With nowhere to go, she kept walking. The truck was registered to her? The horse stealing didn’t surprise her, but the truck did. Too bad, she didn’t have the keys. She didn’t know how to drive, but she was smart, figuring it out wouldn’t have been too hard. Glancing up she realized she was standing in front of the police station. This was her chance and she should take it.
Her fists clenched so hard, her nails dug into the palms of her hands. Hadn’t going the police to report herself as missing been her one desire? How often had she dreamt of a reunion with her family? The weight of the world was on her shoulders as she continued to walk.
Andy threatened to kill her family if she ever said a word to anyone, and there was no doubt in her mind that he’d go through with his threat. He was a mean, sick jerk who deserved to be put in jail. Dread filled her, he’d be looking for her soon. There was no way he’d allow her to go free now, not after five years. No, he’d rather see her dead than happy. He couldn’t take the chance she’d talk.
Panicked, she walked faster until she was jogging along the road out of town. The snow kept falling and a few spots were slippery, but her will to escape kept her going. There had to be a way to start her life over without endangering her family.
She froze in place when she heard the truck engine. The devil had come to reclaim her, and her gut clenched. He’d make her pay, dearly.
Still looking at the ground, she didn’t move. The driver’s side door opened, and she closed her eyes waiting for the first blow. When nothing happened, she glanced up and to her relief it was the man from the diner.
“Are you coming?” He frowned and crossed his arms in front to him.
There was no time to hesitate she ran to the passenger door, opened it and hopped in. Maybe she could buy some time while she made a plan.
He got into the truck and turned toward her. “Anora, right? I’m Maverick. Cindy says you had nothing to do with stealing horses and I trust her. What did your husband plan to do with my horse?”
His blue eyes were piercing. “I…I don’t really know. Maybe sell it for horse meat?”
Maverick laughed. “Cindy was right, you don’t have a clue. My horse is a prizewinner and worth a lot of money. Let’s get you out to the ranch and decide what to do with you.”
Anora nodded and glanced away. What did he mean “do with her?” Maybe the devil she already knew was a better choice. No, Cindy trusted Maverick and that was good enough for her.
Her eyes widened as they approached the house. She expected a small dwelling with creaky steps, not a big, two story, expensive house with a beautiful front porch and brick steps. Hesitantly she got out of the truck. This was not a place for her. Hell, he probably used cloth napkins at every meal.
“Well?” Maverick glanced over his shoulder. “Does it meet your approval?”
Was he mocking her? One look at her and anyone would see the poor quality of her clothes. She’d expected a bit of resistance and maybe some sympathy from him, but mocking her was going too far.
“It’s a fine house.” She held her voice strong and steady, stood a bit straighter and walked to the screen door he held open for her.
The front door opened and an attractive brunette smiled at Maverick. “So glad you’re home. The storm is getting nasty.”
Maverick nodded and gestured for Anora to precede him. “Belle, would you make us some coffee and bring it into the library?”
“I’ll have it ready in no time.” Belle smiled at Maverick, she swept her gaze up and down Anora and then frowned.
Great, his girlfriend hates me and his opinion didn’t seem too high either. “I’ll only be here a day.”
He led her into a beautiful library and she gasped. The books went from floor to ceiling and the dark wooden shelves gleamed. Who has a whole room just for books?
Maverick tossed his hat on a sideboard, sat on the couch and put his boots up on the coffee table. “Do you read?”
“Of course I read. I’m not ignorant you know.” Her shoulders slumped. “Actually I haven’t had a book to read the whole time I’ve been married.”
Gingerly she touched the books making an impossible wish. “Does Belle live here?
“Yes.”
Turning from the bookshelf, she nodded. “I’ll be out of your hair probably by tomorrow.” She peered at him through the fringe of her eyelashes and watched him observe her with his startling blue eyes. The color reminded her of a tropical sea. In pictures, the water was always a beautiful light blue with a hint of green. His dark brown hair touched his collar, and if he’d just gotten it cut, it must have been long. A sense of maturity and strength exuded from him, and she bet he usually got his way. Just what she needed, another controlling person in her life.
“Come, sit with me. You must be tired.” He waved his hand toward the chair opposite him.
The chair was green with tiny white flowers embroidered throughout. The legs were mahogany, it appeared to be very expensive. “I’ll stand, thanks,” she said, wanting to be near the door in case she needed to flee.
His penetrating stare unnerved her to the point she crossed her arms in front of her to keep from flying apart. “I’ve made a mistake coming here. I’ll just leave. I have friends near here and I’ll just go.”
“Do you do that often?” He cocked his brow.
“Do what?”
“Lie.”
All color drained from her face until she was pale and she took a step back, the closer to the door the better. “No, there are consequences for lying and I try extra hard not to.”
“Of course she doesn’t lie,” Belle said as she breezed in with a tray of coffee cups and a pot of coffee. “It sure is a cold one out there, won’t you have a seat?” She set the tray on the table. “I didn’t catch your name.”
The genuinely sweet smile Belle shot her took her off guard. Beautiful and nice, what she wouldn’t give… The combination only reminded her of how inept she was.
“Her name is Anora,” Maverick answered for her.
“Anora, it’s a pretty name. Come, sit and get warm.”
Indecision took over and she couldn’t bring herself to move. Maybe Andy would take her back.
Belle gently took her hand and led her to one of the beautiful green chairs. “Have a seat. Goodness, you’re shaking. I’ll grab a quilt to put over you. Mav, pour her some coffee.”
Before she knew it, a warm quilt draped over her and she had a cup of coffee in her hand. No one had waited on her since, well, since forever. She should have felt good about it, but it only intimidated her.
As she sipped her coffee, her anxiety level rose due to the exchanged glances between Belle and Maverick. It was almost as if they communicated without talking. Anger was the only thing she ever saw on Andy’s face and she knew what that meant. “Really, I’d better get back home.”
Tilting his head, Maverick studied her as though she was a puzzle he was trying to figure out but didn’t know where to start. “I thought your husband threw you out?”
Averting her eyes, she feigned interest in the coffee table. Her face heated and she was certain it was a bright shade of red. “He gets mad sometimes but I’m sure he’s probably looking for me by now and I don’t want him madder than he already is.”
Maverick set his cup down. “I for one would be very happy if he found you here. I’d like to meet the son of a bitch who tried to steal my horse.”
Belle gasped and Anora glanced up at Belle’s horrified face.
“Your husband?”
“I don’t know. He doesn’t tell me what he does. My job is to keep house and make him happy, and his job is to provide for us.” She must have said the wrong thing; both Maverick and Belle stared at her with big frowns on their faces. “I really need to get back. He’ll have expected me back by now.” Her voice quavered fearing the truth of the matter. He’d lock her up again after he beat her and it would be just like the first year he took her. Putting the mug on the table, she took the qu
ilt off and rose. “I’ll go, thank you.”
She almost made it to the front door before a hand gently grabbed her arm pulling her back. For some reason, she wasn’t afraid.
“Hey, darlin’, it’s way too cold out there for you. I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable talking about your husband. Looking at you, I now know you didn’t have anything to do with it.”
Anora’s heart slowed a bit as she shook Maverick’s hand off her arm and turned away from the front door. She glanced at him, intending to glance away quickly, but his blue eyes drew her. She bet he was the type who gave orders and expected them carried out without question but not in the same way, Andy ordered her around. Maverick acted out of confidence and Andy out of fear. No, that couldn’t be right since Andy was fearless.
His intense expression softened. “Why don’t I have Belle show you to a room? You can spend the night, and after a good night’s sleep you can decide what you want to do.” His smile appeared reassuring, but she knew better than to trust anyone.
Belle walked toward them, her beautiful long, dark hair practically sprung with each step. “Come on, Anora. Let’s get you out of those wet clothes. We have a great guest room I’m sure you’ll like.”
“Good night, Anora,” Maverick said with a nod. He assumed it was a done deal.
She was too tired to make a fuss. Instead, she turned and followed Belle. Too tired? Who was she trying to fool? She always tried not to make a fuss or she suffered for it. Shivering she followed Belle up the stairs and down a long hall.
Belle opened the third door on the right and walked into the room. “I’ll put you near us in case you need anything.”
“How long have you been married?” Anora asked as she tried to keep her jaw from dropping at the luxurious room. The bed looked ultra-plush and comfortable with its burgundy and gold comforter and numerous pillows. The carpet was so dense, she wanted to take her shoes off and feel its softness.
Belle laughed. “We’re not married. My time on the ranch has come to an end for a while. I’m leaving tomorrow. Don’t worry you’ll be in good hands.” She pointed to the dresser. “There are nightgowns in the top drawer, help yourself and your bathroom has everything you need. Make yourself at home. Good night.”
“Good night.” She waited until Belle left before she sighed. What was she supposed to do? Andy was going to be livid and she’d be lucky if she survived his wrath. Shivering, she decided to change her clothes, but first she made sure the door locked. The click of the lock took away some of the tension in her shoulders. She’d be fine tonight, she hoped. Maverick had his girlfriend in the house to keep him busy. Tomorrow there were no guarantees.
Someone nudged Anora’s shoulder, startling her awake. The first thing she saw was Belle leaning over her. “What? Did something happen?”
Belle laughed. “No, I’m getting ready to leave and I wanted to say goodbye and to wish you luck. Look after my brother for me. He can be a bossy pain, but he has a kind and gentle heart.”
“Brother? He didn’t tell me. I assumed you were his girlfriend.”
“No, I’m the smart one of the family. It’s time to get back to college.”
Anora sat up and stretched her arms above her head. “I don’t intend to be here long, but I can look after him while I’m here.”
Belle treated her to a gracious smile. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Anora. Take care.”
“Belle!” Maverick’s voice boomed loudly.
“Gotta go.”
“It was nice to meet you too.”
Anora squirmed and pulled the covers up to her chin when Maverick poked his head into the room. He was more handsome in the daylight with his striking blue eyes.
“Morning, Anora. Belle, you’re going to be late.”
“See ya, and don’t let Maverick boss you around.”
Maverick frowned and shrugged his shoulders. “Damned if I ever know what she’s talking about.”
Belle brushed past Maverick laughing.
Anora watched until they were both gone. Suddenly she was wide-awake. Where was Andy and how much trouble was she in? Fear clutched her and wouldn’t let go. He’d never allowed her to go places herself let alone stay out all night.
Getting out of bed, she grabbed her backpack hoping there were clean clothes in it. She unzipped it and looked inside. The only items were a roll of toilet paper, a sweatshirt and a pair of underwear. Did he expect her to sleep outside? She groaned, he did and right outside the house, she bet.
There was going to be hell to pay. Maverick had been more than gracious allowing her to stay, but Andy was her husband. She scurried and got dressed in her clothes from the day before. Maybe with some luck Andy would never know she spent the night in another man’s house. After she dressed, she pulled the sweatshirt on and grabbed her backpack. Tiptoeing down the stairs, she almost made it to the door.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
She stopped but didn’t turn around. “Home?”
“I don’t think so.”
A more frightened filly, he’d never seen. When she turned around her eyes widened and her mouth gaped.
“Where were you planning to go?”
“I really don’t know, but I don’t want to be your problem. My husband is bound to find out where I am and when he does… I don’t want you to be in danger. Plus he has the right to take me.” Folding her arms in front of her, she stared at his well-worn boots.
Maverick’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean he has a right to take you?”
“He’s my husband, I belong to him.” Her voice shook.
“He’s been feeding you a bunch of malarkey. And you believed him? How long have you been married?” He leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets.
“Five years I think. I’m not really sure.” This time, she looked him in the eye.
He didn’t know what to think. “How old are you?”
Anora hesitated. “I’m twenty-five.”
“No seriously how old are you?”
Her gaze fell to his boots again, and she shuffled her feet before finally answering. “I’m almost twenty.”
He wasn’t sure she was telling him the truth. “Come on let’s get some breakfast.” He turned and headed toward the kitchen and smiled when he heard her footsteps behind him.
“Coffee?”
Anora nodded.
“Sit down. I’ll bring it over.”
Her bewildered expression was another red flag. Something about her wasn’t right.
“Go ahead and sit. Cream or sugar?”
“Just coffee please.”
“Did you grow up in a different country?”
Her posture became rigid as she drew her mouth into a straight line. “No.” She stared at him, waiting for the next question, shifting in her chair.
Making her uncomfortable wasn’t his goal. The poor girl needed a hug, not an inquisition. “I have donuts. I don’t cook much.”
“Donuts are fine.”
He put the box on the table, grabbed their coffee mugs and sat down at the kitchen table across from Anora. “Who told you that you belong to your husband? Is it part of your religion or something?”
“No,” she whispered. “I’m not sure there is a God anymore. He’s forgotten about me if he’s real. Andy told me that he owns me. In fact, he tells me at least once a day.”
He hadn’t been ready for her answer, and he gulped his coffee burning his tongue. “Damn. Not at you, I burned my tongue.” He smiled, but she was like a scared rabbit.
“I really need to go home now.”
“He threw you out so why do you think he’d take you back?”
“I think I was supposed to sleep outside in his backyard last night.”
Maybe she was just plain crazy but he didn’t think so. Battered women syndrome? “So now you want to go back because he’ll be mad?”
“Something like that. Andy doesn’t like me to talk about our business.”
“Just the same I think I should have a chat with him.”
Chapter Two
Maverick squinted his eyes against the glaring sun bouncing off the new snow trying to follow her footsteps. Anora surprised the heck out of him when she ran out the front door, and since she already had her shoes on she had a head start. The land was fairly flat, but there was no sign of her as he scanned the horizon.
The only place she could be was the barn. He shouldn’t have overplayed his hand and told her he was going to chat with her husband. Belle always said he was stubborn and hardheaded and she was right. He never could let things be, and now he had a frightened girl running around in the cold.
He needed a smack to the head. How was he going to convince her to go back into the house with him? Opening the door, he nodded to one of his hired hands who gestured to where Anora was hiding, and then left.
“Look I’m sorry. You’re right it’s not my business, and I never meant to make you run from me.” He walked slowly and quietly down the long row of stalls stopping in front of the one painted with a lemon-yellow sun on the door. Belle had caught hell from their father over it, but the old man never had it painted over.
“Anora, I promise you’ll be safe with me, and I won’t ask you any more questions. It’s cold out here.” He hoped his voice sounded gentle, but he wasn’t used to gentle.
“I don’t know what to do.” The distress in her voice tore through him.
“Me neither.”
Finally, he heard the rustling of hay and he saw her head as she walked to the stall door. Hay stuck in her hair, and he fought the urge to smile. Her blue eyes were wide and her bottom lip looked slightly raw as if she’d been biting it.
Maverick offered his hand, and she was just about to take it when they heard a truck door slam. Running back into the stall, Anora hid again.
He was about to try to cajole her out again when the door opened and Andy Garrity stepped inside. Maverick took a step away from the stall and stared Andy down.
Champagne and Cowboys Page 42