Karen Kirst - The Reluctant Outlaw

“Why don’t you calm down so we can discuss this rationally?”

“When it comes to my freedom, I don’t feel particularly rational!”

“I brought you here. It’s my duty to get you home safe and sound—”

“Oh, I see …” she scoffed. “You’ve got it all planned out. The triumphant return! You deliver me to my front doorstep and my family will fall to their knees in gratitude—a true hero.”

“I’m no one’s hero,” he shot back. “Remember that.”

Bitter regret rose in his throat like bile. He’d failed to protect his only brother—tried and failed.

He lowered his voice. “The men go into town once or twice a week for supplies. With your flame-colored hair, you might as well wear a sign around your neck. If I take you back now, I’d be risking your life and mine.”

“I’m not the only redhead in town, you know.”

“Gatlinburg isn’t exactly a big town.” He paused, trying to think of a way to make her see reason. “What about your sisters?”

She stilled. “What about them?”

“Suppose one of the men—let’s say Fitzgerald—spotted you in town and followed you home. You wouldn’t be the only one in danger.”

She looked away, evenly spaced white teeth worrying her lower lip. He could see that she was torn. At last, she crossed her arms. She didn’t appear pleased with the change in plans.

“Do you realize the anguish my mother must be feeling right now? And my sisters? I’m the oldest. They depend on me.”

“You haven’t mentioned your father.”

Her eyes darkened. “He died four years ago of a heart attack.”

“I’m sorry.” Evan understood the pain of losing a parent. “We can send a telegram from Cades Cove, let them know you’re safe and will be home soon.”

She closed her eyes, distress twisting her lovely features. “This is a nightmare.”

“A nightmare that will soon be over.”

Resigned, she sighed. “What do you have in mind?”

“We’ll pass by Gatlinburg and make our way to Cades Cove. My farm is there. We can make the trip in about three days if the weather holds. You’ll have the place to yourself while I ride back to the hideout and convince the men I got rid of you. They’ll be heading out in a week or so. Then I’ll come back for you and escort you home.”

“Why would you do that? Why go to so much trouble on my behalf when you’re partly responsible for my kidnapping?”

He deserved that. “That’s right. I’m responsible.” He jammed a thumb in his chest. “As I said before, I got you into this mess and I intend to get you out of it.”

“Something’s not right.” She studied him, a speculative gleam in her eye. “Little details about you that don’t quite add up.”

Intrigued, he crossed his arms and waited. “Such as?”

“Well, for starters, you talk funny.”

He hadn’t expected that. “Excuse me?”

“No, no, that’s not the right word.” She began to pace, and he could practically see the wheels in her brain whirling. She snapped her fingers. “Educated! That’s it! You don’t use foul language. And you don’t speak as if you were raised in a saloon, as one would expect from a common criminal.”

“And you’re acquainted with common criminals, I take it?”

“Thanks to you, I am now.”

“Yes, that’s unfortunate. I apologize.”

“There.” She pointed a finger at him. “That’s the other thing. You shouldn’t be apologizing to me.”

“I shouldn’t?” This woman was beginning to confuse him.

“You treat me as if I have value. Those other men …” She shuddered. “What I mean to say is that, for the most part, you’ve treated me with respect. A truly hardened criminal would’ve done as those men suggested and gotten rid of me.”

“Wait just a minute—”

“Shh! Don’t try to distract me. There’s one more thing, and it’s a doozy.”

A no-nonsense expression stole across her face and, straightening to her full height, she focused her entire attention on him. He felt like a witness under cross-examination.

“Well? What is it?”

“Money.”

“What about it?”

“Where is the money you risked your life and mine for? You walked out of that cabin without a moment’s hesitation. Have you even given it a second thought?”

“I’ve been kinda busy plotting our next move.”

“Exactly.”

Uncomfortable with her astute observations, he sought to distract her. “Is that all, Irish?”

“Yes, that’s all.” Her eyes narrowed. “What did you call me?”

“Fits, doesn’t it? Or would you prefer Red? ”

“Absolutely not!”

“I suppose I could try to guess your name,” Evan made a show of studying her, and he gained much satisfaction at seeing her squirm. “How about Matilda?”

Her finely arched eyebrows shot up. “You think I look like a Matilda?”

“Hmm … no, that’s not quite right, is it?” He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I know. Bertha.”

“Bertha?”

“That’s not it, either, huh? Okay, a Bible name. Rachel. I like that one.”

“Me, too, but it’s not mine.”

“Can you give me a hint? Tell me what letter it starts with?”

She bit her lip, and he could tell that she was beginning to find some humor in the conversation. A thrill shot through him. Trying to make her smile could become addictive.

“That would make it too easy. Besides, you don’t deserve the help.”

“In the meantime, then, I’ll stick with Irish. ”

“What? That’s not a proper name!”

“It’s yours until you decide to quit being stubborn.” He shrugged, tossing her a washcloth. “See those trees over there? I’ll be right on the other side washing up while you do the same here. You’ll have plenty of privacy, but if you need anything just call out.”

Juliana watched him stride away, her eyes fixed on his broad back. She noted the way the smooth material stretched across his powerful shoulders and biceps. A wall of solid muscle, he moved with purpose and confidence. On the outside, he was every girl’s dream.

A pity he spent his days terrorizing innocents and taking what didn’t belong to him.

His horse moved into her line of vision, his majestic black head low to the ground as he nibbled a clump of red clover. He was a fine specimen. Glossy coat, firm flesh, strong legs. Probably a fast runner …

Juliana clapped a hand over her mouth. Lifting his head, Lucky stared at her blankly for a second or two before resuming his snacking. No … she couldn’t. Or could she?

She spoke in low, soothing tones as she approached the animal and tried to convey an air of calm she didn’t feel. What would Evan Harrison do if he came back and caught her trying to steal his horse?

“You’re a fine-lookin’ boy, aren’t you?” she crooned softly, taking hold of his studded bridle and rubbing her palm down his side. He was already used to her scent, and he seemed to welcome the attention. “Would you care to give me a ride somewhere, Lucky?”

She’d have to ride bareback, since she wasn’t strong enough to lift the saddle with all the gear attached to it. While she preferred a saddle, riding without one was doable. If Lucky would let her, that is.

“I have to try, right, boy?” She continued to rub his soft coat, her heart thumping in her chest. “I need my freedom.” She laid her forehead against his neck. “Will you help me?”

Juliana searched the woods where Evan had disappeared. Nothing. Now was her chance. She prayed Lucky wouldn’t throw her.

Still speaking soft words of encouragement, she led him to a fallen log, where she stepped up, grabbed hold and vaulted up and onto his back. Half lying on her stomach, she scooted closer to his neck, her inner thighs pressing into his sides for balance. She signaled for him to move out.