The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge

A pair of butterflies, gold and brown, danced on the breeze in front of her. Beauty held her gaze a few minutes then flew away when she reach the cabin. The sound of hoof beats gave her an excuse not to open the door. Evie put the basket down then turned to watch a short, large man ride up on a bay horse.

Her eyes narrowed. If this stranger meant harm, Ben could do little but bleed. She lifted her chin, squared her shoulders and moved directly into the man’s path.

He pulled up in front of her. “Mrs. Rolfe.”

“Yes.”

“I’m William Sims.”

“Mr. Sims.”

“Do you know who I am?”

An arrogant man who doesn’t dismount so he can try to intimidate me. Short on sleep and temper, Evie wasn’t in the mood for games. “You’ve given me your name.”

“I’m the bank manager.”

“Oh.” She tried to keep irritation out of her voice. “And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“Didn’t your husband mention me?”

“I’m afraid not.”

His mouth tightened. Mr. Sims studied her a moment then with a loud put upon wheeze, dismounted. “I bought out the loan on this place.”

“I see.” Evie felt the blood drain from her face. Her mind blanked for a second then she blurted out, “Did you have proof?”

“Proof? Are you calling me a liar?”

“No, I’m asking to see legal paperwork, Mr. Sims.”

His jaw clenched. “I didn’t bring any.”

“Well, when you do we can discuss-”

“I didn’t ride all the way out here to chat.” He stepped forward, got in her face, one hand raised, his forefinger pointing at her. “I want you and your husband off my property today.”

Her heart raced, she abandoned her argument in panic. “But Ben’s hurt. We need-”

“Not my problem.”

“A few weeks … even one-”

“No.” Dark brown eyes reflected no emotion, empty, cold.

“Please.”

Silence ruled for a moment while they stood, staring at each other, then his gaze wandered down the length of her body. Time seemed to slow. He reached out and fingered a strand of hair that had come loose from her braid. Her mouth dry, she trembled, barely breathing.

“Perhaps we could work out an arrangement.”

Her knees threatened to buckle. “We could pay some rent.”

“That isn’t what I have in mind.”

Fear crawled down her spine.

She inched back.

He followed her.

The urge to turn and run was strong but Evie was too scared to take her eyes off him.

“That’s all I have to offer.”

His hand brushed her arm. “You’ve a great deal to offer.”

The calm tone made a bizarre contrast to the menace she read in his gaze, Evie froze, staring at him. He smiled. Her eyes widened. Before she could move, he lunged, seizing her. His fingers dug into her shoulders. She jerked free with a panicked cry.

Frantic, Evie stumbled backwards until she hit the cabin wall. He pursued, trapping her against it, with a hand pressed against the logs on either side of her head. Terror slid like ice in her veins.

Click. Click.

The distinctive sound of a shell being jacked in froze the banker. Evie looked in the direction of the sound. Ben stood propped against the doorframe, naked as the day he was born, the rifle in a firm grip aimed at William Sims.

“Get the hell away from my wife.”

Mr. Sims backed up, hands in the air. “I meant no harm.”

“Ride off.”

“We need to discuss-”

“Between his eyes or between his legs, sweetheart?”

The banker paled. He hustled to his horse, mounted and rode away at a swift pace.

Evie darted to Ben’s side, caught him as he started to sag.

“I might need your help getting back to bed.”

“What were you thinking?” With one hand, Evie grabbed the rifle, setting it inside against the wall while she placed herself under his right arm for support. “You’ve probably torn your stitches.”

“You’re worth it.”

“Oh, so now you remember me?”

“No.”

The stark word felt oddly like rejection. It stung. Her gaze dropped to the toes of her boots. Self-pity weaved through her emotions. Jaw tight, Evie stepped forward. This wasn’t the time to feel sorry for herself. She needed to get Ben inside.

Together they staggered into the cabin and across the room to the bed. Evie did her best to help him ease down onto the mattress but couldn’t fully support his weight. He fell in the process. She hovered close, worried, until Ben reached up and cupped her cheek.

“I’m sorry I upset you.”

“I’m fine.” Her voice faint, Evie moved out of reach.

Her gaze moved to his shoulder as she pulled the quilt up to his waist. The activity left white linen stained red. She fetched a rag, water and clean cloths then returned to him.

“You don’t sound fine.”

“I am fine.” Evie removed the bloodied bandage then started to wash the area.

“All right.” Through gritted teeth, Ben pushed out terse words. “So what happened out there?”

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