She ceased her struggles, and he settled himself behind her.
Instantly, he knew he’d made a mistake.
The feel of her in his arms brought a wave of pleasure cascading over him. He cursed himself. He should’ve known better than to touch her. Her soft curves against his body excited him. The heat surging through his body had nothing to do with the hot sun beaming down on them. His throat suddenly felt parched, and he licked his lips. From his height, he could see over her shoulder and the swell of her breasts. Her shirt, damp with perspiration, clung to her like a second skin. Upset with himself, he clucked to Buck, and the horse plodded forward.
“How long do I have to endure this torture?”
“Not long. I’ve decided to take you to my ranch. It’s on the way. Then I’ll have someone take you to town.” And out of my life. That thought hurt, but it was for the best.
“Good.”
They rode in silence. As the day wore on, she relaxed against him, probably unaware that she did so. At dusk, they crested the hill overlooking his ranch. He drew Buck to a halt and gazed lovingly at his home. He’d worked long and hard for many years for this place, and every time he came back to it, pride swelled his chest. “That’s my ranch. The Bar M.”
“It’s lovely.”
Her unexpected compliment delighted him. He exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. A nudge of his heel sent Buck down the ridge. “It’s late. We’ll stay here tonight.”
****
The lights below twinkled invitingly and reminded Angel how long it’d been since she’d slept in a real bed with cool, crisp sheets. But she didn’t want to stay in his house. She shook her head. “No, no. I’m not staying there.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No.” She pivoted in the saddle to face him. “You said you’d have someone take me to Deadwood tonight, and I expect you to do what you said.”
“Sorry. Changed my mind.”
“You can’t do that.”
“I already did.”
“Then give me a horse, and I’ll go on alone.”
“It’s too dangerous and too far. It’s another day’s ride to Deadwood, and you don’t know these mountains.”
“You can’t keep me here against my will. That’s called kidnapping, and it’s against the law.”
“Oh? And did you forget there’s a warrant out for your arrest?” He quirked his eyebrows at her.
“Of course, I haven’t forgotten. How could I? But that was back in New Orleans. I doubt anyone in Deadwood, South Dakota, would be aware of that—or even care.”
“Oh, so we’re just ignorant, uncivilized ruffians, huh? Is that what you mean? Not at all like the classy folk from New Orleans?”
She didn’t answer. He was trying to rile her, but she wasn’t going to fall for it.
“You’d be surprised at how advanced we are out here. You ever hear of a telegraph?”
Angel made a very unladylike sound. “I’m a small fish in a big ocean, Mr. Montgomery. That warrant means a lot—only to you.”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re staying here tonight. If I have to hogtie you, I will, and that’s final.”
“You’ve always got to be in control, don’t you? Well, you win, but just for tonight because I’m tired. But first thing tomorrow I want a horse and then I’m leaving and I hope I never see you again.”
When he didn’t answer, a twinge of guilt pricked her conscience, but she quickly stifled it. He didn’t care for her, and she didn’t want anything from him. Not even hospitality. The sooner she left, the better off she’d be.
As they rode into the yard, a dark figure stepped out of the shadows. “Who’s there?”
“It’s me. Evan.”
“Hey, everyone, wake up. It’s the boss.” The man stepped out into the light. “Welcome home, boss.”
“Thanks. It’s good to be back.” Evan slid from the saddle, then held out his arms to her.
She ignored his outstretched arms, swung her leg over the saddle and jumped to the ground.
“I see you brought company.” Pete’s voice was full of curiosity.
“Yeah. This is Angel Devereaux. Jake Plummer’s daughter.”
Pete whistled softly and tipped his hat to her. “Jake’s daughter, huh? Howdy, ma’am.”
Angel nodded at the man.
“Where’s my brother?”
“Up to the main house.”
“Thanks. Take care of my horse, will ya?” He tossed the reins to Pete, then took Angel by the elbow and propelled her toward the house.
“He’s with Miss Mary,” his foreman yelled from behind them.
Evan stopped in his tracks, and she glanced at him. Something in his expression told her the name Mary meant something to him. No wonder he didn’t want anything further to do with her. He’d succumbed to temptation, and now he regretted it. Unexpected tears gathered in her eyes. She turned away before he could see them.
He sighed, then he again took her arm and half carried, half dragged her across the yard. She planted her feet and stopped.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“I’m not a dog on a leash that you can drag across the yard.”
He glanced at her. “Sorry.” He led her up the steps, then hesitated. After a moment, he took a deep breath, opened the door and walked into the room. She followed on his heels.
The two people in the room jumped to their feet. The man, a younger version of Evan, rushed forward and embraced Evan. “Boy, am I glad to see you, brother. You’ve been gone a lot longer than we expected. We were getting worried about you.”
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to cause alarm.”
The second person, a woman with dark hair graying at the temples, and a kind face, walked over to Evan, a look of childlike adoration on her face. She too hugged Evan.
The green-eyed jealousy monster came out of nowhere and gut-punched Angel. A wave of nausea swept over her and curled in her stomach like food poisoning. It was as clear as the nose on her face that this woman was the one Evan loved. She was a pretty woman, not beautiful, but pleasant to look at, and appeared to be older than Evan. Dressed in a soft dove gray dress with a high neckline and long sleeves, she looked very...matronly.
“It’s good to have you home, Evan,” the woman said, her voice soft and caressing.
Home? Did this woman live here? Was she Evan’s wife? He’d not said anything about a wife. But if she were his wife, why would he have brought Angel here?
“It’s good to be home.” Evan stepped away from the woman and walked over to a cabinet on the far side of the room. He opened the cabinet door and pulled out a decanter of liquor and a glass. He poured himself a drink, then downed it in one gulp.
Are you looking for courage in that bottle? Angel wanted to yell at him, but she kept silent.
“Well?” the other man asked.
Evan faced him. “Well what?”
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
Evan’s mouth twisted into a frown. It suddenly struck her that he didn’t want to make any introductions. He was either feeling guilty or ashamed. Well, she wasn’t about to say a word. She was here against her will. Let him explain it.
“Yes, Evan,” the woman added, “please introduce us.” Even though her voice was still soft, Angel caught a note of displeasure.
“This here is Angel Devereaux—Jake Plummer’s daughter.” He pointed at the young man, then the woman. “That’s my brother Chad, and this is Mary Webb.”
And what is Mary to you? Angel nodded at both of them.
“And what is she doing here?” Mary asked. “I thought you just went to tell her about, about Jake.”
Angel stuck out her chin. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.”
“I’m sorry,” Mary answered, her face turning red. “That wasn’t very polite.”
“It’s a long story, and I’m too tired right now.” Evan rubbed the stubble of his beard.
Mary’s lips ti
ghtened, but she merely nodded. “Of course. As you wish.”
As you wish? It’d be a cold day you know where before she’d kowtow to a man like that. The arrogant son of a bitch.
“Have we got any supper left?” Evan asked in a surly voice. “I’m hungry enough to eat a bear.”
“Yes. I’ll heat it up for you.” Mary’s words were cold and clipped. She turned and flounced out of the room.
Evan turned to Chad. “Is everything all right here? Any problems?”
Chad grinned. “No problems. Everything’s been running as smooth as a baby’s bottom.”
“You get those steers moved to the north pasture?”
“Sure did.”
“Get that fence line mended?”
“Yep.”
Evan seemed surprised that everything had been done. Chad stood there, and she could tell the lad was eagerly awaiting a compliment. But none came. Chad’s face fell as if it were made of clay. She wanted to scream at Evan to say a kind word to the kid, but it was none of her business. Come daylight, she’d be out of here.
Mary appeared in the doorway. “Come and eat, and you too, Miss Devereaux, if you’re hungry.”
“Thanks,” Angel mumbled. She didn’t want to accept anything from this woman, but she’d been almost two days without food. She followed Evan silently through the door which led to a huge dining room. An ornate table with heavy claw feet claimed the center of the room. Plush leather chairs surrounded it. They didn’t stop there but proceeded through another door into a great kitchen. Angel had never seen such a large kitchen. Not even Amelia’s house in New Orleans sported such a great room. A fireplace lined one entire wall. A black kettle suspended on a metal arm over red coals sent a delicious aroma wafting through the air.
Evan and Chad sat down at a small table to her left. Evan motioned for her to take a chair. She sat down next to Chad. Everyone sat silently as Mary ladled what looked to be a stew of some sort into bowls and placed one in front of Evan, then Angel.
“Thanks,” she muttered.
“Chad, would you get two spoons, please? Oh, and the bread I baked this afternoon.”
“Sure, Mary.” The boy jumped up and retrieved two spoons from a cabinet drawer, then opened the stove and pulled out a pan of biscuits. He placed the spoons and the biscuits on the table.
She’s at home in his kitchen. That means she’s here a lot. She made bread—today. Stop it, Angel Devereaux. You’re acting like a child. You already know he regrets what happened between you, and now you know why.
Mary’s and Chad’s curiosity was evident, but they kept quiet. Evidently, Evan ruled them with an iron hand. But he didn’t rule her, and tomorrow she was leaving.
No matter what he said.
She and Evan devoured their stew in a matter of minutes. When asked if they wanted more, he said yes, but she shook her head. “What I’d really love is a bath—if that’s not too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all,” Mary answered. “Chad, would you please heat some water for Miss Devereaux?”
“Sure. I’d be glad to. Be right back.” The young man jumped to his feet and disappeared out the back door.
“Come on. I’ll show you to your room.” Mary glanced at Evan. “I thought the blue bedroom if—”
“Fine with me. I don’t care. I’m going to have another drink.” He rose and stomped out of the room.
How rude, Angel thought, but Mary only shrugged her shoulders as if she were accustomed to such behavior. “This way, Miss Devereaux. We’ll go up the back stairs.”
Angel followed her from the kitchen and up the back stairs. At the landing, they turned right down a long hallway, making Angel realize what a large house this was—and how familiar Mary was with it. The woman stopped in front of a door, opened it and stepped inside. She motioned for Angel to enter.
The small room appeared clean and comfortable. The walls were a light blue, hence the blue bedroom. Definitely a woman’s touch. A blue coverlet adorned the bed. The only other furniture was a dresser and a table with a lamp on it.
Mary walked over to a side door and opened it. “This is the bath. Chad will be up soon with hot water. There’s clean towels there. When you’re through, just leave the water. I’ll have someone empty it tomorrow.”
The mistress of the manor. Angel had never felt more ill at ease. She shuffled her feet. “That’s very kind of you. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Mary paused as if waiting for her to volunteer more information. When she didn’t speak, the older woman walked over to the door and opened it, then glanced back at her. “I’m very sorry about your father.”
“Thanks.” Angel sighed in relief as the gray-clad matron left the room.
She sat on the edge of the bed, tugged her boots off, then fell back on the soft mattress. Glorious softness curled around her. A real bed. After weeks of sleeping on the hard ground, tonight she’d sleep in a real bed. She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment. She must have dozed off a few minutes for a sharp rap on the door jerked her upright. “Who’s there?”
“It’s Chad, ma’am. I just wanted to let you know I just poured your hot water. I didn’t want it to get cold.”
“Thank you.”
“You need anything else?”
“No, no thanks.”
A long pause. “Okay. I’ll see you in the morning.” His footsteps retreated down the hall.
She opened the side door. A tub, a real tub, filled with steaming hot water awaited her. And real soap. She undressed and stepped into the hot water. She sank down into the water, leaned back, and closed her eyes, willing the ache in her muscles to go away.
After a long, leisurely bath, she found an old shirt in the dresser. It’d have to do for a nightgown. After she shrugged into it, she crawled into bed. Even though she was exhausted, she knew sleep would not come quickly.
Because Evan was with Mary.
Visions of what he and Mary might be doing flitted through her mind. The same things that he’d done to her in the cave? Would he whisper the same sweet words? Touch Mary as he’d touched her? She squeezed her eyes shut to make the images disappear.
But they wouldn’t go away.
Chapter 9
Evan poured himself a generous dollop of whiskey and slumped into his favorite chair. Dammit! Had he known Mary was here, he’d have never brought Angel to his ranch. Or would he? Had he subconsciously wanted Mary to know? The idea of the Lady Gambler walking out of his life forever had filled him with dismay, and he hadn’t been able to let her go. That’s when he’d decided to stop at his ranch.
Now she was upstairs with Mary, and he’d bet a thousand bucks she was spilling the beans on what had happened between them. What a fine mess he’d gotten himself into. He heard footsteps on the stairs and braced himself for a barrage of questions. Maybe if he pretended to be asleep...He leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and slouched down in the chair.
He heard her approach, then heard the swish of her skirt as she sat in the chair opposite him. Self-loathing washed over him. Oh, hell, what a coward I’ve turned into. Might as well face her and get it over with. He opened his eyes and caught her gaze.
She leaned toward him and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re back, Evan. I’ve missed you terribly.”
“And I’ve missed you.” Even as he said the words, he lied. A white lie, but still a lie. He’d only thought of Mary once or twice, and that had been because of his burden of guilt. For the past several weeks, Angel Devereaux had filled his mind. He broke eye contact, afraid Mary would read the truth in his eyes.
“Miss Devereaux...”
Oh, no, here it comes.
“...is a lovely girl. She seems very reserved...”
Reserved? Angel? Are we talking about the same person? Nothing could be further from the truth.
“...and quiet. She barely said three words to me.”
She didn’t?
“When you told her about her father, how did she take it?”
Her voice held genuine concern, but then that was Mary. A warm, compassionate and caring person. His guilt doubled.
“Not well.”
“I would think not.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “But why is she here? I would have thought—”
“She was already on her way to Deadwood to see Jake when I caught up with her.” That much was true, but he despised himself for deceiving Mary. She deserved better than that. She deserved better than him. “Her guide had stolen her pack mule and supplies, so I just couldn’t leave her out there.”
“Oh, the poor dear. She’s been through such a terrible time. No wonder she doesn’t want to talk about it.” Mary stood up and walked over to the fireplace and stared into the flickering flames.
Is she waiting for me to go to her? After all, always before when he went away, he’d returned willingly to her arms. Now, he didn’t want to—he felt disloyal to...Angel? He cursed, then realized he’d cursed out loud for Mary whirled to face him, a look of astonishment on her face. His face burned. “I’m sorry, honey. It’s been a long trip. I’m just really tired and out of sorts, I guess.”
She came to him, knelt beside his chair and plucked at his sleeve. “That’s all right, darling. It hasn’t been easy on you either these last few weeks. Why don’t you take a warm bath?” She smiled seductively at him. “I’ll wash your back.”
He patted her arm. “That’s a tempting offer, but I think I’ll take a quick bath and turn in. I’m exhausted.”
The corners of her mouth tugged down into a frown, but she managed a weak smile. “Of course. I can come to you later.”
Conflicting emotions warred within his chest. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he wanted to be alone tonight. He had to sort out his feelings.
She took his silence to mean no. Her expression was one of confusion—and a hint of anger. “Do you want Chad to take me home?”
He took her hand. “Of course not. Don’t be silly. It’s too late. It’s just that, well, I really am tired and cranky.”
“Okay. Well, I’ll go to bed and let you rest.” She stood up and was silent for a moment as if waiting for him to ask her to stay. When he said nothing, she turned to go. “Good night, Evan.”
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