The Payment

by Mysty McPartland

  Dane rolled his eyes and once again took a quick peek at his wife and wanted to laugh at the look on her face. O’boy, Reese is in for it now, and he didn’t intend to come to his brother's rescue, well not, unless his wife took a gun to him. Besides, this should be amusing. He folded his arms over his chest and waited for the explosion.

  At first India felt only slightly annoyed when her husband didn’t answer her question. When all but one of the brothers left, she became more than aggravated when he wouldn’t stop staring at her. She became infuriated after his close inspection, she felt like a cheap floozy, and tipped over the edge of her irritation by his rude whistle and his ugly accusation towards Dane.

  She took a quick step forward until she stood toe to toe with Dane’s brother. Her hand came up, and she started to poke him hard in the chest, forcing him to take a step back each time. “Now you listen to me you bad-mannered imbecile. I don’t like being stared at as if I’m some saloon girl, and I won’t take it from you or any other man.”

  Reese kept backing up and he could only stare at Dane’s wife in astonishment. He felt the heat of embarrassment burning on his face. He turned a pleading look to his brother hoping he would take control of his wife. When he saw his brothers smug face knew he wouldn’t. When he finally backed up against the wall and had nowhere else to go, all he could do is pray she would calm down quickly.

  India grew too wrapped up in her anger to notice they stopped moving. “And how dare you suggest Dane would hurt me. For your information, you dolt head you not only insult him but me as well. If you must know who hit me, it was some woman who thinks she is engaged to your brother.”

  Dane stood and watched the scene and could hardly contain his laughter. Poor Reese didn’t know what to do as India laid into him. However, as she started to wind down, he quickly moved over to her, and once she finished poking Reese’s chest again, he grasped her hand. “I think Reese now understands sweetheart.”

  When Dane gently took her hand India felt the anger drain out of her, she turned and smiled up at him.

  Reese shook his head over the sudden change in Dane’s wife, one minute she was a spitting wild cat and now after one touch from his brother, she was a purring kitten. He once again shook his head over the transformation. “What does she mean about some woman claiming to be engaged to you?”

  Reluctantly turning his gaze from his wife, Dane sighed and met his brother’s eyes. “Dianne King was in town when we arrived and apparently while I was away she has been telling everyone that we’re engaged. She became upset when she found out I was married, and before I could prevent it, she slapped India. I’m proud to say though that India retaliated and struck a blow that would probably leave Dianne with a couple of black eyes.”

  India wanted to slap her hand over her husband’s mouth to keep him quiet, she felt her face burn with shame and embarrassment.

  Reese burst out laughing, imagining the scene. He found it hilarious to think that Dane’s small wife bested the conniving spiteful bitch.

  Quick to noticing his wife’s embarrassment, Dane sent his brother a warning glare and when he stopped laughing, he watched him hurry out of the room. Alone now he lifted his wife’s chin and smiled warmly at her. “Don’t be ashamed sweetheart you had every right to defend yourself.”

  He knew what he would have to tell her next would make her probably feel even worse, and he hoped it wouldn’t affect their lovemaking. His fingers lightly caressed along her jaw line. “It seems we were a little loud last night sweetheart.”

  At Danes tenderness, India felt a little better and about to smile, but when he finished speaking her eyes grew wide a hand came up and covered her mouth. She felt mortified to know that everyone in the house heard them making love. She dropped her hand and looked at Dane. “Oh my I wondered why they were all glaring at me when I came into the room. What are we going to do? Oh damn this is all your fault if you weren’t so loud.” Suddenly she burst into laughter seeing the humor in the situation.

  Dane became a little worried over her reaction and hoping it wouldn’t change anything, but his jaw dropped open when she blamed him and started to laugh. It was the very last thing he expected. He didn’t find anything funny in the situation at all.

  India gathered control of her laughter when she noticed the dark frown on Dane’s brow. “I’m sure we’ll find a solution.”

  “It’s not me that makes all the noise.” He grumbled. “And I have already solved the problem. Our Ma had her own room far away from the rest of us. She couldn’t bear to be near us.” He wrapped his arm around his wife and drew her up against him. “It’s far enough away and we can make as much noise as we like and no one will ever hear us.” He said just before his mouth covered hers.

  India grew intrigued and saddened over the way the woman treated her own sons. Dane might not realize it, but every time he mentioned his mother, he could not keep the bitterness out of his voice. Soon she hoped to learn what horrid things the woman must have done to her own children but for now, she just wanted to enjoy her husband’s kisses.

  TWENTY-TWO

  Wrapped up in kissing his wife it took Dane a few moments to realize they were no longer alone when he felt the tug on the leg of his denims. Reluctantly he lifted his mouth from hers and dropping his arms from around her stepped away and looked down to see Tye staring up at him in puzzlement.

  Finally getting his brother's attention, Tye let go of his pants. “What yah doin Dane, are yah tryin to eat her up?”

  Disappointed when her husband stopped kissing her, hearing the young voice India rapidly blinked trying to recover from her husband’s hot kiss, heat spread across her face at is innocent question.

  Embarrassed, Dane cleared his throat. “Ah…well now Tye I was just giving India a good morning kiss.”

  A frown on his brow, Tye look from his brother to the woman. For a few moments he studied her then shrugged his shoulders. “I’m Tye and I’m Danes favorite brother.”

  India swallowed her laughter and smiled warmly at the little boy. “Well is that so? I can see why you must be his favorite; you’re the most handsomest and nicest of all your brothers.”

  Dane reached over and ruffled his brother’s hair, he grinned when his saw his little chest puff up with pride. He hoped Tye would accept India. His younger brothers needed to know the love and kindness of a woman, and somehow he knew if anyone could help his brother’s, it would be his wife.

  For some reason, he felt sure that she could teach his brothers that most women were not evil and cruel like their Ma. “Come on Tye we have work to do. India, we’ll unload the wagons, and you can tell us where you want us to put your things.”

  As she watched her husband and little brother leave the room India smiled, at least one of Dane’s brothers didn’t seem to dislike her.

  Late afternoon India was finally satisfied with their new room. She admitted it would be nice to have some privacy. Still she didn’t understand why their mother would set herself so far apart from her children. She also thought she understood some of the reasons why they all resented her so much. It made her sad knowing it wasn’t only the older boys that suffered but the younger ones as well.

  Mason’s resentment was obvious and he is too young to hide it. Yet Tye, she could see, is not only curious about all the things that were feminine, but whenever he could, he never stopped asking her questions. Even though it might be tiring, she answered them all, knowing he accepted her without resentment or prejudice.

  Just as she walked into the parlor, she heard the noise coming from the dining room. For just a moment she remained, where she stood and hoped tonight’s meal would be more pleasant than last nights. Oh well, no sense putting it off, she thought and hurried forward, not wanting to be accused of them losing their dinner because she arrived late.

  It still amused her that Chin Li would take their dinner away from them if they upset him. She kept her eyes down as she hurried towards the table and after taking her s
eat; she lifted her head and warily glanced around the table. Her lips twitched as she saw everyone washed and looking clean and tidy, but she could also see the resentful glares they were sending her.

  “Damn it. Are we ever going to eat?” Tuff grumbled.

  India’s gaze flew to Tuff, and she eyed him in confusion.

  Tuff sighed heavily. “We’re waiting for you Missy to take the first dish and pass it around.”

  Now understanding why everyone stared at her, India smiled and picked up a bowl of mashed potatoes. Once she dished some on to her plate, she passed it along. She silently admitted this meal might become quite pleasant. Smiling brightly she turned her gaze to her husband, and she blushed lightly when he gave her a cheeky grin and a wink.

  Dane knew his brothers were irritated at having to wash up and change into a clean shirt before supper. However, even though they grumbled, they didn’t put up much of an argument. For a long time they never made any effort and now having a woman in their home would be good for them all to start. He could see his wife couldn’t hide her surprise over it, and he chuckled softly when he finally caught her eye he saw her face slightly flushed.

  Lord she looked so beautiful it took his breath away. He gave her a quick smile and wink before he turned his attention to his meal. He decided earlier today that it might be time for the boys to learn how to be gentlemen and how to treat a lady. It would be up to him to set an example and by showing them, hoped they would learn quickly.

  Even though the meal at times became a little noisy, India acknowledged it was quite a pleasant experience. She only just laid down her utensils when she noticed Dane stand up and come around the table and stopped beside her. Out the corner of her eye, she noticed all the brothers were watching in curiosity.

  “Would you like to sit outside for awhile sweetheart?” Dane asked his wife as he helped her out of her chair.

  Amused India let Dane help her stand. “Yes that would be lovely.” She replied with a smile she looked over her shoulder as they started to walk away. “Would any of you like to join us?” As soon as the words left her mouth, the chairs scrapped back and everyone stood. She quickly turned away before she broke in to laughter.

  Dane didn’t mind his brothers joining them; in fact, he was pleased that his wife made the offer. The more time they spent around India the quicker they would lose their antagonism towards her.

  At first, the conversation came out stilted but as time passed it soon flowed more freely. India said very little when Tye came and sat between herself and Dane, she smiled at him.

  Shyly Tye moved to sit in between his brother and wife, swinging his legs he looked down at them. “Do yah know any stories?”

  India wanted to hug the little boy but didn’t dare. “Yes I know lots of stories, would you like me to tell you one?”

  His head coming up, Tye grinned in excitement. “Only if you want to.”

  Oh the little dear, India thought, she could see the hope and excitement in his eyes and quickly nodded her head. She took a few moments to think of a story that would capture his attention, when she thought of one she hoped he would like it, in a soft voice, she started the story of the brave knight on his quest to rescue the princess from the evil dragon.

  Pleased when Tye sat down between him and India, Dane paid little attention to what they were saying to each other until he noticed his other brothers attention wandered and they fell silent as the listened to India. Only when he turned and saw how enthralled Tye seemed by what India was saying, he started to listen himself and soon, along with all his brothers, he became wrapped up in the tale she told.

  After talking for over an hour, India decided to end the tale for the night. “I think we’ll finish this tomorrow night.”

  “Oh please don’t stop I wanna hear if the knight got past the second challenge.” Tye begged.

  Dane ruffled his hair. “It’s late Tye and the story will keep until tomorrow. Go along now, it’s time for bed.” He watched as Tye gave him an unhappy glare, and as he turned, he could see his other brothers looking at him with dissatisfaction. He watched them all stand and slowly enter the house calling out goodnight as they did.

  Now alone with his wife he turned and reached for her. “Thank you sweetheart.” He kissed her brow. Then standing up, he drew her up beside him. “Come on let’s go to bed, I have a tale of my own that might interest you.”

  “I hope it’s a long story.” Laughing happily India saw the fire in his golden eyes.

  Dane laughed and pulled his wife along beside him. “I don’t know about it being a long story sweetheart, but I promise you it’s going to enthrall you to the very end.”

  Eagerly, India hurried alongside her husband. Knowing that even if it didn’t take very long, it would be overwhelmingly satisfying.

  TWENTY-THREE

  India sat on the veranda and smiled with happiness. The month since she arrived seemed to have flown by, even though the first few weeks were difficult she now felt Dane’s brothers accepted her. Losing her smile she grimaced, well not all of them, Mason still resented her even though he always seemed close by. Perhaps he just needed a little more time. Lord, she hoped so.

  As for her husband, he seemed to care for her, but she did not know if he loved her. It was a question she wanted to know, it would hurt if he didn’t. Because now she could no longer deny her own feelings. She had fallen in love with her husband. Ruefully she shook her head and let out an unhappy sigh.

  She realized it the night she first started to tell the story to Tye that she loved him. She found it nearly impossible to keep it bottled up inside her. However, she felt too unsure of Dane’s feelings to say the words to him. Hopefully, soon she would know how he felt.

  Just as she went to stand up and go inside, she suddenly heard the sound of a horse and buggy approaching. Turning she gazed down the long drive and frowned, wondering who might have come calling. She moved towards the steps and waited to see who the visitors were. Dane and his brothers didn’t like visitors, for some reason. She could not help but feel a little excited; perhaps it might be some of the women from town coming to welcome her.

  When the buggy came closer, she suddenly stiffened when she recognized one of the occupants. When the buggy finally pulled up in front of her, it didn’t take a genius to guess the other occupant who sat beside the woman. Raising her chin in the air, she knew that this would not be a pleasant visit.

  John King pulled the buggy up in front of the woman standing on the veranda. He tied up the reins, turned, and gave the woman an ugly sneer. “So this is the bitch that stole your fiancé?”

  A soft gasp at the man’s rudeness, India felt her temper start to grow. “I can hazard to guess who you are Sir, and I find you just as insufferable as your daughter. I suggest you turn your buggy around and leave at once.”

  Infuriated, grabbing the side of the buggy, Dianne leaned forward. “See Pa, I told you she was vulgar and she’s nothing but a whore. Good grief just look what she’s wearing, no decent woman would ever be seen dressed in men’s pants.” Dianne turned to her father. “And don’t forget what she did to me Pa.” Turning back, Dianne gave the other woman a malicious look of triumph. Knowing her father would not let this woman go unpunished.

  At his daughter’s words, John felt the rage build up inside him. Jumping down from the buggy, he grabbed the buggy whip and moved around the horses to stand in front of the woman who attacked his sweet daughter. “By God you will pay for attacking my daughter. My daughter is right you’re nothing but a whore. Only a whore would steal another woman’s fiancé and deserves to be punished.”

  India stood frozen; she could not believe that this man would actually strike her. Her eyes wide as she watched him lift the whip over his head.

  The feeling of righteousness on his side, John raised the whip, held it suspended over his head. He was about to bring it down when suddenly he froze at the sound of gunfire. Paling, he slowly lowered his arm, turned to look behind h
im. He instantly recognized one of the twins standing in front of the barn with a smoking gun in his hand.

  Numbly India collapsed against the post. Her trembling body sagged in relief as she looked over at Traye.

  Traye came out of the barn and saw old man King with a raised whip in his hand about to strike India. Without hesitating, he pulled his gun and fired off a warning shot. When the old man dropped his arm, he moved forward. “If you don’t get out of here the next bullet I’ll put in you.” His voice cold and deadly, his eyes glittered with icy intent.

  Slowly, John backed up. He could feel the sweat bead on his brow. “You and your family will regret what you have done to my daughter and as for your threat boy; I’m going to make you pay for interfering.” Quickly he climbed into the buggy, untied the reins before he spoke again. “You tell Dane he better get himself over to my place fast. He owes me an explanation for what he’s done to my daughter.”

  After he finished speaking to the twin, he turned back to the woman on the veranda. “And as for slut, I suggest you pack up your things and get the hell out of here. Because if you don’t I promise you will pay for hurting my daughter.” With the last harsh warning, he turned the buggy around and headed down the long drive, still fuming furiously that his chance to strike out at the woman and make her pay interfered with. However, he promised himself he would find a way to have his revenge against her for hurting his daughter.

  Dianne could only sit and curse their luck that one of the twins was at home. It infuriated her that her chance of making the woman pay was interrupted. However, she still intended to find a way to have her revenge. With luck, she just might find a way to have Dane as well.

  Stunned she stood listening to the man’s threat; India felt a shiver of dread go up and down her spine. She managed to hide it as she glared back at the old man. Only when he turned the buggy around, did she give way to her emotions. Moving over to the nearest chair, she collapsed on to the seat and started to shake.