“I’ll have him taken to be tried in Billings first thing.”
She let out a shaky breath and he placed his hand on her shoulder. “You’re safe now.”
He leaned forward and for a moment she thought he’d kiss her. She feared if he touched her she’d dissolve into tears again, so Maddie took a step back. “Thank you, Marshal Gentry…for everything.”
He nodded in reply and left.
Now to face her sister. Her face throbbed in response.
* * * *
“He’s gone.” Rory walked into Emerson’s office, dust falling from his pants and boots onto the freshly swept floor. “I rode out to where they’d set up camp. Looked like a hasty retreat, half the stuff gone, the rest scattered. So much for friendship.” He pointed his thumb toward the cells.
Emerson walked to the small stove in the corner and poured coffee. “I’m not surprised. My money is on the fact they’re both wanted for something.”
Rory studied him for a moment, his clear green eyes focusing on Emerson’s raw knuckles. “Should I check on the prisoner?”
“He’s alive, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
“I’ll escort him to Billings.” Rory grabbed a cup and ambled to the stove. “I’ll leave in the morning.”
A surge of rage made Emerson clench his jawline. “He must have returned to find Miss Connor after seeing her at dinner with me last night. I don’t think he just happened to be back in town.”
“Aye. Only cowards prey on women.”
“She asked for it,” Palmer called out from the cell. “The whore invited me in.”
Emerson threw his cup against the wall and rushed to the back with Rory on his heels. Palmer lay on the cot, didn’t bother to look his way. “Then why was she screaming for help? Do you always slap women who invite you in?”
With nonchalance, Palmer shrugged. “That’s what some women like. ’Sides what’s it to ya if she likes it rough?”
Keys jangled as Emerson shoved one into the lock, only to stop when Rory pushed him out of the way and blocked him from opening the cell door. “Don’t. It’s what he wants. Trying to get a rise out of ya.” The Irishman did not budge until Emerson nodded.
A chuckle came from the cell. “She’s somethin’ to ya, huh?” Palmer chided, then continued not waiting for a reply. “She’s a feisty one.”
Rory spun around. “If you don’t shut up, I’ll not stop him from finishing the work he started on your face. I might even join him.”
At the man’s silence, both returned to the front office. Emerson grabbed his hat from atop his desk and made for the door. He needed fresh air.
The ride to his brother’s house was not long, usually half an hour. It took Emerson over an hour. He took time to cool down and allow himself to calm. It was a long time since he’d lost his temper. It was a justifiable reason, the panic he’d felt when hearing Madeline’s scream and then seeing the vicious attack jarred him. She’d fought valiantly, but ultimately Miller would have overcome her. Hell she was damn near collapsing when he’d gotten there.
She’d clung to him, her entire body shaking with distress. And what had he done? He’d wanted to kiss her. His reaction had not been one of a protector. In that moment he wanted to take her away, to shield her from the situation, but he’d not deny that he’d yearned to kiss her fully, to make her his. There was an attraction between them that was palpable. Madeline Connor was not indifferent to him. It didn’t justify that when she’d needed him to protect her, his body and mind were not in sync.
Maybe he was no better than Miller. Not in his thoughts anyway. No, he’d never take a woman by force. But he’d not deny he wanted the beautiful woman.
His brother Grant stood by a corral and waved him over. Grant had recently married. His wife Julia was inside the fencing atop a horse. Blonde with bright blue eyes, she was a pretty woman. She turned to Emerson and watched him near lifting a hand in acknowledgement. Julia Gentry had yet to warm up to him and he didn’t blame her. Based on what he learned from Grant, she’d had it rough and it took her time to trust people.
He waved at her and she returned her attention to the horse. She kicked the sides of the animal and rode away.
Emerson dismounted and released his own horse into the corralled area to graze.
“What brings you out here?” His brother’s easy smile made him feel welcome. “You angry about something?”
Emerson realized he was glowering and looked up at the sky relaxing his expression. “Yeah. Had a problem in town. Needed to get away for a bit.”
“What kind of problem?”
The explanation did not last long and by the end of it, Emerson felt justified when Grant let out a ripe curse. “Women are to be treasured, yet so many men take advantage, hurt and abuse them.” He looked to Julia who’d dismounted and made her way into the house. “It’s not right. Why don’t you invite this woman and her sister to come out here? They and Julia can spend time together.”
“I’ll think about it. Not sure how long before she’ll be over the shock.”
“Any news about Linc?” Grant never ceased to ask about their younger brother. The question made his chest constrict. Sometimes he felt more like his brothers parent and therefore accountable for them.
Linc’s disappearance wore on Grant. He felt responsible for not being able to protect the younger brother.
“No. But Rory is going to Billings to take the prisoner there. He’s going to make some inquiries.”
“Good.” Grant exhaled. “Where can he be? That rascal better not be dead.”
His sentiments exactly.
* * * *
Morning came with its usual quietude followed by the slow awakening of the townsfolk. Coffee cup in hand, Emerson stood outside his little house, behind the jail, and took in the surroundings.
The mercantile owner swept the front walk while the blacksmith stood outside the stables smoking and looking over toward the bakery from which a woman with a child in tow emerged with a basket.
It was his town, his responsibility. Not always a heavy load, but as of late he felt overburdened. Not just the recent attack on Madeline Connor, but the amount of outlaws making their way through. Just months before he’d had a shoot-out with three outlaws, one who’d shot Julia, Grant’s wife. Then there was the Winslow incident. Killing the innocent Smith and leaving his wife and child without a husband and father. He wondered if it was the forecast for days to come. More and more desperados making their way through Rutgers Ridge.
“Good morning, Marshal Gentry.” He’d been so deep in thought, Jane Connor had managed to walk up to him without him noticing. She blinked and an errant tear slipped form the corner of her eye. She wiped it away and pressed her lips together.
“Miss Connor. Is everything all right? Is Madeline…?”
“Yes. Everything is fine. It’s just that I’m still upset over what happened.” She glanced toward the jailhouse. “Is he in there?”
Emerson shook his head. “No, Rory left with him at sunrise. He won’t be around to bother you or your sister again.”
She placed her hand on his forearm and attempted to smile, her lips quivering. “Thank you so much for coming to her rescue. I can’t imagine what would have happened if you’d not been there.”
“How is she this morning?”
“If you knew Maddie you wouldn’t ask.” This time Jane Connor smiled. “She’s up and at it, already cleaning. Mad as all get out at the blood on the floor.”
“Her face?”
Jane waved his question away. “I know it has to hurt, but she’s not going to admit it. Maddie deals with life’s adversities by facing them head on. It’s probably why she’s able to keep such a positive attitude in spite of what she’s been through.”
“You mean more than what happened yesterday, don’t you?” Emerson waited, hoping she’d divulge more.
After a brief hesitation Jane nodded. “Yes. It’s been hard for my sister these last few month
s.”
“I will stop by several times a day to check on you ladies, if it’s all right with you?”
“I’d appreciate it. Maddie mentioned wanting to speak to you. I told her to wait until we were sure that awful man was gone.”
His stomach tumbled at learning Madeline’s intentions to speak to him. Emerson swallowed, finding his throat dry. “That will be fine. Tell her I’ll come by there later today.”
A wide smile curved Jane Connor’s lips. “Thank you so much.”
After she left Emerson went back inside. He grabbed a clean shirt, pants, underwear and socks. He’d go to the bathhouse and pay for a bath and shave. Not because he was going to see Madeline, or Maddie as her sister called her, but because it was Wednesday.
Yep, that was the only reason.
Chapter Four
“Marshal Gentry?” Maddie peered into the small house behind the jailhouse. The door was slightly cracked and she wondered why he’d leave the door open if not there. She didn’t want to walk in on Emerson, so she lifted her hand to knock on the door and peered in. The marshal stood with his back to her. He was bare from the waist up and holding up a shirt while mumbling. After a grunt, he threw the piece of clothing down and retrieved a new one. “Damn when was the last time I got a new shirt? This one is just as worn as the other one.”
Maddie covered her mouth with her hand to muffle her giggle. It was refreshing to see women were not the only ones frustrated when choosing an item to wear for the day. The muscles on his back bunched and shifted, mesmerizing her when he bent to pick up the first shirt. He had wide shoulders and a well-defined back that slimed at his waist. Her gaze lowered to his firm buttocks and she wondered what they looked like bare.
“Miss Connor?” She’d been so focused on his behind she’d not noticed him turn to the doorway. “Are you all right?”
The marshal tugged his shirt on, leaving it unbuttoned and walked to her. “I didn’t hear you knock.”
Her hand was still lifted and curled into a fist. While eavesdropping she’d been so lost in looking at him, she’d not lowered it. “I—I called your name and was just about to knock.” He studied her face, his keen eyes missing nothing. “Not as bad as I expected, but your lip must still smart a bit, huh?”
Although she should have felt self-conscious, Maddie was too busy looking at his chest. His broad span of muscles had a sprinkling of dark hair across it with a trickle down the center. She swallowed and concentrated on lifting her eyes to his face. “I’m fine. Really.” When she met his gaze, he frowned.
“Your sister tells me you deal well with adversity. Not one to mope.”
What else had Jane told him? Maddie bit her bottom lip, as was her habit, then winced at the reminder it was still quite sore. “I came to thank you again for coming to my rescue yesterday.”
He buttoned his shirt and she tracked his fingers as they worked their way down the front of his shirt. “I planned to come over in just a bit. Can I offer you some coffee?”
“It’s not proper for me to enter your home alone.” She took a tentative step past the doorway.
“No it’s probably not a good idea for many reasons.” His eyes raked over her.
Her heart beat faster at the thought of being alone with Emerson Gentry. She’d not deny she wanted this man. His touch, a kiss would be wonderful.
“Miss Connor?” He neared and she inhaled the familiar scent of soap intermingled with his own.
Something about the man called to her and she wasn’t going to ignore it. If yesterday taught her anything. Life was too precious. “Marshal, I imagine women approach you all the time.” She lifted her face to his and noted his confused expression, his brows drawn as if trying to understand what she referred to.
“About what?” He frowned and waited for her answer.
“About this.” She lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, pulling him down to her mouth. “Asking you for a kiss.”
He blinked and his mouth fell open. Thankfully before she could wonder if she’d misread his attraction, he complied. The kiss was soft. He obviously took care not to hurt her further. But the pain did not detract from the feel of his body against hers and Maddie kissed him back without holding back. He placed both hands around her waist to draw her closer.
Finally he did not hold back and pushed his tongue between her lips, the invasion making her dizzy with pleasure. It was not supposed to happen, not this soon after her husband’s betrayal. But Maddie could not think of a reason not to give in to this man.
She moaned and combed her fingers through his hair when he kissed a trail from her mouth over her jawline and then down the side of her neck. The room began to spin when he concentrated on the nook between her neck and shoulder.
Then his hand travelled down her back and in an instant everything went black. Maddie’s breath hitched and she shoved Emerson away. “Oh God.” She trembled and ran her hands up her arms. “I’m sorry. Suddenly it was as if you were gone and…I’m not sure what happened.”
His chest lifted and lowered in rapid succession as he tried to regain his breath. Maddie reached for the wall blinking away the sudden dizziness. “It’s all right. Very normal after what you’ve been through. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have gone any further than the kiss.”
“No.” Maddie turned to him. “Please don’t apologize. I initiated it.” She lifted a hand over her mouth. “You must think the worst of me.”
His lips curved. “Not in the least. I respect a woman who’s not afraid to show interest.”
“I should go.” Maddie kept her gaze on his face.
“Wait.” Emerson neared and cupped her face, wiping her bottom lip with his thumb. “I made it bleed.”
“Oh.” Maddie could only remain frozen when he leaned and licked the blood away. Then kissed her lips, barely brushing his over hers. A more sensual kiss she’d yet to experience.
His striking dark eyes met hers. “There much better.”
Maddie nodded not able to speak, suddenly feeling foolish to have come alone to the marshal’s home. If she were honest with herself, she’d admit her attraction to him. It was more than the security she felt in his arms drawing her to come to him now. Or maybe a combination of security and lust.
Both of those things were fleeting, she more than anyone should know. Yet here she was not only making a fool out of herself, but also setting up her barely healed heart for another rupture. “Thank you again.” She backed out of the door and then turned and fled.
“There you are.” Jane held on to the doorway, her face pale. “I was worried sick, not knowing where you went off to.” Her sister focused on the side of her face that was swollen when Maddie walked past her into the small home. “Honestly Maddie. Why would you up and disappear without a word?”
“I’m sorry,” Maddie’s eyes filled with tears at seeing her sister so distraught. “I only meant to be a minute. I went to thank Marshal Gentry for his assistance and lingered longer than I planned.”
“It was foolish.” Jane paced to the other side of the room. “Not you going to thank him, of course.” She continued to pace. “This entire crazy idea of mine to move west. The west is too uncultivated. When I think of what could’ve happened to you.” She covered her face with her hands and Maddie rushed to her.
“I chose to come with you. And although I agree with you that it’s more untamed than what we expected, there are families thriving here. So many children who without you will not have the benefit of an education.”
Jane let out a shaky breath. “We should return immediately. I can’t be responsible for something horrible happening to you.” She lifted the edge of her apron and dried her tears. “I am not sure what I would have done if something had happened.” Once again the tears flowed down her cheeks and Maddie felt her own well up.
“You’re upset. Come sit down.” She pulled her sister to one of the two chairs for the kitchen table the mayor had brought. “Anything can happen to me or you no
matter where we live. I don’t believe what happened to me is a common occurrence. Think about it, Jane. This town takes care of their own. The marshal kept an eye on our home and was here to prevent any further harm.” She motioned to the room with its new firewood stove, freshly chopped wood and several pies on the cupboard. “They are grateful for your sacrifice and have already begun to show it. We won’t need for anything while here.”
Jane sniffed. “It is rather nice to feel so welcome. Mrs. Higgenbottom is hosting a tea for us to meet all the ladies of the town.”
“There you have it.” Maddie smiled down at her sister. “You can’t possibly miss tea with the proper ladies of Rutgers Ridge.”
Her sister giggled and hiccupped. “Oh dear sister, I love you so.” With Jane’s arms around her, Maddie sighed and wondered whether or not to share what transpired between her and the marshal.
“Good evening ladies.” Emerson Gentry stood at the doorway, his body filling the opening almost completely. “I came to offer to walk you to dinner.” His eyes lingered on Maddie and she felt her cheeks heat.
“So kind of you Marshal Gentry.” Jane got to her feet and lifted her hands to her hair. “We are not presentable for dinner as yet. Our belongings are still at the hotel. We’ll move them here in the morning.”
“I will get the boys to assist you as needed.” He kept his expression neutral for which Maddie was grateful, yet when he looked to her a corner of his lips lifted. “Please call me Emerson.”
“Very well, Emerson,” Jane looked to Maddie and narrowed her eyes.
Pretending not to notice, Maddie avoided her sister’s gaze and turned to gather up her shawl. “We should go.”
An hour later, at the hotel, the sisters descended the stairs to find Emerson and another man who resembled him standing at the bottom of the stairs. Identical pairs of heavily lashed brown eyes lifted up to them. The other man was older. Gray intermingled in the dark waves of hair. Emerson turned to his companion and held his hand out, palm up toward Jane. “Father, this is Miss Jane Conner, our new school teacher and this,” he then motioned to Maddie, “is her sister Madeline.” He lifted an eyebrow at her. “I’m sorry, but I never clarified your last name.”
Gentrys of Montana: Gentrys of Montana Page 11