by E. E. Burke
Her breath caught. She’d stumbled, and now she had to answer. Could she take the chance and reveal the truth? What choice did she have? He’d picked up on her evasiveness earlier, and his distrust would deepen if she lied or danced around the truth.
“Henry…and my father, Levi Parsons, the founder of the railroad and its president.”
Surprise registered an instant before he smoothed it away. “What makes you think they’ll listen to you this time?”
“I’m sure they will, if your council is behind it.” Kate rushed ahead with her idea. “We could work together, you and I, to come up with a compromise and present to your council. If they agree, we can take it to my father.”
Silence reigned a breathless moment. Jake stared at her, his expression unreadable. His aunt seemed interested, but she said nothing. Rather, she looked to Jake. He would make the decision.
Kate’s nerves grew taut as she watched for some sign of cooperation, but Jake had retreated behind an implacable mask. Had she gained ground or lost it? Would he decide she was worth more as a prisoner than a partner?
He scooted his chair back and stood. “Get your things and let’s go.”
Excitement surged through her. “Are you taking me to the council?”
“No, I’m taking you back to the railroad.”
Chapter 5
An hour later, Jake strode out of his aunt’s cabin with Kate trailing behind. He’d wasted enough time avoiding the inevitable. Holding onto Redbird wouldn’t bring anything but trouble, especially given her surprising revelation. Even though it didn’t matter whether she was the wife of the little chief or the daughter of the big one. He had to return her before one of them decided she’d been taken and sent soldiers to look for her. It might already be too late.
A congregation of speckled chickens pecking in the yard squawked at his approach. Were they annoyed with him, as well? Na had insisted he return Redbird, but when he declared his intention, she looked disappointed. What did she expect? That he’d let his hostage address the council? He might be acting crazy lately, but he wasn’t that crazy.
“Jake, wait.” Kate hurried up beside him.
Now she moved fast. She’d been dragging her feet ever since he’d announced they were leaving, taking her time changing back into her own clothes, taming her fiery hair into a tight knot. Part of him wished she still wore the dress his aunt had loaned her and had left her hair in a long braid. But it’d be best if she didn’t return looking like a “white squaw.” Her people wouldn’t respect her if they thought she’d been with an Indian.
“We have to get moving,” he said irritably. “It’ll take all day to get back to the worksite.”
“I don’t want to go back.” She grabbed his arm. He had to stop or drag her behind him.
Confused, he frowned down at her. “First you tried to bash me in the head, then you tried to shoot me to get away. Now I offer to return you, and you don’t want to go?”
Her cheeks turned rosy, which made her eyes appear so blue it seemed he could fall into them. “Yes, well, I was afraid of what you might do. I’m not afraid anymore.”
Her touch on his arm made his pulse race. He stared at the buttons on her jacket. He couldn’t even be close to her without wanting to remove her clothes. “You’d be afraid if you had any sense.”
Her grip didn’t loosen. “Is it your intention to frighten me?”
“I’m trying to protect you, foolish woman. I can’t guarantee you’ll be safe so long as you’re with me. So I’m taking you back.”
“What made you change your mind?” She searched his face as if his expression might provide the answer. “Do you trust me not to betray you?”
He broke her hold and took a step back. He didn’t trust anybody outside his close-knit family and especially not whites. That he seemed to have a weakness for this one made him twice as wary. “It wouldn’t be in your best interest to admit you’ve been alone with an Indian man.”
“I won’t betray you. But not for the reason you think. I meant it when I said I wanted to help.” Sincerity shone in her eyes, and he wanted to believe her. Except, she had no reason to care about what happened to him and his family. And he couldn’t risk telling her more than he’d already revealed, which was too much.
“There’s nothing you can do.”
“Nothing?” Her eyes widened in astonishment. “I just told you, I’m Levi Parsons’ daughter. His heir. He will listen to me, especially if we’re able to work out a reasonable compromise—”
“My people don’t want a compromise.”
“Your government won’t turn down a fair settlement.”
“You have no idea what our leaders will do.”
She propped her hands on her hips, frowning. “All I’m asking is for a chance to talk to them. It might turn out different than you think.”
“It won’t turn out the way you think. And I don’t want you involved.”
"Then why did you abduct me?”
“That was a mistake.”
“Why did you tell me about your land and the railroad?”
By the seven clans, she was peskier than a horsefly. He'd spouted off to justify what he was doing so she wouldn't think the worst of him. She made him long for things to be different. She made him want to be a better man. But he couldn’t say that. It was bad enough she knew he wanted her.
“Another mistake,” he grumbled. “But I’m not making the mistake of taking you to the council. Why do you want to talk to them anyway? Are you afraid your father’s railroad won’t get built and you won’t be rich anymore?”
She huffed. “Money has nothing to do with it. I want to end this standoff without people getting hurt.”
“Somebody always gets hurt when soldiers are involved.”
“Who said anything about soldiers?” Her brow furrowed in a look of consternation. She was so transparent, all her emotions out there for anyone to see. How the hell had she duped him so easily? “You twist my words, or refuse to believe me. Why, because I’m white? That’s as bad as Henry thinking you’re a savage just because you’re an Indian.”
Had she just accused him of prejudice? Unbelievable. “It’s not the same.”
“It is the same. You’re afraid to trust me because of the color of my skin.”
He stared at the fine spattering of freckles across her nose. They fascinated him, just like everything about else about her fascinated him, and that’s what scared him.
Their eyes met and the air became charged with energy like just before a storm. He fought the urge to sweep her up and carry her into the gale, lose himself in her arms. That could turn out to be the biggest mistake he’d ever made.
“I don’t trust you because your father owns the railroad.”
She blinked as if coming out of a trance. “Yes, he does. But he’s not the person you’d be negotiating with. Not Henry, either. You’d be doing business with me.
“I don’t want to do business with any of you. You’re not Cherokee.”
Hurt flashed across her face. “I don’t have to be brown and speak your language to care.”
Something tugged inside his chest. Likely the hook she’d buried in it. Next she’d have him believing she cared about him.
He shifted his gaze over her shoulder because looking into her eyes was uncomfortable and far too risky. Out in the pasture, his aunt’s milk cow and goat grazed on the remaining grass. With the creek still running, her corn, beans and squash had done well this year and would help feed the many members of their extended family. But if the railroad took her land, she’d be forced to move out of the valley and into the rocky hills. That soil wouldn’t yield enough to feed a family of birds.
"Your father wants to build his railroad through here and take our water. Then they’ll cut down the trees and strip the land just like they've done everywhere else.” He looked at her upturned face. “You want to help me? Get him to build his tracks somewhere else.”
She surveyed the su
rroundings. “They have to lay track near rivers or streams so they can get water for the boilers. Do you know of another route? One that doesn’t go through existing farms?”
Oh no, he wasn’t becoming her advisor.
“You’re assuming we want to give up any of our land.”
“I didn’t say give it up. The railroad can pay for it.” She crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze challenging. Had she ever considered becoming a horse-trader? She’d excel at it.
Jake assumed a firm stance. He wasn’t about to be outdone by a white woman half his size. “Your father doesn’t want to pay. He’s fighting to get it for free.”
“And that battle is becoming very expensive.”
“For who? He has plenty of money.”
“He didn’t make it by throwing it away.” Redbird’s blue eyes snapped and her cheeks turned a delightful shade of pink. She was beautiful when she got riled.
Jake was tempted to keep the argument going to see what else it might spark. “We’re not interested in selling.”
A crease appeared between brows the same bright color as her hair. “How do you know what the council will approve?”
“My uncle is on the council.”
“Your uncle?” Delight lit in her eyes and Jake knew he’d made a strategic mistake. She threw her arms wide. “Why, that’s even better. You can take me to meet him. We could discuss—”
“Forget it.” If he brought her to his uncle, he’d have to explain too many things, and he had no idea how to explain Redbird. She was unlike any woman he’d ever known. “I told you. We’re not interested in selling.”
Her lips thinned. “All right. Lease your land.”
The suggestion surprised him. “Lease?”
“Rent it out.”
“I know what leasing means. I just hadn’t thought about making money off the railroad in that way.” The idea did have some merit. Not much, but some. “What’s to keep them from building things on our land.”
“Lease only what the railroad needs to lay its track. That would give your people control of what to put around it. And the money you make would be yours to keep.”
So she was clever and resourceful, not to mention persistent. He even admired her for that. It didn’t mean he’d give in to what she wanted. In his experience, rich men could always find loopholes. “There’s no guarantee the government won’t award the grants later. It’s better to keep the railroad out.”
She ran her hand up his sleeve. Sensual awareness shimmered through him. If she noticed he’d stiffened, she gave no sign. “Jake, listen to me. Even if you stop the Katy, it doesn’t mean some other railroad won’t get through. The government is determined to make that happen. Better to deal with the devil you know, rather than one you don’t know.”
“The devil I know?” He gave her a pointed look. “Who would that be?”
Her hand fell away.
He almost reached out to draw her back.
“What will it take to convince you I’m sincere?” Her expression was so open, so vulnerable he was tempted to give in to her demands.
“Get your father to release any claim on our lands.”
Her expressive face communicated her disappointment. “I wouldn’t count on that. He’s as short-sighted and pig-headed as you are.”
“Then we have nothing more to talk about.” Jake took her elbow and pulled her into the barn. “Let’s go. I need to get you back before Charley comes home.”
###
Charley, Jake’s cousin, Na’s son… They were all part of the same family.
Kate couldn’t believe what Jake had confessed moments before they left the farm—this time with her mounted behind him. Thank heavens she wasn’t nestled in his lap, considering how her body reacted with fireworks every time he touched her. However, it was harder to hang on while straddling the paint’s wide rump.
She scooted closer, hugging his waist. “You said I’d be safe. Why did you bring me to Charley’s home?”
“He doesn’t live here anymore.”
“But his mother does.”
“She wouldn’t let him hurt you.”
The memory of Charley’s cold stare made Kate shiver. “He doesn’t strike me as the type to be swayed by his mother.”
“He wouldn’t harm someone under her protection. It’s disrespectful,” Jake declared.
Kate didn’t want to test the theory. “Do you think he’ll follow us?”
“Maybe. But don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe.”
He’d said that earlier, right before he’d kissed her and nearly undressed her, then brought her home to the mother of a man who wanted to kill her. Unaccountably, she believed him. So why wouldn’t he believe her?
She sighed with frustration. The other pig-headed men in her life never listened to her either. Not Henry, certainly not her father. Still, Jake was different. He had listened. He’d disagreed, but he’d given her argument a fair hearing. He’d shown interest in her opinions and respect for her ideas. She was sure she’d gotten through to him, but he was too stubborn to admit it. Or maybe his resistance was rooted in distrust. After all, she represented the things he hated—whites and wealth. Only, he didn’t act as though he hated her. He was probably as confused as she was about this unexpected attraction between them.
Jake guided the stallion across a shaded creek. Cool droplets kicked up by the horse’s stride splashed her ankles. The aromas of earth and water mingled with the intriguing male scent she’d come to associate with him. Without thinking, she pressed closer.
His stomach muscles tensed. He seemed acutely aware of every touch, every look she gave him. She longed to run her hands over his stomach and chest and revel in amazement at his response. Somehow it seemed they’d been made for each other.
Kate trembled at the thought. That couldn’t be. Everything she’d been taught would argue against such a match. Not to mention the obstacles created by being on opposite sides of a very nasty battle. And what did it matter, anyway? He was returning her.
Defeat weighed her down. She stiffened her spine. When had she ever given in that easily? If he took her back, nothing would be resolved. Not for her. Not for Jake. He didn’t realize it, but he’d done her a favor by bringing her into his life. If she could convince him to help her put an end to this feud between his people and the railroad, then her time out here wouldn’t be wasted. She would’ve done some good.
So how could she get him to change his mind about letting her help? She had hours, actually the whole day, to get to know him better before they reached the worksite. What she learned might give her an idea. He obviously cared deeply for his family. There had to be others she hadn’t met.
“Do you have a…” she forced out the last part of the question. “A wife, children?”
“I’m not married.”
Relief swept through her, followed by a ridiculous surge of hope, which was tempered by the thought that he was related to a man who wanted to kill her. “Do you live with your aunt?”
“Not anymore. I stay with my uncle and help him with his business.”
This was good. Jake did something beside break into railcars.
“What sort of business?”
“He trades things.”
Kate worried her lip. There had been numerous thefts of equipment and supplies. Were Jake and Charley responsible for those? “Does he do much trade in…railroad ties?”
“Horses and livestock, mostly.”
She couldn’t see his face, but she’d swear he was smiling when he answered. “What about your parents? Are your mother and father still alive?”
“My mother died when I was born. My father left.” He clipped the last word, making it clear his parentage wasn’t a topic he wished to discuss.
Her heart ached for him. She’d been to orphanages, seen yearning in the eyes of the children, had wanted to gather them up and take them all home with her. Who had cared for Jake? Cared about him? “Did you have a permanent home growing
up?”
“I had many homes with my aunts and uncles. That’s the way of our people. A mother’s family takes care of her children." The pride in his voice was unmistakable.
What a notion, his mother’s entire family taking him in and treating him as one of their own. Kate had never met her mother’s sister.
They rode out of the trees into a field painted with wildflowers and splashed in morning sunshine. Her head grew warm. Thank goodness for the floppy hat his aunt had loaned her. Jake slowed the horse to a walk. His shoulders relaxed when she removed her hands from around his waist. That he didn’t want her touching him shouldn’t disappoint her so much. But it did.
"What about you?” he asked. “How big is your family?"
Kate shook off her melancholy. If he was interested in knowing more about her, she might be able to form a friendly bond and gain his trust. "My family wasn’t as big as yours, just my parents and me. I was their only surviving child. My two brothers never made it past infancy.”
"You were raised alone?”
Alone? He couldn’t possibly know how alone. “My father’s business kept him away from home.” He’d virtually ignored her, because she wasn’t a son. “My mother was bedridden.” Too distracted by her complaints to be bothered with raising a daughter. “And I never knew my grandparents. We weren’t close to any other family.”
Even friends had been few because of her painful shyness as a child. Thank heavens for dear Miss Applegate, who’d praised her cleverness and fed her curiosity. "But I had my governess. And my books.”
“Sounds lonely.”
Kate’s throat tightened. God forbid he would pity her. She didn’t want that. Nor did she want to return to the worksite empty handed, looking as though she’d messed up again, which was what everyone would think because she wouldn’t betray Jake.
“I’m not complaining about my childhood,” she said in light tone. “I have more than most people, and I’m in the fortunate position of being a railroad heiress.”
“That is fortunate.” His voice was laced with irony.
“It could be, for you. If we worked together—”