Her fingers clawed at the earth beneath her, wanting something but not knowing what that something was. Gade heard the hesitation in her breath, the break, then a ragged sigh. The moist answering heat warmed his fingertips. The heady fragrance of her scent sank like talons into him. He ached, his arousal like pain. It was impossible to calm his raging need when every breath he took was infused with a
scent like wet rain on a hot summer day. He circled the budding knot with his tongue and she jerked in response. He laid a hand across her belly and continued his sensual torture. He wanted her soaked, wet, and writhing beneath him as the wet rain drain on him like liquid heat. Blaze‘s arched back and quivering legs claimed her readiness. Her body wept for him. And it was the most beautiful sight he‘d ever seen. She closed her eyes and strained toward him. He rose over her and settled his frame between her legs, entering her. Her eyes flew open as he surged forward. Gade clenched his teeth. A virgin? Impossible. But he had felt the proof of that easily enough Disbelief. Anger. She’d told me the truth. He couldn't stop as the very first tightening of her sheath enveloped him. He groaned. Wanting her body to accustom itself to his, he eased out. But her legs clamped around his waist and held firm. She pushed forward, urging him on with the slightest lift of her hips and he was lost. He surged into her deeply again and again. There was something savage in the fierce, brutal way he devoured her. But she welcomed him with soft gasps of pleasure. He pounded into her feeling the first convulsions of her release which sent him over the edge. Exploding, with a final groan, he collapsed on top of her. His heart hammered against his ribs as he sucked air into his lungs.
When he peered down into her face, she gave a soft smile. A content little cat. Her eyes drifted closed. She was asleep before Gade could even gain minimal control over his body's response to the most incredible lovemaking, he'd ever experienced.
Seventeen
He meant every word. Gade took her right back to Eden, bound and imprisoned. They arrived shortly after noon to dark clouds and dark moods. He planned to hand her over to the Sheriff as a suspect in the rustling case, as well as the murder of Cal. And while the rustling might not be so bad, a murder case could very well end her life. They made their way to the ranch, both silent, both tense. The dark sky above was as volatile and unstable as the tension between them. How had she lost control? How had she lost her heart? ―Gade.‖ He rode ahead of her. He shook his head. ―Not now, Blaze.‖ ―Listen to me.‖ ―No!‖ Gade held up a hand for silence. ―I‘ve had enough of listening to you. You know it‘s funny, you decide to break your silence when you‘re about to go to jail but you couldn‘t do it, when I wanted to listen to you. When I wanted to believe in you.‖ She shook her head. ―I don‘t care about going to jail, damn it.‖ She kneed Trajan, catching up to him. ―But I didn‘t help Sid set up an ambush. Damn it Gade! How in the hell could I have known you would decide to take my advice and go to Dodge? How could I have
relayed that information to him when you never let me out of your sight?‖ ―I don‘t know. I‘ve been trying to figure that out but it doesn‘t mean it couldn‘t be done.‖ ―Oh, come on! Do you believe I would have set this up and risk losing...Luke?‖ Her voice broke on his name. ―How can you possibly believe that I would do something, anything to endanger that child‘s life?‖ Tears welled in her eyes and slid down her cheek. ―I‘ve spent my entire life trying not to feel anything for anyone but I couldn‘t resist Luke. I loved him.‖ Gade faced her and an anguished look crossed his features. ―No, I don‘t think you would intentionally hurt Luke. But...‖ He shook his head. ―How could you‘ve known? How could any of us have known?‖ He gave a ghost of a smile. ―I know you loved him. But his death doesn‘t change the fact you‘re wanted for rustling and linked to a murder, Blaze. I won‘t let you go, not now.‖ She stopped breathing. Her chest hurt from trying to hold back the tears. ―And why won‘t you let me go?‖ The words were whispered on the breeze. So soft, she wondered if he‘d heard. He hesitated. A soft expression crossed his features but it was replaced with a hardened jaw. ―I‘m not going to let you go until you‘ve been tried for your crimes. What? You thought just because we had sex I wouldn‘t be able to take you in? Or perhaps you thought I‘d fall in love with you and forget everything else?‖ He gave a harsh laugh. ―You forget something though...people like us, half-breeds and outlaw women, don‘t fall in love.‖ If only that were true. Blaze closed her eyes. She kneed Trajan into a gallop. She was running again. Running from Gade but this time,
she had to. She couldn‘t face him after those words. He cared nothing for her and she refused to let him see how much those words had trampled her heart. Because she‘d done exactly what he‘d said couldn‘t happen...the outlaw woman had fallen in love. Pain racked her body and tears streaked a path down her face. The torrential rains started again and by the time she got her hysterical mind on track, she found herself soaked. She headed for the house she‘d rented from James. He would find her, so why had she come here? Blaze entered and shut the door behind her as she slid down with her back to it, rubbing her arms. She shivered. Her body stiffened and she needed to get these clothes off. She got to get to her knees and crawled across the floor to the table and chairs in the middle of the room. She sat on the ladder-backed chair and removed her boots and socks. Forcing her stiff body to move, she removed her jeans. It proved a difficult task with her bound hands but she managed it. Throwing the material down, she collapsed on the chair and choked back a sob. She pulled up her legs and wrapped her arms around them, leaning her head on her arms. But there was little comfort here. Blaze cried for the little boy who would never grow and learn to love. She cried for the father he‘d left behind. She cried for Gade and his stubborn need to shut her out. She cried for the dream she couldn't seem to make herself let go of. She cried for the love he could never give. Gade didn’t love her. And probably never would. He had showed her she wanted things to be different, she wanted to be loved, cherished
and she wanted a family. But there are things she couldn‘t change yet. She would tell him everything he wanted to know, if he would just once show her an ounce of real compassion. Unsure how she would change her life and stop running from Chains, but she would, if he would care for her. How could he look at her, into her eyes and not see the pain? The longings she could no longer hide. Did he see them and simply ignore them or was he truly blind? ~*~ Gade stood on the front porch of the house, taking time to control the pounding of his heart. Watching her mad flight over the terrain brought home the guilt and he'd immediately followed her to apologize. But she‘d disappeared into the fog. He'd found her track's and followed them, hoping she wouldn't go far. If something happened to her and it would end up being his fault... He chided himself for being so harsh. Finding her half-naked, wet, shivering, and crying sent a shaft of regret into his chest. Surprised, he stared through the dingy glass. Of all the places she could have gone, why would she come here? Water dripped off the brim of his hat and his hot breath fogged against the cold pane. Damn, now look at what you've done. She's gone through so much, stalked, shot, and bombarded with accusations she‘d answered as honestly as she could. The death of a stranger and then the death of a child, and she faced everything so courageously. She'd never complained,
whined, or even put the blame on anyone else. All he‘d had to do was place a few sharpened thrusts to crack the thin coat of armor surrounding her heart and she broke. Why won’t you let me go? Her whispered question returned to him and he cringed. He hated to see her cry. And he was the source of those tears. He‘d panicked, needing space, suddenly afraid of the answer to that question himself. But the truth was he couldn‘t let her go because his heart wouldn‘t let him. She lifted her head, as if she knew he was there, and his heart tripped. Through the glass their eyes met. She un-tucked her long legs and stood, wearing only the damp button up shirt. His breath caught. He took in the long, well-toned legs and the puckered peaks under the thin fabric of her shirt. God she was breathtaking. She ambled toward the door with bloodshot eyes and a bright red nose from her tears. But she was stunning. He had fully intended to leave her alone from here on out, but right now, staring at her through the glass window wasn't enough he had to touch her. Hold her. She stepped back as he pushed open the door. He had no words for her, because the sight of her like this staggered him. He wanted to say so much, but lost the will to do anything but reach for her. Her lips parted to speak. If she asked him to leave her alone, he wasn't sure if he could. Misty gray light from the clouds illuminated her skin turning it white and her dark eyes,
shadowed. They were apprehensive. It occurred to him, no matter what, tonight he needed her. He needed her in a way that frightened him, in a way he'd needed no one else before. For an instant, the silence engulfed them. Unshed tears shimmered in her eyes. ―I wanted you to find me. I knew you would,‖ she confessed. He'd known it as well. His eyes lingered on her figure and he crossed to her with purpose. She gasped in surprise as he swept her up in his arms. He brought her lips to his with the one hand on the back of her head and guided her. His touch was controlled, gentle, caressing, instead of rough. He cherished her this time. He wanted to savor her and let her know in some odd way he couldn't let this thing between them go. A tear slipped from beneath her eyelids and he leaned back to watch its descent down the smooth curve of her cheek. His thumb came up to capture the gift and his lips met hers as he smoothed the tear across her face. His heart cracked. How could he turn her in and watch her hang? He couldn‘t. The pain would tear him to shreds, devastating him. He retrieved his knife, cutting the binds around her wrists and then knelt at her feet. Blaze met his gaze in the darkness, her heart pummeled her ribs and his hands on her ankles caused her to jump. Every muscle in her body tightened in suspense as the hand made a smooth ascent up her calves. She shuddered. Inch by agonizing inch those hands crept up mere fractions at a time, it was...erotic. The feather-like touch slid up to the back of her knee and she'd never felt such a heightened thrill. The anticipation was unbearable.
The sudden wet warmth of his mouth as it settled first on one slender thigh and then the other drew a moan, from her. Glorious, she thought as her head lolled back on her neck. His lips, they worshipped her, nipping, and kissing at the sensitive flesh. Her legs trembled and buckled beneath her, and her hands clasped the fabric across his shoulders. But he was there to catch her. Lifting her easily, he carried her to the thick rug by the fireplace. Gently he laid her down and then he was there in her arms, wrapping her up in his warmth. She loved being here in his arms. Why couldn't it just stay like this, forever? Why couldn't he see her for who she was? Why does it hurt so terribly knowing he didn't feel the same way as she did right now in this moment? He divested himself of his clothes and crawled over her. His wide chest lingered above her and she ran her hands over the smooth muscles. His flesh was warm to the touch and he lowered his body to settle fully against her. His naked form covered her from tip to toes and a ring of fire pulsed out from the center of her being. She bit back a cry and threw her head back as he arched into her. He hovered at her hot center and she arched her hips, begging to be filled by him. He captured her mouth and his heavy penetration sent her through the fire. She burned in a delicious heat. He moved inside her, arching his beautiful hips and called her name. She loved this man. Everything about this man. Gade buried his head into her shoulder to kiss her collarbone. ―I want you, Blaze,‖ he
whispered. But do you need me? Her hands claimed a spot on the back of his neck and pulled him closer. Her lashes lowered across her cheeks as she rode the wave of passion. Gade filled her body so beautifully and she never wanted him to leave. Stay here with me. Stay with me, Gade. No matter what, don’t leave me now. I need you. But she didn‘t say the words. A tear slipped from between her lashes and his warm mouth drank it up. He kissed her cheeks and jaw, the lobe of her ear and down her neck, until the incredible pressure inside burst into a million tiny shards of light. Her body pulsed with her release until she grew limp beneath him. Seconds later, he roared his satisfaction above her and she watched ecstasy overcome him. He collapsed over her, his head nestled between her shoulder and her breast. Her hand lifted to stroke the hair from his face. His eyes were closed and her heart contracted. He was so beautiful and everything a man was supposed to be. He brought his head up and her world altered. There was no need for words. He‘d taken her higher than the moon as she learned how to fly and on the way back down, he held her as they fell into the darkness together. ~*~ A sound woke her.
Blaze found Gade in the dark. She turned over on her stomach to get a better view of him. He stood before the closed bedroom door wearing nothing but his pants. Her brow creased with confusion as he stared at the bedroom door. She sat, grasping her still damp shirt to the front of her body. She didn't want to alarm him, or have him think she spied on him, but curiosity dug its little claws in her. She couldn't figure out what he might be thinking. She saw him lift a hand to the doorknob and freeze. Holding her breath, she waited. His hand shook and as she crawled to her feet, his hand dropped. She let out her breath and he glanced at her. She wondered if she was intruding on him and she turned away to grab her clothes. ―Do you know why I‘m here?‖ he whispered. ―This was the room my mother killed herself in.‖ She felt as if the floor fell out from under her and her eyes widened. She remembered the strange look he‘d given the first day he‘d found her at this house. It made sense now. The small crack in her heart widened and bled. How could she have known this was his house? ―I was young. I guess I saw everything through a child's eyes, living my life and mine alone. I had always believed things were perfect for everyone else but me. I never heard my mother cry or saw her pain from the prejudice she endured because she was an Indian. She didn‘t show it. At least not to me.‖ He reached up once more to the doorknob. ―I can remember everything about that day...it's like clockwork in my head, repeating itself second by second. I woke up that morning
got dressed for my tutoring lessons at the big house. Lily would brush my hair, and make me wash my face every morning when I got there. I had always assumed she didn't like dirty kids. Now I know she took care of me. She‘d made sure I was fed and taken care of.‖ He gave a short laugh. ―The wicked step-mother had a heart.‖ ―I stayed all day doing my work like I did every day, and then I came home. I think I was excited about something, but I can't remember what it was. All I can remember is that I couldn't wait to get home. I called for my mother, but she didn't answer.‖ His voice broke on his emotion. She wasn't sure what she should say or if she should say anything at all. ―I opened this door, this very same door and my life changed completely.‖ The silence stretched, and it was excruciating to listen to. Her heart tore in half, each rip a reminder of the pain she had endured on the day her own mother had died. The sound of his heavy breath broke the severe silence and tears burned her eyes as his heart bled right in front of her. ―She left me here,‖ he shouted suddenly making her jump right out of her skin. ―She took her own life without taking into consideration what it would do to mine.‖ His hand hammered on the closed door in front of him. ―There was so much blood...everywhere. It was everywhere. I couldn't even hold her hand because it just kept slipping out of mine.‖ He dropped his hands and began to bang his head. Blaze ran to him. Her arms encircled his waist from behind and she held on tight. ―Why?‖ He shouted again, his fist slammed against the door with such a force the walls vibrated. ―Why did he bring her here, when he was already
married? Why? Why didn't he just leave her alone?‖ His fist came up to bang on the door with every shouted plea until it popped open. Gade stopped and stared into the room. ―Why was my father‘s love for her more important than mine?‖ he whispered. He turned to look at her, and then his arms crushed her to him. His body shook against her and he buried his face into her shoulder. She wanted so badly to take this from him. She didn't want to see this incredibly strong man endure so much pain. He leaned back to look at her and wiped the tears from her face, instead of his own. ~*~ Gade‘s arms tightened on her as they lay together on the floor before the fireplace wrapped up in the darkness as the soft rays from the moon spilled over them like a silver blanket. He looked down at the top of her head as she lay on his chest. She‘d held him while he‘d cried and something had changed in him. Something had shifted and a relief he couldn‘t describe descended over him. If I hadn’t followed Blaze here to this house and forced to come inside, I would never have faced this part of my life again. I would never have found this peace inside. He squeezed her closer and kissed the top of her head. ―What are you grinning about?‖ She chuckled, turned to look up at him and rested her chin on her hand. She sighed. ―I was trying to remember when I've ever felt so safe. The last time I did I was about four before
my mother died. You know I can hardly remember her face but I remember she used to hold me like this at night until I fell asleep.‖ She‘d endured far more isolation in her lifetime than even he had and it saddened him. He wanted to ease the ache in her heart as she‘d just done for him. But he realized he didn‘t know how. ―It didn't matter to her that it took away precious time when she could be downstairs making money with the other girls. She held me like this and when I was just about asleep I would hear her whisper my love for you reaches farther than the sun's light.‖ She'd been through so much, and she didn't seem to have too many good memories to help her through the tough times. Yet she still remembered to enjoy the simplest things in life and it amazed him. He rested his head on his elbow so that he could look at her. ―I remember James used to read to me every day when I was young. I never could remember what he read to me, but the sound of his voice always put me to sleep. It's funny how easy it is to forget the good times when they‘re so overshadowed by the bad. And then the simplest things happen to help you remember.‖ Blaze sat up and looked down over one shoulder. Her hair was tangled down her back. Her look was sultry. ―I want you to know that none of this is James fault. I came here because I wanted to repay him.‖ ―I know,‖ he whispered. How could he tell her that he‘d forgiven her? That he no longer doubted her anymore? That he loved her?
Gade traced a finger down her back and over her scar. She eased away. But he arm reached out and scooted her close again. ―Don‘t be ashamed.‖ ―I‘m not ashamed.‖ She lifted her chin. ―I‘m angry.‖ ―Why?‖ She reached for her shirt and slid it on. ―I‘ve been punished for my mother‘s mistakes. I‘ve been punished for woman kind‘s errors my entire life and I‘ve never done anything wrong.‖ She laughed bitterly. ―In fact, I rarely ever made a mistake, I couldn‘t afford to. And now-‖ ―Now?‖ He urged her to continue. ―One day we‘ll meet again. I know we will. And this time only one of us will remain alive. That‘s why I‘m angry.‖ ―You‘re angry because you‘ll meet this person again?‖ She nodded. ―Yes, I‘m angry because he has forced me to make a choice.‖ ―And what choice did you make?‖ She got to her feet and grabbed her pants up. ―To live.‖ The sound of shattered glass had Gade up on his feet in a crouched position. He reached for his boots and his gun, as Blaze hurriedly finished dressing. Someone had thrown in a burning torch. The curtains burst into flame. Fire licked up the fabric. The second crash of glass came from the bedroom. Blaze barely got on her jeans before Gade pulled on her wrists. ―Wait, Gade, what about the house? We have to put this out.‖
His gaze flew across the room and dulled. ―There's no time. The fire‘s too large now.‖ He pushed the bed over as far as it would go. Under was a trap door and latch that she'd never noticed before. Gade leaned over and lifted the door. Grabbing her upper arm, he took her boots from her arms and practically shoved her down through the opening. He tossed her boots to her before he hopped down. He gave one last look to the corner where his mother had taken her last breath. ―Mitawa cante,‖ he whispered and placed his hand over his heart. The door shut over them, throwing them into complete darkness. Gade crawled across the dank, damp ground under the house. The stink of mold and mildew filled his nose. Mud seeped between his fingers and gathered under her nails. The temperature dropped several degrees. Blaze‘s hand slipped and she landed on her elbow, her hair trailing in the muck. She cursed. He crawled next to her and indicated silence with a finger to his lips. ―I ain't seein‘ anybody in there, Sanchez.‖ It was the Mexican he‘d fought and Eddie. ―Yeah, well, I followed them ‗ere, hombre. I saw them go in.‖ The wood splintered as the fire spread through the house directly above their heads. Gade grimaced, praying silently the place wouldn‘t cave in over them. Not exactly the way he‘d envisioned his death. A set of boots entered his vision. ―We‘re supposed to make sure their dead, though.‖ ―Eddie, trust me amigo, they haven‘t come out of the house yet. They‘re dead!‖
―Yeah, well we won‘t get paid if‘n they ain‘t dead.‖ ―You wanna go in there to make sure?‖ Sanchez coughed. ―Be my guest.‖ The set of boots sauntered away from the house. ―Now, c‘mon, Eddie.‖ Gade leapt to his feet. He ran directly for Sanchez and tackled him to the ground. Rage enveloped him that he could so casually kill someone in such a despicable way. ―Coward!‖ ―Holy shit,‖ Eddie yelped. ―Where the hell‘d he come from?‖ Blaze scrambled out from under the house and pointed both guns on Eddie. Gade had Sanchez by the neck, strangling him. ―Gade, stop it.‖ Blaze shouted at him but something inside him snapped. He didn‘t listen. ―Gade!‖ ―You sneaky son of a bitch! You couldn‘t face me like a man so you chose the cowards way out.‖ Sanchez choked and wheezed. Gasping, he grabbed for Gade‘s hands but they wouldn‘t ease. ―Jesus, Gade. Let him go, we can‘t kill him.‖ ―The hell I can‘t.‖ ―This isn‘t you...this is your grief speaking. Let him go.‖ Blaze waited, but Gade gave no indication he was going to back down. ―Fine,‖ she said, her tone irritated. Keeping one gun trained on Eddie, she stood above Gade and Sanchez. ―Then move out of the way and let me do
it quick like.‖ She placed the barrel between Sanchez‘s eyes and cocked the trigger. The red haze cleared from Gade‘s mind and he leapt to his feet off the little Mexican. Sanchez gulped in air. ―Don‘t let her kill me, hombre. She‘ll kill me. Eddie! Do something.‖ But Eddie had already turned and darted toward the road at full speed. Sanchez gasped. ―Stupid gringo.‖ Silence settled. The only sounds were Gade‘s harsh breath and Sanchez‘s muted whines. Gade gasped for air and gritted his teeth controlling the emotion warring within him. He reached for her gun and pulled her closer. She uncocked the trigger. He guided her gun back to its holster and lifted her hand to his lips. He kissed her knuckles. ―Thank you.‖ ―You would‘ve never forgiven yourself.‖ He nodded. She was right. It wasn‘t in him to kill an unarmed man. The scrambling noise of Sanchez‘s getaway drew their attention as the skinny man disappeared within the trees. Gade‘s hand cupped her cheek and he whispered, ―Sometimes it‘s better to just let things go.‖ Did he speak of Sanchez and his escape, or her dark past?
Eighteen
The vile gray-green smoke rose up over the ashes from the house in the misty azure of pre-dawn. Blaze shivered in the coolness of the morning air. She sat on the ground and glanced over at Gade. He knelt next to the house as the smoke wafted above them and the creaking timbers crackled in the silence. Hours had passed. She frowned. He hadn‘t moved from that spot since Sanchez‘s departure. Occasionally, he would run a hand through his hair or sigh. But he hadn‘t moved. She peered at the face she loved to watch. Acceptance had long since settled in those eyes. She grasped the torn shirt together to help keep the breeze off her chest. His gaze took on the sheen of memories and witnessing this monumental change in his life humbled her. He would have to overcome this alone but she had the power to be here for him. And she realized with a jolt, she would be here for him. There was no longer any idea of leaving. For good or bad, right or wrong, she was here to stay. She would take this overwhelming journey and see where it led. I’m ready to stop running. Should Gade happen to feel this way too, it would only make the journey much more rewarding, and if he didn't then it would only be another lesson she was ready to learn. Gade surprised her by turning to her now. The look in his eyes answered her fears. She
stood and they met together half way. He enveloped her in his arms and she laid her head on his chest to hear his steady heartbeat. He sighed. In his arms she‘d found a haven and a home. Her unwavering gaze promised him the peace and promise of the future he‘d been searching for. The sound of racing hooves brought them both around. James raced out of the foliage. He dismounted and ran to them. He checked them over quickly, his hands clasped both of Blaze‘s upper arms. His eyes were frantic. ―Are you both all right?‖ His eyes settled on Gade. ―What happened, are you injured?‖ ―Yes, we‘re fine.‖ Gade whispered. ―Just a little tired.‖ ~*~ James‘ attention moved passed Gade to the house beyond. Burnt cinder lingered in the air. Gade watched his father‘s face closely. Astonishment turned to pain and pain turned to disbelief. James‘ face collapsed into a frown. His brows drew together and despair surfaced in the silver orbs. James dropped his arms and he walked around Gade. ―I saw the smoke when I woke this morning.‖ James moved closer to the still smoking house, his hands balled into fists. Garret rode into the clearing and stopped. ―When did you get in?‖ Gade asked.
―Two days ago, we were about to send out a search party for you two.‖ ―Where‘s Warren? Is he all right?‖ Garret shrugged. ―He‘s at the house and I‘ll let you judge for yourself.‖ ―Do me a favor,‖ Gade said. ―Take Blaze back to the house.‖ He turned back and gave a quick kiss to her mouth. Her eyes searched his and he smiled. One corner of her lip lifted and she cupped his cheek with one hand. He seized her hand and kissed the palm. ―I won‘t be long.‖ Her eyes softened. ―Take as long as you need.‖ With one last look over her shoulder, she mounted up behind Garret. Garret watched James intently and then with a nod, turned the mount and headed back the way he‘d come. James didn‘t seem to notice Gade move beside him. And for a while they both just stared at the ruins. James broke the companionable silence. ―This house represented everything I loved about your mother. Raven had such simple tastes. She didn‘t need much to make her happy.‖ He frowned. ―The one thing she needed the most, I didn‘t give.‖ James sat and crossed his arms across his knees. ―When Blaze came here, I moved everything out of the house that belonged to Raven. I‘m glad. Or else, I would‘ve lost all those memories. But I had just assumed...I‘d always have this house.‖ Gade settled in beside his father and listened. ―In the beginning when I‘d first moved here with Lily, I‘d had such big dreams. I‘d
chosen a life unlike anything my father had ever approved of. I‘d named this place the Broken Circle because I‘d broken away from the norm, to start anew. My father wanted me to stay on at the plantation. I‘m glad I didn‘t. He died a lonely, broken old man after the war. He‘d had nothing left.‖ James shrugged. ―But it‘s ironic, isn‘t it? When I first arrived in Texas, the name The broken circle had meant a new beginning to me but it has become the truth in the end. The things I‘d longed for; a home and family, has broken into tiny pieces never to be repaired again.‖ Gade remained silent for the simple reason he wasn‘t sure what to say. James gave a sardonic laugh. ―Lily grew up in money, it‘s all she's ever known and without it she was lost. Living in this hatbox house without a single servant nearly killed her. Lily became cold, and I began to see her for who she really was, materialistic and greedy, to the point of being unattractive to me. She wanted me to take the money from her father and I refused. I loved it here in this wild country. I‘d never felt such freedom and pride before in my life. I‘d always had everything given to me and to finally build something on my own...well, the feeling is just indescribable. I wasn‘t about to give it up just because she wasn‘t happy anymore.‖ Gade frowned. ―You were already unhappy when you met my mother?‖ ―Yes, very. I was just a shell. After I built the new house I made a trip up north to buy some cattle to mix with my herd. I was injured on the drive out in the middle of Indian Territory and one of my men took me to see a Lakota medicine man. Raven was simple and good-hearted. And I couldn't resist her. I remember seeing her the first time by the river as the sun set. She was so serene. She was beauty, silence, grace and everything that Lily wasn't.‖
James picked up a blade of grass and twirled it between two fingers. ―I left her there, in the Indian village and didn't get but a few miles away before I realized that come heaven or hell I needed her.‖ ―Why didn‘t you divorce Lily then?‖ Gade asked. ―I asked her for a divorce,‖ James said with a sardonic chuckle. ―Well, as you can see I never got it. Her father came here and explained in no uncertain terms there would never be a disgrace to his daughter‘s name like that. I bucked up and told him to go to hell.‖ James‘ fists clenched. ―He threatened the one thing I cared about most and I was forced to make a deal with the devil. I promised to live with Lily, beget some heirs, and make the appearance of being married if he would leave Raven alone. I made a mistake though. I never knew how hard it would be on either of them and our children.‖ ―That day...‖ James shook his head. ―I just had a feeling. Raven had become so depressed over the years and somehow I knew — I found you both lying in the floor together.‖ James voiced cracked. ―Oh, your face. Your beautiful face...I knew it was too late.‖ James covered his face with his hands and sobs wracked his shoulders. ―I miss the way she smiled when she held you. I still miss her. So much.‖ A heavy weight settled in Gade‘s chest and tightened until he couldn‘t breathe. He wanted to reach for his father but something held him back. Fear. Half a life had passed since his mother‘s death — half a life without his father...how was he supposed to comfort the man whom he’d hated for so long? Gade didn't want to let go of his anger yet but it slipped away. He couldn't find the
strength to blame either of his parents. ―I brought you back, Gade, not for the rustlers but to mend the wounds I‘ve caused. I‘d hoped you and Warren would forgive and forget. But I only made things worse.‖ Had he heard this month's ago, nothing would have changed, but now he could understand his father's obsession with his mother. He understood the undeniable need to have her there at all times. And he owed it to Blaze. She‘d made him see things in a different light. She made him see that like his father, come heaven or hell, he needed her. James turned to him, the red rimmed silver eyes pleaded with him to understand. Gade slipped an arm around his father‘s shoulder and the weight lifted from his heart. The clouds cleared and a brilliant ray of sunlight shone across the burnt remains of the past he finally let go of — as if even God blessed this event. Gade relived the past with a man he‘d loved for a lifetime but never gave the chance to love in return. They spoke of memories, of the way motherhood had changed Lily and the pain her leaving had caused for Warren. Gade found the whole story through his father. A series of events had set off a chain reaction of one heartbreak after another. This family had never had a chance to heal its scars, but it was better late than never. And they both paid a silent tribute and a farewell to the woman they'd both loved so unconditionally. ~*~ The stars flickered in the distance and the sounds of cattle drifted through the opened
window. Everything had changed for Gade and anticipation of something yet to come rushed over him. He couldn't decide whether he was happy or scared out of his wits. His gaze roamed over Blaze‘s naked back as she lay sleeping in his bed. He shut the door behind him and moved on silent feet. He kneeled down and trailed a gentle finger down the curve of back, until he ran into the sheet. She was so beautiful, and she appeared so vulnerable in her sleep. He remembered watching her as she slept when she'd been shot. He'd been terrified but he'd never understood why until now. He loved Blaze. He couldn't offer her anything. He had nothing to give. But he'd learned something today from his father, and it was a lesson he would never forget. Fear makes people do crazy things and forget what is important. Life is about taking chances and this is a chance he planned to take. He smiled in the darkness as she stirred in her sleep. He leaned down and whispered on a breath, ―Wake up, my little devil‘s daughter.‖ She jerked and turned at the sound of his voice, as her vision cleared and she caught sight of him, she smiled. His heart stilled. He captured her lips. He had so much to say to her but it could wait for just a little while longer. Right now, he wanted to show he was ready for a lifetime of whatever, so long as she was here with him. And he did, with every touch he branded her as his and he hoped she felt that brand more profoundly than had he said it with words.
Nineteen
The note lay beside him on the pillow when he awoke the next morning. Short and vague. The words scribbled in a hurry said simply, there is something I have to do. Please don’t follow me. Blaze. Gade reread the note once more before he crumbled it in his hand, tossing it to the floor. He knew what Blaze had gone to do. She‘d left to find her past - alone. He didn‘t know where that was and he wasn‘t sure he could find it before anything happened to her. Blaze didn‘t make promises she couldn‘t keep, and had sworn when the time came she would run. That time had come. He‘d spent the most incredible night of his life with her in his arms and still, she didn‘t trust him. She still refused to let him into this part of her life. Didn’t she know she could be hurt or killed? She refused to tell him what this man meant to her, was he family, a friend or perhaps someone she loved? He‘d told her everything, laid it all on the line, and she couldn‘t care less. She didn‘t want his help. Of that, he was certain. All of these things so simple to him, and yet what would he have done had he been in her situation? One time in his life he‘d had too much pride to ask for help. But not now. Not with her. She‘d changed him in more ways than he cared to admit. He finally understood what it meant to
commit to someone, to share your life with another person, whether good times or bad. Blaze hadn‘t reached that point yet. She still wanted to do things alone. Well pride be damned. I’m going with her whether she wants me there or not. He grabbed his saddlebags, stuffing clothes in, and snatched his bedroll. He passed James and Warren in the kitchen without a word. James followed him out the door. ―Where are you going, Gade?‖ Gade didn‘t even break stride. ―To hell with your problems, James. I‘ve got problems of my own. I‘m going after Blaze. I‘m not going lose her like you lost my mother.‖ He headed for the stables. He didn‘t pick up the sound of Warren‘s long stride until he fell into step behind Gade. ―Don‘t you think you need someone to back you up?‖ Gade saddled his horse. ―Didn‘t you just get back?‖ Gade made quick work of the trappings. He didn‘t have time to waste. Every second took her further away from him, and closer to danger. ―Yeah.‖ ―Then I don‘t need anyone riding with me.‖ Gade tossed his bags across the saddle and mounted. Warren followed behind him out the door. ―Well then, I‘ll be right behind you.‖ ~*~
Only moments after leaving, Gade saw the shape of his brother riding a few yards behind him. It hadn‘t taken the man long to catch up at all. It took fifteen minutes for Gade to pick up Blazes trail and about that long to lose it again. Damn the girl was good. Why did I fall for a girl who could ride, track, shoot, and cover her tracks as well as I can? Warren rode up behind him, his eyes on the ground below. ―So tell me how did you manage to find her the last time she took off?‖ Gade said something vulgar under his breath before admitting, ―I ran into her on accident.‖ It irritated him that this particular woman could just up and disappear whenever she wanted to. Her multitude of skills was as varied as her different swings of personality. But he loved that about her. He and Warren searched for Blaze until darkness convinced Gade to quit for the evening. The last rays of pink faded on the brink of the horizon and darkness settled in for the night. Warren caught two trout in the stream, while Gade set up camp and fixed the coffee. The roasting pair of fat trout filled the campsite and reminded Gade how hungry he was. Warren shoved a larger piece of wood onto the fire and watched the smoke spiral up between the tall, red spires of rock, rising on either side of them. He leaned back on an elbow and crossed his long legs at the ankle. Taking out a flask of whiskey from his saddlebags, he pulled the cork, and took a long swig. He exhaled deeply and offered it to his brother with a nod. ―No thanks.‖ Gade needed to stay sober and focused tonight. He could tell by the red-
rimmed eyes, Warren had been drinking profusely since he‘d received news of Luke‘s death. The funeral would be held the day after tomorrow. Gade would make sure his brother was there for it. Tomorrow would be another long day of endless searching – his last chance to find her if he planned to bring Warren back in time for the funeral. He only hoped he was lucky enough to find her all in one piece this time. ―Have some of this Gade, you look like you could use it,‖ Warren suggested. ―No thanks.‖ Warren shrugged his broad shoulder. ―It‘s been awhile, hasn‘t it? Since the last time we went out into the wilds to camp out under the stars? We were nine, weren‘t we?‖ Gade nodded. ―We went hunting for bears. Forget the fact we‘d never caught anything bigger than a rabbit before.‖ Gade chuckled. ―We got stuck in that old cave up by Hawthorns creek. It was you, me and Garret.‖ Warren laughed. ―We found something all right but it wasn‘t bears.‖ ―Yeah, snakes. We crawled out of that little hole real fast. Poor Garret, he just couldn‘t make it through. He grew out of his baby fat though, didn‘t he?‖ ―Yeah, I made sure of that,‖ Warren said. ―After you left and he came back from living with momma, he was little more than a city slicker.‖ He tipped the bottle again. ―Now that was a fight, I think Pa threatened to divorce mother if she didn‘t give that boy back. She sent him on the train out here. The thing is she didn‘t even bother to come with him, as long as she continued to get her monthly checks, she didn‘t care. He
was twelve, I think, and scared to death.‖ The crackle of the fire broke the silence, and the crickets chirped a song in the background. ―She wrote to me once in those years after she left. She said that she just knew that Pa was taking good care of me.‖ Warren turned a pair of accusing silver eyes on Gade. ―What she didn‘t know or didn‘t care to know, was that Pa was too caught up in making it up to you to notice me. And he never gave up on you either. Not even after you left, Pa still sat by the window staring out at nothing thinking about you. He even hired someone to keep tabs on you, to make sure you were all right. Hell, who would‘ve thought you‘d make it on your own?‖ He exhaled. ―Maybe that‘s why I can‘t stand you.‖ Gade sent him a warning glance. ―You were always Pa‘s favorite and you hated him, but that never stopped him from loving you so much. Too much.‖ ―I never hated him.‖ Warren raised a disbelieving brow. ―Couldn‘t tell it from where I stood.‖ ―Hell, I was nine years old, Warren, how the hell was I supposed to take something like that?‖ Warren leapt to his feet. ―Did it ever occur to you the rest of us were hurting too?‖ Gade threw his arms wide. ―My mother chose her love for the old man over me. Me! Her own son.‖
Warren took another drink. ―At least she didn‘t abandon you.‖ ―Didn‘t she?‖ He gave a bitter laugh and lumbered to his feet. ―I loved her more than life. She was all I ever had. I had to blame anyone but her. But don‘t mistake me, I know she abandoned me. She left me alone, with the criticisms and insults she couldn‘t handle.‖ ―Well, hell, Gade. My mother lives halfway across the country and can‘t seem to find the time to even write me. It‘s been twenty years since the last time I‘ve laid eyes on her and that suits me just fine.‖ The silence fell between them like a wall they couldn‘t see. ―At least your mother is still alive. You have a choice to see her or not, it‘s your own damn pride that stops you from going. Mine is dead, I have no choice and no way to say good bye,‖ he said and grabbed up his rifle, heading for his bedroll. Tired, he didn‘t know if this family would ever be able to heal the wounds still bleeding so profusely. Would they ever forgive each other? Would they ever forget? ~*~ If the weather was an omen, then they headed into trouble. The ominous black clouds rolled in sometime after dawn. Gade had managed to pick up her tracks two hours later, but if it rained, he would lose them. He couldn‘t afford any more bad luck. The urge to shout at the sky for not cooperating assailed him. Damn why couldn’t things go my way, just once? The pent-up wet pellets exploded from the sky like bullets and the wind whipped at him
like a hurricane. Not a single hill broke the monotony of the flat plains and as far as the eye could see, there was nothing but a few cactus and mesquite trees. Blaze was nowhere to be seen and whatever tracks they had been following were washed away in a matter of minutes. Gade cursed but desperation kept him going. He couldn‘t give up. He wouldn‘t allow himself to call it quits, not when there was a small chance he might get lucky and find her. But luck wasn‘t on his side today because Mother Nature roared with a fury that equaled his own. Winds ripped up trees and large pieces of debris that tore at his face and hands. And through it all Warren was right there. By the time Gade gave up and headed for shelter, their faces were sliced to bits and the rain had become like tiny knives. But the realization that family ties were stronger than all others finally hit. Despite their differences, Warren stayed with Gade to the end even through the rain and storm. Gade didn‘t have a reason why his instincts failed him, but too late. They hit the closest cover of trees and the surprise attack was over and done with before he knew it. Gade reached automatically for the shotgun in the scabbard, but there were three of them on him in an instant and they easily overpowered him. The blow took him from behind and blackness engulfed him, he struggled to get a look at the two men holding up Warren‘s lifeless body. The only feature he could make out in the rain was the gold cufflink that winked in the muted light. He collapsed to the ground, his hand reached for the wound on this head, and warm blood ooze between his fingers.
He lingered between darkness and reality, and he came to several times on the duration of the ride. Gade lifted his head trying to peer through the tumbled hair over his eyes. The gag tightened as he flexed the muscles in his jaw. They were riding, bound and gagged. He tried to flip the wind-tossed hair back away from his face, but it fell right back into his eyes. Gade turned his head trying to see if Warren rode with them, he didn‘t want to think about anything happening to his brother. A little tremor of unease slid down his spine. Where were they taking him, and why? The loss of circulation at his wrists had long since deadened any feeling in his hands. His legs had grown numb from gripping the saddle with his thighs, but he knew if he relaxed even a little, he would fall off and be dragged. The blood caked along the back of his neck, and became dried and crusty. He listened intently to the hushed voices of the two men who rode in front of him. He couldn‘t discern what they were saying, but he studied them intently, trying to stay awake long enough to figure out who they were. One was rather tall, approximately one hundred and eighty pounds, with long sandy blonde hair that hung to his collar. He wore a tan duster and dark pants. The other was short, about two hundred and fifty pounds with short black hair, wearing a brown sheep skin jacket and black pants. He didn‘t know how many others there were, but he could hear the steady plod of the hooves following behind him just before the blackness over took him again.
~*~
There was only the single street in Eden, lined with false fronted buildings; a hotel, a few saloons, a barber, a drugstore, and a dry goods store. The first thing Gade noticed was the lack of people. Eden had never boasted quality folk but even the normal lowlife, poverty stricken, criminally induced crowds were missing. The second thing he noticed was the men, all of them strangers. Four sat holding rifles across the street in front of the barbershop and approximately six roamed the building tops, armed to the teeth. Normally these men would fit right in to the drunken louts of Eden, but these men weren‘t drunk. They were stone cold sober and entirely too aware of everything. Strange, these men appeared too professional for the standard law breaking citizens of Eden. Someone yanked Gade from his horse, his legs buckled beneath him slightly. His muscles protested the impact from the earth beneath his feet. Shoved from behind, Gade tripped on the step to the boardwalk. A hand propelled him forcefully through the door into the very same saloon he‘d met Blaze in. It seemed like a lifetime since then. He caught his balance and righted himself, taking a quick glance around through his one good eye. James. He sat slumped over, across from the doorway. Blood pooled on the pine planks beneath him. It trickled in slow drops, down his chin, to land on the floor. Rage engulfed him and the savage need to kill whoever had done this to his father. Gade straightened. Why are they here? Who did this to my family? Blaze‘s words returned to him, these men are too dangerous for your family. She‘d
known this would happen. She‘d tried to warn him. He should‘ve protected them better. And her. He clenched his jaw. He‘d failed. Again. Footsteps pounded down the steps and Gade looked up. Sid. He should‘ve known. The little rat leered, twirling the shot of whiskey in one hand. A smile revealed his immense satisfaction. The feeling that had been plaguing him from the moment he arrived increased tenfold. Something was about to happen and Gade figured he wouldn‘t like it one bit. He‘d been right. The beating lasted all of ten minutes. But it was long enough Gade wondered if he‘d gone straight to hell. Gade winced. Two hands grabbed him up from the floor and dragged him to his feet. Eddie tossed him against the wall, his head cracked against James‘ elbow. His ribs hurt, he had a feeling his fingers were broken and a thousand tiny needles stabbed him in the face. His stomach heaved when he tried to sit up. It was then that he saw him. Just beyond the stairwell hidden from view of the front entrance, Warren hung from a rafter by his arms. The giant body faced away from him and the head lolled back on his neck. He appeared to be passed out.
Someone had taken a whip and laid into his back in the exact same wound again and again. Gade understood now. This wasn‘t just a couple of rustlers trying to get some extra cash, and have a little fun. This wasn‘t Sid‘s little revenge on Gade. This was Blaze‘s would-be killer. ―Are you all right?‖ His father must have woken at some point and shifted a little closer to Gade peering at some of his wounds. ―Anything broke?‖ Flexing his hands, he replied, ―I think my fingers are.‖ ―On both hands?‖ James asked. Gade tried to curl them again. Nothing. ―Yeah, I think so.‖ ―Shit we could use that gun hand of yours right now.‖ Gade raised an eyebrow, the blood seeped from a cut above his left eye and ran down the side of his face. ―What happened? Are you hurt?‖ ―Sons-of-bitches came in while we slept, and had us tied down before we could even stop counting sheep. I‘ve got a broken rib I think but I‘ll manage.‖ Gade pulled up his bound ankles, trying to ease the pressure in his stomach. ―Where is Garret?‖ James shrugged. ―I don‘t know. I haven‘t seen him since the day before you left. I hope they didn‘t kill him.‖
―They won‘t find him if he‘s still alive. How many do you think there are?‖ ―About twenty, or so. Who do you think is doing this?‖ Gade shrugged. ―I don‘t know.‖ What Gade didn‘t say was he had a feeling this was on a more personal level. Someone had a score to settle and he had a feeling they were the bait.
Twenty
Garret recounted the men. Twenty-one. Including the ten inside the saloon. Garret finished loading his shotgun, set it down and reloaded his rifle. From his vantage point on the roof of the dry goods store, he could see the comings and goings from the saloon, and the main street. The darkness didn‘t hinder his eyesight. Garret hadn‘t been a sharp shooter in the army for nothing. Light spilled from the saloon and circled the four men playing dice out front. The two at the end of the street to the north were posted on the ground in front of the barbershop. There were two to the south of the street, one sitting outside of the post office and one on the opposite side of the street leaning against the railing on the boardwalk. With odds like twenty-to-one, Garret would need to go about this carefully. One mistake and his family would pay the price. God, he hated playing the hero. He‘d always left that job up to Gade. He was better at it. Damn it. But at least, after years of chasing Sid, he had him right where he wanted him. He shoved the derringer inside the back waistband of his pants, picked up his rifle and the bag of dynamite left over from his days in the war. He nodded his head to the man lying in the corner a few feet from him, the lifeless eyes still staring at him in shock. Shoving the man‘s sixshooter into the back of his jeans, he picked up the man‘s rifle. ―Remind me to say thank you later.‖ He headed out. He had one more rooftop to cover before he could go in on foot. ~*~
The click of the boots on the boardwalk outside seemed unnaturally loud in the silence immediately followed by the whirl of a pair of large spurs. Gade noticed the men sitting inside the saloon spin toward the door. Gade stiffened. He saw the boots first, polished to a sheen that was rarely seen out here in the dusty western range. The silver spurs gleamed in the saloon‘s lantern light, every step sent them spinning. You could tell a lot by man‘s boots. This man‘s boots gave the impression of carefulness and experience. The three-piece suit was clean and pressed, made of the finest materials. The black color appeared ominous, clashing vividly with the stark white ruffled shirt. The hat, wide brimmed and dust free sat at a fashionable angle. None of those things told Gade more about the man than the pair of eagle-butt peacemakers, riding low on the man‘s hips due to a long reach. This was no ordinary gunman. Cool and calm, the apparent lack of emotion all said that he was a killer. He was the rare breed of man that enjoyed the business he was in. The obsidian eyes revealed nothing. He stopped before the bar, and with a casual snap of his fingers, the skinny man behind it immediately poured a whiskey. He moved with a grace that belied his height. That very smooth veneer drew the eye. Gade watched him sweep out the long tails of his jacket before seating himself. He sat at the rear, facing the door, with his back to the wall. A sign of gunman. His elegant manners seemed so out of place here among the rest of the hard, bug ridden, unwashed cowboys. Yet the stranger‘s very presence exuded an air of danger. That emotionless gaze took in the entire saloon in a single glance from under the brim of
his hat. Gade guessed that the man was in his mid forties or so, every line etched permanently in his face by a hard life. The intelligence in those eyes surprised Gade, although they were no less cold, and shrewd. ―I understand your name is Gade,‖ the man said. Gade suspected the man‘s Virginia drawl was as misleading as the seeming indolence of his movements. ―Yeah.‖ The man studied him for several minutes. ―I‘ve heard of you before. They say you‘ll ride to hell to get your bounty.‖ The stranger reached inside his vest pocket and casually pulled out a long cigar and a match, which he struck on the bottom of his shoe. ―Welcome to my hell, Gade. I‘m Herod Chains.‖ As he‘d suspected. Blaze was in cahoots with one of the most dangerous outlaws west of the Mississippi. Chains rose and crossed the saloon to where Warren hung. The criminal peered around to look at his brother‘s face. ―Ahh, he‘s awake. Do accept my apologies, man.‖ The stranger patted Warren on the back, making him groan. ―You‘ll have to forgive my ignorance; I thought that this big fella here,‖ he pointed to Warren with the cigar in his hand ―was you, Gade. Sebastian corrected my mistake quick enough when he arrived.‖ Jake Trask —Sebastian Trask— stood from the back of the saloon. Warren growled low in his chest and strained against the bonds holding him. ―Howdy boss,‖ Sebastian grinned and tipped his hat. ―Sorry but the money was simply too good to pass up.‖ Warren cursed. ―You slimy, two-faced...‖
Sebastian slapped Warren‘s face. ―I‘ve been hiding out for ten years on your ranch. But once Chains offered me a position back in his gang, well, your penny pinching ways jis‘ couldn‘t satisfy my...needs.‖ ―But I could.‖ Chains supplied. Sebastian grinned. ―Indeed, after you‘re dead, I‘ll be free to buy out the ranch. Thanks to the money Chains has given me for forking over the information he needed to steal the cattle. It‘s a nice little incentive to switch sides, don‘t you think?‖ The two laughed. Chains offered Sebastian a cigar and he lifted it to his nose. ―But let me jist say...I‘m right sorry about yer boy. But he‘d have had to die eventually if I was to keep the ranch. I know you Ryder boys. You won‘t give up until you have what you want. It‘s in the blood I guess.‖ Warren bucked and roared out his fury. Fresh blood seeped from the wounds on his back from his jerky movements. Sebastian bit off the tip of the cigar and lit it. ―And once we‘re done with you, Gerard will be next.‖ Sid walked up and placed a hand on Jake‘s shoulder. ―Pa won‘t know what hit him.‖ He laughed. ―He just didn‘t know what he was getting himself into when he hired on my men.‖ Gade gritted his teeth. ―And do you think Chains is just going to hand over both ranches to you two and leave without a word?‖ Sid grinned and leered. ―Absolutely, Ryder. You see I get to marry into the family.‖ Gade frowned at the retort. Now what the hell did that mean? ―Being bad has its merits.‖ Chains grinned. ―But back to the subject at hand. I can see now you‘re the one. If I had imagined any man who would attract her attention...‖ Chains took a
long draw off the expensive cigar in his hand. ―He would have been like you.‖ Chains held the cigar between two fingers. ―She admires strength and courage. You and your brother have plenty of both. But you...you have something different. She needed someone darker and more dangerous than she is. She‘s looked for it her entire life; that certain quality in a man who knows no fear. I imagine it‘s because men are so afraid of her. I see she found it,‖ Chains murmured. ―She hasn‘t known fear in many years. Did you know that?‖ He peered at Gade. ―I made sure of that. But she‘ll know it now.‖ ~*~ The set of hands tossed Blaze into the saloon. She covered her head with her hands before she came to a rolling stop. The squeaking of the double doors swinging back and forth matched the ringing in her ears. Blaze shook her head to clear it. Her vision blurred then cleared again. The pair of boots before her eyes seemed vaguely familiar. Her gaze followed the long legs to the face and the silver eyes. For one second, she remembered the day she‘d walked in here and caught those silver eyes for the first time. The intensity and heat in those eyes had captured her as thoroughly as the man himself. Gade and his family were tied up in various positions throughout the saloon. Sanchez lifted Blaze and dragged her to her feet. ―Here she is, jist like I promised, she‘s alive and kickin‘.‖ The time to stop running had come. Blaze forced herself to look, up wishing for the world that she were anywhere but here. The man she remembered so well uncrossed his legs and stood. The same obsidian eyes scrutinized her.
Chains grinned, revealing the single gold tooth. Blaze used to pretend he would pick her up and toss her into the air playfully. Or give her a kiss on the cheek. He‘d done none of those things. Her life had been full of crime. Her lessons were of shooting, bottom dealing, or riding a getaway horse. She‘d only imagined what a real family should have been like. Now she knew. And she wasn‘t going to let Chains take it from her. Blaze crossed her arms across her chest. ―Hello, father.‖
Twenty-One
The man Blaze had called father all her life shuffled forward and grasped her chin, tilting it up to examine her face. She looked a mess, Sanchez had beaten her good. ―I see that you didn‘t let him get the best of you,‖ Chains said softly to her. He glanced over her shoulder at the Mexican‘s face. Blaze had broken his nose. It was swollen so badly he could hardly see. Chains smiled. ―Sebastian was right, I did teach you too well, didn‘t I?‖ Her conversation with Sebastian repeated itself in her head, her brow creased in confusion. ―How-?‖ ―How did I know he said that? I was there, Cherie.‖ He smiled. ―You just didn‘t see me. From the moment I saw you again, I‘ve watched over you. Eager for this day. Just so I could see my little girl again.‖ He didn‘t give her time to say anything as he whirled to face Jake Trask — Sebastian as they‘d known him. ―I‘m curious Sebastian, when were you going to tell me you tried to rape my little girl?‖ Sebastian lost his smile. The other men slowly backed away from him and his eyes widened. ―I didn‘t!‖ he exclaimed. ―Now isn‘t the time to tell lies, Sebastian.‖
―But...I didn‘t- you said you‘d forgive me if I helped you get Blaze back. I did that.‖ Sebastian eased toward the door. Chains smiled. ―And I do, dear boy.‖ He loaded the rifle smoothly. ―I‘ve forgiven you.‖ ―But you said- what about the ranch you promised?‖ Sebastian stuttered. Sebastian‘s boots clumped across the planks. He didn‘t make it out the door. The smile spread across her father‘s face as he drew his gun and gunfire shattered the silence. If anyone had any reason to kill Sebastian, it‘d been her. But she‘d forgiven him long ago. Chains had killed Sebastian for the sheer joy of it. And it showed. This is why I ran away. Chains wasn‘t her father, he was cold, heartless and uncaring of any humanity. She had little doubt that given the right provocation he could kill her as easily. So far, she had been lucky but now her luck had run out. She would face her death with pride. He would never know how much he‘d hurt her. He would never know how much she‘d once cared. ~*~ The image of the small boned, blue-eyed baby returned to him, and Herod Chains couldn‘t believe how much his little girl had changed. He could still remember the sweet blue eyes and soft skin. Blaze had looked like a little angel. For many years he‘d resented the day she‘d been left to him. He‘d ordered the other whores to take care of her. He‘d never bothered to write or find out how she was. After returning
four years later, his opinion had changed. He‘d known the reason he hadn‘t sent the little tyke to an orphanage the moment he‘d walked in. Blaze had been special, destined to be more than other women. Her fierce little eyes had pinned him to the spot. The hatred poured from them and he‘d seen the strength of will the four-year-old possessed. She‘d intrigued him, entranced him with her beauty, and challenged him with her wit. And every year, he‘d grown to love her more. A father couldn‘t be more proud than he. He still remembered the first time he‘d whipped her slender, bare back. She‘d missed the shot on purpose. She‘d shown signs of rebellion against him. Like a master training a dog, she‘d needed a lesson. Without the punishments she would never have become what she is today. A woman who needed no protection from anyone, save herself. A woman who more than equaled his intelligence, his grit, and his savageness. And Herod needed her back. It was time to eliminate the competition. ~*~ The chair slid across the floor with a high pitched squeal. Chains settled his long frame in it and motioned with his hand. ―Stand him up.‖ Two hands lifted Gade and forced him to his feet. His bound hands were tied to the ceiling beam above them. His booted toes barely touched the floor and his shoulders protested the weight of his body. Chains made a motion with his hand and one of his men placed a bull whip in his hand. He unraveled it and it swirled at his feet in the dirt.
So it was his turn now. He looked at Blaze. Her eyes widened and he could see fear. She masked it quickly. There was so much still undone between them, so many things still unsaid, and now they would never have the chance to say them. In her apparent calm, she appeared to be in control, but in her eyes, he could see panic welling. She wasn‘t responsible for this. Did she realize that? He could never blame her now that he knew the truth. He understood why she hadn‘t come completely clean. She‘d known the next time she faced her father, one of them would have to die. The fear she‘d carried for this man over the years must have been overwhelming to a young girl. He gritted his teeth against anger that any child would have to face this. There were so many regrets now, he wanted so much to relive the past few months and change all of the suspicions to trust. He wanted only to hold her one last time and let her know that her life wasn‘t worthless. She was special and she didn‘t even know it. The sad thing was she would probably finish out her life now without ever knowing just how much he‘d come to love her. He loved her. More than anything else in this world and for the first time in his life he was free from his past to fall in love and let someone love him in return. His chest ached and grief settled heavily inside him. ―I apologize for being the one to have to do this but you see Blaze will never come with me willingly as long as you‘re in the picture,‖ Chains said. ―And I refuse to share.‖ The outlaw lifted the whip. ―So this is to insure that her little rebellion ends now. I used
to whip her with a smaller whip of course, I didn‘t want to maim her, just teach her a lesson. But that will no longer work, she doesn‘t care what happens to her anymore.‖ Chains straightened to his full height dragging the whip behind him. ―But she does care about you.‖ He gave his back to Gade. ―Don‘t you, my dear?‖ Chains caressed Blaze‘s face but she jerked away. ―You see when your mother first died I was left with a whining girl I didn‘t want. She was a beautiful child, just like her mother. She was my child, young enough that I could mold her into anything I pleased.‖ Chains stepped out of the way allowing Gade to see the woman he spoke of. ―I created the perfect woman. As beautiful as she is, it is her mind that makes her so unique. Beauty and brains, she made the perfect secret weapon. Men were so taken in by her sweet looks they never even saw the danger until it was too late. It was beautiful, the perfect set-up, and she was without a doubt the perfect villain.‖ Chains gripped her chin. ―Don‘t let the innocent face fool you, boy, this woman was once as cruel and as conscienceless as I.‖ Blaze yanked from his grasp. His large fingers left finger-sized prints on her face. ―Weren‘t you my dear?‖ He laughed. ―Ruthless she was, and angry. Angry at the world, at me, and she took it out on everyone. I made thousands off her. Send her into the bank with a sweet smile, she would return with a bag of money and blood on her pretty dress. So you can see now why she is so important to my campaign?‖ Those coal black eyes hardened. ―It is the exact reason why I have spent the last decade!‖
He grasped her chin to yell into her face. ―Searching for her and paying out hundreds in cash to any no-good looser who claimed they could catch her.‖ Blaze didn‘t even blink. ―You should‘ve known those imbeciles couldn‘t get the job done.‖ ―Yes, I should have.‖ He nodded in agreement and let go. ―So, you can imagine my surprise when she walked right into my hands this spring. I took the job from Drew rustling cattle. It didn‘t pay much, just a little extra cash for me and my boys. Not to mention a good time.‖ A soft murmur of agreement and chuckles ran rampant through the room. ―And oh, what a sight you were after six years,‖ Chains‘ whispered. ―You‘ve grown even more beautiful than your mother. I hadn‘t thought any woman could be more beautiful than Vivienne, Blaze, but you‘ve proven me wrong. Although, you‘ve cost me a bundle. Too bad that shot this summer didn‘t hit me instead?‖ Her brow creased. ―Wh- that was you? Out on the range?‖ Comprehension spread across her features. ―You‘re the one who shot me.‖ ―Oh yes, I‘d followed you all day long.‖ ―You could‘ve killed me but you didn‘t.‖ Her eyes narrowed. ―Why?‖ ―I didn‘t want you dead, my love, just wounded so you couldn‘t flee again. I couldn‘t afford any more trackers to follow you.‖ The well-manicured hand snaked out to seize her chin once again. ―Did you get my message, my dear?‖ Chains asked. ―Did they let you see it? I had to let you know that I was in town.‖
He gave a wicked laugh and it turned Gade‘s blood cold. He realized suddenly what message he spoke of. Cal‘s dead body. It was the one thing that chains knew she would recognize. He had killed Cal in the same way he‘d killed Blaze‘s mother and he‘d done it simply to let her know he‘d found her. Chains crossed his arms. ―I can see she didn‘t see it.‖ He shrugged. ―Too bad, I would‘ve loved to see her face when she did. You played the gentleman, Ryder, but we all know what you are. A bounty hunter and a half breed at that. Killing...it‘s in your blood, dear boy. Just like it‘s in ours. The only difference between you and us is the law sanctions you.‖ ―He‘s nothing like you, Chains.‖ Blaze maneuvered herself closer to Sebastian‘s dead body. Gade wondered what she might be up to. ―He has something you don‘t have.‖ ―Oh really?‖ ―You see he has a conscience. He only kills people like you, who deserve it.‖ ―I told you once before, having a conscience makes you weak.‖ The whip flew across the distance and snapped against Gade‘s flesh, tearing through the cotton shirt he wore. Gade gasped. Pain ricocheted and burned across his skin. Blaze made the mistake of making a sound. Gade gritted his teeth to keep from reassuring her. A single line of blood appeared and trickled down Gade‘s chest. Chains laughed. ―You show your weakness, Blaze. Didn‘t I teach you better than that?‖ He raised his hand again to strike. Blaze seized Sebastian‘s gun from its holster and fired. The bullet sliced the whip in two and the end flittered to the floor harmless.
Blaze slowly straightened. The gun squarely aimed at Chains. ―As a matter of fact you did.‖ Chains laughed delightedly. ―I must say, you far surpassed even my expectations. You see what I mean, Ryder, she honed and perfected the skills I taught her until there is no equal. I must say I feel an enormous sense of pride and possession for her.‖ He dropped the whip. The sound of multiple guns cocking sounded in the silence. ―And I will not share.‖ Gade‘s heart raced and he struggled against the bonds trying to loosen them. Do not play the martyr, Blaze. There were at least six different guns trained on her. He wanted to scream into the air at the helplessness. ―Then you‘ll just have to kill me. But their guns won‘t save you...‖ No! Damn you, Blaze! Gade yanked on rope, his muscles strained, and his shoulders throbbed from the weight of his body. But he couldn‘t get free. Chains laughed. ―We‘re at an impasse then. If I can‘t have you, no one can.‖ An explosion rocked the building. The wagon just outside the front door splintered into a thousand pieces, the wheel blew through the front window shattering the glass. Everyone inside ducked. Fire leapt from the debris and shouts sliced through the air. Fragments from the blast pierced his back and singed his skin. Luckily, he‘d been faced away from the door. The succession of shots rang out and tore through the air from two
directions. Gade fell, hitting the floor with a dull thud. The rope binding his wrists to the beam overhead tumbled to the floor next to his foot like the limp body of a rattler. Blaze had shot him down and simultaneously Garret dove through the double doors, the shotgun blast took out the largest man in the corner. Blaze scrambled over to him, tipped a table up for cover and fired off several blasts to cover Garret. James took the opportunity to tackle one of the men aiming a pistol at Gade. With his arms tied as they were behind his back, he was vulnerable. The man threw a fist in his face and James fell to the floor defenseless. Gade leapt in motion but another shot caught the man square in the chest. The rustler fell to his knees, his eyes wide before he tumbled to the floor. Garret ducked behind the bar, dragging the unconscious James with him. The top of the table shattered. Its fractured pieces littered the floor. Gade ducked down behind it and struggled to loosen the ropes. He couldn‘t get free. Garret leaned around the side of the bar and fired off the shotgun. He slid a knife across the floor. Gade seized the weapon and immediately made short work of the rope as pain shot through his fingers. His middle finger and thumb were broken. Blaze handed him one of her guns. ―Chains is heading for the back door. Cover me. I have to stop him this time.‖ She leapt across the space behind another overturned table before he could say a word. ―Blaze!‖ he shouted. Damn her! And damn his broken fingers! Fire sparked inside the saloon, caught one of the table clothes and raged into life. It spread quickly. Many of Chains‘ men were making their way out of the building.
A shot whizzed past his ear and he crawled across the space to follow Blaze. His heart pounded. He couldn‘t afford a mistake this time.
Twenty-Two Flames licked up the walls and smoke billowed in the air as Blaze made her way toward the back door. The fire sizzled and hissed. An orange glow painted the paneled walls and deep shadows tinted the room. Where had Chains gone? She coughed. Every hair prickled and stood on end on the back of her neck. Fear slithered its way down her spine and the air crackled with awareness. He was here. Somewhere. Chains burst through the smoke and tackled her to the ground. She screamed, dropping her weapon. Her heart stalled and then hammered inside her chest. They tumbled across the floor and his hand snaked around her neck, closing off her windpipe. Blaze clawed at his arm but she didn‘t have the upper body strength. His fingers squeezed until she grew dizzy. Darkness closed in until the only thing she saw was the dark obsidian eyes that held a hint of insanity. She wrestled against him, attempted to ease out from under him but he held firm. I’m going to die. ―The student has yet to become the master, my dear,‖ he said and lapsed into a fit of coughing which loosened his hold just enough. Blaze slammed her elbow into the bend of his arm causing it to collapse. His weight fell on her but she used her legs to flip them over. ―Don‘t be so certain of that.‖
She drew his gun but he snatched it from her. She bounded for it, knocking it from his hand. The weapon slid across the planks toward the back door. She hurdled over his body but he clutched her leg, pulling her back. ―No!‖ Her fingers clasped only air, and she kicked at the hands around her ankle. He dragged her across the floor and a sound of hopelessness escaped from her. ―No!‖ Chains was lifted from her so suddenly, she blinked. Gade tossed him across the room by the scruff of his shirt. He fell against the wall and his clothes caught fire. The flames licked over his body and Chains howled in pain. Blaze reached for the gun and lumbered to her feet just as Chains dove toward her. Seconds before his arms enclosed her, she fired. The deafening shot reverberated and the seconds seemed to slow to a standstill. Chains collapsed to his knees, crimson marking the place where his heart should have been. Dark, obsidian eyes widened in surprise before a smirk appeared. ―You‘ll never be free of me, Blaze. A killer to the end...‖ He plunged face down across the timbered floor and Blaze stood numb. She peered down at the gun still in her hand. Both of her hands trembled and she took a deep breath. The gun landed with a loud thud. ―Don‘t be so sure of that, father.‖ Someone called her name and something caught her attention in her peripheral vision. Sid leaned around the doorway pointing a colt open topped revolver. He fired and the impact hurled her to the ground, her head snapped against the floor. Gade‘s face entered her vision. ―Are you all right?‖
She numbly nodded. What the hell had just happened? It registered that Gade had reached her just as the shot rang out. The two had fallen to the floor in a tangle of limbs. Blaze reached up searching for a wound. And then looked to Gade. Neither had been hit. They turned at the same time to discover they hadn‘t been shot because James had stepped in front of the bullet. The color drained from Gade‘s face and she gasped. James lay on the floor beside them, blood pooling on the wooden planks under him. Gade scurried to his father to apply pressure to the wound. ―Oh, God,‖ Gade whispered. Gade secured the wound and then tossed James over one shoulder. Blaze clamored to her feet, following close behind as they made their way to the door. ―Get the hell out of here, Blaze!‖ Acrid smoke burned her nostrils and eyes until they watered. She blinked. Garret was feverously trying to cut down Warren from where he was tied to the rafter. Blaze started forward to help but Garret had him up and over his shoulder heading for the door. Sweat trickled down her back, and she stumbled to the door behind them. Gade disappeared outside and she grew dizzy. One of her hands reached out to steady herself and heat washed over her, scalding her face. Alone now, she stumbled. With nothing to hold on to, she swayed dangerously to the left. ―Get out of here! The roof is about to go.‖ Gade! He‘d come back for her. Relief plunged through her and escaped in a sigh. Just before he reached her, a weight dropped across her shoulders. She screamed as she crumbled beneath the heavy mass. Blaze struggled under the huge beam pinning her and attempted to push
it off. It didn‘t budge. Her limbs trembled and she closed her eyes. She would die here without ever having the chance to tell Gade she loved him. Gade skidded to a halt before her and tried to lift the heavy beam. Pain skittered down her spine and up her neck from the pressure. Heat scalded her face and hands, and tears flooded her eyes. She coughed and her vision blurred. She wasn‘t ready to die. She found herself praying for the first time in her life. Please don’t let me die here like this. The rafter was too heavy and she was weak from the knock on the back of her head. Gade got on all fours and entered her vision, his face directly in front of hers. ―Look at me, Blaze. I‘m going to get you out of here but I need you coherent.‖ She tried to nod but blackness closed in on her. ―Blaze! Stay awake!‖ ―Gade.‖ She coughed. ―Get out of here!‖ He shook his head. ―No way am I leaving you.‖ He shoved and strained to lift the plank. She shook her head, trying to clear the dizziness from her vision. ―No! Please.‖ Sweat dropped from his forehead to land on the back of her hand. He struggled and heaved against the girder. It moved just enough for him to get a better grip and he hefted it. ―I‘m not leaving without you!‖ Flames licked the opposite end of the beam and spread closer to her. The beam slipped from his grasp and crushed her back against the floor.
She cried out. Pain wrenched her shoulders and shock set in. I’m going to die here. ―Damn it!‖ ―Get out of here Gade!‖ she yelled. ―Please! Go!‖ ―No!‖ He strained and grunted. Heat blistered her feet. The fire would soon consume the entire building. ―Gade leave.‖ She sobbed. ―Oh God, please leave! I love you. I don‘t want to watch you die saving me.‖ ―You won‘t have to.‖ They both whipped around to see Garret and Warren entering the door. Warren leaned heavily on Garret‘s shoulder. Garret shrugged. ―He wouldn‘t leave until I came back for you both.‖ Gade paused for a brief moment. Then the three of them grasped the wood and hauled it up. Air rushed into her lungs, and she scrambled out from under it. Pain screamed through her body. The beam landed with a loud clunk as Gade rushed to aid her to her feet. He swept her into his arms and relief washed over her. Safe. I’m safe now. She leaned against his chest to listen to the pounding of his heart and closed her eyes. They broke through the haze of smoke and clean air filled her lungs. He lowered her gently to the ground once they were outside and kissed her forehead. She smiled but his eyes strayed to his father‘s prone form lying next to her. The smile faded from her lips. He‘d lost so much because of her. A nephew and now his father. An ache settled in her chest and thumped out a reminder of her failure with each beat.
Gade kneeled beside his father and her gaze shot back toward the saloon. Her father was still inside. There was no sadness, only acceptance. She had known for a long time that eventually one of them would have to end this way. For so long she had assumed it would be her that died, and now that it wasn‘t, relief filled her, along with regret. He was her father. Shouldn‘t she at least shed a tear for him? A huge piece of her life was gone and an acute sense of loss assaulted her. But she couldn‘t conjure any real regret for Chains. Relief. But no real sadness. She scooted to James‘ other side and peered down at his familiar face. Gade held his hand and her heart ripped out of her chest. She brushed a lock of dark hair from James‘ forehead and took his large hand in her own as the strength left it. The grip slackened as he passed on into the afterlife. She wept for the father she‘d lost and the one she‘d almost had. ~*~ Blaze hadn‘t seen Gade since yesterday. Things were different now between them, and guilt plagued her. James‘ death had nearly crushed him. She had no idea where he‘d slept last night since he hadn‘t come back to the main house. She hadn‘t slept a bit, replaying the day‘s events over and over in her mind. Remembering the way Gade had been very silent and reserved when they‘d returned to the ranch. He had made no move to touch her. She wished she‘d never agreed to allow James to help her. Then none of this would have happened. Gade was grieving so hard and alone for the father he had loved all his life but had been too afraid to show it. She had seen Garret this morning when she awoke and he too had been silent. He was
reserved and barely glanced at her. She made her way through the kitchen, running a hand over wood counters. ―I didn‘t do it for you.‖ Warren‘s voice came from the doorway, he leaned a shoulder on the frame. ―I know.‖ He frowned. ―I did it-‖ He paused. ―I-‖ ―I know why, Warren.‖ She smiled. She couldn‘t watch him struggle with his emotions anymore. There was an odd silence. The silver of his eyes, so much like Gade‘s, studied her, a heavy ache settled in her chest. She couldn‘t stay here and witness the anguish she‘d caused this family. ―I don‘t know why,‖ Warren started and stopped. ―But he loves you.‖ She smiled sadly. ―James was a good man and I loved him very much.‖ ―I meant Gade.‖ Her head jerked up, eyes wide. ―I don‘t think...‖ ―For whatever reason, Gade does love you.‖ Warren coughed. ―There‘s something else I wanted to tell you...‖ He broke off and glanced away. ―Trust is hard to come by, I know that better than most. And after experiencing what Chains did to you...I don‘t blame you for Luke‘s death. You were running from a past you were afraid of. I would‘ve done the same.‖ Her breath released in a whoosh as relief cascaded over her. Tears burned her eyes and her chest ached as the memory of Luke assailed her.
Blaze stared at Warren, and could see the change in him. He no longer seemed so angry at the world. He looked withdrawn, tired, beaten. Regret choked her and she wished things were different for them all. Warren needed some kind of happiness. Would he ever find it now? ―Gade hasn‘t had it easy, none of us have,‖ he said. ―At least one of us has a chance to be happy.‖ This was the first time he‘d spoken to her since she had arrived here six months before, and the impact of those words hit her like a full grown bull. He turned and walked out. Warren might not like her, but he gave them his blessing. But it was too late. The damage was done and could never be undone. There would never be a future for her with Gade. She packed her things. The funerals, both James‘ and Luke‘s, would be at noon today. Someone had already buried what was left of Chains‘ body, without a ceremony. She had been compelled to find the gravesite this morning. It had smelled of freshly turned soil and grass. There wasn‘t even a marker over it. The single white rose she‘d laid over his grave had represented regret and peace. Maybe now he wasn‘t consumed with overwhelming greed anymore. The single tear fell unnoticed down her cheek, and she left him there, along with her past. For the first time in her life, she was free. She stopped by the saloon on her way out of town, it was being cleaned up. Morning sunlight twinkled off some of the fractured mirror pieces scattered within black ashes. The sheriff had arrested six of the twenty men in Chains‘ gang, three had gotten away and the rest were being buried tomorrow afternoon. Some of them would have no one to visit their sites, and
some of them would have no names on the markers. Sid had disappeared. He would be on the run now. A wanted man. He would learn as she had that life on the run wasn‘t a life at all. She stepped close to the charred remains of the saloon and the first memory of Gade‘s face returned full force to her. She remembered the feeling he had evoked in her. She smiled tremulously. Would she ever feel that way again? Blaze stepped gingerly through the debris, the broken wood and glass crunched beneath her boots. Her hand ran across the charred bar, which surprisingly still stood. She‘d spent most of her life running from Chains. Now she wasn‘t sure what to do with herself. She‘d never learned anything about herself. What are my dreams? Do I even have any? She knew what she secretly wished for. A life with Gade. Children. His children. There was too much pain here, in this town, in that house, and especially in their hearts. Would the Ryder boys ever be able to get past this? ―You don‘t mind do you?‖ Blaze swung around at the sound of the voice. Her eyes devoured Gade, hardly able to believe he stood there. She was unsure of what to say. ―No, not at all.‖ What was he doing here instead of at the funeral? He would miss it, if he didn‘t leave now. ―Gade, look you don‘t have to say anything...I mean I understand.‖ Gade interrupted her. ―You never did tell me your name?‖ he reminded her. She winced. ―Blaze Marie Austin. I dropped my father‘s last name and took my mother‘s.‖
A slow smile spread across his face. ―Nice to finally meet you, Blaze.‖ She laughed softly. His gaze grew serious. ―I have so much to say to you.‖ ―You don‘t have to. Look, you need to go to the funeral.‖ ―I will,‖ he agreed and reached for her hand. ―But I have to do something else first.‖ His warm palm enveloped her hand and squeezed. Her heart clenched. ―Gade, please don‘t make this any harder than it already is. It would never work between us, you would end up hating me, and I couldn‘t take that. I can take a lot of things but not that.‖ ―Is that what you think, Blaze? I could never hate you, I knew it from the start but it didn‘t stop me from trying. I have so much to thank you for. You brought me and my family close again, and you forced us to open our eyes to reality. We won‘t live forever. My only regret is all those wasted years that I could have spent with my father and how we could have helped to heal each other after my mother‘s death, but we didn‘t. I was too blinded to see that I didn‘t have to blame anyone for it. I have one too many regrets in my life and I won‘t let you become another one. I love you, Blaze, and I have from the moment I met you. Be my wife.‖ Blaze‘s eyes swung to him. Joy leapt into her eyes just before it was dashed. ―Please, don‘t say that.‖ ―Why not? It‘s what I feel.‖ ―No, you don‘t. It would never work, there is too much pain in that house, and I‘m the cause of it. You will end up hating me and so will your brothers.‖
―Well, they aren‘t asking you to marry them, I am.‖ She laughed at that. ―We won‘t have to live in that house, anyway. I‘ve enough money thanks to Ja-‖ He paused. ―My stubborn father, we can build one ourselves. I can‘t live without you Blaze. I need you in my life.‖ He reached out to caress her cheek and then her hair. ―Besides you still owe me for saving your pretty neck that day. So I figure you can marry me and we‘ll just call it even.‖ She threw herself into his arms and he wrapped her up in his warm embrace, his lips claiming hers in a possessive kiss. He drew her closer, deepening the kiss. She was safe now. ―Owe you my ass.‖ He chuckled. ―Yeah, I was thinking along those same lines.‖ She laughed against his lips and his hand wiped at the tears coursing down her face. ―Yes,‖ she whispered. ―Oh, yes Gade, you really are a hero. My hero. My angel.‖ She kissed him amongst the black, burnt remains of the saloon just as the first rays of the sun broke through the gathering clouds and rained its ray of light over them, reflecting in the tiny shards of mirror and glass across the ground. The multitude of light sparkled across the particles like a thousand tiny candles. Whatever else she didn‘t know about herself, she would learn it with Gade by her side. Gade might think of her as the Devil‘s daughter but she was about to become her Angel‘s wife.
Epilogue
The only thing left was the burnt skeletal remains of his mother‘s house. It‘d been five years since it burned to the ground. The yellow wings of the butterfly twitched as it sat delicately on the blackened ruins, before it took flight on the soft breeze. Gade knelt down. His hand rummaged through the ashes, the blackened dust of his past covering his hands. He still missed her. Memories still assailed him constantly but the pain had dulled now. And his vision had cleared. He no longer saw her lying on the floor in his bloodied arms. His mother now rested in peace and so did he. He stood and his gaze rose behind the ruins of his mother‘s house, to the one behind it. The house stood tall, two stories, made of wood, with simple lines. A small porch and black shutters topped off the exterior. But it wasn‘t the house that replaced the memories of his mother‘s home. It was what was inside. He made his way to his horse, pausing to place the small bouquet of flowers between the two graves, now together. He smiled and imagined his father happy now too. The stones read simply: Together in death. Gade wiped the corner of his eyes with one arm and got to his feet. Laughter caught his attention and he turned.
Blaze stood on the front porch in the sun. The rays set the flames in her hair alive. The blue cotten dress fluttered in the wind. She was barefoot, as always. She was beautiful, as always. His long strides took him to her and she stepped off the porch and into his arms. ―I‘ve missed you. I didn‘t think you‘d ever get home.‖ He wrapped his arms around her. ―Now, why would you think that when I‘ve thought of nothing else.‖ She laughed. ―Liar.‖ If only he were. She still couldn‘t fathom how much he cared for her, how much she‘d changed him. She would probably never know. He squeezed her tighter. ―Oh.‖ She put her hands to her belly. ―Gade, he moved!‖ Gade laughed. ―Of course he did, he knows daddy‘s home.‖ ―Daddy!‖ The shout came from inside the house. ―Daddy‘s home.‖ Gade bent and kissed the top of Blaze‘s belly, before moving up the steps. The door crashed open and two dark heads ran through it. ―Daddy!‖ The two children squealed in delight and he lifted them, one in each arm. He kissed the top of each dark head and smiled down into a pair of lovely midnight eyes. The dark lashes lowered. ―Daddy, I missed you.‖ The little girl laid her dark head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
―How‘s my sweet little girl?‖ The snort came from behind him. ―Ha, the little she devil is in all kinds of trouble, do you know she shot out Mr. Handly‘s store window with a rock?‖ Gade laughed. ―That‘s my Raven. Good girl.‖ ―Oh, you would praise her.‖ Blaze stepped in front of him and took Raven from his arms. ―Go get washed up its time to eat. We wouldn‘t want to ruin the wonderful meal Mary fixed for us.‖ ―Aww, do I have to?‖ the tiny voice complained. ―Go. Do as your mommy says.‖ Gade laughed as the little girl with the dark hair and blue eyes stomped back into the house, making sure to slam the door as loud as she could. ―Daddy, I was good.‖ Gade set the boy on his feet and knelt beside him. ―Oh, I‘m sure you were. Did you do your schoolwork while I was gone?‖ The dark head nodded. Gade smiled and rubbed a hand on the unruly locks. ―Good.‖ The smile had a few teeth missing but brightened Gade‘s whole day. ―Does that mean you‘re gonna teach me to use the rifle, now?‖ ―No, he‘s not.‖ Blaze grabbed up the tiny hand and led the four-year-old to the door. ―Go in and wash up.‖ ―But I did everything I was supposed to Mommy. D-daddy promised he would teach me when he got back.‖
Blaze sighed. Tossing a harsh glare over her shoulder, she took the little face between her hands. ―I know you did, baby. You did so well on your tests. I‘m so proud of you. But you‘re just not old enough yet.‖ The tears came in earnest now, but there wasn‘t any sobbing. ―B-but you promised.‖ Gade swept by Blaze and scooped the child into his arms. ―And so I did, James.‖ He smiled and wiped the tears from the dirty smudged cheeks. ―And so I will.‖ Gade set the four-year-old on his feet and opened the door. ―Now go and get washed up.‖ ―Yes, sir.‖ After James disappeared into the house he faced Blaze. Her arms were crossed across her chest and a foot tapped against the floor. ―Just what do you think you‘re doing, Gade Ryder?‖ She poked a finger into his chest. He laughed. ―I‘m teaching my son how to shoot.‖ Her eyes narrowed. ―Over your dead body. You forgot one thing, I can still out shoot you and I‘m giving you five minutes to change your mind.‖ He laughed and followed her into the house. ―What?‖ She whipped around. ―I‘m gonna shoot you if you don‘t march yourself up there and tell that boy you‘ve changed your mind.‖ He scooped her up. ―Am I gonna have to tie you up again?‖ He carried her up the stairs to the bedroom. ―It‘s a good thing you‘re already pregnant, little lady, because I‘m about to practice making another one.‖
She laughed as he kicked the door shut behind them. ―Dinner is on the stove and I promised Mary I would help her finish cooking! Gade, let me down!‖ ―Never! Hell, we can just burn this house down too, because I‘m not letting you go. We seem to be real good at it anyway.‖ He laid her on the bed and climbed over top of her, nuzzling her neck. She sighed and wrapped her arms around him. ―What? Making babies or burning down houses?‖ He laughed. ―Both!‖
About the Author
Suzie Grant remembers sitting at her grandfather's feet watching cowboy shows like Gunsmoke, Lonesome Dove and Bonanza. Her love of the Wild West started by the age of four and has grown ever since. Cowboys, wide open spaces, the freedom of the west and family are what draw her to this genre. That and the fact that when a cowboy falls in love - it's for life. Suzie still believes in the happily ever after and currently resides in North Carolina with her own real life hero, three children, and one Shih-tzu named Peppy Le'Pew. Take a journey with her into the lives of a dying breed of man and the unforgotten way of life called the Wild West. Suzie Grant loves to hear from her readers. Feel free to contact her at
[email protected] or on twitter Suzie Grant. Visit www.suziegrantauthor.blogspot.com for more information.
Coming Soon! The Devil’s Defiance book two in the Devil Ryder Series coming in the fall of 2011 New York City Lawyer Garret Ryder takes the law into his own hands when a vicious killer gets away with murdering his family. Nothing will stop him from delivering the justice denied him by the law he vowed to uphold. But when the killer kidnaps a judge‘s daughter, his childhood sweetheart, he must decide if any price is too high to exact revenge. San Antonio socialite Sophia Maria Osbourne doesn‘t trust easily. With a dirty politician and a blackmailing judge for a father, she learned not to rely on anyone but herself. But when her father‘s shady dealings lead to her kidnapping, she must place her faith in the man who broke her heart, if she hopes to survive. © Suzie Grant
The American Dynasty Series Coming in 2012 Family, Ideals, Love and Money When four daughters of a Texas rancher take on the west conquering four men and the dynasties that built the American dream, will love conquer all, even greed? One man‘s revenge becomes one woman‘s salvation. Rio Ramirez accepted the job to find a gang of rustlers for one reason, revenge against the man who‘d killed his family. When he runs into the boss‘s daughter at her bath he‘s entranced and his investigation exposes her scheme to steal her own father‘s cattle. Dark family secretes are revealed and a suspicious murder forces him to make a choice. Un-heroic, Rio‘s always lived selfishly, now he must choose the revenge he‘s longed for or save the life of the woman who‘s managed to bring out the hero he‘d long thought buried. Georgia Devlin has lived her life trying to prove herself to her dying father. When he remarries a woman who only wants to sell her beloved ranch, George concocts a plan to steal the cattle in order to buy the ranch back. Only her plan backfires when her stepmother hires a ranch detective. She struggles to guard her secretes from the handsome stranger but fails to guard her heart. Now she must choose to trust in the Detective to save her from her own good intentions. © Suzie Grant
Other Night Shift Authors
When the Past Comes Knocking by Laurel Bennet What's a woman to do when the past comes knocking, beating a fierce rhythm on the very walls of her new-found life? Beating hard enough to shake the very foundation of her life, not to mention her daughter's? Louise Smith is perfectly content in her mundane little world. She's built a family for herself, insinuating herself into the very wealthy household of Margaret Wester, a famous horse breeder with as much money as she has sense. It was one of Lou's luckiest days when Mrs. Wester's workers found Lou on the side of the road with nothing more than a black canvas bag thrown over her shoulder. The bag holds a secret, one Lou will be forced to face, or die trying. Broden James Wester, III hasn't been back to the family farm or fold for twelve years. He's a successful surgeon who is much too busy for family. But when Lou calls him home to attend his dying mother, his family is not the only thing he's forced to attend. At the same time Brody's past comes knocking and draws him home, Lou's past comes hurtling at her with the speed of a hundred horses. Can she safely straddle both words, while dealing with the dashing surgeon who doesn't want to be on the farm? ~*~ A Scandalous Secret by Ava Stone Chester Peyton, the Marquess of Astwick, has never forgotten his first love. Nor has he ever gotten over her. But now thirteen years later, time has come for him to finally settle down and do his duty as far as both his title and his dragon of a mother are concerned. Everything would be so much easier if Chet‘s heart didn‘t still belong to the enchanting Scot he gave it to once upon a time. After following her late-husband‘s regiment from one end of the continent to the other, Lady Hannah Campbell returns to London a very different woman than the naïve lass she once was. With her two sons in tow, she now has to navigate the waters of the ton, which seem more foreign than the lands she has traversed the last dozen years. And all the while, she has to keep hidden the scandalous secret that made her flee England so very ago.