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  Marshal Jack Patterson and Marshal Finn Blake circled around the tree to face them.

  Finn grinned. “Looks like someone’s gone and finally done to Declan what we’ve all wanted to do.” His eyes glanced over to Ellie. “Except they ruined it by tying him up with a gorgeous woman.”

  Declan’s retort was cut off when Ellie laughed. The musical sound robbed him of breath. It wasn’t until that moment he realized he’d never heard her laugh. He’d heard snorts and the occasional chuckle, but she’d never felt safe enough to truly laugh.

  “Yeah, yeah. Hilarious. Now untie us,” Declan mumbled.

  “Jeez.” Finn winked at Ellie as he went to the ropes. “What crawled up his butt?”

  “I think the more fitting question is whom. And that would be Jesse and his gang.”

  “Ah, yes. Declan doesn’t like losing.”

  Declan glanced between the two of them, at a loss for words. Ellie had been cross not more than a few minutes before, but now she was as sweet as could be? “You’re both hilarious.”

  That statement made Ellie laugh even harder. “I think you might be right.”

  The ropes loosened around them and Declan took his first proper breath since they were trussed up. Ellie took gulping breaths next to him, and his blood ran cold. Jesse hadn’t wanted them to escape, but had he purposefully tried to suffocate them?

  Declan had dealt with his discomfort, but had he known Ellie suffered as well, he would’ve tried harder to get them free.

  “I’m glad you guys made it,” he said, completely meaning his words.

  Jack cocked his head. “Did I just hear that right, Finn? Did Declan just express gratitude about seeing us?”

  Finn rubbed his chin. “You know, I do believe he did.”

  “Yeah, yeah. All the same, thanks.” Declan looked over at Ellie. She seemed a little tired, but otherwise fine. “Are you all right?”

  “A little sore where I struggled against the ropes, but I’ll be fine.”

  He nodded. What more could he say? He hadn’t been able to take care of her. He hadn’t been the one to rescue her. In reality, if Jack and Finn hadn’t showed up, they’d still be trussed up. “Too bad you guys weren’t here a few hours ago. We could’ve ended this.”

  Jack scanned the area. “I take it the gang is long gone?”

  “Yes.”

  “And can we also assume that they found out who you are?”

  “Yes. But I don’t know how.”

  Finn stepped forward then. “Tell us what happened. From the beginning.”

  Declan sighed. It was a long story to tell. He’d been out of communication from them for a long time. He’d only been contacting the director on and off to give updates.

  “Come on,” he said, nodding toward the cave. “I’ll fill you in while we gather supplies. We don’t have a lot of time to waste.”

  Ellie hadn’t relished the thought of more riding, but in truth, she would’ve ridden for a year straight if it meant she’d get away from the hideout. She wanted to be long gone if the gang ever decided to return.

  The next time she saw them, it would be on her terms. And she would be the one in power.

  After another hard day and night of travel, they arrived at a good-sized town. She was ushered into one of the nicer hotels she’d seen out West and promptly given a meal and a bath.

  The water was heavenly. Not just the part about being clean again, but the heat helped soothe her sore muscles.

  She sat in the water until it was tepid, then reluctantly climbed out. She toweled herself off with the spartan piece of terrycloth left on her chair, before warming herself by the fire.

  She was expected down at dinner to meet with the marshals and their supervisor, whoever he was.

  And for once, she wished she had a nice dress to wear.

  She stared at the tattered, unwearable gown heaped on the floor. She’d resented it just a few days ago and wondered at her change of feeling. It certainly wasn’t any more comfortable than it’d been a few days ago. But right now, she didn’t seem to mind that.

  She wanted to look feminine. Good. Attractive.

  And since she was being honest about it, she wanted to look that way for Declan.

  She regretted her words from the day before. She’d been angry over the fact he hadn’t told her who he was, and he hadn’t let her escape. But since then, she’d had time to think it through. Plenty of time, in fact, since they’d hardly spoken two words on their trip here.

  She didn’t blame him for what he’d done. He’d been doing his job, and once she got over her pride, she admitted she would’ve done the same.

  But even through it all, he’d helped her. He’d protected her. He hadn’t allowed any of the men to touch or harm her.

  So besides a giant detour and fear, she was fine. She’d survived it with very few scars. He hadn’t needed to do any of those things. He hadn’t had to stand up for her, to chase her down—to kiss her.

  The memory of his touch came to her, heating her more efficiently than her bath had. He could’ve made up some other excuse why they’d left camp that night.

  He’d made her feel more than she’d ever felt before. And now, alone in her room, she wanted to be near him. Maybe she’d just gotten used to being with him. They had slept together for several nights in a row. But it felt like more than just close quarters. She couldn’t put her finger on why. She just did.

  She padded over to the bed and fingered a soft calico dress. It was on loan to her from the hotel manager’s wife. And while it wasn’t as fancy as one of her other dresses, it was soft and serviceable.

  She donned the garment and glanced in the small looking glass in her room. Unable to manage a fancy coiffure, she tied her hair low in the back with a ribbon.

  It would have to do.

  She exited her room and made her way to the common areas below. The men needed to meet and plan their next move, and she had every intention of being there.

  They were discussing her future now. Because if the gang wasn’t apprehended, she could never go to Ivan.

  But even as she thought that, she was beginning to wonder if that was all she wanted. For the first time, she wondered why it even mattered. Why did it matter if her father saw she was capable or not? He wouldn’t be around. Ellie would only have the knowledge he was sorry, but that wouldn’t keep her warm at night.

  And from what she’d discussed with Ivan, she didn’t think he’d be keeping her warm either. They were a marriage in name only. What kind of life was that?

  Is that what she really wanted? To be alone? To work day in and day out in a place that was hers but could never be shared with anyone?

  As she walked into the parlor and met Declan’s eyes, she got her answer.

  Her stomach flipped as he left the other men and came to her. Holding out his hand, her took hers and pulled her closer to him.

  “Feeling better?” he asked softly in her ear.

  Tingles shot down her neck. Good heavens! “I’m… I’m fine,” she stammered.

  “Good. I’m glad to see a little more color in your cheeks. The last few days have been hard. All the women I know would’ve thrown a fit, but I never heard one complaint from you.”

  The corner of her lips quirked. “That’s because I was worried the gang would kill me if I was a nuisance.”

  He frowned.

  “Too soon for jokes? Sorry.”

  He shook his head at her in disbelief. “I bet it was on your mind the whole time. But I know that isn’t the reason you were so quiet. If it had been, you would’ve complained non-stopped once we were rescued by the other marshals.”

  She could hear the praise in his voice, and her cheeks flushed. “Thank you.”

  He led her over to Jack and Finn and another older man.

  The salt and pepper-haired man took her spare hand in his own. “I’m Chief Marshal Robert Marshall.”

  “Marshal Marshall?”

  He chuckled. “Unfortuna
te name, but yes.” His eyes sobered. “Let me first say that I’m sorry for all you’ve been through. Declan filled me in on everything that took place with Jesse’s gang, and I hope you’ll accept my sincere apology.”

  “Everything?” She glanced over at Declan as her cheeks grew hotter just thinking of everyone knowing about their kiss.

  “Just the pertinent information about the timetable. Not every single moment.” He shook his head as if answering her unasked question.

  Relief flooded through her, and she gave Marshal Marshall a smile. “I’m just grateful Declan was there.” She coughed. “I mean, Marshal James.”

  The chief laughed. “Don’t worry about that. We’re never formal around here. May I escort you to one of the sofas? Perhaps you’d like a drink while the men talk?”

  She smiled, trying to not be rude, but refused his hand. Her gripped tightened on Declan. “That is kind of you, but I’d prefer to be a part of this discussion. The decisions you make have a huge impact on my life, and I’m determined to be a part of them.”

  Chief Marshal Marshall’s eyes flew up to Declan’s. “You weren’t kidding.”

  She looked between the two men, confused. “Kidding?”

  Declan shook his head. “It’s nothing—”

  “He said you weren’t like other women. You were strong-willed and wouldn’t cower from testifying. Guess he was right about that.”

  “Oh.” Some women might’ve been offended by such words, but not Ellie. Both the Chief Marshal and Declan sounded as if they respected those qualities. And for the first time in her life, she felt proud of them. “Thank you.”

  “No thanks needed. Just stating facts,” Declan said quietly, but he looked a little embarrassed, as if he’d never expected her to know of his praise.

  She shivered as her belly jumped. Clearing her throat, she turned toward Chief Marshal Marshall. “What’s the plan? How are we going to catch Jesse?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “How should we go about catching Jesse? Are we going to ambush them at their next attack?”

  His mouth opened and closed as he glanced from her to Declan. Declan just shrugged in response.

  “Miss Richards, while I appreciate your enthusiasm, I don’t think it would be wise for you to join us. You should stay here and recover from your mishap. You don’t need to concern yourself with their capture. You can trust us to handle this.”

  Oh, she just bet that’s what he’d prefer. “I appreciate your concern, but I believe I must insist. These men attacked me, kidnapped me, harassed me, and left me to die. I want to be there when they’re taken into custody.”

  “It’s for those very reasons you need to stay here. Surely you can’t want to go. And you’d only get in the way.”

  She swallowed her annoyance. She would not be a hindrance to them. “Chief Marshal—”

  “Sir,” Declan cut her off with a firm look. “I can personally vouch that Miss Richards will not be a hindrance. She’s an accomplished rider, and she has courage. I’m sure she’d be willing to stay a safe distance from the action while we capture the men.”

  His leader looked between Ellie and Declan.

  Ellie forced herself to stay quiet. She didn’t want to stay a safe distance away while they made the arrests, but she could see why it was necessary. While she was capable, she was also a liability, and she didn’t want to endanger these men any more than they would be already.

  He finally nodded. “She may go, but I’m placing you in charge of her. It’ll be your head if something happens to her.”

  Declan nodded, sealing the agreement.

  When the Chief Marshal moved to speak with Jack and Finn, Declan guided her to a corner for a private word. “I know it’s not what you wanted, but he’d never let you help in the arrest. Frankly, neither would I. It’s too dangerous.”

  Her lips twitched at his immediate defense. “I appreciate what you did and said. I’ll abide by the terms. Even though I want more, I see that it’ll only cause more problems.”

  The tension in his shoulders drained. “I thought you’d argue that point a lot more.”

  “I thought about it, but quickly realized it wouldn’t get me anywhere. I’m grateful for the concessions your superior made.”

  “That’s big of you. But I have to warn you, if you think of pulling anything when we get there tomorrow, I’ll have to hogtie you.”

  She snorted. Oh, she believed he would try. But she was willing to bet hogtying her would be a lot harder than he imagined. “It’s a deal.”

  Chapter 9

  Declan woke with dread in his stomach. Last night, he’d wanted to give Ellie what she needed.

  Justice.

  But with the harsh reality of dawn, he realized his mistake in letting her come. So many things could go wrong. He could die—he swallowed hard—she could die.

  He could not let that happen. She couldn’t be put in jeopardy like that.

  He got up quickly, readying with a calm efficiency he’d come to embrace before battles. He would fight today. He would take down the enemy. If today was the day he sacrificed his life, so be it.

  But he wouldn’t sacrifice Ellie. Everything he did was to protect innocents. She was innocent in all of this. But even as he thought that, he knew it was so much more than that. With dawn, not only had he realized his mistake, but something even more powerful.

  He loved her.

  He’d known he was attracted to her, knew he cared for her, and definitely knew he wanted to protect her, but he’d lied to himself about why. She wasn’t just one more person to protect. She was the person he wanted to protect.

  From this day forward, she would be the only one on his mind when he went after criminals. If he knew she was safe, if he knew she lived, he would fight to keep it that way with his dying breath.

  The life of a U.S. Marshal came with danger. That would never change.

  He’d sent word an hour ago plans had changed, and they needed to ride out earlier than expected. With any luck, they’d be long gone before Ellie even woke.

  She’d get over it. Eventually.

  And even if she didn’t, it wouldn’t matter.

  He’d do whatever was necessary to protect her.

  Ellie rose just before sunrise and readied herself for the day after a nearly sleepless night. Everything would end today. She had to believe that. Declan and the other marshals would hunt down Jesse and his gang, and she’d be free.

  And she would witness it.

  She was obsessed with that thought. She needed to be there. She wasn’t sure if maybe it was because she’d been a victim, and she refused to remain as such. And she was afraid if she wasn’t there today, if Declan hadn’t changed the Chief Marshal’s mind and allowed her to go, that she’d always be afraid.

  That she’d always be the victim.

  She wandered over to her window, viewing the quiet town they’d arrived at yesterday. She hadn’t been able to see much through her exhaustion, but it seemed peaceful, friendly.

  She wondered if that was what Promise Creek looked like.

  Lead settled in her gut. Was she making a mistake in going to Ivan? The decision had seemed so right at the time, but she wasn’t sure now. Over the last few days, doubt had crept in.

  Going back to Texas wasn’t an option. While she loved her father, as overbearing as he was, nothing had changed. The reasons that had driven her to leave were still there.

  But if she didn’t go to Ivan and she didn’t return to Texas, where did that leave her?

  As if willing him there, Declan exited the hotel and stood in the street, carefully eyeing his surroundings. Always watching, always waiting. She didn’t know how he dealt with such a life. They weren’t even leaving for another two hours. Perhaps he had something else to do or needed to purchase something.

  She frowned.

  Nothing was open yet. What was he doing?

  When the other marshals exited the building, she swore.

>   Heat infused her body as she ran out of her room and out the front of the hotel, stopping dead when she saw Declan following several paces behind the other marshals toward the livery.

  He would not leave without her. And to think she’d been grateful for his intervention last night. Ha! He hadn’t meant any of it. Had it all been for show to get her to quiet down? Had he known she’d never give up?

  Chest huffing, she stormed down the boardwalk, her eyes darted around for something, anything she could use to get him to stop without screaming like a shrew. If she started, she wasn’t sure she could stop.

  Then her eyes settled on a lasso. Before she could even think about what she was doing, she circled it above her head and let it fly.

  It surrounded Declan, and she yanked it tight to keep him from moving.

  “Hey!” he yelled, squirming around to see who would dare pull such a stunt. “Ellie? What in the world do you think you’re doing?”

  He yanked his body away as she reeled him in. “What am I doing? I think that’s pretty obvious. I think the real question here, Declan, is where you think you’re going...without me.”

  He swore and struggled more with the rope. “Let me out of here.”

  “I should hogtie you just as you threatened to do to me, you double-crosser!”

  “Double-crosser—Are you out of your mind?”

  “Oh, you mean because I caught you before you could go back on your word?” She glanced over at the other marshals, who’d turned at the commotion and were watching like they were at a show. “On all your words,” she yelled.

  She no longer cared if she looked like a crazy woman. She’d always thought her feelings made her weak because men didn’t react in the same ways she did. But she didn’t care anymore. She was who she was. If she wanted to be angry, then by all that was good and holy, she would be livid.

  Finn stepped forward, his hat in hand. “Now, Ellie... Declan was just worried that—”

  “Save it, Marshal.”

  The man held up his hands and stepped back in line with the other men, shrugging at Declan, as if to say he was on his own.