The Horseman's Heritage

by Jacki Bentley

  "Mmm hmm,” she said nodding furiously. “I heard him. Go help mommy. I'll walk to Mrs. Carson as you get in the car. She's always there.” With that, she was up, fastening on her hook and loop sneakers and out the front door, her little back straight, her steps quick. Reese ran after her.

  * * * *

  Ashley slogged through her work, trying to catch up. She and Reese had taken a long lunch hour. The time-cost of that lunch with Reese had been undeniably worth it, but she was now working late at Braxton.

  She had to stay ahead of the test crew. Reese had gone to her house to rescue Emma from the small monster for a while.

  Finally, after finishing the day's data and recording it, she turned off the lights and closed the door behind her.

  And she came face to face with a man dressed head to toe in black.

  And wearing a ski mask.

  The pink skin ringing the eyes and mouth added to his sinister look.

  She gasped and stepped back against her door.

  "Who are you and what are you doing here?” she demanded with more audacity than prudence. Inside, she shook like gelatin.

  She'd heard potential crime victims fared far better if they looked as though they'd put up a huge fight, as though they would not be easy prey. Her heart pounded as if it would explode. But with that safety theory in mind, she stepped forward again to stand her ground square in the man's path and stared at him hard, warning him with her eyes.

  After a moment of apparent indecision, looking left to right, the man grumbled low in his throat, “I've got a gun, lady. Open the door to your office."

  "What do you want from me?” she demanded. The longer she kept him in the hall, the better chance of someone hearing them argue.

  The stranger shoved her up against the door and reached for her throat. His fingers dug into her skin and tendons. The sharp edge of the door knob pressed painfully into her back.

  Scrambling for her cell phone on her belt, she pushed speed dial for 911.

  "No! Stop!” a man's voice yelled. God, it was Reese's voice. But he'd gone home hours ago.

  Surprised, the man let her go and took a defensive stance.

  With a huge lunge, Reese's big frame tackled the man, taking him to the floor. The two men wrestled around, struggling for control.

  Ashley pressed an alarm button by the door for security.

  The stranger seemed to know fancy wrestling moves, where Reese used his larger upper body strength and fought dirty, elbowing the other man in the face, once, then again. The man slowed, but kept trying to get to Reese's vulnerable neck.

  Rushing to Reese's aid, Ashley gave the bad guy a swift kick in the ribs when an opening appeared. He made a satisfying grunt of pain. She kept at it, thinking she might break her feet on the hulking bad guy.

  Reese rasped. “Get back, Ash. Go get help."

  "I called for help.” She wasn't fooled. He wanted her away from the fight.

  After agonizing minutes, the sound of running footsteps sounded down the hall. A man came racing toward them, gun drawn. She recognized the gray uniform of Braxton's Security. This was not the cocky new boss. It was a long time employee named Simon. Poor fellow was out of breath already.

  "You alright, Doctor Wilson?” Simon asked, panting.

  The intruder, now outnumbered, simply gave up. On his knees, he raised his hands in surrender.

  Other security men rushed to them now, the sound of their footfalls echoing in the halls.

  Reese's lip and nose bled profusely. Taking his hand as he stood up, she led him into her office and the first aid kit she kept there.

  "It's nothing,” he said. “The thug didn't get in a good blow. Been hurt worse than this by a horse."

  "I'm sure you have. Hush and let me see."

  "Hell, when I saw that bastard with his greasy hands on your throat, I almost had a heart attack,” he said.

  "Me, too.” She had to fight to steady her hands even now. Her heart still slammed in her chest.

  He grinned. “You're good back up in a fight, lady. You got in a good kick or two. Winded him. Helped me keep him away from my damn throat."

  She laughed, a weak effort, not so sure she'd helped that much.

  When the blood was staunched, he pulled her into his arms with jerky movements. Heavens, she needed his arms around her, the steel-strength and reassurance of his warmth.

  She should have guessed her big bad wolf would know exactly what to do to keep the other wolves away.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Eighteen

  "You tried to stop him. You stood in his path,” Reese said, his tone turning angry and frustrated now.

  Ashley sat in the safety of her home, wrapped in a hunter green fringed throw. The soft cloth warmed and soothed her. The responding emergency med techs had pronounced them both well, then they'd answered exhaustive questions from the police.

  "Yes, it seemed the thing to do at the time."

  "You brave, brave little fool,” he said. Then whispered softly, “You brave little fool."

  He removed his hat as though just noticing he was now inside and raked his fingers through his thick, dark hair with rough impatience.

  "Perhaps it was a little unwise to step into his path,” she admitted.

  "Perhaps? Honey, you can't weigh much more than a hundred and ten pounds."

  "I...” she began. “I didn't want the crook to steal my engagement ring. I just got it back today."

  "Goddamn the ring. It's replaceable. What if he'd been a rapist, or a sadistic murderer as well as dabbling in industrial espionage?"

  She brought a hand to her hair. “Well ... you see, I once heard a policewoman speak on crime. She said to avoid being a victim, a person should look as though they would put up a fight."

  She challenged him to defy the logic of that. “Reese, I've had just about enough of pushy, shoving males for one day.” She rubbed her forehead. “I was just trying not to be a helpless, screaming prey."

  Her challenge seemed to break through the cold anger. He closed his eyes as if seeking patience, then smiled a grudging half smile, which transformed his masculine lips and jumbled her thoughts.

  He sat down with her, drew her to him and wrapped her in the strength of his arms. She felt a tremor quake through his rigid muscles as he did so.

  "I was just so damned scared today, baby. I want to see the bastard pays for threatening you. I barely got there in time."

  Ashley held back a bit to search his eyes. He looked angry and fierce, frowning, with his brows hooding his eyes. She had a feeling he was thinking of his own justice, not the court system. She must calm him.

  Reaching up, she stroked his hair lovingly. “It's okay now. I'm fine. I'm glad you're fine too.” I love you. Once again she wondered why she'd never been brave enough to speak words of love to him. She wasn't sure why. Fear of rejection. She had imagined he would say, Sorry, honey, I didn't want forever. Not with you.

  He'd called her brave just now. But she was a sniveling, terrible coward where he was concerned.

  "That damned special duty security guard must spend all his time eating pizza and drinking beer. Some bodyguard they sent you."

  "No. Simon isn't so heavy but he isn't in shape."

  "By damn, he isn't. And if he's the best man your boss can hire to guard you, I'm taking you and Mandy to Texas."

  "No."

  Driven to hold her too tight, Reese forced himself to relax his grasp on Ash. He was shaken to his core. If it hadn't been for the message from Gabe.... “Ashley, you have to go with me to Texas."

  "Reese,” she warned.

  "Listen. Just temporarily. I've heard enough of your reasons and excuses. Think of your daughter.” Holding her head now, he plunged his hands through her hair, sifting the strands.

  "That's so unfair,” she said but snuggled closer. “Plain unfair. Of course, I think of Mandy."

  Reese was exasperated. Ashley Wilson, love of his life, spoke patiently wi
th him, reasoned with him. Crazy, stubborn woman.

  "I know you're worried,” she acknowledged, in that soft, feminine voice of hers. “But I can't go. Braxton would sue me for one thing. I'd never work in industrial engineering research again. We're so near the end of this project. Just a little more time and it'll be out of my hands. I'll be safer then. After tonight, they must know we're aware of their interest. Maybe the bad guys will back off."

  "Maybe. Or maybe they'll get desperate and escalate things and come on stronger. Remember that damned helicopter out in the field? The one that came out of nowhere?"

  "Yes, I do."

  "Well, I did some checking. No local military activity that day. No flight plans of that description logged at either of the two local airports. Nothing out of Port Columbus. A mystery bird. And the other day I saw a man in army fatigues watching me ride Kernel."

  The lady had the grace to gasp and search his eyes. Her look of worry gave him no gratification.

  "You think they were spying on my family farm, watching for me?"

  "Bet on it, darlin',” he said flatly.

  She grinned. “That's southern for yes, I assume?"

  "Right. My men can protect you at the Triple C. I can help you keep Mandy safe.” Reese only hoped he could back up the promise with fact. Finally, a primitive part of him sensed he had something real to offer this woman.

  For the first time since this lady had stormed into his life, he had something she was having trouble getting for herself. He wasn't proud enough to let the opportunity pass by unused. Besides, he was scared to death for her and Mandy.

  "Do you really think this threatens my child?"

  The fear in her voice caused him a quick stab of guilt at his ruthlessness.

  "Yes, I do.” It was the truth. “We'll get married here at your church and then leave for Texas. Could be done in a few days.” He pushed his newfound appreciation for the importance of her work with infrared imaging to the background of his mind.

  "No,” she said, shaking her head slowly.

  "I thought we settled this."

  Ashley turned to look at him. Her heart, already pounding, sped more. She could feel it vibrating in her chest. He misunderstood her. She wanted more than anything to marry him—to take the next flight to Texas.

  "No ... I don't mean that. It's just so fast. Don't push."

  He stood up and stomped toward the kitchen. He stepped on one of Mandy's squeaky toys and cursed.

  She looked down at the offending toy.

  "We need more time.” I need to tell you the truth first. “I'd be saddling you with a ready made family and all its inherent problems."

  "Not a problem."

  "I've had time to become acclimated to Mandy. You haven't. You can't know how much work a child is, how they will change your life."

  He went pale. And his eyes looked haunted and stark.

  She waited, puzzled at the stark pain she saw.

  "Are you okay, Reese? What's wrong?” she asked, alarmed for him.

  "Fine. I'm fine,” he snapped, answering too quickly for her to believe he was fine.

  She winced at his tone and his expression softened.

  "Look, Ashley, what I'm trying to say is that I'm used to children. It's a long and painful story, but trust me on that. And, damn it, I'm used to Mandy."

  "You are?” She wanted to trust him again.

  "I can't imagine life without her.” His color had returned, but there was still such a look of deep sadness in his expression.

  In some ways she knew him so well. In other ways, she had no confidence at all in her understanding of the man. With feminine intuition, she realized he hid a secret from her just now.

  Reese watched her. Hell. The woman looked so beautiful to him with her eyes flashing a stubborn warning, defying his intent to make decisions for her. Then hurt and uncertainty had crept into her solemn gaze as she must have guessed he was keeping something important from his past from her. Damn, damn, damn.

  He'd almost told her he knew all about having a child in his home. A wonderful little guy who'd made him laugh and smile every day.

  Memory of the haunting, recurring Peacewatcher dreams that foreboded the loss of his son, Gabe, washed through him now. He felt echoes of the past urgency and need to protect him, to save him.

  Reese closed his eyes. He couldn't force himself to share all that with Ashley. Not yet. Maybe someday. If he allowed the aching memories free rein, the pain might devour the rest of his tattered soul.

  Ashley had an innate honesty in her and a core of unbelievable strength. She would help a man protect his children.

  "We'll try it your way for a while longer. I'll call Clay and ask him to send someone up here to take care of Mandy while you work. That way, I'll be free to help Braxton's crack security team keep an eye on you.” He smiled to reassure her he would not force her to leave town.

  "Good.” She nodded and walked to him, taking both his large hands into her smaller ones. Her relief was visible.

  "I have to see this project finished. If I prove it performs as promised, Braxton will pay for more security."

  "Yes, you're right, of course. I overreacted.” He drew her into his arms and led her back to the large, L-shaped sofa.

  "Have you thought about what they might want my portable infrared device for, Reese?” She asked him the same question she'd asked her coworker, Pat Homfield.

  "You mean the negative possibilities? Let's see. It's like Superman's x-ray vision. Something like that. You've made it smaller, cheaper and easier to use. No doubt it would appeal to the military of any country.” He had some ideas of his own, but she needed to talk through this thing, work through the worry and the guilt that comes from knowing something good you've created could be used for darker purposes. He knew the idea of her work making war more efficient hurt her. Worry and pain racked every line of her body. Awkwardly, he stroked her back, trying to reassure her, inhaling her intoxicating scent as he did. “It'll be okay, sweetheart."

  "Designing something to help kill people was so not what I had in mind."

  "I know it wasn't, Ash. Shhh, now.” He tightened his arms around her and she melted into him. So trustingly.

  She sighed and snuggled closer, holding on as if he would get away.

  "Our job is to keep it from going to the wrong people,” he said, nuzzling the top of her head. He kissed his way across her cheek, finding her petal-soft lips.

  Reese pushed her back flat on the sofa. Lifting her top out of the way, he began stringing small kisses across the flat of her stomach and navel. He smiled a grim smile of sweet revenge when she responded to his touch with quicksilver tremors.

  "I like this little piercing in you navel. Sexy as hell."

  "Oh, Reese,” Ashley said, laughing softly when he licked the jewelry with his tongue. She maintained enough awareness in her haze of sexual arousal to observe that Reese smiled a tolerant masculine kind of smile. She clinched her jaw, but didn't call him on the arrogant smile as perhaps she should. She loved this man with all her heart.

  "Sweet, sweet Ashley,” he said against her belly.

  Ashley was disappointed not to have the right to express that love in words. Their lovemaking might last more than the two hours or so they'd have before Mandy awoke.

  They still hadn't talked. She wanted to talk of course. She did. That was why she'd contacted him through her lawyer, darn it.

  She needed to remember that and stay focused.

  Childishly, she resented that he was the cool one today.

  He lifted his head from her belly. As she watched, he squeezed his eyes shut and waged an internal battle. Finally, it seemed an age later, though only moments passed, he turned back to her.

  "Ashley, I.... “He caught her gaze with his. “Kissing lower than your soft midsection would be a mistake. A big mistake."

  She nodded.

  Ashley watched him, holding her breath. She'd always been sure of this physical desire between
them. The sexual attraction forged a very special bond. However, the hold had been fleeting and tenuous four years ago.

  She'd never been with any other man, but her feminine instincts told her what she felt with Reese was right and very special. A once in a lifetime love, a once in a lifetime lover.

  He nudged her legs apart, making room for himself there. She answered his demand, holding him to her.

  He lay against her a moment, looking into her eyes, but not moving forward. For now.

  She drew back, assessing his expression. “You're scared.” Ashley wondered why she'd said that. A statement guaranteed to insult any red-blooded male. But she knew it was true. Her instincts told her the man was afraid of something. Right now he quaked in his fancy-go-to-town boots. Metaphorically, because he'd kicked them off with his pants. Her newfound insight allowed her to see that perhaps he had always been a bit frightened of their powerful sexual connection.

  "Am not."

  "Poor, poor big baby.” She kissed him again. “You don't want to lose control."

  He threw back his head and laughed. “That's the truth. You bet your life,” he admitted without the hesitation she expected his pride would demand. The look in his eyes held remembered pain. “I don't want to screw up again, honey. I want to make things work this time. Somehow. That's why I'm here. Whatever it takes. Name your price."

  She stiffened. “Price? Speaking of price and a future in the same sentence to a woman is not the way to go carefully."

  "Son of a.... “He stopped. “Hell. I'm so damned used to approaching matters as a business deal, I guess."

  She folded her arms at her breasts. “As you did four years ago. Black ink or red ink, thinking only of your bottom-line."

  "Price was a poor, poor choice of words, hmm?” To distract her, he insinuated himself deeper into the cradle of her pelvis, nudging side-to-side, seeking her core.

  She gasped at the intimate contact. “Yes. A very poor choice."

  His eyes dropped. “I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the unfortunate choice of words. And I'm sorry for our lost four years. I handled everything all wrong back then."

  She nodded. “Yes, you did. We both did."

  "I still will at times, love. I know I will."