Love Me Again Read Online Free PDF

dirty, filthy young men going through their things made her angry. They knocked over items which crashed to the floor and broke. Many of the items shattered on the floor were her mother’s keepsakes. She looked at Nick and saw his fists clenching and unclenching to keep his anger in check. The moment Kale touched the family Bible, Jacob jumped to his feet.
    “Do not put your filthy hands on God’s word. Our Bible is our most valuable possession!” 
    Billy walked over and hit Jacob on the back of the head with his rifle. “Sit down and shut up old man!”    
    Abby screamed when Nick stood up ready to defend Jacob. But before he could get his hands on Billy, the father lunged out of his chair and grabbed Abby by the waist pulling her close.
    “If you want the lady to live, I suggest ya’ll calm down.” Abby fought the urge to struggle, worried the man would shoot Nick. He smelled of sweat and filth causing her stomach to churn.
    So much anger poured from Nick’s eyes, but he did as instructed and sat down. However, it didn’t matter how livid he was, he would not put her into harms way.
    The stranger released his hold on Abby, and she ran to her father’s side and wiped the blood away with her apron that trickled into his hair. Jacob patted her hand. “I’m okay, Abigail. Finish cooking their meal so they can be on their way.”
    As ordered by Jacob, Abby reluctantly returned to the stove. Time seemed to drag by as the three men sat and quietly watched her prepare their meal. Something told her they would not leave after they ate. They had something more sinister in mind. She felt there would be bloodshed before the night ended. Their only weapon was the ancient, old musket over the fire place. With it so far from their reach, they had no way to defend themselves. 
    “Abigail, ain’t that a purty name. A purty name for a purty woman.”
    The stranger watched her with lustful eyes as she set the bowls of food on the table. Abby moved to the counter and began pumping water into the dish pan to wash the dishes. Her nerves on edge, she needed something to occupy her time. She could feel their eyes on her as they ate. Never once did the father put his rifle down. He ate with his left hand gulping his meal as if he had not eaten in days. Abby thought they sounded like a bunch of pigs eating at the trough. Her stomach lurched every time she glanced their way.
    Billy finished his meal, and slowly ambled over to Abby still washing dishes. “That was a mighty fine meal, purty lady.”
    Abby ignored him and kept her eyes downcast. Her hands trembled as she picked up a plate and scrubbed it with the dish cloth. She felt like a mouse being tortured by a cat. They seemed to enjoy her fear. She cringed when he pulled the pins from her bun sending her hair cascading down her back. She closed her eyes tightly fighting the panic that rose up to overwhelm her. He stunk worse than his father and Abby wanted to hold her nose to keep his stench from her nostrils. It took a lot of emotion and effort to stand there without telling him he smelled like he had been sleeping with pigs. 
    Red faced with fury, Nick shouted, “Get your hands off her.”
    Billy completely ignored Nick. “Look at all that red hair, Kale.  Ain’t it some’n?” When he ran his fingers through her hair, she could not tolerate his closeness any longer. Abby slapped his hand away. She ran toward Nick. Before she reached him, Billy grabbed her by the waist and picked her up. Nick was livid. He yelled and charged at Billy. Kale knocked him out cold with the butt of his rifle. Abby watched Nick fall to the floor in horror. Billy hoisted Abby onto the table kicking and screaming.
    “Let me go!” Abby hit him several times with her fists causing him to yelp in pain.
    “Looks like you got yaself a hellcat, Billy.” Still holding her, he pulled her down on the table. Billy lay on top of her. Abby fought for air as his chest squeezed against her lungs.