by Ana Leigh
“Don’t make me sound so noble. I’ve been well rewarded beyond any expectations,” he said.
“Then count your blessings, Dan’l, because my father isn’t known for his generosity.”
“I’m not referring to his generosity. I’m referring to yours.”
“Mine?” she asked, surprised. “I don’t understand.”
“We spend a lot of our time making love. Is that your way of thanking me?”
Jenny choked on her wine, and she looked at him in disbelief. “Are you serious?”
Rico chuckled. “I love to rile you. You know, Princess, for the very proper young virgin you were when I met you, you sure learned quickly how to make a man rise to the occasion. It’s so refreshing to meet a woman as completely uninhibited during intimacy as you are. It’s another reflection of your honesty.”
“I can’t be any other way about you, Rico. I’m in love with you.”
Rico knew he would only be fooling himself to deny he didn’t feel the same about her. But he couldn’t say it, or let that change why he had to leave.
Perhaps the sooner he left the wiser it would be. He had allowed his feeling for Jenny to distract him from his mission. Had convinced himself that Slatter was nearby as an excuse to remain.
Everyone else believed the murderer was either dead or elsewhere. So maybe he was fooling himself. Had held on to the false belief as an excuse to remain because he didn’t want to say good-bye to her.
Rico looked at Jenny and realized how much she had come to mean to him. He was so proud of her. Every day, he’d witnessed her growing maturity. Or was he the one who lacked wisdom? Maybe he should have abandoned this search for the men who had murdered his mother a couple of years ago, and left it in the hands of the law.
But it was too late to turn back now. He had made a vow over her grave.
So now he was in love with Jenny and every minute he continued to remain made it ten times harder to try and leave. But the time had come to do so.
All he could hope was that Jenny would wait for him to finish this mission. He would tell her tomorrow, when they went to town to welcome back Andrea and Don.
Not tonight. He wouldn’t be the one to spoil her perfect day.
Knowing he would leave her the following day, he made love to her tenderly that night with gentle caresses and confessions of love, rather than the breathless, fiery passion their lovemaking usually became.
And long after she fell asleep, Rico lay awake, feeling the warmth of her in his arms, the sweet fragrance that was Jenny teasing his nostrils.
23
His eyes gleamed with malevolence as he peered through the brush at the man on the opposite riverbank rounding up a couple of stray cattle.
Rico Fraser! He remembered the bastard all right! Too bad he hadn’t succeeded in hanging the damn breed back in California.
If it weren’t for Fraser, he’d be in Mexico now instead of hiding out here, crippled.
Fraser and his rotten cousins! He’d have liked to have killed them all. It was them Frasers’s fault him and his gang had been arrested and locked up in jail. Their fault he had to kill that stupid sheriff in Napa when they escaped. And it was Rico Fraser who shot and crippled him.
Well, this time he’d make sure he finished him off. He had his strength back and could probably pick him off with a rifle right now. But there was no pleasure in killing him from a distance. He wanted Fraser to suffer before he died. Tonight he’d catch the bastard when he least expected it. He’d cut him up enough to hurt him, then make the breed watch while he raped and cut up that wise-mouth gal he was so fond of.
Anticipation gleamed in Ben Slatter’s eyes as he lowered his rifle and watched Rico ride away.
He drew back quickly at the sound of an approaching horse, and saw a young Indian girl dismount. She was alone and Slatter watched her as she let the pony drink. It had been a long time since he’d had a woman.
Hot anger surged through him and his mouth curled in hatred. Thanks to that half-breed Fraser.
Rico had that itch on the back of his neck that said he was being watched the whole time he rounded up the strays. Probably an Indian on the other side of the river, seeing if he intended to cross.
When he returned to the house, Jenny was ready to leave. He harnessed Callie to the carriage and they headed for Redemption.
Jenny was on pins and needles until the coach arrived. Her heart leapt with joy when Don stepped out and then assisted Andrea out of the stagecoach. Her beloved aunt glowed with happiness.
“Doesn’t she look beautiful,” she told Rico.
“She certainly does.”
Jenny rushed into Andrea’s open arms, and the women hugged and kissed as the two men shook hands.
“Welcome back,” Rico said.
“I can’t say I was looking forward to it,” Don replied good-naturedly.
“Where’s Frank?” Andrea asked, after giving Rico a kiss on the cheek.
“At Maude’s. They want us to join them once you get settled in.”
Jenny linked her arm through Andrea’s as they followed the men carrying the luggage.
“You must tell me all about St. Louis, and what the latest fashions are.”
“Honey, everything was so fascinating! And wait until you see the new gown Don bought me.”
As soon as they reached their quarters, the men dumped the luggage and boxes on the bed and left. Jenny and Andrea remained in the bedroom to talk.
“What’s happened with Slatter?” Don asked when they stepped outside to smoke a cigar.
“There’s been no further sign of him. I’ve searched every nook and cranny on the Double B and didn’t find a sign.”
“So he’s still on the loose.”
Rico nodded and told him of the John Cramer incident. “Folks around here appear to think that it was Cramer and not Ben Slatter who killed the old couple.”
“And what do you think?” Don asked, as if sensing what the answer would be.
Rico snorted. “Seems I’m not thinking right these days. Jenny is a major distraction.”
Don broke into a wide grin. “I don’t believe it! You’re in love!” He broke into laughter. “The way the two of you were at each other’s throats when you met, I figured that you’d end up in bed. So what are your plans?”
“I’m riding out tomorrow. I guess I should accept the popular opinion that Slatter’s not around here, and search farther out.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Rico. I can tell by looking at Jenny that she’s in love with you. And you mean a lot to Andrea and me, too. It’s going to be hard to see you go. You sure this is what you want to do?”
“It’s what I have to do, pal.”
“Have you told Jenny and Frank you’re leaving?”
“Frank will be glad to see the last of me, but I haven’t told Jenny yet. She knows I intend to leave; she just doesn’t know it’s tomorrow. Keep an eye on her for me, will you? She and Frank don’t get along. And without Andrea right there to give her moral support, her life will be misery.”
“She has a lot of inner strength, Rico.”
“More than you can imagine,” Rico said. “I just hate the thought of her being so unhappy.”
“We’ll do our best, but try and hurry back. I regret the precious time I wasted by not telling Andrea sooner how I felt about her. Ah…does Jenny still think you’re a bounty hunter?”
“I believe so.”
“So I imagine you’ve never told her you turned down Frank’s reward for rescuing them, either.”
“That would only make her feel she owes him a favor, and he’d take advantage of it immediately. I did tell Frank my personal reason for pursuing Slatter, but I don’t think he’d tell Jenny. It’s to his advantage not to. He wants to keep her close by to pick up where Andrea left off.”
“That’s what Andrea was afraid of.”
“Have you told her any of the truth?”
“Yes. She said she sensed from the bo
ttom of her heart that you aren’t the coldhearted mercenary you pretend to be. Why in hell don’t you tell Jenny the truth, too, Rico? She deserves to know. I think you’re wrong in believing it will be easier to see you go if she resents why you’re leaving. Nothing you do or say is going to make it easier for her to say good-bye to you.”
“Don’t think it will be easy for me, either. If I knew how long this would take, it would be easier to make plans. I’d like to take Jenny to my cousins in California until I get back. I know they would welcome her, and she’d be happier there.”
“Where are you going to begin to start looking for Slatter?”
“I thought I’d head back to Perdition in case anyone has seen him. It’s a lot to hope for, but I have to start somewhere.”
“I still feel that bastard’s out for revenge, and that I’d be his target since I wounded him and destroyed his gang. With Frank’s crew due back soon, Jenny will be safe on the ranch.”
“Rico, have you asked yourself if avenging the death of your mother is worth the price of losing Jenny? I’m going to be frank with you. Your mother is dead, so there isn’t one damn thing you can do to change that. If you have faith that she’s gone to a better life, and you love Jenny, this is the time you must make a choice between them.”
“Dammit, Don, it’s not a question of choosing between them.”
“No?”
“I made a vow over my mother’s grave. You made one to protect this country. If Andrea asked you to, would you desert the army and that pledge you made to your country?”
“Rico, you made that vow at the height of your grief. You’ve devoted three years of your life already to honor that pledge. Is it worth the possibility of another three years and the cost of losing the woman who loves you? It’s your life, and your decision to make. And if you insist upon leaving, all I can say is that Andrea and I will do our best to make Jenny’s life as pleasant as possible while you’re gone.” He tossed down his cigar and ground it out with the heel of his boot. “What in hell is keeping those women?”
“Oh, it’s so lovely,” Jenny exclaimed when Andrea showed her the gown Don had bought her in St. Louis.
Andrea sighed. “I can’t remember the last time I had a gown I didn’t make myself.”
She pulled a flat package wrapped in tissue paper out of one of the bags. “And this is for you.”
“For me!” Jenny exclaimed, and opened the package to discover a fringed white shawl embroidered with roses and trailing green stems.
“Oh, it’s lovely!” Jenny draped the shawl around her shoulders.
“I thought it would look nice with any of your gowns, dear.”
“Thank you so much. I can hardly wait to find a time to wear it.” Jenny took it off, folded it neatly, and wrapped it back up.
“There’s so many stores and merchandise, it’s hard to make a selection. We bought Frank and Rico new plaid shirts, and Maude a clip for her hair. Speaking of Frank, how did you and your father get along this past month?”
Jenny arched an eyebrow. “How do you think? Now he’s resorted to bribery. Yesterday he concocted this scheme that if I took over the household responsibilities, he would convince Rico to remain on the Double B.”
Andrea sat down on the bed next to Jenny. “I don’t understand. I thought that was Rico’s intention, in order to protect you.”
Jenny told her about the events that transpired in her absence. When she finished, she said woefully, “So it looks like Rico will be leaving soon. He’s still obsessed with finding Slatter.”
“Honey, did Rico ever tell you why he is so insistent on bringing the man to justice?”
“Only that he’s not pursuing Slatter for the reward. It’s something to do with Slatter and his gang trying to hang him. And if he finds him alive, Rico intends to kill him. His mind is made up and there’s no changing it.”
Andrea appeared as if she intended to say more, then clasped Jenny’s hand instead. “I’m so sorry, dear.”
“What aren’t you telling me, Aunt Andrea?”
“I think it would be better if you hear it from Rico himself. It’s something the two of you have to resolve without any interference from the rest of us. Are you prepared to wait for him, no matter how long it might take?”
“I could never love anyone else, Aunt Andrea. I’m sure of that.”
“Have you told him how you feel about him?”
“Yes, and he’s promised to return as soon as he’s certain Slatter is dead.”
“Does he love you?”
“I believe he does.”
“Honey, have the two of you become intimate?”
Jenny blushed. “Of course. I love him very much.”
“Since you knew he intended to leave, wouldn’t it have been wiser not to?”
“I don’t regret that we did; I love Rico too much. Even if he doesn’t love me, it doesn’t change how I feel about him. So whatever happens, I’ll at least have the memory of those moments in his arms.”
Andrea reached out and gently stroked her cheek. “Oh, my dear, I wish I could be happy for you. But I know how it will break your heart when he leaves.”
“Would you have done anything differently if our roles were reversed and it was Don?”
Tears glistened in Andrea’s eyes. “No, you’re right. I just can’t bear the thought of you being hurt any more than you have been all through your life. But you’re no longer a child. You’ve made that decision as a woman. So how can I censure you for it?”
“And believe me, Rico didn’t take advantage of me. I went to him. So be happy, knowing that I’ve had that love for however little time it may be.”
Andrea cupped Jenny’s cheeks between her hands. “I do adore Rico. It’s understandable why you would fall in love with him.” She smiled tenderly. “My little girl has become a woman right under my eyes, and I’ve ignored that. I wanted you to stay a girl forever.”
Jenny forced a mock frown. “Aunt Andrea, aren’t you the one who tried to point out Rico’s virtues to me?”
Andrea kissed Jenny on the cheek and stood up. “And here we sit chatting away, keeping those two handsome men we love waiting.”
Jenny stood and put her arms around her aunt’s shoulders. “Welcome home, darling. I’m glad you’re back.”
Later that evening, Rico told Jenny of his intention to leave in the morning. Without any attempt at subterfuge, they spent the night together in a room at Boots and Saddles. Their lovemaking was tender and emotional.
As Jenny lay in his arms, perhaps for their last time, she forced herself not to reveal her heartache to him. Whatever Fate had designed for her, there was no changing it.
“I wonder why?”
“About what?” he asked.
She hadn’t realized she had voiced the question. “I was just wondering why certain things happen in a person’s life. Take us, for instance. Obviously, it was intended for us to meet. Which we did, under the worst circumstances, and thus now are intending to part. So why even have us meet to begin with? What purpose was served by it?”
“Princess, if you’re expecting an answer to life and fate, you’ve overestimated my intelligence. I take things as they happen without trying to delve into the reason behind them.”
“But don’t you think it’s ironic that Ben Slatter brought you into my life, and now is the one who is taking you out of it.”
“Slatter was in my life before I even knew you existed, Jenny.”
“That’s my very point.”
“There’s nothing provident about that. I followed him here from California.”
“But why raid the Double B? There are other ranches in this area?”
“Nothing prophetic about that, either. Your father’s the wealthiest rancher around here, and Slatter probably heard his crew was on a cattle drive. Easy pickings.”
“And, of course, with an army post right here, and a whole regiment of United States Cavalry, it was a lone scout who saved our lives.”
He chuckled. “I told you I’m good at what I do.” Then he rolled over on her, and gazed down at her somberly. “Is that why you think you love me? Because I saved your life?”
“Because you are my life,” she said.
The pain in his dark eyes wrenched at her very soul as he battled to restrain his emotions. She felt the rise of tears but fought them back.
“Rico, my life has been haunted by if onlys. But they all seem trivial compared to if only you love me as I do you.”
He hugged her tighter. “I do love you, Princess. Lord, I don’t want to leave you. I don’t have the words to tell you how hard it is to do so.”
It was a bittersweet moment. How long had she waited to hear that confession? “Then why are you leaving me?”
“Jenny, I’ve told you that there’s a personal issue between Slatter and me. But I didn’t tell you all of it. I’m pursuing him until I kill him or know for certain that he is dead.”
“And finding him—killing him—is more important to you than I am?”
“Dammit, Jenny, it’s not that simple. It’s a question of honor. Remember when we spoke of the choices we have to make in life and the courage we need to see them through? There comes a time, no matter how much it hurts, we have to be true to ourselves. Because honor, duty, and self-respect are all part of that message.”
“What’s honorable about spending years of your life tracking down a man to kill him? Do you actually believe I can accept that as justification for leaving me? I’m not implying Slatter shouldn’t pay for his past crimes. The man intended to rape and kill me, as he had done to others, but thanks to you I survived. And if I can put that grievance aside so we can go on with our lives, why can’t you do the same? Let the law or the army bring him to justice.”
“If loving you was the only issue, it would be so easy to do that. Three years of my life was enough. Then like your young Lochinvar I could ride into your life, sweep you off your feet, and we’d ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after.”