Книга - The Texas Ranger’s Heiress Wife
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The Texas Ranger's Heiress Wife
Kate Welsh
Pampered society princess Helena Conwell has built a successful ranch from a ruined wreck, but now hostile raiders are hungry for her land. Only one man can protect herBrendan Kane, the wild Texas Ranger she married at gunpoint.After three years away, Brendan vows to defend the ranch and claim back his wife. Irish-born and darkly irresistible, he still has the power to quicken Helenas heart with his emerald-green gaze.But, each as fiercely proud as the other, can they admit to still being in love?
Brendan, either you learn to respect my position here and do it quickly or you can sleep in that rocky no-mans-land canyon and not my comfortable bunkhouse. Is that clear?
Brendan grinned.
I asked you a question. Im waiting for an answer. And what are you grinning about, you fool?
He took a step towards her, then another. She saw the intent in his hot gaze. He meant to kiss her. Hed always crossed from anger to arousal so easily, ending quarrels before their conclusionone of them winning by default.
Now, before she could decide what she wanted, lightning-quick his mouth was on hers. She tried to resist the leather and lime smell of him.
But the battle was lost before it began.
AUTHOR NOTE
I hope you enjoy reading about Brendan and Helenas reconciliation and glimpsing their past as well as the rich history of the Old West. After all, theyve been with us from the beginning in QUESTIONS OF HONOUR already fighting like cat and dog and secretly heartbroken over the loss of the other. The danger to them and to their hearts sparked all the full-length books. What great catalysts they were! I couldnt wait any longer to write their story, although it took a while to create the perfect setting.
The kind of land-grabbing scheme depicted in THE TEXAS RANGERS HEIRESS WIFE is typical of stories told and retold from Americas westward growthas is the work of the Texas Rangers. Whether truth or myth, these stories have become part of the lore of the West.
Hopefully Ive lived up to our exciting history.
As a child, KATE WELSH often lost herself in creating make-believe worlds and happily-ever-after tales. Many years later she turned back to creating happy endings when her husband challenged her to write down the stories in her head. A lover of all things romantic, Kate has been writing romance for over twenty years now. Kate loves hearing from readers, who can reach her on the internet at kate_welsh@verizon.net
Previous novels by the same author:
QUESTIONS OF HONOUR
HIS CALIFORNIAN COUNTESS* (#ulink_a6a1fa53-9c34-54af-8bb5-f038e2fadb2a)
A TEXANS HONOUR* (#ulink_a6a1fa53-9c34-54af-8bb5-f038e2fadb2a)
THE BRIDE WORE BRITCHES
(part of Weddings Under a Western Sky anthology)
* (#ulink_e9922907-2568-5684-af40-f7ffc6ae2454)Linked by character
Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
The
Texas Rangers
Heiress Wife
Kate Welsh
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
To all my readers.
Thanks so much for all your support.
Contents
Prologue (#uc99c7a22-991b-53f5-aa44-e372c599fd50)
Chapter One (#u9b78a7f9-c3a3-5a10-84b4-1c737db7a653)
Chapter Two (#ua3dd41bf-866c-5ee0-9d8e-a56cce9461f7)
Chapter Three (#u5da2d7c1-1f80-5a7a-9107-8d05a964b0a3)
Chapter Four (#uc79772b9-3cba-53ae-8959-cd15ed8e2b26)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)
Prologue
Cautiously, Brendan Kane approached the church, keeping his sister, Abby, behind him. It was soon apparent no one hid in the dark shadows around the building. Once this meeting was over, hed be on the night train, headed west toward his dream and away from a hangmans noose. Had he known Helenas damned guardian was trying and succeeding in framing him for murder, hed have left long ago. Then hed have been away from the torture of watching Helena from afar, knowing she was to marry Joshua Wheaton.
Brendan and Abby crept to the church doors and slipped inside. Odd, he thought. More candles glowed than the little church used for benediction.
In the candlelight, he saw her. His Helena. He loved her so much hed rejected her, for her own good and his own peace of mind. Brendan hissed a word that shouldnt be spoken in a church. Helena Conwell was an American princess. In the eyes of her world he was nothing but Irish-born scum, a dirt-poor coal miner and now an outlaw to boot.
Dear God. How many nights had he closed his eyes and pictured her in this church exactly as she waswearing a beautiful white gown? Now, though, she was really there, standing near the altar talking to Father Rafferty. She turned and put her hand on the old priests arm, then walked up the aisle toward him and Abby.
What are you doing here? Brendan growled.
Hurt entered those bluer-than-blue eyes he so loved. Im sorry you arent glad to see me. I suppose that makes this all the more necessary, she said, as she pulled a pistol from the folds of her elegant dress and leveled it at him.
Is this all an elaborate trick to snare Brendan in your guardians trap? Abby demanded. I trusted both you and Joshua with my brothers life.
Helena smiled up at Brendan, not sparing Abby a glance. Oh, no. Its my snare to catch myself a husband. Father Rafferty agreed to marry us, darling, and time is wasting. Im sorry it has to be this way. I know its because of me theyve gone after you, and Im sorry. Franklin Gowery was never meant to know about us, but he does and so here we are.
Your guardian is a bit of a poor loser, isnt he? Brendan grinned. It was a grin he used often to infuriate adversaries and throw them off their stride. It worked a bit too well this time, for Helena looked as if she wanted to slap it off his face. Ya wont shoot me, lovey, he told her, living dangerously as always when backed against a wall. Tonight seemed to be ripe for that.
Helena didnt rise to his bait, though. No, I probably wouldnt. She swung the gun left. Toward Abby. But I mightjust mightshoot your sister, she said in the most scarily calm tone hed ever heard.
He drew in a sharp breath. Had it all been too much for her? Had his rejection, compounded by her guardians insistence she marry Joshua, Brendans childhood friend, caused her mind to surrender to the strain? Have ya lost your mind? Brendan asked. Hed meant to sound demanding, hoping to snap her out of her reckless behavior, but even he heard concern leak into his tone. Question was, had Helena heard it?
He glanced at Ab. She stared at him, her eyes sparkling with delight and not worry as Helena held the gun steadily on her. Shed clearly seen his worry and his love for Helena. I do believe she means it, Bren, Abby said.
Father Rafferty wont marry us this way, Brendan stated, trying to interject some sense into the conversation.
Actually, after I explained how youd trifled with me, then rejected me, he was happy to agree. Its his gun.
Abby coughed, but only to cover a laugh. Then her eyes flashed with temper when she realized Helena spoke the truth. After what happened to me, you did the same thing to Miss Conwell?
This was different. I only broke it off because shes an heiress.
Abby glared.
I lost my head? Brendan added.
Id say Miss Conwell lost something a bit less metaphoric. Her virginity, his sister declared. Wed best get on with this ceremony. Youll be losing one form of freedom this night, brother mine, or so help me Ill geld you myself. And Ill be holding that pistol. Now that youll be my sister, Ill be looking after your interests, Miss Conwell. A bride shouldnt have to hold a gun on her groom. And dont worry, if he refuses, Ill shoot him where he sits. I suspect thats near to where his brains have been of late. She glared. I wouldnt kill my own brother, but just now, I wouldnt mind a bit of maiming and knowing his ride out West will be mighty uncomfortable.
Brendan sighed. He had to try one more time, for Helenas sake. He had nothing to offer her. Not even his good name. Sweetlin, if we marry, youll be married to and travelin with an accused criminal. You could go to prison for aidin and abettin. Gowery lied and put my name on the list of conspirators. Ab says the Pinkertons manufactured proof I blew Destiny to hell and gone. I wouldnt do that to Joshua. I saved his life, didnt I?
I know. Joshua and I have been spying on them to keep you safe. Joshua will see your name is cleared, but if you dont want to get caught and see me swept up with you, wed better get to it. Helena looked toward the altar and raised her voice. Were ready, Father.
Enough stalling, brother mine, Abby said. Take her hand, walk down that aisle and say the words.
Helena looked up at him, her eyes so full of love it made his heart ache. Itll be fine. Well go West and buy that ranch you want so badly. Well call it Shamrock and raise our children there.
Brendan stared at Helena. All night hed been in agony, thinking her and Joshuas engagement was to be announced at her birthday party. Would leaving her behind to marry Joshua or any other man be easier for the distance? Out of options, and running out of time to think about that or catch the westward train, he did as Abby ordered and walked toward the altar.
You can buy the ranch, he told Helena as he walked at her side toward her doom. You can call it whatever ya please. Ill never lower myself to take your charity.
Whats mine will be yours in moments, so it wont be charity, Helena said. She didnt wait for a rebuttal, but turned toward the priest and nodded.
Dearly beloved, Father Rafferty began.
It looked as if Brendans goose was well and truly cooked. But so was Helenas. He wouldnt touch her and theyd have this farce annulled.
All he had to do was keep his hands to himself. He glanced at his bride. God had better help him or he was a goner.
Chapter One
Heavy hoofbeats resounded through the house, sending spirals of fear shooting through Helena. Her heart started to race. Had the Ghost Warriors finally decided to move on Shamrock? She stood and dropped her needlework as her housekeeper rushed in, her eyes wide with fear.
The horses thundered by along the ranch road, but one rider advanced rapidly on the house. Helena grabbed the loaded shotgun she kept leaning against the fireplace, then moved to the front window. Cautiously, she nudged the curtain aside with the double barrel and peered out.
Anger flooded through her. Or was it really desperate, foolish hope? In the blink of an eye her emotions flipped back to anger.
Brendan? she whispered. Hed said he would never set foot on Shamrock. Typical. His word meant everything to him except with her.
He seemed to hesitate, one foot on the step up to the porch.
So, he remembers his vow. Never is a very long time, isnt it, Brendan? she whispered, then cursed his contrary soul. She liked to relax on the porch in the evenings, and didnt want to picture him there. Before he decided to go ahead and invade that special space, Helena threw open the door and marched toward her estranged husband.
He slowly eased his booted foot back to the ground. His emerald eyes were unreadable in the shadow cast by the wide brim of his black Stetson. He glanced down at the shotgun as he pushed the hat back on his head. His left eyebrow arched annoyingly as he looked up, snaring her gaze with the power he still held over her.
He stared for a long, uncomfortable moment, opened his mouth, then closed it, as if unsure what to say.
She managed to look away from his eyes. Oh, how he could make her want himmake her care. Even after hed left her alone during the darkest days of her life.
When she forced herself to look back, those eyes that had captured her heart and made it his, sparkled with mischief and flicked for a split second back to her shotgun. And here I was thinkin you might be glad to see me, he quipped in his slight, musical Irish accent.
She might be glad. She was glad, damn him. But shed had three years of pain and practice at hiding her feelings. She had her pride, too. She stiffened her spine. Hed never know what she still felt for him. Never.
W-why? Why would you think Id be glad to see you? she asked, and looked down at the gun in her hands. No matter how many times shed threatened it, she would never want to shoot him. Accidentally or otherwise. She took a moment to break the gun open and gather her composure.
Steadier now, she said, I seem to recall you telling me youd never set foot on Shamrock. I believe it was outside the title office, after we signed the papers for the ranch.
Helena turned to her housekeeper, whod followed her to the porch. Its all right, Maria. You can go back inside.
Maria shot a black look Brendans way, You are sure?
Helena nodded, then glanced back at her husband. Is there something other than rejection and scorn Im to read from what you said that day, and what youve done the last three years?
Things change. He looked suspiciously as if he was choosing his words as carefully as she was. Then his whole countenance changed. He looked...serious suddenly. Weighed down, even. Ive bad news. The raiders struck again. Belleza this time. Don Alejandro, the shepherds and their wives were all killed. Se?ora Varga and her daughter brought the dons body to town for burial.
Helena swayed and grabbed a porch column. How on earth did Farrah and Elizabeth survive? The renegades dont leave survivors, do they?
Theyd been in town, he explained. They heard the commotion in time for Miss Varga to get off their ranch road. She hid her mother and the carriage, but Miss Varga, bein who she is, snuck to the hilltop overlookin the homestead. Thinkin she could help, apparently.
He shook his head. Grimaced. She saw them kill her da and was smart enough to know it was too late to help anyone down there. Some of the men from town are out there buryin the dead. Quinns gone on by here with a posse, chasin wild geese again. Hes hopin to track the raiders to their hideout this time round.
I thought the governor sent you here to stop these Ghost Warriors. Why arent you with Sheriff Quinn and the posse?
Because theyre wastin their time. The raidersll disappear into the hills. Mark my words. When the sun sets, all Quinn and the rest will have are tired mounts and saddle-sore behinds.
She took a step back. It hurt too much to see Bren. Talk to him. She wanted him to go away. Far away, so shed have a chance to heal from the new wounds his presence here caused. Well, uh, thank you for bringing me the news. Ill look in on the Vargas tomorrow. Where will they be?
The hotel. The house is gone. Burned. Youd have seen the smoke but the winds to the east today. I didnt stop by just to tell you about Belleza. Im movin here. At her gasp, he qualified his statement. Into Shamrocks bunkhouse.
No. Absolu
If youre of a mind to try stoppin me, he interrupted, remember under the law Ive a right to move all the way into your bedroom if I want. And remember, too, it was you who wanted this marriage and this ranch.
Holding tight to her control and her expression, Helena put a hand on her hip. I dont care where you lay your head. I stopped caring long ago. But if you set foot on this porch, let alone in my bedroom, Ill blow a hole in you big enough to read the front page of the Sentinel through.
Shed started to turn away, so she could go slam the door in his arrogant, beautiful face, when he took hold of her arm. Hed always had the most incredible way of touching her. It spoke of an abundance of leashed power behind his gentle touch. She couldnt control the tremor that rushed through her.
Then he said, As far as the townsfolk and ranchers will know, Im at Shamrock to stay, and livin with you.
In shock, she stared at him, her mouth working like a hooked trout. Why would they think that? she finally muttered.
Because its what I want them to think.
Then Ill let them all know youre only here to Why are you here? Why did the posse ride onto Shamrock at all? she demanded, her anger growing to the size of her pain.
Brendan, his eyes hooded, once again seemed to choose his words carefully. I tracked the raiders across your northern border. Word is Shamrock doesnt run cattle up there unless theres a drought. They seem to feel safe takin that route. Theyve done it twice that I know of. Now that theyve moved to bigger places, Shamrock has to be near the top of their list. I want to catch these bastards in the act, and as youre a citizen, and I took an oath to protect the citizens of Texas, Im here to protect you.
That certainly stated in no uncertain terms where she stood with him. You took an oath to love, honor and keep me, but that didnt stop you from leaving.
Fire entered his gaze. I took that oath at gunpoint. It was your poor wronged princess act that had my own sister holdin the pistol, and forcin those promises out of me. And you said youd honor and obey. You broke your vows the minute you got hold of your inheritance. Did you think Id be able to hold my head up when folks learned the money for Shamrock came from you?
She gripped the shotgun until her knuckles turned white. Joshua bought the bank, so the bank account had both our names on it. Whod have known?
Brendan and his pride! It had ruined her life. She stared down at his hand on her arm, then up into those cold green eyes, refusing to remember the way he used to look at her. You gave up any right to touch me the moment you rode off and left me to deal with hundreds of acres of land alone. I built Shamrock from the ground up, each day hoping youd be back. One day I realized Id stopped hoping. From that time forward, Shamrocks success was for me and me alone. You have no place here.
When he let go of her like a man afraid of losing his fingers, she knew hed believed her lie.
At the land office that day all Id wanted to do was give you the life I thought you deserved. She went on as if nothing had changed, because, though he no longer held her arm, he still held her heart. She was afraid he always would, and that made her furious. She wished she could hate him, but so far, she could only pretend.
How could his touch make her want so many things hed never give her? I was wrong, but not about buying the ranch. I was wrong about what you deserve. You deserve exactly what youve got, Ranger Kane. No place to call home, and whores warming whichever one of their beds youve paid to spend the night in.
He raised that annoying eyebrow and grinned. Unlike you, at least Im warm.
Helenas heart clutched at his admission. She wanted to slap that grin off his face, but instead lifted her chin and managed another lie. What makes you think Im always alone in mine? Did you really think Id wait for you to get over your childish snit and decide to honor your vows?
Brendans grin faded and his eyes went cold. Then why havent you filed for divorce? Ive clearly deserted you.
Because, you ninny, you had to be gone for three years. It would have been three years in June. But now, one month shy of freedom, youve put it about town that youve moved here. That means when you decide to go off again, the waiting period starts all over. Three more years of my life gone to a man who cares only for himself and his precious pride. Once again youve stepped in with a unilateral decision to destroy my future.
Unilateral? Me? It was you who went ahead, like a spoiled princess, and plunked down the coin to buy the land you wanted. Have you ever done an honest days work? Do you understand how hard others have had to labor for what you were handed?
Helenas blood pounded in her head and drained from her face. Shed be damned if shed tell him just how much hard work on Shamrock had cost her. She wouldnt go there. She couldnt. But she was sick to death of him tarring her and her father with the same brush as the man whod all but forced Brendan into the mines. Her father had been an honorable man. Handed? My father took a chance and invested a minor inheritance in all the right places. Handed? That man meant the world to me! He was all I had after my mother died. Oh, youre so right. All I had to do to get my hands on his money was watch as he was gunned down in the street, then be left alone in the world with Franklin Gowery as a guardian. I earned every cent of what I inherited in the tears I shed that day and every day since. Go away, Brendan. Ill take my chances with the renegades. Theyll just kill me. Not cut out my heart and leave me alive and bleeding.
Helena, Im
Youre nothing to me. Do you hear? Get off my land. You dont want it. You dont want me. And I sure as hell dont want you around reminding me of the mess I made of my life because I believed you loved me as much as I once loved you. This time she made it inside and slammed the door. But her home offered no solace and never had.
She was done.
Shed put Shamrock up for sale and go back East. And shed never love another man. Men just dragged you from hotel to hotel, with only adults to fill your life, then left you alone in the world with not a friend to your name. Or else claimed they loved you, only to toss that love back in your face.
Helena sank to the floor and, instead of howling out her pain, stuffed the ends of her shawl in her mouth to muffle her cries. Tears poured down her face. Oh, she was done with him this time.
Done!
* * *
Brendan watched the door slam. Jaysus, the woman knew how to hurt him. He nearly took the one step up onto the porch to follow, but turned away and grabbed Harrys reins instead, heading for the bunkhouse. Nothing would come of trying to talk to her now. But he wasnt leaving. Not with the carnage hed seen at Belleza. Whoever the animals were, he was going to find them and see them hanged. Every last mothers son of them.
He rode to the barn to get Harry settled before heading over to the bunkhouse to find out if there was even room for him there. As he dismounted, he looked farther up the ranch road and saw Sean Mallory, Shamrocks foreman, step out of the cottage he shared with his wife and children. Winchester in hand, Mallory stood staring his way. Brendan ground-tied Harry and walked to the cottage.
Kane, the foreman said as he approached. What brings you around? He didnt sound welcoming. Loyal, Brendan thought. That was good. Helena was in good hands, as hed heard.
Belleza was hit. Twelve dead, Alejandro Varga included. His wife and daughter were in town, thank the good Lord. The wives of the shepherds werent as lucky.
Mallory winced and glanced back at the cottage. I wondered when theyd move on to one of the bigger spreads. We saw Quinn ride through with a posse. Why?
We tracked them across Shamrocks northern boundary. I know you dont run the cattle up there, for the most part. Got any idea who else might know that?
It isnt a closely guarded secret, if thats what you mean. But no Comanche would know it unless theyve been watching us for years.
Brendan paused and frowned. No one was supposed to know he was hunting anyone other than a band of renegades. He and Ryan Quinn had decided to keep their suspicions to themselves, even though it really ate at his gut. Brendan hated that everyone was so damned willing to believe ill of the Comanche. True, the tribe deserved the reputation, but theyd gone down in defeat and were buttoned up on the reservation. Yet all the men conducting these raids had needed to do was scalp their first victims, and everyone ignored all the inconsistencies marking these attacks as other than the work of the tribe.
By going along with the popular view, Brendan and the sheriff hoped theyd lure the ones responsible into making a mistake born of overconfidence. Brendan knew Quinn was new to being a lawman, but he was doing a passable job and was in no way stupid enough to spread their plan about.
So who had let the cat out of the bag about white men being suspect? What makes you think its not Comanche? Brendan asked carefully, eying Helenas foreman with suspicion.
You know my brother-in-law is foreman at the Rocking R, Mallory said. He told me their fence was downed and theyve lost a few head over the cliff edge up where the R and Shamrock meet up with the canyon that separates both spreads from Averys Bar A. There were also tracks across that back edge of the spread that disappeared into the canyon. So I went looking up there. Our fences were downed, too. And there were tracks from shod horses. Now theres been another attack and therere more tracks. Cant be a coincidence. I think the fences being downed is supposed to discourage both spreads from running cattle up there. Less chance of our men spotting something odd.
If you add the tracks to Avery being the only one whos bought land off those who were raided, hes looking mighty guilty.
Dammit. Brendan didnt want loose tongues tipping off the bastard. Hes not the only one who tried. Alejandro Varga offered several times to buy Adara. The last time was the day after it was raided.
But now Don Alejandros dead, Mallory said, shifting the Winchester to lean it on his shoulder. As far as Im concerned that puts Avery at the top of the list. He hates sheep and now all the sheep ranchers are gone. I sure as hell know Vargas son will sell off whats left of his fathers flock.
If Mallorys suspicions were this well thought out, Brendan figured hed better confide in him. He stooped to pick up a stick, then walked to the edge of the cottage porch and sat. He quickly sketched a crude map in the dirt. Mallory bent down on one knee, his gaze intent.
The raids look random, Brendan said, unless ya plot it out from a birds-eye view. Then it makes sense.
So far Averys come off lookin like a real saint, savin the poor, desperate and terrified from complete ruin. Mallory nodded.
Brendan drew in the dust as he spoke. And in the meantime, hes picked off targets here, here and there. He tried to get hold of the Harkens place here, he said, and drew an F on another square hed drawn. But he failed, thanks to Joshua Wheaton and Alex Reynolds protecting young Billys interests. Avery offered for the Oliver place, too, but all he got was the sharp side of that young ladys tongue.
Another F, for failed attempt, joined the first, but that property was in the opposite end of the county. Then these three fell. No survivors usually means family back East mourn and sell. Those squares got an X.
Lump together all these places we think he moved on, now add Belleza. Look at this. They all fall in a horseshoe around the town. Which is why Im here. The Rocking R and Shamrock stand in his way. Shamrock is either the next to be moved on or hes planning to acquire it another way.
Ive heard hes trying to get to Helenas heart. Brendan hesitated, but decided to hell with what the foreman thought. I couldnt let that happen. So now that Im here, hell move on us eventually. Probably before he thinks I can get Shamrock fortified. What safety measures have you taken?
Mallory outlined a comprehensive plan of misdirection with regard to the number of men at Shamrock, the quality of their firearms and careful round-the-clock lookouts.
Do you think Helena would tell Avery what shes armed you all with?
She has no idea she bought the best. She lets me order what I want. No use getting outmoded equipment. As far as the wife tells me, Helena and Avery dont talk about ranching.
And about the boss, let me tell you something. She comes off brave, but shes scared. We cant station anyone inside the house, but we try to see shes safe by posting guards near to it. Woman alone. Folks would talk if someone saw one of us was too close.
Brendan winced. Helena had lied. No man had ever warmed her bed. Mallory wouldnt worry for her reputation, were that the case. Why had Brendan believed her? Clearly, shed been no more unfaithful than he had.
Because hed wanted to believe shed been, thats why. It had eased his conscience. Made him feel justified in remaining apart from her. But the truth was, she finally needed him, and he intended to be here to protect her.
Chapter Two
Brendan put down the currycomb and gave Harry a pat on his neck. The gelding knocked him backward with a head butt to the chest. Oh, its like that now, is it? Brendan crooned. You see herself again for a few days and right away Im playin second fiddle. And who is it that feeds and brushes you till that black hide of yours shines like satin?
Harry whinnied and lipped Brendans cheek. Ah, but arent you the sweet talker. Then the big black nuzzled his bulging pocket. I see how the wind blows, you great phony. Just lovin me up for a treat.
I see you still talk to him more like a friend than just a horse, Helena said from outside the stall.
Brendan gave Harry a carrot from his pocket, then stepped out into the aisle, saying, Hear that? Its just a horse, she called you. Remember that and who it is that butters your bread, Harry m boy. Then Brendan said, He is a friend. And it was you who named him after your da, and spoiled him with apples all the way West. Do ya know the ribbin Ive taken over a horse named for my father-in-law? Even prepared to look at her loveliness, Brendan felt his heart speed up when their eyes met.
Helenas smile faded and she sighed. Were we ever that young and foolish? Where did all the love go? She shook her head. No. Never mind. It doesnt matter anymore. Were who we are and they were who they were.
Brendan desperately needed to change the subject before he confessed that he still loved her more than life itself. Is there something I could be doin for you?
She blinked, clearly surprised by his offer. Have you seen Jimmy about? she asked. Oh. Forget it. I asked him to help Al build a fence around the garden. I have to remember to order some of the wire Rhia Varga uses around her chicken coop. If it keeps her chickens safe from predators, it should do the same for ours, and keep animals out of Shamrocks vegetable garden.
She wants to order the wire. Brendan stared at her. Hed quickly come to see that Helena knew what she was doing around the ranch. And had to admit how little credit hed given her. She knew what it meant to work. And it was damn hard work shed done and still did.
Im sorry for that remark I made about you not knowin the meanin of work. Its clear the men respect you and that you often work alongside them.
Dont be sorry. Youd have been right once. The girl who came here didnt know what hard work meant. Her eyes glittered in the sunlightwith tears, he feared. Im not that naive, sheltered girl any longer. The truth is, you dont know me and I dont know you. Maybe we never did.
He nearly protested that of course he knew her, but she turned away and went to her mares stall. Paint Box. The silly name made him smile.
He moved to pat the mares blaze at the same time Helena did, and his hand landed atop hers. She gasped and pulled away. Sadness nearly overwhelmed him. Once upon a time she wouldnt have shied away. And hed have never left her alone in her bed, either.
No one understood why he and Helena had gone their separate ways after banding together as they made their way to freedom. It had caused a rift in his family hed yet to fully repair. Worse of all, Brendan was getting to a place where even he didnt understand what kept them apart. And now it was too late.
Hed thrown away her love in a snitone he still felt had been justified. But he wasnt sure if feeling justified had been worth what hed lost. Putting the thought away, Brendan realized he stood with his hand on the mare, staring straight ahead. And Helena was staring at him. What was it you wanted Jimmy for? he asked, to cover his discomfort.
I wanted him to harness the gig. Elizabeth and Farrah Varga decided to bury Don Alejandro privately. Farrahs note said they didnt want to hear a lot of insincere platitudes. I cant blame them. Some of the men at my fathers funeral were really more like rivals than friends. It made it so much more difficult sorting out who could be trusted and who couldnt.
Brendan frowned. Hed never met Helenas father, whod already been killed when shed stumbled upon Brendans favorite fishing hole. Putting aside the precious memory of their first meeting, he brought his mind back to what she was saying.
We decided to give them a tea to see them off. Theyre going to visit family.
That meant a trip into town. Who are you takin with you?
With me? No one. I go to town alone all the time.
That wasnt happening again. You cant go alone.
You have no authority over me! Helena declared. I go where I want, when I want.
As if he didnt know that. Jaysus, woman. Can we not speak a civil word between us? You could run into the raiders. Suppose that happened? Contrary to what you apparently think, they dont just kill the women they come across on these raids. By time theyre done with them, the poor women are probably beggin for death. At least Miss Varga had the sense to stay hidden.
Helena frowned. Fine. Ill take Al with me. The garden is the least important thing going on right now. Jimmy can work alone.
Brendan thought about the young buck and his belly tightened with what he refused to call jealousy. Unfortunately, he was at a loss what else to call it. He wasnt staking a claim to her. At least, that was what Brendan told himself. But even as he thought it, his heart protested. I heard Mallory tell Al to ride out to check for laboring cows after fixing the fence. Ill go along with you to town.
She looked as shocked as he felt, and shook her head. No. You said you were going to work on strengthening our defenses. You should have suggestions for Mallory about them.
He had a few, but she and the foreman seemed to run a tight outfit. Brendan was here to protect Helena, but didnt want to admit it to her. I talked to Mallory about a few changes already. Hes off seeing to them. Right now Im at loose ends, so Im riding with you.
Fine! Ill go put on riding clothes, and change back into my dress at the store. Just dont talk to me. And when we get into town, go away! Im sure the ladies at the Garter can keep you occupied.
He summoned up a grin. They usually do, he lied. Then cursed his contrary nature when he saw hurt enter her eyes. What was it about Helena that made him do and say things he regretted before he could get his big mouth shut?
While she changed, he readied Harry and her mare for the ride into town. By the time they were halfway there, he was mighty sick of Helenas stony silence. He managed to honor her demand, though, afraid that if he didnt shed sneak out of town for the return trip without him.
It was an hour of torture until they reached the edge of town. After setting a time and place to meet up, he peeled off without another word, hoping against hope she was as miserable as he was.
* * *
The Vargas farewell tea had begun to wind down when Helena said goodbye and slipped out the door. She set out for her sister-in-laws general store to change back out of her dress. Then shed have to meet Brendan for the ride home.
Helena, wait! she heard Patience Reynolds call as she reached the front of the store. I wanted to talk with you, her friend said, a happy grin on her pretty face.
In the fall of last year shed married Helenas nearest neighbor, Alex Reynolds, owner of the Rocking R. They were expecting their first child and were deliriously happy together.
Helena fought the disgraceful stab of envy she felt. It wasnt that she begrudged her friends their joy. She didnt. But it reminded her of all the things Brendan had stolen from her. Envy didnt mean she couldnt be pleased for them, though.
Resigned, Helena walked up the steps with Patience at her side. At the top, her friend stopped and turned to her. Before I forget, Alex and I wondered if you two would like to come to dinner.
Two?
You and Brendan. Were both so happy for you. Brendan did so much to help me. Alex has tremendous respect for him.
Darn Brendan and his lie! But she trusted her friends and wouldnt lie to them herself. We arent back together in spite of what you must have heard. Hes moved to Shamrock only because he thinks it may help catch the raiders.
Patience blinked. But when Alex and I met Brendan he was clearly worried about you. And I know youve regretted the state your marriage was in. I didnt understand then, but when I met him, he was so sweet. And kind.
Brendan? Sweet and kind? He isnt sweet and kind to me. Not anymore. I cant want him back. Id be a candidate for Bedlam if I did.
Hes there to catch the Ghost Warriors, Helena said. Thats all.
Are you saying its too late? This could be your chance to show him how good life with you would be. Maybe cook him special dinners. You know, show him how much you love him.
Helena shook her head. No. Ive learned my lesson. Ill never try to manipulate him or anyone else again. Thats all that would be. If he doesnt love me enough to accept me as I am, he isnt for me. Ive wasted enough of my life.
Now lets go see why Abby disappeared from the send-off. It was a worry for Helena.
About a year after Brendans sister had arrived in town, shed become the friend Helena had never had. For Abby, she would walk through fire.
She let out a breath she hadnt realized shed been holding. Since becoming her friend, Helena had come to understand that Abby would have been a comfort after the accident. But by then it had been too late. By then Helena had managed to regroup, and remembered a lesson shed learned early in her lifehow to hide her pain behind false cheer.
She and Patience walked in, but the store was deserted. Helena glanced at her friends worried frown, then rushed into the back room, tucked behind a curtain. There she found Abby lying on a chaise with her eyes closed and a cloth on her forehead.
Eyes nearly identical to Brendans opened and widened as Helena hurried forward. Abby was pale as death and looked horribly weak.
Helena sat down on the foot of the chaise. Abby, sweetie, what is it? You look awful.
I love you, too.
At least her sense of humor was intact. You know what I mean, Helena said with a mock frown.
A frail smile tipped Abbys lips. I dont know what anyone can do. I feel like death itself. I never felt this bad with Daniel.
Helena stared. A baby?
Patience let out a little squeal of delight from the doorway and rushed to the other side of the chaise.
Helena did her best to be thrilled for Abby, whod given up hope of having another child. But inside she felt hollow. Alone.
Dont tell my brother. Hes always been my rock, but he hovers, and I dont want that right now. Hes pigheaded and wont take no for an answer when he wants to help.
Helena grimaced. Rock-headed, you mean.
Good sweet Lord, are you two still going at it? I thought hed moved home.
He made it clear hes only there to catch the raiders. He thinks they may hit Shamrock next. Once he solves the problem of these raids, hell be gone again. Of course, hes let everyone think hes moved home, he says to protect me
But thats sent your desertion claim flyin out the window, Abby said. He really is a blockhead, but...but I know he loves you.
A surge of anger blasted through Helena. It was so strong she couldnt hold her tongue any longer. Has it ever occurred to anyone that I might be done with him?
Oh, you cant mean that, Abby cried. Then she took in a sharp breath and stared for a long moment. Im sorry. Its easy to forget how much youve had to deal with all alone.
If she only knew the half of it. Helena wiped away tears she hadnt known were falling. Theyd blinded her to the worry and concern in her friends faces. Im fine. Having so much to do at Shamrock has kept me putting one foot in front of the other, with no time to think. Its a strain having him there. I dont need him. Not anymore. When I did, he was off nursing wounded pride. After he left me standing outside the land office that day, I got home, and all his things were just gone. He left me an object of pity to everyone around here when he disappeared.
Abbys expression brightened, as if shed made a monumental discovery. Thats why you kept to yourself after Brendan left. Not because you were angry at us.
Helena was so tired of half-truths, but she had no choice; she told another. He never wrote me, or asked after me when he wrote you. If you hadnt kept in touch with him, and dropped little pieces of information about his life to me, he could have been dead for all I knew.
Abby shook her head. Brendan is an idiot. But, Helena, he did ask after youwhen he finally got in touch. I wasnt to tell you, however.
You were brave and steadfast in your love for him. Suppose that monster of a guardian of yours had figured out that you and Josh were spying to save Bren? I shudder to think what would have happened. My great, giant, pigheaded idiot of a brother needs a good swift kick in the tail!
Helena made her excuses after that, changed, then left Abby and Patience to their talk of babies. She retrieved Paint Box from outside the hotel and left Tierra del Verde and Brendan behind. But in the back of her mind, one phrase resounded.
He did ask after you.
* * *
Two or so hours later, Helena slogged through knee-deep mud to help her men pull a frightened newborn Texas longhorn to safety. The incessant lowing of the nervous mama in the background wasnt helping settle the little one. But there was no hope of quieting the cow, which had probably delivered only the day before.
There was no better mother in the bovine kingdom than a Texas longhorn. To protect their progeny from a predator, the cows were known to band together in a circle with their horns outward, keeping their calves and heifers safely in the center. Unfortunately, there wasnt much a cow could do if her curious offspring wandered into a mud pit that was normally a watering hole.
Itll be just fine, little one, Helena murmured as she reached the struggling baby, which went still. Since her voice seemed to soothe the animal and stop its needless struggle, Helena kept up the low, quiet crooning. I know youre scared, but were here to help. Big brown eyes stared into hers and stole her heart. This one was a keeper. Heifer or calf, this one would be staying at Shamrock to help build its future. Youll be back with your mama in no time, she went on. I promise.
Over her shoulder she called, Toss me a rope, and her eyes connected with Brendans. She hadnt even heard him ride up. Were she not in a life-or-death struggle, shed have laughed at the nonplussed look on his face. She saw the exact moment he realized the full import of the men taking instructions from her. A look of surprise passed over his face and he backed up, bumping into his temperamental gelding. She grinned, then went back to caring for her endangered stock. But her thoughts were split.
You were to tell me when ya were ready to leave town, he shouted.
The calf balked at the sharp sound of Brendans voice, and its skull connected with Helenas chin. This was the first time shed really understood the term seeing stars. She shook her head, managing to catch the rope as it left Hodgess grip and sailed toward her.
Forcing her mind off Brendans glowering image, she stuffed the end of the rope through the thick mud and positioned it behind the poor babys front legs. After fishing the rope out on the other side, she tied a bowline knot to keep it from tightening or loosening. All that was left was to toss the end back to Hodges.
Get ready. When I release the suction the mud has on the calfs front legs, keep a steady pressure on the line till I can free the hindquarters. Ill let you know when to back your roan up and pull us both free.
Once she nodded, it took only a moment. When she felt the rope tighten, Helena curled her toes in her boots so theyd come along for the ride. She felt the deep suction pull at her and the calf, then resistance, more resistance, and then, almost like a cork pulled from a bottle, she and the calf were free. It wasnt a minute later that the mother and baby were reunited, and silence reigned but for the sound of suckling. Hodges dismounted and retrieved his rope.
Wearing a rueful grin, Yates handed Helena her hat. At least this isnt covered in mud, he said. Then the two men stood there, awaiting her instructions.
A glance at Brendan, who remained tight-lipped, his hands on his hips, made the decision for her. Im not sure that calf can make it to the barn on his own, and I want them close so we can watch for any problems over the next few days. She grabbed Paint Boxs reins and mounted. Ill take the calf if youll hand him to me. No sense in anyone else getting wet and muddy.
Yates, the bigger of the two hands, moved toward the calf, and laughed when he got close. You were right, boss. He is a calf. Howd you know? He was halfway up his belly in that mud.
Helena chuckled. Only a hardheaded male would ignore his mama and get into a predicament like that. She rode over to the cow and her baby, on the off chance the mother got riled. But typical of the gentle longhorns Helena ran on her spread, the mama just bawled a little in protest as Yates picked up her babe and stretched the little calf across Helenas lap.
Hodges glanced uncertainly toward Brendan and said under his breath, You want us to come along, or keep checking this section for any cows having calving troubles?
Keep checking. And dont worry about him. Hes harmless. Physically, anyway. Emotionally, the man was poison. At least for her.
Yates took a clean bandanna from his back pocket and handed it up to her. Dont look harmless right now. Your chins bleeding like a stuck pig, thanks to his big mouth.
Helena pulled off her muddy gloves and stuffed them in her back pockets, then took the cloth. Only now aware of the wound, she pressed it to her skin and hissed in a sharp breath at the burning pain. Just keep checking the cows. There are less birthing problems with this breed, but theres always a chance of a breech. Ill be fine and so will Joker here.
Hodges laughed. Joker. Something tells me were going to have another bull roaming across Shamrock.
She managed a grin, well aware she was being a tad too sentimental for a ranch owner. I do have some extra time invested in this little guy, after all, and another bull will give us a second bloodline running through our herd. After the way we helped him out today, hell remember and be as friendly as King and Jack. Ill see you all later. Let me know when you get back, okay?
Both men nodded and went to mount up.
Uncomfortably muddy and wet, and now in pain, Helena was determined to avoid Brendan for as long as possible. Without a word or a glance for him, she waved to Yates and Hodges, then wheeled Paint toward home. She kicked the mare into an easy trot, but when she checked to see if the mama cow was keeping up, found she was lagging a bit. So Helena pulled back on the reins and settled Paint into a walk, and the cow closed the distance. Brendan had already mounted and was nearly at her side by then. She turned back around and stared straight ahead.
You left town without me, he accused when he drew even with her.
Shed have laughed at the irony of his complaint, but it still hurt too much. How does it feel? she muttered instead.
If ya were tryin to teach me some kind of lesson, it was pretty childish to compromise your safety to do it.
Helena bit back what she really wanted to say. Listening to Patience and Abby make plans for their babies, and discuss how their husbands were so protective of them, had been painful for her. Especially since the person shed thought would protect her had abandoned her in a strange land at the first sign of trouble in their marriage.
Oh, who was she trying to kid? Shed always been alone, until the precious times shed had Brendan in her life. But those magical times had ended when hed turned his back on her.
Her anger at him spiked again and she retaliated in kind. I told you, I dont need you here. Besides that, you dont matter enough for me to go out of my way to teach you a lesson. Particularly one youll never learn.
You certainly seem to need someone. Look at ya. That stupid calf hurt you.
She dabbed at the cut with the bandanna Yates had given her. I dont need you, she lied. She did the same work as the smaller men, but she couldnt say she loved it. Shed rather spend her days riding for pleasure or doing embroidery or tatting, a lace-making skill she was still learning from Julia Hampton.
I didnt say it had to be me. Hire another hand. You arent suited to this kind of work.
He couldnt have said anything to anger her more. Who was he to judge her or her abilities? For your information, this happened because of you. You scared the calf and he caught me where his horns will be in about a month. It could have been a lot worse if he were older. You might have even killed me then.
Dont put that on me. After you got hurt, you went ahead and put yourself in danger again by helpin take that calf away from its mother. Suppose shed turned on you, gored you?
Helena let out a hefty sigh. Longhorns are, for the most part, placid and gentle. Big long horns and all. If she wasnt good-natured, shed have gone to market long ago. Id never let her breed a nasty disposition into my herd. The first thing I learned about longhorns was that if you cant turn your back on one, it belongs on your table for dinner. Even longhorn bulls arent by nature mean. That seemed to silence Brendan for a half hour or so.
Im sorry I scared it, he said as they approached the home place. I truly am sorry I got you hurt. I didnt realize Id startled it. Here. He reached out to hand her a clean handkerchief, then he leaned down and opened the pasture gate.
She thanked him and rode ahead, the cow trailing behind her. Once hed shut the gate after the lowing mama, Helena stepped out of the saddle, then pulled the calf down. She stumbled under his weight but managed to set him on his feet. Seeing him run to his mama and contentedly nurse made her smile. Then Brendan had to go and spoil the moment.
Dont put yourself in danger to spite me again. And get that cut looked at. Its still bleeding.
She brushed aside his concern. Ill be fine. Do you really think worse hasnt happened to me in three years of ranching? As for why I left town, I had work to do out here and you said you had a stack of posters to get through. I didnt have time to waste. This place doesnt run itself. Spiting you was the last thought in my head. I told you, you dont matter enough to influence my decisions.
His lips tightened. Fine. Just remember, towns off-limits without an escort until we stop these raids.
You gave up the right to give me orders. You dont tell me where and when I can do anything. Youre here at my sufferance, Ranger Kane. Try to remember that, and we might get through this without all these senseless arguments.
Chapter Three
Brendan sat deep in his saddle as he and Harry stood atop the hill overlooking Shamrocks ranch buildings. Helenas home place was a neat package. Hed expected the main house would be a shining white edifice with columns soaring several stories high. But no. Not for Helena Conwell. Helena Conwell Kane, he amended, the last name almost, but not quite, an afterthought. He was at all times aware that she remained his wife.
Why the hell hadnt he looked into divorce laws in Texas? Each time hed stopped in to check with Major Jones hed expected a packet of ominous-looking legal papers. Now he knew why theyd never appeared. And unless he broke his vowswhich he had no intention of doingit would be another three years before shed be free to file for divorce.
It was infuriating that the thought of three more years of estranged marriage to Helena settled his contrary heart.
He forced his mind off that confusing thought and back onto Helenas house. It wasnt a palace. Not even a particularly large house. The long, low building formed a U, with a Spanish-style courtyard in the middle. Overlapping clay tiles covered the peaked roof. The walls were whitewashed adobe, with deep windows, and a homey porch ran the whole length, along the front and on both sides.
Helena had ordered him off that porch the day of the Varga raid. That was when hed realized hed never get another wink of sleep, worrying about her safety ifmake that whenthe raiders attacked Shamrock.
Theyd been merciless with the wives of the shepherds at Belleza, more animals than men. While Brendan mourned the loss of all those women, at least they hadnt had to live with the memories of what had been done to them. Hed never get that sight out of his head. The thought of Helena being next on the list had scared him right to her front door.
To a place hed sworn never to set foot.
To protect a woman he couldnt stop caring for.
A woman he couldnt even talk to without a battle breaking out.
He squinted against the glare of the sun and stared at the white house with the red tile roof. She lived there, his Helena did. Slept there. Slept there alone, dammit. And she tempted him.
Shed been alone all the time hed been gone.
Visions of her asleep in his arms haunted him, and had since the day hed left her standing outside the land office. Hed assumed memories of their lovemaking would plague him. Those specters of the past did visit his dreams, disturbing his sleep. More often than not, hed wake with an unmerciful hard-on, and memories of her fresh in his mind. Hed force himself to roll over, and hope to keep on dreaming.
But surprisingly, it was memories of her beautiful face as shed slept, secure in his arms, that often rose unbidden to stalk even his waking moments. They were thoughts only constant danger kept at bay. Which, he supposed, was how hed gotten his reputation for going into situations even other Texas Rangers shied away from.
Dealing with memories of Helena now led to one he tried to block, but never seemed to manage to for very long. His mind rolled back to the day it all went to hell....
* * *
I have a surprise, Helena said when she rushed out the door of their tiny shack of a house on the outskirts of Tierra del Verde. Hed been gone for two weeks, helping drive supplies. Hed picked up the job when one of the regular freight drivers got hurt in a brawl in the Golden Garter.
Since theyd arrived in the sweet little town of Tierra del Verde, Brendan had been putting in hours at the livery and anywhere else he could make a dollar to support them. If he had a bit left over at the end of the month, he put it aside to save for a small ranch. He longed to be his own boss. Then how hard he worked would have a direct effect on how much money he made. It was a small dream, but it was the Holy Grail to someone raised in Wheatonburg, Pennsylvania, in the shadow of Harlan Wheatons big house, his mining operation and the town he owned lock, stock and people.
Brendan was bone-tired and not sure he was up to a surprise. Still, he followed her inside, where she led him to the small settee that defined their parlor space. He forced a smile for Helenas sake and took in her happiness. She was like air to a drowning man. Hed missed her so much. Shed given up everything to come West and live as his wife. Now what is it you have planned? he asked.
Joshua, Abby and Daniel are here. They arrived the day you left. They wanted to surprise us.
Hed missed his sister and nephew terribly. Joshua, too. Ive missed two weeks with them? How long will they be here?
They arent visiting. Joshua bought the bank and moved them here. He decided to follow Abbys dream, knowing it was the best thing for Daniel. And speaking of best... Best of all is he did it, Bren.
Brendan narrowed his eyes. What is it my brother-in-law did?
Joshua cleared your name. He stood up in court back in Pennsylvania and proved youd been framed by his father and Franklin Gowery. They were both forced to admit thered been no evidence to prove you were involved but your badly forged initials in the company stores receipt book.
Brendan blinked, then let out a deep breath he felt hed been holding for half a year. He did it? I didnt think he could. Im free? She nodded and watched the joy bloom on his face as the realization sank in. Im free.
Even better, Joshua untangled my assets from Franklin Gowerys control. My guardian can never touch us again. Were both free. And were rich.
It was like having a weight lifted from him, only to have that same weight dropped right back on his shoulders again. Brendans efforts all these months were like a dandelion puff in the windweak and powerless. Once again she could buy and sell him.
No. Youre rich, Helena. I told you the day we decided to make a go of this marriage you so handily arranged.
She covered his hand with hers and he stared down at it. A hand that had been soft and lily-white was now rough and red with toil. His belly tightened with dread. Her hands now looked like his mothers had. Would this life kill her, as sure as life in a mining town had killed his ma?
He could feel Helena willing him to look at her. When he raised his gaze to hers, he saw worry in her blue eyes. But I told you I wanted to buy that ranch for us if I got control of my funds in time. Thats what the moneys for. For us. The ranch house isnt much better than this place, but the land, Bren. Its huge. And ours for the taking. We can build Shamrock, just like we planned. The widow woman says her husband had a herd of longhorns. They only need to be gathered in and the steers taken to San Antonio. Our Shamrock is out there waiting for us to rename it and make it into a legacy for our children.
Brendan pulled his hand from under hers and paced to the open door, to stare out at the rolling landscape of the Texas Hill Country. Thats your dream. I never wanted anything so grand. I want to build what you simply want to buy. I wont have it.
He wouldnt live on her fathers ill-gotten gains. On what amounted to blood moneyblood of men like his own father, whod left his leg in one of Wheatons mines. Brendan didnt understand how she could expect it of him.
Its our chance, Bren. She sounded so reasonable. We have to take it. An opportunity like this wont come along again. If we dont step up, theres someone else who wants it. The widow doesnt want to have to sell it to him, but she cant wait any longer. She wants to sell to us. Youll see. Itll be a wonderful place to raise a family.
No, he said flatly.
It hurt to see her anguish and realize she cared more for a piece of land than she did for his self-respect. Didnt she know him at all? Hed told her theyd make it on what he provided. She clearly didnt believe in him; it was as simple as that. He fisted his hand next to his leg. You have to have everything now. You dont want to work hard for it. You want it handed to you, the same way everything has been your entire life.
She stiffened her spine and raised her chin. Its too late to back out. I already bought it. Theyre waiting at the land office for us to sign the papers.
I wont sign any papers. I wont be bought.
She stared at him, her eyes narrowed in thought or disbelief. He wasnt sure he knew her this way. Maybe hed never known her at all. Bought? You think thats what I want to dobuy you, like a slave? Imprison you?
He felt the words like a knife slash to his heart. He knew she meant nothing like that, but he couldnt give in on this point. I wont use that money.
The hurt in her eyes hardened into anger. Then youre going to stand in the way of my dream, all because youre too egotistical and bitter to see past your small, miserly hopes and goals to care about mine. Joshua followed Abbys dreams here to the West. Why cant you?
That was a low blow. Fine. Ill sign the damned papers, but dont think Ill ever set foot there.
She tilted her head and her lips tipped into a sly smile. Yes, you will, because thats where Ill be. Youll be here in town. Youll see me all the time. And youll want me. Then youll come to me and well be happy again. My dream is yoursits just bigger....
* * *
And hed known she was right. Brendan hadnt dared stay. Hed known it would be just as shed said: hed have seen her, given in and gone to her. Then hed have hated himself every day for the rest of his life, for stooping to use the money of a robber baron. Brendan had heard powerful men like that guardian of hers described that way. Harry Conwell couldnt have been far removed from men like Gowery and Harlan Wheaton. Those men had conspired to frame Brendan, and therefore forced him to flee for his life, leaving his family behind.
Hed looked around the little house where theyd been so happy. Not a cross word had been spoken in the months after theyd arrived there. He hadnt known he would miss itand Helenaso much, but he had known hed have to move on and find something to do that would keep him away. Then hed found a new family, a new lovethe Texas Rangers and the law.
Now, with his mind and heart still in turmoil, he watched Helena walk out onto the porch and stroll down the step, to the top of the rise behind the house. He noticed she did that every evening and every morning. Shed cross herself, then stand there, gazing out over the valley in prayer. After endless moments, head bowed, shed retrace her steps. Hed seen tears in her eyes the one time hed approached her as shed returned to the house.
He wondered what she wanted. What was it she asked God for twice a day, every day?
Drawn to her now, he guided Harry down the hill to the home place. It was time to at least talk to her about the measures hed taken to protect her. And why.
She turned as he approached, and this time she rushed to meet him as he dismounted. Is something wrong? she asked, clearly flustered. He couldnt help remembering when the sight of him had had a bright smile blooming on her pretty face.
He shook his head and got back to the here and now. What was in her expression? Worry? Fear? She should be afraid; all her protests to the contrary, Helena was no fool. Look at how ready for a fight her men were.
Nothings wrong as far as I know. Not yet, anyway. I still think theyll hit you before they move on the Rockin R. Shamrocks run by a woman. I doubt he thinks youd be as ready for them as you are, or as ready as the R is bound to be.
He?
Brendan damn near spit out a curse, but that would have made his slip of the tongue all the more noteworthy. Just a figure of speech, and a boatload of evidence thats more confusin than trying to follow their trail.
Oh? What do the Indian agents have to say? she asked.
As far as they know, all the Comanche war chiefs and their warriors are on the reservation, and have been.
Hmm. No matter who might come, Shamrocks men are spoiling for a fight. But after what Farrah Varga told me... Helena hesitated, pressing her lips together. Then she huffed out a breath, as if surrendering to an inevitable fate. Okay. I admit it. Im terrified, Bren. Those men are killers. I dont want anyone at Shamrock to get hurt. Especially not defending me.
He very nearly asked if that included him, but instead said, Youve a right to be afraid. No matter your feelings about the men, if you hear shooting, you need to duck and run for cover. Hide as best as you can, he added, then waited for her to explode all over him for telling her what to do.
The explosion never happened. Instead, her eyes grew sad, her posture resigned. That isnt going to keep me safe and you know it. Its as if the success of those early raids has emboldened the raiders. They killed every woman on Belleza. Do you think they didnt hide? Farrah and her mother were blessed to be in town.
Blessed, Brendan agreed, remembering well what had been done to those poor beggars.
Alex Reynolds taught Patience to shoot as soon as they arrived, because the raids were worsening. He doesnt think size will protect either of our places for much longer. Neither does Lucien Avery. He thinks I should move into town. I wont do that, so I need to learn about guns, the way Patience did.
Brendan pressed his lips together for a moment. The idea of Helena in the middle of gunplay turned his breakfast to stone. Carefully guarding his words, he said, That theyve picked on increasingly larger targets is true. You have a good point. You need to be taught to shoot and you have to be ready to kill whoever you aim at. You should have Mallory teach you.
Mallory already tried. She shrugged. I cant hit the broad side of the barn, Bren. If they do come here
Then I guess Id better get to teachin you, he interrupted gruffly, flustered by her unconscious use of his nickname as much as by the terror in her voice. Got any empty cans or mason jars you can do without?
She nodded. Ill buy new. This is important.
Brendan bit back the insolent remark that nearly leaped off his tongue. Of course she could just go to town and buy new. She could probably buy out the company that made cans and jars, if shed a mind. Instead of feeding the fires of discontent the way he seemed driven to do around her, he pointed to a fence off to the left. Over yonder. Set them up on the top rail. He stepped into the stirrup and swung himself back into the saddle. Ill go warn Mallory before we take ten years off the mans life when we start shootin. Dont know why he never managed to teach you.
She blushed adorably. Um, Bren, Mallory really did try. Id hate to hurt his feelings.
Brendan forced a smile, trying not to react to her, and cursing himself for being so affected by her sweet blush. Damn the woman. And damn him for his weakness around her. Ill only say well be doin a bit of target practice. That way you wont be embarrassin me if the fault is with you and not the teacher.
If you mention me and shooting, youll have to ignore his laughter.
Mallory didnt laugh, though he did shake his head, consternation written on his sun-baked face. Great waste of powder, if you ask me. I doubt its going to do her a bit of good.
Brendan allowed that it wouldnt hurt to try. Then, after handing Harry over to Jimmy, he walked to where Helena had set up the jars and cans, his Winchester balanced on his shoulder. He walked a bit beyond where she stood, to lean the rifle against the porch post.
Lets try this from the top. Mallory must have forgotten a step. Shootin a gun is easy if you know what youre about. First hold up your thumb.
She turned and frowned. My thumb? I need to shoot, not paint.
Brendan sighed, turned to the fence, pulled his Colt out of his holster and fired, sending the middle can spinning into the dusty corral as blue smoke expanded all around them. It dissipated in the breeze as he turned to her.
She stared at the now holstered gun. How did you learn to do that?
Ive good reflexes and I listened to the one teachin me. That and practice.
Without a word she turned and held up her thumb.
His point made, Brendan said, With both eyes open, cover that first can on the left with your thumb. With your left eye closed, is the can covered?
She nodded.
Now do the same with the right eye. Did your thumb seem to move?
Again she nodded.
Then when you choose what youre aimin at, close your right eye and sight with your left.
Mallory just told me to point and pull the trigger. Thus the shotgun. With buckshot flying, Id have a better chance of hitting something.
Brendan shook his head. At least were gettin to where youll have more than two shots, and youve not even picked up the gun. Id prefer you hit what you aim at. Mind, if you do pick up a gun to defend yourself, you have to be ready to pull the trigger.
So you said. And I said that I am. Id have to think of it as him or me, right?
He gave a sharp nod. Theres no room for guilt with these raiders. Theyve started this war.
She nodded in turn. Id fire. I still have too much to do in this life.
He wanted to ask what, but hed given up any right to even wonder. And if he was honest with himself, he hated that he had. Wished he was the kind of man whod be comfortable being kept. But Michael Kane hadnt raised his sons to live off their women. And even if Brendan could get past that, there was the knowledge of where her wealth had come from to torture him. Hed been taught not to hate, too...but his father would have to be disappointed in his son, because Brendan did hate Harlan Wheaton, Franklin Gowery and, though hed never met him, Harry Conwell by association.
He cleared his throat. So about the actual shootin. Its important not to tense up. He showed her how to load and unload his Colt in its half-cocked position. This is a single action. Meanin you pull the hammer all the way back, through all four clicks, each time you want to fire. He eased the hammer back and the clicks sounded in the silent clearing. Now its ready to fire. You have six shots, he went on, and handed the weapon to her. Hold it with both hands and sight down the barrel.
She turned to the targets.
Now squeeze the trigger, he ordered.
She did, but only the good Lord knew where the shot went.
No. No. Dont jerk it. That sends the barrel up or down. You dont want to be hittin the bad guy in the foot, or blowing a hole in his hat. You need to keep the barrel parallel to the ground.
He stepped behind her, caged her with his arms, his hands enveloping her small ones so hed absorb the recoil and shed see her next shot fly true. Pull the hammer back, he ordered, his voice suddenly rough. It was herthe rose scent of hergrabbing hold of his senses that was to blame.
Brendan swallowed as Helena readied the Colt to fire. The feel of her warm hands beneath his heated his blood to boiling. And the feel of her back nestled against his chest nearly undid him. He went hard below the belt. Luckily, her round bottom wasnt nestled against him.
Helena went utterly still for a protracted moment. Then, apparently less affected than he, she said, Now I fire?
He cleared his throat. Squeeze the trigger.
The can shed aimed at flew up into the air, then fell to the earth. He stepped back as she spun to face him, her face filled with delight. I did it!
Frowning at the effect her nearness had on him, he all but growled, Dont ever point a gun at anyone you dont want to dig a hole for.
She looked down at the Colt in her hand, then backed up. Oh! Sorry. She pointed the revolver at the ground. But did you see? It flew up just like yours did.
Brendan couldnt help but grin at her happiness. He nodded. Deader than a doornail, that dastardly can is. Now try on your own. Be ready to compensate for the kick.
She fired, but a chip tore off the bottom rail. The rest of the cans fell off from the vibration. But the seven jars remained. Her shoulders drooped a bit in defeat.
Thats okay, he told her, trying to be encouraging. Figuratively, you at least hit the barn this time. Try again, he insisted.
Helena bit her bottom lip, then pressed both lips together as she pulled back on the trigger. And one of the jars shattered. Then two more exploded, one after another. I did it. Oh, thank you.
Maybe he should start hiring himself out to greenhorns. Or maybe she had one hell of an eye. That or itd been beginners luck. Thats good. Really good, he forced himself to say. He took the gun, ejected the empty shells and reloaded it for her, noting her rapt expression as she watched. There are six jars left standing, he said, and pointed that way with the Colt. Have at them.
But he had eyes only for her as he heard one after another shatter. He finally looked at the fence and blinked. The fence was clear. Damn, but thats enough to give a gunfighter a wet dream.
She sighed loudly and relaxed her tense shoulders. At least if they do come, I can defend myself. You wont have to worry about me.
And that naive statement had him thumping back to earth double quick. How could she not know that was impossible?
* * *
Helena watched as confusion shadowed Brendans emerald eyes for a moment. Then he pressed his lips into a hard line. What had she done wrong now?
Now theres a load off my mind, he all but snarled. You can practice with a revolver on your own. Just warn the rest of us before you start. He took the gunpowder-stained Colt and spun it into the holster on his right hip. You do have one, dont you?
She looked at the gun, which had gone back where it had come from as quickly as it had appeared, and nodded. Shed bought one. Now she knew what to do with it. Thank you, she told him, bent on ignoring his shifting moods. But really, what had she done now?
The lesson isnt over, he told her. A Colt is a good weapon, but its a close-in weapon. Lets give the Winchester a try.
She looked at it, figuring it must weigh what she did. But its so big.
No bigger than that shotgun you greeted me with. And itll blow a big hole in an attacker before he gets to your porch, and youll still have nine rounds to chamber, instead of two with the shotgun. Id prefer it if you could defend yourself from a bit of a distance, havin ten full shots at the ready.
She stared at him. He was so different from the man shed married, yet still the same. She didnt know why, but she had to know how much had changed. Could he finally see who she really was?
Brendan, where have you been? Abby cagily mentioned whenever she got a letter, and let what you were up to drift into our conversations. But then I think the letters stopped coming, because she stopped doing so.
He raised his left eyebrow, then nodded. Thats a fair question, I suppose. Still, he seemed a bit hesitant as he said, I spent the last year or so before I came back here posin as a gun for hire in and around Corpus Christi. In doin that I managed to infiltrate and shut down a gang of outlaws whod been terrorizin the residents in that part of the state. The Lyons gang, they were called. Theyd eluded the law for four years before the major put me on their tails. I wired where theyd be on a certain day. Now all but three are in Huntsville Prison. The others are six feet under. They resisted arrest. The hit-and-run tactics Lyons used reminded the major of the raiders here.
Helena tilted her head. But they arent the same mentheyre in prison, right? And these are Indians. Ghost Warriors.
Theres a big difference between what went on down in Corpus Christi and the trouble here. Here theyre killin indiscriminately. Lyons was a former Confederate officer. He kept his men in check. They robbed indiscriminately, but never killed a soul. Nor did they steal horses, which is why theyre in prison and didnt swing from a rope.
And youre here because Sheriff Quinn wired for help.
He shrugged. Major Jones called me in and told me about these raids that started while I was...gone...and that Quinn had requested help. I have family here, so I came, but because of that I couldnt come here posin as a gun for hire.
She didnt know why she wanted to know all this, but she did. There was an ache in her chest and she needed to understand what these last years had been about for him. Why the rangers? Its not what you said you wanted in the West.
Because of what your guardian tried to do to me.
She frowned. That doesnt make sense. Franklin Gowery lied to the law. They were going to arrest you because he did. You were completely innocent.
Brendan stared at her, his green eyes narrowed and showing anger. Why the rangers? Simple. I believe no one. I find out what needs to be discovered. I make sure whats said is true before I put a man in shackles. I work for real justice, not some jumped-up little potentate who thinks his money gives him leave to wield power over those with no voice.
Helena straightened her spine and planted her hands on her hips. Shed thought he felt as drawn to her as she was to him when hed been showing her how to fire the Colt. She was such a fool! The lesson had only been about putting her fate in her own hands again. Nothing more. So once the Winchester lesson was over shed be on her own.
And hed once again lumped her in with Franklin Gowery and those like him. You have a bad habit, Ranger Kane, she snapped, her fury making his look like a childs temper tantrum. You forget facts at will and you judge others unfairly against your own narrow-minded yardstick of values. The poorer one is, the more noble, is that it? Sometimes the poorer the lazier, Brendan. And sometimes the lazier the more dishonest.
She sniffed and took a step forward, poking a finger in the center of his chest. You also seem to forget the months Joshua and I had to pretend to be engaged, so we could spy on Franklin Gowery and his Pinkerton cohorts. And you forget the night they would have put you in shackles. We risked our own freedom to spirit you out of town and save your life. And you forget the prison of a life Franklin was willing to force me into. Do you remember that period of time when all you did was stand by and watch, all but cheering him on? But that was just fine because, after all, Im nothing but a filthy-rich heiress.
Brendan stepped forward and reached out to her, but she knocked his hand aside, and with more strength than she knew she possessed, shoved him on his black-clad butt in the dirt. She didnt even wait to see him land, just whirled and ran to the house. Then she tore open the side door, rushed inside and slammed and locked it. She pulled out the key for good measure, grasping it in a death grip.
Shed never let him in again.
Never.
Her breath stuttered in her chest and she wiped at her face. And stared at her wet hand. Tears! Hed made her cry. Again.
Damn him.
Chapter Four
Helena walked toward the barn, still undecided whether or not to keep her weekly luncheon appointment with Lucien Avery. She was dressed and ready.
So why was she dithering?
She never dithered!
Shed thought this out. Made up her mind about how it would look now that everyone thought Brendan had returnedsupposedly to their marriage. She couldnt stop her traditional Friday luncheons with Lucien. It would be tantamount to an admission of guilt that her meals with him were about more than companionship and conversation. They talked about the books theyd read, their lives before coming to Tierra del Verde. Not much about the ranching business, though. He didnt like talking about that with her the way Alex did. But not doing so was restful, and an escape from the pressure of having responsibility for a spread as large as Shamrock resting on her shoulders. They were friends, she and Lucien. Only friends, no matter what others thought.
Helena stalked into the barn, annoyed with herself, and stopped short as the cool darkness enveloped her. Before her eyes adjusted to the dimness, the sound of Brendans voice floated her way.
He was chatting away to Harry, his black-as-pitch gelding, as if he didnt have a care. Harry matched Brendans personality to a T. They were both generally easygoing until something ignited their tempers. It didnt happen often with either of them, but it wasnt pretty when it did.
The feelings engendered by hearing that voice answered the question shed been contemplating on her way there. He was the reason she couldnt make up her mind about today. Brendan was jealous of Lucien, even if hed deny it till death. He was wrong and she intended to prove it.
But she was in no mood to do so now, and there was no reason to set a match to dry tinder. She had time before she had to leave. Hed soon ride out to look for evidence of the presence of the raiders on her land. He did it every day. That was something they did need to talk about, but hed been avoiding her. Truthfully, shed been avoiding him as well. Now, though, she was annoyed enough at him to demand answers to her reasonable questions. Shamrock was hers and if Bren had found any clues pointing to the culprits and their hideout, she had a right to know.
The dim recesses of the barn came into sharper focus, so she walked toward Harrys stall. The blacks head swung her way and he trumpeted a greeting. Harrys antics always made her smile.
Brendan turned, and she saw the exact moment he realized it was her. He stiffened up, his back going poker straight. And what is it I can be doing for the boss lady on this fine mornin?
She tried not to rise to the little sarcastic spin he put on boss, but some things ate at a person. Youre right. She planted her hands on her hips and nodded decisively. I am the boss. I didnt ask to be, but its what you made of me. So in that case, you can tell the boss lady what youve learned about the raiders.
Brendan seemed determined to play peacemaker that morning, after all. Other than that theyre vicious bastards? Not a thing.
You have no idea who they are? Who it might be, given that you said the Indian agents have vouched for the whereabouts of all the Comanche warriors? To me that says these arent Indian attacks at all.
Brendan shook his head and turned back to fastening Harrys bridle, then reached for the saddle blanket. Frustrating as it is, theres no evidence to prove who the raiders are.
Helena stiffened. He was lying. She didnt know how she knew, but she was sure he knew more than he was willing to say.
Youre lying. You wanted nothing to do with me or Shamrock, yet now youre here and keeping secrets.
He tossed the saddle on Harrys back, then reached under the horse to buckle the cinch. Dont know what youre talkin about, he said finally, after hed tightened the saddle down.
Youre not annoyed that youve spent two weeks in the saddle, combing the hills, only to come up empty-handed? You should be chewing nails. Instead youre in here chatting with your horse and ready to go on the hunt all over again.
He gave a sharp nod. That I am.
Either being a ranger taught you an inordinate amount of patience or youre finding plenty out there and refusing to tell me. Why continue all this scouting if its a waste of time?
Didnt say it was a waste. Perhaps Im waiting to see what direction they come in from.
Then you picked up their trail. How else could you wait in a specific place for them to show themselves?
Brendan blew out an impatient breath. Or perhaps I have all corners of the spread bein watched. Did you think of that?
Feeling foolish and ready to forget the whole thing, Helena started to turn away. Then she stopped. In that case, who are you, to station men on my ranch without clearing it with me? I didnt know you had my men watching our borders, because youve refused to do me the courtesy of telling me your plans for strengthening Shamrocks defenses. My ranchs defenses.
His green eyes sizzled, but he said mildly, I taught you to shoot, didnt I?
She clenched her fists, infuriated by his calmness. You taught me to shoot, yes. But thats the last Ive seen of you. Her voice rose as she continued, From now on, clear every order with me. Youd never ride onto the Rocking R and order Alexs men around without so much as a by-your-leave to him.
Brendan smirked. Granted, but then again, I can talk to Alex without a shoutin match eruptin within seconds of our first word. I told Mallory. He agreed to the plan. If he didnt tell you...well, thats not my problem, is it?
No, Mallory certainly hadnt told her, and theyd have words about it, but for now... Brendan, either you learn to respect my position here and do it quickly, or you can sleep in that rocky no-mans-land canyon and not my comfortable bunkhouse. Is that clear?
He grinned.
I asked you a question. Im waiting for an answer. And what are you grinning about, you fool? she snapped.
He took a step toward her, then another. She saw his intent in his hot gaze. He meant to kiss her. Hed always crossed from anger to arousal so easily, ending quarrels before their conclusionone of them winning by default. But they hadnt argued after theyd arrived in Tierra del Verde until that one day three years ago. That day hed just shut down, signed the papers, then walked awayleft her. And hed stayed away.
Now, before she could decide what she wanted, lightning quick, his mouth was on hers. She tried to resist the leather-and-lime smell of him. But the battle was lost before it began. His kisses were meant to gentle her, and they always had before. They did now. And then the pleasure poured through her, along with that irresistible aroma of him. The firmness of his rangy muscles pressed against her length and the roughness of his callused fingers as he cupped her jaw made her want to feel his hands everywhere. She felt her own muscles go pliant, but then a nip on her lower lip demanded more. He wanted entrance. He wanted her to yield to him.
No.
She couldnt.
If she let him in again, hed destroy her. Despite her resolve, her limbs felt no more substantial than gelatin as they melted into him. She finally managed to gather her wits and summon strength, mental and physical. She pushed him away. Backward. Hard. He fell against Harry, shock written on his handsome features. She wanted to berate him for taking liberties, but she could no more get the words out than he seemed able to make one of his classic wiseacre comments.
He shook his head and mounted Harry. Then he stared down at her, cocky grin in place. You look so damn cute when you get riled. Like a pretty little spittin kitten. Just couldnt resist. Then he tipped his hat and ducked through the stall door that led to the corral. He was gone before she remembered to close her gaping mouth. Which left her fuming. As usual.
Damn him.
Well, shed show him, with all his security rules and plans. Jimmy, she called out.
The tack room door at the far end of the aisle opened and Jimmys towhead popped out. Yes, maam? His hair was in his eyes as always and he had a smudge of something on his chin.
She forced a smile. I need my gig. She cleared her throat and choked down the quaver shed heard in her words. Could you hitch it up while I go get my hat and reticule?
Sure thing, boss. Sorry. Forgot it was Friday. Thought with the ranger here, you might not go. You need me to ride along?
Ranger Kane plans to ride with me, she lied. Hed be gone longer than she would. And if not, her absence would show him who was boss. Hell meet me along the ranch road. Id help you harness up Gray, but... She gestured to her green silk dress.
Jimmy frowned. You going to meet Mr. Avery?
She paused a second. Are we friends, Jimmy? she asked.
His eyes widened. I hope so.
Have you come and eaten with me at the house?
Sure have. Marias a fine cook. Oh. Mr. Avery is...
My friend, she finished. The only difference is our ages and that the restaurant at the hotel is full of other people. Now, about the gig
Oh! Ill get right on it. And no need to be thanking me all the time, neither.
She put her hand on his thin shoulder. Yes, there is. My father taught me saying please and thank you costs nothing but a moment. And that there is never an excuse for bad manners with a friend or an employee.
Your daddy sounds like a nice man.
Helena bit her lip and blinked away tears. He was. And a good man. He helped a lot of people during his life.
Jimmy nodded as if he understood, but she knew he didnt. Her father had been her world. No one had ever understood the utter void left in her heart when Harry Conwells larger-than-life personality had been erased by an assassins bullet.
All shed felt in the months that followed had been a bottomless well of loneliness. But then shed stumbled across Brendan, and hed filled the void with his all-consuming love. Then he, too, had gone from her.
Twice.
Because both times hed found her wanting.
Ranger Kanes real nice, too, Jimmy said, breaking into her thoughts. There was a hopeful tone in the boys voice. I miss him when he doesnt stay in the bunkhouse, but he is your husband, so I guess he stays with you some nights.
Helenas heart froze in her chest. She couldnt answer or comment. She managed to say, Ill be right back, then turned toward the front of the barn, blinking away hurtful thoughts and welling tears. Those were the nights he probably slept in some soiled doves bed.
Loneliness assailed Helena. Maybe someday, somewhere, the person shed become would be enough for someone else.
If my memories of Brendan will ever let me move on.
Until then, shed have to make do with friends. Like a bandage over a gaping wound. She wasnt about to let Brendan deprive her of a single one of the friends shed made.
* * *
Brendan stood after examining the fresh hoofprint. It had the distinctive nick on the right side, marking it as one ridden in the raid on Belleza. The recent print hadnt been scrubbed away by the brisk wind.
A tremor of worry moved through him. Someone had been watching them. Watching the sentries hed placed. The home place. The entire operation.
That someone had ridden straight into the canyon not two hours earlier. He knew, because hed tracked the bastard.
Maybe Helena was right. Maybe he should camp out near the canyon. But the trouble with that plan was if the raiders struck from the ranch road, saving the northern canyon access for escape, hed be thirty or forty minutes away when Helena needed him.
Restless, Brendan walked with Harry to the top of the hill. The grass was crushed where their watcher had hidden, spying for Avery.
Fury bubbled in Brendans veins as he mounted up and started downhill toward the home place. As he rode, he tried to weigh the pros and cons of going out to keep watch on the canyon or staying around to search for more bastards watching them.
Pretty soon he came to a realization: he couldnt push his emotions out of the mix where Helena was concerned. Then the majors voice echoed in his thick skull, reminding him to delegate. So hed station a man to watch their watcher, and hed do the same at the canyon.
Satisfied with his solution, Brendan rode to the heart of Shamrock and dismounted near the barn. As he tied Harry to the corral fence, Jimmy came tearing out of the shadows, bug-eyed. Ranger Kane? What are you doing here? Did you miss the boss on the ranch road? You couldnt have gone all the way and back already.
What in hell are you talkin on about, son? I was up north. Been up that way all day.
But the boss said... Jimmys eyes widened again. Oh. Musta got it wrong. Forget it. You need Harry rubbed down?
The kid knew Brendan never let anyone else rub down Harry unless it couldnt be avoided. Wouldnt be right. Not with all theyd been through together.
Brendan stepped forward and hooked his arm around the kids neck. Jimmy, he said, his voice quiet and low, whats goin on? Where has Helena got to that you thought Id gone along? And tell me the truth. Think how bad youd feel if somethin happened to her. He gave the lad a little shake. Where. Is. She?
She goes to the hotel restaurant Fridays...w-with a friend.
Brendan ground his teeth, stepped back from the kid and turned to untie Harrys reins, crushing them in his fist. Avery. Hed heard all about Helenas Friday meals with that snake in the grass. Brendan took a calming breath. Helena had no idea of the kind of man whod befriended her, and Brendan couldnt tell her. Suppose Avery realized she knew? Shed become a sure target. That wouldnt do.
Looking back at Jimmy, Brendan saw the lad was mighty worried. Ill keep it to myself that you told me. He pointed, hoping to get the seriousness of the matter across to the boy. But dont you ever let her leave Shamrock alone. If she does, you find either me, Mallory or one of the men. Damn fool woman, Brendan muttered as he turned back to Harry.
As he mounted, he wondered if shed intended to ask for an outrider. Hed noticed how pretty she looked, but hed not put that fact together with a jaunt to town. Hed never considered she might go there on her own. Shed already admitted she was scared. Hed have thought, given that fact, shed at least have asked one of the hands to accompany her.
And she probably would have, he realized with a sinking feeling. But then hed had to go and kiss her, just to rile that temper of hers up a bit more. That kiss had bitten him in the butt good and proper. It had probably set her thinking shed do as she pleased to spite him. And it had reminded him of all hed sacrificed for injured pride and his scruples.
Just one more question, Jimmy. Whered you get the idea I was supposed to be her escort?
She said so, else Id never have let her go alone. Mr. Malloryd have my hide.
Brendan gave a quick tug on the reins and dug his heels into Harrys sides, enough that the gelding knew there was reason to be in a hell of a hurry. Damn the woman, he spat out as he tore up the ranch road. It was bad enough that shed go off alone, but now that poor kid back there was scared spitless.
And so was her stupid, thoughtless husband.
Suppose the damned watcher had seen her leave alone? Heart pounding, Brendan leaned over Harrys neck and urged him on. He found himself praying Avery was so enamored of Helena he wouldnt think to throw suspicion off him by seeing her come to harm. Brendan had hoped all along shed be safer not suspecting her supposed friend, but jealousy still ate at him.
Jealousy he knew he had no right to feel.
He didnt know how to act when he found them having their little t?te-?-t?te. Hed better be deciding right quick. She was his wife, after all, and hed already let it be known he was home to stay. So how should he approach the situation in town, with everyone watching?
No doubt Helena would act like the fine lady she was, lest she be seen in a poor light. He didnt want to lend fodder to the gossip, either, so hed keep his own temper under wraps no matter how much he loathed that murdering bastard Avery.
It wasnt till Brendan found her gig in front of the hotel that he decided what hed do. He climbed down, tied Harry to the rear of the conveyance, pulled off his saddle and tossed it into the back. He rubbed Harry down a bit with his blanket before tossing it next to the saddle. All that was left was to climb up, settle back in the fine leather seat and wait.
* * *
Lucien Avery was a patient man. More than one fellow whod crossed him had found that out the hard way. But his adversary this time was a lady of some fortune. Winning this kind of battle took care. And planning. It had been moving forward perfectly until Kane decided to take an interest in Shamrock.
Avery had waited nearly two years for Helena Kane to have her fill of her husbands desertion and fall in line with Averys plans. By his calculation, shed been mere weeks from being able to divorce the fool. It was a bit risky to murder a Texas Ranger, but with Kane having moved to Shamrock, it had begun to look like the only option.
Today alone, while acting the perfect gentleman with her, Avery had suffered through talk of the Varga women leaving town. Somehow hed managed not to show how angry he was with their refusal to sell him Belleza.
The don had disinherited his son, so it was the womens to dispose of. But neither would speak of selling, or cutting Dylan Varga out of the property. They preferred to take time and consider their options. Avery would have to set his men loose on the sons place again. When the damned Varga women learned the Comanche had killed Dylan and his little wife, theyd sell both places rather than return where so much tragedy had befallen their family.
.
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- Жанр: Вестерны, Историческая литература, Исторические любовные романы, Современная зарубежная литература
- Язык: Книги на английском языке
- Объём: 260 стр. 1 иллюстрация
- ISBN: 9781472004260
- Дата выхода книги: 31 декабря 2018
- Версия: 📚 Электронная книга
Pampered society princess Helena Conwell has built a successful ranch from a ruined wreck, but now hostile raiders are hungry for her land. Only one man can protect her—Brendan Kane, the wild Texas Ranger she married at gunpoint.After three years away, Brendan vows to defend the ranch and claim back his wife. Irish-born and darkly irresistible, he still has the power to quicken Helena’s heart with his emerald-green gaze.But, each as fiercely proud as the other, can they admit to still being in love?
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