Secluded With the Cowboy Read Online Free PDF Page B

“I don’t want to fall asleep.”
    “Nightmares?”
    “If I let my defenses down, I remember too much.” Her breath shuddered. “I might lose control.”
    “You’re safe now, darlin’.” He stroked her hair. “You know I’ll take care of you. It’s going to be all right.”
    Much as she wanted to believe him, her fears would not be so easily cured. Her nostrils flared as she remembered the stink of the dank, dark places where she’d been held captive.
    In the creaking of the old ranch house, she heard echoes of mocking laughter. “Why does Nate hate us so much?”
    Dylan tightened his embrace. His muscles tensed. “When I think of what that bastard did to you…” He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to relax. “I won’t let him hurt you. Not ever again.”
    Downstairs, the front door slammed hard enough that they could hear it all the way up here in their bedroom. It sounded as if a herd of buffalo had charged inside. Someone called out Dylan’s name.
    “I’d better see what they need,” Dylan said.
    She understood that he was the boss, and the Carlisle Ranch was his responsibility. But she wanted his full attention tonight. When he stood, she rose to her feet beside him. “I’m coming with you.”
    “It’s okay,” he said. “You can rest.”
    “Didn’t I just tell you that I don’t want to sleep? You never listen to me.” The familiar complaint sparked her anger. “Have you heard one word I’ve said?”
    “I get it.” He glanced toward the door. “If you want me to stay here with you, that’s what I’ll do.”
    She didn’t want to argue. “Go. But I’m coming with you.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Together they went down the hallway and stood side by side on the staircase, looking down at two ranchhands in gloves, cowboy hats and heavy jackets. Both wore guns on their hips. Both were out of breath.
    “What’s up?” Dylan asked.
    “Somebody cut the barbed wire on the south pasture. We got cattle running loose.”
    Dylan’s tone was clipped. “Rouse anybody who’s sleeping in the bunkhouse and get on it.”
    “What about the men who are standing guard?”
    “They stay put,” he said. “The house needs to be secure.”
    “Okay, boss.”
    “You boys get started. I’ll be with you in a minute.” As the ranch hands went out the door, Dylan turned to her. “I need to see to this problem.”
    “No,” she said.
    He took her hand. “I’ll get Carolyn to stay with you. This shouldn’t be a big deal, and I—”
    “You can’t go,” she said. “Cut wires on the south pasture? That’s deliberate sabotage. Remember what Burke said about Nate staying in this area until he takes his revenge? He cut that fence.”
    “I reckon you’re right. But there’s close to three hundred cattle in the south field. I need to help.”
    “Nate’s baiting you, trying to draw you outside.” She reached up and touched his cheek. “Please, stay here with me.”
    “I’m not hiding from Nate Miller.”
    His green eyes darkened. She’d always loved the clarity she saw in his gaze. Though Dylan was good at disguising the way he felt, his eyes were truly windows to his soul. She saw his determination, fire and strength. She knew that he was ready to go into battle. My God,he was handsome. Her husband stood ready to protect her, to fight for her.
    But right now she didn’t need a hero. “Listen to me. Please listen. If anything happens to you—”
    “I can take care of myself.” His smile was fierce. “I’d welcome a showdown with that sorry son of a bitch.”
    He made it sound as if this would be a fair fight, like a duel, with the two of them facing off. “Nate could be hiding in the forest with a rifle. He could pick you off before you know what’s happening. You could be dead before you have a chance to draw your gun.”
    He leaned down and lightly kissed her forehead. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
    As he descended the staircase, she watched. She was proud of his