To Love a Stranger (16 page)

Pierce flushed and looked away. “I’m going to the post office,” he said, abruptly changing the subject. The realization that he no longer had a reason to remain with Zoey gave him a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“I’ll pick up the supplies we need and have them
loaded in the buckboard.” She felt the walls building around him again, as if he was protecting himself from something he found offensive.

His cynicism stood between them and always would, she sadly lamented. Lessons he’d learned through experience, and gritty reminders of his past disappointments, had made him the kind of man he was.

Across the street, Pete leaned against the peeling exterior of the saloon and watched Pierce and Zoey walk away from the bank. He’d come to town earlier to receive instructions from Willoughby, and stopped at the saloon first to quench his thirst. He paid little heed to the man who stopped beside him, until he noticed that the man appeared as interested in the Delaneys as he was.

“Say, ain’t that Pierce Delaney?” the stranger asked.

Pete gave the man a cursory glance. “Yeah, what’s it to ya?”

“What kind of law do you have in Rolling Prairie?”

“Vigilante law. Why?”

“Ever hear of Dry Gulch?”

Pete nodded, wondering where this was leading.

“The vigilantes in Dry Gulch are looking for Pierce Delaney. He attacked a woman and left her in a bad way. He led our vigilantes on a wild chase, but they lost him. I reckon they’d be mighty pleased to know where he is now.”

Pete’s attention sharpened. “You mean Delaney isn’t from Wyoming?”

“Wyoming! He and his brothers run one of the
largest spreads in Montana territory. Thought they could do almost anything and get away with it. But Pierce went too far this time.”

A sly smile spread across Pete’s sharp features. Willoughby would be damn grateful for information like this. “Are you returning to Dry Gulch soon?”

“I’m just riding through on my way south to buy some property from a couple who want to go back east. Can’t say how long it’ll take. If I had more time, I’d return to Dry Gulch and put the vigilantes on Delaney’s trail. Can’t afford the delay, though. Don’t want the Gaffords to sell to anyone else.”

“Much obliged, mister,” Pete said, pushing himself away from the wall. Willoughby would be grateful for this important piece of information. He rubbed his hands gleefully, anticipating the generous reward he’d soon be spending.

Willoughby was in a foul mood when Pete entered his office. By the time Pete left, Willoughby was smiling.

Delaney Ranch
Dry Gulch, Montana

C
had Delaney read Pierce’s letter for the tenth time since he’d received it. Why hadn’t Pierce written again? Chad wondered. According to the letter, Pierce had been shot. Was it a serious wound? If it was a critical wound, Pierce wouldn’t have been able to write, would he? And the letter was in Pierce’s own hand.

Just then Ryan charged into the house, slamming the door behind him.

Chad looked up from the letter. “Back from town already? Any news?”

“Nothing good,” Ryan allowed. “No word from Pierce. You reckon he’s all right?”

“The people at the Circle F would have written if something was wrong with Pierce. I reckon he’s biding his time. He should have our second letter by now. Maybe he’ll answer soon. Anything else newsworthy?”

“Riley Reed is keeping the people of Dry Gulch
all riled up about Pierce. Seeing Cora Lee prancing around with a big belly doesn’t help any. Cora Lee’s drunken brother is hanging out in the saloon these days, bitterly complaining about how the vigilantes let Pierce get away. His whining is making Reed mad, and Reed is itching to get his hands on Pierce. Dammit, Chad, it’s not fair! Pierce is a better man than you or I will ever be.”

“What in God’s name can we do to help him that we haven’t already done?” Chad wondered, at his wits’ end.

“We have to keep working on Cora Lee. Maybe one of us can butter her up a bit, get her to talk.”

“Which one of us?” Chad wanted to know, cocking an eyebrow at his younger brother.

“You’re older than I. You have to do it, Chad. For Pierce’s sake.”

Chad sighed. “Very well. I’ll do what I can.”

Circle F Ranch
Rolling Prairie, Montana

Scanning his brother’s letter, Pierce was disheartened. Nothing new had transpired in Dry Gulch. The vigilantes were still looking for him, and Cora Lee hadn’t recanted her story. As much as Pierce wanted it, he couldn’t go home yet. Nor could he stay here, pretending to be a husband when being married went against everything he believed in.

“I assume the news isn’t good,” Zoey said as she walked into the parlor and found Pierce reading his letter.

“I’d hoped … Ah, well, my brothers are still
working in my behalf. Unfortunately they’ve made little headway. Cora Lee is sticking to her story.”

“What are you going to do?” Zoey asked quietly.

Deliberately Pierce turned away from the longing visible in the depths of her blue eyes. She was so transparent. He knew precisely what she was thinking. “Don’t say it, Zoey, don’t even wish it. I’m not staying. I never wanted to be married, remember?”

“You can’t go home yet,” she reminded him.

“Perhaps not, but there are other places I can go. I have sufficient funds to go anywhere I wish until this thing with Cora Lee blows over.”

Zoey swallowed convulsively. Despite her good intentions to let Pierce go, she didn’t want to lose him. Just the thought of all those empty days and nights without him made her ill. What good was her land without someone special to share it with?

“You’re safe here. No one knows who you are.”

“We can’t be absolutely certain of that.”

“How would anyone know?”

“I’m not sure, but no matter what, things haven’t changed. I want out.”

A small sigh slipped past Zoey’s lips. “Do what your heart tells you, Pierce.”

“You should know by now I have no heart. I said I’d remain until the men return from the cattle drive, and I will. Then I’ll be on my way.”

Zoey’s pride was seriously breached as she pleaded with him, saying things she knew she’d regret later. “I saved your life. Doesn’t that mean something?”

“I saved your ranch. Doesn’t
that
mean something?” he shot back.

“I could have let you die, or given you up to the vigilantes.”

“But you didn’t.”

Her chin rose stubbornly. “I still could.”

He stared at her, his gaze cool and assessing. “But you won’t.”

She turned away, unable to withstand the cold fury in his eyes. “No, you’re probably right.”

“I’m not helpless this time. If I thought you’d do that to me, I’d leave now.”

“I don’t know why we’re arguing,” Zoey said. “Especially after all you’ve done for me. Ours was never meant to be a permanent arrangement, I know that. I’m not happy with myself for using you. I hope you can forgive me one day.”

“I’m not happy with that either. It’s what I expected from a woman, though.”

“You showed me what it felt like to become a woman. I’ll always remember that.”

Her words took the bite from his anger. “Any man could have done that for you.”

“But you did it so well.”

Pierce stared at her for a breathless minute, then threw his head back and laughed. “Very well. You used me. I can accept that. That makes us even. I wanted your body and took it. Our short association has been mutually beneficial.”

“You took nothing!” Zoey declared hotly. “I gave myself to you. I wanted you to be the first.”

The amused look left his eyes. “Are you saying I won’t be the last?”

Zoey gave a careless shake of her head. “I’ll never remarry. As for taking a lover … who knows?”

Having said all she was going to on the subject, Zoey excused herself.

“Wait!” Pierce grasped her arm and pulled her against him. “How long will you wait after I’m gone before taking a lover? Do you already have one picked out? I’ve noticed how you enjoy flaunting yourself in front of the hands, and the way they ogle you.”

“You don’t know a damn thing, Pierce. Besides, why should it matter to you?” Zoey knew she was baiting him, but couldn’t help it. She didn’t want him to know how devastated she’d be without him.

“I reckon it doesn’t.” He stared at the lush outline of her lips, then slowly lowered his head. His mouth settled over hers, and he pulled her closer, grasping her buttocks and molding her against the hard ridge of his arousal as his mouth plundered hers.

“We shouldn’t be doing this,” Zoey panted when he released her mouth long enough for her to catch her breath. “You know where it usually leads.”

“Indeed I do.” Then he kissed her again, not at all concerned.

“It’s still daylight,” Zoey argued, more shaken than she cared to admit. “There’s supper to prepare and—”

“You should hire a woman to help with the cooking and housework. I know you’d rather be doing outside work.”

“I’ve already thought of that. I’ve spoken with Dom and Hector. They have a sister willing to live in and help with the cooking and chores. They’re going to stop by their home on their return from
the cattle drive and bring her back with them.”

“Good.” He tried to kiss her again, but she held him away.

“Later, Pierce. I really do have chores to do. There are the chickens to feed, eggs to gather …”

“I give up,” Pierce said, holding up his hand to stop her nattering. A strange, faintly eager look flashed in his eyes. “I’m pleased that you want to continue our intimate relationship until I leave. We’ll take up where we left off tonight.”

Turning abruptly, he strode away. Zoey stared at his departing back, unable to utter a word. Since their first night together, an unspoken arrangement between herself and Pierce had been in effect. Each night he waited for her in his room. If she didn’t show up, he went to hers. And after each night spent in his arms, Zoey felt the invisible bond between her and Pierce strengthening. She wished Pierce felt the same way; but she was merely an amusing pastime to him. He used her body to release his frustrations and appease his lust. And she let him.

Sighing distractedly, Zoey followed Pierce from the room. She’d certainly gotten herself into a fine mess, she thought. She’d expected being married to Pierce would be a straightforward, no-nonsense arrangement. She hadn’t counted on Pierce’s attractiveness, his virility, or his determination to get her into his bed. She certainly hadn’t expected her eagerness to oblige him.

Pierce had never made a secret of his unwillingness to remain in the marriage she’d forced upon him. Yet, despite knowing the kind of man Pierce was, with his aversion to love and marriage, she
had given herself to him freely and would continue to do so until he left. Pierce had more compassion than he gave himself credit for. Despite his protest to the contrary, he did indeed have a heart. She’d experienced his caring in many little ways even he wasn’t aware of. Zoey tried to come up with a reason for her unexpected need for Pierce, and didn’t like what her mind and heart were telling her.

The hands began the monthlong cattle drive to the fort. At the last minute Cully joined them. Pete had up and disappeared, leaving the Circle F short-handed. Pierce would have gone along himself but felt he was better qualified than Cully to protect Zoey should she need protecting. So he had remained behind.

A few days later, after many long hours helping Zoey with the chores, Pierce retired early and waited for her to come to him. On most nights exhaustion got the best of them and they did little more than collapse into bed and go right to sleep. But tonight Pierce was going to make love to Zoey. She had tempted him all day. He closed his eyes and visualized the sensual way in which she moved, the way the thrust of her lush breasts filled out the material of her shirt, the provocative way her denims hugged her taut little bottom. His hunger for her had grown as the day progressed. By now he should have had his fill of Zoey, but instead of growing tired of her, he wanted her more today than he had yesterday, or the day before, or the day before that. He could make no sense of this hot craving he had for Zoey, and decided he shouldn’t try to explain it, just enjoy it.

Zoey knew Pierce waited for her, and it wasn’t exhaustion that kept her from traveling those few feet down the hallway to his room. It was the knowledge that all Pierce had to do was give her a certain look or beckon and she’d fly into his arms. When had she become so damn accommodating? she wondered. And why?

The answers to her questions were lost to surprise when the door burst open and Pierce stepped into the room. He found her standing beside the bed in a golden puddle of lamplight, and his body turned to stone.

The air around him seemed to vibrate. His eyes had darkened to the deepest emerald, filled with promises and passion. His chest was bare and he carried his shirt, boots, and gun belt with him. He looked dark and dangerous and compelling.

“I waited for you.” Huskiness lingered in his tone. “Maintaining separate rooms seems rather ridiculous.” He dropped his boots and his gun belt to the floor.

Zoey’s mouth went dry. “It seemed … best.”

“Why, when we both want the same thing?”

“You think you know me so well.”

His mouth quirked with amusement. “I know your body.” He approached her slowly. “I know what you like. I love the way your nipples pucker and beg for my kisses. I know the exact place behind your knees where you’re ticklish. And that tiny little mole on your left buttock I love to kiss. When I put myself inside you, you’re hot and wet and tight and—”

Her hands flew up to cover her ears. “Stop it!”

He stepped closer, until she could feel his hot
breath brush her cheek. “Why are you still dressed?” His fingers rested on the front of her shirt. Before she could stop him, he’d released the first three buttons. “I’ve missed you.”

Two more buttons fell away and he peeled her shirt down her shoulders and arms, tossing it aside. Then he released the straps of her chemise, covering her bare breasts with his hands. Pleasure washed through her in opulent waves that heated her blood and left a delicious heaviness in its wake.