Authors: Monica Barrie
“Accepted,” he said with a slight bow.
Then Lara recognized the faded uniform and the sun-bleached gold brain decorating each shoulder. Taking in his appearance, she noted the way the man filled the uniform. He was tall, with wide shoulders and a strong chest tapering into a narrow waist and slim hips. The tight-fitting pants accented the powerful muscles of his thighs, and Lara realized that if he had not released her, she would never have been able to fight free.
“But if you saw what I see, you would understand why I fought you.”
“I shouldn’t think it was that bad, it’s only been a week since I’ve shaved.” With those words, the man lost his smile. “Permit me to introduce myself. Kael Treemont, at your service.”
“Why is an army officer out here alone?” she asked, not bothering to introduce herself yet. She was still suspicious. Even though he seemed courteous and gallant, he could be anyone, or anything. A deserter or worse.
“Retired, ma’am. I’m here to visit some family. I guess you’re lucky I happened along. May I check you over?”
Lara’s widening eyes and drawn back lips warned him of his mistake. “For injuries. You had a bad fall.” Then, without waiting for her permission, Kael took one of her arms and began to run his fingers along it. “How does your head feel?”
“Like I’ve been hit. How should it feel?” Lara shook her head, wondering why she was being so waspish. He did seem considerate.
“Would you walk about, see how your ankles are.”
She took several steps “They’re fine, Mr. Treemont.”
Kael watched her move. She was a full head shorter than he was, with flaring hips, slim legs, and he sensed that beneath the loose-fitting man’s shirt was a small waist.
She turned to find him inspecting her. “What are you staring at?”
“It’s hard not to stare at a woman in pants.”
“Well, try not to. There’s nothing wrong with pants.”
Kael’s smile widened. “I agree.”
“Well, you’re a majority of one.”
“I always was,” he replied without a smile. Then Kael looked upward, checking the angle of the sun. “How far away do you live?”
“Farther than I should. About eight miles. I ... I guess I was daydreaming. I shouldn’t have come into Indian territory.”
“I’m glad you did. It gave us a chance to meet, but I still don’t know your name.” Kael’s eyes fixed on hers.
Caught within his gaze, a tingling sensation coursed through her. “I’m Lara Dowley. I live outside Valley City. I…I would like to thank you properly for helping me. Would you like to escort me home and have dinner with my father and me?”
“Dinner with you sounds wonderful, but I’ve some business that needs to be finished. You should go now, the sun’s high, and you won’t be able to ride the mare too hard.”
Nodding her head in agreement, Lara walked up to Kael and extended her hand.
“Thank you again,” she said as his hand grasped hers. The heat from his skin poured into hers, sending little shocks of flame through her arm. They gazed at each other for another long moment before Kael released her palm.
She knew his amber eyes followed her as she walked to the mare and untied her. She mounted the roan, and turned back to Kael. Walking the horse to him, she smiled. “Perhaps the next time we meet, you’ll have shaved, and I won’t be frightened that you are about to ravish me.” With that, Lara started out of the ravine.
Kael watched her until she passed from view. He remained in that position for several minutes while trying to sort out his thoughts. Something had happened to him that he hadn’t expected. When he’d first looked at her still form and saw the beauty that was there, he wanted to touch her, to stroke the smooth skin of her cheek and to feel the sun-bronzed skin against his fingers. When she awakened, fighting and kicking like a spitfire, an unexpected flash of desire blazed through him. When he pressed her against his chest to prevent her from escaping, the heat emanating from her body added even more fuel to his passion. It had taken all his willpower to release her, and to appear calm.
Kael knew the sight of her quiet beauty, the womanly smell surrounding her, and the feel of her softness against him had ignited the emotions he’d been keeping dormant for so long.
Kael pushed the vibrant image of Lara Dowley from him, thrusting it into the place he’d put everything and everyone that mattered to him. He had no choice but to shove away all feelings until he had finished what he’d come to Wyoming for. When he’d completed his job, and if he could salvage anything of himself, he would try to bring his emotions out again.
Kael turned back to the dead mountain lion. Pulling the knife from his belt, he knelt next to the mighty engine of death and began his grisly work.
~~~~
Lara arrived home just past mid-afternoon. She cantered halfway through the green valley, and then slowed to a walk for the final mile. The day had turned blisteringly hot, as she had learned it would become every year at this time. The Wyoming area was a contrast in everything: lush valleys, arid plains, cool mountains, hot, searing summers, and cold, blizzardy winters.
Without knowing or understanding why, Lara had grown to love this country. She was equally at home in the mountains and on the plains, and felt a freedom of spirit, and of oneness with everything around her. It was when she returned home that she began to feel trapped again.
Lara’s anger of the morning was gone, replaced by the stoic acceptance she must have in order to survive her life with Martin Dowley. Even though she was not his natural daughter, she was his charge. Her biggest worry was that he might fulfill his pledge to see her wed to whomever he desired. Up until yesterday, Lara had planned, somehow, to wed Jason Grumman. Part of this morning’s anger had been fear of her diminishing options for control of her future.
The sharp pain she’d experienced when she woke in the ravine had eased to a dull but constant hurt. Lara explored the back of her head, wincing as her fingers felt the large bump. At the same time, Kael Treemont’s smiling face danced before her. Lara smiled at the image her mind had produced, until the smile faded, as she thought about the stranger and what he would look like clean-shaven and properly dressed. She knew, somehow, that she would find a strong, well-rounded chin beneath the scruffy whiskers. Adding that image to his glowing eyes and strong white teeth, Laura had no doubts Kael Treemont was handsome.
“Enjoy your ride, Miss Lara?” Cross’s grating voice jarred her from her thoughts. She looked down at the foreman and repressed a shudder. His brown eyes roamed her face while his lips formed a sneer.
“I always enjoy my ride.” Dismounting, she handed Cross the reins. “Is my father home?”
“No. He went into town.”
“Good.” she turned her back on the foreman and went to the house. Throughout the entire walk, Lara knew he was watching her, as he had done a hundred times before. She could feel his eyes undressing her.
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