Ride The Wind (Vincente 3)

by Constance O'Banyon

  What did he want with her? She had the fleeting thought that she might be safer if she remained with the outlaws rather than leaving with this man. Her gaze went to Sam, but she knew he couldn't help her-no one could.

  "How do we know you're Graham Felton?" Eugene asked cautiously.

  Reese advanced into the room with a dangerous expression in his eyes. For the first time Saber noticed that he limped.

  "You'd be him, all right," Eugene said, his eyes going to Saber. "You got the limp, and you knew where to find us. But why wasn't I told when the plan changed?"

  Sam fixed the man with a doubtful expression. "Earl said we was to bring the woman to you."

  Reese's gaze settled on the youngest Miller brother. "You had better ask why your brother changed the plan. He asked me for the money and told me you had the woman here."

  Eugene's eyes clouded with suspicion. "Now, why'd he do that and not tell us?"

  Reese smiled the merest bit. "You know your brother better than I do. I gave him the sum of money we agreed on, and he left ahead of me. I half expected to find him here." He shrugged. "As I see it, one of two things could have happened to him he could have been ambushed by someone who knew he was carrying a large amount of cash...."

  Eugene's voice held a sarcastic tone. "And the second thing?"

  "Well," Reese said softly. "Is there a chance he didn't want to share the money with the two of you?" Reese shrugged as if it made very little difference to him. "As I said, you know your brother better than I do."

  Eugene swore loudly. "Damn it to hell! I should have been suspicious when Earl went riding off on his own and wouldn't let me go with him! He done went and crossed us." His murderous gaze turned to Reese. "If I find you've played us false, I'll come after you."

  Reese countered Eugene's threat with one of his own. "If I find you've harmed this woman, I'll come after you."

  Sam spoke up. "Earl wouldn't have done us wrong. If he's not here, it's because he's in trouble somewhere."

  "And night ain't night," Eugene said in a hard tone. "I thought Earl was acting funny." He glared at his younger brother. "We're going to find that bastard and get our share of the money." He jerked up his gun belt and fastened it about his waist. "I'll kill him for this!"

  Both brothers began shoving supplies into a canvas pack and moved to the door. Eugene turned to glance back at Saber. "I think our paths may cross again, Miss Vincente."

  Saber cringed inside at the lustful look he gave her and turned her face away from him.

  Pausing in the doorway, Sam spoke to Reese. "Be good to her, Mr. Felton. She's not used to rough treatment."

  "You'd just better hope you or your brothers haven't harmed her," Reese told him in a deep voice that reverberated through the room.

  Sam looked at Saber for a moment. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you from Eugene." Then he left abruptly, closing the door behind him.

  The room was silent for a long moment, and then Reese turned his attention to the woman. She was dressed in filthy trousers and a shirt that were both too big for her. Her golden hair was tangled and dirty. Her face was smudged with dirt. He saw nothing about her that would make a man like Major Halloway want her for his wife. She looked more like a pitiful waif than a legendary beauty.

  Saber tried to meet the man's gaze bravely, but his eyes were too intense, and he was too powerful. "What are you going to do with me, sir?"

  He wondered if he should tell her that Matthew had sent him to rescue her. But there was a chance the Miller brothers might follow them, so it was best to tell her later on. His first duty was to get her to safety. "That, Miss Vincente, remains to be seen. But you don't have anything to worry about." He glanced about him. "I sup pose you have nothing here to take. Let's be on our way."

  She shivered at the coldness in his voice. Still, her pride came to her rescue. "I want you to be aware that I will escape the first chance I get."

  He smiled, showing strong, white teeth. "Be advised, Miss Vincente, that you will be far safer with me than left to the mercy of the elements, or with those two blunderers who just left here. You will welcome my protection If they decide to come back for you-and they will come back for you, make no mistake about that."

  "What are you talking about?" she insisted.

  "Are you ready to go?"

  "Not until you tell me what you are going to do with me."

  When he didn't answer, she flew at him, her hands reaching for his face, trying to claw at his eyes. With ease, he subdued her, locking both her hands in a firm grip.

  "Stop it. You'll only hurt yourself." He pulled her against his hip and held her there. "You can't win against me, so save yourself the trouble."

  She struggled and kicked out at him, but she soon recognized his superior strength. Thoroughly exhausted, she subsided stiffly against him. But her blue eyes burned with contempt, and he knew she would try to escape if he didn't watch her. That was certainly what she had been trying to do when he'd found her.

  He admired her spirit, but it would probably get them both killed if he didn't curb it. "For now, all you need to know is that we are leaving. Grab that extra blanket. You'll need it for warmth."

  She blinked her eyes in revolt. "No, I won't!" she declared, glaring at him. "It's filthy. I didn't use it when it was offered to me by Sam, and I won't use it now."

  His voice had an edge to it, and he cast her an intolerant gaze. "That blanket is probably cleaner than you are. You could do with a bath."

  She opened her mouth to protest and then glanced down at the stained trousers; it was difficult to tell what color the shirt was. At the time Sam had given them to her, her only concern had been to discourage Eugene's attention. "When they took me away, I wore only my nightgown. Sam let me have these."

  Seeing the fear in her eyes caused a painful twist inside Reese. He had the strongest urge to hold her until she lost the forlorn expressionto protect her with his last breath if he had to. He wanted to assure her that everything was all right, but he didn't dare-not yet. He moved to the door and turned to her. "Grab that second blanket. You're going to need it. We have to leave now because I want to put miles behind us before sunup."

  Having no other choice in the matter, Saber took the blanket and flung it over the one she'd been wrapped in when the millers had kidnapped her. She followed the man out the door and across the street, where he led her through a narrow alley. Behind the old bank building were two horses and a pack mule. Apparently they had a long journey ahead of them if they needed enough supplies for a pack mule.

  When the man came forward to help her mount, Saber shoved him away and slid her foot into the stirrup, hoisting herself into the saddle. It gave her some small satisfaction that she could make at least one decision for herself, even if it was only a small one.

  As they rode away from the deserted town, past the neglected graveyard, Saber shivered. She had a feeling her destiny was tied to this man's, although she didn't know why. She weighed her chances of getting away from him, but she remembered the six-gun he wore about his waist, and the rifle he'd placed in his saddlebag within easy reach. He'd probably kill her before he'd let her escape.

  She huddled beneath the blankets while the icy wind chilled her to the bone. She was more frightened than ever. Closing her eyes, she wished her brother would find her. It didn't occur to Saber until later that she hadn't thought of Matthew at all. Always in the past, when she had been frightened, her mind reached out to her brother, just like now.

  "Oh, Noble, come for me soon," she whispered. "I am so afraid."

  Saber had no way to gauge how long they had been riding. She had never been so cold and exhausted, and she could hardly stay upright in the saddle. When the man finally stopped to rest the horses, she wearily slid to the ground and almost stumbled. Bracing her hand against the sturdy bay, she drew from the animal's warmth and strength. She wondered if she could jump back on the horse and ride away. After all, she was a good horsewoman, and his horse w
as as tired as hers.

  The man who had caused her fear and weariness sat mounted on his great black horse, his demeanor placid. It appeared that he was un aware of anything that went on around him but she knew better. She knew he was aware of everything and would spring to life if she made an attempt to escape.

  Too afraid to let him see she had been contemplating escaping, she fixed her gaze on the rugged country ahead of them, wondering what would happen to her at the end of this journey.

  It was sometime later that they stopped to make camp. When he'd built a fire, she gravitated toward it. Going down on her knees, she held her frozen hands to the flames. He'd been right about the second blanket; she would have frozen to death without it, but she'd never admit it to him.

  He moved with such catlike quiet that she hadn't heard him come up behind her, and jumped when he spoke.

  "Are you hungry, Miss Vincente?"

  She shook her head, staring into his eyes with amazement. He was a man of the land, and the sky was reflected in those unusual silver eyes. How could such a man be evil? Why did she sense something strong and comforting and protective about him?

  "If you aren't hungry, I suggest you get some sleep. We'll be breaking camp before daylight. We'll have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

  She braced her back against a wide boulder and tightened the blanket about her, watching him unsaddle the horses and lead them away to be hobbled and fed. He was not at all what she'd expected. He was strong, such a commanding presence. Why would he hire others to kidnap a woman if he wanted her. Something just didn't fit. If he was of a mind to, he could crush her with one hand, and yet so far he hadn't harmed her at all. But neither had he been overly concerned about her comfort.

  Saber doubted she'd be able to close her eyes for fear the man might pounce on her during the night. But her eyelids were so heavy, and weariness took over. Her head fell to the side, and she was instantly asleep. She did not know when Reese covered her with his long coat, and she was unaware that he slept lightly so he would hear if anyone came up during the night.

  It seemed Saber had just closed her eyes when the man nudged her awake with the tip of his boot. "Time to ride, Miss Vincente. You have ten minutes to do whatever women do to get ready."

  She came fully awake, scrambling to her feet. "Where are you taking me?" With the dawning of the new day, her fear had returned. Her breasts were heaving, and she tightened her hands into fists. "Tell me now, or you'll be sorry!"

  He startled her when he chuckled and rubbed his cheek where she'd hit him when they'd first met. "You pack quite a wallop, Miss Vincente, but I wouldn't advise trying anything again. Next time I might not be so forgiving."

  She folded her arms stubbornly across her chest. "I'm not budging an inch until you tell me what you are going to do with me. You can force me to go with you because you are stronger than I am, but I will never go willingly." Her eyes snapped with anger, and her chin jutted out obstinately. "I am tired of men telling me what to do."

  His head swiveled in her direction, and there was a scowl on his face. "You will do as I say, and maybe just maybe -I can keep you alive. As for not budging, you have little choice in the matter. And as far as explaining my intentions to you, that'll come when I think the time's right."

  She felt suddenly deflated. "Can't you just let me go?"

  Without ceremony he reached for her, lifting her over his shoulder and plopping her none too gently onto the saddle. Then, wordlessly, he mounted his horse, took up her reins, and started out at a gallop.

  Saber was a good rider, but the rough terrain made the going hard, and she was forced to hold onto the saddle horn to keep from being un seated. She glared at the broad back of the man in front of her. He was arrogant and so sure of himself, and she wanted to fly off her horse and scratch his eyes out. But she didn't dare. He was a man to be feared, and she was certainly afraid him.

  He chose that moment to turn around and motion her forward. "I want you next to me so I can keep an eye on you."

  She opened her mouth to make an angry response, but the look he gave her silenced her, and she did as he asked.

  After they had ridden awhile longer, Saber took her courage in hand and said, "My brother will hunt you down no matter where you go. You'll be sorry you ever heard the Vincente name."

  "I'm already sorry." He gave her a dark look. "As for your brother, should I be trembling in my boots?"

  "My brother is a man to be reckoned with. You had better fear him."

  His lip curled. "I've heard of Noble Vincente. Like many of the wealthy landowners, he's probably grown soft letting others do his work for him. I believe he's a Spanish don or grandee or some such."

  Saber bit her lip in vexation. There was no talking to this man; she wasn't even going to waste her time trying.

  As the day progressed, it warmed up a bit. But by late afternoon, dark clouds were gathering in the west. Red and gold streamed through a break in the clouds, and it looked to Saber as if an artist had splashed color across the horizon.

  She glanced at Graham Felton and was about to comment on the beauty of the sky, then clamped her lips together. She didn't want to share her thoughts with the likes of him. Absently her gaze fell on his strong hands, which held his reins in a loose grip. She'd already felt the strength of those hands, and she shivered, thinking he could break her bones without even trying. She wondered what it would be like to feel those hands run over her body caressingly.

  With a start, she blinked her eyes and blushed at the impure thoughts she was having about such an unworthy man. What was the matter with her? He was the enemy the man who had paid to have her abducted and she should be thinking only of Matthew. Her thoughts turned to her fiance. Matthew must be out of his mind with worry by now. Would she ever see him again?

  The sun was setting by the time Reese called a halt. Saber dismounted, wishing she had gloves to protect her hands from the raw cold, which had intensified with the setting of the sun.

  "Why are we stopping here?" she asked, eyeing him warily. "There is no protection from the wind."

  "Shh," he cautioned, grabbing up the reins of both horses and gripping her shoulder, shoving her against a cliff wall and pressing his hard body against hers. He removed his gun and cocked the hammer.

  "What-"

  His head swiveled in her direction, and he glared at her. Should she scream? she wondered. If someone was out there, they might help her. His eyes were frosty, and he had the look of a predatory cat. She decided against calling out, because she could feel the strength in the body pressed against hers. She was once more reminded that he could crush her with his bare hands if he wanted to.

  He was watchful, motionless, as though listening for any sound that might alert him to danger. When he turned his attention to Saber, his silver eyes bored into her, and she became aware of the hard body pressed against her. He was so near she could see the pores in his skin and the dark stubble of his beard where he hadn't shaved for several days. She could smell the muskiness of him, and something twisted inside her; then something unexplainable ran hotly through her whole body. It was as if her blood were on fire. He moved slightly, and she felt his erection swell against her as they became aware of each other in a new way. For a breathless moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. His mouth was so close to hers that her lips parted invitingly.

  In a sudden motion he moved away from her, and she felt the tension ease. He turned his head to listen and then holstered his gun.

  She had to swallow several times to take a gulp of air before she could speak. Her throat went dry, and her nerves tightened. "Who was it?" she asked, trying to gather her thoughts and not think about what had just happened to her while his body had been pressed against hers.

  "Comanche," he said, turning his head as if he heard something she couldn't.

  Her eyes widened with fear-she was glad that she hadn't cried out. The Comanche were considered the fiercest Indians of all, and the mere menti
on of their name struck fear in Texans' hearts. "What would have happened if they had seen us?" she inquired in a shaky voice.

  "You are fortunate you didn't have to find out. We are trespassing on their land, and intruders don't make them any too happy."

  "I don't care if this is Comanche land. I'm tired," Saber said, dropping down on the ground.

  Reese drew an intolerant breath, his gaze sweeping the rise. At that moment, several Indians appeared at the top of the canyon, and for a long, tense moment, Saber was frozen with fear. At last the Indian raised his arm, and Reese returned his salute.

  "A-are they coming after us?" she asked, her voice once again trembling.

  "I'm not sure of anything where the Comanche are concerned. Stand close to me and don't utter a word."

  "Who is that tall Indian?"

  "Miss Vincente, you are looking at Quanah Parker, chief of the Comanche."

  "Do you know him?"

  "If anyone outside his tribe knows him, yes, I know him enough to respect him-and to fear him."

  "Wasn't his mother the one who was captured by the Indians when she was just a girl?"

  He frowned, his gaze still on the mesa above them. "Yes."

  "And he chose to stay with the Comanche, though he could have lived in the white world."

  Reese looked at her with sudden humor dancing in his eyes. "Quanah would scoff at your reasoning. Why would he want to live with white people, who would only despise him, when he is a great and respected chief among the Comanche?"