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The Rancher's Return
Karen Whiddon
In the small town of Anniversary, Texas, pure evil will find you…The night rancher Reed Westbrook makes love to Kaitlyn Nuhn, his life ends. While in the throes of passion, his brother is murdered…and Reed becomes the prime suspect. When Kaitlyn, his solid alibi, vanishes, Reed goes straight to prison and becomes a scourge of the town.Finally released, Reed lives under the radar, until Kaitlyn reappears claiming she was held prisoner by the real murderer, a man so powerful he's virtually untouchable. This killer will stop at nothing to eliminate Kaitlyn, and only Reed can protect her. The electrifying attraction that drove him to near-madness is still as powerful as ever. And the walls he's built around his heart are in danger of crumbling.


In the small town of Anniversary, Texas, pure evil will find you…
The night rancher Reed Westbrook makes love to Kaitlyn Nuhn, his life ends. While in the throes of passion, his brother is murdered…and Reed becomes the prime suspect. When Kaitlyn, his solid alibi, vanishes, Reed goes straight to prison and becomes a scourge of the town.
Finally released, Reed lives under the radar, until Kaitlyn reappears claiming she was held prisoner by the real murderer, a man so powerful he’s virtually untouchable. This killer will stop at nothing to eliminate Kaitlyn, and only Reed can protect her. The electrifying attraction that drove him to near-madness is still as powerful as ever. And the walls he’s built around his heart are in danger of crumbling.
“Why are you really here, Reed?”
“I wanted to make sure you were all right. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I… Oh, hell.”
His mouth covered her, his kiss hungry and hot as he pulled her up against him. Then, just as abruptly as the kiss had begun, it ended. His expression fierce, he looked away. “No. That’s not why I came here. Actually, I came to apologize to you.”
“Apologize for what?”
“For that. For what happened before.”
Ah, now she understood. “You don’t have to—”
“I do. You deserve better. Kaitlyn, all your life, men have manipulated you. They wanted to own you. I will not do that to you.”
“I think I understand. You want to make sure I don’t get the wrong impression just because we…”
“Exactly.” He sounded so relieved she nearly smiled.
“No worries, then. We’re two adults. Our coming together was completely consensual.”
“You came to me for help. Instead, I took advantage of you. And God help me, I still want you.”
***
Dear Reader (#ulink_3c037256-4c58-5dc1-abff-ed519e151872),
I know the people in my latest book, The Rancher’s Return. I suspect you do, too, or someone like them. Kaitlyn Nuhn is beautiful and sexy. On the outside, she appears to have it all. Except her looks have only been a curse to her. She has recently escaped a rich and powerful man who was holding her prisoner. The experience has scarred her on the inside, and she doesn’t know if she will ever be able to love again.
The hero, Reed Westbrook, is also scarred. He was sent to prison for three years for killing his own brother, a crime he did not commit. When he finally gets out on appeal, he tries to build a new life, haunted by the knowledge that his brother’s real murderer might never be caught.
And then Kaitlyn shows up on his doorstep telling him she knows who the killer is.
The Rancher’s Return is a roller-coaster book of emotion and danger. I enjoyed giving two wounded people their own happily-ever-after. I hope you enjoy reading their story!
Karen Whiddon
The Rancher’s Return
Karen Whiddon

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
KAREN WHIDDON started weaving fanciful tales for her younger brothers at eleven. Amid the Catskill Mountains, then the Rocky Mountains, she fueled her imagination with the natural beauty surrounding her. Karen lives in north Texas and shares her life with her hero of a husband and three doting dogs. You can email Karen at KWhiddon1@aol.com or write to her at PO Box 820807, Fort Worth, TX 76182. Fans can also check out her website, karenwhiddon.com (http://www.karenwhiddon.com).
Once again, to the fine folks at Legacy Boxer Rescue, Inc. Volunteering and helping to save dogs’ lives, get them healthy and find a forever home is an experience that brings another layer of meaning to my life. Thank you for all you do. (savetheboxers.com (http://www.savetheboxers.com))
Contents
Cover (#u54fcec04-aaa1-51f2-8730-eda8e84d1b56)
Back Cover Text (#u8ac4234d-37d1-5008-bfea-69e3e3b22044)
Introduction (#u71e570bf-14b6-521c-9f95-2d464da13adb)
Dear Reader (#u72a2bbfc-2553-5365-9e34-476c2862b82d)
Title Page (#u8dedb9af-ceb3-5c3c-ab9b-6f9e5df85adf)
About the Author (#uf54d81c1-fc33-592e-9540-8a21332b3b58)
Dedication (#u028f2320-7a59-5f7c-8fc1-5d97dffbdcab)
Chapter 1 (#uf0f51f12-b1ae-55e4-8d4d-0822798b27e9)
Chapter 2 (#ud5571273-9ede-50aa-9417-957c7f18d857)
Chapter 3 (#ue20db5ec-83ad-50af-b96a-59bbd692c804)
Chapter 4 (#u7314fb77-0838-5074-ae1c-d0520ebffea6)
Chapter 5 (#u8addce51-788a-5b49-87bd-02353eb7fb00)
Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 1 (#ulink_306962d3-2ea1-5542-aa14-cb5772c61837)
Reed Westbrook knew all too well that there were many kinds of torment. Some were subtle, like the way most townsfolk crossed to the other side of the street to avoid having to speak to him, or when salesclerks in the local stores averted their eyes as they reluctantly waited on him.
Reed was pretty damn tired of it.
Judging from the repetitive knocking on Reed’s front door—right in the final forty-five seconds of the play-off football game—Deputy Sheriff George Putchinski was at it again.
Reed debated ignoring it, pretending he wasn’t home. But since his presence was obvious—with his pickup parked in his driveway and the TV turned up pretty loud—he hefted himself out of his chair and headed toward the door.
The first few times this had happened, when he’d opened the door to see a uniformed Anniversary deputy standing on his step, he’d been flabbergasted. Ten or fifteen instances later, he’d gotten his response down pat.
Swinging open the door, he started his spiel. “I didn’t do it. Whatever it was. Now go—”
He stopped. Stared. Not George. No, not even close. The gorgeous woman with the amazing blue eyes definitely wasn’t Reed’s nemesis. And yet she was.
He knew her instantly. Kaitlyn Nuhn had once been the girlfriend of his brother, Tim. In addition to that, she’d been the only person who’d known the truth, and who could have kept Reed from going to prison for his brother’s murder. The fact that she hadn’t, and disappeared instead, brought the anger back, full force. He nearly shut the door in her face.
By some instinct, he held back. Because maybe, after all this time, she’d give him a reason, some freaking closure. And possibly even a chance to finally clear his name and find out who had really shot Tim dead.
Heaven help him if she confessed it had been her.
As he stood staring, their gazes locked, he saw a flash of something in her eyes. He recognized it as pain, an emotion he’d felt often during the dark time he’d spent behind bars. If he hadn’t gotten out on appeal, he knew he would have gone crazy, locked away in hell for a crime he hadn’t committed.
“Kaitlyn Nuhn. I’ll be damned,” he said softly, raking his gaze over her as if he found her repulsive, when in fact it was the opposite. Just like always, his heart stuttered, his chest felt tight and he couldn’t speak. He clenched his fist around the doorknob, frozen with indecision, which pissed him off even more.
When he’d thought of her, which had been more often than he’d like to admit, he’d hoped time hadn’t been kind to her. Surely the ugliness inside had to have manifested in her looks, somehow.
Shocked, he now saw that hadn’t been the case. She still looked...unreal. Still as stunningly beautiful, as if she’d just stepped from the pages of some glossy magazine ad for women’s lingerie. Just as in the old days, the power of that beauty felt like a punch in the gut.
She didn’t speak. Just stood staring up at him, a combination of naked fear, sorrow or regret making hollows in her cheeks. He looked past her, noting the sleek silver luxury car. Why had she returned? To make an apology? She was way too late for that. Three years, to be exact. It would have been longer had it not been for his astute lawyer, the prosecution’s mistakes and lack of evidence.
But that didn’t negate the three years he’d spent in a hellhole, with his brother dead and not knowing who had killed him. Or the way people in this town still treated him like a killer, capable of gunning down his own twin brother.
“What do you want?” he asked, not bothering to be polite. He’d let her say her spiel, nod in response and close the door in her face. Then he’d go back to his football game and his ordinary, quiet life. And try to forget the way seeing her brought the past rushing back up.
“I came to tell you I’m sorry.” Her husky voice wavered and she swallowed, continuing to keep her gaze locked on his.
“Sorry?” He spat the word. “Too little, too late. Your apology means nothing to me.”
Bowing her head, she nodded, as if she’d expected this. “I’m sorry about what happened to you. That’s why I came back. I wanted you to know the truth, about all of it. I know who murdered Tim.” Pausing for breath, she kept her gaze locked on his. “And then he set you up to go to prison for it. He couldn’t keep you from filing the appeal or from getting out, but he tried.”
Of all the things she could have said, he hadn’t expected this. Worse, he didn’t believe her. Why should he, after all this time? “You also knew I couldn’t have done it. Especially since you’d left me in your bed, waiting for your return.”
Unbelievably, she blushed. “That was a mistake.”
“You’d better believe it was.” He met her gaze full on, letting his loathing show. “You were my only alibi, and you disappeared. And you know what? For the longest time, I thought you might have been who killed Tim.”
Recoiling as if he’d stabbed her, she stared at him. He only looked away when her bottom lip started trembling, furious with himself that he could still feel any emotion at all toward her.
“Why are you really here?” Reed took a step closer, aware he was clenching his hands into fists.
“I wanted to apologize. For everything. He set it up so that we’d blame each other.” She swallowed again, the movement drawing his gaze to her graceful throat. “I came as soon as I learned the truth.”
Part of him wanted to believe her. After all, he’d spent years wondering who’d really killed Tim and set Reed up to take the blame. Prison had given him time to burn for revenge.
And now, when Kaitlyn held out the information like a poisoned T-bone in front of a starving dog, he wasn’t sure what to believe. The past he’d shared with this woman had proven that she wasn’t to be trusted. No matter how great her beauty.
Finally, as he’d known he would, he went for the bone. “Who?” he rasped. “Give me the name.”
The fact that she still hesitated made another strike against her.
“The name,” he repeated.
She glanced at the doorway, almost as if she expected someone to come charging through and save her. Or knock her down.
Finally, she spoke. “Okay.” She met his gaze straight on and lifted her chin. “Alex Ramirez.”
At first he didn’t recognize the name. When he did, his first impulse was to think she was lying. “Lieutenant Governor Ramirez? The same guy who’s been talking about making a run for governor?”
“Yes.” Though her generous mouth thinned, making her appear miserable, she stood her ground. “That’s the one.”
He nearly snorted out loud. “Why him? And if you’re telling the truth, why didn’t you come forward before now?”
Again the hesitation. Just enough to make him question whatever she might say.
“I couldn’t.”
“Why not?” he fired back.
“Because I’ve been Alex’s prisoner for the last three years.” She took a little breath, blowing it back out her nose. “He likes to brutalize wounded things.”
Her words made no sense. “Why should I believe anything you have to say?” he said. “Don’t show up here and then try to play me for a fool.”
“I’m not, believe me.” Her chest heaved as she turned to go, drawing his unwilling gaze. “You know what? You’re right. I shouldn’t have come. I’m sorry to have bothered you.”
Something she’d said haunted him. “Wait,” he told her. “What do you mean about him liking to brutalize wounded things?”
Her blue eyes blazed—either with hope or with pain. In his mind, sometimes the two had become indistinguishable.
“Exactly what it sounds like. And now I’ve escaped. If he finds me, I’m a dead woman. Especially since I know what he’s done.”
Still not entirely convinced, nonetheless he stepped aside and motioned her into his living room. “Please. Come in.”
As she moved past him, he caught a whiff of her scent, which surprisingly reminded him of vanilla rather than the flowery perfume he remembered.
“Have a seat.” Though he sounded churlish, he didn’t care. Indicating the sofa, he tried not to stare as she sank gracefully onto the leather cushions. She wore a T-shirt and jeans—ordinary clothes that were elevated to an entirely new level by her feminine curves. Her kind of lush, wild beauty would make any red-blooded man break out in a sweat.
And Reed was no exception. The sharp surge of desire he felt when he looked at her was nothing new, though certainly as unwelcome now as it had been before. He’d always had trouble not wanting her, even back then when she’d belonged to his brother. He didn’t understand how this could still be so, especially now when he should despise her.
Noise from the television drew his attention. The football game had gone into overtime. Since he no longer cared, Reed grabbed the remote and turned off the TV.
Deciding to continue standing, he crossed his arms and glared at her, deliberately hostile, feeling it was safer this way. “Explain,” he ordered, when she showed no sign of elaborating.
She sighed and smoothed back her wealth of golden hair with perfectly manicured fingers, although a few wisps defied her hand and continue to frame her perfect, oval face. Her skin glowed, the flawless alabaster of fine porcelain, beauty personified. Eyeing her he wondered exactly as he’d done in the past, how his brother had been able to get a girl as lovely as her.
Of course neither Reed nor Tim had known her beauty concealed the heart of a snake. Best to remember this now, he knew. Steeling himself, he cocked his head while he waited for her to speak.
“May I please have a glass of water?” she asked. “It’s a long drive from Austin. I was afraid to stop more than once.” She looked down. “I wasn’t sure if I was being followed, so I had to take several evasive precautions.”
“Followed?” Shaking his head, he got up, fetched a plastic bottle of spring water from the fridge and handed it to her. “Here you go.”
He waited, trying not to stare while she drank, though the movement of her long slender throat drew his eye. He both hated and acknowledged it, aware he could use this edginess to keep him sharp and on his toes.
When she’d finished drinking, she set the bottle down. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He inclined his head.
“Yes.” She sighed. “Before I begin, you should know I can’t stay long. This is the first place he’ll look. If he finds me, he’ll kill me and whoever I’m with. So you’re putting yourself in danger by even talking to me.”
“A risk I’m willing to take, if what you say is true. Let’s hear it.”
She winced. “It’s a long story.”
“No. Make it short and to the point.” He went so far as to glance at his watch before meeting her gaze again. “If you plan to lie to me, don’t. I’ve had enough BS from you to last more than a lifetime.”
Her amazing eyes widened. “I’ve never lied to you.”
“Really.” He couldn’t resist. “Since you were my only alibi, I’d say the way you managed to disappear rather than show up in court is falsehood enough. I went to prison—innocent—for the death of my own brother. Because you couldn’t take the time to tell the truth.” Again, he felt the sharp, burning ache he always felt when he thought of the way his brother had been gunned down in cold blood.
“It’s not what you think,” she began.
“Be that as it may, Tim’s dead.” He managed to sound normal. “And you aren’t. Now you’re going to tell me what proof you have that Alex Ramirez killed him, and how.”
* * *
Back ramrod straight, Kaitlyn tried to draw on the sense of purpose that had propelled her the entire way to Anniversary. She’d expected hostility, after all.
Still, some tiny, foolish part of her heart had hoped he’d understand. Maybe even be sympathetic, but she could hardly blame him. He’d spent the past three years believing her responsible for what he’d endured. She couldn’t expect him to comprehend how badly she’d suffered herself.
She wasn’t here for sympathy, or to try and repair the broken pieces of a relationship that had been doomed from the start. She’d come to find justice. For not only Tim’s murder and Reed’s incarceration, but for what Alex Ramirez had done to her. He’d ruined three lives, as casually as another man would kill a fly. He deserved to pay.
But would Reed believe her? He’d already made it clear what he thought. Worse, she didn’t even have proof. Just her word against a powerful lieutenant governor.
Raising her head, she saw Reed watched her, his gaze dark and intent. A shiver ghosted over her skin, making goose bumps rise. Prison had changed him some, sharpened the edges of his profile, and deepened the reserve in his eyes. Still, he was easy on the eyes, despite the hardship he’d endured. She’d always thought him beautiful, even back when she and his twin brother, Tim, had been an item. Though Reed and Tim had the same features, the same shock of thick, dark hair, something in the depths of Reed’s hazel eyes had always called to her.
The attraction that had simmered between the two of them had made her feel like a moth circling around a flame.
Finally, unable to resist, she’d given in. And then the one evening of explosive passion they’d shared had been the night Tim had been murdered. She’d spent three years wondering if Reed would always associate her embrace with the brutal death of his brother.
“Well?” he prodded. “If you have something to say, say it.”
“When I left you, still asleep in my bed, I knew what I needed to do. So I scribbled a quick note to you and I went to find Tim.” She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. She took a long drink of water, willing her voice to remain steady. “I intended to break it off with him.”
Surprise flashed across his rugged features, but he didn’t comment.
Briefly, she closed her eyes. Even after all this time, the horrible scene still had the power to paralyze her. “I walked in on him and Alex arguing. Of course, I didn’t know who Alex was then.” Her throat felt raw. This might be past history, but the memory of it still hurt.
“Go on,” he urged.
She tried to speak and couldn’t.
“Alex Ramirez and Tim were arguing? And then what?”
“Yes. The instant Tim saw me, he looked afraid. He ordered me to leave, but Alex grabbed me. I knew from the expression on Tim’s face that it wasn’t good, but I didn’t know how bad. Not yet.”
She took a deep, shaky breath, aware what she had to tell him next would be painful. Miserable, she tried to find the right words, then decided just to say it.
“Alex killed him.” The words came out in a hoarse whisper. “He turned around, pulled out a pistol and shot Tim dead. Right there, right in front of me. And when I freaked out, he told me to calm down or he’d kill me, too.”
Reed swore. The dark shadow in his gaze spoke of his contempt for her, of the fact that he disbelieved her story. She told herself that didn’t matter, that it was justified. Just like she’d actually come to believe she deserved to be treated the way Alex had abused her.
“And then Alex tied me up, put me in the trunk of his car, and took me back to his mansion.” Such a simple sentence could not possibly convey the horror of what had happened. That night and for many days and nights after. Years, actually.
“And no one noticed you were gone?” He couldn’t quite hide his disbelief.
“With everything that happened, I think they assumed I fled out of cowardice.”
Silence, while he considered this.
“How’d you escape?” Reed asked. “And when?”
Heaven help her, her lower lip started quivering. She coughed, using her hand to try and cover it up. “Just now. Today. Despite knowing Anniversary is the first place Alex will look, I needed to come to you and try to make things right before I go on the run.”
The skepticism in his eyes made her feel sick. “I shouldn’t have come here. I see that now.”
“Then why did you?” he asked quietly. “Really, why did you?”
She shrugged to mask her pain. “You were the only other person I could think of who would care. The only person beside myself who would give a damn about what Alex had done. Not only to Tim, but to you. And me. With all my heart, I believe he should pay.”
Clearly not believing her, he didn’t speak again, so she collected her purse and turned to go. Head up, shoulders back, hoping like hell she projected an attitude that was different from how broken and defeated she felt inside.
She got half the distance to the door before he stopped her. “Wait.”
Though she knew she should have kept moving, she froze. “Yes?”
“All right. I’m still listening. Tell me more, make me believe you. Why would a man as rich and powerful as Alex Ramirez do such a thing? What was he even doing with my brother?”
Exhaustion made her sag, though the instant she realized this she straightened her shoulders. “Politics isn’t the only thing Alex is involved with. He runs a huge drug operation in central Texas. Apparently Tim was working for him.”
He knew, she saw. The emotion passing over his face might have been fleeting, but she realized he understood that this at least was the truth.
“You’re telling me that you witnessed a politician kill my brother and he let you live.”
“Yes. As his prisoner.”
“Why? Tell me why he’d do that?”
She looked him in the eye and gave him the truth. “Because he’s a sociopath.”
Silence while he digested this. Then he asked, “Do you have proof? Something besides your word that this man killed my brother and kept you prisoner?”
“No.” She swallowed. “Only my word against his. And I had no idea that he’d framed you and had you sent to prison. You’ve got to believe me. I just found out the other night when he got drunk and started bragging.”
“I’m having trouble with the entire story. If you were his prisoner, how’d you escape now?”
Cheeks burning, she told him her shame. “After three years, he’d loosened his hold on me. I wasn’t always kept locked up. I really think he believed I wouldn’t go.”
“Did he treat you well, then?” He asked the question with deceptive calmness.
“Well? I wouldn’t call it that.”
Hazel eyes burning, he tilted his head. “Then what would you call it?”
“Reed, he beat and raped me. I was a possession to him, a toy to do with as he wanted.” She tried to sound matter-of-fact, even though saying the truth out loud felt both mortifying and painful. “He enjoyed hurting and humiliating me. In the early months, I tried to escape and he blackened my eyes and broke my ribs. If I hadn’t figured out a way to get away now, I have no doubt once he got tired of me, he would have eventually killed me.”
“Forgive me, but I can’t bring myself to feel sorry for you. Your story is far-fetched and bizarre.”
“I know.” She resisted the urge to hang her head. “Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.”
His features hardened. “I see. Let me ask you something, and I need you to tell me the truth, for once. Even though you claim Alex Ramirez did it, I have to ask. Was it you, all along? Did you kill my brother?”
Stunned, at first she couldn’t speak, couldn’t respond. She should have expected this. In fact, she probably would have wondered the same thing had their places been reversed.
Finally, she found her voice. “No. I did not.”
“Excuse me if I don’t take your word for it.”
Finally defeated, she straightened her spine and nodded. “I understand. Believe me. I’ll leave and let you go back to your life.”
“Wait.” This time, he stopped her before she turned. “Give me something to help me believe, to make me understand. You’ve come here with this story, which you have to admit is way out there. You claim you not only witnessed my brother’s murder, but you’ve been kept a prisoner by the killer, who just happens to be the lieutenant governor of Texas, a guy who’s considered a front-runner for governor next election. Does that about cover it?”
“Yes.”
“Kaitlyn, I want to believe you....”
“But you just can’t. I understand.”
“Then give me something.” The fierceness in his voice made her blink. “You’ve got to have something, some sort of proof, no matter how small, that would help me accept what you say as truth.”
Swallowing, she realized she did. Turning slowly, she lifted her shirt and showed him her back, with its jagged and horrible crisscross web of scars.
Chapter 2 (#ulink_1feb190c-430f-553e-9b9b-288fb2e1fc27)
Stunned, Reed couldn’t speak. He could only stare. Once upon a time, he’d explored every inch of Kaitlyn’s perfect body. He moved forward, reaching out his hand, withdrawing it at the last moment. Some of the red, raised welts were recent, while others bore the whitish appearance of old scars.
“He did this?” he asked, his voice sounding as if he’d swallowed gravel.
“Yes.” Dropping her shirt, she turned. Her perfect face appeared expressionless. Except for her eyes. The shadows in them reminded him of prison. “He likes whips. And chains. And other instruments of torture.” She shuddered. “And I was his own personal plaything. That’s all the proof I have.”
“It’s enough.” Stomach twisting, he tried to find the right words, finally settling on two. “I’m sorry.”
“So am I.” She dipped her chin, acknowledging the sentiment, though he knew—like her apology—it had come too late. She turned, giving him one last lingering glance. Not imploring. More like resolute. “And now, I’ve got to go. Once Alex realizes I’ve escaped, he’ll stop at nothing to find me.”
He didn’t care, he shouldn’t have cared, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. “Where are you going?”
One delicate shoulder lifted in a shrug. “I don’t know. I’ve got to keep moving. Otherwise, I’m dead.”
He thought of his ranch, of the secluded frame house a few hours away, where he’d taken to spending more and more of his time. “I have land my uncle left me about southwest of Mineral Wells,” he said. “It’s a small, working cattle ranch. I’ve got livestock there, with hired hands looking after the place. It’s really remote and accessible only by a dirt road. It isn’t much, but there’s running water and electricity. If you don’t mind the isolation, you can stay there.”
Watching him warily, she nodded. “Thanks. If you want to give me directions, I’ll head that way now.”
He wasn’t sure he wanted her to go alone. “Give me a minute. I need to think.”
She seemed to practically vibrate with impatience. “Please don’t take too long. I don’t have a lot of time. Alex is a powerful man and very successful at getting rid of people. I can’t tell you how many times he’s bragged about the people he’s made disappear. I know too much, therefore I’m a liability he’ll need to eliminate. He has people working everywhere. If someone sees my car and reports back to him...”
Refusing to let her rush him, he continued to consider. If he was jumping into this mess, he needed to study all angles.
Finally, he glanced out the window, at the low-slung, glossy car. “That Jaguar won’t do well there. Plus, it’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Is it his?”
For maybe a second, she looked abashed. “Yes. It’s one of many. He’ll want it back.”
Right then, he decided. “We need to move it. Leave it in a parking lot downtown.”
“Then how will I get to your place?”
He hoped he wouldn’t regret what he was about to say. “I’ll drive you. It’s about time for me to run out there and check on things. I can stay out there a little while. And I’ve got a four-wheel drive pickup that makes the trip perfectly.”
After snatching his keys off the counter, he grabbed his laptop and motioned for her to go ahead. Instead, she stood frozen, staring at him.
“But what about this?” she sputtered, gesturing at his house. “I don’t want to take you away from your life here in Anniversary. What about your job?”
“My job can be anywhere I want it to be, as long as I have this.” He held up the laptop. “Now let’s get a move on. Especially since you seem to think Alex or one of his people could show up at any moment.”
Still she didn’t move. “What about clothes? Food? Medicines? Shouldn’t you pack?”
“I have everything I need at the ranch. I go out there all the time. Come on.” And he opened the front door and stepped aside so she could pass.
They parked the Jag at the marina. Reed hoped doing so might make anyone in pursuit think maybe Kaitlyn had gone somewhere out on the lake in a boat. This would buy them a bit more time.
Reed watched as Kaitlyn climbed out of the sports car, her long legs glistening in the sun. After removing an overnight bag from the backseat, she strode to the edge of the water, and then tossed the keys in. She then walked over and got into his truck, her expression relieved.
“That felt good,” she said. “Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
He moved to adjust her visor and she flinched. More proof, though she probably didn’t realize it, of what she’d endured. “Easy,” he said. “I’m not going to touch you.”
Nodding, she gripped the door handle with one hand as he put the truck in gear and they pulled away.
“I’m a bit on edge,” she told him unnecessarily. “So please don’t mind if I ask you how you can be sure we won’t be followed.”
“I’ll answer as honestly as I can. I can’t, at least not until we leave the cities and the highways behind. It’s a lot easier to tell on a two-lane road. We’ll be skirting around Dallas on 635 and then picking up 820 to go around Fort Worth. It’s a bit of a drive, so you might as well settle in and try and get comfortable.”
Though she nodded, he could tell she still felt antsy. That was all right, he didn’t blame her. In a way, she’d just gotten out of prison. He remembered how that had felt. For a while, everything in the outside world had seemed surreal.
They were crossing through Irving, former home of the Dallas Cowboys, when she faced him. “Why are you helping me?” she asked. “I’m assuming it’s because you’re going to try to figure out a way to get Alex arrested for his crime.”
“Crimes,” he corrected. “Plural. And yes, you are a witness and therefore extremely dangerous to him. So I’ve got to keep you safe while I get the feds working on this.”
“Feds?” She sounded horrified. “You can’t... You don’t understand. Alex has people working for him everywhere.”
“In law enforcement? Even in the FBI?”
She nodded. “Yes. He’s not just involved in drugs. He’s got his finger in a lot of other things.”
“Weird. According to the media, Alex Ramirez is a blasted saint. Every news story about him talks about his good works and generous charitable contributions.”
“It’s all a front. He uses a lot of the charitable organizations to launder money. You wouldn’t believe all the illegal operations Alex is involved with.”
“And because you know all this, you’re even more dangerous to him.”
“Yes. There’s no way he’s going to allow me to live. We have to be careful about who we approach. Alex has boasted many times about having the FBI and the DEA on his payroll, even people in the governor’s office and the Senate. There’s no way to know who to trust.”
Reed cursed. “If you’re telling the truth, this sounds like the mafia or a cartel. Organized crime.”
“In a way, it is. Whatever you want to call it, it’s dangerous. Getting in his way—protecting me—would be risky. In fact, I’d call it a death sentence. Especially if he thinks you know anything, which he will. Before you decide to help me, I want to make sure you understand.”
“I get that.” He flashed a grim smile, still not one hundred percent convinced. “I’ve already given up three years of my life and lost my brother. Damned if I’m letting him get away with anything more.”
“Taking him down won’t be easy.”
“I understand.” He shot her another glance, his emotions raw and confused. He’d spent the past three years hating her, and now to learn she’d been just as much of a victim as he? If her story was true, that is.
“Tell me specifically how you escaped,” he asked as casually as he could. “If you’ve been under lock and key as you say, how’d you manage to get away even with his being more permissive?”
“He got drunk and forgot to lock me in my room. Either he thought he did or maybe he believed I was completely brainwashed.” She looked down, as if embarrassed. “Stockholm syndrome and all that.”
“Were you?”
“In a way.” When she raised her chin to meet his gaze, her expression was bleak. “I haven’t been allowed off the property in all this time. I wasn’t permitted any contact with other people, except for his employees. Even if he let me go outside the house on the grounds, he or one of the men he’d assigned as guards, was with me.”
She swallowed, the stiff way she held her shoulders telling him of her tension. “I’d come to believe I deserved to live like that. I came to feel the pain was punishment well deserved. Over time, after hearing the same things repeated over and over, I was beaten, both in body and spirit. He saw this. It made him happy. I believe he didn’t think I’d ever have the guts to run.”
Her quiet, matter-of-fact tone moved him more than he wanted her to know. Clearing his throat, he swallowed hard. “But you did.”
“Yes. He was drunk. For whatever reason, he brought you and Tim up. He was gloating about sending you to prison and furious that you’d gotten out.” A shadow crossed her eyes. “This time, when I heard that, something inside me snapped. After he passed out, I left. No one even tried to stop me.”
The more she spoke, the more he believed her. “How long do you think you have until he realizes you’re gone?”
“I don’t know. Usually, when he drinks like that, he looks for me first thing in the morning when he wakes up.”
The grim twist to her lovely mouth told him why.
Drumming his fingers on the steering wheel, he changed the subject. “You really didn’t know I was initially convicted of killing Tim?”
“No. I honestly had no idea. I wasn’t permitted access to television, internet or even newspapers. I’m sorry.”
Which meant he’d spent a lot of time hating her for no valid reason.
That thought so blew his mind he had to think of something else. “I’m pretty sure Alex won’t risk searching for you himself. There are too many things that can go wrong. He’ll send people. Most likely he’ll also use the media. People who have never met you might have your picture.”
“What are you suggesting?” She frowned. “That I wear a disguise?”
“More like a complete overhaul. You won’t even recognize yourself when you look in the mirror. At least for when you go out. Do you wear contacts?”
“No.”
“Okay, then we’ll get colored, non-prescription ones and change your eye color. Your blue eyes are very striking. We’ll tone that down. I’m thinking a muddy brown.”
At first she appeared startled. Then she smiled, sending a jolt of lust straight to his gut. He remembered her smile. Though already beautiful, her smile lent her a sweetness, a girl-next-door look that tugged at his heartstrings. Just like before, when she’d been with his brother and Reed had wanted her so badly he’d burned with it. The times when he’d come across her sitting on the couch in flannel pajamas, without makeup and with her hair in a careless ponytail had been when he’d thought her most irresistible.
Pushing the thoughts away, he studied her. “We’re going to cut and color your hair,” he announced, wincing inside. “Something matronly.”
“Even though I’ll be hiding out at your ranch?”
“Even so. You might have to go to town sometime.”
“Fine.” She exhaled. “Do you have a plan?”
“Not yet. But I will.”
“How long are you thinking this is going to take?” she asked, beginning to look concerned.
“I don’t know. Since you said he has a bunch of law enforcement people on his payroll, it should just be a matter of seeing who we can trust.”
“That could take a while.” She sounded glum. He could relate. After all, she’d just gotten out of a prison—of sorts—too.
“Maybe not. You never know. I don’t want to make mistakes. When we take him down, I want to make sure he doesn’t get off on a technicality.”
Slowly, she nodded. “No worries, I’ll wear the disguise when I’m out in public. Though I think if I change my haircut and color, I shouldn’t need colored contacts.”
“Better safe than sorry. I’ll order the contacts online and pay extra to have them overnighted,” he said. “We’ll also find the ugliest, most unflattering clothes we can. That should be a good start.”
“I...” Swallowing, she appeared hesitant and uncertain.
“You said you were willing to do whatever it takes,” he reminded her. “If you don’t want to be found, you’re going to have to wear a disguise.”
After a moment, she sighed. “True. And you’re right. I’ll change my appearance however much is necessary.”
As for himself, he’d be glad to make her less of a distraction. She’d been in his life for only an hour, and already he found himself wanting her.
Physically, that is. Nothing more. He’d put that down to the way he’d been living life as a semi-hermit. Most of the women in town wanted nothing to do with an ex-con like him. Not that he cared. He was fine living alone.
“How long do you think we have before he starts combing the town?”
“He was passed out when I left.” Jiggling her long and coltish legs, she appeared to vibrate with tension. He hated that he had to tear his eyes away, drawn to her again and again, despite his earlier self-admonishment. “It depends on when he wakes up. I’m hoping he stays out until morning.”
“That’s a long time, considering it just got dark. How long have you been gone?”
Her bright blue gaze locked on his. “Not very long. I drove straight here. A few hours, at most. When he wakes up and goes to my room to find me, all hell will break lose.”
“Good thing we hightailed it out of town, then.”
“Especially since your house will be the first place he’ll look.”
Startled, he realized she was right. The history she and his brother had shared made him the obvious choice. “It’s okay. We should be safe.”
“What about your ranch? If the deed is in your name, it’s a matter of public record. Alex will find it.”
“Then it’s a good thing it’s not in my name. Since I was in prison when my uncle learned he had terminal lung cancer, he had his lawyer set up a corporation. Just in case I never got out. So there’s no way to trace it to me.”
Clearly relieved, she smiled again.
After they passed Fort Worth, she fell asleep, which told him she must have been exhausted. He let her doze, enjoying the time to think.
Once again, everything in his world had been turned upside down. He wasn’t sure what to make of any of this and had long ago given up on the idea of knowing who really killed his brother. In prison, he’d had plenty of time to wonder. All signs had pointed to Kaitlyn, for so many reasons.
She’d left Reed in her bed and had gone to Tim. Reed had suspected this, though he hadn’t known for certain. Her claim that she’d planned to break things off with his brother made sense, and if things had gone differently, he’d have been overjoyed. And guilty. Especially since he’d been the one in bed with his own brother’s girlfriend.
Reed didn’t blame her—he knew it took two to tango. He’d let it go on, even though he’d known better. The lingering looks, the electricity that coursed through him with every accidental touch, the way he’d burned for Kaitlyn, despite knowing he had no right.
But somehow he’d gone from sleeping with his brother’s girlfriend to being accused of murdering that same brother in cold blood. Kaitlyn had disappeared, despite the fact that she was his only alibi.
He’d been railroaded, he realized that now. The men who’d arrested and questioned him most likely worked for Alex. The district attorney who had indicted him on no evidence had been in Alex’s pocket, too. The judge definitely had been.
Reed had spent nearly three years locked away in that horrible place before his lawyer finally filed an appeal and got him a new trial. This time, the judge clearly hadn’t been on Alex’s payroll since Reed was now a free man.
Though his name had been forever blackened.
When he’d gotten out and returned home to Anniversary, he’d searched for Kaitlyn, of course. He’d intended to make her tell him why she hadn’t come forward, why she’d let him rot in prison, why, why, why. So many unanswered questions.
Damn it all to hell. Even though he had to admit her explanation made sense, in a twisted sort of way.
He had to question how Alex had gotten away with keeping a woman hostage for three years. Then he remembered the guy in Ohio or Indiana who’d kept three women prisoners in his basement for far longer than that. Such a thing definitely was possible, especially for a man with lots of money and influence.
As he drove, the land became flatter, the trees more sparse and twisted. He’d always liked the beginning of west Texas, because it was hardscrabble and tough.
The sun sank beneath the horizon, a fiery ball of orange and red, trailing rosy tendrils in its wake. Darkness settled over the land in increments, deeper and more velvety now that they’d left the city lights behind.
When he left the pavement for the rutted, gravel road that led to his ranch, Kaitlyn woke up. She yawned and stretched while he tried not to notice the way her T-shirt strained against her curves.
“Are we there yet?”
“Just about. We’ve got a few more miles on this gravel road and then we go off road and up.”
“Off road?” She sounded concerned.
“Yeah. It’s a path, sort of. That’s why I said that fancy car you were driving wouldn’t do well here. This truck can make it, no problem. So could a Jeep or an ATV. That’s about it.”
Nodding, she squinted into the darkness. “I like that. It makes me feel safe.”
He grinned. “I enjoy coming out here. I always feel more alive. Like I’m free. I’ve even been thinking of selling my house in Anniversary and moving out here permanently.”
“Really?” She didn’t sound surprised at all. “I can see that.” Giving him a quizzical look, she appeared to be considering asking him something.
“Go ahead,” he prompted. “We’ll be spending a fair bit of time together, so you might as well ask whatever it is that’s bothering you.”
“Okay. I know you said you could work anywhere. Back before all this craziness happened, you were VP at the bank. What do you do now?”
“The bank didn’t want me back,” he said quietly. “And who could blame them? Not many people are willing to hire a felon, even though my murder conviction was overturned. The ranch brings in a nice income, which I supplement with my own business.”
“Which is?”
He found himself hesitating, not sure exactly why. He was proud of what he’d accomplished, and the way his orders had grown so much he’d had to hire a couple of guys to help him out, precutting forms in bulk. “I make custom bird feeders and birdhouses. I sell them from my website.”
“Really?” The surprised pleasure in her voice washed over him. “That’s amazing. You’ll have to show me the website later, assuming you have internet way out here.”
“We do. I purchased mobile Wi-Fi, so I’m never without internet access.” Slowing the truck down, he squinted into the darkness. “Brace yourself. We’re fixing to go off road.”
There—the fence post with the three boards nailed to it, making a small triangle, with a letter W in the middle. Putting on the brakes, he let his headlights point out the marker. “See that? Pyramid W Ranch.”
“W for Westbrook?”
He grinned, pleased. “Yep. Are you ready?”
At her nod, he turned the truck toward the gap in the fence. “Hang on.” The tires rattled as they crossed the metal crossing guard. “The road’s kind of rutted in places, so get ready to bounce.”
He’d barely gotten the last word out when they hit the first of many crevices. Once they were over, he turned to glance at her. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” One hand gripped the door handle, the other the dashboard in front of her. “My teeth are clattering, but I’ll be fine.”
“Good. Because we’ve still got a ways to go.”
By the time they reached the turnoff that wound up the hill to his small ranch house, Kaitlyn appeared weary.
“We’re almost there,” he told her. “And my driveway is much better, I promise.”
She nodded. “Great.”
Finally, they crested the hill and his headlights illuminated the frame building. It was small, but he’d always found it homey, especially since he and Tim had come here often as kids to visit his uncle. He supposed the memories of his childhood here made the ranch feel more like home than anywhere else.
“Very nice,” Kaitlyn commented. “It looks like you keep it up well. Or do you have a ranch foreman or someone living there while you’re gone?”
“My ranch foreman has a mobile home on the other side of the property. I try to come out here at least once a month. Sometimes more.”
She turned and touched his arm, surprising him. “Are you sure no one in town knows about this place?”
“I have a friend or two,” he replied. “Brock McCauley and his wife Zoe. But they won’t say anything without checking with me first.”
“Zoe?” Kaitlyn appeared surprised. “Brock and Zoe finally got together?”
“Yes.” He couldn’t help but smile. “They’re among a handful of people who don’t treat me like a leper, as though serving time tainted me with poison.”
He knew he sounded bitter but he didn’t care.
“I’m sorry,” Kaitlyn said, touching him again. He had to force himself not to twist away.
“Come on.” Killing the engine, he left the headlights on so they could see the front door. “I’ll turn them off once I can get the porch light on.”
“You should get a motion-sensor light,” she said.
“I’d thought about that, except then any critter crossing my yard would activate it.”
“Good point.”
He got out and crossed around to her side, intending to open her door for her. The manners his mama had taught him ran deep, but Kaitlyn had already gotten out by the time he reached her.
“Come on,” he said, leading the way to the front door. “I’ve put in one of those locks where you just enter a code.” That said, he punched it in, waiting until the dead bolt had turned before pushing the door open and flicking the light switch to On.
“Here we go.” He couldn’t keep the pride from his voice. Inside were oak hardwood floors, with matching baseboards. The furniture looked comfortably worn, a sort of cowboy shabby chic.
“Wow.” She walked around the living room, examining the display of Western art he’d carefully displayed. “Nice.”
“Thank you.”
He showed her the guest room, which did double duty as his office, along with the hall bathroom. “It’s only a two-bedroom house. That couch makes out into a bed.”
She nodded, her expression pensive. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to freshen up and then turn in. It’s been a long day and it’s late. I’m exhausted.”
“I understand.” He pointed the way to his linen closet, where he kept extra towels as well as linens to make up the sofa sleeper. “If you’re thirsty or get hungry, help yourself to anything in the fridge. I keep it well stocked.”
Her tired smile underscored her earlier statement. “Thank you.”
He wasn’t sure how to reply, so he settled on a nod. A moment later, she quietly closed the door, shutting him out.
Which was good, he told himself, turning to head back to his kitchen. He needed to do some thinking so he could formulate some sort of plan.
Chapter 3 (#ulink_f14fd12c-ddbc-54e2-820a-362010b1bc66)
Despite the prominent hump in the middle of the sofa bed, Kaitlyn slept deeply. More deeply than she had in a long time. She was free, and she’d finally taken charge of her destiny. If everything worked out, Alex would finally face justice and Reed’s name would be cleared once and for all.
Sunlight streamed through the blinds covering the window. She jumped up, turned the blinds to open, and peered outside, squinting into the brightness. She couldn’t see much, just a medium-sized, live oak tree.
Fine. She’d explore the ranch after she’d had a shower and breakfast.
Reed. Just the thought of him, broad-shouldered and muscular, had her heart skipping a beat. There was a new edginess to him that he didn’t have before, a darkness lurking in his eyes. Oddly enough, this only made him more attractive.
No, she reminded herself. Reed was part of the past, the past she wanted to forget. As soon as she was free, she planned to make a new future, as far away from Texas as she could get.
Later, with her hair still damp from the shower, wearing a clean T-shirt and jeans, she emerged from her room, following the tantalizing scent of coffee to the kitchen. Reed sat at the kitchen table, his laptop open before him. He looked up as she entered, and smiled absently.
His masculine confidence made him beautiful. Mesmerized, she froze. Only when she reminded herself to stop being foolish was she able to move forward. “The coffee smells wonderful.”
“I hope you like it strong.” He pointed to a cup he’d set out on the counter for her. “There’s some powdered creamer, too, and sugar if you need it.”
“I do and I do.” She took a deep breath and told herself to relax. Preparing her coffee helped, since the relatively normal act was something she’d had no control over for the past three years. If she got coffee, she’d had to drink it black, and Alex had seemed to delight in making it as bitter as possible.
Her first sip of Reed’s brew had her humming with pleasure. “It’s good. I like it.”
Nodding, he barely looked up from his computer.
She took her mug, crossed over to the table and pulled out the chair across from him, even though this meant she faced the back of his computer. “Are you working on birdhouse orders?”
He shook his head, still not looking at her. “Not right now. I’m trying to get down some sort of basic plan. I’ve been outlining what we might try. I confess, what you said about Alex having people everywhere is hampering my efforts to plan. It’s not like I can just approach anyone in law enforcement. Especially since, as far as they’ll be concerned, I’m an ex-con.”
At his words, her insides twisted. “We’ll figure something out.” She waited until he finally looked up and met her gaze before continuing. “I want to thank you for taking a chance and helping me.”
Staring at her, he didn’t reply at first. When he did, his serious expression told her he meant his words. “Kaitlyn, I’ll do my best to keep you safe. You’ve offered me something I thought I’d never have—the chance to avenge my brother’s murder. For that, I owe you.”
Relieved, she started to respond, but realized he hadn’t finished, so she took a deep drink of her coffee instead.
“One thing you need to know,” he told her. “What happened between us before was a mistake, and I’ve spent the past three years regretting it. You were Tim’s girlfriend and we betrayed him.”
Harsh words, but she deserved them. Dipping her head, she knew she couldn’t tell him how many times she’d tried to break things off with Tim, and how badly Tim had reacted. She’d realized early into the relationship that it wasn’t working, and not just because of Tim’s substance abuse issues. Because all along she’d wanted someone else.
She’d wanted Reed. From the instant she first laid eyes on him she’d realized she’d chosen the wrong brother. She’d believed they were meant to be together forever. What a foolish, naive woman she’d been.
She’d paid penance for that indiscretion during her captivity. She’d survived what Alex did to her body, but she knew it would be a long time before she could let anyone touch her that way again. Even Reed. Especially Reed.
“Go ahead and get settled,” he said.
“Thank you.” She exhaled, for what felt like the first time in years. “This is very nice.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Looking satisfied, he snatched his truck keys up off the coffee table. “I’ll be right back. This place is pretty isolated, so I’m going to run into Breckenridge and hit up the Walmart there. Wait here.”
“I’d like to go with you.”
“You can’t. I’m sorry, but we haven’t got your disguise yet. We can’t take the chance that you’ll be seen.” He pointed in the direction of the kitchen. “Make yourself at home. There’s plenty to eat and drink, if you’re hungry. I’ll be back as quickly as I can.”
Defeated, she nodded quickly. She couldn’t fault him for being thorough. Even though the chance of running into one of Alex’s people might be virtually nonexistent out here, as long as a possibility existed, they couldn’t risk it. She’d have to wear a disguise when she wanted to leave, and she would.
One last quick glance to make sure she understood, and Reed left. He locked the door behind him on the way out. The sound of the dead bolt turning made Kaitlyn tense up again. She was all too familiar with that sound.
More shaken than she cared to admit, she began exploring. Though she didn’t want to be intrusive, she couldn’t help but check out the place where she’d be staying for a little while. Hopefully not too long. She knew she couldn’t really begin healing until she’d left everyone and everything from her past behind.
Trying to settle her tension, she wandered the compact house. She wasn’t hungry—her nerves had taken care of that—so she once again checked out the other rooms.
The guest room where she’d spent the night looked a bit utilitarian, with the sofa sleeper for a bed and a small dresser. It had the look of never having been used, as if Reed didn’t have a lot of visitors out here in the back of beyond. She guessed she might have been the first to stay there.
In the guest room, she inspected the wide oak desk and computer and wall-to-wall bookshelves, packed floor to ceiling with books. She moved closer, checking them out. Everything from classics to modern thrillers, nonfiction to horror stories by New York Times bestselling authors.
Thrilled despite herself, she found several titles she’d been meaning to read and, eyeing the overstuffed chair in one corner, knew she’d spend a lot of time in this room during her stay. She’d never pegged Reed as a reader, but then she’d never really gotten to know him.
Except for that one night, when passion had exploded between them and they’d made a mistake that would impact both of their lives forever.
Again, the past. Resolutely, she pushed the memories away.
Next she moved down the hallway toward what had to be the master bedroom. She felt oddly nervous about venturing in there, but also felt Reed’s most personal space might give her the most insight into the man she’d just agreed to trust with her safety.
After all, she’d already made enough missteps to last a lifetime.
At the doorway to his bedroom, she paused, taking it all in. In typical masculine fashion, the comforter was dark, a pleasing combination of browns and maroon. Several framed photographs hung on the wall, black-and-white landscapes, making her wonder if he’d taken them himself or simply purchased them.
Either way, they were beautiful, in an eerie, haunting way. She stood, absorbing each one before moving on to the other. Something about them called to her, and for a brief, glorious second she felt connected to the man who’d hung them. Her chest tightened and her throat stung, even as she realized her own foolishness. She could no more afford to indulge in romantic fantasies about Reed than she could expect to emerge from a confrontation with Alex unscathed.
And then she saw it. A familiar sight, as Alex had several in various locations all over his house. A gun safe, one of the larger ones, with a keypad locked entry.
Stunned, she stared. A rancher would need guns, right? Just because Alex had used his for nefarious purposes, didn’t mean Reed did.
Still, she backed away from the gun safe, her heart pounding.
Back in the living room, trying to calm her pulse, she clicked on the television. The five o’clock news had just begun, and she was startled to see a photo of herself, with the words Possible Abduction underneath. Listening in disbelief, she realized Alex had made up a story about an intruder, and even doctored surveillance video to show her—actually someone playing the part of her—being taken forcibly from her bed, clearly unconscious, and carried out the side door.
“Authorities are on the lookout for a woman matching this description—five-two, 110 pounds, long blond hair and blue eyes. Caution is advised since the man who took her may be considered armed and dangerous. If seen, please contact your local authorities.”
She stared at the screen, not even noticing that the program switched to another story. When she finally roused herself to click the off button on the remote, her fingers were shaking and she couldn’t catch her breath.
Aware that if she kept hyperventilating she’d pass out, she forced herself to slowly inhale and then exhale. Deeply, striving for calm. While she’d known Alex would go on the offensive, she hadn’t expected him to take it public right off the bat. In her mind, she’d guessed he’d send a few of his goons out snooping around before taking a chance with the media.
Proof she’d been wrong. How could she have forgotten the rock-solid confidence Alex placed in his ability to manipulate everyone and everything?
Still feeling dizzy and jittery, she pushed to her feet and began to pace. The sooner Reed returned with her disguise, the better she’d feel. Or so she hoped. Good thing she’d listened and hadn’t gone with him to the store.
Her stomach growled. She remembered Reed telling her to make herself something to eat. Even though she wasn’t sure she could, she welcomed the distraction. A quick search of the refrigerator revealed nothing she could use to put together a salad, but a loaf of bread, sliced cheese and cold cuts would enable her to make a sandwich.
She checked the cupboards and found a can of creamy tomato soup—her favorite. As soon as the soup was hot, she ladled out a bowl and carried it to the table to eat with her sandwich. The announcer’s words kept playing over and over inside her head: armed and dangerous. Which made it even worse for Reed. A crooked law enforcement officer like George could say he felt justified for shooting Reed on the spot. Thank goodness they’d gotten out of Anniversary.
Still, she’d never intended to put Reed’s life in danger. She needed to make sure he understood the risk. Despite what she’d told him about Alex, she wasn’t sure he did.
After eating, she’d just finished washing out the dishes when she heard the sound of a vehicle in the drive. Despite being ninety percent sure it was Reed, she ran to the window and peered out.
Alex had surprised her with his first move. She didn’t want to take a chance on being surprised with a second.
Of course it was only Reed returning from his brief shopping expedition. She still started trembling. She took several deep breaths and tried to think calming thoughts before greeting him. She didn’t want him to see how rattled she’d gotten.
He walked in the doorway, his shoulders reassuringly broad. Glancing at her, he smiled as he placed two plastic bags on the kitchen counter. “I got most of your disguise,” he said. “Except for the colored contacts. I’ll order those on the internet, but they’ll take a few days to get here.”
Though she managed to nod, she didn’t immediately reply.
He went still when he caught sight of her face. “What’s wrong?”
“Alex,” she said, and then told him what she’d seen on the news.
After she’d finished, he simply nodded. His strong profile spoke of strength. His broad shoulders and muscular arms should have made her feel safe. Instead, she felt uneasy.
“That’s all right,” he reassured her. “Don’t worry. No one will recognize you once we’re finished. Here.” He handed her a box of hair color in a shade that could only be described as mousy brown. “After I cut your hair, you can get started on this.”
“You’re cutting my hair?” The thought made her nervous again, not because of vanity, but because the act would be far too intimate. She eyed his big hands, and his fingers, long and strong, and shivered.
“Yep. It might not look like it was done by a professional, but that’s kind of the point.”
Trying for resigned, she only managed to squash down nervous anticipation, even though the thought of his hands on her head made her entire body quiver. She really needed to get this attraction from the past under control.
“Let’s get it cut so I can color it,” she said, managing to sound completely normal. “The sooner I can change my appearance, the better.”
Handsome face expressionless, he nodded and then reached into a kitchen drawer for scissors. “Take a seat.” He indicated a chair at the table. “Remember, the goal is to make you look as unattractive as possible.”
Was it her, or did he sound as if he might be enjoying this a bit too much?
“Just don’t go so overboard that it’s obvious,” she warned, dropping into a chair. “If you give me a mullet or something, it’s not going to be believable.”
He laughed, the rich sound rolling over her like a velvet blanket. “Take it easy. I promise not to give you a mullet or a burr.”
As he walked up behind her, she stiffened. “Have you ever cut hair before?”
“A long time ago. Tim and I used to trim each other’s hair when we were kids.” When he lifted her heavy hair up from her back, a wisp of air hit the back of her neck, making her shiver again.
He went still. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” she lied. “I’m fine. Just do it before I lose my nerve.”
Without saying anything else, he cut. And cut. The long, silken strands dropped to the kitchen floor. After the first stunned look, she closed her eyes, refusing to watch, shocked at the depth of her vanity. Even though she’d always considered her hair her best feature, vanity had no place in her life now.
The light touch of his hands on her scalp, the steady snip-snip of the scissors...if she tried hard enough, she could almost pretend she was in a pricey beauty salon. But then his muscular arm brushed her shoulder, and she caught a whiff of his masculine scent, and her attempt to disassociate herself from him failed.
“Okay,” he finally said. “You can look.”
Though she really didn’t want to see, she opened her eyes, accepting the hand mirror he gave her. “Bangs?” she squeaked. “You gave me bangs?” Not just any bangs, but a thick fringe cut straight across halfway up her forehead. As for the rest—she looked like he’d put a bowl over her head and started cutting.
Of course, the more she thought about it, the cut was perfect. No one would ever suspect she was the same woman they’d shown on the television.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “It’s exactly right. I can’t wait to see what it looks like once it’s brown.”
He grinned, softening the hard ridges of his face. “Not just brown. The most boring, dullest brown I could find.”
She made a face. “I guess I should be glad you didn’t go with gray.”
“I almost did. But then I worried it would look too good on you.”
Though she squinted at him, trying to determine if he’d made a joke—he sounded serious. She worked up a smile and met his gaze. “Well. Anyway, thank you.”
The amused expression vanished and he gave her a hard look. “We need to get one thing straight. I’m going to avenge my brother’s death and make sure Alex Ramirez is punished. Understood?”
“Understood,” she said, matching her brusque tone to his. “We both want the same thing.”
“Good.”
* * *
Shortly after sunset, Reed’s cell phone rang. Caller ID showed Anniversary Sheriff’s Department. Of course. Since he wasn’t home, George had decided to try and reach him by cell.
“What now?” he asked, trying to sound bored and irritated all at once.
“I’m at your front door,” George told him. “I need you to come home so we can talk.”
“Sorry, I’m out of town. Any talking we do will have to be on the phone.”
Silence for a moment while the deputy considered Reed’s words. “How long are you going to be gone?”
Though Reed wanted to tell him it was none of his business, he held his tongue. “I’m not sure. Why? What’s up?”
“I’m looking for Kaitlyn Nuhn.” George finally drawled. “No doubt you’ve seen on the news that she’s been abducted. Since she used to live here in town, we’re going door to door to check and see if anyone has spotted her.”
“Kaitlyn Nuhn?” Reed didn’t have to feign his shock. “Tim’s old girlfriend? Why in the hell would you think I’d have anything to do with her?”
At the bitterness in Reed’s tone, George’s chuckled, a smug sound. Hearing that, Reed clenched his hand into a fist. He wanted to punch something. Someone.
The flash of violence startled him. Though George had managed to get under his skin over time, Reed had never wanted to actually hit the guy. Now... The knowledge that not only was the deputy on Alex Ramirez’s payroll but had known all along who’d killed Tim, made Reed want to smash his fist in the other man’s face.
There was nothing Reed hated more than a liar. Nothing.
Blood boiling, Reed swallowed back his rage. “I haven’t seen her,” he said. “Now, if you don’t need anything else—”
“Not so fast.” Making every syllable count, as if he thought Reed might not be able to follow, George gave an overly forced chuckle. “Since you’re not here, I’m going to have to break into your house. I’d like to take a look inside, if you don’t mind.”
“No. That’s taking this harassment to a whole new level, isn’t it, George?”
“The only reason I can come up with why you’d object would be that you have something to hide.” The taunt fell flat.
“Really?” Sarcasm dripped from Reed’s voice. “What about invasion of privacy? As well as the harassment I mentioned earlier. This is getting really old, George. You’re going to have to get a search warrant.”
At those words, the deputy sheriff dropped all pretense of pleasantry. “You know, since you’re out of town, you have no way of knowing what I do.” With that, George ended the call.
As Reed stood there, heart pounding from an excess of adrenaline, he wondered exactly how stupid the other man might be. He knew if George did break into his house, he’d make sure and destroy as much as possible. After all, what could Reed do? Call the police?
Furious, he paced from the living room to the kitchen, trying to get himself under control.
“So it begins.” Kaitlyn’s voice washed over him like a soothing salve over a festering wound. “Though I hate it, I’m glad you got me this disguise.”
“Yeah.” Looking at her, with her ridiculously awful hairdo and frumpy, oversize clothes, he felt some of the tightness leave him. “Though George has been hassling me ever since I got out. I imagine he’s thrilled to have a new reason.”
She nodded, her expression serious. “What else did he say?”
“They’re looking for you. You were right about Anniversary being the first place Alex would look.” Clenching his jaw, he glanced away. “George is a bumbling idiot and he doesn’t really suspect anything. Even if he did, no one in town knows about this place, so we ought to be safe for now.”
“Then maybe this disguise isn’t really necessary.”
She sounded so hopeful he almost smiled. “Better safe than sorry. And I’ll tell you honestly, from that news story he’s put out about you being abducted, the FBI is probably already working the case.”
Her eyes went wide. “Crap.”
This time, he nearly laughed out loud. “It’s okay. That’s why you look nothing like yourself.” He’d never tell her, but he’d been stunned to realize that, despite everything he’d done to make her appear ordinary, he still found her shockingly beautiful. “Except of course, you still have those blue eyes.”
“We need to get those colored contacts,” she said. “I don’t want to take a chance on them recognizing me.”
“I agree.” Even with the awful haircut and the dull hair color, her amazing cornflower-blue eyes still blazed from her heart-shaped face. That and her creamy skin, high cheekbones and a mouth made for kissing.
No. Time to cut those thoughts off immediately. Apparently, he couldn’t keep from finding her attractive, but he did have enough willpower to keep from acting on it.
Or so he hoped.
His cell phone rang again. Brock McCauley, his old high school buddy and one of the few people who’d not only visited him in prison, but had stood by him ever since he’d been out.
“Did you see the news?” Brock asked. “Tim’s old girlfriend has been abducted. I didn’t even know she’d taken up with Alex Ramirez, of all people.”
Before he could help himself, Reed snorted. “I saw that. I’m not surprised. Kaitlyn Nuhn was nothing but trouble.”
Next to him, Kaitlyn made a soft sound of protest, which Reed ignored.
“Maybe,” Brock conceded. “But she always was pleasant to me. Zoe liked her, too.
“And she never cheated on Tim,” Brock continued. “Even though he was always fooling around behind her back and bragging about it.”
Reed refused to acknowledge the slow flush of guilt. He’d had three long years to regret what he and Kaitlyn had done. Somehow he’d managed to forget the way Tim always managed to have a girlfriend on the side.
“Do you think she knew?” Eyeing the subject of their discussion, Reed was suddenly glad she couldn’t hear both sides of the conversation.
“About Tim? I doubt it.” Brock sounded contemplative.
“Hey, I really called to see if you wanted to come to dinner tomorrow night. Zoe’s making lasagna, and she knows how much you like it.”
“Like it? That’s the understatement of the year.” Grimacing, Reed declined. “But I can’t. I’m not in town. I’m out at the ranch right now.”
“Even better,” Brock laughed. “You know I’ve been wanting to show Zoe that place. How about we drive up there tomorrow after I close the feed store? We can bring the lasagna, too. We could spend the night.”
Reed winced. Not only was Brock one of the only people who knew about the ranch, they were good enough friends that he didn’t think twice about inviting himself over.
“Not right now,” Reed said. “I have company.”
“Company?” Brock’s voice sounded surprised, and Reed couldn’t blame him. Brock knew Reed didn’t socialize much. Brock also knew that Reed didn’t lie.
“Yeah.” Taking a deep breath, Reed braced himself for his friend’s reaction. “I have, er...a lady friend with me.”
“That’s great!” Brock plowed on. “We’d love to meet her. Unless it’s a first date?”
The question sort of hung there, waiting to be answered. Reed inwardly cursed as he sorted through a possible response that wouldn’t be an outright lie. “It’s too early for anyone to be meeting her. It’s not a date at all, actually. We’re just...hanging out.”
“Well, then, what’s the problem?” One thing about Brock, he’d never been good at taking a hint.
Crap. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” Brock actually sounded puzzled. “Are you ashamed of her or something?”
“Hell, no.” Reed didn’t even have to think. “It’s not that. It’s...”
“So you’re ashamed of us, then?” From the slight lilt in his voice, Reed realized Brock just might be enjoying this.
“You know better. It’s just too early. Next time, maybe.”
“Okay.” Brock laughed. “It’s incredibly promising that you know there will be a next time. I can’t wait to meet her.” Brock ended the call before Reed could respond.
Slowly, Reed replaced the receiver, startled to realize his palms were sweating. Eyeing Kaitlyn, he shook his head. “That was Brock McCauley,” he said.
Her smile lit up her entire face. Trying to ignore the way that smile affected him, he scratched his head. “He just invited us to dinner tomorrow night. And when I told him I was at the ranch, he wanted to drive on out.”
Her grimace told him what she thought of that. “That’s what you meant when you said you didn’t think that was a good idea.”
“Yep.”
She froze. “Are they coming here? Because even with this disguise, one or both of them is bound to recognize me. I’ve known them for years.”
“I agree. But no worries. I told him now wasn’t a good time. I think he’ll respect that.”
“You think?” Eyes huge, she appeared visibly shaken. “Just in case, maybe you should call him back and tell him you’re sick, or I’m sick. Both of us, with something contagious, like the flu.”
Slowly, he shook his head. “I don’t lie.”
Her eyes widened even more. “Ever?”
“Ever. Not if I can help it.”
He wondered if she knew how kissable she looked like that, with her face tilted up and her mouth pursed in mutiny. As his body reacted, he turned away. “Get some rest. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”
Reed didn’t think he’d sleep much, but the instant his head hit the pillow, he was out. Sunlight streaming through his window woke him. Stretching, he wondered why he felt uneasy, especially since he didn’t recall any of his dreams. And then he remembered.
Kaitlyn. Alex Ramirez, Tim’s death, and the way the past had managed to catch up with him. Ignoring his arousal, he pushed back the sheet, got to his feet and padded into his bathroom. From past experience he knew a shower, fresh clothes and a cup of steaming hot coffee would do wonders to help him think.
Chapter 4 (#ulink_ca884689-ae8e-5256-b6c1-90f531572411)
For a man used to living alone, it was a shock to get out of the shower and step into your kitchen to find one of the most beautiful women in the world sitting at your table, reading a book and drinking coffee. The baggy T-shirt hinted at the luxuriant curves underneath and the short, shaggy hairdo only enhanced her perfect features and lush lips. It didn’t help that Reed was still half-asleep despite the hot shower, or that he’d woken aroused. Desire slammed into him like a sucker punch to the gut.
He stopped, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, and wished there was a way to grab his cup of coffee without having to speak.
He made it halfway to the coffeemaker when she looked up from her book and smiled. That smile stopped him dead in his tracks.
“Good morning,” she said. “I hope you don’t mind, but I made coffee.”
Mouth dry, he struggled to speak. “Thanks. I thought you’d be sleeping in.”
“Nope. I never do. I’m a morning person,” she said. “In case you can’t tell.”
Clearing his throat, he settled on a brusque nod and went past her. Hopefully, the awkwardness would fade with time. With time? How long did he expect her to stay with him anyway?
“What’s on the agenda for today?” she asked, her voice far too cheerful for so early in the day. He had to wonder if her relentless happiness was a coping mechanism of sorts. After all, she’d just escaped her own prison. Maybe she was afraid if she let go and thought about it, she’d lose control and reveal exactly how much trauma she was dealing with.
Or perhaps he just overanalyzed everything.
He shrugged and took a long drink of his coffee, hoping the caffeine would send a jolt and help with his brain fog. “I’ve got to talk to my foreman and get an update. I also want to take a quick drive around the surrounding area and see if anything looks out of the ordinary. After I get back, I thought I might take a ride around the ranch.”
She nodded. “A ride as in horses? Or in your truck?”
“Horses.” And just like that, a memory came slamming into him. Tim and Kaitlyn and Brock had gone riding, out on Brock’s family land. Tim and Brock had gone on ahead, leaving Reed and Kaitlyn to bring up the rear.
She’d chattered happily and he’d listened, too enthralled by the way the sun lit up her beautiful blond hair, and the gentle sway of her body with the horse’s movements to pay much attention to anything she’d said.
The tug of attraction hadn’t been new. The emotion attached to it had shocked him. He’d realized in that instant that she could be the ruin of him, which would destroy him and his brother’s relationship. As soon as the thought hit him, he’d spurred his horse ahead to catch up with the other men, leaving Kaitlyn alone behind him.
After that, he’d taken great pains to avoid her. Until he hadn’t, and wound up in prison with his brother dead. Those internet pundits hadn’t been kidding. Karma really was a bitch.
“Horses?” Kaitlyn asked, her husky voice full of quiet wonder, bringing him back to the present. “Do you mind if I come along? Riding was one of the things I missed most when I was locked up.”
Her choice of words brought him another realization. In a way, they’d both done time. While her cell might have been more luxurious, the other things she’d endured made her imprisonment a whole lot worse.
“Sure,” he managed, hoping like hell no sympathy showed on his face. He was better off if he considered Kaitlyn a predator of sorts. As in, if he displayed the slightest weakness, she’d pounce.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, a marked difference to the squeal of excitement he’d half expected. Of course, that would have been the Kaitlyn of the past.
They’d both changed. Circumstances and life had forged new personalities.
“Are you okay?” She tilted her head, the thick fringe of her bangs shifting with the move. Mentally, he swore, thinking he should have given her a more masculine cut or something. Anything, to stop the embers that ignited inside him every time he looked at her.
He grimaced. Who was he kidding? With her bone structure, she’d probably look even more beautiful with her head shaved.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “Eventually, maybe you can take me into town and show me around the area. I don’t want to become a prisoner here, like I was with Alex.”
Though even hearing the other man’s name made him clench his teeth, he managed to keep his tone civil. “You haven’t been here long enough to consider yourself a prisoner,” he replied.
“And yes, that is the point of your disguise, but I’m not taking chances. The nearest town is about the same size as Anniversary, and people talk. Once I know the situation in town, I can make a better decision.”
She eyed him in silence, considering. “I have to admit you make sense. Hopefully, we’ll figure out a way to get Alex arrested so I can get out of your hair.” She pushed herself up from her chair and headed to the coffeepot for another cup. He couldn’t help but watch the enticing sway of her hips as she moved.
Furious with himself, Reed took that opportunity to beat a hasty exit back to his room.
Later, having showered and dressed, he decided to return to the kitchen for a second cup of coffee. As he opened his door, he inhaled the mouthwatering scent of bacon. In the kitchen, Kaitlyn still sat in the same chair, finishing up a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon.
“I made you some, too,” she said, pointing toward the counter, where she’d covered a plate with a paper towel. “If it’s cooled off too much, you can warm it in the microwave.”
The small kindness surprised him. “Thanks,” he said, pushing away the tangle of emotions swirling inside him.
Shoveling the food into his mouth so he didn’t have to talk, he knew he’d have to figure out a way to convince himself he no longer craved her.
Only he’d be lying to himself. And since he didn’t believe in lies...
After cleaning his plate, he carried the dish to the sink. “Thanks again,” he said, managing a smile. “I’ll be back in a few hours and then we’ll go for a ride.”
Unsmiling, she nodded. “While you’re gone, do you mind if I wander around, maybe check out a few of the horses?” She bit her lip, drawing his gaze to her lush mouth.
“How long has it been since you’ve ridden?” he asked.
Her gaze darkened to midnight. “Years.”
“Are you sure you remember how?” Dragging his hand through his hair, he forced himself to meet her gaze directly. “I don’t want you to take a chance and get hurt.”
“It’s like riding a bicycle.” She shrugged, a thread of anger running through her voice. “It’s just something I looked forward to every single day while I was his captive.”
Her flippant tone did little to disguise her pain. Studying her, he realized her wounds ran deep, too. As deep as his, or maybe even more.
“Where is it?” He should have asked this question before. “Alex’s place, where he kept you locked up?”
“Near Austin. Maybe an hour’s drive west from there.”
“Good to know.” He thought hard, swallowed and then gave her the truth. “I’m glad you made it out safely.”
“Thank you. I was very lucky. No matter what you see on TV, Alex Ramirez is a horrible man,” she told him. “But then again, I guess most psychopaths are. If he finds out you helped me, he won’t just kill you. That’d be too merciful. He’ll torture you, make sure you suffer before you die.” Her blue eyes had gone cloudy, full of miserable memories. He had a flash of an urge to comfort her somehow, but managed to push it away. Somewhat.
“Don’t worry,” he heard himself say. “He won’t find out. And if he does, I won’t get caught.”
“You don’t know that.” Anguish rang in her voice. “He has a lot of enemies. Several of them have tried to get to him. So far, no one has succeeded and a few have ended up dead.”
He shrugged. “Then I’ll be the first. We’ll work out a plan. Meanwhile, for now, stay off the horses. We’ll ride together when I have time.” And then, without waiting for an answer, he took off before he got himself into any more trouble.
The meeting with his ranch foreman Boyd, an older, taciturn man Reed had known all his life, went exactly the same way it had every other time Reed had come out to the ranch.
“Everything’s fine,” Boyd drawled, just as he always did. “We got plenty of hay and the new crop of cattle should fetch a pretty penny. No one’s quit, and I’ve even had to hire a new hand.”
Reed nodded. “If there’s anything you need...”
“I won’t hesitate to let you know.” Grinning, Boyd slapped him on the back and sauntered off. Reed shook his head and watched him go.
As he walked to his pickup, he found himself wondering how Boyd and the other ranch hands would react to Kaitlyn. He had a pretty good idea. If he wasn’t careful, she’d be a major distraction.
As she had already become for him.
On the drive into town, he called himself all kinds of fool. Having her at his farm could be a colossal, mistake. Of course, he’d be damned before he’d let Alex Ramirez harm one hair on her pretty little head.
He’d been to Breckenridge when he’d gone to Walmart to pick up Kaitlyn’s disguise. There were no other large-or even medium-sized towns close to the ranch, so he drove about ten miles out and rode the dirt roads. This part of West Texas, with its dry, arid landscape and twisted trees, called to him even more than the treed, more scenic area of Anniversary. Hardscrabble, he thought. Like him.
After a good forty-five minutes of driving, he headed home, satisfied that no one suspicious had come to this part of the state.
Yet.
When he passed a little barbecue joint, he impulsively pulled in and got a couple of chopped beef sandwiches.
As he pulled from the dirt road into the long drive leading toward his ranch, he felt confident. Kaitlyn wouldn’t be discovered here. There were no strange vehicles anywhere to be seen and the house looked exactly the same as it had when he’d left it.
Safe. A perfect hiding place. He smiled as he parked his truck. But the instant he killed the engine, the back door flew open. Kaitlyn hurried over, visibly shaken.
His stomach clenched. “What’s wrong?”
Running a shaky hand through that awful haircut of hers, she inhaled. “I just watched the afternoon news. Now Alex is claiming that my supposed kidnapper has sent him a ransom request.”
Again suppressing the urge to comfort her, Reed shook his head. “It’ll be okay.” Handing her the two foam boxes, he got out.
“What’s this?” she asked, sniffing. “Whatever it is, it smells wonderful.”
“I picked up lunch. Barbecue.”
At first her eyes narrowed. He could have sworn a flash of suspicion crossed her face. Holy hell. He realized maybe Alex Ramirez had even used food as a form of torture.
“It’s just a sandwich.” He held it out, careful to hide his anger. “No strings. I remember you used to like it.”
Finally, she rewarded him with a wobbly smile and accepted the bag. “I do. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Chest a bit too tight, he followed her into the house. He realized that although she’d escaped, she wasn’t entirely free. Nor would she be, not until she learned to deal with her inner demons. One more crime for which Alex would need to pay.
“What about Alex?” Kaitlyn asked, almost as if he’d spoken the name out loud. “What do you think he’s doing? Why make up a story as elaborate as that?”
“I don’t know. I’m guessing he thinks if he can get everyone stirred up and have not only the FBI but the general public help him hunt you, he’ll find you that much easier.”
“Even if his story is proven to be false.”
“Right. I’m guessing whatever friends he has inside will make sure that story dies a quiet death after he finds you.”
Panic flashed in her eyes. “Don’t say it like that. As though him finding me is a given.”
“Sorry. You know what I mean. Come on,” he prodded gently. “Sit. Let’s eat.”
She took a seat at the kitchen table and opened the bag. Head bent, she removed the wrapped sandwiches, bags of chips, plastic cutlery and napkins. Crossing to the refrigerator, he snagged a couple of cans of cola for them.
“There.” He dropped into his chair, wishing he could figure out a way to stop feeling a weird sort of kinship with her. “We’re all set.”
Though messy, the barbecue tasted delicious. They ate in companionable silence, which made him feel a bit restless.
Since he finished before her, he sat quietly and watched her while she ate. Instead of picking up the sandwich and taking bites, she attacked her food, using her plastic fork and knife with gusto. Only when she’d cut several small pieces did she eat a few. After that, she ate a couple of chips and took a sip of cola. And then she started the process all over again, focused and intent. As if by regulating this, she regained some measure of control over her world, however small.
Again the twinge of sympathy. He’d caught himself doing similar things when he’d been in prison.
Finally she finished, and looked up. “That was wonderful,” she sighed. “Thanks again.”
He nodded, turning away so she wouldn’t see desire or warmth or whatever the hell it was he was feeling on his face. “No problem.” He gathered up the wrappings and chip bags and carried them to the trash. Once he had his expression and his body under control, he turned to face her. “Now tell me exactly what you saw on the news earlier.”
Just like that, her expression changed, making him realize she’d relaxed and he’d unthinkingly ruined it. With the tension back in her posture, even her features seemed sharper.
“Basically, what I said. It was the opening story for the noon newscast. Prominent and respected politician Alex Ramirez has now been contacted by the kidnappers who abducted his girlfriend. According to Alex, they’re demanding a ransom of several million dollars.”
He frowned. “That doesn’t make sense. The feds are going to be all over this now. Why would he do that?”
“I’m sure his inside people are helping him.” The bitterness in her voice matched her flat expression. “He probably plans to pay himself and use this as a way to launder money or something. He’s always talking about having to find creative ways to do that without anyone catching on.”
Astounded, Reed swallowed. “You know a lot about his business, don’t you?”
Her chin went up. “Yes. Even if I didn’t know about the murder, I know enough to put him away for a long, long time.”
“So it’s not just that you witnessed him kill Tim that makes you valuable to him. It’s all the other information you could use against him.”
“Exactly.” She looked down at her hands, which she’d begun wringing.
“But now that everyone knows about you, if he got you back, he could no longer keep you locked away.”
“No.” She never looked up. “Which is why he won’t stop until I’m dead.”
The bleak despair in her voice made him ache to comfort her. “You don’t need to worry about that. He isn’t going to find you. Plus, he’s going to dig his own grave with these lies,” he said. “Sooner or later, someone’s going to catch on and his honesty will be called into question.”
“Since he has a lot of law enforcement people on his payroll, I doubt it.”
Reed considered his next words carefully. “I’m guessing he’s doing this to keep the case fresh in the public’s eye. The more people hear about you, the more likely someone will spot you and report to the FBI.”
“And then to him.” She grimaced. “Anything’s possible, where Alex is concerned. It even makes a kind of twisted sense, though I don’t like it.”
“Of course not.” Again he had to fight the urge to touch her. “Me, either. That settles one thing, though. Until I have a handle on who we can and cannot trust, you’re definitely going to have to keep a low profile. Even though we’re out in the middle of nowhere.”
“Thank you again for helping me.”
He waved her thanks away. “Do you still want to go riding?”
“Yes.”
“Great.” Considering her shapeless dress, he carefully avoided meeting her gaze. “Why don’t you put on some jeans and meet me at the barn? I’ll get the horses saddled and ready.”
Without waiting for her to answer, he grabbed his cowboy hat and headed outside.
* * *
Watching out the window as Reed sauntered down to the barn, Kaitlyn tried to get a handle on the complicated emotions roiling inside her. She’d known she’d have some lingering trauma after what she’d been through with Alex, but she hadn’t expected to cringe every time he moved too fast. Luckily, so far she’d managed to keep all her flinching inside. As far as she could tell, Reed had no idea.
Which was good. The last thing she wanted from him was pity.
Despite the abuse she’d suffered, being around Reed again, even after all these years, made her want things she’d never thought she’d be able to want again. In fact, after the way she’d been treated, she’d come to believe she’d never feel attracted toward a man again.
She’d been wrong. Very wrong. Disgusted with herself, she ran her fingers through her ugly haircut and grimaced. All along in the back of her mind, she’d known her old crush on him might make her uncomfortable, but she’d thought she could deal with it. Right. What she hadn’t expected was this full-blown craving. Though she thought she’d been successful at hiding it, she trembled with the urge to get close to him every time they were in the same room.
She had to get past this. Her life was at stake after all. Since Reed had made it perfectly clear he didn’t feel the same way about her—how could he—she’d rely on him to keep her safe and help bring Alex to justice. Nothing more.
In fact, she wanted this over and done with so that she could move on to the next chapter of her life. So they both could.
Restless and unsettled inside her own body, she pushed through the kitchen door and headed down toward the barn. Dusk had settled on the landscape, though darkness had yet to envelope the farm. Nevertheless, a bright spotlight on the outside of the barn illuminated not only the yard, but the corrals. Reed stood inside a round pen, lifting a Western saddle up onto a beautiful gray horse.
A few feet away, she stopped. Her mouth went dry as she stood and watched, admiring the way the muscles in his arms worked while he hefted the bags. Again the desire, the raw urge, stunning her, shocking her. Once more, she managed to push it away.
He turned and faced her, dipping his chin in acknowledgment. “I got this gelding ready for you. He’s docile and well trained. You shouldn’t have any trouble with him.”
“Thank you.” Making her feet propel her forward, she took the reins. “Where’s your horse?”
“Inside the barn.” He held out his cupped hands for her to step into. “Let me give you a leg up.”
Just like that, her heart began hammering in her throat. She wasn’t sure she could bear his touch. As she stood staring at him, feeling foolish, she forced herself to move forward. Using his hands as a springboard, she jumped up into the saddle. Only when she’d gotten settled did Reed go and retrieve his own mount.
The sun felt warm, the horse’s gait smooth, and as they rode up a winding dirt road, Kaitlyn finally began to relax. She wished she could stop having the need to keep reminding herself she was safe here, and hated also the expectation that at any moment, she’d find out she wasn’t.
Maybe after she’d been free awhile she’d stop jumping at every shadow and her neck wouldn’t hurt from constantly looking over her shoulder.
This person she’d become, the woman Alex had turned her into, wasn’t who she wanted to be. But she wasn’t sure she even knew how to get back to her old self. Or even if she wanted to.
“Nice, isn’t it?” Reed rode up alongside her, sitting as easily on the saddle as if he’d been born on horseback.
Despite her sudden melancholy, she gave him her brightest smile. He had no need to know how damaged she’d become inside. “More than nice. This is exactly what I needed. I’d forgotten what it feels like to be this free.”
His expression changed, just a minuscule amount, but enough to remind her she’d again managed to bring her past in and ruin the moment. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, hating that she felt she had to apologize. “I’ve only been away a day. I’m trying to get used to the idea.”
“No need to be sorry.” Despite the kind words, Reed sounded grim. “Believe me, I remember how it feels. As if the sky is too big, too open, and you wonder if you could be crushed to death under the vastness of it all.”
Her heart leaped at his words. Of course he understood, and he didn’t appear to be ashamed to speak it out loud. “You’re exactly right.”
One quick jerk of his chin was his only response. As he spurred his horse into a jog, then a lope, he called back over his shoulder at her. “Come on, let’s ride.”
The afternoon passed much too quickly as far as she was concerned. They rode and rested, Reed taking time to point out various landmarks. She was glad the sky turned cloudy as she hadn’t thought to locate sunscreen.
“I think it’s time to head back toward the ranch,” Reed said.
Kaitlyn sighed. “Thank you again. I haven’t had such a nice afternoon in years.”
He barely glanced at her, his attention focused on the darkening sky. “We need to ride faster,” he said. “That storm out west is heading this way.”
When she looked where he’d pointed, she realized he was right. And now that he’d mentioned it, she could smell the hint of the coming rain on the breeze.
“Let’s go.” He slapped her horse on the rear before urging his own mount into a gallop.
Without looking she could feel the storm gaining on them. The wind picked up, carrying moisture. Thunder boomed, still off in the distance, but gaining.
Finally, they rode up a hill and she could see the ranch spread out below them. Her horse seemed winded, so she slowed the animal to a walk. Ahead of her, when Reed realized what she’d done, he turned and rode back to her.
Just as he reached her, thunder cracked right on top of him, spooking her mount. The immediate flash of lightning meant they were all in danger.
What happened next seemed in slow motion. Kaitlyn’s horse bucked and reared up. She almost fell, but held on to the saddle horn and managed to keep her seat.
“Good job,” Reed said. “Now ride!”
This time, she didn’t wait for him to slap her horse. She dug her heels into the animal’s side and took off. As they raced for the barn, thunder booming and rain pelting them, she knew she wore a grin a mile wide. Aware Reed would think she was crazy if he saw it, she restrained herself from shouting with joy into the wind.
She felt more alive in this instant than she could ever remember feeling. Exhilarated, energized and oddly defiant.
With more thunder, the boom was so loud it shook the earth. The air around them sizzled with electricity, which meant lightning had hit nearby.
Fifty feet away the sky opened up. The wind lashed the rain sideways, whipping her with her own wet hair. She knew she looked like a crazy woman, but she couldn’t stop laughing as she rode into the barn.
Maybe Reed understood or perhaps he just didn’t want to know, but he said nothing as he swung down from his soaked horse. He crossed to her and held out his hand, as if he thought she’d need help dismounting.
Instead, she waved him away. Pushing her drenched and tangled hair away from her face, she slid from the saddle.
Turning, she nearly crashed into him.
He reached out to steady her and just like that, her smile vanished and she froze.
Hands on her upper arms, he stared. “Are you...are you all right?”
Heaven help her, she tried to nod, but her breath caught in her throat and it was all she could do to breathe. Wrenching away, she sucked in air and tried to regain her equilibrium.
While Reed stood watching, clearly not understanding what was wrong.
“Kaitlyn. I’m sorry.” His deep voice revealed his confusion. “I’ll ask you again. Are you okay?”
“Maybe.” Keeping her back to him, wondering. “And maybe not. I think I might be going crazy. One minute, I’m thrilled to be alive, and the next, I’m...” She stopped, unable to finish.
“Well, if you’re able, unsaddle your horse. We need to get the saddles off and the horse brushed down. At least the rain should have cooled them off so we won’t need to walk them.”
More grateful than she could articulate at the return to normalcy, she got busy doing exactly what he’d said.
Chapter 5 (#ulink_4c59b09b-d33f-5f74-8c63-4b8082eb23bc)
Reed knew enough about post-traumatic stress disorder to understand what had happened. His touch had sent Kaitlyn back. Back to that awful place where a touch had meant torture, a beating or rape. He clenched his jaw and seethed with anger at the man who’d done this to her.
One thing he remembered about Kaitlyn Nuhn was the way she’d always been brimming with life. Even alone, her positive energy brightened the room. He’d seen her joy in the race against the storm; hell, he’d caught some of the excitement, too.
And then to see it all quashed by a casual touch... He shook his head. Stuff like that made it difficult to focus.
After helping Kaitlyn remove the saddle from her horse, he carried it into the tack room and set it on the wooden tree, drying it off with a towel. Then he did the same with his and grabbed a couple more towels from the small stack and two curry brushes. Handing one of each to Kaitlyn, he returned to his mare and began drying her coat before he started brushing out the sweat. The rhythmic sounds as he brushed never failed to soothe him.
Except now, he felt overly aware of the woman next to him, doing the same thing. He hoped the simple repetitive motion might bring her some peace.
His cell phone rang. “Hey, Brock,” he answered. “What’s up?”
“Someone broke into your house.” Brock sounded pissed. “I just left there. The police are still there. And they assigned that idiot George to investigate.”
Reed swore. “He’s probably the one who broke in. He called me wanting to search my house. I told him to get a warrant.”
“Search for what?”
“Tim’s old girlfriend.” In his peripheral vision, he saw Kaitlyn flinch.

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