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own fault. He had brought it on Amelia, and on himself. Now he had to cope as best he could. But pray
God, let her not be pregnant, he thought. That would lock them both into a prison from which there
would be no escape. Across the border, Quinn was escorting his lovely companion into the small
town of Malasuerte. It was, like most Mexican pueblos, very poor and without much more than a
fountain and a mission. The people glanced at him from their dirt-floored huts with the thatched
roofs, some smiling, some not. Gringos were viewed with suspicion here. My papa will be happy to
see me and grateful to you for bringing me home, she said warmly, smiling at Quinn from her blue,
blue eyes. Until he learns what I've done to you, he murmured ruefully. I will not tell him, Maria
said firmly. And neither will you. It is between us, as you said. He only nodded. But inside, he was
worried. Her papa was Rodriguez. Whatever his personal feelings, he had to bring the man in. It
would be difficult to get Rodriguez extradited, too, because he had friends in government here. The
best way, the only way, would be to tie him over a saddle and take him out by night over the Rio
Grande. That, too, would be difficult. He was a Ranger. But he was also one man, and Rodriguez had
many, many friends. Besides, Maria appealed to him. She had courage, and she was beautiful. Quinn
found himself drawn to her more and more. He didn't want to hurt her by arresting her father.
He stopped his horse in front of the small hut where the girl indicated she lived and helped her to
the ground. She felt light and warm in his arms, and he smiled at the way she made him feel inside.
She was very pretty. She made him feel like a man, in a way no other woman had. It will be all right,
she whispered, smiling back at him. You do not need to be afraid of my papa. That was the last
thought in my mind. Then what, señor, was the first? That I should like very much to kiss you,
he replied. You are very lovely. She lowered her eyes shyly. You must put me down. This is not a
good way to meet my papa. So there you are, a deep, accented voice came from the doorway.
Praise the saints, you are all right! Quinn turned, and there was the man himself, the bandit
Rodriguez. Chapter Fourteen King was up before the rest of the family the next morning. He stopped
by Amelia's room, opening the door very slowly, so as to not awaken her. She lay quietly under the
covers, her pale cheek against the white pillowcase, her eyes closed. He stood by the bed, scowling
down at her. This woman had aroused more violent emotions in him than any woman he'd ever
known. He couldn't imagine why he despised her so, when the rest of his family seemed to adore her.
It was a bad time indeed to remember how she felt without her clothing, the joy of her body in an
intimate embrace, the yielding soft response of her mouth to his rough kisses. She stirred
unexpectedly, and her eyes opened. They were dark and soft as they sought out his face. She frowned
as if trying to focus. How are you? he asked stiffly. She touched her head. She was still disoriented,
confused. It disturbed her to be in here with him, to see him, even to hear his deep, slow voice. She
pulled the covers closer. I am... very well, thank you, she said faintly. She frowned more, as turmoil
grew inside her. King understood, as she did not, the uneasiness that showed in her face. What do
you remember? he asked bluntly. She gnawed unconsciously at her lower lip, trying to focus one of
the wild thoughts whirling around in her mind. I remember... the picnic. Alan took me on a picnic.
And then my father... my father hit me. His face lost all expression. Only his eyes were alive in it.
What else? he persisted. She touched her forehead and winced. I don't know... I can't remember . .
anything else. My head hurts!
He wanted to pick her up and shake her, to make her remember what she had permitted him to do.
It was she, not himself, who was to blame. Was that why she fought the memory? She saw his eyes,
and her whole body tensed under the covers. Fear grew in her soft face, in her eyes. Please go away,
she said stiffly. Fear, he scoffed. You are full of it! Her nails bit into the cover. Only when I see
you! Her dark eyes were accusing. You have... hurt me... in some way! I do not remember how, or
when, or even what, but I know that you are my enemy! Her eyes were huge, and he was almost
overcome by sudden guilt. And you are mine, he said heavily. They all feel sorry for you. My own
family has turned against me, because of you! Indeed? she asked. It is only because of me that
they have found fault with you, Mr. Culhane? What a shocking person I must be, to bring out such sad
qualities in you. His eyebrows lifted in surprise at her tone. It was mocking, and what he'd mistaken
for fear in those dark eyes was something much more astonishing. I hardly think my faults are any
of your business. That is so, thank goodness, she agreed readily, and with a cool smile. Your
mother has mentioned that you may see fit to marry the daughter of a neighbor, and I will certainly
remember her in my prayers. Marrying you, she will have need of divine support! He didn't seem to
move. When he finally realized what she'd said, his silver eyes went molten. So will you, Miss
Howard, if you continue to toss insults at me. I find it frankly surprising that a mealymouthed
opportunist such as yourself... ! He broke off, because she threw a carafe of water at him in midspate,
her eyes flashing. He sidestepped in the nick of time, but the carafe splintered noisily against the wall
just past his shoulder and crashed water and glass onto the floor at his feet. You get out of here! she
said fiercely, sitting up in bed to glare at him, despite her throbbing headache. I had to put up with
my poor father's tempers, because to provoke them might kill him, but you are not fatally infirm! Not
yet, at least! she added darkly, looking around for something else to throw. King moved back to the
doorway and stood there, astonished, as he registered the sudden change in their houseguest. Perhaps
she was still concussed. Amelia? Are you all right? Enid asked, ducking past King into the room as
she glared at her son. Is she all right? King exploded. My God, she threw a pitcher of water at me!
She could have knocked me out with the damned thing! Stop cursing, please, and what did you say
to her to warrant such a violent response? his mother wanted to know. King glowered at her and then
at Amelia. She's riot herself.
Oh, but I am, Amelia shot back, her dark eyes glittering at him. You just didn't know me, dear
man. Now will you please leave? Why don't you go and serenade your loved one with those
invectives? It can wait, he drawled. In fact, she's coming here this afternoon to see you. I can
hardly contain my impatience, Amelia said haughtily. Does she arrive by carriage or broom
handle? King stepped forward, but Enid put a hand on his chest and pushed. Out, she said. I will
not have... he began hotly. Out! Enid repeated. She pushed him through the door and shut it. Then
she collapsed back against it in laughter. Amelia shifted irritably against the headboard. The
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