HEARTLESS

AlsobyDianaPalmer

Fearless

HerKindofHero

Nora

BigSkyWinter

ManoftheHour

Trilby

Lawman

Lacy

HardToHandle

HeartofWinter

Outsider

NightFever

BeforeSunrise

Lawless

DiamondSpur

Desperado

TheTexasRanger

LordoftheDesert

TheCowboyandtheLady

MostWanted

FitforaKing

PaperRose

RageofPassion

OnceinParis

AftertheMusic

RoomfulofRoses

ChampagneGirl

PassionFlower

DiamondGirl

FriendsandLovers

Cattleman’sChoice

LadyLove

TheRawhideMan

DIANAPALMER

HEARTLESS

TotheArtDepartment:yourbeautifulcovershelpsellmywork.
Ivalueyourcreativityanddedicationsomuch.
Thankyoufromthebottomofmyheart…DianaPalmer

Contents

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

1

GRACIEMARSH’SCELLPHONEexplodedwiththethemetothenewestsciencefictionmotion
picture.Shejumped,anddirtfromthegroundwhereshewasbusilycleaningoutherflowerbeds
splatteredherspotlessyellowsweatshirt.

“Oh,darn,”shemuttered,wipingherhandsonheroldjeansbeforeshedivedintoapocketforthe
veryloudinstrument.

“Where’sthatmusiccomingfrom?”Mrs.Harcourt,thehousekeeper,calledfromthefrontporch,
whereshewassettingoutpansiesinamassiveplanter.

“It’sjustmyphone,Mrs.Harcourt,”Gracieassuredher.“It’sprobablyJason…hello?”shegasped.

Therewasanamusedpause.“Don’ttellme,”cameadeep,drawling,masculinevoice.“You’reupto
yourneckindirtandnowyourpocketandyourcellphonearesmearedwithit.”

Shelaughedinspiteofherfrustration.Herstepbrotherknewherbetterthananyoneelseonearth.
“Yes,”sheadmitted.

“I’dbecussing.”

“Ididsay‘darn,’”shereplied.

Hesighed.“I’llhavetotakeyouinhand,Gracie.Sometimesthesituationcallsforsomethingmore
elegantanddescriptivethan‘darn.’”

“You’dknow,”sheretorted,recallingthathecursedeloquentlyintwolanguages,“especiallywhen
oneofyourcowboysdoessomethingyoudon’tlike.”Shefrowned.“Whereareyou?”

“Attheranch,”hesaid.

TheranchwashispropertyinComancheWells,whereheranpurebredSantaGertrudiscattleanda
newequallypurebredJapanesebreedthatwasthebasisforthefamousKobebeef.JasonPendleton
hadmillions,butherarelystayedinthefamilymansioninSanAntonio,whereGraciespentmostof
hertime.Jasonwasonlyherewhenbusinessrequiredit,buthisheartwasonhishugeSantaGertrudis
ranch.Helivedtheremostoftheyear.Hecouldwheelanddealwiththeinternationalbusinessset,
chairboardmeetings,runhugecorporationsandthrowincredibleparties,withGracie’shelpasa
hostess.Buthewasmostathomeinjeansandbootsandchaps,workingcattle.

“Whyareyoucallingme?”sheasked.“Doyouneedsomebodytocomehelpyoubrandcattle?”she
teased,becausehe’dtaughthertodothat—andmanyotherthings—overtheyears.Shewasasmuch
athomeontheranchashewas.

“Wrongseason,”hereplied.“Wedropcalvesinthespring.It’slateAugust.Almostautumn.”

Shefrowned.“Thenwhatareyoudoing?”

“Roundingupbulls,mostly.ButrightnowI’mgettingreadytocomeuptotheauctionbarninSan
Antonioforasale,”hesaid.“They’vegotsomeopenSantaGertheifersIwant,”headded,referring
tothepurebrednativeTexasSantaGertrudisbreedthatwasfoundedontheworldfamousKingRanch
neartheTexascoast.“Replacementheiferstobreedsothey’lldropcalvesnextspring.”

“Oh.”Shetriedtorememberwhatthatmeant.

Hesighedloudly.“Openheifersareyoungcowsthathaven’tbeenbredforthefirsttime,”he
explainedagain.“They’rereplacementsforcowsI’vehadtocullfromtheherdandselloffbecause
theydidn’tproducecalvesthisyear.”

“Sorry,”shemurmured,notwantingtoemphasizehermemoryproblems.Sheforgotthings,she
plungeddownsteps,shelostherbalanceinthemostunexpectedplaces.Therewasaphysicalreason
forthoselapses,onewhichshe’dneversharedwithJason,notsincesheandhermotherhadmovedin
withhimandhisfatheralmosttwelveyearsago.Hermotherhadbeenfranticaboutkeepingthepast
secret,swearingGracietosilence.CynthiaMarshhadeventoldeveryonethatGracielawasher
stepdaughter,notherrealdaughter,tomakesureanybackgroundchecksonGracieladidn’tturnup
informationonherdaughter,herselfandherlatehusbandthatwoulddamageGraciela’splaceinthe
Pendletonfamily.Graciela’sfather,awidowerwithayoungdaughter,haddiedintheGulfWar,
Cynthiaemphasizedagainandagain.Hewasawarhero.Itwasn’tthetruth,ofcourse.Thetruthwas
moretraumatic.

“Onedayyou’llgetthehangofit,”hesaideasily.Hewaspatientwithher,assomepeopleinherlife
hadn’tbeen.

“Whyareyoucallingme,ifyoudon’tneedanextraranchhand?”sheaskedmerrily.

“Ithoughtyoumightliketogotothesalewithme,”hesaidcomfortably.“I’llbuyyoulunchafter
we’rethrough.”

Shegrinned.“I’dloveto,”shesaid.

Notonlydidsheenjoyhiscompany,butshelovedtheatmosphereofthesalebarn.Itwasalways
crowded,alwaysfun.Shelikedhearingtheauctioneer ’sincrediblyrapidspielashepromptedbuyers
togohigherandhigheronpricesforthevariouslotsofcattle.Shelikedtheothercattlemenwho
turnedupthere,manyofthemfromComancheWells,aswellasJacobsville,whichwasonlyafew
milesfromComancheWells.Therewasaselectgroupofenvironmentallystaunchrancherstowhich
Jasonbelonged.Theyraisedoldgrassesthatwereearth-friendly,theyimprovedthelandand
providedhabitatforwildanimals,theyusedmodernmethodsoffeedproductionthatwerekindtothe
ecology,andtheywerefanaticsaboutthegoodtreatmentoftheirpurebredcattle.Thesecattlemen
neverusedgrowthhormoneandtheyonlyusedthenecessaryantibiotics,mostparticularlythosethat
preventedbovinepulmonarydisorder.Theydidn’tusedangerouschemicalstocontrolweedsor
pests.CyParkshadintroducedtheideaofusingpredatorinsectstocontrolmanypests.Thelackof
poisonoussubstancesonplantshelpedgrowmorecoloniesofhoneybees,whichwereessentialto
pollinationofgrainandfeedcrops.

NoneoftheenvironmentalgroupofJacobsCountyranchersranbeefcattle;theywereallproducers
ofherdsiresandchampionyoungbulls,cowsandheifers,whichtheysoldforherdimprovement.It
gotthemintotroublesometimeswithbeefproducerswhowantedaquickerprofit.Therehadbeen
somenotablefistfightsatcattleconferencesinthepast.Jasonhadbeeninvolvedinoneofthem.
Graciehadgonetobailhimoutofjail,burstingintolaughterwhenshesawhim,disheveledand
bloodyandgrinninglikeaCheshirecatastheyledhimoutofthedetentioncell.Helovedagood
fight.

“IsaidI’llpickyouupinabouttwentyminutes,”herepeated,becauseshehadn’tansweredhim.

“Okay.WhatshouldIwear?”

“JeansandaT-shirt,”hesaid.“Ifwewalkinwearingdesignerclothes,thepricewilljumptwenty
dollarsaheadbeforeIsitdown.Idon’twanttoberecognized.”

“FatchanceifweshowupinyourJaguar,”shedrawled.

“I’mdrivingoneoftheranchpickupsandwearingworkingclothes,”hedrawledback.

“Allright.I’llfinishcleaningoutmyflowerbedslater.”

“Asifwehaven’talreadygotenoughdamnedbulbspokingupinthefrontyard.You’regettingsoil
readytoputoutmorethisfall,aren’tyou?”hemuttered.“AndI’llbetyou’vegotHarcourtrefilling
thoseplantersontheporch.”

Heknewhertoowell.“It’sjustpansies—they’lllastuntillateautumn.Iwon’tplantbulbsuntil
October.Butbulbsarebeautifulinthespring,Jason,”shedefendedherself.

“WhydoIpayayardmantodooutdoorwork?”hegrumbled.

“BecausehedoestheheavyworkthatHarcourtandIcan’t,”sherepliedsaucily.“I’mhangingup
now.”

“Don’tkeepmewaiting,”hesaid.“We’llbarelymakeitthereintime,asitis.Igotheldupwithan
accident.”

“Youweren’thurt?”sheexclaimedquickly.

Therewasaslightpause.“No,”hesaidsoftly.“Notme.Oneofmycowboysgotsteppedonbyabull.
Brokehisfoot,buthe’llbeallright.”

Sheletoutthebreathshe’dbeenholding.Jasonwasherlife.Hedidn’tknowhowshefeltabouthim.It
wasimpossibleanyway.Shecouldneverdothosethingswithmenthatmostmodernwomendid.She
rememberedhermothercomingoutofthebedroom,thebloodstaininghernightgown…

Shegrimaced.“Ithoughtyoujusthiredanewmantogotolocalsalesrepresentingtheranchtobuy
cattleforyou.”

“Idid.ButI’veheardsomethingsabouthimIdon’tlike.He’ssupposedtobeatthisauction.Icansee
formyself.”

“He’llrecognizeyou.”

“Inmyworkingclothes?Fatchance!Besides,he’sonlyseenmeonce,behindadesk.”

“Suityourself.I’llbeready.”

“Betterbe,orI’lldressyoumyself,”hewarned.

“Jason!”

Buthe’dalreadyhungup.

Shegotup,puttingasidehertrowel.“Mrs.Harcourt,weneedtotellManueltofinishclearingthese
bedsforme,”shesaidasshemountedthesteps.“Jason’stakingmetoasale.”

“Allright,darlin’,”thegrayingoldwomansaidwithasmile.Shewastallandamplypadded,with
blackeyesandalovelysmile.She’dcometoworkforthefamilybeforeJasonwasbornandwas
consideredpartofit.Sheandthemaid,Dilly,andthechauffeur,John,wereallpartofthefamily.
Therewasotherstaffthatworkedpart-time,buttheoldretainerswerefull-time.

GracielovedlivinghereonthebigestateinSanAntonio.Thestaffdidgodowntotheranchin
ComancheWellsoccasionallyforafewweeks,especiallywhenJasonhadcompanydownthere.Ifhe
did,though,itwasn’tthesamelocalsocietycrowdheinvitedtotheSanAntoniomansion.Itwasoften
worldleaderswhoneededabreakfromthebackbreakingpressureoftheirdailylives,high
governmentpoliticiansrunningfromscandals,evenanoccasionalbillionairewhowantedprivacy
evenforafewdays.Jasonchosehisfriendsbytheircharacter,nottheirwealth.Itwasoneofmany
thingsGracielovedabouthim.Hehadabigheartandhewasasofttouchforpeopledownontheir
luck.Hegaveheavilytocharities.Buthedidn’tseemthesortofmanwhocouldbeapproached.

Hewasanintrovert.Itwashardforhimtoconnecttopeople.Consequentlyhewasintimidatingtoa
lotofguests,whofoundhimhardgoinginprivateconversations.OnlywithGraciecouldherelax
andbehimself.Itwas,sheconsidered,amatteroftrust.Hefeltsafewithher,asshedidwithhim.

Whatapity,saidherfriendBarbara,whoranacaféinJacobsville,thatJasonandGraciewere
brotherandsister,whentheyhadsomuchincommon.Graciehadremindedherthattherewasno
bloodrelationshipthere.Jason’sfatherhadmarriedGracie’smother,whowaskilledonlyacoupleof
weeksaftertheweddinginanautomobileaccident.MyronPendletonhadkeptGracie,whohadno
otherlivingrelatives,andsoongaveheranotherstepsister,GloryanneBarnes—nowMrs.Rodrigo
Ramirez—whenhemarriedGlory’smother,Beverly,monthslater.GloryandGraciehadmorein
commonthananyoneelseknew.Theywerebestfriends.Itwasthetwoofthemagainsttheworld
whentheywereinschool,becausebothhadscarsfromtheirchildhoodsandneitherwascomfortable
withboys.Theyrarelydated.Theyweretargetsofsomeviciousbullying,whichJasonhadquietly
andefficientlynippedinthebud.Eventoday,GlorywasstilltheclosestthingtoasisterGraciehad
everhad.

Sheshoweredanddriedherhair,dressinginjeanswithavineofpinkrosesembroidereddownone
leg,withapinkT-shirt.Impulsivelyshebrushedoutherlong,paleblondhairandbraideditinto
pigtails.Shegrinnedatherselfwithtwinklinggrayeyes.Shehadasoftcomplexionwithradiant
smoothness.Shewasn’tbeautiful,butshewaspretty,inhershyway.Shefrowned,wonderingifitwas
appropriatetowearpigtailsatherage.Sometimesshedidthingsthatseemedoddtootherpeople.
Thatlittleglitchinherbraindidalotofdamagetoherego,fromtimetotime.

Well,itwastoolatetoworryaboutitnow.Sheputonherfannypackandpulledonherbootsover
thicksocks.Ahornwasblowingoutsidethefrontdoor.Jason,impatientasalways.

Sherandownthestaircase,almoststumblingheadoverheels,rememberedthatshe’dlefthercell
phoneinherroom.Shehesitated.Whattheheck,Jasonhadhis.Shecontinueddownthestairsandout
thefrontdoor.

“I’llbeoutforlunch!”sheyelled.

“Allright,dear,”Mrs.Harcourtcalledback.

Jasonwastappinghisfingersonthesteeringwheel.Hegloweredasshequicklydescendedthefront
stepsoftheelegantbrickmansionandhurrieddownthepavedwalkwaytothecirculardriveway
wherehisbigblackranchtruckwaswaitingwiththedooropen.

Shetumbledinbesidehimandslammedthedoor.

“Iknow,Iknow,I’mlate,butIhadtohaveashower,”sherationalizedasshefumbledwithherseat
belt.“Icouldn’tgooutwithdirtonmyhair!”

HeglancedatherfromunderthewidebrimofhiscreamyStetson.Hedidn’tsmile,buthisblackeyes
did.

Hewaswearingjeans,too,withwideleatherbatwingchaps,olddisreputablebrownbootswith
turned-uptoesfromtoomanysoakingsandstainseverywhere.Hisshirtwaschambrayandfaded.
Despitetheimmaculatecleannessofhisbeautiful,tannedhands,helookedlikeapoor,working
cowboy.

Heavens,hewassexy,shethoughtasshegavehimacovertappraisal.Tallandbroad-shouldered,
withthatphysiquerarelyseenoutsideaHollywoodWesternfilm,jet-blackhairinaconventional
shortcut,andalightolivecomplexionthatwasalegacy,likehisblackeyes,fromaSpanish
grandfather.Hewasn’tconventionallyhandsome,buthehadaverymasculineface,leanandsquare-
jawed,withdeep-seteyesandhighcheekbonesandamouththatwassosensuousitmadeGracie
squirm.He’dneverkissedher.Well,notinthewayamanwouldkissawoman,anyway.Theydidn’t
havethatsortofrelationship.Norwasheawomanizer.Hehadwomen,certainly,shewassure.Buthe
neverbroughtthemhome.

“Deepthoughts,tidbit?”heteased,grinningatherwithperfectwhiteteeth.

“Iwasthinkinghowhandsomeyouare,”sheblurtedoutandthenflushedandlaughednervously.

“Sorry.Mymouthandmybrainaredisconnected.”

Hedidn’tsmile.Hisblackeyesslidoverherfaceandbacktotheroad.“Youaren’tbadyourself,kid.”

Shetoyedwithherseatbelt.“AreanyoftheJacobsvillecrowdcomingupforthissale?”

“CyParks,J.D.LangleyandLeoHart,”hesaid.“TheHartsareafteranotheroneofthoseJapanese
bullsgrownforKobebeef.They’removingintonewbreedingprograms.”

“Don’ttellmeLeo’sgoneoffSalersbulls?”sheexclaimed.

Helaughed.“Notcompletely.ButwhenyouconsiderhowwellJapanesebeefsells,it’snosurprise.
It’stenderandleanandappealstoshoppers.We’reinaconsumer-drivenmarketwar,grubbingfor
newmethodsofproductionandnewmarketingtechniquestoovercometheslumpinsales.”

“Don’tyoustillchairacommitteeonmarketingwiththecattlemen’sassociation?”

“Idid.Hadtogiveitup.ThisdamnedGermanbusinessiswearingmeragged.”

SherecalledthathewashagglingforanothercomputercompanywithaconcerninBerlinthat
producedanewbrandofmicrochip.Negotiationsforamergerweregoingintotheirthirdweek
whilethebosseshemmedandhawedaboutwhetherornottheywantedtosellforthepriceJasonwas
offering.Eventuallyhewasgoingtohavetospendsometimeoverseasworkingpersonallyonthe
takeover,becausethemanhe’ddelegatedthatauthoritytowasquitting.HiswifewasEnglishandhe
wantedtomovetoLondon.Jasonwouldhavetoreplacehim,buttherewasnotimeforthatnow.It
wastoosensitiveanegotiationtobringinanewoutsider.Jasonwouldhavetodothejobhimself.

“YoucouldsendGrangetoGermanyandlethimdealwiththemforyou,”shemurmuredwitha
mischievousgrin,naminghisnewlivestockforeman.GrangehadworkedfortheBallengerfeedlot,
butJasonlikedhimandhadhiredhimonattheranchforabiggersalary.Grangehadprovedtobean
asset.Hismilitarybackgroundhadmadehimtheperfectforeman.Theformerarmymajorhadno
troublethrowingoutorders.

Hemadeafaceather.“Grangenegotiateslikeamilitaryman.Youknowtheywon’tletmenfly
overseaswithguns.”

“Grangeisbigenoughtointimidatethosebusinessmenwithoutguns.”

Hegaveheracoolappraisal.Hedidn’tlikeitwhenshetalkedaboutGrange.Hedidn’tlikeGrange’s
interestinher.Notthathemadeanissueofit.HejustmadesureGrangewasotherwiseoccupied
whenGracievisitedtheranch.HisblackeyesslidoverherslenderbodyinthetightjeansandT-shirt.
Hishandonthesteeringwheelcontractedviolently.Graciedidn’tnotice.Shewassmilingoutthe
windowatagroupofchildrenplayinginthedirtyardofanold,raggedhousebesidetheroad.

THESALEBARNWASFULL.GraciewalkedbehindJason,pausingwhenhedidtospeakto
cattlementheyknewalongtheway.TheauctioneerspottedJasonthemomenthewalkedinandthey

noddedateachother.Shedidn’tseetheJacobsvillecattlemen,buttherewasahugecrowd.They
mightbeontheothersideofthearena.Theonlyseatsleftwereagainstawall,buthedidn’tmindthat.

Hepolitelyaddressedastrangecattlemanwearingadesignersuitandhighlypolishednewboots.The
manlookedhimoverwithfaintdistaste,notingtheworking-cowboygear,completewithspurred
boots,batwingchapsandoldchambrayshirt.

“Nicedayforasale,”Jasonsaidcordially.

Themansmirked.“Forthoseofuswhocanaffordtobuysomething,sureitis.Youworkforalocal
ranch?”headded,givingJasonademeaninglook.“Theysuremustnotpayverywell.”Heturned
awayagain.

GracienotedtheexchangeandgrinnedupatJason,buthedidn’treturnthesmile.Hisblackeyeswere
fiery.Theysatdownandwaitedforthenoisetosubsidesothattheauctioncouldbegin.

SheleaneduptoJason’sear.“Whoishe?”shewhispered,indicatingthemanarowinfrontofthem.

Hedidn’tanswer.Insteadhegesturedtowardtheauctioneeratthepodiumtappingthemicrophone.

Hewelcomedthecattlemen,summarizedthecontentsofthesaleandbeganwithalotofpurebred
BlackAnguscalves.Jasonleanedback,justwatching,asbiddingopened.

Gracielovedgoingtotheseauctionswithhim.Itwasoneofthemorepleasantmemoriesofherearly
teens,taggingalongafterhimthroughsalebarnsandlearningthecattlebusiness.Ithadirritatedhim
atfirst,andthenamusedhim.Finallyheunderstoodthatitwasn’tthebusinessthatattractedher,but
thenoveltyofhiscompany.Shewasstandoffish,evencold,withboysherownageandmenofany
age,butsheadoredJasonanditshowed.Astheyearspassed,sheacquiredanickname—Jason’s
shadow.Hedidn’tseemtomind.Gloryhadnevercaredmuchforcattle,butGraciehadalwaysbeen
fascinatedbythem.Evennow,herarelyaskedanyoneexceptGraciealongwhenhewenttoauctions
ortolookatnewequipmentorevenjustforadriveoverhisproperty.Alonermostofthetime,he
wassupremelycomfortablewithher.

Shestudiedherprogramandtappedhishand.Heglancedwhereshewaspointingattheprogramand
nodded.

Itwasthenextlot,aconsignmentofpurebredSantaGertrudisopenheifers.Jasonkeptreplacement
heifers,asanycattlemandid,againstnecessarycullsafterbreedingseason.Buttheseyoungfemales
wereexceptional.TheywerefromadivisionoftheKingRanch,withexquisitebloodlines.Jason
wantedtoimprovehisseedstock.Thiswasabargainattheprice.

Theauctioneernamedtheconsignmentandopenedbidding.Thefancyrancherinfrontofthemraised
hishandtoaccepttheprice.Therewasanincreaseonthebasepriceoftendollarsahead.Jason
scratchedhisear.Thepricejumpedbytwentydollarsahead.

“ItoldyoutheyknewIwascoming,”thecattlemanintherowaheadofthemsaidsmugly.“Didn’tI
tellyoupriceswouldjumpwhenIstartedthebidding?”

Jasondidn’tsayaword.Buthiseyeswerecoldlyamused.Thecattlemanaheadofhimjumpedthe
antebytendollars,Jasondoubledthatbid.Thepricewentupahundred,fivehundred,athousand,two
thousand.

“Whothehell’sbiddingagainstme?”thecattlemaninfrontmutteredinawhispertohiscompanion,
lookingaround.“Nobodyherelooksliketheycouldaffordtobuyacattletrailer,muchlesspurebred
SantaGerts!”

“Bidhigher,”hiscompanionsuggested.

“Areyounuts?”themangrumbled.“I’matmylimit.IwishIcouldgetintouchwithmyboss,buthe’s
notinhisoffice.Hewon’tbehappythatIletsomeoneoutbidmefortheseheifers.Hewaskeento
havethem.”

Thebidcameagain.Thecattlemaninfrontsatmute,fuming.Jasonscratchedhisear.

Thebidwascalledonce,twice,threetimes,andtheauctioneerbangedhisgavelandshouted“Sold!”

Hedidn’tnamethebuyer,asJasonhadalreadyagreedbeforethesalebegan.HehadJason’sblank
checkandheknewwheretosendtheconsignment,andhow.JasonandGraciegotupandwalkedout
oftheauctionbarnintothesunshine.Thecattlemanwho’dbeeninfrontofthemwalkedout,too,
punchinginnumbersonhiscellphone.HeranintoJasonandbumpedhim.

“Watchthehellwhereyou’rewalking,willyou?”themansnappedatJasonandkeptwalking.

Jasonstaredafterthemanwithretributioninhisdarkgaze.Butafteraminutehestretched
comfortablyandglanceddownatGracie.“Hungry?”

“Icouldeatacow,”shemurmuredwithtwinklingeyes.“EvenaSantaGert!”

“Barbarian,”hechuckled.“Comeon.”

Hewasdrivingoneofhisstandardranchpickuptrucks.Theywerenice,butnottop-of-the-line.He
cutcostswherehecould.Thegrumblingcattlemanandhiscompanionclimbedintoaluxurycarand
roaredoff.Itwasanicecar.Butitwasn’tinthesameleagueasJason’sbigJaguar.

“Ihopewedon’trunintothatfancyrancherwhowasinfrontofus,”shemuttered.“He’sgotamajor
attitudeproblem.”

“He’llgetitfixedsoonenough,”Jasonsaideasily.

“Niceofhimtocomeoverhereandshowushowrealcattlemendressforasale,”Gracieremarked
assheclimbedupintothepickupandbeltedherselfin.Shegavehimaspeakingglance.“You’re
disgracingus,dressinglikethatforafancyauction!”

“Speakforyourself,”heshotbackasheputthetruckingear.“You’renotexactlythebelleofthe
ball.”

“I’mcomfortable,”shesaid.“Yousaidnottodressup.”

Hisdarkeyescutaroundtohersandhegaveheralookthatmadeherfeelwarmallover.“You’d
lookgoodinafloursack,honey,”hetoldhersolemnly.“ButIlikethepigtails.”

Shelaughednervously,tuggingatone.“They’retooyoungforme,Iguess,butIcouldn’tgetmyhair
upthismorning.”

“Ilikeit.”

Hepulledoutontotheroadanddrovetoanearbysteakrestaurantthathefavored,parkingonthe
side.HeandGraciewalkedupontotheporchjustastheluxurycarpulledintothefrontparkinglot.

Jasongaveheranamusedgrin.“Well,hedoeshavegoodtasteinfood.”

“I’llbetsomebodyhadtotellhimitwasaniceplacetoeat,”sheshotback.

Thewaitressshowedthemtoatableaboutthetimethecattlemanandhiscompaniongottotheline.

“Lookwhatthecatdraggedin,”CyParksdrawledasJasonandGraciewereseatedataboothacross
fromhistable.

“Lookwho’stalking,Parks,”Jasonshotback.

“How’sLisa?”Gracieasked.

Cy’seyebrowsleveredupanddown.“Pregnant,”hesaidwithanear-to-eargrin.“We’reoverthe
moon.”

“Wow,”Graciesaidsoftly.“Congratulations.”

“Oursonneedsaplaymate,”heexplained.HelookedupasJ.D.LangleyandHarleyFowler,whowas
Cy’sforeman,andLeoHartcamewalkingbacktohistablewithfullsaladplates.Hegavethema
snarlylook.“Salad!GoodGod,IneverthoughtI’dseethedaywhenrancherswouldsitdownto
platesofrabbitfood!”

“We’rejoiningthegreenlobby,”Leochuckled.“Hi,Jason.Gracie.Beentothesale?”

“Yes,”Jasonreplied.“Wedidn’tseeyouthere.”

“Wewereontheothersideofthebarn,”J.D.muttered,glancingtowardwherethegrumblycattleman
andhiscompanionwerejustabouttobeseated.“Avoidingtheplagueindesignersuits.”

“Whoishe?”Gracieasked.

HarleyFowlergrinnedather.“Yououghttoknow.”

“Me?”sheexclaimed,fuddled.“Iknowhim?”

“Well,Mr.Pendletonoughttoknowhim,anyway,”Harleyadded.

JasongaveHarleyascowl.“Mr.Pendletonwasmyfather.”

Harleyflushedalittle.“Sorry.”

“He’snotbigonceremony,”Gracietoldtheyoungerman,smiling.“Wedon’tplaythatsortof
game.”

“Thehellwedon’t,”Jasonsaid,andhiseyeskindledasthevisitingcattlemancametowardthem.His
bigbodytensed.

“Jason,”Graciewarnedsoftly.Shedidn’tfancyabrawlinhere,andJasonhadalowboilingpoint.
Thatdesignerrancherhadalreadymadehimmad.

“Ifitisn’ttheJacobsvillelobby,”thevisitorsaidwithasarcasticsmile.“Thecattle-pettingcattlemen,
inperson.”

Jasonleanedbackinthebooth,stretchingouthislonglegs.“Nothingwrongwithtreatingcattle
decently,”hesaiddeliberately.

Themangavehimafaintlycontemptuouslook.“Excuseme,butIdon’trememberaskingforyour
opinion.Youmayworkcattle,son,butI’msureyoudon’townany.Nowwhydon’tyoumindyour
ownbusinessandletcattlementalkcattle?”

Blackeyesboredintohisfacewithanexpressionunderthemthatwouldhavemadeanimpressionon
amanlessthick-skinned.

“Youdidn’tgetthatlotofSantaGertrudisheifersyoucameafter,didyou?”CyParksmused.

Themanmadeaface.“Rubitin.Iknowyouwerethehighbidder.”

“Nope.Itwasn’tme.IwasthereforthelotofSantaGertcalves.Igotthose.”Cy’sgreeneyes
narrowed.“Yourbosssentyoutheretogetthoseheifers,Ihear.”

Theman’slippulledup.“SentmetherewithhalftheamountIneededtobidforthem,”hesaid
angrily.“Andtoldmenottogohigher.Hellofaboss.I’llbethewouldn’tknowaheiferfromabull,
sittingupthereinhisofficetellingrealcattlemenhowtobuycattle!”

Cystudiedhimcoldly.“Thatattitudewon’tgetyoufarinthePendletonorganization.”

“Notmyfaultifthebossdoesn’tknowhowtobidforcattle.I’llhavetoeducatehim.”

Therewasacollectiveintakeofbreathatthetable.Besideit,Jason’sbrowquirked.Hewasbeginning
toenjoyhimself.

“Doyouknowwhotrumpedmybidforthoseheifers?”themanaskedcuriously.

EverybodyatCyParks’stablepointedtoJasonPendleton.Graciedid,too.

Thevisitingcattlemanturnedtothemanhe’dbeenputtingdownformostoftheday.Jasontookoff
hisStetsonandcoldblackeyesboredintotheman’sshockedface.

“Youboughtthoseheifers?Withwhat?”thearrogantrancherexclaimed.HeglancedatGracie.“You
don’tlooklikeamanwhocouldaffordasickcalf,andyourgirlfriendtheresurehasn’tgotmoney.
Sowhodoyouworkfor?”

Jasondidn’tlikethecrackaboutGracie.Hisamusementmorphedintopuredislike.“Icouldaskyou
thesamequestion,”hesaidicily.

“IworkforthePendletonorganization,”themansaid.

Jasongloweredathim.“Notanymore.”

“Andwhodoyouthinkyouare,totellmethat?”themandemanded.

Jason’sblackeyesglitteredathim.“JasonPendleton.”

Thefancyrancherstaredattheraggedcowboywithpatentdisbelief.Butthen,inhismind,herecalled
thepaintinginthePendletonCorporationCEO’sofficedowntown,overthefireplace.Themaninthe
portraitwasamatchforthemanglaringathimfromthebooth.“You’reMr….Mr.Pendleton?”he
stammered,flushingpurple.“Ididn’trecognizeyou!”

Jasonwastoyingwithhiscoffeecup.Hiseyesheldtheotherman’s.“Pity,”hemurmured.

Theotherrancherseemedtolosehisdignityandhisarrogantattitudeallatonce.

“Ididn’tknow…”hestammered.

“Obviously,”Jasonrepliedcurtly.“IwantedtoseehowyouoperatedbeforeIturnedyoulooseasmy
representative.Goodthing.Youliketoputpeopledown,don’tyou?Well,youwon’tbedoingiton
mypayroll.Collectyourlastpaycheckattheoffice.DoIneedtosaythewords?”

Therancher ’sjawset.“Youcan’tdothistome!Hell,nobodyfiresamanforlosingabid…!”he
beganbelligerently.

Jasonstoodup.Hewasaheadtallerthanthemanandhelookeddangerous.Theranchersatthe
nearbytabletensed.

“Isaid,”Jasonbeganinaslow,menacingtone,“collectyourlastpaycheck.”Hisbighandsbeganto
curveintofistsathisside.

Therancher ’scompanionnoticedthatandgrabbedhisfriend’sarm,almostdragginghimaway.He
knewthingsaboutJasonPendleton’stemperthattheotherrancherobviouslydidn’t.

GracietuggedatJason’shandgently.Helookedatherandcalmedalittleashesatbackdownagain.

Buthewasopenlyglaringattheman’sretreatingback.Thefancyrancher ’scompanionwastalking
feverishlyandnoddingtowardJasonPendleton.TherancherglancedbacktowardtheJacobsville
cattlemenandgrimaced.Buthewasn’tgoingtoatable—hewasactuallyleavingtherestaurant.

“Whoishe?”sheasked.

“Heis,ratherhewas,”Jasonrepliedwithmagnificentdisdain,“themanIhiredrecentlytogotosales
forme.Barker.TheoneItoldyouabout,whowasthrowinghisweightaround.GoodthingIchecked
himout.He’dhavecostusbusiness,withthatattitude.Idon’tlikemenwhojudgepeopleon
appearances.Wealthisnomeasureofcharacter.”

“Sothat’swhyyouwerebiddingsohighagainsthim.”

Jasonnodded.“Ihadtopushhimtoseehowhe’dreact.TheauctioneerknewwhatIwasdoing,soI
won’thavetopaythehigherprice.Iworkedoutafairdealbeforetheauction.”

Graciepursedherlipsandwhistledthroughthem.“Oh,boy.”

“I’llbetthat’snotwhatBarker ’ssayingrightnow,”HarleyFowlersaidgleefully.“Andthat’swhat
yougetfortakingpeopleatfacevalue.Nothingwrongwithwearingcomfortableclothes.”Hegave
JasonagrinandturnedhisattentiontoGracie.“Idon’tguessyougooutwithranchmanagers,Miss
Gracie,butifyoudid,I’dlovetotakeyouovertoShea’sandshowyouhownicelyIcanwaltz…”

HestoppedbecauseJasonwasnowglaringathim,andwitheyesevencolderthanhe’dshowntothe
pompouscattleman.

“Uh,sorry,I’dbetterfinishmylunchandgetbacktowork,”Harleysaidwithasheepishgrin,
avertinghisattentiontohisplate.

GraciewasgapingatJason,onlydivertedbythearrivalofthewaitresswiththeirownsaladsand
drinks.

“Whatwasthatabout?”sheaskedhesitantlywhentheywerebackinthetruck.

“Barker?”heaskedabsently.

“No.Harley.”

Hisjawtautened.“Harley’saboy.”

Shewasdisconcerted.“He’saniceboy,”sheprotested.

Hedidn’tsayaword.

Sheshiftedinherseat,frowning.Jasonwasverystrangelately.Shedidn’tunderstandwhytherewas
somuchangersmolderinginsidehim.HewasprobablystillangrywiththatBarkerman,shedecided,
andlefthimtohisthoughts.

Jasonwasunusuallyuncommunicativeduringtheridehome,keepingtheradiobetweenthemwhile
hedrove.HisattitudetowardHarleypuzzledher.Itwasn’tlikehimtosnapatunderlings,especially
cowboys,andhe’dalreadymadeitobviousthathedislikedmenwhoputpoorpeopledown.Hedidn’t
knowHarleywell,buthe’dseemedtoliketheyoungerman.Oratleast,hehaduntiltoday.Itwas
almostasifhewerejealousofHarley’sinterestinGracie.Thatwassilly,ofcourse.Hewas
affectionatetowardher,buttherewasnothingoutoftheordinaryinhisdemeanor.Itwasjustwishful
thinking.Shegrimaced,thinkingabouthowshemightreactifJasoneverreallypursuedherasa
loverwould.Lovewasonething.Sex…well,thatwasterrifying.Shewasn’tsureshecouldfunction
inthatrespect.NotevenwithJason,andhe’dbeentheonlymaninherlifeandherheartforyears.

2

TWODAYSLATER,GRACIEWASbackinherflowerbeds.Thistimeshe’dprunedbacksome
aggressivewanderingvinesthathadexplodedwithgrowthafterthepassageofHurricaneFaywhenit
madelandfall.Therainshadbeentorrential.Noweverythingwasovergrownbecauseofthebountiful
rain.Aftermonthsofdrought,itwaswonderfultoseegreenthingsagain.

ItwasFridayandshewashostinganimportantpartyforJasonthisevening.Itwasbusiness.Hehated
parties,buthewaswheelinganddealingagain,hopingtoaddanewandimaginativesoftware
companyfromCaliforniatohisrosterofacquisitions.Thetwoownerswereintheirtwentiesand
crazyaboutsoccer,soJasonhadinvitedmembersoftheBrazilianandAmericansoccerteamstothis
gathering.Itwaslikehimtoknowthedeepestdesiresofhispreyandcatertothem,whenhewanted
something.

Shewonderedabsentlyifhewassingle-mindedanddeterminedlikethatwithwomenhewanted.It
hurttothinkaboutthat.

Shedidn’tdarethinkofJasoninanysexualway.Itwouldonlyleadtoheartache.Hermotherhad
warnedheraboutit,andsheherselfhadseentheresultfromthetimeshewasverylittle.Herfather
couldonlyachievesatisfactionbyhurtinghiswife,savagingher.Thebloodonhernightclothes
testifiedagainandagaintothebrutalityofardentmen.Gracie’sentirechildhoodhadbeena
nightmareoffearforhermother,andforherself.Asachild,she’dprayedthathermotherwouldn’t
die,leavingheratherfather ’smercy.GodaloneknewwhatthemanmightdotoGracie,although
he’dnevermolestedher.Itwashistempershefeared,especiallywhenhedrank.Hedrankalot.He
wasviolentwhenhedrank.

Sheshivered,hearinghermother ’ssobsasthememorieswashedoverher.Sheremembered
comfortingtheolderwomanjustbeforeherfather ’sdeath,helpingtobatheawaythebloodandtreat
thecutsandbruises.Menwouldbesweetandattentiveandtenderuntiltheygotyouintobed,her
motherlectured.Then,behindcloseddoors,thetruthwasrevealed.Whatwasinmoviesandon
televisionandinbookswasalllies.Thiswasthereality—bloodandtears.Gracielamustremember
andneverallowherselftobeluredintomarriage.Shemustremainchasteandsafe.

Gracieheardacarscreechitstiresontheroadnearbyandshegrimacedashermindreturnedtothe
present.Somepoordriverhadalmostwrecked.Sheknewhowthatfelt.Shewasn’tthebestdriverin
theworld,either.Jasonworriedwhenshegotbehindthewheelofacarbecauseshe’dhadsomany
mishaps.Itwasn’treallythatshewasapoordriver.Physicaltraumafromyearsagohadcausedminor
glitchesinherbrain.Shewouldcompensatefortheinjury,adoctorhadassuredhergently,because
shewashighlyintelligent.Butthatwasn’tmuchcomfort,whenmostoftheworldsawherasaflighty,
clumsyairhead.PoorGraciePendleton,onewomanhadcommentedtoafriend,wasthedodobirdof
localsociety.

Shelaughedbitterly,recallingtheremarkshe’doverheardatanafternoonteaonlyacoupleofweeks
ago.Thecommenthadobviouslybeenmadebysomeonewhodidn’tknowher.SheknewthatifJason
hadbeenprivytothatcruelremarkhewouldhavemadethatwomansorryshe’deveropenedher
mouth.Hewasfiercelyprotectiveofthepeoplehecaredabout.Herearliestglimpseintohischivalry

occurredshortlyafterGracie’smotherdied.Herstrangelyungrievingstepfather,Myron,hadrushed
intomarriagetoBeverlyBarnes,awomanwhohadayoungdaughterinfostercare.Jasonhad
rescuedGloryanneBarnesfromadangeroussituation,takingayoungGraciealongtocomfortthe
othergirl,whowasfourmonthsyounger.Ifithadn’tbeenforJason’sinvolvement,sheand
Gloryanneprobablywouldn’thavebondedsoeffortlessly.

Jason,shethoughtasshestruggledtocutbackthethickvines,wasanenigma.She’dlivedwithhim
fortwelveyearsandshestillfeltasifsheknewnothingabouthim.MyronPendletonhaddiedthe
yearafterBeverlyBarnes,histhirdwife,passedawayfromastroke.Bythen,GracieandGlorywere
sixteen.Jasonhadassumedresponsibilityforbothgirls,andtookgreatcareofthemwhilethey
finishedhighschool.Infact,he’dspoiledthemrotten.Hewasstilldoingit.Gloryanne’sChristmas
presenttheyearbeforehadbeenaracing-greenJaguarXK.Gracie’shadbeenameteorite,a
fabulouslyexpensiveonesoldatpublicauctionfromanestate.Graciewascrazyaboutfossilsand
meteorites.Shehadquiteacollection.Shehadnogreataffectionforjewels,andshehatedfurs.But
shelovedrocks.Jasonindulgedher.

HeevenindulgedhermaniaforChristmasdecorations,whichshestartedputtingoutevenbefore
Thanksgiving.JasonhadneveraskedwhyshewassoobsessedwithChristmas.Shehopedhenever
would.

Thanksgivingwasthreemonthsaway,butGraciealreadyhadgarlandsofhollyandfirordered,
alongwiththreenewChristmastreesandaboxofnewornaments.Shelookedforwardtothetimes
whenJasonlefthisbelovedranchandcametoSanAntonioonbusiness.Thatwaswhenhelivedupto
theimageofaFortune500tycoonandhadGraciehostesssocietypartiesforhim,towhichthey
invitedHollywoodA-listersandsportsstarswithwhomJason’sprospectivecolleaguescouldmingle.
Itoftengavehimtheadvantage,hisassociationwiththefabledfew.Anynumberofpeopleinthearts
andsportswereflatteredbyJason’sfriendship.Notonlywashedynamic,buthewasrichbeyondthe
dreamsofavariceandhewasn’tstingywithhiswealth.Singlewomenmobbedhim.

Whenhewasn’trubbingelbowswiththeotherFortune500,hewaswearingjeansandboots,chaps
andabigStetsonhat,workingcattlewithhiscowboys.Eventherehewasgenerous,lookingoutfor
hismeniftheyneededhelp.

Sincehewasanintrovertwhodidn’tmixwellwithothers,hedidn’tseemthesortofmanwhohada
bigheartorevenakinddisposition.Buttherewasmuchmoretothismanthananyoneimagined.He
hadabusinessdegreefromHarvard,buthedidn’tadvertiseit.Hisannualincomecouldhavefunded
theannualbudgetfortwoorthreesmallimpoverishednations.Hedidn’tlivelikeamultimillionaire.
HeleftthesocializingtoGracie,butshehadaslittleloveforitashedid.Shespenthertimedoing
charityworkandfindingprojectstohelppeople.Jasondidn’tknowit,butshehadagoodreasonfor
providingfundingforwomen’ssheltersandsoupkitchensandcommunitycharities.

Peoplewonderedwhyasisterandbrotherspentalltheirtimetogether,sheknew.ButsheandJason
weren’tmarried,andapparentlyneitherofthemwouldeverbe.Graciewantednothingtodowithany
physicalrelationship.Jasonhadgirlfriends,buthewasneverseriousenoughtoconsidermarriage.
Hedidn’tbringwomenhome.Butthen,hewasconsiderateaboutwhathecalledGracie’smedieval
attitudetowardmodernrelationships.Shedidn’tsleeparound.Shedidn’tlikemen—orwomen—who

did.Jasonbowedtoherprejudices.Butsheknewthatdidn’tstophimfromdoingwhathelikedoutof
hersphereofinfluence.Hewasaman,afterall.

Shegrimacedasshenotedanewspotofdirtonherspotlessbutagingwhiteembroideredsweatshirt.
Shewaswearingdisreputablejeanswithit,relicsfromaweekendshe’dspentontheranchwithJason
whilehetaughtaforeigndignitaryhowtoride.Graciewasdeputizedtoteachhiswife.Hewas
amusedatherpatienceandherskillonahorse.Shealsoknewheappreciatedherlackofvanity.She
woreherlong,paleblondhairinaperpetualbunorpigtails.Hersoftgrayeyesdominatedheroval
facewithitsexquisitecomplexionthatneverneededmakeuptoenhanceit.Herlipswereafull,soft
bow,naturallypink.Shedidn’tevenbotherwithlipstickunlesssheandJasonweregoingtosome
reallyposhbash,liketheoperaorsymphonyorballet.Theyhadsimilartastesinmusicandtheater,
andtheyagreedevenonpoliticsandreligion.Theyhadenoughincommontomakeanuncommon
match.ButsheandJasonwerelikebrotherandsister,sheremindedherselffirmly,evenifthey
weren’trelated.

Therosebushshewaspruninglookedlopsided,anditdredgedonfeelingsofherowninadequacy.
ShewonderedsometimeswhyhermotherhadgonetosuchpainstomakesureGracie’spersonal
historywaskeptsecretevenfromhernewstepfatherandstepbrother.Butshehadn’tquestioned
Cynthia’sresolve.PerhapshermotherhadbeenafraidofMyronPendleton’sattitudeifheknewthe
truthaboutthebeautifulwomanhe’dmetbehindthecounteratthemen’ssuitwarehouse.Itwaseasier
—andsafer—tolieandtellhimthatherhusbandhaddiedinaforwardinfantryunitinOperation
DesertStorm,andthatGracielaMarshwasherstepchild,notherrealdaughter.Thiselaborateruse
hadbeenconcoctedtoensurethatCynthiaandherdaughtercouldescapefromthegrindingpoverty
inwhichtheylived.Butthepretensehadn’tcarriedovertothebedroom.Cynthiahadsobbedin
Gracie’sarmsthemorningofthedayshedied,confessingthatshehadn’tbeenabletoletMyron
touchhersincetheirmarriage.Myronhadbeenfuriousandhurt,butCynthiacouldn’tgetpasther
ownhistorywithmarriage.Shesaidshecouldn’tgoonlivingalie.Andlaterthatday,she’ddiedin
anapparentcaraccident.Gracieknewitwasn’tanaccident.Butshecouldn’tsaysowithoutexplaining
why.Thatwasn’tpossible.

Graciesweptbackaloosestrandofblondhairwiththebackofherhandandonlythennoticedthatit
wascoveredwithdirt.Shelaughedsoftlyassheimaginedwhatshemustlooklikebynow.

“ForGod’ssake,don’ttellmeyou’reclearingevenmoregroundtoplantmoreflowers?”camea
deep,amusedvoicefrombehindher.“Ithoughtyoufinishedthisjobthedaywewenttothesale
barn.”

Sheturned,lookingupintodarkeyesunderajuttingbrow.Hewasn’tsmiling;herarelydid.Buthis
eyessmiledinthatlean,tanned,ruggedface.

“Thatwasmakingroomtoplantbulbsthisfall.I’mpruningbacktheserosebushesrightnow,”she
repliedjovially.

Helookedatthebushesthatoverlappedinthesmallspaceandgrimaced.“Youplantedrosesontopof
roses,honey.Youneedtotransplantsomeofthem.”

Shesighed.“Well,IranoutofroomandIhadleftoverbushesthisspring.Itallsortofgrewtogether
andtherainmadeitworse.IguessIcoulddigupanotherplot,”shemurmuredtoherself,looking
aroundfornewunbrokenground.

“Gracie,”hesaidpatiently,“ourguestsstartarrivingintwohours.”

“Twohours?”Shestaredathimblankly.“Oh.Right!Ihadn’tforgotten,”shelied.

Hesatdownonthewidestonebalustradethatleddownfromthefrontsteps.Hewaswearingdress
slacksandbootswithawhiteturtlenecksweaterandablueblazer.Helookedexpensiveandelegant,a
farcryfromtheragged-lookingworkingcowboyhe’dappearedatthecattleauctiontwodaysbefore.

“Yes,youhadforgotten,”hecorrected,shakinghishead.Hedrewinabreathandlookedaroundat
thelush,formallandscape.“Ihatethisplace,”hemuttered.

“Youalwaysdid,”shereplied.“It’snottheranch.”

“WhatcanIsay?”Heshrugged.“Ilikecattle.Ihatehighsociety.”

“Toobadyouwereborninthelapofit,”shelaughed.

Hestudiedhercovertly.Shewaspretty,inashysortofway.Graciewasn’treallyoutgoing,anymore
thanhewas.Butshecouldorganizeapartybetterthananyoneheknew.Shewasagracioushostess,a
tirelessworkerforhercharities,andshedressedupbeautifully.Inanemergency,therewasn’t
anybodywithacoolerhead.Headmiredher.Andnotonlyforhersocialskills.Hisblackeyes
lingeredjustafewsecondstoolongontheswellofherfirmbreastsunderthesweatshirtbeforehe
avertedthem.

“We’vehadapoliticallyincorrectobservationfromthestateattorneygeneral.”

“SimonHart?”sheasked.“Whatsort?”

“Mycousinthinkswespendtoomuchtimetogether,”herepliedeasily.“Hesaysoneortheotherof
usshouldgetmarriedandstartproducingchildren.”

Shestaredathimquietly.“Idon’twanttogetmarried.”

Hefrowned.“Whydon’tyouwanttomarry?”

Sheavertedhereyes.“Ijustdon’t.”

“Simon’shappilymarried,”hepointedout.“HeandTirahavetwosons.”

Hervoicetautened.“Morepowertothem.Ijustdon’twanttogetmarried.”

“You’retwenty-six,”heremarkedquietly.“Youdon’tdateanyone.Ican’trememberthelasttimeyou
hadaboyfriend.Atthat,youonlyhadonesteadyone,forthefouryearsyouwereincollegein
Jacobsvillegettingyourhistorydegree.Andheturnedouttobegay.”Therewasanoddedgetohis

comment.

GracierecalledthatJasonhadbeenactivelyhostiletotheyoungman.Thatwassurprising,becausehe
wasthemosttolerantmansheknewoncontroversialsocialissues.Hewasachurchgoer,likeGracie,
andhesaidthatthefounderoftheirreligionwouldn’thaveturnedhisbackonanyone,regardlessof
theirsocialclassification.Hecouldn’tbejealous…?

“Billywascomfortabletobewith,”sherepliedafteraminute.

“Yes,butIassumehewasn’tgiventotorridmake-outsessionsonourcouch.”

Sheflushedandglaredupathim.“Idon’thavetorridmake-outsessionswithanyone.”

“Inoticed,”hesaidcurtly.“Simonnoticed,too.”

“It’snoneofSimon’sbusinesshowwelive,”shesaiddefensively.Shehesitated.“Isit?”

“Ofcoursenot,”hesnapped.“Buthedoeshaveapoint,Gracie.Neitherofusisgettinganyyounger.”

“Especiallynotyou,”sheteased.“You’llbethirty-fiveyournextbirthday.”

“Don’tremindme.”

“Youjustgetbetter-looking,Jason,”shesaidaffectionately.“You’llneverbeoldtome.”

Heheldhereyesforafewsecondsandsmiled.“Thanks.”

Shecockedherheadathim.“Maybeyoushouldgetmarried,”shesaid,wonderingwhyithurttosay
it.“Imean,who’llinheritallthiswhenyoudie?”

Hedrewinalongbreathandlookedoutovertheyard.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthat,too.”

Herheartskippedabeat.“Haveyou…thoughtaboutanyone?Anyprospectivebrides?”sheasked,
sittingbackonherheels.

Heshookhishead.

“Therewasthatlawyeryoudated,thatfriendofGlory’s,”shesaid.

“ShewantedadoctorateinlawandIcouldgetheragrant,”hesaidwithbarelydisguisedcontempt.

“ThentherewasthepoliticianthatSimonintroducedyouto.”

“ShewantstorunforthesenateandIhavemoney,”hescoffed.

“Jason,noteverywomanwantssomethingfinancialfromyou,”shepointedout.“You’renotbad-
lookingandyouhaveabigheart.It’sjustthatyouscarepeople.”

“Idon’tscareyou,”hesaid.

Shelaughed.“Youusedto.”

“Yes,whenyoufirstmovedinwithus,”herecalledaffectionately.“Iluredyououtofyourroomwith
Lindtchocolates,oneatatime.Ittookmonths.Youalwayslookedatmeasifyouexpectedhornsand
atailtostartgrowingoutofme.”

“Itwasn’tpersonal,”shechided.“Besides,”sheaddedwithawickedgrin,“afterIgottoknowyou,I
gotusedtothehorns.”

Hemadeafaceather.Buthiseyesnarrowedthoughtfully.“Youdidn’tgooutwithaboyatalluntilI
madeanissueofitinyoursenioryearofhighschool.Youwereaskedtotheprom,butyoudidn’t
wanttogo.Iinsisted.Ithoughtyouwereunnecessarilyshy.”

“SoIwentwiththefirstboywhoaskedme,”sheremindedhimvenomously.

Hegrimaced.“Well,heseemednice.”

“Didhe,really?”

Hisdarkeyesglittered.“Iunderstandthathisnewfrontteethlookalmostnatural.”

Sheshiveredevenwiththememory.Violencestillupsether.Buttheboyhadbeendrunkandinsistent.
He’dleftbruisesalloverherinafutileattempttodisrobeher.GraciehadtocallJasononhercell
phone.She’dlockedherselfintheboy’scarandhe’dbeencrashingrocksintothepassengerwindow
tryingtoforcehertoopenthedoor.Beforehecouldbreakin,Jasonskiddedtoastopinfrontofthe
carandgotout.Evennow,somanyyearslater,Graciecouldstillseethesuddenfearontheboy’s
facewhenhesawthefurioustallmanapproachinghim.Jasonwaselegant,andusuallyeven-
tempered,buthecouldmovelikeastrikingcobrawhenhewasangry.Theboyhadbeentall,too,and
muscular—afootballstar.Buthehadn’tlastedtensecondswithJason.Thosebigfistshadputhim
downinaheartbeat.TheconfrontationhadmadeGraciesick.Jasonhadsavedher,though.Andit
wasn’ttheonlytimehe’dsteppedbetweenGracieandtrouble.TherewasasayingontheRocking
Spurranch,thatanycowboywhowantedaquicktriptotheemergencyroomonlyhadtosay
somethingunsavoryaboutortoGracieinfrontofJason.

Afterhe’drescuedher,thatlong-agonight,he’ddrivenherhomeinatensesilence.Butwhentheygot
homeandherealizedhowfrightenedshewas,evenofhim,hecalmeddownatonceandbecameher
affectionatestepbrother.

Now,hewasasfamiliartoherastheflowergardenshewasworkingin.Buttherewasstillthat
distancebetweenthem.Especiallysincehe’dbeenspendingevenlesstimeattheSanAntonio
mansion.Hehadawayoflookingatherlatelythatwasdisturbing.Hewentbroodysometimes,too,
asifhislifewasdisappointinghim.

Whileshewasthinking,shenippedthelastoverlappinglimbofarosebushawayfromthefall
chrysanthemums,whichwerejuststartingtobranchout.Shesmoothedoverthemwithherhand,

smiling,consideringhowbeautifultheywouldbeinafewmonths,allgoldandbrightasthecold
weathermovedin.Herbulbswouldneedtobedugandseparated,butthatcouldwaitforcooler
weather.She’dplantedsomenewbulbsattheranch,too,lastautumn,butJason’sbigGerman
shepherdhaddugthemupandeatenthem.Fumingmad,she’dtoldJasonthattheanimalwasa
squirrel.Noself-respectingdogwouldeatahelplessbulb.He’dalmostbentoverdoublelaughingat
heroutrage.Buthe’dreplacedthebulbsandevenreluctantlyloanedheroneofhiscowboystohelp
herreplantthem;oneofhisoldestandugliestcowboys,atthat.Hewenttogreatlengthstoput
distancebetweenherandhisranchforeman,Grange.

“Whatareyouthinking?”heasked.

Shelaughedself-consciously.“AboutBakereatingmybulbslastfall.”

Hegrinned.“He’sdevelopedatasteforthem.Ihadtoputafencearoundyourflowerbed.”

“Afence?”shewailed.

“Awhitepicketfence,”heassuredher.“Somethingaesthetic.”

Sherelaxed.“You’renice.”

Heliftedaneyebrow.“Iam?”

Sheputdownthetrowelandstoodup,brushingatthedirtonhersweatshirt.Itonlysmeared.“Darn,”
shemuttered.“Itwillnevercomeout.”

“Harcourtcangetanythingout.Shehaschemicalshiddeninthepantry.”

Sheglancedathimandlaugheddelightedly.“Yes,butDillydoesthelaundry.”

“Dillyhaschemicals,too.”

Shelookeddownatherfeet.Hersneakerswerecakedinmud.“I’llnevergetthroughthehousein
these,”shemoaned.Sheslippedoutofthem,standinginherstainedsocks.“Oh,darn!”

“Ineedtoteachyouhowtocuss,”hemused.

“Youdoitwellenoughforbothofus,andintwolanguages,”shepointedout.HisSpanishwas
elegantandfluent.

Hechuckled.“SoIdo.”

“Thegroundiscold,”shesaidabsently.

Hestood,movedcloseandsuddenlyswungherupintohispowerfularmsasifsheweighednothing
atall.

Shegaspedatthestrengthinthosepowerfularmsandclungtohisneck,fearfulofbeingdropped.

She’dneverlikedbeingcarried,althoughitwasagonizinglystimulatingwhenJasondidit.Shefelt
shakyallover,beingsoclosetohim.Thistime,herbodybetrayeditsfascinationwithhim.Shefelt
thewhisperofhiscoffee-scentedbreathonherfaceasheshiftedher.Hesmelledoffaint,expensive
cologneandsoap,andmusclesrippledinhischest.Theachethathadbeguntoconsumeherbecame
almostpainful.Hermindfilledwithunfamiliar,dangerousthoughts.Sheshouldbestill,sheshould
pullback.Shewasthinkingitevenasshesuddenlynestledclosertohiswarmstrengthandburiedher
faceinhisthroat.Shethoughtheshuddered,butthatwasdoubtful.She’dneverknownamaninbetter
controlofhimself.

“Iknow,youdon’tlikebeingpickedup,”hesaidinahuskytone.Helaughedsoftly.“Butyoucan’t
walkonthewhitecarpetshoelesswithdirtysocks,pet,”headded.Hecurledherevencloser,sothat
hersmall,firmbreastswerecrushedagainstwarm,hardmuscle.“JustliestillandthinkofEngland.”

Shefrownedashecarriedherupthestepsandintothehouse,shiftingherweightforaninstantto
openthefrontdoor.Hekickeditshutbehindthemandstartedforthestairsthatledtothesecondfloor
ofthehugemansion.

“England?”sheasked,diverted.

Hecarriedherupthestaircase,smiling.“Thinkaboutit.”

“England.”She’dneverbeentoEngland.Hadshe?

Hestoppedatthedoortoherroom.Hisblackeyespiercedintohers.Hewasmuchtooclose.She
couldfeelhiscleanbreathonherface.Thefeelofhisarmsunderher,hiswarmstrengthsocloseto
her,madeherfeelexhilaratedandbreathless.Shedidn’twanttomove.Shewantedhimtoholdher
evencloser.

“Thoseoldmovies,wherewomensacrificethemselvesforthegoodoftheircountry?”heprompted,
stillsmiling.Buthiseyesweretaunting,wise,hintingatthingsthatGracieknewnothingabout.

“Whatoldmovies?”sheaskedabsently.Hermindwasonhowfastherheartwasbeating.

“Nevermind,”hesaidheavily.Heputherdownabruptly,lookingfrustrated.

“Idon’twatcholdmovies,Jason,”shesaid,tryingtoplacatehim.“Wedon’thaveany.”

“I’llbuysomeoldones,”hemuttered.“Maybesomedocumentaryones,too.”

“Documentaries?Aboutwhat?”sheaskedblankly.

Hestartedtospeak,thoughtbetterofitandmadeathinlineofhislips.“Nevermind.Don’tbetoo
long.”

“Iwon’t.”Shehesitated.“WhatshallIwear?”sheadded,wantingtosoothehimbecausehelikedit
whensheaskedforhisadvice,andheseemedangrywithherforsomereason.

Hepaused.Hiseyessweptdownherbodywithastrangeslowness.“WearthegoldgownIbrought
youfromParis,”hesaidsoftly.“Itsuitsyou.”

“Isn’tittoodressyforacocktailparty?”shewondered.

Hemovedbacktoher.Hewassotall,shethought,thatherheadonlycameuptohisnose.Helooked
downintoherpuzzledeyes.“No,”hereplied.Hetouchedherdamagedcoiffure.“Andletyourhair
downforonce.Wearitlong.Forme.”

Hemadeherfeelwarmandjittery.Thatwasnew.Hisvoicewasdeepandslow,assoftasvelvet.Her
lipspartedinanticipationasshestaredintohiseyes.

Heliftedherchinwithhisthumbandforefinger.Histhumbmovedsuddenly,draggingacrossher
mouthinaroughcaressthatmadeherbreathcatch.

Hislarge,blackeyessuddenlynarrowed,andhisjawclenchedashelookeddownintoGracie’s
stunnedgrayeyes.“Yes,”hesaidquietly,asifshe’dsaidsomethingaloud.Heletgoofher,very
slowly,andwentdownthestaircase.

Shewatchedhimgo,fascinated.Herfingersliftedtohersensitizedmouthandtoucheditlightly.Her
heartwasbeatingsofastthatshethoughtitmighttrytoflyoutofherchest.Shecouldn’tquitegether
breath.Jasonhadtouchedherinanewway,adifferentwaythanhe’devertouchedherbefore.She
didn’tdarethinkaboutittoodeeply.Notnow.Sheturnedquicklyandwentintoherroom.

THEREWEREALOTOFpeopleheretonight,shethoughtasshecamedownthelong,curving
staircaseandsurveyedthethrongofwell-dressedguests.Itdidn’ttakemuchimaginationtospotthe
computercompanypartners;theywerewearingsuitsthatdidn’tquitefitandtheylookedoutofplace
anduncomfortable.

Gracie,aveteranofsocialgatherings,understoodtheirconfusion.Ithadtakenheralongtimeto
adjusttoluxurycarsanddesignerclothingandpartieslikethis.Inmanyways,shewasmore
comfortablewithJason’scowboysthanthiselegantmixofprofessionalsandbigmoney.Butshewas
fairlycertainthatshelookedpresentable,intheclingygoldgownthatcoveredallofonearmandleft
theoppositearmandshoulderenticinglybare.Itfelltoherankles,butthebackdroopedinaflowof
silkyfabrictoliejustoverthebaseofherspine,leavingthehoney-smoothskinbare.Herpaleblond
hairswungaroundhershouldersinsoftprofusion.Withthegownsheworeagoldnecklaceof
interlockingrings,withmatchingearrings.Shelookedpretty,andmuchyoungerthanherrealage.

Shewalkeduptotheskinny,freckle-facedredheadwhoseemedthedominantpartnerandsmiled.“Do
youhaveeverythingyouneed?”sheaskedhimgently.

Helookeddownatherandflushed.“I,uh,well,I…thatis…”hestammered.

Hisround-faced,dark-skinnedpartnerclearedhisthroat.“We’resortofoutofplacehere,”hebegan.

Gracieputherarmsthroughtheirsanddrewthemalongwithherintotheballroom,whereasmall

livebandwasplaying,andguidedthemtothebar.“Nobodystandsonceremonyhere,”sheexplained
pleasantly.“We’rejustplainpeople,likeeverybodyelse.”

“Plainpeoplewithprivatejetsandworld-classsoccerstarsforfriends,”theredheadedone
murmured,lookingaround.

“Yes,butyou’llbeinthatsamesocietyonedayyourselves,”shereplied,smiling.“Jasonsaysyou’re
bothgeniuses,thatyou’vedesignedsoftwarethatrevolutionizesthegamingindustry.”

Theybothstaredather.“You’rehissister,”theshorteroneguessed.

“Well,hisstepsister,”shesaid.“I’mGracieMarsh.”

“I’mFredTurnbill,”theround-facedonesaid.“He’sJeremyCarswell.We’reShadowSoftware.”

Sheshookhandswitheachoftheminturn.“I’mverygladtomeetyou.”

“Your…stepbrother,”Fredsaid,noddingtowardthetall,elegantmanwithachampagnefluteinone
hand,talkingtoafamousactor.“He’sveryaggressive.Weweren’teveninterestedinbeingacquired,
buthejustkeptcoming.He’soffereduscreativecontrolandexecutivepositionsandevenstock
bonuses.”Helaughednervously.“It’shardtoturndownamanlikethat.”

“Iknowwhatyoumean,”shesaid.

“Heseemsverymuchathomehere,”Fredsighed.“Iguessheis,consideringhisfinancialstatus.”

Shehandedthemflutesofchampagne.“Listen,”shesaidconfidentially,“hedoeswhatbusiness
requiresofhim.Butyoumighthaveadifferentpictureofhimifyoucouldseehimthrowingcalves
duringroundup.Andespeciallyifyoucouldseehimride.”Hergrayeyesgrewdreamy.“I’venever
seenanythingmorebeautifulinmylifethanJasononarunninghorse.”

Theywerebothlookingatherwithcuriousexpressions.“Onahorse?”Fredmurmured.

“Throwingcalves?”Jeremyadded.

Shesmiled,stillstaringatJason.“HeownsaSantaGertrudisranchdowninComancheWells.When
heisn’tmanagingacquisitions,he’sbusyworkingcattlerightalongsidehismen.”

“Well!”Fredexclaimed.“Sohe’snotjustsomegreedybusinessmantryingtoowntheworld.”

“Notonyourlife,”Graciesaidsoftly.“Hegoestoextremestobeenvironmentallyresponsible.He
won’tevenusepesticidesontheplace.”

Atthatmoment,Jasonseemedtofeelhergaze,becausehisheadturnedandblackeyeslancedinto
hersacrossthewidthoftheballroom.Evenatthedistance,Gracie’skneeswentweakandsheseemed
tostopbreathing.Itwasthefirsttimehe’deverlookedatherlikethat.Asif,shethoughtabsently,he
couldeatheralive.

Shedraggedhereyesawayfromhiswithasmall,nervouslaugh.“Heisn’twhatheseems.”

FredpursedhislipsandexchangedglanceswithJeremy.“Thatsortofputsadifferentcomplexionon
things,”hesaid.“Amanwhogetsoutandworkswithhispeopleisn’ttheimagewehadofMr.
Pendleton.Iguesswe’reallvictimsofassumption.”

“YouneverassumeanythingwithJason,”shetoldthem.“WhenGodmadehim,Hebrokethemold.
Thereisn’tanotheronelikehimintheworld.WhenJasongiveshisword,hekeepsit,andhe’sthe
mosthonestmanI’veeverknown.”

Jeremysmileddownather.“Well,you’vesoldus.Iguesswe’reabouttojointhecorporation.”

“You’reabouttojointhefamily,”shecorrected.“Jasonbelievesinholidaybonusesandgoodbenefit
packages,andhelooksoutforhispeople.”

Jeremyliftedhisglass.SodidFred.“Here’stoaprosperousfuture.”

Gracieraisedhers,aswell,andtoastedthem.“I’lldrinktothat.”

Sheexcusedherselftogotheroundsoftheotherguests.ShenoticedafewminuteslaterthatJason
wastalkingtothetwosoftwareexecutivesandsmiling.Shechuckled.Itwasn’tthefirsttimeshe’d
nudgedadealintocompletion.Shewasgettinggoodatit.

Aroundmidnight,sheandJasonendeduptogetheratthedrinkstable.Coupleswereoutonthefloor
dancingtoalazy,romanticmelody.

“Caretodance?”sheaskedwithagrin.

Heshookhishead.

Shewasn’treallysurprised.He’ddancedwithseveralotherwomenduringtheevening,includingan
elderlywomanwhocametothepartyalone.ButheneverdancedwithGraciethesedays,nomatter
howhardsheworkedatconvincinghimto.

Shefrowned.“Youdancewithotherpeople.”

Heglanceddownather.“I’mnotdancingwithyou.”

Shefeltunsettledbytherefusal.Shedidn’tunderstandwhyhewasthisway.Shemightbeclumsy,but
shedidallrightonthedancefloor.Shepickedupachampagnefluteandfilledit.

“Don’tgetyourfeelingshurt,”hesaidcurtly.“Ihavereasons.Goodones.Ijustcan’tdiscussthem.”

Shemovedhershoulder.“Noproblem,”shesaid,puttingonherpartysmile.

Heturnedtofaceher,hisjawtaut.Hisblackeyeswereoddlyglitteryastheymetherwoundedgray
ones.“Youlook,butyoudon’tsee,Gracie,”hesaidcurtly.

Shestaredupathimmiserably.“Idon’tunderstand.”

Hesighed.“That’sanunderstatement,”hesaidunderhisbreath.

Shesippedchampagne.Oneofhislean,beautifulhandscameupandtooktheflutefromherfingers.
Heliftedittohismouth,sippingthesparklingamberliquidfromtheexactspotherlipshadtouched,
andhelookedstraightintohereyeswhilehedidit.

Theactwasdeliberate,sensual,provocative.Gracie’slipspartedonarushofbreathwhileheheldher
eyesinabondshecouldn’tbreak.Shefeltanexplosionofsensationsointensethatitlefther
speechless.

“Shocked,Gracie?”hewonderedashehandedtheflutebacktoher.

“I…don’tknow.”

Hisfingerscameupandtracedalinefromherflushedcheektothecornerofherlips.Hestaredat
themintently.“Youclosedtheaccount.”

“What…account?”

“Thecomputeraccount.They’rein,thankstoyou.Ididn’tevenhavetointroducethemtothesoccer
players.”Hisfingerstrailedoverhersoftmouth.“Amazing,thatgiftyouhaveforputtingpeopleat
ease,makingthemfeelasiftheybelong.”

“Agift,”shewhispered,notreallyhearinghim.Whathewasdoingtohermouthwasveryerotic.She
movedcloser.

Hisheadbent,sothatwhathewassayingcouldn’tbeoverheard.Herresponsetohimwas
electrifying.Hewasonfire.

“Gracie,”hewhispered,bendingcloser,“Icanhearyourheartbeating.”

“Can…you?”Hereyeswereonhisfirm,sensualmouth.

Hislipspartedastheyhoveredjustaboveherown.Histallbodycordedattheenticementshe
presented,herhandsgoingtohisshirtfrontandpressingthere.Hisheartbegantorace.“Whatareyou
goingtodoifIbendaninchmore,andputmymouthrightoveryourlips?”heaskedinarough,
sensualtone.

Shewasn’thearinghim.Shecouldn’thearanything.Shecouldonlyseehismouth,fillinghermind
withimagessosensualandsweetthatherlegsbegantowobbleunderher.Herfingerscontractedon
hisshirt.Shefeltthickhairandmuscleunderthecrisp,cleanfabric.

“Icouldbendyoubackovermyarmandholdyousoclosethatyoucouldn’tbreatheunlessIdid,”he
whisperedgruffly.“Kissyousohardthatyourmouthwouldbeswollenfromtheintensityofit!”

Shewasontiptoe,feelingthemusclesclencheventhroughthefineclothofhisdinnerjacketasher

smallbreastspressedhardintohischest.Hermouthwaslifted,pleading.Shefelttight,hot,achyall
over.Shewastrembling.Sheknewthathecouldsee,anditdidn’tmatter.Nothingmattered,except
thatshewantedhimtocomecloser,tokissheruntilshefeltonfire,untilthesharpachehewas
arousingwassatisfied,untilthebackbreakingtensionstoppedrackingherslenderbody…

“Jason,”shechoked,tighteninghergriponhisshoulders.

“Hey,Jason,”cameanexuberantvoicefrombehindhim,“couldyouexplaintoTedherehowthat
newcomputersoftwareworks?HewantstogetinonourdealwiththoseCaliforniatechiesyou’re
tryingtoassimilate.”

Jasonstooderect,lookingasifhe’dbeenshot.Hehadtowork,tocontrolhimselfbeforeheturned
abruptlyawayfromGracie,tothebusinessmanstandingbehindhim,nursingawhiskeyhighball.

“Let’sfindtheinventorsandgetthemtotellhim,”Jasonsaid,forcingasmile.“Comeon.”

Hedidn’tlookatGracie.Thebusinessmandid,frowningatheroddexpression,buthewasfeelingthe
liquorandpassedoffthelittletête-à-têtehe’djustwitnessedasanaberrationbroughtonbywhiskey.
Jasonwasn’tlikelytobekissinghisstepsisterinpublic,afterall!

3

JASONSEEMEDASRELIEVEDasGraciethattheyweren’tthrowntogetheragain.Hedidn’tseek
heroutorevenlookherwayfortherestoftheevening.Hedidsaygood-nighttoheraftertheguests
left,butinacurtandperfunctoryway,asiftheinterludeearlierhadembarrassedhim.Ithadseemed
likeadeliberateattemptatseductionearlier,butitwasbeginningtofeelmorelikeanunwantedloss
ofcontrol.He’dspokentoherinawaythatchangedtheirrelationship.Perhapshe’dhadonehighball
toomanyandwasnowcountinghisregrets,shethought.

ButJasonneverdrankwhiskey.Hedrankwhitewinesorchampagne,andpreciouslittleevenofthat.
Whenhe’dbeenclosetoher,shedidn’trecallsmellinganyliquoronhisbreathatall.SoGracie
didn’tknowwhattothink.Shewasmortifiedthatshe’dgivenawayherhelplessattractiontohim,
somethingshe’dneverwantedhimtosee.Itwouldbelikemakingpromisesshecouldn’tkeep.Butit
wasJason’sbehaviorthatunsettledher.

Shewentuptoherbedroomandactuallylockedthedoor.ShewasstillreelingfromtheshockJason
hadgivenherbeforetheywereinterrupted;notfromhisactions,butfromherownresponsetothem.

Shehad…wantedhim.Actuallywantedhim.Itwasthefirsttimeinheradultlifethatshe’dfelt
physicaldesire.She’dthoughtforalongtimethatshewassimplyundersexed,thatshedidn’tfeel
desireatall.Nowherbodywasawakeandshewasinanguishatthethingsshe’djustlearnedabout
herself.Shewasn’timpervioustomen.Notanymore.Shewasvulnerable.AndJasonknewit.

Hermother ’swarningsechoedinhertiredmindassheputonalongcottongownandclimbedinto
hercanopiedbed,huddlingunderthespotlesswhitecoversandhand-embroideredsheets.Shestared
atthecanopyfabricoverherheadinthelightofherbedsidelamp,tremblingfromtheimpactof
Jason’ssoftteasing.Sheknewthatshe’dneverbeabletoforgetthathungerinhiseyes,inhistouch.
Hewasastrangerinthisrespect,amanshedidn’tknowatall.Hadhemeanttogothatfar?Orhadhe
reallylostcontrolofhimself?Itwasn’tlikehimtobesoforwardwithanywomaninpublic,leastof
allGracie.

Itwasbecomingclearwhybeautifulwomenhungaroundhimlikesatellites.Itwasn’thismoneyatall.
Itwastheman,thesensuous,tenderman,whodrewtheirattention.Graciewascuriousabouthis
changedattitudetoher.Shewasalsocuriousaboutwhyhe’drefusedtodancewithher.Ithadn’tbeen
thefirsttime.Forovertwoyears,now,he’davoidedanyclosephysicalcontactwithher.Whathad
happenedtochangethat,inthespaceofaday?

No,shethought.No,itwasn’tjusttoday.He’dbeendifferentwhentheywenttothecattleauction,too.
Itwasthewayhelookedather.Itwasalmostpredatory.Hewaslikeabigcatstrainingattheleash.If
hebrokeit,whatwouldhebelike?Asmallpartofherachedtofindout.Butthebiggerpartwas
afraid,evenofJason,inthatway.

Shetossedandturnedallnight,longingtoseeJasonagainanddreadingitatthesametime.How
couldsheeverbeherselfwithhimagainafterwhathadhappened?

SHEDRAGGEDHERSELFDOWNSTAIRSthenextmorningwithoutmakeup,withherhairina
ponytail,wearingoldjeansandalongcottonshirtandsneakers.Shewantedtolookaslittlelikea
sirenaspossible.JustincaseJasonwasstillprowling.

Butitwasawastedcamouflagebecausehewasn’tatthebreakfasttablewhenshewentinandsat
down.Shenoticedassheunfoldedhernapkinandwenttopourcoffeeinherchinacupfromthe
carafethatonlyoneplacewasset.

Mrs.Harcourtcameinwithasmallplatterofmeatsandeggs.

“Isn’tJasonhere?”sheaskedthehousekeeper.

“No,dear,hetookofflikeahurricanethismorning,beforeIgotthebiscuitsintheoven,”shesaid,
frowning.“Tenseasapulledropehewas,andoutofsorts.Tookoffinthatbigcarlikeapossewas
onhistail.”Shewhistled.“NowondertheycallthemJaguars.Itsoundedlikeawoundedwildcatwhen
hewentdownthedriveway.”

Translated,thatmeanthewasangry.Hetendedtotakehistemperoutonthehighway,aflawthathad
resultedinagoodnumberoftrafficcitations.Hedidn’tdriverecklessly,buthedrovetoofast.

Sheladledeggsontoherplateslowly.Shedidn’tknowwhichwasstronger—reliefordisappointment.
Itwasreallyonlypostponingthereckoning.Certainlytheycouldn’tgobacktotheiroldrelationship
afterwhathadhappenedbetweenthem.

“You’reveryglumthismorning,”Mrs.Harcourtsaidgently,herdarkeyessmilingasshemoved
dishesoffoodclosertoGracie.“Badparty?”

“What?Oh,no,notreally,”shereplied,sighing.“Itwasjustlongandloud.”Shesmiled.“I’mnot
reallyapartyperson.”

“NeitherisJason,”Mrs.Harcourtsaidquietly.“He’dratherliveonhisranchandjustbeacowboy.”

“Howdidhecomeintothatranch?”Gracieaskedsuddenly.

Mrs.Harcourtlookedoddlyunsettled,butherfacequicklylostitsconfusedexpression.“Heboughtit
frommyfamily,”shesaidsurprisingly.“Itwasmygrandfather ’splace.Notthatitwasinverygood
shape,”sheadded.“Iwasafraiditwouldgoforsubdivisionsorashoppingmall.”Shesmiled.“I’m
sogladitdidn’t.”

Graciewasthoughtfulasshesippedcoffee.“Heboughtittheyearbeforehisfatherdied,”she
recalled.

“Yes.”Mrs.Harcourt’ssoftvoicehadasuddenedge.

“Mr.Pendletondidn’tmovewiththetimes,didhe?”sheaskedassheputdownhercoffeecup.“He
hatedtheranchandJasonworkingonit.HesaiditwasbeneathaPendletontodomanuallabor.”

“Oh,hewasasticklerforclassandposition,”theolderwomansaidbitterly.“Herefusedtolet
Jason’sfirstranchforemaninthefrontdoor.Hetoldhimthatservantswenttotheback.”

“Howridiculous,”Graciehuffed.

“HeandJasonhadaterriblerowaboutitlater.Jasonwon.”Theolderwomanchuckled.“Whatever
hisfaults,andhedoesn’thavethatmany,Jasonisnosnob.”

“Didhelovehisfather?”Gracielaughedself-consciously.“Whatasillyquestion.Ofcoursehedid.
Thedaywewenttothereadingofhisfather ’swillisoneI’llneverforget.Thereweregrantsto
Gloryandme,butthelawyerwentbehindcloseddoorstodiscusstherestwithJason.Afterward,he
gotdrunk,remember?”shesighed.“InallthetimeI’veknownJason,I’veneverevenseenhimtipsy.
Henevercriedattheoldman’sfuneral,buthewentwildafterhesawthewill.Iguessittookafew
daystohithim.Theloss,Imean.Withhismotherlongdead,hislastparentwasgoneforever…Mrs.
Harcourt!Areyouallright?”

Theelderlywomanhadtoppledthecoffeepot,rightonherhand.Graciejumpedup,allbutdragging
thewomanintothekitchentothesink.“Youholdthatrightthere,”sheinstructed,puttingtheburned
handunderrunningcoldwater.Shewenttothebathroomandrifledthroughthemedicinecabinetto
getwhatsheneeded.Shewalkedbrisklybacktothekitchenandputthesuppliesdownbythesink.

“MissGracie,Icandothat,”shefussed.“Itisn’tright,youwaitingonme.”

“Don’tyoustart,”Graciemuttered.“Wedon’tdothemaster-and-servantthinginthishouse.Youand
DillyandJohnarefamily,”shesaidfirmly.“Wealllookoutforeachother.”

Tearsmistedtheolderwoman’seyes.Graciecouldn’ttellifemotionorpaincausedit,butshesmiled
gentlyasshetreatedtheburn.“Honestly,Idon’tknowwhatintheworldwe’ddowithoutyou.”

“That’ssokindofyou,MissGracie.”

“Gracie,”shecorrected.“Youdon’tcallJason‘Mr.Jason,’”shepointedout.

“Idowhenhe’saround,”thehousekeepercorrected.

“Andyougetfussedat.Hedoesn’tlikeitwhenyoutreathimliketheboss.”Shehesitatedasshe
fastenedthebandageinplace.“He’s…verystrangelately,”shesaidsoftly.“Idon’tunderstandhim.”

Mrs.Harcourtlookedasifshe’dsmothertryingnottospeak.Finallyshesaid,“Hejusthasaloton
hismind.There’sthatcomputercompanyinGermanythat’sbotheringhimbecauseitcompeteswith
hisownnewline.Itcouldhurthiminthemarket.Hesaidhehopeshewon’thavetogooverthere,but
theownersaredraggingtheirfeetaboutselling.”

“Godhelpthemifhedoesgooverthere.”Graciechuckled.“Jasonislikeabulldozerwhenhewants
something.”

“Heis,”Mrs.Harcourtagreed.“Thanksforpatchingmeup.”

“Oh,Ihaveanulteriormotive,”Gracietoldher.“Ineedyourhelptosmuggleinsomemore
Christmasdecorations.YouhavetohelpmegettheboxesintotheatticsoJasonwon’tseethemifhe’s
aroundwhentheyarrive.”

Theolderwomanhesitated,clearlydisturbed.

“Hejustgrumbles,”Gracieremindedher.“Hedoesn’tsayIcan’tputuptreesandwreathsandholly
garlands.”Shefrowned.“WhydoeshehateChristmas?”shewondered,andnotforthefirsttime.But
she’dneveraskedMrs.Harcourtaboutitbefore.

Mrs.Harcourtgrimaced.“Hisfatherdidn’tmindatree,butheneverboughtpresents.Hesaidthe
holidaywasnothingmorethananexcuseforcommerce.HewasneverhereatChristmas,anyway,not
onceduringJason’swholelife,”sheaddedbitterly.“Iboughtlittlegiftsforhim,orknittedhimcaps
andscarvesormadeafghansforhisbed,”shesaidsoftly.“DillyandJohnandItriedtomakeitupto
him.Hewasalonelychild.”

“Howterrible,”Graciemurmured.

“Whydoyouloveitsomuch?”theolderwomanasked.

“IwasneverallowedtocelebrateChristmas,”sheblurtedout.“Notevenwithatree.”Herfaceflamed.
Shehadn’tmeanttogivethataway.

Theolderwomanwasclearlyshocked.“ButyougotochurchwithJason.Andyoudecorate
everything—evenBaker,once,withfakeantlers…!”

“Myfatherwas…anatheist,”shewhispered.“Hewouldn’tletusgotochurchorcelebrateChristmas.”

“Oh,mydear.”Mrs.Harcourthuggedhercloseandheldher.Graciesobbed.Exceptforthiswarm,
matronlywoman,Graciehadn’tknownrealaffectionsincehermother ’sdeath.MyronPendletonhad
beenkind,inanimpersonalway,buthewasn’tthehuggingsort.Really,neitherwasJason.

“Youwon’ttellhim?”Gracieasked,finallymovingaway,todabathereyeswithatissueMrs.
Harcourtpressedintoherhand.

“No.I’mgoodatkeepingsecrets,”sheaddedwithasmilethatlookedoddlycynical.“Butwhydon’t
youwanthimtoknow?”

“Mymothertaughtmenevertotalkaboutmychildhood.Especiallyafterwecamehere.”

Mrs.Harcourtsensedthattherewasalotthisyoungwomanhadneversharedwithanyone.“Comeon
andfinishyourbreakfast,”shecoaxed.“I’llmakeyoualovelychocolatecakelater.”

Gracielaughedself-consciously.“Youspoilme,Mrs.Harcourt.MeandGlory,too.Youalwaysdid.”

“Imissedhavinggirlsofmyown,”shesaid.“Myhusbandwassterile.”

“Ididn’trealize.I’msosorry.”

Shesmiledsadly.“Ilovedhim,buthewasahardmantolivewith.HebrokehorsesforJason.Hewas
kickedintheheadbyamustanganddiedrightthereinthecorral.Ihadnoplaceelsetogo,nofamily,
soIstayedhere.”

“I’mgladyoudid,”Graciesaid.“Youmadethisplaceahome.Youstilldo.”

Mrs.Harcourtbeamed.“Forthat,youcanhaveachocolatecakewithbuttercreamfrosting.”

“Myfavorite!”

Theolderwomanchuckled.“Iknow.NowthatI’mpatchedup,I’llgetstartedonthatcake.Youfinish
yourbreakfast.”

“Yes,ma’am.”

Graciewentbacktothetable.Lifewashardoneverybody.PoorMrs.Harcourt,awidowwithouteven
achildtocomfortherinheroldage.

ITWASASLOWLUNCHdayforBarbara’sCafé.TheownersatataboothwithGracie,nibblingon
asalad.ShewastwelveyearsolderthanGracie,withthickblondhairandprettyeyes.Everybody
knewherlocallyandlovedher.She’dbeenawidowforalongtime,butshedidhavefamily.She’d
adoptedRickMarquez,theSanAntoniohomicidedetective,whenhewasinhisteens.Nowhewasthe
joyofherlife.

“Whydon’tyousetyoursightsonRick?”Barbarateased.“He’syoungandsingleandincredibly
handsome,evenifIdosayso.”

“Hecarriesagunaround,”Graciepointedout.

“Sodoesyourstepbrother,”theolderwomanreplied.

“Yes,whenhe’sontheranch,butJasondoesn’tspendhislifearounddeadbodies,”sheadded.

“HavingseenacoupleofhiscowboysfromtheRockingSpureatinglunchoverherelastweek,I
coulddebatethat.Theysaidthey’djustcomeinfrompullingcattleoutofmud,andtheylookedlike
deathwarmedover.”

“SodoesJason,whenhe’shelpingwithrounduporrescuingmiredcattle,”Graciesaid.

“Amultimillionaire,outworkingcattle,”theolderwomansighed,shakingherhead.

“It’swherehe’dratherbeallthetime,ifhecould.”

Barbarasmiled.“Irememberwhenhetookoverthatranch.Helookedasifhe’dwonthelottery.”

“I’llbethehadtopayalotforit,”Graciemused.“It’shuge.”

“ActuallyIheardthatheinheritedit,”Barbarasaid.

Gracielaughed.“Notlikely.ItbelongedtosomeofMrs.Harcourt’sfamily.Theysoldittohim.”

Barbarashrugged.“Imusthavemisunderstood.Speakingofthedevil,howisJason?”

Gracieshiftedinherchair.“Idon’tknow.”

SomethinginthetoneofhervoicemadeBarbaratense.“Whydon’tyouknow?”

“Ihaven’tseenhimfordays,orevenheardfromhim,”shesaid.“Iplannedadinnerpartyfortwoof
ourfriendswhoaregettingmarried.Hehasn’tsaidifhe’scomingoverforitornot.”

Barbarawassurprised.“Haveyouquarreled?ButyouandJasonneverargue,evenaboutthose
hundredsofChristmasdecorationsyoustickeverywherestartingatThanksgivingthatdrivehim
nuts…”

“Wejusthadamisunderstanding.”Graciecouldn’tbeartotalkaboutwhathadreallyhappened.“He
leftwithoutagoodbyewhenhecamedownhere.”

Barbaraslidahandovertheotherwoman’swhereitrestedonthetable.“Youshouldgoovertothe
ranchandtalktohim,”shesaid.“He’sawkwardwithpeoplesometimes,likemostlonersare.Maybe
hewantstomakeupandjustdoesn’tknowhow.”

Graciebrightenedalittle.“You’reperceptive,”shesaid.“Yes,heisawkwardwithpeople.Hedoesn’t
evercomerightoutandapologize,butheworksitaroundsothatyouunderstandwhathemeans.He
holdsthingsinside.”Shesighed.“Mystepsister,Glory,usedtosaythatJasongothisfeelingshurt
moreoftenthananyofusrealized,buthenevershowedit.Shesaidhethoughtofitasakindof
weakness.”

“Thatwashisfather ’sdoing,”Barbarasaidcoolly.“Theoldmanlovedwomen,plural,buthewas
nevermuchgoodatcommitment.Heonlymarriedwomenhecouldn’tgetintobedanyotherway—
outofdesire,neverlove.Heneverlovedanyofthem.HetaughtJasonthatlovewasaweakness.He
saidwomenusedsexasaweapontoextortmoneyfrommen.”

“GoodLord!”Gracieexclaimed.“Howdoyouknowthat?”

“OneofmycousinsusedtoworkforMyronPendleton.HeoverheardhimtalkingtoJasonabout
womenoneday.Hewasabsolutelydisgusted.Infact,hequitthejob.Hesaidhewasn’tworkingfora
manwhohadnorespectforhiswomenfolk.”

Gracieshookherhead.“I’velivedwithhimalltheseyearsandIdidn’tknowthat.”

“You’velivedunderhisprotection,honey,notunderhisroof,”Barbarasaiddrily.“YouandGlory
wereawayatschool,butwhenyoucamehome,Jasonliveddownhereandleftthetwoofyouupin
SanAntoniowithHarcourtandtheothers.Didn’tyounotice?”

Graciehadn’t.ItwasonlyjustdawningonherthatJason,whilespoilingandprotectingthem,hadkept
themapartfromhimatthesametime.

“Don’tyoureallyknowwhat’swrongwithJason?”Barbaraaskedinapeculiartone.

Graciegaveherablanklook.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Barbaraletgoofherhandandavoidedhereyes.“Nothing.Iwasjustthinkingoutloud.It’sprobably
somethingtodowithbusinessthat’sgothimgrumpy,don’tyouimagine?”

Gracierelaxed.“Yes.Iimagineitis.”Shesippedcoffee.“Youknow,IthinkIwillstopbytheranchon
mywayhome.Hecan’tmissthisparty.”

“That’sthespirit.”Barbaraglancedoutthewindowandwinced.“Badweathercomingagain.
Probablythattropicalstormheadedourway.Lookatthosedarkclouds!”

“I’dbettergetmoving,”Graciereplied.“It’sgettingdark,too.”

“Youdon’twanttobeontheroadsatnightwhenit’sraining,”Barbarasaidworriedly.“Theroadup
totheranchisn’tpaved.You’llgointotheditchforsure.It’snotsafe.Therehavebeensome
kidnappersaroundherelately,andyouwouldbeagoodcatchforthosehorriblecriminals.”

“IdriveaVW,”Graciesaidwitheasyconfidence.“I’mnotslidingintoanyditches!Asforkidnappers
—thisisJacobsville.Nothinghappensaroundhere.”

THIRTYMINUTESLATER,sittingonthesideoftheroadinthedarkwithrainpoundingontheroof
andthecaratadrunkenangleinaditch,sheatethosewords.Shecalledtheranchonhercellphone.
Grange,Jason’sforeman,answered.

“Grange,canyoutellJasonI’mstuckintheditchonthesideroadfromtheranch?”sheasked
plaintively.“Ilostcontrolofthecar.”

“SureIcan.Wantmetocomeoutwiththetruckandgetyou?”heasked.

Shehesitated.Onceshewouldhavesaidyes.Now,withJasonactingsostrangely,shedidn’twantto
putGrangeinanyawkwardsituations.“BettercallJasonthistime,Iguess,”shereplied.

“Noproblem,”hesaidgently.“Youokay?”

“I’mfine.”

“I’llgethim.He’soutwiththeboyscheckingformiredcattle,soitmaybeafewminutes.Sittight.”

“Surething.Thanks.”Sheendedthecall.Oh,boy.IfJasonwasinthemiddleofsomething,shewas
goingtocatchhell.She’donlywantedtomakeupwithhim.Now,thingswereworse.

Timeseemedtodragwhilesheclutchedherpurseinherlapandtriednottoslideintothepassenger

windowofthelittlecar,sittingatanoddangleintheditch.Ithadbeenanimpulsivedecisiontodrive
outhere.Sheshouldhavewaited.

Gracielookedoutthewindshieldattherushingwaterthatcameuptothehoodofherlittlecarand
hopedthatJasonwouldhurry.Thenshefeltguiltythathewasgoingtohavetocomeoutandrescue
heragain.Shewassuchaklutz,shemoanedsilently.Nothingshedideverendedwell.Shewas
disasterontwolegs.Ifonlyshewasn’tsuchascatterbrain.Ifonly…

Sheheardtheroarofapickuptruckandlookedaheadtoseeoneofthebig,double-cabbedblack
ranchtrucksspeedingtowardher.Healwaysdrovetoofast.Thedirtroadwasmuddyandflooded,
too,andshehadvisionsofdisasterifhebrakedtoohard.Shecouldfeelhistemperinthewayhe
swungthetrucktothesideoftheroadandstoppedit.Hedidn’tslide.Hewasalwayssomuchin
controlofhimself,evenwhenhewasragingmad.

Shedrewinashakysigh.Shewouldbeallright.Jasonwasalwaystheretosaveherfromherself.
Evenifhedidn’tlikehavingtodoit.

Anothertruck,awrecker,pulledupbehindhistruck.Heslammedoutofthedriver ’sseatandspoketo
thedriverofthewrecker.ThenhecametowardGraciewithlong,angrystrides,hiswide-brimmed
hatpulledlowoverhiseyes,hisyellowslickerraincoatflappingoverhisboots.

Thecarwaslyingatanangle.Graciewassittingataforty-five-degreeangle,sideways.Jasonjerked
thedooropenandglareddownatherwithcompressedlips.

“Comeon,”hesaidgruffly,holdingoutbothhands.

Shehesitated.Hecouldn’tpossiblyknowwhysheresistedbeingliftedinaman’sarms,evenifhewas
usedtoheridiosyncracies.

“Comeon,”hesaidagain,gentlerthistime.“Gracie,Iknowyoudon’tlikebeingcarried,butthere’s
nootherwayunlessyouwantustopullthecaroutoftheditchwithyouinit.Thedamnedthingcould
roll.”

Shebitherlowerlip.Thatwasevenmoreterrifying.“O…okay.”

Sheliftedbothherarms,clenchingherjaw.Jasoncaughtthemandpulledherup,effortlessly,untilhe
couldpickherup.Heswungherfreeofthecar.Shewasn’twearingaraincoat—anotherstupid
oversight—andshewasquicklysoakedashecarriedhertowardhistruck.

Hestuckherinthepassengerseat,aftersludgingthroughaninchormoreofthickredmud.“Fasten
yourseatbelt,”hesaidcurtlyandslammedherdoor.

Hespoketothewreckermanandpointeddowntheroad,towardthehighway,nottheranch.
ObviouslyhewasshowingthemanthathewantedhercartakentothehouseinSanAntonio.He
didn’twantGracieattheranch.Thathurt.

Hegotbackinbesideher,stillwet,stillmad,stilluncommunicative.Hefastenedhisownseatbelt,

madesureshe’ddonethesame,startedtheengineandgunnedthetruckashepulledbackontothe
highwayandstartedtowardSanAntonio.

“Theranchisthatway,”shesaidinasmallvoice,pointingbehindthem.

“I’mtakingyouhometoSanAntonio,”hesaidshortly.“You’renotstayingdownhereovernight.”

Shedidn’tdareaskwhy.Sheavertedhereyestotheroadandwishedthingswerethewaytheyhad
been,beforehe’dsaidthingsneitherofthemwouldeverforget.

“Whatthehellwereyoudoingontheranchroadintherain?”heaskedshortly.

Shemovedherpurseinherhands.“Hopingwecouldmakeup.”

“Oh.”

Sheglancedathistautprofile.Hewasn’tgivingawayanythingwiththatexpression.Hewassimply
unresponsive.“Okay,Iknow,”shesaidwithalong,wistfulsigh.“Iscrewedupagain.Ishouldhave
waitedforasunnyday.Maybethere’samarketforwomenwhocan’tdoonesinglethingright.I
mightgointotheater.”

Hemadearough,amusedsounddeepinhisthroat.“Irememberyouronetimeonthestage.”

Shegrimaced.Yes.Intenthgrade.Shewasinaplay,withaminorrole.She’dtrippedwalkingtoher
mark,boundedintoanotheractorandthey’dendedupinatangleonthestagefloor.Theaudiencehad
roared.Sadlytheplayhadbeenatragedy,andshehadamonologue—leftunspoken—aboutdeath.
She’dleftthestageintears,withoutspeakingherlines,andhadbeenkickedoutoftheplaythesame
nightbyafuriousdirector.Jasonhadgonetoseetheman,whoputGracierightbackintheplayand
evenapologized.Sheneverhadthenervetoaskwhy.

Shelookeddownatherlap.“MaybeIcouldgetworkasamannequin,”shesuggested.“Youknow—
standuprightinaboutiqueandweardifferentthingseveryday.”

Heglancedather.“Maybeyoucouldtakekaratelessons.”

“Karate?Me?”

“Theyteachself-confidence.”Hesmiledfaintly.“Youcouldusealittle.”

“I’daimakaratechopatsomebody,hitavitalspotandendupinfederalprisonformurder.”She
sighed.

Heglancedather,butwithoutanswering.Heturnedontheradio.“Iwanttolistentothemarketreport.
Doyoumind?”

“Ofcoursenot.”Shedid,butshecouldn’tforcehimtotalkifhedidn’twantto.Sotheylistenedto
stockpricesuntilheturnedintothedrivewayofthemansioninSanAntonioandpulledupatthesteps.
Hecutofftheengine,wentaroundthetruckandopenedherdoor.Therainhadfollowedthem.Itwas

pouringdown,andthedrivewaywasalmostunderwater.

“Icanwalk,”shesaidquickly.

Heraisedaneyebrowandglancedpointedlyattheseveralinchesofwaterpooledonthedriveway.

Shewaswet,butshedidn’twanttoruinhernewshoes.Shebitherliphard.

Hegaveheraquizzicallook.“Somewomenarearousedbybeingcarried,”hesaidinaworldlyway.
“YouactasifI’mcartingyouofftoaguillotineeverytimeIhavetodoit.”

Sheswalloweduncomfortably.“It’sjust…itremindsmeofsomethingbad.Mostespeciallywhenit
storms.”

“What?”

Herfacetightened.“Just…something.Alongtimeago.”

Hestudiedher,whilerainbouncedoffhishatandraincoat,andherealizedthatheknewabsolutely
nothingaboutGracie’slifebeforehermothermarriedhisfather.Herememberedhavingtolure
Gracieoutofherroomwithchocolates,becauseshe’dbeensofrightenedofhimattheageof
fourteen.Ithadtakenhimmonthstowinhertrust.Hescowled.Hisfatherhadneverdiscussedherwith
Jason,excepttotelltheyoungmanthatGraciewouldalwaysneedsomeonetolookoutforher,to
protecther.Thathadn’treallymademuchsenseatthetime.

“Youkeepsecrets,Graciela,”hesaiddeeply,usingherfullname,asherarelydid.

Thesoundofhernameonhislipswassexy.Sweet.Itmadeherhumwithsensationsshedidn’twantto
feel.Shehadnothingtogive,andhedidn’tknowit.Shecouldneverletanything…romantic…
developbetweenthem.Never.Evenifshewantedto.Andshedid.Desperately.Especiallysincehe’d
whisperedthoseexciting,sensuallychargedremarkstoherattheparty.

Shemanagedasmile.“Don’tyoukeepsecrets,too?”

Heshrugged.“Onlyaboutmybreedingprogram,”hesaiddrily,mentioningthegeneticwitcheryand
technologicalskillshepracticedtoproducebetterandleanerpurebredherdbulls.

Aboutwomen,too,shewasabouttosay,butshedidn’tdaretrespassintohisprivatelife.

“Somesecretsarebetterkept,”shesaid.

“Suityourself.”Hiseyestwinkled.“YouworkfortheCIA,doyou?”

Itwasthefirstolivebranchhe’dextended.Shelaughedwithpuredelight.“Sure.Ihaveatrenchcoat,a
blindfold,acyanidepillandthetelephonenumberofaRussianKGBagentinmypurse.”Shegasped.
“Jason,mycar!”

“Thewreckerwillberightbehindus.It’sgoingslowerthanwewere.Itoldhimtotowituphereand

billtheranch.Comeon,baby.I’vegotmoreworktodobeforeIcancallitanight.”Hesighed.“Iwas
outlookingformiredcattle,supervisingtwonewcowboyswhodon’tknowabullfromasteer,when
afencewentdownunderawashintherain,andcattlescatteredtohellandgone.I’vegotafullcrew
outtryingtoroundthemallbackup.Butthenewhandsneedwatching.”

“Youhirementoworkcattleandthenyougetoutanddoityourself.”

Heshrugged.“I’mnotadesksortofman.”

“Inoticed.”

Hereachedinandslidhisarmsunderherkneesandherbackandswungheroutofthetruckasifshe
waslightasafeather.“You’resuchacat,Gracie,”hemused.“Allsleeklinesandlightweight.You
don’teatenough.”

“I’mneverhungry.”

“Yourunitalloff.”Heturnedtowardthehouse.

Ahugeflashofjaggedlightningsplittherainy,darksky,startlingGracie,whosuddenlyclungtohim
andhidherfaceinhisthroat,shivering.“Oh,Ihatelightning!”shemoanedasthethunderrolledand
rumbledaroundthem.Herfacemovedagain,justashisheadturned,andhermouthbrushedoverhis
withtheaction.Itwassoperfectlysynchronizedthatitseemedasifshe’dtimedtheturningofher
ownhead,toproducethatsweetlittlecaresstotempthim.

Jason’stall,fitbodycontractedviolentlyandhestoppedinhistracks.Hedidn’tsayaword,but
Graciecouldfeelhisbreathingquicken.Thesoftcontacthadflamedthroughheryoungbody.She
wonderedifitaffectedhimthesameway.

Itbecamequicklyapparentthatithad.Inthelightofthewideporch,helookeddownatherwithpure
heatinhisblackeyes.Theynarrowedastheyfelltohermouth.

Thelightningcameagain,andthethunder,butGraciedidn’tseeit.SheonlysawJason’sfaceashe
staredatherwithgrowingintensity.Shecouldfeelhisbroadchestagainstherbreasts,moving
roughly,asifhehadtroublekeepinghisbreathsteady.Herheartranaway.Thesilkentouchofher
mouthonhishadactedasasparktodrywood.

“Jason?”shewhispered,disconcertedbytheharshlookonhisface.Heseemedangryoutofall
proportiontowhathadhappened.“I’msorry!Ididn’tmeanto…”

“Didn’tyou?”heaskedthroughhisteethashestaredrightintohereyes.

Hisarms,steelyandwarm,contractedfiercelyaroundherbody.Histeethclenchedashisgazefellto
hersoftmouth.Hehesitated,asifhewerefightingabattlewithhisowninstincts.Buthelostit.Gracie
sawwithdawningshocktheachinghungerintheblackeyesthatbegantonarrowandglitterasthe
stormbrokearoundthem.

“Whatthehell,”hemutteredashesuddenlybenthishead.“I’malreadydamned,anyway!”Hismouth
suddenlygrounddownintohers,partingherlips,asurgentasthelightning,asfrighteningasthe
stormashegaveintoasurgeofdesiresohotthathecouldn’tbreathethroughit.Hisarmscontracted
hungrily,grindingGracie’sslightbreastsintothefirm,muscularwallofhischest.Hegroaned
againstherlipsandcrushedherevencloser,hisbrowsdrawntogetherinanagonyofvisibleneedas
hismouthmovedinsistentlyonherlips,partingthem.

Shecouldn’tbelieveitwashappening.ShelovedJason.She’dalwayslovedhim.Butthiswasaside
ofhimthatshe’dneverseenbefore.Thepassionandexpertiseofthekisswereworldsawayfromher
mother ’sfrighteninglecturesabouthowitwasbetweenmenandwomen.Involuntarilyherbody
reactedtothefeelofhim;hermouthwarmedtothefuriousneedinhiskisses.Shefeltashockof
pleasurebeyondanythingshe’deverknownashismouthgrewmoredemanding.

Butshefoughtit.Thiswasonlyhowitbegan,hermotherhadtoldher,withfierceneedthatblindeda
womantotherealityofaman’sdesires.Itbeganlikethis,butitendedinpainandhumiliationand,
ultimately,tragedy.Tragedy.Gunshotsandthemetallictasteofblood…

Andthen,quitesuddenly,Jason’shard,warmmouthsliddownherneckandrightontothefullnessof
herbreast,pressingsohungrilythatshepanicked.

Memoriesfromthepastsurgedupinhermind,frightenedher.Hismouthwasinsistentonherbreast,
twisting.Inafewseconds,sheknew,histeethwouldbiteintoher,andshewouldlooklikehermother
had,bleeding…!

ShepushedatJason’sbroadchest,fightingtheimagesinhermindascertainlyasshefoughtthis
unexpectedlossofcontrolinamanwhoseplaceinherlifehadbeentemperedwithironcontrol.She
didn’tknowJasonlikethis.Hisarmswerecontracting,andhismouthwasopening,assheknewit
would…!Shepushedharder.

Jasonrealized,belatedly,whathewasdoingandheliftedhishead.Ashudderranthroughhimashe
feltherbodymovefranticallyagainsthim.Butshewasn’ttryingtogetcloser.Shewasfightingtoget
awayfromhim.

“Jason,no!Put…medown!Please!”shecried,panicinherface,inherchokedvoice.Shepushed
harder.“Letmego!Letmego!”

“Damnyou!Youstartedit,”hegroundout,asshockedbyhisownfeverishlackofcontrolasbyher
rejectionofhimasaman.

“Iknow.ButI…Ididn’tmeanto!Ididn’twant…that!I’msorry!”shesobbed.

Heputherbackonherfeetabruptlyandlethergo.Shelookedupathimwithshocked,anguished
eyes.Hesteppedback,hisjawclenched.Helookeddownatherwithsmolderingblackeyesinaface
harderthanrock.Therewasviolenceandbarelyleashedpassioninhisexpression.Helookedather
asifhehatedher.Aharshsobburstfromherlips.Shehadstartedit,evenifaccidentally,andnowhe
wasangryagain.Itwasherfault.Hehatedherfortemptinghim…!

Beforehecouldspeak,shewasgone,intothehouse,runninglikeamadwomanforthestaircase.He
staredafterherwithturbulentemotions,hiseyesblazing,hisbodytenseandaching.Desire
evaporatedslowlyoutofhim,tobereplacedwithembarrassmentathislapse,withGracieofall
people.Hewasfuriouswithhimself.Thenhewasfuriouswithher,fortheteasingthatarousedhim
andthedeliberatetouchofhermouthonhisthathadkindledhispassionandmadehimcrosstheline.
She’dpermittedtheintimacyatfirst,andthen,whenheturneduptheheatjustalittle,she’dpushed
himawayasifshefoundhimutterlyrepulsive.Hereplayedtheepisodeinhismind,andangergrew
fromtheembarrassment,alongwithrejectionandhumiliationandwoundedpride.He’dbetrayedhis
desireforher,andshe’dbeen…disgusted.He’dseenitinherface.

Thepainhithimlikeaflood.Atfirsthewashurt.Andthenhewasenraged.Damnher!Whytempt
himintoindiscretionandthenbehaveasifhewastotallyresponsibleforit?

Heturnedonhisheelandstalkedbackouttothetruck.Atthatmoment,hedidn’tcareifheeversaw
heragainaslongashelived.HecursedhereverymileofthewaybacktoComancheWells,so
unsettledthathedidn’tevenseethewreckerpasshimonitswaytoSanAntonio.He’dneverhad
anythinghurtsomuch.Graciedidn’twanthim.Shewasafraidofhimnow,runningscared.Hewould
neverbeabletoerasethispainfulepisodefromboththeirminds.Inaheartbeat,theyhadbecome
enemies.

Hesteppeddownhardontheaccelerator.Hedidn’tcareifhegotaspeedingticket.Nothingmattered
anymore.Notnow.

UPINHERROOM,Graciestoodinthedarkness,shivering.Hatefulmemoriesfloodedhermind.
Screamsfromthebedroom.Tears.Bruisesandfearandblood,stainingthebodiceofhermother ’s
nightgown.Hermother,crying.Herfatherscathing,brutal,accusing.Othermemories;oftheboy
who’dbroughtGraciehome,fartoolatebecauseofaflattire.Herfather,snatchingherupinhis
armsandthrowingheratthewallwithallhismight.She’dfallen,dazed,bruisedandterrified,onlyto
havehimcomeatherwithadoubled-upbelt.He’dsnappeditonthewaytoher.Thesound,loudeven
abovethethunderofthestormoutside;thehorroroftheblows,theblood…

Sheturnedonthelightandwenttolookinhermirror.Herface,likehermother ’shadbeen,was
coveredwithtears,flushed,anguished.Theboyhadnevercomeback.Graciehadbeenbundledoutof
thehouse,bloodyandsobbing,byhermother.Herfather ’sthreatshadfollowedthemastheyrannext
doorforhelp.Hermothergotaway.Graciedidn’t.Shewasn’tquickenoughtoescapeherfather ’s
pursuingrage.Shewaslifted,carriedforciblybacktoherownhomewhilehermotherscreamedand
beggedfromtheyardnextdoor.

Bluelightsflashing.Sirens.Meninavan,dressedlikesoldiers,butallinblack.Bigguns.Gracie
trappedinherfather ’sarms,beingdraggedtothedoor,thepistolheldatherhead,herfather
laughing.Hermothermightleavehim,butGraciewoulddie,andshe’dhavetolivewithit.Taunting,
refusingtospeakwithanegotiator.HewantedthenewsmediatoknowitwasthefaultofGracie’s
faithless,whoringmother.Graciewoulddienow,intimeforthesixo’clocknews!Heyelledittothe
policemenwhowerestandingwiththeirweaponsdrawninthestreet.Andhestartedtopullthe
trigger.

Ashot.Oneshot.Acracklikethunder.WetnessonGracie’sface,inhermouth,metallicandthick;a
searingpaininherheadassheandherfatherbothfelltothewetground…

Shejerkedhermindbacktothepresent.Jasonhadkissedher.Hismouthhadpresseddownhardon
herbreast.Hadhemeanttogrindhisteethintoherflesh,thewayherfatherhaddonetoherpoor
mother?She’dtoldGracienevertomarry,thatamanluredawomanin,andthenhebeatherand
torturedherinthebedroom,becauseitwastheonlywayhefeltanypleasureorrelease.Gracie
understood.Sexwasonlyforaman’spleasure,andawomanpaidforitwithpain.Bloodandscreams
andpain…

Graciegrippedtheedgeofherdresserandfeltsick.She’drunfromJason.Hemustthinkshefound
himdisgusting.Shewishedshecouldapologize,butthatwouldinvolveadmittingthetruthabouther
fatherandmother,andshecouldn’tdothat.Ifshedid,Jasonwouldprobablythrowheroutofthe
house.ItwouldbeaterriblescandalifanyoneeverfoundoutaboutGracie’spast.Butithadbeena
longtimeago,andpeoplehadshortmemoriesthesedays.Nobodywouldconnectthenewspaper
articleaboutthebloodylittlegirlcryinginapoliceman’sarmsbesideherfather ’sbodyoutsidethe
dilapidatedlittlehouse,withthegrownwomanwholivedinamansion.Especiallywhenherown
motherhadtoldeveryonethatGraciewasonlyherstepchild.Nobodyknewthatherlastnamehad
beenlegallychangedinthedaysjustafterherfather ’sdeath,toMarsh—hermother ’smaidenname.
Shewassafe.

Shedabbedathereyesasshestaredatthepuffy-eyedwomaninthemirror.Hermotherhadbeen
beautiful.Graciefavoredherfather,whosefacehadbeenordinary.Shehadanicemouthandher
figurewaswell-proportioned,ifalittlesmall-breasted.Herlonghair,twistedintoatightbun,would
havebeenherbestfeatureifshe’dletitstayloose.ButitwaslikeGracie,tieduptightlysothatit
couldn’teverescape.Inside,Graciewastiedupinhorriblememories.

Jasonwouldhatehernow.Maybethatwasbest.Hewouldn’tbetemptedtotouchheragain,tomake
hersoweakthatshewantedtodoanythingheliked.Shefeltasenseofprofoundloss.Shewouldhave
lovedbeinganormalwoman.Jasonwasakind,gentle,verymasculinesortofman,forwhom
womenheldnomystery.Hewouldmakeawonderfulhusbandandfather.

ButGraciewascertainthatshecouldneversubmitherbodytoaman’sphysicaldominance.Shehad
menfriends—mostlygayones—butshe’dneverhadwhattheycalleda“hotdate.”Wordgotaround
earlyinthecirclesshefrequentedthatGraciewasice-cold.Itsuitedherthatpeoplethoughtthat.It
savedherthehumiliationofrefusinganymanwhosawherasdessertafteranicedinner.Itprotected
herfromamorousadvances.Especiallynow.Jasonwouldthinkshewasfrigid,thatshedidn’twant
himtotouchher.Ithurttolethimthinkthat.Butitwastheonlywayshecouldescapehermother ’s
fate.EvenJason,inpassion,wouldbethesameasherfather.Hadn’tshefelthismouthgrindinginto
hersoftbreast?Hehadn’tusedhisteeth—butthen,she’dpushedhimawayjustintime.Justintime.
Sheturnedawayfromthemirror.Shefeltdeadinside.

4

JASONWALKEDTHROUGHthesophisticatedNewYorkcrowdatthecocktailpartyinadaze.He
wasrackedwithtormentoverwhathadhappenedwithGracie.She’dneverforgivehim,evenifithad
beenherteasingthathadprecipitatedthings.Hewastryingtoforgetthathe’dcrossedthelinewith
herlongbeforeshewentintotheditchintherain.Ithadbegunatthatparty,twodaysaftertheauction.
He’dgoneoverthelinethen.He’dalmostkissedher.Thenightintherain,hehadn’tbeenabletohold
backanylonger.Hisanguisheddesireforherhadconsumedhiminthosescant,passionateminutes
onthefrontporchofthemansioninSanAntonio.Forafewpreciousseconds,Graciehadclungto
him,answeringthehungerofhismouth.Butthenshe’dstartedfightinghim,pushinghimaway.Her
rejectionhadbeenabsolute.Herexpressionhadbeenhorrified.She’dlookedathimasifhewerethe
devilhimself.

Hewasworkinghiswaythroughhissecondwhiskeyhighballoftheevening—ananomalyforaman
whoneverdrankhardliquor.He’donlybeendrunkoneothertime,whenthefamilyattorneyhad
givenhimthesealedletterthatwasleftwithhisfather ’swill.Initwasarevelationthathadknocked
Jasonflat.Hisfatherhadbeenasnob,butevenJasonhadneverexpectedthathecouldbesocrueland
insensitive.

Thelettersaidthathewasleavingnothingtothehouseholdstaffbecausetheywereofinferiorbirth.
EspeciallyMrs.Harcourt,he’dadded.JasonrecalledthesacrificesMrs.Harcourthadmadeforhim
overtheyears,beingasurrogatemotherafterhisownhaddiedwhenhewasonlyfiveyearsold.
She’dbeenhiscomfort,hissecurity.She’dtakencareofhimwhenhewassick.Hell,she’dtakencare
ofhissnobbishfatherwhenhewassick.Andforthat,shewasleftnothingbecauseshewasofinferior
birth.Jasonhadbeensorepulsedthathe’dneversharedthecontentsofthatletter.He’djustgotten
drunk,amazedthathisfathercouldbesodamnedinsensitive.GloryandGraciehadn’tbeenrelatedto
him,buthe’dleftthemmoney.WhyhadhebeensodeliberatelyscathingaboutMrs.Harcourt?he’d
wondered.PerhapshewasjealousoftheattentionshegaveJason,orfeltitwasinappropriate.God
onlyknewthetruth.

Thepainoftheletterwasstillfesteringinsidehimalltheseyearslater.Nowitjoinedtheagonyhis
desireforGraciehadcarvedinhim.Itwasavicious,unrequiteddesirethatthreatenedtodestroyhim
asaman.Fortwolongyears,ithadburnedlikeanendlessflameinsidehim,ragingforrelease.All
he’dbeenabletofeeditwasonelong,anguishedkiss.Itwouldbetheonlyone.Graciewouldnever
lethimtouchheragain.Herexpressionhadtoldhimthatwhensheranfromhim.Ithadbeenrepellent
toher,apparently,beingkissedpassionatelybyamanshe’dthoughtofasabrother.Buttherewasno
bloodbetweenthem.Theyweren’trelated,eveninthetiniestdegree.Thathadn’tmattered.Gracie
wouldneverforgivehimforwhathe’ddone.Now,alongsidetheendlesshungerforherwouldbethe
revulsioninhereyes,whentheymetagain.Hegroanedunderhisbreathashetosseddownanother
swallowofhisdrink.

Abeautiful,vivaciousredheadmovedtojoinhimatthedrinkstablewherehewasaddingmore
whiskeyandanothercubeoficetohisglass.

“Hi,”shegreetedhim.“AreyouthereclusivemillionairefromTexasthateverybody’stalking
about?”sheasked,grinning.Shehadverypaleblueeyesinanexquisitelybeautifulface.Longred

hairbilloweddownherbackalmosttoherwaist,wavesundulatingliketheseainitssilkylength.

“Imustbe,”hedrawled.“I’mwearinghisclothes.”

Hereyesbrightened.“Theysayyouhavearanch.”

Heshrugged.“Honey,everymaninTexashasaranch,andahorseandagun.”

“Andaworldwidecorporationthatmanufacturescomputersandcutting-edgesoftware?”sheteased.

“Maybenotthat,”heagreed.Hesippedhisdrink,lookingaroundatthebright,prettypeopleinthis
NewYorkCitypenthouse.Hemovedtothewindow,lookingoutacrossthemulti-jeweledexpanseof
Manhattan,allthewaytotheHudsonRiver.“Itreallyissomethingtosee,”hemused.

“I’llbetTexasis,too,”shesaid.“I’veneverbeentoTexas.”

“Nowthat’sashame,”hemurmured,smilingdownather.“Whatdoyoudoforaliving?”

“I’mamodel,”shesaidwithafaintlyinsultedlook.“Surelyyoureadthesportsmagazine’sswimsuit
issue.”

Hedid,andherecalledseeingherinit—along-leggedsexywomanwithcome-hithereyes.Shewas
usingthemonhimnow,andhewasweakening.Hisegowasevenwithhisshoes.Heneededtobe
remindedthatsomewomenthoughtofhimasanattractiveman.

“Whoareyouherewith?”heasked.

Shelaughed.“Nobody.Ibrokeupwithmylatestboyfriendamonthago.”

“Whatashame,”heremarkeddrily.

“Areyoumarried?”sheaskedinasoft,purringtone.

“Godforbid!”

Thesmilegrewbigger.

HEDIDN’TREMEMBERMUCHoftherestoftheparty.Herememberedstartingonhisthird
whiskeyhighballandmutteringthatGraciewasacoldfish,andthenhestumbledalittle.Theredhead
guidedhimtothedooranddownintoacab.Thelastthingherememberedwassinkingdownontoa
huge,softbed.

Butwhenhewokeup,thingssuddenlybecameclear.Hewaslyingunderthesheetsinhisblacksilk
boxershorts.Nexttohimwasaverynuderedheadedwoman,soundasleeponhisarm.

Itdidn’ttakeaprogramtoknowwhathadhappened.Anguishwashedoverhiminwaves.He’dhad
toomuchtodrink.Histhrobbingheadtoldhimthat.Inhisdesperationtoforgetwhathadhappened

withGracie,he’dgoneheadlongintobedwiththisstrangewoman.Ifhecouldn’trememberanything,
hewasatleastcertainthathe’dneglectedtouseprotection,becausehedidn’tcarryanywithhim.This
beautifulcreaturecurledupinhisarmshadobviouslyfoundhimirresistibleandnowhefacedthe
prospectofhavingfatheredachildwithherbecauseofhislackofcontrol.

Herolledontohisbackwithagroan.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehe’dhadawoman.Notsincehis
passionforGraciehadbecomeanobsession.Theabstinencehadworkedlikeanaphrodisiac,he
imaginedbitterly.Hewasrichandthiswomanobviouslycovetedhiswealth.He’dbeenaneasymark.
Nowwhatdidhedo?

Nothingwouldeverbethesameathomeagain.Graciewouldblamehimforthatfuriouskissandhate
himforit.Hewouldneverhaveherforhisown.Hewasthirty-fouryearsold,facingalonelyfuture
thatyawnedaheadlikeanabyss.

Hedidn’twanttogohomealone.Hedidn’twanttofaceGracieashewas,withhisprideinashesand
hisegolaceratedfromherrejection.

Ontheotherhand,hewasn’tanxioustoletthiswomanoutofhissight.Ifthey’dhadunprotectedsex,
shemightbecomepregnantfromhislackofforesight.Hecringed,thinkinghowsuddenlyand
permanentlyhe’djustexcisedGraciefromhislifewiththisactoflust.Andwhatiftherewasa
child…

Achild.Hischild.Hesmiledatthethought.Hecouldhaveachild,someoneofhisown,someoneto
loveandbelovedby.Hisheadturnedandhelookedatthesleepingwoman.Shewaspretty,young,
pliable.Whetherornothe’dslippedup,diditmatter?Whynotmarryherandhaveafamily?She
couldn’tbeanyworsethantheotherdozengolddiggerswho’dstalkedhimovertheyears.Atleast
thisonewasbeautifulanddesirable.Shewasevenfamous,afterafashion.

HeimaginedwalkingintothemansioninSanAntoniowiththiswomanonhisarm,andseeing
Gracie’sshockedface.Shedidn’twanthim.Thiswomanobviouslydid.Hewouldn’tthinkahead.He
wouldn’tlethimselfconsidertheconsequencesoftheimpulsivedecision.He’dalreadygoneoverthe
line,inalotofways.Hemightaswellletfatetakehimwhereitliked.Hehadnothingleftofhis
dreams.Hewouldsettleforwhathecouldget.Helaidbackdownandclosedhiseyes.

ITHADTAKENGRACIEseveraldaystorecover.Shewassorrythatshe’dmessedthingsupwith
Jasonagain.Whenshe’dgonetotheranch,shehadhopedthattheycouldatleastgetbackona
friendlyfooting.Insteadshe’donlymanagedtopushthemfurtherapart.

ItwasMrs.Harcourt’sbirthday.Graciehadorganizedacatererasatreat,sparingMrs.Harcourtthe
fussofhavingtoprepareherowndinner.Atleast,shethought,evenifJasondidn’tcomeoverforthe
celebrationlikeheusuallydid,Gloryandherhusband,Rodrigo,would.Butatthelastminute,Glory
calledandcanceled.RodrigohadtogotoWashington,D.C.,onanurgentmatter,andshewasgoing
withhim.Shecouldn’tlethimgoalone,she’dexplainedtoGracie.They’dbeenmarriedalmosta
year,butshecouldn’tbeartobeapartfromhim.HewasworkingoutoftheSanAntonioDEAoffice
now,andGlorywasanassistantprosecutorintheofficeofJacobsville’sDistrictAttorney,Blake

Kemp.TheylivedinJacobsville,buttheyoftenvisitedthePendletonmansion.GloryhadsentMrs.
Harcourtalovelyandexpensivehandbagandacard,apologizingforhavingtobowoutofthe
celebration.Asthedinnerhourapproached,GraciewincedattheexpressiononMrs.Harcourt’sface.
TheelderlywomanwasveryfondofJason;andnowonder,she’dbeenwithhimallhislife.Itwould
hurtherifJasonoptedoutbecauseofwhathadhappened.

Mrs.Harcourtwasworried.“Jasonhasn’tleftamessageontheansweringmachinewhilewewereout
oftheroom?”sheasked.

Gracieshookherhead.Shefeltguiltyandhopeditdidn’tshow.“GrangesaidhewasinNewYorkat
somebusinessconference.He’sbeenthereforoveraweek.Hedidn’tsaywhenhe’dbeback.”

Theolderwomanlookedatthebeautifullysettable.“Everything’sreadyinthekitchen,”shesaid
miserably.“Allthatfood…”

“We’llgivewhat’slefttooneofthesoupkitchens,”shesaidgently.

Mrs.Harcourtsmiled.“That’snice.”

“Yes,itis.I…”Shepaused.Acarwasdrivingupoutfront.Maybe,shehoped,itwasJason!

“Youthinkhecameafterall?”Mrs.Harcourtaskedhopefully.

“I’llgosee.”

Graciealmostrantothefrontdoor.He’dforgivenher!Theyweregoingtomakeupafterall.
Everythingwouldbeokay.

Sheopenedthedoorwithabeamingsmileonherfaceandsuddenlybecameasstillasastonestatue.
BecauseJasonwasn’talone.

Hewassmiling.Hehadabeautifulredheadedwomanwithhim.Shewashangingontohishandand
lookingupathimasifshe’dwonthelottery.WhenheglancedtowardthefrontdoorandsawGracie,
thesmilelefthisface.

“Hello,Gracie,”hesaidcoolly.“WecameforMrs.Harcourt’sbirthdayparty.”

Gracielookedasshockedandhurtashe’dhopedshemight.Wasthatdisappointment,too?Buttoo
late.Fartoolate.

Sheworkedatregainingherlostcomposure.Sheputonherpartysmile.“Hello,”shesaidtothe
redhead.“I’mGracieMarsh…”

“Yes,thestepsister,”thewomansaidinanamused,condescendingtone.“Icouldn’tbelieveitwhen
Jasontoldme.Imagine,awomanyouragestilllivingathome!”

Graciesteppedbackastheyentered.Thebalmybreezekissedherfacebeforesheclosedthedoor
behindher.Itwasthebiggestshockshe’dhadinheradultlife,andthepainwasricochetinginsideher.

“Mrs.Harcourt,comeouthere,please,”Jasoncalledtothewomanstandingbesidethedining-room
table,wearinganicedress,hoseandflatshoes.

Shecameintotheroom,exchangingglanceswithGracie,whowasfeelingdecimated.

“I’dlikeyoubothtomeetKittieSartain,”hesaidsoftly.“Myfiancée.”

Graciedidn’tpassout.Shefeltasifshemightforonehorriblemoment,butMrs.Harcourtsteppedin
quicklytodivertthetwonewcomers.

“I’mMrs.Harcourt,thehousekeeper,”shesaid.

“Whataprettydiningroom,”Kittiesaid,ignoringtheolderwoman.Shewalkedaroundher.“Lovely
china,”shesaid.“I’mstarved!”

“We’llbeeatingmomentarily,”Mrs.Harcourtstammered.Shedidn’tlookatJason.

“Soundsgreat,”Jasonsaidpleasantly.“We’vehadaroughtrip.Theplanesweregroundedforafalse
alert.Wesatontherunwayforanhour.”

“Ihatecommercialflights,”Kittiesaiddismissively.“MylastboyfriendownedaLearjet.Youshould
getone,Jason,itcutsdownonaggravation.”

“I’llthinkaboutit,”hesaidwithacoolsmile.“Where’sGloryandherhusband?”headded.

“RodrigohadtoflytoD.C.onbusiness.Glorywentwithhim,”Graciesaidinasubduedtone.

“Isee.”

“WhatintheworldiswithalltheseChristmasdecorations?”Kittieburstout,gapingasshesurveyed
twoboxesofwreathsthatweresittingoutsideinthehall—they’djustarrivedandGraciehadn’thad
timetogetthemupstairs.Shehadn’treallyexpectedJasontoshowup.

“Gracielikestodecoratefortheholidays,”Mrs.Harcourtbegan.

“Redandgreen,howtrite,”thenewcomermutteredassheglancedintheboxes.Shewaswearinga
silkywhitepantsuitthatwasobviouslyveryexpensive.Itshowedoffherprettyfiguretoitsbest
advantage.“NobodyinmycircleevencelebratesChristmasanymore—it’ssoretro!”

Graciedidn’tknowwhattosay.She’dneverhadanyonespeaktoherinsuchaway.Sheglancedat
Jason,buthewaslookingattheredheadwithpuredelight.

“Imadeachocolatecake,”Mrs.Harcourtbegan.

“Noneforme,thanks,I’mdieting.Ihopeyoudon’tcookwithbutterandgrease,”Kittiecontinued.“I
nevereatsaturatedfats!”

“We’llmakechanges,”Jasonsaidcomfortably.Hesatdownattheheadofthetable.“Happybirthday,”
headdedinagentlertone.Hepushedajewelryboxtowardtheolderwoman.

Mrs.Harcourtwasobviouslyfuddled,butshemanagedtogettheboxopen.Shetouchedthepretty
decorativepinwithadoringfingers.“Pearlsandrubies.Myfavorites!Thankyou,Jason.I’llwearit
onmysuitforchurchSunday.”

“Church.”Kittierolledhereyes.

Mrs.Harcourtlookedhunted.JasonglancedatKittieandfrowned.

Shesawhisexpressionandimmediatelysatupstraighter.“IhelpedJasonpickoutthepin,”shesaid
brightly.“I’mgladyoulikeit.”

“It’sverynice,”theolderwomanstammered.

“Canyoubringoutthefoodnow?”Jasonasked.“Wedidn’tgetanythingontheplane.”

“Surething.Thecaterersfixedthemeal,andit’sallreadyforus,”Mrs.Harcourtsaid.

Asshespoke,JohnandDillycameintotheroom.Johnwastallandsilver-haired.He’dbeenthe
familychauffeurforyearsandyears.Hewaswearingcasualclothes,asGraciehadtoldhimto.So
wasDilly,whodidtheheavyliftingandscrubbing;shewasalargegirlafewyearsolderthanGracie,
withbigbonesandaplainface.Shewaswearingslacksandasweater.

“ThisisJohn,ourchauffeur,”Gracieintroduced.“AndDilly,whohelpsMrs.Harcourtwiththe
housework.”

Kittiestaredatthem.“Aretheygoingtohelpservedinner?”

Gracie’sgrayeyeswidened.“They’refamily.Theyalwayseatwithusonspecialoccasions.”

KittiegaveJasonaspeakinglook.Heignoredit.

“Idon’tmindhelpingtoserve,”Dillysaid,embarrassed.

“IjustcameintotellyouthatIcouldn’tstay.Mybrother ’sintownandwantstoseeme,”Johnlied,
thinkingquickly.“Ihavemycellphone,ifyouneedme.Happybirthday,Mrs.Harcourt.”

“Thankyou,John,”theelderlywomansaid,wincingathisexpression.

Dillylookedathimpiteously,asifshewantedtorunforthehills,too,butwasstuck.

“John,Dilly,thisisKittie,myfiancée,”Jasonintroducedtheredhead.“She’soneofthetopmodelsin
thecountry.You’veprobablyseenherfaceonmagazinecovers.”

Ifnotatthepostoffice,Graciethoughtwickedly,butdidn’tsayanything.

“Yes,Istayverybusy,”Kittiesaidinahaughtytone.“Infact,I’mbookedupforthenextthreemonths.
I’llbedoingshootsallovertheworld.You’llhavetomanagetolivewithoutme,darling,”sheteased
Jason.

Hesmiledbackather,butonlywithhismouth.Hiseyeswereempty.

“Congratulations,”Johntoldhim.“Ihopeyou’llbehappy.”

“Thanks.”

Johnpausedforamomentandthenturnedandlefttheroom.Gracie’sheartwasbreaking.Their
family,theirloyalfriendsandworkerswerebeingmadetofeellikesomebody’sunwanted
houseguests.Thathorribleredheaddidn’tevencare,andJasonwassocoldthatGraciedidn’teven
recognizehim.He’donlybeengoneacoupleofweeks,forheaven’ssake,howcouldhehave
managedtogetengagedsoquicklyandnoteventellanybody!

“Areweevergoingtoeat?”theredheadaskedJason,smoothingherhandseductivelyoverhisonthe
table.“I’msohungry,Jason.”

Graciepushedbackherchairandgottoherfeet.“I’llhelp,”shetoldMrs.HarcourtandDilly,and
wentaheadofthemintothekitchen.

“Imagineaskingthehiredhelptoeatatthetablewithyou,”Kittiecomplained.“Andlettingyour
stepsisterlivewithyou,atherage?”sheexclaimed.“Whatintheworldmustpeoplethink?”

Graciedraggedtheothertwowomenintothekitchenandclosedthedoor,leaningbackagainstitwith
hereyesclosed.She’dwalkedintoanightmare.

“Whoisshe?”Dillyexclaimed,horrified.

Gracietookasteadyingbreath.“Youheard.She’sJason’sfiancée,”shesaidinavoicesochokedwith
painthatitwasbarelyaudible.“He’sgoingtomarryher.”

Dillylookedsick.SodidMrs.Harcourt,whoseemedtobetakingitharderthananyone.

TherewasataponthedoorandJasonpusheditopen,accidentallypropellingGraciefartherintothe
room.Thethreewomenlookedathimwithexpressionsthatrangedfromshocktodespair.Whathad
seemedlikeagoodideainNewYorkwasreboundingwithafurydownhereinTexas.Hefeltguilty,
andhehiditinbadtemper.

“You’llgetusedtoher,”hesaidtersely.“She’snotasbadassheseems.Shejustdoesn’tknowyou.”

Nobodysaidaword.

Jason’sblackeyesnarrowed.“Regardlessofhowyoufeel,Iexpectallofyoutotreatherwithrespect
andmakeherfeelwelcome.”

“Ofcourse,Jason,”Graciesaidwithoutlookingdirectlyathim.“It’syourhouse,afterall.”

“Yes,”herepliedflatly.“Itismyhouse.”Hewentbackout.

“IfIwereus,”DillytoldMrs.Harcourtsadly,“I’dbelookingaroundforanotherjob,justincase.”

Graciewasinagreement.Exceptthatshe’dneverhadajobandwasn’tsureofherability,duetoher
mentalglitches,toevenholdonedown.Butonethingwasforcertain.Shecouldnotliveunderthe
sameroofwiththatwoman,oncesheandJasonweremarried.

“Thisisgoingtobesomebirthday,Mrs.Harcourt,”Dillysaidheavilyasshewenttolookforan
apron.

Gracieagreedsilently.ShelookedatpoorMrs.Harcourt,whoseeyeswerealreadyfulloftears.She
wantedtohugtheolderwomanandreassureher,butnothingwasgoingtohelpnow.Nothingatall.

ITWASONEOFTHEworstdaysofGracie’slife.Kittiecomplainedabouteverything,nibbledat
salad,sippedblackcoffeeandmutteredatthequalityofthefood.AfterthemealsheandJasonretired
tothelivingroom,whereshecurleduponhislapandspenttheeveningkissinghim.

Mrs.Harcourtgotaroomreadyforher,althoughthewomenhadspeculatedbitterlythatshe’d
probablymoveinwithJason.He’dnippedthatsuggestioninthebudwithmoreforcethanasurprised
Kittiehadanticipated.

“Aren’tyoutheold-fashionedone,”shetaunted.“EspeciallyafterhowthingswereinNewYork,”she
addedinsinuatingly.

Graciewassickallthewaytohersoul.JasonhadremovedanydoubtsthathewasinterestedinGracie
romantically.Ifhehadbeen,thisengagementwouldn’tbehappening.She’dreadtoomuchintoakiss.
Shewasawoman,hewasaman,andshe’dstartedit,asheaccused.Hewasonlytakingadvantageof
anoffer,asanymanwould.Butshe’dhopedtheycouldmakeup,thatthingswouldgobacktotheway
theywere.Nowsherealizedhowimpossiblethathopewas.

Kittiewasshortwithherandwitheveryoneelseinthehouse.Shewaswearingahugediamondonher
ringfinger,andshewasneversixinchesawayfromJasonexceptatnight.Theystayedforaweek,
duringwhichGracieandtheothermembersofthehouseholdfoundreasonsnottointeractwiththe
visitors.Jasontookhisfiancéetoanynumberofculturalevents,includingtheballetandthe
symphony.ItpuzzledGraciethatJasonhadn’ttakenKittiedowntotheranch,untilsheoverheardthe
womanholdingforthonherviewsaboutsmellycattleandspendingtimeinaglorifiedshackwith
dirtycowboysmillingaround.

Kittiedidn’tloseanopportunitytotellthewomenofthehousethatchangesweregoingtobemade
whenshecamebacktospendThanksgiving.Foronething,theyneededabettercaterer,andfor
another,thehousewasabsolutelyGothicinitsdecor.Itneededremodelingbadly.Gracie’sroom,she
addedwithmenace,waslikeachild’sroom,alllaceandpinkandwhite,andneededupdating.Of
course,shesaidfortheumpteenthtime,itwasreallybigheartedofJasontolethisstepsisterlivewith
him,butwasn’tGracieoldenoughtosupportherselfbynow?ShealludedtoMrs.Harcourt’sageand

mutteredthatshewasbeyondancient,likethechauffeur.AndthatDillywasanabsolute
embarrassment!Shelookedfartoocountrytoworkinamansion.

NotthatKittiemadethoseremarksinfrontofJason.Whenhewasaround,shepraisedeverybody,
evenGracie.Thatway,ifanybodycomplainedabouthertoJason,he’dknowtheywerelying.

JasontoleratedKittie’sadvances,butifGraciehadbeenwatching,shemighthavenoticedthatallthe
overtureswerehers.Heseemedtobeplayingawaitinggamewithregardtothelovelymodel.

Hedidn’tspendfiveminutesalonewithGracie,whichwasarelieftoher.Shewasstillshell-shocked
byhissuddenengagement.She’dalwaysthoughtthathe’dmarryoneday,butshe’dexpectedittobea
womanheknew,someonewhosharedhisbackground.Thismodelwaslikesomeonefromanother
planet.Yes,shewasbeautifulandculturedandworldly.Butshewasjoyless.Shelikedthehouse,but
onlyforitspossessions.Sentimenthadnoplaceinherlife.Shelikedcold,hardcashandmen.Gracie
overheardhertalkingtosomeoneonthephone,braggingabouthersexualexploitswithavarietyof
men.Shewasengagedtoamanwhowasdynamiteinbed,shetoldthelistener,soaslongashecould
satisfyher,she’dstaywithhim.ButtherewasaMiddle-Easternprincewhoalsocovetedher,andhe
wasmuchricherthanJason.Relationshipsweresuchabother,shesighed.Menonlywantedsex,but
whentheywererich,itwasnohardshipforher.Shecouldfakepleasureaslongasthegiftsshegotin
returnwereexpensive.

Gracie,who’dneverknownevenonemanintimately,wasshockedbythewoman’sattitude.Wasthat
reallythemeaningoflife,tohavesexwithasmanypeopleaspossiblesothatyoufitinthestatus
quo?ItseemedaparticularlyemptylifetoGracie,whowashappywiththesimplestthingsandwanted
nopartoforgies.Itmustbeintheupbringing,shedecided.Thensherememberedhersand
shuddered.

SHEDROVEDOWNTOJacobsvilleseveraldaysafterMrs.Harcourt’sbirthdayindesperationto
escapetheconstantsightofKittieplasteredtoJason.Therewasanendlessinfluxofvisitorstothe
mansion,aswell,mostlyrichandfamouspeoplewhomJasonknewthatKittiewantedtobecome
acquaintedwith.ThatwasaftertheshoppingspreeatNeimanMarcus,fromwhichtheredheadcame
homewithnumerousboxesofexpensiveclothing,shoes,perfumeandjewelry.

“Yes,weknowaboutyournewhouseguest,”Barbarasaidsympathetically.Shecouldreadthemisery
inGracie’sface.“Ishereallygoingtomarryher?”

“Howdoyouknowabouther?”Gracieasked.

“Hewasshowingheroffattheballet.Rickwentalongasanoff-dutybodyguardforKeelyWelsh
whenshewenttherewithClarkSinclair.”

Graciesighed.“Well,she’sbeautiful.”

“Rickwasn’timpressed.Shesnubbedhim.Hewasn’trich,yousee.”

“Ithoughtshe’dprobablybelikethat,”shereplied.“Jasonseemstobeveryhappywithher.”

“I’msorry.”

Shemovedashoulder.“Itwasinevitablethathe’dgetmarriedsomeday.ButIcan’tlivewithher.”She
sighedmiserably.“Ihavetogetajobandgotowork.Ihavetofindaplacetolive.”

“Gracie,don’tjumpthegun,”Barbarasaidgently.“It’salongwayfromanengagementtothealtar.”

“Shesaysthey’llmarryatChristmas,”shemoaned.

Barbarawinced.“Maybe…”

“Maybenot.”Sheswallowed.“Icouldteach,youknow.Ihaveadegreeinhistory.Maybethere’sa
nightjobasanadjunctatthecommunitycollege.Icouldteachthatwithoutamaster ’sdegree.”

Barbarahesitated.Thenshesighed.“Okay,Iknowthepresidentofthecollege.I’llcallhimtonight.”

Graciesmiled.“Thanks.I’llhavetofindaplacetolive…”

“No,youwon’t.Youcanstaywithme.”

“Oh,Icouldn’timpose,”shebegan.

“I’llenjoyhavingthecompany.Rick’salmostneverhomelately.I’dlovetojusthavesomebodyto
talkto.”

“Asifyoudon’ttalktopeopleeveryday,”Gracieteased.

“Itisn’tthesameastalkingtoafriend.Whendoyouwanttostart?”Shehesitated.“MayImakea
suggestion?Waituntilspringsemester.ThatstartsinJanuary.Bythen,youmaynotwantorneeda
job.”

“OrImayneedonedesperately,”Graciereplied.“IneedtofindsomethingforMrs.Harcourtand
DillyandJohn,too.Kittiewillbootthemoutbeforeshebootsmeout.”

“Jasonwon’tletthathappen.”

“Youdon’tknowthiswoman,”Gracieinsisted.“She’llforcethemtoleaveandtellJasonitwastheir
owndecisionandshecouldn’ttalkthemoutofit.She’samasteratmanipulation.”Shelooked
worried.“CanIbringMumbles?”

“Yourcat?”

Shenodded.“He’sbeenatthevet’sforthepastthreeweeks,whiletheygethimoverakidney
infection.He’sold,youknow,andhewon’tlastmanymoreyears,butIcan’tleavehimbehind.”

“Ilovecats.Bringhimalong.”

Shebrightened.“You’rethenicestfriendI’vegot.”

“Well,Icouldreturnthatcompliment,”Barbarareplied.“Nowstopthinkingdoomandgloomand
let’shavesomepie!”

5

ASITWAS,JASONDIDspeaktoGraciejustbeforeheandKittieweredriventotheairportbya
somberJohn.GraciehadbroughtoldMumbleshomefromthevet,hiskidneyinfectioncured.Hewas
ahugefelinewithbigblueeyesandorangetipsonhisearsandtail.Hisfurwaslongandluxurious,
andGraciekeptitbrushed.Withhisrhinestonecollar,Mumbleswastheverypictureofapampered
pet.ButhisbeautymadenoimpressiononKittie,whonosoonerwalkedintothelivingroomwhere
thebigcatwasoccupyingacushyarmchair,thanshestartedsneezingherheadoff.Graciehad
removedhimtoherroomwithapologies,butKittiehadn’tevenansweredher.She’dgivenGraciea
lookthatpromisedretribution.

Andhereitwas.Jasonlookeddownatherwithsmolderingeyesinataciturnface.“You’llhavetodo
somethingaboutMumblesbeforewecomebackforThanksgiving,Gracie,”hetoldherquietly.
“Kittie’sallergictocats.”

Howironic,shethought,butdidn’tsayit.“Whatwouldyoulikemetodowithhim,Jason?”sheasked
worriedly.

“Hecan’tbeinthehousewithKittie,”hesaid,avertinghisgaze.Thisstupidengagementwascarrying
ahighpricetagalready.

“He’stwelveyearsoldandhe’sneverbeenoutsideinhislife,”shesaidmiserably.“Ican’tputhimout
intheyard.”

“Kittie’sallergictocats,”herepeatedtersely.“Shewasonlysneezingyesterday,butsheusually
breaksoutinhiveswhenshegetsaroundthem.”

Graciedidn’tlethimseehereyes.Shemustn’tcry.

“Oh,forGod’ssake,he’sonlyanoldcat—notachild!”heshouted,angeredoutofallproportionby
thepossibilityoftears.Itwaskillinghimtohurtherlikethis!He’dgivenherthedamnedcat.Ithad
beenarevelation,thewayshereactedtothegift.He’dwonderedifshe’deverhadapresentinher
wholeyounglife.AndnowthecatwasthecauseofamajorargumentwithKittie,whowouldn’t
compromiseandJasonwascaughtinthecrossfirebetweenafiancéehedidn’twantandthewoman
heachedtohavewhodidn’twanthim.Hewasfuriousathisownfeelingofhelplessness.

ThewhipofhisvoicecausedGracietoactuallybackawayfromhim.Herfacewaspaper-white.Ithad
beenyearssincehe’dsnappedatherlikethat,sincehe’dlookedsoharsh.Itwastheendofeverything.
Kittiehatedherandwassearchingforwaystomakehermoveoutofthehouse.Thestaffwas
miserableandresignedtobeingpushedout,aswell.ShewassorryaboutKittie’sallergies,butpoor
Mumbleswasoldandsickandhadnoplacetogo.NowJasonseemedtobeleadinguptothe
possibilityofeuthanasia!

“He’sold,Gracie,”hesaidharshly.“Hedoesn’thavemuchtimeleft,anyway.Itmightbeamercyto
justputhimdown.”

“Iamnothavinghimputdown!”sheburstout.Herlowerliptrembled.Shecouldn’trememberever

standinguptoJasonbefore.ButshewasfightingforMumbles,now,forhisverylife.Herfists
clenchedatherside.“Ifyouwantusbothtoleave,justsayso.”

“Andwhatwouldyoudo?”heaskedhotly.“Getajob?Whatareyouqualifiedtodoexceptgiveteas
andhostessparties,Gracie?”headdedcoldly.

Shereactedtothewordsasifhe’dslappedher,andhecouldhavebittenhistonguefortheslip.

“Iamnotanidiot,Jason,”Gracierepliedtightly.“AndmaybeIcandoalotofthingsyoudon’tthinkI
cando!”

Hedidn’tsayaword.Hejustlookedather.

Thatwasthelaststraw.Sothatwaswhathereallythoughtofher,outintheopen.He’dnever
demeanedherlikethatbefore.Hurtandfurious,sheturnedonherheelandranupthestaircasetoher
roomasifthehoundsofhellwereonherheels.Onceshewassafelyinside,shelockedthedoorand
satbythewindow,shakingallover.Thiswastheonlyrealhomeshe’deverknown.She’dfeltsecure
inthishouse.Sheandthestaffhadlovedeachother,nurturedeachother.Mumbleshadbeenpartof
thejoyshefeltinlivinghereforovertwelveyears,eversinceJasonhadgivenhimtoherasa
Christmaspresent.Andnow,intheblinkofaneye,everythingchanged.Oncethatviciousredhead
hadwalkedinthedoor,itwasallover.Shewasgoingtoloseeverythingsheloved.Herfamily,her
home,evenhercat.AndespeciallyJason!

Therewasaloudraponthedoor.“Gracie!”Jasoncalledurgently.

Shedidn’tanswerhim.Herheartwasbreaking.

Hetriedthedoor.Itwouldn’topen.

Therewasanotherpause.“Gracie,”hecalledagain,lessangrily.

Hemutteredsomething.Aminutelater,sheheardhisfootstepsfadingaway.Gracieknewthenthatshe
wasgoingtobegonebeforeheandhisfiancéecamebackatThanksgiving.

“ISN’TYOURSTEPSISTERevengoingtosaygoodbyetous?”Kittieaskedinhersoft,huskyvoice
astheyclimbedintothelimousine.

Hisfacehardened.“She’supsetaboutthecat.”

“It’sjustacat,”shesaidbreezily.“Shecangetanotheronewhenshehasahouseofherown.”

Hefrowned.“Whatdoyoumean—ahouseofherown?”

“Well,darling,youdon’texpecthertolivewithus?”sheexclaimed,horrified.“Imean,whatwould
peoplethink?Besides,I’mnotsharingyouwithotherpeople.Especiallynotagrasping,greedy
womanlikethat.”

“Gracieisn’tgreedy,”hesaidcurtly.

“Sheisn’tmakinganyefforttosupportherself,now,isshe?”sheasked.“Alltheseyears,livingoff
you,lettingyoupayforeverythingsheowns—evenherclothes.Itisn’tright.I’msurepeoplemust
gossipaboutthetwoofyou.”

Hewasfeelingroyallysicktohisstomach.Hislittlegameofpaybackhaddestroyedhisfamily.He
gotaglimpseofJohn’spale,setfaceintherearviewmirror.He’dhavetomakesurehespoketothe
man—andtoDilly—whenhecameback,toreassurethemabouttheirplacewithhim.Andespecially
Mrs.Harcourt,hethoughtmiserably.She’dbeensohappythathe’drememberedherbirthday,onlyto
haveKittietreatherlikeaservant.Heclosedhiseyesonawaveofpain.She’dhadsolittleinherlife.
Allhersacrifices,andhisfatherhadn’tleftheradime.Jasonhadtriedtomakesureshewas
appreciatedeversince.HeshouldhavesaidsomethingwhenKittieinsultedher.AndGracie…Shewas
heartsickaboutherpooroldcatandhe’dmademattersworsebyunleashinghisangeronher
momentsago.

Kittiesawanopportunityandtookit.“Youknow,”shesaidinaconfidentialtone,easingcloserto
himandtoyingwithhisshirtcollar,“she’sinhermidtwentiesandunmarried.Doesn’tthatsuggestto
youthatshedoesn’twanttorocktheboat?”

“Excuseme?”

“Well,ifshemarries,sheloseseverything…doesn’tshe?You’renotlikelytokeepsupportingherin
suchanextravagantmanner.Shecan’taffordtomarry,canshe?”

Theterriblesuggestionunnervedhim.He’dneverlookedatitinthatlight.WasGraciesoattachedto
herlifestylethatshestayedsinglenotbecauseshe’dneverfoundamanshecouldlove,butbecause
shewouldn’tbecoddledbyJasonanymore?Surelynot!Heknewshewasn’taselfishwoman.Still…

“Areyouallright,darling?”Kittieasked,concerned.“Youdon’tlookwell.”

Heswallowedthepridehewaschokingon.“I’mworkingonabuyoutofaGermancomputer
company,”hesaidtersely.“It’sbeenfrustrating.”

Shemovedclosetohimandcurledupathisside.“Icantakecareoffrustration,”shepurred.“You
justwaitandsee.”

Itwouldbealongwait,hethoughtmiserably.Hisbodyhadabsolutelynointerestinher,despiteher
fabled,sultrybeauty.Hewasunabletomakelovetoher,afacthe’dmanagedtocamouflagewith
excuses.Herlongtripoverseaswouldgivehimbreathingspace.Buthedidn’tholdoutmuchhope
thathewasgoingtobeabletohonorthehalfheartedcommitmenthe’dmadetoher.Hiswounded
prideoverGracie’srejectionhadservedhimuponaplattertoKittie.Asforhisthoughtthathemight
havegottenherpregnant,thatwasalaugh.He’dseenherlittlecontainerofbirth-controlpills,which
shekeptonthebedsidetable.

She’dbeenamusedabouttheirso-calledencounterthenighthewasdrunk,whenhe’dgonefishingin
conversationforthechancesofherbecomingpregnant.Children,she’dscoffed,thatwasn’tforher.

Shewasamaniacaboutbirthcontrol.Hercareerwasthemostimportantthinginherlife.Shehadno
desiretochangediapersandgivebottlesandloseherfigure.Besides,shelaughed,Jasonhadn’teven
beencapable.He’dpassedoutonthebedandlefthertoundresshim.Later,whenhewasthroughall
thestressproducedbyhismerger,shesaidinaworld-wisetone,hecouldmakethisenforced
abstinenceuptoher.Sheknewitwasbusinesspressurethathadmadehimtemporarilyincapable.It
happenedtomensometimes,shesaidwisely.Infact,herlastboyfriendhadbeensimilarlyafflicted
fromtimetotime.Sohadherotherlovers.

Jasonfeltaskirlofdistastewhenshebraggedaboutherconquests.He’dheardyoungermenboasting
abouthowmanywomenthey’dhad,andithaddisgustedhim.Itremindedhimofhisfather,who’d
neverbeenfaithfultoanyofhiswives.Jasonhadneverwantedtobelikehim.

Kittiekepttryingtoseducehim,butsheseemedtorealizethathewasn’tattractedtoherand,worse,
sheseemedtofeelthatGraciewastoblameforit.Ithadmadeforsomecattyandinsultingremarks
thathe’dignored,buthewouldn’tbeabletoignorethemindefinitely.Whenshewasthroughwithher
overseasshoots,hewasgoingtohavetofindsomewaytobreakofftheengagement.Perhapswith
somethingveryexpensivethatshecraved.Heknewalreadythatitwashiswealththatkeptherathis
side.She’dinsinuatedthatGraciestayedaroundforthesamereason.Hedidn’twanttobelievethat.
Butwhatdidhereallyknowaboutthebackgroundofthewomanhe’dsharedhishomewithforso
long?Herpastwasmysterious.Hiseyesnarrowed.Hewasgoingtohavetodosomedigging,he
decided.Hedidn’tlikesecrets.

HemanagedawordalonewithJohnattheairport,buttheothermanwasquietandunresponsive,
refusingtomeethiseyes.

“We’llworkallthisoutbyChristmas,”Jasontoldhischauffeurfirmly.

John’sthinshouldersroseandfell.“Nothingtoworkout,Mr.Pendleton,”hesaidpolitely.“We’reall
toooldtostillbedoingthesejobsanyway,likeyourfiancéesaid.Haveagoodtrip.”

“John!”

Butthechauffeurwasalreadyinthecar,drivingaway.

Jasoncursedroundly.HebarelyheardKittiecallinghimfromtheentrancetotheterminal.

HephonedthehousewhileKittiewasintherestroom.Mrs.Harcourtanswered.

“Don’tletJohnwalkout,”hesaidtersely.“ThatgoesdoubleforyouandDilly.We’lltalkwhenI
comehome.I’mgoingtobeinEuropefortradetalks,butI’llbebackhereinaweekortwo.After
that,I’llprobablyhavetogotoGermanytosortoutthatmess,butwe’lldiscusssomethingsatthe
housefirst.”

Mrs.Harcourthesitated.“Allright,Mr.Jason.”

Hewinced.“Don’tcallmethat!”

“Ijustworkforyou,”shesaidquietly.“That’sall.YouneedservantswhofitinwithMissKittie’ssort
offolks,”shesaidgently.“We’lljustbeanembarrassmenttoyou.Maybewealreadyare.Mr.Myron
wouldneverhaveletusstayifhe’dlived.”

“I’mnotmyfather!”

Sheswallowedhard.“Still,wecanfindsomethingelse…”

“No!”

Shedidn’tsayanything.

“We’lltalkaboutitwhenIgethome.Kittieopenshermouthandwordsfallout.Shedoesn’tconsider
otherpeople’sfeelings.It’sthecompanyshekeeps.”Hehatedapologizingforthewoman.Hedrewin
alongbreath.“How’sGracie?”

Shedidn’tsayanythingthen,either.

“Mrs.Harcourt?”

“She’slockedinherroom,crying,”shesaidheavily.

Hiseyesclosed.“DearGod,”hegroaned.“Inevermeanttoupsetherlikethat.Tellherwe’lldo
somethingaboutthedamnedcat,ifIhavetobuildonanotherroomforhimtolivein!Besides,you’re
allmakingassumptionsthatmayhavenosubstanceatallbyChristmas.”

“I’lltellher,”shesaid.

“I’msorryIspoiledyourbirthday,”hesaidgently.“Ihopeyouhavefiftymore,allbetterthanthis
one.”

“Thankyou,”shesaid,andhervoicesoftened.“Youbecareful,overthereinthosedangerousplaces.
Comehomesafe.”

“Iwill.LookafterGracie,”hesaidgruffly.“Youknowhowsheis,whenshe’supset.Iyelledather.I
nevermeanttohurtherlikethat.”

“Iknow.”

“Don’tlethergivethecataway.”

“Allright,”Mrs.Harcourtsaid.

“I’llphoneyoufromEurope.”

“Takecare.”

“You,too,”hereplied.

Shehungup.Heflippedhisphoneshutandstaredoutovertheterminalwithdeadeyes.Hislifewas
somessedupthathewonderedifthingswouldeverbethesameagain.Andthroughitall,thenagging
achehefeltwhenhethoughtofGracietorturedhim.

WEEKSDRAGGEDBY.ThenKittiecalledandsuddenlytherewasnomoretime.Graciemovedher
thingsintoBarbara’ssmallhouseandwasimmenselygratefulthatshe’dmeantitaboutMumbles
beinginvitedtolivewiththem,too.She’dofferedtoconsidereuthanasia,intears.

“MaybeJasonwasright.Heisoldandhegetssickalot.He’llthrowupeverywhere,”Graciesobbed,
“andhestillclawsfurniture.”

“We’llmanage,”Barbarasaidfirmly.“Gracie,youcan’tputdownapetwho’slikeamemberofyour
familyjustbecausesomeaddlepatedmodeldoesn’tlikeanimals.It’snotevenherhouse!”

“Itwillbe,”Graciesaidheavily.“KittiephonedfromsomeScandinaviancountrylastnighttoaskif
I’dgotridofMumblesyet.ShementionedthatJasonwasfuriousthatIarguedaboutgettingridof
him.”Shehesitated,grimacing.“SheactuallysaidJasonwantedtoaskmetoleaveyearsago,buthe
feltsorryforme.AndthenKittieinsinuatedthatitwaslikeIwasapaidcompanionorsomething.”

Barbaragatheredhercloseandrockedher.“Youtakethingssomuchtoheart,Gracie.Besides,if
Jasonfeltthatway,he’dtellyoutoyourface.Hewouldn’tneedtoasksomeoneelsetodohisdirty
work.”

Graciewipedherweteyes.“Maybeyou’reright.Butthere’ssometruthinit.I’venevertriedtostand
onmyowntwofeet.I’velivedunderhiswingforsolong,lethimberesponsibleformesolong,that
IforgotIwasagrownwoman.”Shepulledaway,herexpressioncalming.“Everybodylaughsatme.
TheythinkI’mair-headedandclumsyandincapableofdoinganythingreallyimportant.EvenJason
finallyadmittedthathedidn’tthinkIcoulddoanythingexcepthostessparties.I’veletmy…my
afflictionconvincemethatitwastrue.Butit’snot.Icanmakealivingformyself.Icanbe
independent.I’mgoingtobe.”Hersoftgrayeyestookontheglitterofsilvermetal.“NowayamI
livingwiththatwoman!”

Barbaralikedthatnewresolutioninherfriend’sface.“Listentoyou,”sheteased.“Youdon’teven
soundlikeGracie.”

“MaybeIcanbesomethingmoreinlife,”shereplied,dryinghereyes.“MaybeIcanteach,buyacar,
beawholeperson,withoutJasonstandingbehindmetopropmeup.”

“You’vegotacaralready,”Barbaraargued.

Graciesetherteethtogether,hard.“Notanymore.KittiesaidJasongaveherpermissiontousethe
VW,sincehepaidforit.”

“What?”

Shedrewinashakybreath.“She’slettingmeuseJason’soldThunderbirdtogobackandforthuntilI

getmystuffdownhere.”

“Generousofher,”Barbarascoffed.

“Itdoesn’tmatter.Icantakecareofmyself.I’mgoingto.”

“Youcan,indeed,”Barbarareassuredher.“Awholenewlife,Gracie.”

“Awholenewlife.”Itmadehersoundlikeabrightpenny,newlymintedandfullofpromise.Nowif
onlyshecouldforgetJasonandthatinterloperwhowastakinghimawayfromher.Itdidn’thelpto
thinkthatifshe’dputherarmsaroundJasonandkissedhimbackpassionately,shemightnotbein
thispredicamentinthefirstplace.Butbybringinghomehisnewfiancée,he’dmadeitclearthathe
wasn’tinterestedinGracie.He’donlybeenangrythatshe’dkissedhim,accidentallyornot,and
temptedhimintoindiscretion.Somaybeitwasforthebest.Consideringherpast,shecouldhardly
expectarosyfuturewithaman,evenifthemanwasJason.

“NowbringMumblesintothehouseandI’lllookoutforhimwhileyougobacktoSanAntonioand
packuptherestofyourthings,”theotherwomanadded.

“ItoldKittieI’dbringMumblesdownheretoday,beforeshegottothehouse.That’swhenshesaid
she’dbeusingmycarandI’dhavetoborrowJason’soldThunderbird,”shesaidmiserably.“Hetook
thekeystotheMercedeswithhim,soIguessthatmeanthedidn’twantmedrivingit.”

“Maybehejustforgot,too,”Barbarasaid.“Yousaidhe’sgotalotonhismindlatelywithbusiness
matters.”

“Iguessso.”

“Listen,trynottodrivearoundatnight,”Barbaraaddedworriedly.“YouknowoneofJason’svice
presidentswaskidnappedlastyear,andtherearenewcaseseveryweekofpeoplebeingsnatchedin
theareaandheldforransom.ItevenhappenedtoGlory’shusband,Rodrigo,lastyear.It’swell-
knownthatJasoniswealthy.”Shenibbledonherlipnervously.“RicksaysthatoneoftheFuentes
brothersisnowanunderlingtosomedeposedSouthAmericandictatorwho’susingthekidnappings
tofundafuturecouptoregainhisposition.You’dbelovelybait.Jasonwouldpayanythingtogetyou
back.They’dknowthat.Theyhaveintelligencegathererseverywhere.”

“Don’tyougetparanoid,”Graciechided.“Nobody’sgoingtolooktwiceatthatoldThunderbird,
evenifitisarenovatedclassicautomobile.”

“Iimaginethekidnapperswouldknoweverycarheownsandthetagnumbers,”Barbaraadded
doggedly.“They’remakingmillionsbybarteringhumanlives.”

“Mostlyit’speoplefromacrosstheborder,wealthyLatinos,atthat.”

“Jason’svicepresidentwasn’tawealthyLatino.Neitherwasyourbrother-in-law,RodrigoRamirez,
whentheykidnappedhimforransom,”sheremindedGracie.

Theyoungerwomangrimaced.“Okay,pointmade.Butsofartheyhaven’tsnatchedanybodylocally
thisyear.Untiltheydo,Irefusetoworry.”

“Fine.Hideyourheadinthesand.”

Graciegrinned.“Goodadvice.I’mgoingtotakeit,too.Anyway,Ihavetogetmovedquickly.That
nicecollegepresidentisgoingtogivemeajob,thankstoyou,andafriendofmineatthelocal
elementaryschoolhasinvitedmetodoguestlecturesonethnichistory,”sheaddedwithabeaming
smile.“I’llgetpaid.Firstthing,afterIpayyourent,I’llhavetogoseeTurkeySandersaboutbuyinga
carofmyown.”

“No!”Barbarawailed.“NotTurkey!He’llsellyouachassisandtellyoutheengine’sextra!”

“IcanhandleTurkey,”sherepliedcalmly.“Waitandsee.I’llbringsomeclothesfromthehouse,but
I’mnotpackingeveninggownsandfancystuff,”sheadded.“I’llhavenouseforthemhere.”She
laughedbitterly.“Kittie’smysize.Iexpectshe’llenjoytheParisgowns.”

“Youshouldbringthemalong.ThereareallsortsofgalaeventsupinSanAntoniostartingthis
month—symphonyconcerts,theopera,theCattleBaron’sBall…”

“Allinthepastnow.I’mnolongerasocialitewithmoneytoinvestincharities.AndIwouldn’thavea
waytogetuptoSanAntoniotoattendtheballs.Whichremindsme,”sheaddedheavily,“I’vegot
somepearlsanddiamondsthatwereinMama’sjewelryboxthatMyrongaveme.I’mgoingtopawn
them.Thatwillbuymeacarandhelpmepayyourent.”

“Idon’twantrent,”Barbaragroaned.“You’remyfriend.”

“You’remine,too,”Graciereplied.“ButI’mnotlettingyousupportmeanymorethanI’mletting
Jasondoitinthefuture.”Sheswallowedalumpinherthroat.“I’mashamedthatI’vespongedoffhim
solongwithoutevenconsideringhowwrongitwas.”

Barbarawinced.Shewishedshecouldsaysomethinghelpful,butshecouldseethatGraciewaslostin
miseryandfearofthefuture.

Andshewasright.Despiteheroptimism,Gracieknewitwasgoingtobearoughroadtofinancial
independence.Shewasusedtobuyinganythingshelikedwithoutconsideringthecost,toeatinginthe
bestrestaurantsanddrivingexpensivecars.Shewouldhavetolearntoeconomizeandliveatamuch
lowerlevel.Shecoulddoit.Butitwouldtaketime.Sheonlyhopedshehadthestuffinhertoprove
Jasonwrongaboutheropportunities.Shewasgoingtochangeherlife,nomatterhowharditwas.

MRS.HARCOURTHADARGUEDagainstthemove,andshehadafitwhenGraciestartedpacking
herlastsuitcaseandleftherbestthingsinthecloset.“ButMr.Jasonsaidforyounottoleave,that
he’ddosomethingaboutthecat,”sheprotested.

“ThatvenomousredheadwillhavesomebodytakeMumblesofftothevetandputhimdownthefirst
timeIturnmyback,”Graciesaidcoldly.“She’snotkillingmycat.AndI’mnotlivingherewithJason

andhiswoman.”

“Butyourmother ’sfurniture,thoseantiqueChristmasornaments,yourclothesandkeepsakes!”she
fussed.

“IhadJohnhelpmeputtheornamentsandthefurnitureintheattic,alongwithwhatfewkeepsakesI
hadleft,”Graciereplied.“Idon’tthinkKittiewillwanttoclimbuptheretothrowthemout.It’sdusty.
Nothertypeofplaceatall.Ifshedoes,though,itwon’tbetheendoftheworld.Iwon’thaveany
placetoputthatstuffnow.”Shesighedwistfully.“Besides,JasonhatesmyChristmasornamentsand
decorations.Hewon’tmindhavingthemtossed.”

Mrs.HarcourtglancedregretfullyatthebeautifulgownsGraciewasleavinginthecloset.“Idon’t
understandwhyhegotengagedtoher,”Mrs.Harcourtsaidheavily.“She’snothistypeatall.She’sso
shallow,Gracie.Shedoesn’tcareaboutanybody,notevenabouthim,really,shejustlikeswhathe
buysher.”

“Idon’timagineit’sheremotionalmakeupthatkeepshimwithher,”Graciesaidthroughclenched
teeth.“Iexpectshe’sdynamiteinbed.That’swhatshetellsherfriendswhenshecallsthem.Shesays
Jasonis,too.”

Mrs.HarcourtsatdownonthebedwhereGraciewasfoldingclothes.“He’sconfused,”shesaid.“I
thinkyouare,too.He’snotyourbrother,youknow.”

Gracieflushed.“Yes,Iknow,”shesaidtightly,andherexpressionwasrevealing.

“Sothat’sit,”theolderwomansaidthoughtfully.“Somethinghappened.Hefrightenedyouandyou
ran,andhethought…”

“Don’treadminds,it’snotnice,”Graciemuttered.

“Itdoesn’ttakemind-readingtoseethroughpeopleyoulove,”thehousekeepersaidwithagentle
smile.“She’shisrevenge,isn’tshe?Becauseyouranawayandhurthispride.”

Gracie’seyeswidened.She’dneverconsideredthatasapossibility.Shelookeddownintoher
suitcase.“Idon’tthinkit’slikethat,really.Itwasfloodingoutfront,andhewascarryingmetothe
porchhereafterIranintheditchathisranch.HeturnedhisheadtosaysomethingandIturnedmine
atthesametimeandwesortof…well,Ikissedhim.Hewasshocked,butthenhekissedmeback.But
whenIpushedhimaway,hewasfurious.”Shegroundherteethtogether.“Hesaiditwasmyfaultfor
teasinghimlikethat.Iwasupsetandconfused.OfcourseIran.Iwouldhaveapologized,buthewas
longgonethenextmorning.”

“Hewasstandingveryclosetoyouattheparty,beforethat,”Mrs.Harcourtremindedher.“People
talkedaboutit.Heseemedunusuallyinterestedinyou.”

Gracieshookherhead.“Idon’tunderstandanyofthis.”

“Hedoesn’tknowaboutyourpast,Gracie,”shesaidafteraminute.“Youshouldhavetoldhimyears

ago.”

Shelookedattheolderwomaninshock.“Youdon’tknow,”shesaidworriedly.Sheheardafaint
movementandstaredtowardthehall,buttherewasnothingthere.SheturnedbacktoMrs.Harcourt.
“Youcan’tpossiblyknowaboutmypast.”

“Yourmotherconfidedinme,”Mrs.Harcourttoldher.“Sheknewsomethingaboutmethatisn’t
commonknowledge.Wetradedsadstoriesduringthosetwoweeksshelivedhere.”Shesqueezed
Gracie’sshoulderwhentheyoungerwoman’sfacepaled.“Gracie,allmenaren’tlikeyourfatherwas.
You’velivedinthepast,afraidtomoveforward.It’sdestroyingyourlife,andyou’relettingit.”

“ThealternativeistotellJasonthewholestory,andifIdo,he’ll…”Sheswallowed.“He’llneverlook
atmethesamewayagain.I’velivedinfearallmylifethatitwouldcomeout,thathe’dbeshamed
alongwithmeifpeopleknewthetruth.”Hereyesclosed.“Itwasanightmare.Andweweresopoor,
Mrs.Harcourt.SomedaysIcouldn’tgotoschoolbecauseIdidn’twantpeopletoseemewearingthe
sameclotheseverysingledayofmylife…!”

Mrs.Harcourthuggedher,rockedherinherarmswhileshecried.“Youhavetolearnnottocare
whatpeoplethink.Jasondoesn’t.Andhewon’tlookdownonyouifhefindsoutthetruth.Itwasn’t
yourfault,honey.Howcanyouimagineitwas?”

“Daddywassomadatme.IfI’dgottenhomeontime,he’dstillbealive.Hediedbecauseofme.”
Tearsrandownhercheeks.

“Peoplediewhenit’stimeforthemtodie,”theolderwomansaidquietly.“That’sGod’sbusiness,not
ours.Gracie,ifhehadn’tgoneoutofhismindonliquorandthreatenedyouinthefirstplace,orifhe
hadn’tbeensobrutaltoyourmother…Hewouldn’tevenletherworkforfearthatshe’drunaround
onhim.Hewasparanoidabouther,andshenevercheatedonhim.Thatpoorwoman.GoodLord,
whatanightmareshelivedallthoseyears,brutallyassaultedandafraidtoleavebecauseofwhathe
mightdotoyou.”Sheshookherhead.“Ican’timaginehowyouthinkJasonwouldblameyou.”

“HethinksIcamefromgoodpeople,thatmyfatherdiedawarhero,thatweweremiddleclassand
respectable.”Shelaughedcoldly.“It’salie.Allofit.Myrealmothermadeupastorythatshewasmy
stepmomtothrowanyoneoffthetrackiftheyinvestigatedourbackground.Thepoliceshotmyfather
downlikeadogtokeephimfromkillingme.Hewouldhave,too.Hewaslaughing.Hesaidhe’d
teachMamatotryandleavehim.”

“TellJason,”Mrs.Harcourtsaidfirmly.“Getitoutintheopen.”

“Right.Tellhimandloseevenhisrespect.”Gracieshookherhead.“Whatafielddaythepresswould
havewiththatstory.”

“Yes,wouldn’tthey?”aliltingvoicecommentedwrylyfromthedoorway.

Bothwomenlookedup.KittieSartainwasstandingthereinaprettybluepantsuit,withherredhair
piledupinwildcurlsaroundhersmilingface.

“SonowIwon’thavetofindwaystomakeyouleave,willI?AllI’llhavetodoistellJasonwhatI’ve
justoverheard!”

GraciepulledawayfromMrs.Harcourt.“I’malreadyleaving.I’vegotaplacetogo.I’lljustneedto
keeptheThunderbirdforacoupleofweeks,untilIgetsettledandbuymyowncar,”shesaidina
hollowtone.Herpridewaslacerated.Kittiecouldn’thavepickedabettertimetojustwalkin
unannounced.“I’vealreadytakenmycataway.”

“Thatsavedhislife.Iwasgoingtotakehimtothevetforyouandhavehimeuthanized.Ididsayyou
canborrowthatoldThunderbird,”Kittiesaidcoldly.“Butyou’llhavetobringitbackbeforeJason
noticesitmissing.He’sstillmad,youknow.Hewasfuriousaboutthatcat.”

“Thatisn’twhathetoldme,”Mrs.Harcourtrepliedcurtly,glaringatthenewcomer.

“Oh,whocareswhathetoldyou?”theredheadmuttered.“You’rejustarelicofthepast,keptonfor
sentiment.You’llgo,too,”sheaddedwithacoldsmile.

“Iwon’t,”Mrs.Harcourtsaidquietly.“Mr.Jasontoldmetostay.Hewon’tlikeitifGracieleaves.”

“Hewon’tlikeitifshestays,”theredheadsaidspitefully.“Ifshedoes,Jason’sgoingtogetanearful
abouthissweetstepsister.”

Graciepaled.Itwasblackmailoftheworstsort.ButshewassicktohersoulatthethoughtthatJason
wouldknowthetruthabouther.

SheheldupahandwhenitseemedMrs.Harcourtwasabouttoargue.“Don’t,Mrs.Harcourt.It’sall
right.I’llgettherestofmythingsandleaverightnow.Butyouandtheothersdon’thavetogo.”

KittiewaitedinthehalluntilMrs.Harcourtcameout.Shepulledthedoorshutandsmiledhaughtilyat
thehousekeeper.

“Youthinkyoucanstay?”Kittieasked.“InoticedsomethingaboutyouandJasonthathislittle
stepsisterneverhas.AndoneofmyacquaintancesinSanAntonioknewaprivatedetectivewhodida
littlediggingforme.”Shesmiled.“IwonderifJasonknowsthewholetruthabouthisownpast,Mrs.
Harcourt?”

Forashotinthedark,itworkedlikeacharm.Mrs.Harcourt’sfacepaled.

“That’sright…youthinkaboutwhatsortofstoryIcouldgivethetabloids,aboutGracieandabout
you.Isitworthit?”

“No,itisn’t.I’llgo,”Mrs.Harcourtsaidheavily.“WillyouletDillyandJohnstay?”

“Fatchance!Idon’twanttorunacharityhome.I’vealreadytoldthemthey’reonnotice.ThatJohn
characterwantedtoargueaboutit,butIknowthingsabouthimthathe’dlikekeptquiet.Doyouwant
toargueaboutit?”sheaddedwithavicioussmile.

Mrs.Harcourtdid.Butshehadasecretthatshe’dratherhavediedthanletJasonknow.“I’msurethat
noneofuswanttoliveinthesamehousewithyou.”

“That’smutual,”Kittiesaidicily.“You’veallgottwodaystofindsomeplacetogo.”Sheheldupaset
ofkeys.“Jasongavemepermissiontoremodelthehouse,andI’mdoingit.I’vealreadyhirednew
staff,youngpeoplewithenergyandcreativeminds,who’llfitinnicelywhenJasonandIgetmarried.
Outwiththeold,inwiththenew,”shesaidwithadismissivesmile.

Sheturnedonherheelandwalkedoff,pressingnumbersintohercellphone.

Graciecameoutintothehallwithhersuitcase,andsheandMrs.Harcourtexchangedmiserable
glances.“MaybeifIasked,she’dletyoustay,atleastuntilJasongetsback,”shesaidhopefully.

Theolderwomanwasterrified.She’dknownnootherhomeforthirty-fiveyears.Butshedidn’tdare
stay.“No,”shereplied,withoutexplaining.“I’mgoingtoJacobsvillewithyou.Barbaraalwaysneeds
agoodcook.I’llapplythere.We’lltakeDillyandJohn,too.We’llfindsomethingforthem,aswell.
Andyou,”sheaddedfirmly,“aregoingtoshowJasonthatyou’remorecompetentthanhegivesyou
creditfor.Itwon’thurtthatyoungmantohavehisbeliefschallenged.Especiallynowthathe’s
destroyedhislifebylinkingupwiththatredheadedsharkdownstairs.”

Gracieactuallysmiled.She’dneverheardtheeasygoinghousekeepertalklikethataboutJason.She’d
alwaysbeenhischampion,neveracceptinganycriticismofhimfromanyone.Perhapsthey’dboth
growintobetterpeoplewiththechallengesahead.Shedidn’tletherselfthinkaboutwhatlifewithout
Jasonwasgoingtobelike.Shedidn’tdare.

“Don’tyouworryaboutyourpast,MissGracie,”Mrs.Harcourtsaidgently.“Shewon’ttellhim.He’d
throwherout.”

Graciegrimaced.“Doyouthinkso?Idon’t.Comeon.Let’stalktotheothers.”

TheytalkedtoDilly,butJohnhadalreadypackedhisthingsandgone.Hehadn’ttoldDillywherehe
meanttogo.He’dlookedfrightened,too,shesaid.Graciehopedtheycouldfindhimlater,butforthe
moment,shehadtogettheothertwowomenoutofthehouse.Herself,aswell.Ifshestayedaround
Kittieanylonger,shewasgoingtopunchher!

GRACIEWENTTOWORKasaspeciallecturerfortheJacobsCountyschoolsystem.Herfirstday
wasscary,butwhenshegotupinfrontofthefifth-gradersandbegantotellthemlittle-knownfacts
aboutthebattleoftheAlamo,everybodysatupstraightandpaidattention.Shebroughtthehistoryof
thebattlealive,passingoutXeroxcopiesofpaintingsanddocumentsthatemphasizedthedetailsshe
wasproviding.Shegotastandingovationwhenshefinished.

Herself-confidencegrewafterthat.Despiteafewdisruptivestudentsfromtimetotime,shebecame
knownamongthestudentsandteachersalike.Beforelong,shewasinvitedtogiveherlecturesatthe
ninth-gradeacademyandthehighschool.Shefoundherfeetasateacher.Shewaslookingforwardto
thespringsemesterinJanuary,whenshecouldbeginteachingadulthistoryclassesintheeveningsat
thelocalcollege.

Shealsolookedforacar.TurkeySanderswasacharlatan,buthefeltsorryforherandsaidhehad
justthethingforher—alittleoldvehiclethatwasabouttenyearsolderthantheoneshe’dhadthat
Kittiewasnowdriving.Itwasgoodongasatleast.Butthepricewasbeyondhermeagerreserves.

“I’llhavetocomebacknextweek,afterIgetpaid,”shetoldhimsadly.“Ifit’sstillherethen,Imaytry
toworkoutadealwithyou.”

“Youcouldgetyourstepbrothertojustgiveittoyou,”hesuggested.

Herexpressionclosedup.“Idon’thaveastepbrotheranymore.Ihavenofamilyatall.There’sjust
me.”

Heclearedhisthroat.“Sorry.Badidea.Youcomebackinaweek,MissMarsh,”headdedquietly.“I
thinkthatcarwillstillbehere.”

Shemanagedawansmile.“Thanks,Mr.Sanders.”

“YoucancallmeTurkey,”hechuckled.“Everybodydoes.”

Shewonderedwhy,butshereallydidn’twanttoask.

THENEXTWEEK,shepawnedhermother ’sfewjewelsatthelocalpawnshop.Theownerwas
horrifiedanddidn’twanttotakethem,butsherepliedproudlythatshehadnomoneyandhadtohave
enoughtogetacarsoshecouldgettoandfromherjob.Hestoppedarguing.Healsogaveherthe
bestpricehecouldmanageandpromisedherthathewouldn’tsellhertreasuresforanyprice.

Graciehadonlyonerealclosecall,whenshestartedtobuyacoatthatcaughthereyeandsuddenly
realizedthatshecouldn’tevenafforditonlayaway.Shedashedoutoftheshopred-faced.She’dhave
togetacreditcardinherownname,shedecided,onethatwasn’tbackedbyJason’swallet.Butfirst,
shehadtohavetheeveningteachingposition.Shewasn’tgoingtogointodebt.

SheandBarbaragotalongwelltogether.Theywerecompanyforeachother,especiallyonweekends,
becauseRickwasworkingadifficultmurdercaseinSanAntonioandwashardlyeverhomelately.
MumblessettledinandbecameasmuchBarbara’scatasGracie’s.

Whenshehadherfirstpaycheck,whichshereceivedwithenormouspride,shetookthemoneyshe’d
gottenfromhermother ’sjewelsandpartofhersmallcheckandwenttoseeTurkeySanders.She
boughtthelittleVW.Turkeyeventhrewinacoupleofmatsforthefloorboard.Shefeltindependent
forthefirsttimeinherlife.ThenKittiephonedandsaidshehadtoreturnJason’scarpronto.

ShephonedtheSanAntoniomansionandtoldthemanwhoansweredthephonethatshewascoming
upthateveningtoreturntheThunderbirdifsomeonecoulddriveherbacktoJacobsville.Theman
soundedamusedandindignant.Theyweren’talimousineservice,hesaidhaughtily.Fine,Gracie
muttered,she’dgetacab!Shehungup,furious.ShewonderedwherepooroldJohnhadgone.She
hadn’tbeenabletotrackhimdown.Mrs.HarcourtwascookingforBarbara,andDillywaswaiting

tables.TheywerestayinginMrs.Brown’sboardinghouse.ButJohnhadn’tcontactedanyofthem.

GraciephonedBarbaraandsaidshewasgoingtoSanAntoniotoreturnJason’scarandwouldgeta
cabhome,butBarbararefusedtolether.She’ddriveupandgetheratthemansion.Itwouldbeafew
minutes,shesaid,becauseshehadtofinishclosingupthecaféforthenight.Gracieagreed.She’dgo
onahead,shesaid.Barbaracouldpickheruponthefrontstepsofthemansion,becauseshewasn’t
goinginsidewithKittie!

ShegotintotheclassicThunderbird,startedtheengineandheadedforSanAntonio.She’dbarely
reachedthecitylimitssignoutsideJacobsvillewhentwocarsranupalongsideher.Onepulledin
frontofher,blockingher,theotherscreechedtoahaltjustbehindher.Threemen,allmasked,jerked
heroutofthecar,pulledablackmaskoverherheadandthrewherintothebackseatofan
automobile.Secondslater,herhandsweretiedandshewasgivenaquickinjection.Shelost
consciousnessbeforethecarwasoutofJacobsCounty.

6

JASONSPENTWEEKSontheroad,tryingtotroubleshootproblemsinthecorporationthatresulted
fromthecountry’seconomiccrisis.Itwasthesameallovertheworld,onemarket’sdeclinefedinto
another ’s.Ittookguts,gambling,andsomespeculationtomanageafinancialempireintimeslike
these.Hehatedthenecessityofsomuchtravel,especiallywithhispersonallifeinthesamesortof
shamblestheeconomyseemedtobein.He’dcomehomebrieflyjustbeforeHalloweentosortout
problemsontheranchinComancheWells.

Hehadn’tgonetoSanAntoniotoseeGracie,waryofmoreunrestinthedomesticsituationthere.He
knewshedidn’tlikeKittie.Hell,hedidn’tlikeKittieverymuch,either,buthewassickatheartover
Gracie’srejectionandtryingdesperatelytofindsomewaytocopewithit.Kittiehadseemedlikea
goodideainthebeginning,butshe’ddonenothingexceptmakeabadsituationworse.He’dbeenglad
whenmodelingjobstookhertoEurope.Hehad,tohiscredit,phonedGraciewhilehewasinthe
country,butheneverseemedtoreachher.He’dgivenup,intheend,withouttryingtoseeherand
gonebackoverseastodealwithhisglobalinterests.

ItwasNovemberwhen,wearyandoutofsortsfromallthetravelingandbusinessmeetings,hewas
finallyabletocomehometoTexas.Ithadbeenhardwork,tryingtoconvincestubborncorporate
boardsthathisacquisitionswouldultimatelybenefitthem,evenifcorporatestockpricesweremore
depressedjustatfirst.Jason’sacquisitions,notablythenewsoftwarecompanyinCalifornia,were
riskyinvestmentsinthesetougheconomictimes.Hehadtobeaggressiveinhisexplanations,hehad
tomakepromisesthatheonlyhopedhecouldkeep.Thesoftwarethetwocomputergeniuseshad
createdwouldrevolutionizethevideogameindustry,whichwasoneofthefastestmovingsectorsof
thehigh-techeconomy.Itwouldallowactualtactilecontactwithcharactersandobjectsinthegames,
throughanewtechnologythathehadtostrugglehimselftounderstand,despitehisexcellentcollege
education.Hewasn’tagamerhimself.

ThentherewasthecomputercompanyinGermanythathewastryingtobuyout.Hisnewlaptop
computerofferedinnovativemodulesthatpluggedintointerfacewithallsortsofmultimedia,andit
wasatthetopofthemarketforthenextgenerationofmobiletechnology.ButtheGermancompany
hadimprovedonhisdesignandaddedanewcomputerchip,andwasunder-cuttinghisprices.Itwas
absorbthemorlosetothecompetitionandwatchhismarketadvantagedroplikearock.Theowners
ofthatGermanconcernwerenowsayingthattheirstockholderswouldn’tapprovethedeal.Jasonwas
resignedtoahostiletakeover,whichwasnowintheinitialstages.

He’dseenKittieonceortwicewhilehewasaway.He’dbeeninLondononalayoverandhedropped
bythephotoshootatDovertoseehowshewasdoing.Shewasgoingtofinishsoonerthanshe’d
expected,shetoldhim,becausethey’dcanceledtheRussianshoot.Shewasgoinghome.She’dasked
ifshecouldstayintheSanAntoniomansionanddoalittleremodeling.Nothingdrastic,she
promised,teasinghim.Shejustwantedtoupdatehiscurtainsanddécor,andshehadafriendin
interiordesigninSanAntoniowhowouldlovetohelpher.Justalittleproject,shecoaxed.Wouldn’t
heliketochangethingsaround,justalittle?

He’dagreedabsently,hismindstillontheGermandeal,makingherpromisenottoupsetGracie
anymore,orthestaff.Why,ofcourse,she’dpromised,theyweregoingtobefamily,afterall,weren’t

they?Hehadn’treplied.Hewasalreadysickoftheengagement.Thephotographerwhowasshooting
thelayoutforaprominentfashionmagazineseemedtobeveryintimatewithKittie,touchingherat
everyopportunity.Shealmostpurredwhenheslidhishandrightoverherbottom.Jasonwasn’t
surprisedtofindthatitdidn’tdisturbhimatall.Hemightbeengaged,buthefeltnothingforthis
woman.Hewasmoredeterminedthanevertobreaktheengagement.Itmightbeeasier,ifshewas
alreadyinSanAntoniowhenhegothome.They’dhavetimetotalk.Hedidn’twanttothinkhow
Graciewasgoingtotakethewoman’ssuddenarrival,buthewascertainthatshe’dfindherstride.She
waspolite,nomatterhowangryshemightbe.

He’dtriedtophoneheracoupleoftimesonhiswaybacktoTexas,butshehadn’tansweredhercell
phone.Probably,hethoughtmiserably,she’drecognizedhisnumberonthecallerIDandwas
ignoringhim.Heregrettedthewayhe’dbehaved.Hewasgoingtohavetomakeituptoher
somehow.Ifhecouldn’thaveherthewayhewantedher,perhapstheycouldatleastgobacktoatime
whenthey’dbeenfriendsandnotenemies.Hewasdesperatetohaveherbackinhislife,inany
capacity.Theweeksapartfromherhadbeenagonizing.Hiseyesachedtoseeher.

JASONHADPARKEDHISbigJaguarattheairportinasecurelong-termareabeforeheflew
overseasthesecondtime.He’dplannedtodriveondowntoComancheWellsandcheckonhisranch,
buthegavewaytoanimpulsetostopattheSanAntoniomansionfirst.HewantedtoseeGracieand
makesurethatKittiehadn’tupsetherorMrs.Harcourt.HealsowantedtomakesurethatKittiehadn’t
goneoverboardwithchanges.Hewasalreadysorryhe’dagreedtoallowhertodoanyremodeling.
ThatwasjustgoingtoupsetGraciemore.

He’dmeanttophonethewomenfromLondonandtellthemthatKittiewascoming,buthe’dgotten
busyandforgot.Hewassorry,butitwastoolatenow.HeonlyhopedKittiewasbeingdiplomatic.But
judgingbythepast,thatwasn’treallylikely.Hewasresignedtoplayingpeacemaker.

Thefirstthinghenoticedwhenhewalkedupontotheporchwastheabsenceoftheplanterswhere
Mrs.Harcourthadputoutpansies.Frowning,henotedthatGracie’sflowerbedswerecoveredover
withmulchandoddmodernstatues.Withapprehension,heunlockedthedoorwithhiskeyandwalked
in.

Hewasn’tsurethathewasintherighthouse.Thevestibulehadbeenredone,withablack-and-white
tiledfloorpatternthathehatedonsight.Itwascoveringtheoakflooringthathadbeeninstalledbythe
originalowner.Jasonhadbeenpartialtoit.Othershocksfollowedinshortorder.Thelivingroom’s
cushy,comfortablefurniturehadbeenreplacedbyultramodernmodularpieceswithnoarmrests.A
glasscoffeetableadornedwithasingleorchidwasinthespotwherethebeautifulantiquecherry
coffeetablehadoncerested.Thecurtainsweren’thung,theyweredrapedoverapoleandwere
knobbyandthecolorofoatmeal.Abovethemantel,wherehisfather ’sportraithadhung,wasastill
lifewithfruitinabowl.

Atallyoungmaninasuitcameintothelivingroom.“Andwhomightyoube?”heaskedwithfaint
hauteur.“Howdidyougetin?”

Jasonturned,blackeyesflashing.“Withmykey.Whothehellareyou?”

“I’mthechauffeur.”

“Likehellyouare!Where’sJohn?”

“Ifyoumeanthatoldmanwhousedtoworkhere,he’sgone…”

“Where’sMrs.Harcourt?Issheinthekitchen?”heaskedabruptly.

Theyoungermanshifteduncomfortably.“YoumustmeanMissGibbons—she’sthecook.”

“Dilly?”hepersisted.

“MissSartainfiredher,”hesaid.“Sheletthemallgo…shesaidtheyweretooold…”

Jasonmovedastepcloserandtheyoungmanshutup,flushing.“Idon’tcarewhoyouare.Thisismy
houseandIdidn’thireyou.Getout.Findtheothernewhiresandtakethemwithyou.”Heslidback
hiscuffandcheckedhisRolex.“You’vegotthirtyminutestovacatethepremises,orI’llhaveyou
takenoutinhandcuffsandchargedwithcriminaltrespass!”

“We…wewerehired!”

“Notbyme,”Jasonsaidinacold,threateningtone.

Themanbackedaway,disconcerted.“YoushouldtalktoMissSartain,”hebegan.

“Whereisshe?”

TherewasacommotiononthestaircaseandKittiecametrippingdownit,wearingaprettysilk
pantsuitinoyster-white.“Darling!”sheexclaimed,andthrewherselfintohisarms.

Hejerkedaway.Hiseyeswereglitteringwithbadtemper.“Wherearemyemployees?”heasked
curtly.

Sheclearedherthroat.“Well,Iletthemgo.Jason,theywereold,andthatDilly,honestly,shewasjust
sofrumpy…!”

“Youhadnodamnedauthoritytohireandfirehere!”heraged.“Isaidyoucoulddosomeminor
redecorating,notupendmywholedamnedlife!”

Shemovedbackastep.“Itneededmodernizing,”shebegan.

“It’smyhouse,Kittie,”hesaidcoldly.“Mine!Youdon’tmakedecisionsforme!”

Sheglaredathim.“We’regettingmarried…”

“Thehellweare!”

Shehesitated.Hereyesblinkedasifshecouldn’tquiteunderstandwhatwashappening.“Youbought

mearing,”shesaid.

“Keepit,alongwiththeclothes,”hesnapped.“Butgetthehelloutofmyhouse.Rightnow.”

Shelaughednervously.“Jason,you’rejustupset.Okay,Iwentalittletoofar.Icancallthoseold
peopleandaskthemtocomeback…”

Hehadasudden,uneasythought.“Where’sGracie?”

Kittiewasreallynervousnow.“SheandIhadalongtalk,”shesaidslowly.“Sheagreedthatshe
neededtosupportherself…”

“Where?”hedemanded.

“Idon’tknow!SheborrowedyouroldThunderbirdanddrovedowntoJacobsvillewiththatstupidcat
andsomethingsoutofherroom.Itoldhertobringthecarback,butforsomereasonshehasn’t
returnedityet.ButI’msureit’sallright,”Kittieaddedhastily.However,sheactuallyfoundit
disturbing,becauseGracieknewhowhetreasuredthatoldcar.Sowhyhadn’tGraciereturneditwhen
she’dasked?!

Herroom.Gracie’sroom.Jasonhadacoldfeeling.Heturned,takingthestepstwoatatimeonhis
wayupthecurvingstaircase.HegottoGracie’sroomandopenedit.Thesightthatmethiseyes
revoltedhim.Gracie’sbeautifulVictorianroomwasanightmareofredandblack.Itlookedlikea
bordello.Thefurniture,allshehadleftofherfamily,wasgone,aswell.Heopenedthecloset.None
ofherclotheswerethere,eventhebeautifulgoldeveninggownhe’dbroughtherfromParis.Nothing
ofGracieremained.Hestaredindisbeliefatthewreckbeforehim.

“Thisroomwasadisgrace,”Kittiehuffedfrombehindhim.“Roseandwhite!Whatsortofwoman
wantsacolorschemelikethatanymore?It’srightoutofthe1800s…!”

Jasonturnedandstaredatherwitheyessocoldshefeltachill.“Whereareherclothes,her
furniture?”heaskedinalow,threateningtone.

Shefoldedherarmsoverherchestandpouted.“Well,shetooksomeofherclothes,”shefaltered.“I
gavetherestaway.”

Hisfistsclenchedbyhisside.Hewasalmostvibratingwithrage.

“Shewasinmyway!”sheexploded.Herblueeyessparkedathim.“Youwereobsessedwithher!All
youevertalkedaboutwasGracie,Gracie,Gracie!Youcouldn’tevenkissme!Andhereshewas,
livingwithyou,spendingyourmoney,coddlingthoseoldpeoplewhocouldn’tevendothejob
properly.Yes,Ithrewherout!Shedidn’targue.Shesaidshewasgladtogo!”Shedidn’taddthat
she’dusedblackmailtoaccomplishGracie’seviction.

Hedidn’ttrusthimselftospeak.

Kittienoticedit,butshedidn’tcare.“Ifithadn’tbeenforher,you’dhavemarriedme.I’dhavebeen

setforlife,”sheblurtedout.“I’msickofmodeling.Iwantedtocomehomeandmixwiththeright
people,havemoneytospend,buywhatIwantedwithouthavingtolookatpricetags,alwayshavethe
latest,bestcars.Iwantedtoberich!AndallyouwantedwastositandmoonoverGracie.”Hereyes
flashed.“Well,allright,ifyouwanttoditchme,goahead.LikeIwanttolivewithamanwhocan’t
bringhimselftotouchmebecausehe’slustingafterhisownstepsister!”

“Watchyourmouth,”hesaidinalow,dangeroustone.

“Oh,whatever!I’llgetmythings.Youcancallacabtotakemetotheairport,andyoucanbuymea
tickettoNewYork,”shesaidspitefully.

“You’redamnedluckyIdon’tpresscharges,”hesaidinavoiceteemingwithfury.“Youhadno
authoritytodestroymyhouseandfiremystaff.”

Shesmoothedbackherhair.“Presscharges,”shesaidhaughtily.“AndI’lltellthetabloidsyour
shamefulfamilysecret!”sheragedwithoutthinking.

“Whatdoyoumean?”heasked,frowning.“Whatfamilysecret?”Hetookasteptowardher.Thelook
inhisblackeyeswasdangerous.

Shebackeddown.“That’sformetoknowandyoutofindout,”shetossedback.

Sheturnedandranbackupstairs.Jasonstaredafterherwithahollowsensationinthepitofhis
stomach.Helookedaroundattheruinsofhisoncetastefulandimmaculatehomeandcursedhimself
forhisownstupidity.

TWOHOURSLATER,Kittieandhernewlyhiredstaffwereallonthewayofftheproperty.Kittie
wasenroutetotheairport.SheinformedJasonthatshe’dhadaspendingspreeatNeimanMarcus,
whichwassendinghimthebill,andshewasn’tgivinganythingback.Hetoldhertokeepitalland
goodriddance.ShehurledherselfintothelimoJasonhadorderedtocarryhertocatchherflight
withoutanotherword.

Theso-calledstaffwereheadedbacktoSanAntoniointheirowncarsandtheunemploymentline.
Jasonhadaheadachethelikesofwhichhe’dneverknown.

HewaiteduntiltheunwelcomeguestshadgonebeforehephonedBarbara.Heneededacoolheadto
dealwithGracie.BarbarawouldknowwhereGraciewas.Hedidn’tknowhowtostartmaking
amendsforwhatKittiehaddone.TherewasalsotheanguishoftryingtotrackdownMrs.Harcourt,
thatsweetandlovingwomanwho’dbeentossedoutlikeanoldshoe,nottomentionJohnandDilly.
TheonlygoodthingwasthatKittiehadn’thadaccesstotheranch,orhemightbereplacingcowboys,
aswell.

ThephonerangatBarbara’sCaféagainandagain.He’dalmostgivenuphopeofananswerwhen
Barbara’sstrainedvoicecameontheline.

“Where’sGracie?”heaskedcurtly.

“I’mnotthepersontoask,”shesaidmiserably.“Idon’tknowwheresheis,Jason.Neitherdoes
anybodyelse.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”heasked,withfearspiralingthroughhim.

“ThatidiotfiancéeofyoursphonedandsaidshewantedyourThunderbirdreturnedtonightbecause
youwerecominghomeandshedidn’twanttogetintroubleforlendingittoGracie.Iwasgoingto
driveuptoSanAntonioandgiveherarideback.SoGraciestartedthatway,butsheneverarrived.”

Hisheartfrozeinhischest.“What?”

Barbarasighedmiserably.“IfoundtheThunderbirdonthesideoftheroadwithherpurseandcell
phonestillinit,justaboutanhourago,whenIclosedtherestaurantanddrovetowardSanAntonioto
gether.”Shehesitated.“Icalledinlawenforcement.SheriffHayesthinksshe’sbeenkidnapped.”

Hesatdown.“Kidnapped?”

“Yes.You’vebeenoutofthecountrysomaybeyou’reoutoftheloop.Anyway,therehavebeenalot
ofkidnappingsaroundherelately.There’saSouthAmericandictatorhidingoutinMexico,just
acrosstheborder.HayesthinkshemaybeinwiththeFuentesdrugbunch,buthe’snotpushingdrugs.
He’susingkidnappingstohelpfundafuturecouptodeposehisrivalandgethiscountryback.Sofar
hehasn’tactuallykilledanybody,buthedidleaveaprettyyoungMexicansocialiteina…well…ina
damagedway.”

“DearGod!”Jasongroaned,runningahandthroughhishair.He’dknownaboutthekidnappings
whilehe’dbeenoverseas,buthadbeentoopreoccupiedwithbusinesstofocusoncurrenteventsback
home.Still,heshouldhavekepthisguardup.Afterall,he’dhadavicepresidentwho’dbeen
kidnappedinMexicolastyearandreturnedbarelyalive.“AretheyatleastlookingforGracie?Ifit
hasn’tbeentwenty-fourhours,theywon’tfileamissingpersonreport.”

“HayesCarsondid,”Barbararepliedcurtly.“HeputoutaBOLOonthecars.OneofCyParks’s
cowboysspottedatruckandacarspeedingdowntheroadbeforeheknewwhathadhappened.He
stoppedwhenhesawmestandingbesidetheThunderbird.”

“ThankGod!Maybetheycancatchthembeforetheygetovertheborder.”Heletoutaharshbreath.
“Whydidn’tyoucallme?”heaskedangrily.

“Icalledthehouse,butthatbutlerorwhateverhewassaidyouweren’tthereandhedidn’tknowhow
toreachyou.Ididn’thaveyourcellphonenumber.Whereareyou?Areyoustilloverseas?”she
asked.

“Igotinashortwhileago,”hesaidtersely.“IhadawholenewstaffthatIdidn’thire,nottomentiona
wreckedhouse.Itlookedasifsomebordelloownerremadeitforbusinesspurposes,”headded.
“Graciewasgone.Sowaseverybodyelse.Kittiesaidshe’daskedthemtoleave.”Hisvoicewasice-
cold.“Ithrewhercrewoutandbrokeofftheengagement.Iwantmypeopleback,butIdon’tknow
wheretolook.”

“I’vegottwoofthemworkingforme,”Barbarasaid.“Idon’tknowwhereJohnis.Mrs.Harcourt
couldn’tgetintouchwithhim.”

“Whatahellofamess!”heraged.

“Yes,Jason,dear,andwhosefaultisthat?”Barbaraaddedwithpuremaliceinhervoice.

“Mine,”hesaidinasubduedtone.“I’veruinedeverything.”

Barbararelented.Hedidsoundasifahousehadlandedonhim.“Mostdisastersyieldsome
opportunities.”

“Notaroundhere,theydon’t.”Hedrewinalongbreath.“I’llphonesomepeopleIknow.We’llwait
foraransomcall.Iimagineitwillcomehere,ifshewassnatchedbecauseofwhosheis.”

“Youdon’tknowwhosheis,really,”Barbararepliedquietly.“Youneverwantedtoknow.”

“Kittiewasmumblingaboutsomefamilysecret.Shethreatenedtomakeitpublic.”

“I’mnotsurprised.Graciewouldn’ttellmewhatitwas,butshewasterrifiedbecauseofthethreat.”

“What’sgoingon,Barbara?”

“That’sforGracietosay.It’sherbusiness.”Therewasapause.“HayesCarsonjustwalkedin.Hesays
theylostthetrailattheborder.”

Hecursed.“Letmetalktohim.”

Barbarahandedhimthephone,mouthing,“JasonPendleton.”

“Hi,Jason,”SheriffHayessaidquietly.“Sorrytobethebearerofbadnews.TheygotGracie.I’m
suretherewillbearansomdemand.I’vecalledinGaronGrierandJonBlackhawkoverattheSan
AntonioFBIfieldoffice.They’reontheirwaydownheretoinvestigate.Well,Garonis.Jonsaidhe’s
goingtocometoyourhousewithateamandsetupsurveillanceandwiretaps.”

“Tellhimtocomeahead,”hereplied.“I’llhavethegatesopen.God,whatashock!”

“Sheshouldneverhavebeenonthatroadaloneinacarthatwasknowntobelongtoyou,with
kidnappersrunningaroundlocally,”Hayessaidshortly.“Shehadnodefensesatall.Shewouldn’t
evenownahandgun.Shewasaneasymark.Whycouldn’tyousendsomeonetopickupthecar?”

“Iwasoutofthecountry,”hesaidcurtly.“Myex-fiancéeaskedGracietobringitbackbeforeIgot
home,soIwouldn’tknowsheletGracieborrowit.”

“Sweetgirl.”

Hedrewinaharshbreath.“Icouldwringherneck!Butit’sallmyfault.Graciewalkedoutbecauseof
allthechanges.Sodidtherestofmystaff.I’msittinguphereallbymyself,justoffaninternational

flightwitharuinedhouseandI’mhalf-starved.Idon’tevenknowwheretofindthecoffeepotorthe
coffee.”

“Jonwillfindthem.Hecancook,”Hayessaid.“He’llfeedyouandmakecoffee.”Hepaused.“Maybe
Ishouldsendhishalfbrotherup.He’saFed,too,evenifhe’sworkingundercoverdownhereasa
Jacobsvillecop.”

“Iwon’tletKilraveninthefrontdoor,sosaveyourbreath,”Jasonsaidcurtly.“Iknowhimtoowell.
He’sheadstrongandhewon’tfolloworders.Idon’twantGraciekilled.”Thewordhithimrightin
theheart.Graciecouldbetorturedorrapedormurdered,andhesatherewithoutthemeanstosave
her.Hefeltawaveofutterhelplessnessthatfilledhimwithfury.“CouldyoutalktoCyParksandsee
ifheandEbScottcouldgetateamtogetherforme,justincase?Money’snoobject.Youdon’tneed
totelltheBureauaboutit,either.”

“I’lldothat,”Hayessaidquietly.“IhavegreatrespectfortheFBI,butsometimestheymovemore
slowlythanIlike.Graciewillbetakentooneoftheroughestareasacrosstheborder.Asheltered,
gentlegirllikeher…itdoesn’tbearthinkingabout.”

“Iknow.”Thewordswerelikespikes,diggingintohisheart.“Wehavetogetheroutquickly.”

“I’lltalktoParksandgetbacktoyou.”

“I’llhavethecellwithmeconstantly.Here’sthenumber.”Hepausedforthesherifftowriteitdown.
“Idon’tcarewhattimeyoucall.”

“Iknowthat.I’llbeintouch.”Hehungup.

Jasondroppedintotheultramodernarmchairthatwasasuncomfortableashell,evenwithout
armrests,andcursedhimselfforhislackofforesight.He’dbeensowrappedupinbusinessand
revengethathehadn’tgivenathoughttoGracie’swell-being.Shewashislife,andhe’dputherat
risk.Hiseyesclosed.Allhecoulddorightnowwaspray.Andhedid.

JONBLACKHAWKWASAStallashisolderhalfbrother,Kilraven.Theysharedthesamepalesilver
eyesandjet-blackhair,exceptthatJonworehisinalongponytaildownhisback.Hewasdressedina
vestedgraysuitandhelookedaselegantasaduke.Rumorhaditthatthehalfbrothers,betweenthem,
ownedhalfacountybackinOklahoma.

HeliftedablackeyebrowwhenJasonansweredthedoorhimself.“Ahousethissize,andyouopen
doors?”

“Ijustfiredthestaff,”Jasonmuttered.“Comeonin.”

Jonlookedaroundandwinced.“GoodGod!”

“That’swhatIsaidwhenIsawit.Myex-fiancéetookituponherselftoremodelthewholedamned
place.I’mlookingatasmallfortunetoputeverythingbackthewayitwas.”Heledthewaytothe

kitchen.“Ilearnedtocookinthearmy,butmostlyitwassnakeorlizardorvariousbugs,andI’mtoo
tiredtogohuntingany,”headdedfacetiously.“HayesCarsonsaysyoucancook.Ihaven’teatensince
breakfast,andthatwasinAmsterdamwhereIwasattendinganeconomicconference.”

Blackhawklaughedamusedly.Hetookoffhisjacketandvestandlookedforanapron.Hewhipped
oneofMrs.Harcourt’saroundhiselegant,lithebodyandproceededtosearchoutfood,coffeeand
equipment.Hepulledoutafryingpan.“Idoameanomelet.Coffee?”

“Please,”Jasonsaidheavily.“I’drathergetdrunk,butitreallywouldn’thelp.”

“No,itwouldn’t,”Blackhawkagreed.“Problemsonlygetbiggerwhenyoutrytoavoidthem.Ifit’s
anyconsolation,thisman,EmilioMachado,hasgreatrespectforwomen.Oneofhismenrapeda
hostage.Machadohadhimshotdeadonthespot.”

Jasonrelaxed,justalittle.“That’ssomething,Iguess.Gracieis…well,she’snopartygirl.She’sbeen
shelteredandisrathernaive.”

“Mykindofgirl,”Blackhawksaidgently.“Ihatethesebrassy,pushymodernwomenwhothink
nothingofpropositioningamanminutesaftertheymeethim.”

“Throwback,”Jasonmused.

“Countonit,”theyoungermanagreedcurtly.“ActuallyIcomefromauniquemoralculture.”

“Dotell,”Jasonsaid,intrigued.

“Myfatherwasfull-bloodedLakotaSioux.Heinheritedafortuneinoilsharesfromhisfather,who
ownedlandinOklahoma.Mymother,however,isCherokeemixedwithIrish.”Heshookhishead.
“Partofmewouldlovetodrink.TheotherpartremindsmeconstantlythatIcouldbecomean
alcoholicwithalmostnotroubleatall.”

“Warringinnercultures.”

“Yes,likemyhalfbrother.”

“Andhismother?”

“Hismotherwaswhite.She’sdeadnow,”headdedquietlyandinatonethatdidn’tinvitespeculation.

“Yousharedafather?”Jasonasked,confused.

“Yes.OurfatherwasanFBIagentwhoworkedoutofSanAntonio.Kilraven’smotherhadmarried
theFBIagentfirstandhadKilraven.He’stwoyearsolderthanIam.Thenhisfathermarriedmy
mother.We’rebothtechnicallyBlackhawks,butKilraventookhismother ’slastnamewhenhestarted
doingundercoverwork.We’reonlyhalfbrothers,butwelookalike.”

“Yes,youdo.”

ThedoorbellrangjustasJonwasgettingeggsoutoftherefrigerator.Jasonansweredthedoor.
Threemeninsuitsstoodthere.Onewasalltoofamiliar.

“Kilraven…”Jasonbegancurtly.

Kilravenheldupabighand.“Yourbrother-in-law,Ramirez,hasalreadyreadmetheriotactabout
notfollowingorders,”heinterrupted.“Heplayschesswithmyboss.Ican’treallyaffordto
antagonizehim.”

Jasongroaned.“RodrigoandGlory.Ihaven’tcalledthem.”

“Noneed.Ramirezalreadyknows.Hesaidtokeepthemposted.”Heliftedhisheadandsniffed.
“Omelets?”Helookedhungry.“Ihaven’thadanysupper.They—”hepointedatthetwosomber,
olderagentsbesidehim“—wouldn’tstopbyafastfoodjointonthewayhere.”

“Weweretoldtohurry,”theoldestsaid.

Jasonchuckled.“Allright,comeonin.Yourbrother ’scooking,”hetoldKilraven.

“Thiswillbeafeast,”Kilravencommented.“Heactuallytookacordonbleucookingcourse.My
mouthisalreadywatering.”

“There’splenty,ifoneofyoucancookbacon.”

Kilravenraisedhishand.“Iknowhowtocookitoveracampfire.I’llimprovise,”headded,brushing
pastJason.“Whocandocinnamontoast?”

Jasonlettheotheragentsinandclosedthedoor.Theyallheadedforthekitchen.“Ican,ifyour
brothercanfindthebreadandbutterandcinnamon.ThehousewaswreckedwhileIwasaway.”

Kilravenmadeafaceastheypassedthelivingroom.“Somethingthatuglycouldgetyouarrestedfor
maintaininganeyesore.”

“Tellmeaboutit,”Jasonreturned.“Comeonin.Jon,canwefeedthreemore?”

Jonlookedupandgrinned.“Sure.I’lladdmoreeggs.”Heglancedathisbrotherandchuckled.“DidI
hearyouofferingtocookthebacon?”

Kilravenrolleduphissleeves.“Youbet.Whereisit?”

“Weneedbread,butterandcinnamon,too.Andplates.”

“Andforks,”oneoftheotheragentssuggested.

“AndIthoughtomeletswerefingerfood,”Kilravenscoffed.

“Whilewe’reworkinginhere,youtwogetthingssetupinthelivingroom,”Jontoldtheolder
agents.“We’reexpectingacallprettysoon.”

Theynodded.Oneofthemwascarryingwhatlookedlikeasuitcasefullofelectronicequipment.
Theywenttothelivingroomandstartedunpacking.

Theotherthreemenworkedcompanionablyinthekitchenandservedupafillingmeal.Theywere
justfinishingsecondcupsofcoffeewhenthephonesuddenlyrang.

THEYHURRIEDTOWARDTHElivingroom.TwoofJon’sfellowagentssatdownatatableloaded
withhigh-techequipment.Jonnoddedtotheagentwhowasmonitoringthesecondlinehe’dplaced
thereonhisarrivalandmotionedtoJasontopickupthereceiver.

“Pendleton,”Jasonsaidcurtly.

“Wehaveyoursister,”anaccentedvoicereplied.“Wewillcallyoubackinafewdaystonegotiatethe
ransom.DonotinvolvetheFBI.Wewillbewatching.Iftheyinterfere,shewilldieandwewillnot
callback.”Hehungup.

JonwaswatchingJason’sface.“Don’tbelieveeverythingyouhear,”hesaidquietly.“Weknowwhat
we’redoing.”

Sodidhe.Heknewthatiftheydidn’tretrieveGraciewithintwenty-fourhours,itwaslikelythatthey
wouldn’tretrieveheratall.Thekidnappershadsaiditwouldbedaysbeforetheycalledback.Hewas
worriedoutofhismind.HehopedthatCyParkscouldputtogetherateamandgoafterher.This
high-techequipmentwasverygood,butthekidnapperswereinnohurryandwhattheyneededwas
fastaction,beforeGraciebecameastatistic.

GRACIECAMETOINashack,tothesoundofaguitarplayingsomesoulfulmelodynearby.Itwas
beautiful,likeaone-instrumentsymphonyofharmonyandpoignantreverie.Shewonderedwhowas
playingit.

Shesatup.Shewashandcuffed,withherhandsbehindher,butshewasnolongerhooded.Shefelt
verygroggy.Sherecalled,vaguely,aneedlebeingpressedintoherarmwhenshewasrunoffthe
roadandsnatchedoutofJason’scarbytwoshort,stockymen.Nearby,asmallboyinragged
clothingwassittingatthedoor,watchingher.Hehadhuge,soulfulbrowneyes.

“¿Comosellama?”sheaskedsoftly.

Hestaredather,blinking.Itwasasurprisetoseethelackofcomprehensioninhiseyes.Hedidn’t
understandSpanish.ShewonderedifhewasMayan.Andthenshewonderedwhereshewas.The
MayanpeoplelivedintheYucatan.Wasthatwhereshewas?

“¡Honeebotmay!”shegreetedphonetically,usingthelittlebitofMayandialectshe’dpickedupfrom
oneofBarbara’sacquaintances.ThereweremanydialectsofMayan.Inthisone,thephrasemeant
hello.Assumingthatshewasn’tmurderingthepronunciation.

Theboysuddenlygrinnedfromeartoear.“Honeebotmay,”herepliedshyly.Hesaidsomething

else,butshedidn’tunderstand.Hedartedoutthedoor.Secondslater,theguitarwentsilent.Thecloth
flapthatservedasadoorwaspushedasideandatall,large,maninjeansandabluesilkshirtcame
inside,smilingather.

Hewasveryhandsome.Hehadlarge,deep-setbrowneyesinasquareface,withanunrulymopof
curlingblackhaironhishead.Hehadastraightnoseandhighcheekbones,asquarechin,andavery
wide,sensuousmouth.Hewasbroad-shoulderedandhusky,morelikeawrestlerthanahorseman.
Hiscomplexionwaslightolive-brown.Hehadaregalbearing.

Hesmiledashestudiedher.“So,youareawake.AndAngelsaysyouspeakMayan.”

“Onlyoneword,”shereplied,hertonehesitant.“ButI’mliterateinSpanish.”

“SoamI.MynameisMachado.Youmayhaveheardofme?”headded,whensheseemedto
recognizeit.

“Yes.WeheardthatyouwerewiththeFuentesbrothers.Andthatyouwerethedictatorofacountryin
SouthAmerica,butyouweredeposedandsentintoexile.”

Heshrugged.“Anapproximationofthetruth,butcloseenough.However,”headded,andhisdark
eyestwinkled,“soonenoughmynemesiswillbefightingtokeephisposition.Imustraiseenough
moneytohirethetypeoftalentIneedtoregainmyformeroffice.”

“Youkidnappedme.”

“Yes,Idid,”hesaidinanapologetictone.“IamdesperateformoneyandIfindthisamore…tasteful
wayofobtainingitthansellingdrugstoyoungboyswhohavetostealtoaffordtobecomeaddicted
tothem,”headdedinacoldtone.

“YoupartneredwiththeFuentesbrothers,”shesaidicily.“Theykillpolicemenandevenjournalists.”

“Insects,”hesaidhaughtily.“Theyarenopartnersofmine.Ipermitthemtooccupyterritoryhere
withoutslittingtheirthroats.Thatisall.”

Shecockedherhead,curious.“Here?Whereishere?”sheasked,lookingaround.“Theboyspoke
Mayan.AreweintheYucatan?”

“No,no,”hereplied.“OnlyinnorthernSonora,justacrossyourTexasborder,infact.Convenientto
thebesttargetsforappropriation—richAmericanos,”headdedwithawickedsmile.

Sheglaredathim.“KidnappingisafederaloffenseintheUnitedStates.Acapitalcrime.”

Heheldupahand.“Pleasedonotquotethelawtome.Itissodepressingtobeboundbythemoral
idealsofimperialists”

Shecaughtherbreath.“Wearenotimperialists!”

Hemadearoughsoundinhisthroat.Sheshifteduncomfortablyandhismouthpulledupatoneside.

Hekneltbesideherandproducedakeytounlockherhandcuffs.“Barbarians,trussingyouuplike
this,”hesaid.“Iapologize.Itoldthemyouweretobehandledgently.Awomanofqualityshouldnot
betreatedsoroughly.”

Shelaughedshortly.“Womanofquality?IgrewupintheslumsofElPaso,”shesaid,feelingsucha
kinshipwiththisstrangerthatshecouldtellhimthingsshe’dratherhavediedthansharewithJason.
“Withnomoney,abrutalfatherwhodrankandbeatmymotherandme,andwhowasfinallykilledby
asniper ’sbulletwhenheheldapistoltomyheadandpromisedtopullthetriggerbecausemymother
triedtoleavehim.Doesthatsoundlikeaqualityupbringingtoyou?”sheadded.

Hewassurprised.“ButyouareaPendleton.”

“IamaMarsh,”shecorrected.“MyfosterbrotherisaPendleton.Hehasthemoney.I’velefthis
house.IworkforalivingnowandIlivefrugally.Idon’thaveanymoney.Soifyou’rehopingto
ransomme,you’dhavebetterluckforprofitbymarketingtheeggsthosescrawnychickenslay,”she
added,indicatingsomefreerangehenswhowerescratchinginthedirtneartheadobehouses.

“Heisyourstepbrother.Surelyhelovesyouandwillpaytogetyouback,”heinsisted.

Shedrewinamiserablebreath.“He’smorelikelytotellyoutodoyourworstandbedamned,”she
saidheavily.“Hisfiancéehatesme.Shegotridofmebythreateningtotellhimafamilysecretthathe
doesn’tknow,”sheadded.“SheoverheardmetalkingaboutmypastandJasonhasnoideawhereI
reallycamefrom.Youseethisspitefulwomanusesblackmailtogetwhatshewants.AlthoughI’m
sureshe’lleventuallytellhimallaboutmyshamefulupbringing,justforfun.”Hereyesmethis.“I
knowsomeofthehostagestakenhavebeenkilled,”shesaidwithoutflinching.

Heglaredather.“Idonotkillwomen,”hespat.“Asforthathostage,oneofFuentes’smendecidedhe
wantedherandforcedherinthenight.WhenIlearnedofit,Ihadhimshot.Idonottoleratesuch
behavior.NotevenwhenIwasElGeneralinmyowncountry.”

Shefeltlessthreatened.

“Thisstepbrother,hewouldnotwantyouifheknewofyourtruebackground?Youarecertainof
this?”

“Verycertain,”shesighed.Shegavehimasadsmile.“So,ElGeneral,doyouknowtheexpression
aboutbuyingapiginapoke?Becausethat’swhatyou’vejustdone.Figurativelyspeaking!”

7

ELGENERALEMILIOMACHADO,advisedthatcontacthadbeenmadewithJasonPendleton,spenta
fewdaysdecidinghowtoproceed.FinallyhesenthisransomdemandstoJasonthroughan
intermediary,aminorofficialintheMexicangovernmentinSonoraProvince.Gracieheardhim
dictateit.ShewonderedifKittiewouldopposeJasonpayinganyransomforherrival,anddecided
thatsheprobablywould.KittiewasoneofthemostmaliciouswomenGraciehadevermet.ButJason
wasloyaltopeopleinhislife,evenifhedidn’tlikethem.Hewouldmostlikelygettogetherthe
ransom,foroldtimes’sake.HeandGraciehadarguedandpartedbadly,buthestillconsideredher
family.Hewouldn’tdeserther.Shehoped.

Butevenso,therewasachancethathemighthesitate.If,forinstance,Kittietoldhimthetruthabout
hisstepsister.Inwhichcase,Jasonmightnotfeelobligedtodoanything.Shedidn’tknowhowher
captormightreactifthathappened.Despitehispleasantattitude,hehadtohavearuthlesssidetohave
conqueredanentirenation.Thekindmanwholovedchildrenwasprobablydeadlybehindan
automaticweaponandwouldn’thesitatetokillifthesituationcalledforit.

SheworriedaboutBarbara,nottomentionMrs.HarcourtandDilly.Theywouldbeconcernedand
fearfulforher.Shewishedshehadsomewaytoreassurethemthatshewasatleastsafeforthe
moment.Howlongthatwouldlast,shedidn’treallyknow.

IFSHEEXPECTEDQUICKresults,shewasdisappointed.Onedaypassed,thentwo,thenthree,thena
weekwithoutanywordfromacrosstheborder.Graciereasonedthatthewheelsofbureaucracy
turnedslowlyandanumberofagenciesmightbeinvolvedinworkingforherrelease.TheFBI,
surely.Orwouldtheybe?Itwasaninternationalkidnapping.WouldtheysendtheCIAorthe
DepartmentofDefenseortheNSA?Well,shethought,shecouldbeforgivenforherignoranceon
theissue.She’dneverbeenkidnappedbefore.

HerfearsthatMachadowouldharmherslowlydissipated.HetreatedherwithOld-Worldcourtesy
andrespect.Andoddly,hegavehertherunofthecamp.Thiscausedsomeargumentbetweenhimand
theFuentesbunch,particularlyastocky,mean-lookingyoungmanwhoarguedwithhim.Thiswasthe
samemanwhooftengaveGracielooksthatmadeherskincrawl.DespiteMachado’skindness,this
wasacampofcriminals.Thesemenhadkilledandwoulddosoagaingiventheslightestprovocation.

Atfirst,she’dentertainedtheprospectofescape,butnotforlong.Menwithautomaticweapons
patrolledtheoutskirtsofthevillage,whichwassurroundedbyacresandacresofbarren,drylandfull
ofcacti,mostlysaguaro,snakesandscorpions.Evenacombatveteranwithsurvivalskillswouldbe
challengedoutthere,muchlessshelteredGracie.Forthefirsttime,shewasawareofthecocoon
she’dbeenlivingin,protectedfromlife,insulatedfromharmfulelementsofsociety,keptapartfrom
theday-to-daysufferingofthepoor.Hercharityworkwasidealistic,andshedidknowfirsthand
aboutpoverty,buttheinterveningyearshadsoftenedherandmadeherlessawareofhowharditwas
tomakealivingwithouteducationandopportunity.

Sheresolved,ifshesurvivedthisexperience,tolearnfromitandbecomemoreinvolvedintheworld
outsidehersafetynet.Shewasalreadygettingatasteofitinhernewlife,whereshemixedwith

ordinaryworkingpeople.Shecouldseetheresultsofpoverty.Shewasbeginningtounderstandwhat
herlifewouldhavebeenlikeifhermotherhadn’tmarriedMyronPendleton.

ShedidfeelregretthatsheandJasonwouldneverbecloseagain,inanyrespect.Kittiehadsecret
knowledgethatcoulddestroyGracie.Shewouldn’thesitatetouseit,either.Graciecouldtryto
explainherpasttoJason,butshedoubtedhe’devenlisten.HethoughtKittiewasthemooninthesky.
Howpainfulthatthoughtwas.KittiehadalreadygottenridofeveryonethatGraciecaredabout,and
she’dstolenJason.Graciehadanewlife.Itwashardandlonely,despitehavingBarbara’sfriendship
andsupport.KittiewouldliveinherhousewithJason,entertainherfriends,gotoconcertsandballets
withJason.Graciewouldliveintheshadowsofhislifeandnevershareafternoonsatthesalebarnor
ridesontheranchwithhiminclosecompanionshipeveragain.Hehatedherforthephysical
rejectionshecouldn’thelp.Hedidn’tevenknowwhyshe’dpushedhimaway.She,wholovedhim
morethanherownlife.

Shegrievedforwhatwaslost,butherimmediatesituationtookprecedence.Wouldtheykillherifthe
ransomdemandwasn’tmet?Wouldtheykillherifitwas?Thedangerkepthersleeplessandkilled
herappetite.Machadosawthatandcametovisitherinthesmalladobehousewhereshelivedwitha
womanandachildwhoapparentlybelongedtotheFuentesorganization.

“Youthinkwemeantokillyouwhetherornotweobtaintheransom,”heguessed,watchingher
eyelidsflicker.“Icanassureyouthatthiswillnothappen.”

“MystepbrotherhelpedFuentesloseahugecocaineshipmentandwasinstrumentalinthedeathof
onebrotherandtheimprisonmentofanother,”shesaidsadly.“Theywantrevenge.”

Hisdarkeyesflashed.“Thisisso.Butthepowerhereisinmyhands,nottheirs,”hereplied.“Yousee
thosemen,señorita?”heasked,andgesturedtowardagroupofsoldiersindesertcamouflage
carryingbigautomaticweapons.“TheydonotbelongtoFuentes,andwouldkillhimoranyofhis
menwereItoorderit.”

Sherelaxedalittle.“Isee.”

“Youdonot,”herepliedwithfainthumor.“Hehashispriorities,Ihavemine.Itwasconvenientto
makeatrucehereontheborder.ButhehasfewermenthanIdo,andminearetrainedcareersoldiers.
Doesthatmakeitclearer?”

Shedrewinabreathandsmiled.“Yes.Thankyou.”

Heshrugged.“Theywantyoubackaliveandunharmed,andthatishowyouwillbereturnedtothem.
Igiveyoumywordasanofficerandagentleman,”headdedwithsincerity.“Inmycountry,this
meanssomething.”

“Inmine,too,”shereplied.

Henoddedandlookedaroundasasmallwomanwithblackhairbraideddowntoherwaistcamein
withtheyoungboy,Angel.Shebowedherhead,smilingshyly.“¿Conpermiso?”sheaskedhesitantly
beforesheentered.

“Asuservicio,señora,”hesaid,andbowedtoher,whichmadeherfacecolor.

TheGeneralwinkedatGracieandleftthemalone.

GRACIEMADEFRIENDSWITHlittleAngel’smotherandwassoonchatteringawaytothewoman,
whospokeSpanish,aswellasMayan.ThesepeoplewithMachadowerenotdescendantsoftheAztecs
whosettledaroundwhatbecameMexicoCity,butimmigrantsfromCentralAmerica.Theirancestry
wasMayan,whichcameasapleasantsurpriseforGracie,whowasfascinatedwiththeirculture.

Camplifeforthesewomenconsistedofgrindingcornandmakingtortillasandcooking;and,of
course,caringforthechildren.Graciehelpedwiththecorngrinding,settingtoworkcheerfullywhile
sheandJosita,Angel’smother,talkedaboutchildrenandthehardtimesinMexicoandthedangersof
theborder.

Thechildrengatheredaroundher,fascinatedwithherblondhair.Shelaughedandtoldthemstories
aboutKukulcãn,thefamedfeatheredserpentoflegend,aswellastalesofMayanconquestandthe
historyoftheadvancedculturethatwasgiftedinastronomyandmakingprecisecalendars.Dayby
day,asshegrewcomfortablewithhercaptors,sheattractedmoreyoungpeople,alsoanxioustohear
thestories.

Still,shelongedforJasonandwashomesickforJacobsville.

Oneevening,aroundthecentralcampfireintheadobehouse,theGeneralhimselfsprawledona
colorfulwovenserapeandproppedononeelbowtohearhertellaboutthefamedballgamesthat
meantlifeordeathforopposingteams.

Whenthechildrenwerefinallyshooedofftobedintheirhammocks,slungeachnightinsidethedirt-
flooredadobehouses,theGeneralremained.

“Theyaretrulyfascinating,thesetalesofyours,”hesaid.“YourSpanishiselegant.Ifbadly
accented,”heteased.

Shelaughed.“IwastaughtitbyaFrenchprofessor,soit’snotmyfault.”

Henodded.“Iagree.”Hecockedhisleonineheadandstudiedher.“Youarenotafraidofme.”

Sheshookherheadasshesmoothedoverthesandwhereshe’dbeendrawingMayanglyphsforthe
children,thehandfulshe’dcommittedtomemory.“Iseethewayyouarewiththechildren,”shesaid
simply.“Theyloveyou.It’shardtofoolachild.”

Hesmiled.“Iwouldhaveenjoyedafamily,abigfamily,withmanysonsanddaughters.Alas,Ihave
spentmylifefightingbattles.Therewasnotimeforawoman.Notapermanentone,thatis.”

Sheunderstoodtheinsinuation.Hedidlooklikeamanwhoknewwomenintimately.Hehadawayof
lookingatherthatwasmoreflatteringthanintimidating,despiteherlackofexperience.Heseemedto
sensehownaiveshewas,andtobepleasedbyit.

“Youhaveayouthfulappearance,butIthinkyouareatleastinyourmidtwenties,”hesaid
surprisingly.“Haveyounothadtheopportunitytomarry?”

“Notreally,”shereplied.“Idon’t…mixwellwithmen.”

“Becauseofyourfather.”

“Becauseofthewayhetreatedmymother.Shesaidallmenwereanimalsonceawomanwasalone
withthem.”

“Icanunderstandwhyyoumightbelievethis,”herepliedinavoicedeepandsoftasvelvet.“Butitis
nottrue.Somemenareanimals,yes.Notall.”

“Shethoughtmyfatherwasn’t.Shewasfooled.”

“Abetrayalthathadsadconsequencesnotonlyforher,butforherchild,aswell.Isshestillalive?”

“No.ShortlyaftermarryingJason’sfather,sheranhercarintoatreeanddiedinstantly.Theythought
itwasanaccident,thatshejustlostcontrol.Iknewbetter.ButIneverspokeofit.”Hersoftgrayeyes
methisdarkonesacrossthecampfire.“It’ssoodd,thatIcantalktoyouaboutthis,whenI’venever
breathedawordofittoJason.”

“Myopinionisnotasessentialtoyourhappinessashiswouldbe.”

Shelaughedsoftly.“You’reveryperceptive.”

“Youlovehim,”hesaidgently.“Andnotasastepbrother.”

Herfacecloseduplikealotusblossomatnight.“Forallthegooditdoesme,”shetoldhim.“He
doesn’tfeelthatwayaboutme.”

“Atrulyblindman,”heremarked.“Sadforhim.Youhavequalitiesthatareadmirable,nottheleastof
whichisyourtolerancefordifferentwaysofliving.Ihavenotheardyousayoncethatitisapitythe
peoplehavetolivelikethis,insuchsqualor.”

“It’snotsqualor!”sheprotested.“They’rehappyhere.Theymaynothavemuchinthewayof
materialthings,buttheylovetheirchildrenandvaluetheirfamilies.Theyaren’tobsessedwith
owningthings.Theylivewithnature,theydon’ttrytocontrolit.Oneday,”shesaidphilosophically,
“ifourtechnologicalsystemshouldevercrashandburn,itwillbepeoplelikethesewholeadusout
ofthedarknessandteachushowtosurviveinaworldthatisn’trunbycomputers.”

Helaugheddelightfully.“Youspeakofthelegendoftherainbowwarrior.”

Shebrightened.“Yes!Youknowit?”

“Everyindigenousculturehasastoryaboutit.”

Hecockedhisleonineheadandsmiledather.“Youlovehistory.”

“Indeed,”sheconfessedwithashysmile.“Ihaveadegreeinitandhopetoteachoneday.”

“Youcertainlyhaveaknackforit.”Hesmiled.“Iamamazedatthefascinationwithwhichthe
childrenherelistentoyou,”hesaid.“Itgivesthemprideinwhotheyare—somethingsadlylackingin
thedominantsocietiesinwhichtheynowlive.”

“Prideandself-esteemarethekeystosuccessinlife,”shesaid.“Somanycultureshavebeendebased
andthendestroyedbyconquerors…”

“Ah,nowyouspeakofyourownimperialistculture,”heteased.

Shemadeafaceathim.“Youcallitimperialism—wecallitprotectingotherdemocracies.Truthis
subjective.”

Hethrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“Yes.Thisistrue.”

Nearby,theguitaristhadchangedsongsandwasnowplayingatenderlovesonginSpanish.To
Gracie’ssurprise,Machadostartedtosingit,hisdeepvoiceseductiveandalluringinthedarkness.
Graciesatup,listening,herpleasureinhistalentapparent.Thesongwasaboutamanwho
worshippedagirlfromafar,withoutthemoneytowinher.Helosthertoarichrancheroand
mournedhereverytimeheheardtherain,liketears,onhisroof.

“Yousingbeautifully,”shesaidwhenthesongended.“Ifyouhadn’tbeenadictator,youcouldhave
beenafamoussingingstar.”

Hechuckled.“Isingformyownpleasure.Butcomparedtorunningacountry,niña,itisapoor
second.Ihaveanaddictiontopower.”

“Afailingcommontomen,Ihavenoticed.”Shesighed,herthoughtsreturningtohercurrent
predicament.

Shehesitated.“HaveyouheardfromJasonyet?”sheaskedworriedly.She’daskedthesamequestion
everydaythisweek,andhe’dgivenhernebulousanswers.Hernerveswerebeginningtowearthin.

Hecheckedthewidewatchonhiswrist.“Wewerepromisedareplytonight.Mymanshouldhave
madecontactbynow.Iexpectthatwewillbehearingsomethingfromyourstepbrotherverysoon.
Youmustbeanxioustogohome.”

“Sortof,”shesaidwithawansmile.“Jason’sfiancéewillbescathingaboutthemoneyitcostshimto
ransomme,ifhedoes,andIdon’tknowhowhe’sgoingtoreact.Otherthanmyclosestfemale
friendsbackhome,Iimaginetheonlypeoplewhowillbegladtoseemewillbethefederalagents
whooverseetheransompayment.Itwillbeafeatherintheircapsthattheyretrievedmealiveandin
onepiece.”

“Indeed,”hereplied.“Thisfiancée—doesheloveher,youthink?”

Shesighed.“Idon’tknow.Heseemedto.Hecertainlytookhersideagainstmeandthehousehold

staff.”Shemovedrestlessly.“That’snotlikeJason.EspeciallywithMrs.Harcourt.She’sbeenwith
himsincehewasborn.”

Heshookhishead.“Aseductivewomancanmakeafoolofaman,evenanolderone.Butthepassion
burnsbrightandthenextinguishesitself,”headdedcomfortingly.“Giveittime.Hewillseethelight.”

Shelaughedhollowly.“Iwon’tholdmybreath.”

“Pessimist,”heaccused.“Youhavetoexpectmiracles,niña,oryouwillneverseeone.”

“Iseethemallthetime.It’sjustmyrelationshipwithJasonthatisn’tworking.”

“Thingschange.Youwillsee.”

“ElGeneral!”adeepvoicecalled.“Thereisamanonthetelephoneforyou!”

“Don’tyouhaveacellphone?”Gracieaskedhim,surprised.

“Five,”hereplied,grinning.“Sothattheycannotbetraced.Toomanytocarryonme,yousee.Ihave
workerstodothatforme.”Hegotup.“Conpermiso,”hesaidwithrespect,andmovedaway.

MAYBEITWASJASON,Graciethoughthopefully.Shewasn’tbeingtreatedbadlyhere,butshewas
nervousabouttheintentionsofhercaptors.Oneofthem,thestockyonewhobelongedtotheFuentes
bunch,watchedherconstantly.Hehadarmsfilledwithtattoos.Hewasmuscularandbrutish,andshe
wasfranklyafraidofhim.Shewantedtogohome.

Sherubbedherarmsagainstthefaintchilloftheeveningair.Whereshewassitting,attheendofthe
porchinaricketylittlehomemadechair,therewasn’talotoflightoutsidethesmalladobehouse
whereshewasbeingkept.Thechildrenwhohadbeenlisteningtoherstorieshadallgonehomeand
shewasmoreorlessalonewhileMachadospoketohiscallerinthemainhousenearby.

“Soyouarealone,huh?”acold,drawlingvoicemutteredfrombehindher.“Ihavewaitedforthis
moment.”

Sheturned,herfacepalingasshesawtheverymanshe’dbeenthinkingaboutmovingtowardher
frombehindtheadobehouse.

THEFBIWASNEGOTIATINGforallitwasworth,butthekidnapperkeptinsistingthatheneeded
moremoneythanwasbeingoffered.Healsowaswaryoftraps.Hewantedassurances,guaranteesof
safeconductandnowatchingeyesorhomingdevices.

JonBlackhawkactuallythrewhiscellphoneacrosstheroomafteroneharrowingnegotiatinground.
Healsocursed.Loudly.

“Youcan’tthrowgovernmentequipmentaroundlikethat,notwhenwe’reoperatinginadeficit,”

Kilravensaid,shakingafingerathim.

“It’sjustsodamnedfrustrating!”Jonsnapped.

“I’dliketopunchafewpeoplemyself,”Jasonsaidroughly.Hegotupandpaced.“Whatthehelldo
theymean,changingthefigurewitheveryphonecall?”

“It’sjuststonewalling,”Jonsaidheavily.“Ihateit,too.Iknowyou’reworried.Idon’tlikethetime
it’staking,either.Butit’stheonlyavenuewehaverightnow.”

KilravenpursedhislipsandglancedatJasonwithanoddexpression.“Isit?”

Jonstoppeddeadinfrontofhishalfbrotherandglaredathim.“Whatdoyouknow?Issomething
goingonthatyouhaven’ttoldme?”

Kilravenmanagedtolookinnocent.“Me?I’monlyhereonloanfrommyownagency,”hesaid.“I’m
notallowedtointerfere,”headdedwithanangelicsmile.

“Likeyoudidn’tinterferewhenRodrigowassnatchedbytheFuentesgang?”

“Thatwasaspecialsituation,”Kilravenprotested.“They’dhavekilledhimforrevenge.Thisgroup
doesn’thaveanythingagainstGracie.”

Jonrelaxedalittle.“That’strue.Hammock,seeifIbrokethephone,willyou?”hecalledtooneofhis
men.“Ididn’tmeantofielditlikethat.”

Hammockpickeditup,punchedabuttonandputittohisear.Hechuckled.“Theymusthavehadyou
inmindwhentheymadethisone,boss.”HehandeditbacktoJon.Itwasn’tevendented.“Nicetoss,
though.”

Asthetwobrotherscontinuedtotradegood-naturedbarbs,Jasonmovedtothepatioandwalked
outside,liftinghisfacetothecoolnightair.Fordaysnow,he’dtriedtobeoptimistic,tobelievethat
they’dgetGracieback.Hopewasfailing.He’dneverstopblaminghimselfforit.He’dpushedGracie
rightintothelineoffirebyputtingKittieinapositiontothrowheroutofherownhome.Itwasn’t
likeGracietoletthathappen.HewonderedhowKittiehadreallyaccomplishedit?SurelyGracie
wouldhavephonedhim,askedhimifitwaswhathewanted.Rememberingtheargumentoverhercat,
however,hewasn’tsosure.

Hislittleactofpaybackhadboomerangedtragically,andGraciewasgoingtopaythepriceforhis
woundedego.Whatifthekidnapperswerejuststalling,hopingtogetthemoneyandkeepher?
Worse,whatifthey’dalreadykilledher?Theysaidthatifpeopleweren’transomedinthefirst
twenty-fourhours,chancesofgettingthembackaliveplummeted.Hefeltpanicriseinhisthroat.If
Graciedied,hehadnoreasontostayalive.Hehadnothingleft.Hehad…!

Abighandcamedownonhisshoulder,hard.“Stopit,”Kilravensaidfirmly.“Torturingyourself
won’thelp.”

“Nothingseemstobehelping,anyway,”Jasonrepliedheavily.“Damnit!”

KilravenleanedclosetohisearwhileJonwasdiscussingplanswithhistwocohortsinside.“They’re
gettingreadytomoverightnow,”hesaidquietly.“Theycan’tknow,”headded,jerkinghishead
towardtheothers.“Itisn’tasanctionedaction.Butthewaythekidnappersarestalling,Graciecould
bedeadbythetimetheyarriveatamutuallyagreeablefigure.Wehadtoact.”

Jason’seyeswereanguished.“Tellmetheywon’tlethergetinthelineoffire.Promiseme!”

“EbScottsentthebesthehas.IworkedwiththemwhenRodrigowascaptured.Shewon’tgetinthe
lineoffire.Andthey’llbringherhome.”

Jasonrelaxed,justalittle.“Ihatebureaucracy.”

“SodoesJon,”Kilravensaid.“Buthe’sstrictlyby-the-book,justlikeourfatherwas.Mystepmother
goesnutstryingtosethimupwithwomen.He’ssuchaprude.”

Jasonturnedandlookedthemanintheeye.“Youdon’tdrinkorsleeparoundorgamble,andyou
thinkyourbrother ’saprude?”

Kilravenscowled.“Iamnotaprude,”hesaid,loudlyenoughforthemenintheroomtohear.

“Yes,heis,”Jonsaidfromthedoorway.

“Ismokecigars!”Kilraveninformedhim.

“Onecigarayearisn’tsmoking,andyou’restillaprude.”

Jonchuckled,enjoyinghisbrother ’sdiscomfort.

“We’regoingtotakeabreak,”JontoldJason.“Maybehe’llcallbackinanhourorsoandwecan
wrangleforanothertwohours.I’msorryaboutthis.Negotiationsarehell.Mostofuswouldpreferto
rushinshooting,”headdedwithameaningfulglanceathisbrother,“butthisisthesafestway.”

“Ofcourseitis,”Kilravenagreedatonce.“NoticethatI’mhere,insteadofoutinsomerun-down
bordervillagedressedindesertcamo,carryinganautomaticweapon.”

“Ididnotice,”Jonsaidirritably.“Thatdoesn’tmeanyouaren’tplayingadvisortosomeonewhois.”

Kilravenjustgrinned.

THESTOCKYMANCAMEUPontotheporchfromthecornerofthehouse,laughingcoldlyas
Graciestoodupandtriedtodecideifshehadachancetomakethedoorbeforehegother.

Thathopewasgoneinstantlyashereachedoutapudgyhandandcaughtherbytheupperarm.Hewas
muscular,asifheworkedoutwithweightsallthetime.Graciehadnowayofknowingthathis
bulgingbicepsandtattooswerevisibleproofofhisprisontime.Sheonlyknewthathewasstronger

thanshewas,andthatthiswasgoingtoendbadly.Shehadnomartialartstraining,exceptforwhat
she’dlearnedfromMarquezwhenhewashomeonweekendsathismother,Barbara’s,house.That
wasn’tmuch.

Shedid,however,rememberonemove.Asthestockymanjerkedhertowardhim,shesuddenlymade
herhandsintofistswithherthumbsstickingoutandpokedhimoneithersideofhisribcageashard
asshecould.

Heletgoofher,cursinganddoublingover.Itworked!Relieffloodedthroughherandthenshe
realizedthatshe’donlymadeabadsituationworseashegrabbedforher.

“Bigmistake,”hegrunted,onegrimyhandgoingtoherbreast,theothergrippingherbuttocksashis
mouthaimedathers.

“Help!”shescreamed,struggling.

Angel’smotherheardandcametothedoor,peeringoutfearfully.

“¡Vaya!”themanordered,andherheadretreatedatonce.

Gracieheardthedoorcloseandknewthatshewaslost.

Whiletheruffianwasmanhandlingher,shetriedtoremembertheothermovesMarquezhadtaught
her.Ifshecouldjustget…her…hands…free!

Yes!Shecuppedthemandslammedthemagainstthestockyman’sears.Heexplodedinpainandrage.
Shetwistedoutofhisloosenedgraspandran,herlonglegscarryingherofftheporchandout
towardthemiddleofthelittlepueblo.

“Help!”sheyelled.“Help!”

ProbablytheFuentesbunchwouldjustlookonandgrinwhilethestockydrugdealerhadhiswaywith
her,shethoughtinpanic,butmaybethosearmedmenincamowouldtakepityonherandcometo
help.Ornot.Herheartwasbeatingwildly,herbreathjerkingasshegaspedtofillherlungswithair.
She’dneverfeltmorefrightenedduringthiswholeordeal.IfonlyJasonwereheretoprotecther,she
thoughtwildly.Ifshe’dgiveninwhenhe’dkissedher,ifshehadn’tfoughthim…shewouldn’tbein
thisawfulpredicament.Nowherlifewasonthelineandtheviolentravishmentofherbodybythis
grimythug.Shewouldliterallyratherbedead.Shetriedtorunfaster,butsheheardthequickthudof
footstepsclosinginonher.Shewouldn’tstoprunning.Butsheknewshe’dlostthebattle.There
wasn’tanotherhumanbeinginsight.Therewasnohelp.

Thestockymanhadrecoveredhissense,ifnothishearing,andovertookherjustasshereacheda
small,closedgrocerystore.

Hejerkedheraroundandbruisinglypinnedhertotheground.

“Now,”hegrowled,“youwillpayforfightingme!”

8

GRACIETRIEDTOKICKHIM,buthewastoopowerful.Shewasoutofbreathandweakwithfear.
Shewastrapped.Therewasnohopeleft.Butasshelayhelpless,atthemercyofyetonemore
bullyingmalethrowingheraround,somethingroseinherlikeafury.Shewassotiredofbeinga
victim.Well,thiscriminalmightkillher,butshewasgoingtogooutfighting.Hermotherhadbeen
right.Somemenweredefinitelyanimals.Butthisonewasgoingtopayapriceforwhathewastrying
todo.

Seethingwithindignation,sheturnedherheadsuddenlyandbithimonthecheekashardasshecould.
Shetastedbloodinhermouthashejerkeduphishead.Heyelled,pressinghisfingersagainsthis
cheek.Hefelttheblood.Hecursedheranddrewbackafist.

“Goahead,coward,”shespatathim.“Beatupawoman!Showtheworldwhatabravemanyouare!”

Thetauntrolledrightoffhim.Theman,stillfurious,liftedhisfisttohitheragain.Shegrittedher
teeth,waitingfortheblow,butshedidn’tclosehereyes.Shedaredhimtodoitagain.Ifheputhis
facecloseenough,she’dbitehisnoseoffnexttime!

Beforethemanhadachancetostrikeher,therewasanoddflashoflightfromsomewherenearby.A
crack,likethepopofafirecracker.Themanontopofherstiffened.Hisopeneyesstaredforan
instantbeforetheywentblankandhefellonhercompletely.

Shefeltsomethingwetonherchest,somethingwithametallicsmell.Shewastoostunnedtomove.
Pasttheman’sbody,atallmanwascomingcloser.Heheldasmokingpistol.ItwastheGeneral
himself,grim-facedandunsmiling,movingrapidlytowardthem.

Gracieshiveredwithrelief,evenassherelivedthepastwhenanothermanwaskillednexttoher.
Horriblememoriesintruded.Shepushedattheunconsciousstockyman,whowasheavyonher,but
shecouldn’tbudgehim.TheGeneralcaughthimbythecollarandtossedhimawayas
contemptuouslyasifhewereadirtyrag.HekneltbesideGracie.

“Niña,areyouallright?”heaskedsoftly.“Iamsosorry.”

She’dbeensobravewhileitwashappening.Now,suddenly,shecouldn’tstopcrying.Thebigman
scoopedherupagainsthischestandcuddledher.“Nollores,”hewhispered.“Don’tcry.Youaresafe.
Iwillneverletanythingoranyonehurtyou.Never,aslongasthereisabreathinmybody.”

Shecaughtherarmsaroundhisneckandheldonfordearlife.Shefeltsafe.Shewasn’tafraid
anymore.

Thebigmanshuddered,atherreadyacceptanceofhisprotection.Hehadwomeninhislife,butnever
onewhomadehimfeelsomuchaman,sonecessary.Shehadalmostbeenravagedbythatlittletick
lyingsostillnearby.Shemusthavebeenterrified,agentlewomanlikeher.Butsheaccepted
Machado’scomfortingarmswithouthesitation,asifshefeltathomethere.Hiseyesclosedonawave
ofpossession.Ifonlyhecouldkeepher,hethoughtinsanely,refusetheransomandtakeherhome
withhim,tostayforever.

Butthiswascrazythinking.Shewouldneverfitintotheviolenceofhisworld,evenifhecouldcoax
herintolovinghim.Thatwouldbeunkind.Shewasnotsuitedtorevolutionandassassination
attempts.Hesmiledsadlyashestrokedherdisheveledhair.Butdreamsweresweet,andhehadthis
littletimewithher,untilshewasreturnedhome.Hewouldsavorit.

JASONTHREWHISOWNcellphoneacrosstheroom,cursingsoformidablythattheagent,
Hammock,actuallybackedupastep.

“Nowseewhatyou’vedone,”Kilravenadmonishedhisbrother,Jon.“You’vecorruptedhim.”

“I’vetradedwiththatdamnedbankhalfmylife,andtheywon’tletmefloataloanforathirdofwhat
I’vegottiedupincertificatesofdepositintheirowndamnedvault!”Jasonraged.“Whenthisisover
I’llcloseeverydamnedaccountI’vegotthere!”

“Idon’tblameyou,”Jontoldhim.“Butdon’tsweatit.Wecanmanagethiswithcounterfeitmoney.I’ll
sendforitrightnow.Allweneedisthefewminutesittakesforthekidnapperstoscoopupthe
ransommoney.Wecantracethemtotheirhideoutandclosein.Theywon’tevenhavetimetoknow
it’scounterfeit.”Hepickeduphisowncellphoneandstartedpunchinginnumbers.

Jasonrelaxed,justalittle.Kilraven’sannouncementthattheincursiontorescueGraciehadmetwith
unforeseenobstaclesdidn’thelphismood.Intheinterveningtimethekidnappershadfinallygiven
themafigureandapromiseofGracie’sreturn.Hewastryingtogetthemoneytogether,onlytobe
refused.Hewenttopickuphiscellphone,checkedtomakesureitwasstillworkingandstartedtoput
itinhispocket.Thethemesongfromasummeractionmovieblockbusterblaredoutinthesilence.
Jasonopenedthephoneimmediately.

“What?”heasked.

“Uh,Mr.Pendleton?”cameahesitantvoiceontheline.“ThisisMarkPeters?I’mtheloanofficerat
yourbank…”

“Whatthehelldoyouwantnow?”Jasonsnapped.

“Please,sir,Ididn’trealizewhoyouwere,”themanstammeredfrantically.“Thepresidentofthe
bank,Mr.Lammers,hadmecallyourightback.Hesaidtotellyouthatthebankwillloanyouas
muchasyouneedtoransomMissMarsh.”

Jasontookasteadyingbreath.“It’sabouttime,”herepliedcurtly.

“Sorryaboutallthat,sir.Ifyoutellmehowmuchyouneed,I’llhavethemoneyreadywhenyouget
here.I’mnew,sir.Ididn’tknowwhoyouwere.”

You’lldamnedsureknownexttime,won’tyou?Jasonthoughtangrily,buthedidn’tsayit.

“TheFBIhasthesituationundercontrol,”Jasonreturnedcoldly.“Thankyouforyouroffer,butit’s
unnecessarynow.Goodbye.”

“But,sir…!”

Heclosedtheflipphonewithasnap.Hewasn’tplacated.JohnLammerswasgoingtohaveahellofa
timetryingtokeephisaccounts,underthecircumstances.

JonBlackhawkwalkedbackintotheroom.“Money’sontheway,”hetoldJason.“Itwillbehereinten
minutes.”

“Theysaidthey’dphoneatsixwiththedropinformation,”Jasonremindedhim.Herananangryhand
throughhishair.“Yousurefindoutwhoyourfriendsarewhenyou’reinasituationlikethis,”he
said,stillfumingoverthebank’sinitialrefusal.“IhelpedJohnLammersgetcustomersforthatbank
whenhesetituphere.Iactuallymovedmoneyfromanotherbanktohelphimout.”Hesighed,
calmingdown.“Butit’sGracieI’mworriedabout.Atleastwe’llhavesomethingtoshowthe
kidnappers.”

“Itwillwork,”JonBlackhawktoldhimgently.“Ipromiseyouitwill.”

AboominghardrocktuneexplodedontothebriefsilenceandKilravenopenedhisownphone,
calling,“Sorry!”totheothersasheheadedoutoftheroomtotakethecall.

“Ineverwouldhavefiguredhimforahardrockfan,”Jasonpointedout.

Jononlychuckled.

Thecounterfeitmoney,obtainedfromapropertyroomatthelocalpolicedepartmentwithajudge’s
order,arrivedontime.WhileJonwastakingdelivery,KilravencaughtJason’sattentionandjerked
hisheadtowardthekitchen.

WhenJasonjoinedhimthere,heclosedthedoor.Kilraven’sfacewasgrim.“They’removingintothe
villagerightnow,”hesaid.“IttooktimetogetthecooperationoftheMexicanauthorities,butyour
brother-in-law,Ramirez,apparentlyisrelatedtothepresidentthere.Hegotthingsontrack.We
shouldknowsomethinginlesstimethanitwilltakeforyourransomcalltocomethrough.”

Jasondidn’tspeak.Hisexpressiondiditforhim.Helookedfiveyearsolder.Hefeltfifty.Please,
God,heprayedsilently,lethersurviveit.Letherlive.

THEREWASN’TANYICEinthepueblo.GraciebathedherbruiseswithawetclothAngel’sworried
motherhadbroughther.TheyoungwomanwassoempatheticthatshemadeGraciefeelasifshe
werepartofafamily.Machado,too,wasconcerned.He’dhadhismentakethebodyoftheman
who’dattackedGraciebacktoFuenteswithamessage.Hedidn’tsaywhatthemessagewas.

Shedidn’task.Shewasjustrelievedtohavebeenrescued.Ithadbeenatraumaticeveningaltogether.

“IwishI’dbittenhimharder,”shemutteredtoherself,althoughshewassadthatthemanhadlosthis
lifefortheattackonher.Shewouldhavelikedtoseehimlockedup.Butitwaspossible,considering
hisviolentpast,thathewouldhavekilledherifMachadohadn’tshothim.Sheonlylearnedlaterthat

themanhadbeeninprison,servingtimeforapled-downmurdercharge.Itwasn’ttheonlyonehe’d
committed,either,shewastold.He’dkilledatleasttwowomen,oneofthemhisownsister.

Coldchillsrandownherspineatthethoughtofhowcloseshe’dcometodeath,orsomethingalmost
asbad.

Machadochuckledsuddenly.“Youhavespirit,”hemurmured.“Jositasawwhatyoudidwhileshewas
waitingforAngeltofetchme.Shesaidyoubitthependejoveryhard.”

Shegrimaced,remembering.“I’llprobablydieofbloodpoisoning,”shemused.

Helaughed.“No,Idon’tthinkso.Youwereverybrave.Youfoughtback,whenyoumusthaveknown
itmightcostyouyourlife.”

“Atthetime,itseemedtherightthingtodo,”shereplied,andwasthinkingthatinthespaceofafew
daysinaterriblesituation,herlifehadturnedrightaround.Thevapid,scattyGraciethather
acquaintancesknewhadbecomesomeonequitedifferent.Shewasn’tsuresherecognizedherselfin
thisstrong,bravewomanwhoflirtedwithcertaindeath.

“Theywillsingsongsaboutyouaroundthecampfireaftertonight,”Machadotoldherwitha
gleamingsmile.

“Itwasalmostadeathsong,”shesaidwanly.

“Yes,perhaps,butstill…”

Hewasinterruptedbyasuddenexplosionjustontheoutskirtsofthepueblo.Machadojumpedtohis
feet,pullinghispistol.HeyelledtohismenandsentaflurryofordersattheminSpanish.

“Stayhere,staydown,”heorderedGracieandJosita.“ItmaybesomeofFuentes’smengetting
revengeforthedeathoftheirman.”

Heturnedandrantowardtherisingflameoftheexplosion.

“Where’sAngel?”Gracieaskedfrantically.

“There.”Jositapointedtowardthebackoftheadobehouse.“Inside.Noworry,”sheaddedinher
brokenEnglishandtriedtosmile.

Gracieletoutarelievedsigh.Butshewasmorenervousnow.Whatifthemenwereafterher,
blamingherfortheman’sdeath?Shewasresponsibleforit,evenifshedidn’tshoothim.Whatwould
theydoiftheycaughther?Wouldshebeexecuted?

Whileshewasrunningthroughnightmarescenariosinhermind,sheheardasoundjustbehindher.
Sheturnedherhead,justafraction,justintimetoseeatall,powerful-lookingmaninblackwitha
maskoverhisfaceandanautomaticweaponinhishandleaptowardher.

“WHYDOESN’THECALL?”Jasonmuttered,glaringatthephones.“It’stenminutespasthisown
deadline!”

“Sometimestheyplaywiththefamiliesofvictimslikehis,”JonBlackhawksaidquietly,tryingto
reassurehim.“It’scruel,butitcanbepartofthegameplan.”

“IknowagameI’dliketoplaywiththem,”Jasonsaidunderhisbreath.Witheachpassingday,he
facedtheprospectoflosingGracieforever.Thepastfewdayshadbeenhellonearth.Ifhethought
aboutittoolong,he’dgomad.

Kilravenlookedathiswatch.“Backinaminute,”hetoldtheothers.“Ihavetocalloneoftheguysat
theofficewho’scoveringforme.”

“Andwhichofficewouldthatbe?”Jonteased,becauseheknewhisolderbrotherwasonlyplayinga
partasaJacobsvillecop.Hewasacard-carryingfed,workingundercoverthere.

“Neveryoumind,”Kilravenmused.Helefttheroom.

Jasonstaredatthephone,willingittoring.Buttimedraggedon,endlessly.

“IT’SALLRIGHT,”afamiliarvoicesaidasthemaninblackcaughtGraciebytheshoulder.

Shecouldn’tseetheface,butsheknewthatdeepvoice.ItwasGrange,Jason’sforeman!“Whatare
youdoinghere?”sheshrieked.

“I’mnothere,”hereplieddrily.“Youhavetorememberthat.”

“You’renothere,”sherepeated,stillgaspingforbreathafterthescarehe’dgivenher.

“Deadright.”Hemotionedtoanotherman,alsoinblack,wearingamask.“Staywithheruntilwe
makesurethediversioniskeepingeverybodyelseoccupiedattheotherendofthecamp.Don’tmake
anynoise.”

“I’llbeasquietasachurchmouse,”themanbesideherassuredhim.

“Wait,”Graciesaidurgently,catchingathisarm.“There’samanhere.Hesavedmefrombeing…
assaulted.He’sprotectedme.Youmusttrytoseethatheisn’thurt.”

Hedrewanangrybreath.“Gracie…”

“Please!”

“Whatdoeshelooklike?”themanaskedirritably.

“Youcan’tmisshim—he’llbethetallestmaninthecamp.Helooksalittleliketheoperastar,Plácido
Domingo,butmuchyounger.”

“That’llbeeasytoseeinthedark,”Grangesaid.

Sheglaredathim.“Justdowhatyoucan.”

“Allright.”Hejerkedhisheadattheotherman,whonodded.Grangetookoffrunningtowarda
suddenburstofgunfire.

Gracieheldherbreath.Somuchviolence.Shewonderedifshe’deverforget.Andthatkindman,the
General,who’dhelpedher.Whatiftheykilledhimtryingtosaveher?Becausesheknewwithouta
doubtthatJasonhadsentthesemeninafterher.Hecouldn’tbetooangry…

Sheglancedatthetaciturnmanbesideher.Hisfacewascovered,too.“DidJasonsendyou?”she
asked.

“Yes.”

Shefrowned.“DoIknowyou?”

Hechuckled.“No,”hereplied.“Anditwouldn’tmatteranyway,becauseI’mnothere.”

Shesmotheredalaugh.“Igetit.YouandtherestofthoseguysarehereontheQTwhilesomebody
withagovernmentagencyissittingbesideatelephonewaitingforaransomdemand.”

“Gotit,”hesaideasily.“Theysayyourstepbrotheriscatchingthingsonfirewithhislanguage.”

“Hecandothat.”Shefeltwarmer.ButthensherememberedKittieandhisdefenseofher,andtears
prickedhereyes.Kittiewouldbethereatthehouse,waiting,withallJason’snicenewyoungstaff.
Shecouldn’tsetfootinthathouse,notafterthewayshe’dleftit.WhatagoodthingshehadBarbara’s
housetogoto,andherjobwaitingwhenshereturned.Shewouldn’thavetodependonJason’s
charity.Andsomehowshe’dpayhimbackforthisrescue.Ifittookherforever.

Ashadowyfiguremovedoutofthedarknessandsuddenlyrushedtowardthem,raisinganautomatic.
ThetallmanbesideherwheeledandletflywithaK-Bar.Ithitthemandeadcenterinthechest.The
gunfelloutofhishandandhecrumpledtothegroundwithanoddhoarsecry.Hedidn’tmove.

“I’msorryyouhadtoseethat,”hesaidquietly.“ObviouslyoneoftheFuentesbunchsenthimtomake
sureyoudidn’tleaveherealive.”

“Yes.Thanks,”sheaddedhuskily.Shecouldhavetoldhimthatshe’dseentwomenkilledinherlife
already,andthathernerveswerenumbfromthelatest.Butshedidn’t.

Hewenttoretrievehisknife,raisinghisheadtolisten.Therewerefranticyellsfaraway,butnothing
nearthem.GraciehopedthatMachadowouldn’tbehurt.Sheowedhimsomuch.

TheywaitedinatensesilenceuntilGrangecameback,movingstealthily,withtwoothermenincamo
carryingautomaticweapons.Theyhadamanwiththem.Machado!

“Thisguyknowsawaytogetyouout,”GrangetoldGracieinalowvoice,indicatingthenewcomer.

“Sí,”theGeneralrepliedbeforeGraciecouldspillthebeans.“IworkforElGeneral,”hesaid,
lookingatGracie.“Idon’tlikehimmuch.Iwillhelpyougettheseñoritaout.”

“Wecouldn’tfindyourbenefactor,”Grangetoldher,“butwedon’tthinkhewasoneofthemenwe
tookout.”

“Thanks,”shesaid,tryingnottogiveitaway.Machadoobviouslydidn’twanttosharehisidentity
withthecavalryhere.Onlythendidshenoticethathewaswearingabaseballcapandawindbreaker
andstoopingalittletodisguisehisheight.

“They’relookingforthesourceofthefireworksoverthere,”Grangeindicatedaflamethatwas
shootingupagainsttheblacknessofnight.“Theyhaven’tevenseenus,andtheycan’t.Weneedtoget
yououtofhererightnow.”

“I’mreadywhenyouare,”shesaidnervously.

Machadogaveheraquietlookandnodded.Shenoddedback.

Heledthemoffintothedarkness.Minuteslater,sheandthemenpiledintoatruckandroaredaway.
Machadostoodontherunningboardonthesideoftheancientvehicle,givingdirections.Theydrove
toapontoonbridge,whereMachadogotoff.

“Buenasuerte,señorita,”hetoldherwithaflashofwhiteteeth.“Iwillrememberyou,”headdedina
soft,deeptone.

“AndI,you.Thankyou,”shesaid.

“Wewillmeetagainoneday,”hesaidsoftly.“Goquickly!¡Amigos,adios!”Andhedisappearedinto
thedarkness.

“Gunit!”Grangecalledtothedriver.

TheyshotacrosstheriverontotheshoresoftheTexassideoftheborder.Therewasn’tasoulinsight
anywhereastheyturnedontoamainroadandstartedtowardSanAntonio.Aboutamiledownthe
road,theystoppedbesideabigburgundySUV.Grangeandhismaskedcompaniongotout,alongwith
Gracie.

Themenpulledofftheirmasksandmovedofftheroad.Twominuteslater,theywereback,dressedin
jeansandshirtsandbootsandcowboyhats,minusthecamoandweapons.

“Keepmoving,”Grangecalledtotheothermen,whowerenowlikewisedivestedofcommandowear
andgear.“I’llseeyoubothlater.Thanks!”

Theywavedandtookoff.Graciedidn’tseetheirfaces.

“I’mfree,”shesaid,suddenlyrealizingit.“I’mfree!”

“Damnedstraight,”Grangesaidwithagrin.“We’lldriveyouintoSanAntoniotothehospital.It’s
closerthanJacobsville.”

“Thehospital,”sheprotested.“But…”

“Youneedtobelookedat,”Grangetoldherquietly.“Whoroughedyouup?”

“OneoftheFuentesbunch,”shesaid.“Themanwhohelpedmeshothimdeadwhilehewastryingto
assaultme.”

“Goodforhim,”Grangesaidthroughhisteeth.

“I’msorrywedidn’tgettomeetyourprotector,”Grangesaid.

Shelaughedsoftly.“Butyoudid.”

“Wedid?”Grangefrowned.

“Sure.Hewasthemanwhoshowedyouhowtogetmeoutofthecamp!”shetoldthem.

Thereweremuffledcurses,whichshepretendednottohear.“SomebodyshouldphoneJason,”she
saidquietlyafteraminute.

Grangestoppedthecarandhandedherhisowncellphone.“Getyourstorystraightbeforeyoucall
him,”hesaidfirmly.“Thedrugdealersletyouoffonthesideoftheroad.Youdon’tknowwhy.A
kindlystrangerpickedyouupandisdrivingyoutotheHalMarshalMedicalCenterinSanAntonio,
gotthat?”heaskedbeforeshecouldpunchinthenumber.“Thekindlystrangerwon’tstickaroundto
bethanked,either.You’llbetherein—”hecheckedhiswatch“—tenminutes.Buttellhimfifteen,so
hedoesn’tkillhimselfgettingtothefacility.”

“Iwill.Thanks,Grange,”shesaidgently.“You,too,”shetoldtheotherman,whowastallanddark-
haired.“I’llneverbeabletothankyouenough.”

“ThankEbScott,”Grangereplied.“Itwashisoperation.Ijusttookpoint.”

“Yes,butyouguystooktherisk.”

Grangechuckled.“CallJason.Iimaginehe’schewingnailsbynow.”

Thephonerangandadeepvoiceanswered.“Pendleton,”hesaidgruffly.

“Jason?”

“Gracie!Whereareyou?Havetheyhurtyou…?”

Hesoundedfrantic.Sheclutchedthephonecloser.“I’mokay.Theyjustturnedmelooseonthesideof
theroad.Thisniceoldmanpickedmeupinhistruckandhe’sdrivingmetotheMarshallMedical
Center.Weshouldbethereinaboutfifteenminutes.”

“I’llberightthere.”

Thephonewentdead.

“DoyoumindifIcallmystepsister,too?”sheaskedGrange.

“Goforit.I’muptomyearsinleftoverminutes.”

“Thanks.”

AfterheremotionalphoneconversationwithGlory,shehandedGrangethephone.“You’dbetterstep
onit,”sheadvised.“GloryandRodrigoarepracticallynextdoortothehospitalattheballet,andare
enrouteaswespeak.ButeventhoughJasonhasfarthertogo,hehasanewJag,andheneedsapilot’s
licensetoflyit.”

“Yes,Iknow.”Grangesteppedhardontheaccelerator.

Gracielockedherfingerstogethernervously.Shewonderedifhe’dbringKittiewithhim.

“THEYLETHERGO!”JasoncalledtoJonandKilraven.“She’sonherwaytoMarshallMemorial.
I’mgoingoverthere!”

“You’renotdriving,”Kilravensaidatonce,steppinginfrontofhim.“You’llwreckthecar.I’m
driving.”

“Theydidn’taskforransom?”JonBlackhawkasked,aghast.

“She’llexplainwhenwegetthere.Youcoming?”Jasonaskedhim.

“Doducksfly?Hammock,packuptheequipmentandlockupwhenyouleave.I’llhitcharidewith
mybrother.YougowithHammock,”Jontoldhisothercolleague.“I’llphoneyoulater.”

Thethreemenhitthefrontporchatadeadrunanddidn’tstopuntiltheyreachedKilraven’scar.They
piledin,JasoninthefrontandJoninback.

Kilravenlefttiretracksgettingdownthedriveway.Hepulledoutintotrafficwithoutbrakingand
flashingbluelightssuddenlyspunintoactionbehindthem.

“Oh,hell!”Jasonburstout.

“Nottoworry.”Kilravenchuckled.Hepickedupthemike,keyeditandcalleddispatchtofindout
whowasbehindhim.Giventheofficer ’sbadgenumber,hechangedfrequenciesonhisradioand
talkedtotheprowlerinpursuit.“I’vegotapregnantladyhereandwe’retryingtogettoMarshall
Memorial,”hetoldtheofficerwithastraightface.“I’mJacobsvillePD,off-duty.Canyougiveusa
courtesyfifty-ninewithallflagsflying?”

“You’dbetternameitafterme,”camethedrawledreply.“Okay,I’mcomingaroundyou.Follow

me!”

“Youbet!Thanks!”

Thepatrolcarspedpastthem,lightsstillrunning.Trafficwaslightatthattimeofnight,sothere
wasn’tmuchtocontendwith.

JasonglancedatKilraven.“Iwanttoseeyouexplainthisifheseesusgetoutofthecar,”hesaid.

“I’llthinkupsomething.Holdon!”

JasontooktimetophoneGloryandRodrigo,whowerealreadyontheirwaytothehospitalfromthe
ballet.Graciehadphonedher,Glorysaid.Theypromisedtomeethimatthehospital.Healsocalled
BarbaraandaskedhertorelaythenewstoMrs.HarcourtandDilly.HewishedheknewwhereJohn
was,butheprobablywouldn’tbeawareofthekidnappinginthefirstplace.

Kilralvenroaredintotheemergencyroomparkinglot,tootingattheofficerwho’descortedthemas
heswungintoaparkingspace.

Threemenexitedthevehicleandranuptheramp.

“Whatthehell!”theofficeryelledafterthem.

“ComeoninhereandI’llexplaineverything!”Kilravenyelledback.“We’refedsonakidnapping
case!Thevictimisinhere!”

Acardooropenedandclosed,buttheywerestillrunning.

Bureaucracytookoverwithavengeanceattheemergencyroomdesk,mannedbyaboredmatronly
ladywithahumorlessface.Jasonfiguredhe’dendupinjailforcausingariot,buthewasgoing
throughthatladyifhehadtoinordertogettoGracie.

Asithappened,thatwasn’tnecessary.JonandKilravenhadtheirIDoutbeforetheygottothedesk.
Alltheyhadtodowasflashitandgiveacursoryexplanationtobeadmittedtotheauthorizedarea,
alongwithJason.TheclerkcheckedonGracieandtoldthemenwhichcubicleshewasin.Herfamily
doctorwaswithher,sheadded.

Jasonledthewaydownthehalltothetreatmentrooms.Dr.Harrisonwasthere,sureenough,
watchingforthem.GloryandRodrigowerestandingjustinsideacubicle.

“Gracie’sinhere,”BobHarrisonsaid,pausingtoshakeJason’shand.“She’salittleroughedup,
but…”

Jasonwasalreadypasthim.Graciewassittingonatreatmenttable,herskinbruised,herclothing
torn,hersilkyblondhairdirtyandstandingoutallover.Shelookedbeautifultothehaggardman
facingher.Hemovedforwardabruptlyandcaughtherhardintohisarms,buryinghisfaceinher
neck.Heheldonasifhewasterrifiedhemightloseher.Hispowerfulbodyshudderedandhisteeth

clenched.Hewastoochokedupwithrelieftoevenspeak.

BehindGracie,GloryandRodrigosawhisexpressionandexchangedoddglances.Thatwasn’tthe
expressionofamangratefulthathisstepsisterwasgoingtobeallright.Itwasthatofaman
passionatelyinvolvedwithawomanwhowashiswholeworld.Theyfeltalmostlikevoyeurs,just
watchinghim.

GracieclungtoJason,shivering.Shewassafe.Thiswastheonlyplaceintheworldthatshe’dever
feltreallysafe,inJason’sstrongarms.Ifonlyshewasawholewoman.Ifonlyshecouldofferhima
woman’spassionandbeheldlikethisforever.Buthewasengaged.Hisfiancéehatedher.She’d
thrownheroutofthehouseandshecouldnevergobackagain.

AsthememorycamebackfullforceofthepastfewweekswhenKittiewasaround,shebegantopull
backfromJason,hereyesdowncastsothathecouldn’tseewhatwasinthem.

Hehadtoforcehimselftoletgo.Andthenhenoticedwhathehadn’tregisteredbefore.Someonehad
assaultedher.Heletoutawordthathadthewomenintheroomflushing.

9

“JASON!”GRACIEEXCLAIMED,SHOCKED.

“Whodidthattoyou?”heaskedfuriously.“I’llhunthimdownandkillhimifit’sthelastthingIever
doinmylife!”

She’dneverseenhimsoenraged.“He’sdead,”shesaidatonce.“Ihadaprotectorinthecamp,
Jason,”sheaddedquietly.“HekeptFuentes’smenfromharmingme.Heshotthemanwho…whotried
tohurtme.”

“Thebastardattackedyou!”heraged.

“Yes,”shesaidhuskily.“Ibitoffpartofhisface,first,”sheaddedwithasmile.

Hiseyessparkled.“Youwhat?”

“Ibithim,”shesaid,laughingsoftly.

“MyGod,”Jasonsaidgruffly.Graciehadneverfoughtanyoneinthetwelveyearshe’dknownher.

“Whenhegrabbedme,Iusedsomeself-defensethatMarquezhadtaughtme.Idugmythumbsintohis
ribcageandthencuppedmyhandsandslammedthemoverhisears.IranandIthoughtIcouldget
away,buthecaughtmeandwrestledmedown.IthoughtIwasdonefor,butthewomanIstayedwith
senthersontofindtheGeneralandheshotthemandead.”Sheswallowedhard.“Iowehimalot.I
hopetheFuentesbunchwon’tkillhimforhelpingmeescapeandlosingtheransom.”

“WhatGeneral?”JonBlackhawkasked,scowling.

“EmilioMachado,”shereplied.“He…”

“Machado?MyGod!”Jonwhippedouthiscellphone.“Youcan’tleaveuntilIgetback,”headded,
walkingoutoftheroomwhilehepunchedinnumbers.

“Machado!”Kilravenexclaimed.“Sothat’swherehewent!”

“Youknowhim?”Gracieasked,confused.

“Knowhim?Hell,everybodyinJusticeknowshim!”Kilravenreplied.“Hewasthebestfriendwehad
inSouthAmericauntilthisnastylittlegroupofanarchistsoverthrewhisgovernment.Wewereafraid
he’dbeenkilled.Nobodyknewwherehewas.”

Shefeltlightheaded.“He’snotabadguy?”

“Thereverse,”Kilravenreplied.“Wewanttohelpputhimbackinpower,butthepoliticalclimate
isn’tconducivetointernationalmeddlingrightnow.What’shedoingwiththeFuentesbunch?He
hatesdruglords!”

“He’stryingtogetenoughmoneytoregainhispower,”shereplied.

“Andhehelpedyouescape?”

Shenodded,shiftingtoamorecomfortableposition.“Boy,thathurts.”

Jasonmovedcloseragain,bendingtoputhislipsgentlyagainstherbruisedshoulder.“Helpany?”he
askedsoftly,hisblackeyessmilingintohers.

Shecaughtherbreathathisexpression,andthedelightthatbeingclosetohimalwaysproduced.She
lookedathismouthhelplessly.

“CouldIgetthefourofyoutoleaveforamomentwhileIexaminemypatient?”BobHarrisonasked,
chuckling.“Youaren’tsupposedtobeinhere,youknow.”

“Wefedsbluffedthestaff,”Kilravenmurmuredwithagrin.“Itwastheonlywaywecouldgetin.We
wereworried.”

“Yes,Iunderstand,butIneed…”Thedoctor ’scellphonerang.Heansweredit,shooingGlory,
RodrigoandKilravenoutinfrontofhim.

Jasonstayedbehind.“IthoughtI’dgomad,”hewhispered.Hebentandgrazedhismouthtenderly
overGracie’s.“God,Iwasscared!”Hekissedherharder,groaningwhenshestiffenedandgasped.

Hejerkedback,hiseyesblazing,hisfaceruddywithfrustratedpassion.“Sorry,”hegroundout,
avertinghisgaze.“I’vebeenoutofmymindwithfear.Couldn’thelpit.”

“It’s…it’sallright,”shestammered.

Helookedbackintohereyes,frowning.Shedidn’tlookasifhe’dfrightenedher.Ordisgustedher.
Hewasrememberingtheordealshe’dbeenthrough.Hefeltguiltyfortouchingherlikethat,even
gently.

Hisfingerssmoothedoverherbruisedskinandhewinced,asifithurthimtoseeit.

Fascinated,herfingerswentuptocoverhis.Shelookedintohisblackeyesandfeltasifpartofher
wasmeltingontotheexaminationtable.

“Ithoughttheymightkillyou,”hesaidhoarsely.“AndIrememberedthefightoverMumblesand
howI’dtakenKittie’ssideagainstyou.”Heclosedhiseyes.“Hellonearth,Gracie.”

Herfingerstightenedaroundhis.“I’mallright,”shesaid.“Ijustlookbad.”

Hebroughtherfingerstohismouthandkissedthemhungrily.“Youlookbeautifultome.”

Herwholebodytingledfromthecontact.Shestudiedhimwithshydelightinherface,aflushthatwas
revealingandflattering.

Jasonliftedhisheadandsearchedhersofteyes.Hisgazefelltohermouth.Slowly,sothathedidn’t
frightenher,hebentandtouchedhislipsdelicatelytohers,brushingthemtenderly.Shedidn’t
withdraw.Hecaughtherupperlipinbothofhisandslidhistonguejustunderthesilkyskin,teasing
it.Herbreathstoppedinherthroatandshemadeanoddlittlegaspingsound.

Hedrewawayagain,studyingher.Shewasn’ttryingtogetaway.Infact,shelookedasifshewanted
himtodoitagain.

Heframedherfaceinhisbig,warmhandsandbentagain.Hismouthsmoothedherlipsapartand
movedbetweentheminaslow,delicate,sensualtastingthatmadeherstiffen,butnotwithfear.

Whenheliftedhismouth,hersfollowedit.She’dforgottenKittie,theargument,everything.Allshe
knewwasthatkissingJasonwasdelicious.Herarmsslidhesitantlyuparoundhisneck,coaxinghim
backtoher.Thistimethekisswasneithertendernorbrief.Itwasaconflagration,liketossing
matchesintodrywood.Itwassosensuousthatsheevenforgotherachesandpains.

Butafteraminute,hepulledbackfromher,breathingroughly.Hiseyesweresmoldering.Therewas
aquestioninthem.

“Thelasttime,whenyoulandedthecarintheditch,youpushedmeawayandran!”hewhispered,
confused.

“Youscaredme,”shewhisperedback.“Youputyourmouthonmy…onmy…”Sheclearedher
throat.“Irememberedmymother.He…myfather…bitherthere.Shecameoutofthebedroomnight
afternightwithhergownsoakedinblood!”

“What?”heexclaimed,shocked.

“Shehadscars,”shemanagedtosay.“Shesaid…thatmenwereonlygentleuntiltheygotyoubehind
alockeddoor,andthentheywereanimals.Shewarnedme.Shesaidmenlikedtohurtwomen,thatit
wastheonlywaytheygotpleasureoutofit.”

Hiseyesdarkenedevenmore.“Notme,”hewhispered.“Notever!”

Hereyessoftenedastheysearchedhis.“Really?”

Hisheartranaway.Thoseeyesweresayingsomethingincredibletohim.

Suddenlytheydropped,asrealitycamebackfullforce.“DidKittiecomewithyou?”sheaskedcoldly.

“Kittie?”Hecaughthisbreath.“Kittie…No!Hell,no!She’sinNewYork.Ibroketheengagementand
kickedheroutofthehousetheminuteIknewwhatshe’ddonetoyouandtheothers!”

“You’renotengagedtoheranymore?”sheaskedbreathlessly.

“No,”hesaidhuskily.

“Butyoulovedher,”shebegan.

“Never!”

“Idon’tunderstand,”shesaid,wide-eyed.

Hebentandbrushedhismouthoverhersagain,lingeringthistime.“We’lltalkatthehouse,”he
whispered.“Whenyou’vebeenexamined,I’lltakeyouhome.”

Shebitherlowerlip.“ButIdon’tlivethereanymore,”shesaid.“IlivewithBarbarainJacobsville.I
haveajobnow,andacar…”

“What?!”

Shewantedtoexplain,butDr.Harrisonwalkedinandshooedaprotesting,cursingJasonoutofthe
cubicle.Afterheexaminedherandgavehersomethingforpain,thefedswerebackandshewastoo
tranquillizedtotalkanymore.ShetoldJasonthatshewasgoingtoridetoJacobsvillewithGloryand
Rodrigo.

“I’llcomedownandseeyoutomorrow,”hesaiddoggedly.

Shenodded.

“I’mcomingdown,too,”JonBlackhawkadded.“YouhavetotalktomeaboutMachado.Thereare
plansintheworksthatyou’rebecomingcriticalto.Allright?”

“Allright,”sheagreed.

GloryandRodrigostabilizedherasshewalkedoutofthecubicle.Jasonwatchedhergowithbridled
rage.HefeltasifthewholeworldwasconspiringtokeephimawayfromGracie.

Jasonwalkedoutpastthepolicemanwho’descortedthemtothehospital.He’dbeentalkingto
Kilravenandhehadanamusedlookonhisface.

“Wasitaboyoragirl?”heaskedJason.

Jasonturnedtowardhimwiththefrustrationofthewholemiserabletimeinhisblackeyes.The
policemanheldupbothhandsandwalkedaway,laughingtohimself.

GRACIESLEPTUNTILTHEnextafternooninBarbara’sguestroom,whereshe’dbeenstayingsince
sheleftthemansioninSanAntonio.Whenshewokeup,Jasonwassittingonthesideofherbed,
wearingworkingclothes.He’dbeenoutwithhismen,too,shecouldtell.Hisbatwingchapswere
dustyandhisblue-checkedWestern-cutshirtandStetsonwerestainedwithsweat.

“Howdoyoufeel?”heaskedgently.

Shemanagedasmile,butwincedatthepain.“Bruisedandbattered,”shesaid.Shelookedathimwith
knowingeyes.“Justlikeyou.Itcan’tbeworkingcattle.Roundupwastwomonthsago.”

“We’reshippingoutmoreculls,”hesaid.“Wehadabumpercropofhayandcorn,despitethe
flooding,sowecanfeedoutourownyearlings,butwe’regettingridoftheolderfemaleswhoaren’t
pregnant.”

Shegrimaced.“Itisn’tnicetoeatcowswhodon’thavecalves.”

Helaughedsoftlyandtookoffhishat,tossingitontoanearbychair.“Idon’trunbeefcattle,”he
remindedher.

“Thenwhereareyoushippingthem?”

“Torancherswhodorunbeefcattle,”herepliedwickedly.

Shelaughedsoftly.

Hisblackeyeswentoverherlikehands,boldonherbodyinthesoftflannelgownthatclunglovingly
toherbreasts.

Sheflushedandtuggedatthecover.

Heavertedhisgazetothefloor.“We’venevertalkedaboutintimatethingstogether,”hesaidaftera
minute.“Ihadnoideathatyourmotherhadbeentreatedthatway.Odd,thatshe’dmarrymyfather,”
headded,glancingatGracie.“Hewentthroughwomenliketissuepaper.Heonlymarriedtheones
whorefusedtosleepwithhim.”

Shetoyedwiththecoverlet.Thiswaspainfulterritory.Shedidn’twanttotellhimtoomuch.“She’d
beenabusedforsomanyyears,Iguessshewasoverwhelmedwhenyourfatherwaskindandgentle
withher.Maybeshethoughtshecouldsleepwithhim,ifshetried,andthenintheend,shecouldn’t…”
Shestoppedwhenshesawhisface.

Hescowled.“Gracie,whatdoyouknowthatyouhaven’ttoldme?”

Shecouldhavecursedherownlackofrestraint.Butperhapsthatwasn’tsoverybad.Shecouldtell
himthat.Shebitherlowerlip.“Shesaidthathe’dbeenkindtoherandshereallywantedtoplease
him,butshecouldn’t…shejustcouldn’tdoitwithhim.Hewasfurious.Hewasgoingtodivorceher.
Shewasafraidforme.Wehadnofamilyexcepteachother.”Sheclosedhereyes.“Everybodyelse
thoughtitwasanaccident,butIknewbetter.Sheaimedforthattree,Jason.Shecouldn’tlivewithwhat
shewas.”

Heletoutthebreathhe’dbeenholding.“Didheknow,aboutherfirstmarriage?”

“Shedidn’twantanybodytoknow,”shesaidslowly.“Especiallyhim.”Sheloweredhereyes.

“Whatahellofawaytobeginamarriage.”

“Withlies,”sheagreedsadly.“Youdon’tknowwhatitwaslike,”shesaidhesitantly.“EvenwhenIwas
little,Icouldhearhercrying,lateatnight.SheneverletmeseewhathedidtoheruntilIwasalmost

fourteen.Iwasuplatewatchingamoviewhenshecameoutofthebedroom.Itscaredmetodeath.
Herwholegownwassoakedinblood.”Sheshuddered.“Imadeherletmetreatthecuts.Hediditwith
histeeth.Hehadtohurtherto…getanythingoutofit,shesaid.Ithadbeenthatwaysincethey
married,butmuch,muchworseafterhestarted,well,starteddrinking.”

Hedidn’tknowwhattosay.Hewasshocked.Speechless.

Sheavoidedhiseyes.“Shehaddeepscarsalloverherchest.Shesaidallmenwerelikethat,they
couldn’tgetanysatisfactionunlesstheyhurtwomen.ShesaidIcouldnevertrustanyman,nomatter
howgentleheseemed,thatmyfatherhadbeengentletoo,atfirst.Butoncetheyweremarried,and
shewaspregnant,itwastoolate.Hekeptherbythreateningtotakemeawayfromher.Shehadno
education,nothingexceptaprettyface.Shebelievedhecoulddoit.Shestayedforme.”Shetrembled.
“I’vebeenterrifiedofsexallmylife,Jason.It’swhyI’vestayedsingle.EverytimeIthinkaboutit,I
seeher…”Shelethervoicetrailoff.

Hehadn’texpectedwhathewashearing.Ithadneveroccurredtohimthatanymancouldbethat
brutalwithawoman.He’dheardstoriesaboutothermen,butthiswasoutofhisexperience.No
wondersheranfromhim.Hehadn’tbeenparticularlygentlewithherthatnight,either.Hispassion
hadburstitsbonds.Hemusthaveseemedthreatening.

“God,I’msorry,”hesaidhuskily.“Ihadnoidea.Noneatall.”

Shebunchedupthecoverinherfingers.“Wedidn’ttalkaboutthingslikethat.Icouldn’tfindawayto
tellyou.ThentherewasKittie…”

“Yes.TherewasKittie.”Hefelttwoincheshigh.He’dusedKittietowoundher.Itwasasickening
thought,thathe’daddedtoheremotionalscars.

Asoftmeowcaughthisattention.OldMumblesjumpedupontothebedandcametohim,rubbing
againsthisarm.Hesmoothedhishandovertheoldcat’senormoushead.“Hi,Mumbles.”Heglanced
atGracie.“ItoldMrs.Harcourttotellyouthatwe’dkeephimifIhadtobuildhimadamnedhouseof
hisown.Didshetellyou?”

Sheshookherhead.“Wehadotherthingstoworryaboutbythen.”

“Whatotherthings?”heasked,suspicious.“HowdidKittiegetallofyououtofthehousewithouta
fight?Youcan’thavethoughtI’dallowit?”

SheloweredhereyestoMumbles,whocameandsatonherchest,stillpurring.“Ididn’tknowhow
youfelt.Youtookhersideagainstallofus.ShesaidyoufeltthatIwastakingadvantageofyouby
lettingyousupportme,whenIwasn’tevenfamily.Ihadn’teverthoughtofitfromyourpointofview,
butIhadto,afterthat.Shewasright,Jason.Youdon’towemeathing.”

Heletoutabarrageofbadwordsthatcutheroff.Hegottohisfeet,runninganangryhandthrough
hishair,stuckhishandsinthepocketsofhisjeansandstaredblindlyoutthewindow.

“Don’t,”shesaidworriedly.“Icansupportmyself.Ihaveajob.I’mstandingonmyowntwofeetfor

thefirsttimeinmylife.Itisn’tapunishment,Jason.I’m…learningthatIhaveabilitiesIneverguessed
Ihad.Icandomorethanhostesspartiesandgiveteas,”sheaddedbitterly.

Hewinced.“Isaidthat,didn’tI?That,andalotmore.”Histallframeseemedtostoop.“Itseemslikea
hundredyearssincewewenttothatsalebarn.”

“Yes,”sheagreed.Ithadbeenlikeanotherlife,consideringwhathadhappenedbetweenthenandnow.

“Youpushedmeaway,”hesaidafteraminute.“Savagedmypride.Mademeashamedofmyself.I
wentofftoNewYorkandgotdrunkataparty.IwokeupinbedwithKittie.”

Sheclosedhereyesonawaveofnauseaandpain.He’dsleptwiththatredheadedspider.He’dslept
withher!

“Damnyou!”shesobbedangrily.

Hewhirled.Ifthatwasn’tjealousy,hedidn’tknowanythingaboutwomen.Hemovedbacktothebed
andlookeddownather,fascinated.

“Yousleptwithher!”

Hedrewinalongbreath.Itmighthavebeentohisadvantagetoletherthinkthat,butshe’dbeen
throughsomuchalready.Hecouldn’thurtheranymorethanhealreadyhad.

“Iwasn’tsureifIhadornot,”heconfessedquietly.“IknewIwastoofargonetohavethoughtabout
precautions.Soifithadhappened,theremighthavebeenachild.”Heavertedhiseyes.Itwas
mortifying,thatadmission.“IhadtokeepherarounduntilIwassure.Sheusedit.Wecouldget
engaged,shesaid,justincase.Iwashurtingandashamedofwhathadhappenedwithyou.Ididn’t
havemuchtolookforwardto.”Heshrugged.“Igavein.Later,Ifoundoutthatshe’dhadacoupleof
dozenmeninthesametimeframeshe’dsupposedlysleptwithme.Iputthepressureonandshe
confessedthatnothinghadhappened.”

Gracierelaxed,visibly.

“Bythen,everybodyknewwewereengagedandIwasinsuchablackmoodandsooverwhelmed
withbusinessworriesthatIjustletitgoon.Ididn’tcaremuchaboutanythinganymore.”Hemether
woundedeyes.“ImetherinLondonandsheaskedifshecouldstayinthehouseandjustmakeafew
littleadjustmentstothedécor.”Helaughedhollowly.“IhadnoideawhatshewascapableofuntilI
walkedinunexpectedlyandsawherideaofadjustments.”Heflinched.“Yourroomlookedlikea
bordello.Allyourclothesweregone,eventhegownIbroughtyoufromParis…”Helookedasifthat
hurtmostofall.

“JohnandIhidmyfewbitsoffurnitureandsomeclothesandChristmasdecorationsintheattic,”she
confessed.“IdoubtifKittiewantedtoriskdustandbugsbylookingupthereforallofit.”

Hesmiled.“GoodforJohn.Atleastnoteverythingwasdestroyed.”

Shesearchedhisblackeyes.“Youwereengagedtoherformonths.”

Heknewwhatshewashintingat.Hesatbackdownbesideher,leaningacrossherpronebodywitha
bighandbesideherheadonthesnowy-whitepillowcase.“Icouldn’t.”

“Excuseme?”

“Icouldn’thavesexwithher,”hesaidbluntly.“Thatwasthebiggestsourceoffriction.Shesawa
bottomlesscheckbookwitheverythingshewantedinit.Allshehadtodowasgetmeintobedagain
andclaimshewaspregnant.Butitbackfired.Bythattime,Iknewheralltoowell.Shedidn’tloveme.
Shedidn’tevenwantme.ShewantedwhatIhad.”

“IcouldhavetoldyouthatthefirsttimeIsawher,”shesaidbitterly.

Hestudiedherclosedexpression.“Shehatedyou.Shehatedeverymemberofthestaff.Shewantedto
shutoffaccesstoanybodywhomightbecomeathreat.”Helaughedshortly.

“SheoverplayedherhandwhenshewantedMumblesoutofthehouse.Thatwasthelaststraw…and
upsettingMrs.Harcourtatherbirthdaypartyhadn’thelped,”headded.

“PoorMrs.Harcourt,”shesaidquietly.“She’sbeenthroughsomuch.”

“Idon’tunderstandwhysheleft,”hesaid.“SheknewI’dneverletKittiefireher.”

Graciemovedherheadonthepillow.“ShetalkedtoKittiealone.Upuntilthen,shesaidshewas
stayinguntilyoutoldhertoleave.Shewaswhiteinthefaceandjustscaredtodeath.”Shehesitated.
“DoyouthinkshehassomedarksecretthatKittieknowsaboutinherpast?”

Hisfreehandtouchedhersilkyhair,spreaditoverthewhitepillow.Itlookedlikepalesunlightin
winter.“Iwouldn’tthinkso.ShecametolivewithmyparentsjustbeforeIwasborn.She’sbeenmore
ofamothertomethanmyownwas.IlostmymotherwhenIwassmall.Mrs.Harcourtwastheone
whokissedthecutsandcuddledmewhenIwasafraidofthedark.”Hisfacehardened.“Iwasoutraged
whenIknewKittiehadfiredher.”

“Barbaragaveherajob.Dilly,too.”

“Well,they’vebothbeenrehired,”hesaiddarkly.“They’realreadyupinSanAntoniooverseeingthe
remodeling.Ihiredafirmtoputeverythingbackthewayitwas,includingyourroom.”Headdedthe
lasthopefully.

Shedrewinasoftbreath.“I’mnotcomingback,Jason.”

Hestartedtoargue.Shereachedupandputherfingersgentlyoverhisfirmlips.Incredibly,thelight
touchseemedtofascinatehim.

“Ihaveanopportunitytostandonmyowntwofeet,toshowthatIcanmakealiving,payrent,be
independent.I’vehadeverythingIwantedsinceIwasfourteen.NowIwanttoseewhatIcandoonmy

own.”

Hecaughtherfingersinhishandandkissedthetipstenderly.“SomethingI’veneverdone,”hesaid
quietly.“Myfatherwaswealthy.Heinheritedalot,andmymother ’speoplewerealsowell-to-do.I’ve
neverhadtomakemyownway.”Hesoundedbitter.

“Butyouhave,”sheprotested.“Jason,whenyouboughtthatranchinComancheWells,itwasa
broken-down,bankruptlittlepieceofscrublandwithafewmangycattleonit!You’vebuiltitintoone
ofthemostwell-knownseedbullenterprisesinthestate!Youdidn’tinheritthat,youearnedit.”

Hewassurprisedbyhervehemence.“Ihadn’tthoughtofitthatway.”

“Ifyourfatherhadn’tleftyouanything,you’dstillberich.Youhaveagoodbusinessheadonyour
shoulders.”

“Courtesyofanexpensivecollegeeducation.”

“Youhavetohavethetalent.”

Hesmiled.Hisblackeyeslingeredoverherbruisesandhegrimaced.“Icouldhavesparedyouthis,”
hesaidheavily.“IfIhadn’tbeensowrappedupinsavingabusiness,I’dhavebeenhome,younever
wouldhavebeenabducted.”

“Mymotheralwaysusedtosaythatthingshappenedforareason,”shesaid,tryingtosoothehim.He
lookedtormented.“I’vehadacushylife.Youspoiledme.YouspoiledGlory,too,butespeciallyme.
I’veneverhadtoworkforanything.”

“Youworkedhardatthathistorydegree,”hecounteredthenfrowned.“Youhadtohavetutorsfor
everysubject.Youdidn’thaveasociallife,exceptforyourmale…friend,thewholetime.I’d
forgottenthat.”

Shehesitated.Shereallywantedtotellhimeverything.Butshewasstillalittleafraidofhisreaction.

“Youdon’ttrustme,Gracie,”hesaid.“You’rekeepingthingsback.”

Shemovedrestlesslyonthesheet.“Yousaidityourself.We’veneverreallytalkedtoeachother,
beyondeverydaythings.”

Hisfingerswenttohercheekandbrushedlightlyoverit.“BarbarasaidIdidn’tknowyouatall,thatI
neverwantedto.Shewaswrong.”Hiseyesbegantoglitter.“Iwanttoknoweverythingaboutyou.”

Herheartjumped.Hisexpressionwasn’treallythreatening,butitheldelementsofafiercepassion.
She’dfeltitmorethanonce,especiallythedaybeforewhenhe’dplowedthroughpeoplegettingto
herinthehospital.

Herfingerscurledaroundhis.“Youmightnotlikewhatyoufindout.”

Sotherewasmore.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Tellme.”

Shehesitated.Perhapsitwouldn’tmatter.Butperhapsitwould.Howwouldhereacttothewhole
truth?Inthebackofhermind,sherecalledKittie’sthreattomakeitallpublic.ButKittiewasoutof
thepicturenow.Shewouldn’thaveanyrealreasontothrowGracietothemediawolves.Orwould
she?IfJasonfoundoutthatway,wouldheeverforgiveherforhidingitalltheseyears?

“You’reprocrastinating,”heaccused.“Atleasttellmewhyyouhadtohavetutors,whenyourmindis
sharpasawhip.”

Thatmightnothurtsomuch.“Ihada…aheadinjuryjustbeforemymotherandIcametolivewith
you.”

Hisbreathcaughtinhisthroat.“Aheadinjury?”

Shenodded.

“Howdidyougetit?”

Shedrewinalongbreathandwentforbroke.“Iwaslategettinghomefromthelibrarybecausemy
friend’smother ’scarhadenginetrouble.WehadtowalktoaservicestationandIgotaridehome
fromthemechanic.”Hereyesclosed.Itwasabadmemory.“Myfatherwaswaitingatthedoor.He
saidallwomenweresluts,likemymother,justaskingforwhatevertheygotfrommen.Hesaidhe’d
makemesorryI’dbehavedthatway.”

Jasondidn’tsayaword.Hewaited,tense,holdingherfingerstight.

“Hepickedmeupandthrewmeheadfirstintoawall,Jason,”shesaidquietly.

10

JASONCURSEDVIOLENTLY.Inthatinstant,alotofthingsbecamecrystalclearinhismind,above
everythingwhyGraciedidn’tliketobepickedup.

Hesmoothedbackhersofthair,hiseyesreflectingthepainhefeltattheadmission.“IwishI’dknown
youthen,”hesaidsoftly.“I’dhavewipedthefloorwithyourfather!”

Sheknewhemeantit.He’dalwaysbeenprotectivewithher,alwaysgentle.Shewonderedwhyshe’d
everthoughthemighthurther,eveninintimacy.

“Iguesswereallydocarryourchildhoodsaroundwithusallourlives,”shesaidreflectively.“My
motherdrilleditintomethatIcouldnevertrustamanintimately.Iknowshewasonlytryingto
protectme,tosparemefromwhatshewentthrough.Butshewarpedme.Iguesstheglitchinmy
braindidn’thelpmuch,either.”

“That’swhyyouhavesomanyfalls,”heguessed.

Shenodded.“Itmessedupsomeofmymotorfunctions.Nottoacripplingdegree,andtherehasbeen
someimprovementovertheyears.ButI’llneverbecompletelynormal.Ihavetoworkharderthan
mostpeopletolearnnewthings.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”hesaidgruffly.Hishandsmootheddowntohermouthandhisthumbteased
acrossit.“You’reperfecttomejustthewayyouare.”

Shewashesitant.“Ithoughtitwouldchangethingsifyouknew,”shesaid.

Hisblackeyesmetherlightones.“Woulditmattertoyou,ifyoufoundoutsomedarksecretfrom
mypast?”heteased.

Shelaughed.“Youdon’thaveanydarksecrets,Jason.”

“That’swhatyouthink,”hemurmured.“Answerthequestion.”

“No.Nothingwouldchange.”

“Exactly.”Hewaitedforhertogetthepoint.

Shewasstillundecided.“Maybethereareworsethings,”shebegan.

“Maybeyoushouldtellme,andgetitalloutintheopen,”hereplied.“Itoldyouitwouldn’tchange
anything.Itwon’t.”

Shesighed.“Allright.Butgivemealittletime,Jason.I’mprettyoverwhelmedrightnow.”

“Yes.Anditwasmyfault,”headded.

Shehatedtheanguishinhislean,handsomeface.Shereachedupandtuggedathishead,pullingit

downtoher.“Stopthat,”shewhispered.“Youdidn’tknowIwasgoingtogetkidnapped.Youdidn’t
haveathingtodowithit.”

Hewastryingtolisten,buthiseyeswerefixedonhersoftmouth.Helookedasifhewerestarvingto
death.

Shelikedthat.Sheenjoyedtheintensityofhiseyesonhermouth.Shetuggedandpartedherlipsjust
ashisopenedoverthem.Itwaslikeflying,shethoughtwithpuredelight.Hewasn’tfightingher.He
was,ifanything,tryingtomanagealittlerestraint.Hedidn’tknow,butthatwasn’tnecessary.Notat
all.Sheslidherarmsaroundhimandpulledhard.

Hisleanbodycrusheddownoverhersbeforehecouldbracehimself.“Gracie,”hegroaned.

Shewasn’tlistening.Hewasn’tfightingveryhard,either.Sheraisedup,positioninghermouth
slowlyagainsthissothatsheincreasedthepressureandtheintimacyofthelight,warmkiss.She
coaxedhimintorecklessness.Shemoaned,becausethefeelingsshewasexperiencingwerenewand
hotanddelicious.

“ForGod’ssake…!”Heopenedhismouthoverhersandthrusthistonguedeepintohersoft,warm
mouth.

Shegasped,butalreadytheheatwaswashingoverher,aswell.Shefelthisleanhandatherbreast,
claimingithungrily,caressingitinhispalm.Hemovedhalfontothebedbesideherandhisarmsslid
underher,grindinghersoftbreastsupagainsthisbroadchest.Eventhroughtwolayersoffabric,the
contactwaselectric,arousing.

“Youlittlefool,”hemurmuredagainsthermouthashishanddrewbackandstartedworkingbuttons
outofbuttonholes.“WhatifIcan’tstop…?”

Bythen,hisbarehandwascuppingherbreastunderhergownandsheliftedcompletelyoffthebed,
shiveringwiththedelightofthecontact.

“It’ssogood,”shewhispered.

“Iknowsomethingbetter,”hebitoffagainstherlips.

Whileshewastryingtofigurethatout,hismouthsliddownherthroat,underthegownandrightonto
hersoft,barebreast.Shetensedatfirst,buthewasn’thurtingher.Hislipssmoothedoverthesilky,
warmskin,exploring,savoring.Histonguecurledaroundthenippleandmadeitgosuddenlyhard
andsensitive.

Shegasped,archinguptoincreasethepressure.Sheheardasoft,deeplaugh,andthenhepositioned
herandhismouthswallowedherupwhole.Hedrewherinsidethedark,sensualwarmthwithaslow,
seductivesuctionthatmadehergouplikeaChineserocket.

Exploding,mindlesswithpleasure,hernailsbitintohisshouldersandshemoaned,ahigh-pitched
achingkindofsoundthatarousedhimevenmore.Whenherbodywentrigidandstartedshuddering,

helostallsemblanceofcontrolandsuckledherhardenoughtoleaveacrimsonstain,alovemark,
thatwouldn’tfadefordays.

Whenheliftedhishead,shewasstunned,panicked,withtearsofshamerunningdownhercheeks.

Itwashardnottofeelconceited.Heknewwithoutaskingthatshe’dneverfeltanythinglikeitinher
life.Itwaslikeatinyclimax,areleaseofthetensionhe’dbuiltinherwithhismouth.Sheshivered
andflushed.Hekissedawaythetears,hislipswarmandtenderandpatient.

“Nobodyeversaid…itfeltlikethat,”shemanagedshakily.

“Youcan’tdescribeitwithwords,”hewhisperedsensually.Hismouthbrushedlightlyoverhers.“I
madeyouclimax.Yourbreastsareincrediblysensitive.”

Shewaslostforwords.Shedidn’tknowwhattosay,howtofeel.Hershy,worriedeyesmethis.He
wassmiling,butitwasn’tapompoussortofsmile.Itwasfulloflazyaffection.That,andpride.

Helookeddownathersmall,firmbreastandtracedarounditwithalongforefinger.“Ileftmarks.
I’msorry.Ilostmyheadalittle.”

Shelookedwherehewastouching.Therewasacrimsonmarkfromhismouththere.“Itdidn’thurt.”

“Itisn’tsupposedtohurt,”herepliedquietly.“It’ssupposedtomakeyouexplode.”

Sheflushed.

Hesmiled.“Nowyouknow.”

Shereachedupandtouchedhismouthwithherfingers.Shewasfascinatedbyhim.Hewaslookingat
herbreastsandshewaslettinghim,enjoyinghiseyesonher,hishandsonher.“Jason,”she
whispered,“doessexfeellikethis?”

Hisbreathingchangedashemetherwide,curiouseyes.

Thetensionintheroomwassuddenlysothickitwasoppressing.Helookeddownatherbodyand
swallowedhard.Hecouldpulltherestofthatgownaway.Hecouldthrowoffhisclothes.Hecouldgo
intoher,hardanddeep,andpushherintothemattresswiththeweightofhisbodywhilehehadher.
Shewouldlethim.Hereyesweregivingawayallsortsofsecrets.She’dcriedoutwhenhe’dsuckled
her.Shewasnoisy.Shewouldcryoutendlesslyashepleasuredher…Butthehousewasempty.
Nobodywouldhearthem.

Heachedtohaveher.Itwasapainthatnevereased.Hewouldbegentlewithher.Hewouldgivehera
memoryofhimthatwouldneverfade,thatwouldmakehertotally,completelyhisown.Itwaswrong,
heknew.Shewasreligious.Shewouldregretit.Buthewassofargonenowthathecouldn’tthink
pastrelief.Evenashetoldhimselfhehadtostop,hishandsweregoingtothegown,topushitdown
herbody…

Thesuddeninsistentjangleofthedoorbellburstlikeanexplosionintotheragingheatofthe
bedroom.

Jason’shandsstilledonthenightgownthatwasalreadydownaroundGracie’sroundedhips.They
lookedateachotherindisbelief.

Thedoorbellsoundedagain.

Jasongroaned.Hisbodywasclenchedinagony.HeforcedhimselftodraghiseyesfromGracie’s
firm,hardbreastsandgetupfromthebed.Turningaway,hestruggledtoregainhiscontrol,tomake
hisbodyreleasetheanguishedtensionthatwhippedthroughhim.

Graciefumbledhergownbackon.Shewasshaking.Ithadalmostgonetoofar.She’dcoaxedJason
intoindiscretionandnowitwasgoingtohauntthemboth.Shegotoutofbed,shoulderingintoa
robe,grimacingasherbruisedmusclesandhersensitizedbreastprotested.

“I’llgetit,”shewhisperedwithoutlookingathim.

Shewentdownthehallbarefooted.Atthefrontdoor,shelookedoutthroughthepeephole.ItwasFBI
SpecialAgentJonBlackhawk,inavestedsuit,hisponytailasdignifiedashislean,handsomeface.

Sheopenedthedoor.“AgentBlackhawk,”shegreeted.

Hefrowned.Shelookedveryflushed.“Areyouokay?”heaskedworriedly.“Ineededtoaskyou
somequestionsaboutMachado,butyoudon’tlookwell.Icouldcomeback…”

“Noneed,”shesaid.“Honest.”Sheopenedthedoorandledhimintothelivingroom.“Wouldyou
likesomethingtodrink?”

“I’llmakecoffee,”JasonPendletonsaidfromthedoorway.Helookedalittleflushed,too.Hewas
dressedinworkingclothes,amusingBlackhawk,who’donlyeverseenhimindignifiedcityclothes.
Helookedlikeadifferentman.

Blackhawkwasn’tblindtothefactthathe’dinterruptedsomethingbetweenthetwoofthem,buthe’d
learnedtopretend.Ithelpedhimwithhisjob.“I’dloveacup.Imissedminethismorning.”

“Comingrightup.Gracie?”Jasonaskedinadifferenttone.

Shesmiledathim.“Yes,please.”

Hesmiledbackandturnedawaytothekitchen.

JONBLACKHAWKWASTHOROUGHinhisquestioning.HewantedtoknoweverythingGraciehad
seeninthecamp,rightdowntothenumberofmenandhowtheywereclothed.

“Therewerealotofmilitarymendownthere,”shetoldhim.“Theywerewearinguniforms.The
Generaldidn’tliketheFuentesbunch.Hesaidheallowedtheminthevicinity,buthehateddruglords.

ItwasoneofFuentes’smenwhoattackedme,”sheaddedtightly.

“Somedaythatbunchwillfall,justlikeManuelLopez’sorganizationdid,”Jonassuredher.

“Yes,andsomebodywillstepintofillhisshoes,”Jasonadded.Hewassittingacrossfromtheminan
armchair,lookingverymuchathome.HestaredatGraciewhenshewasn’tlooking,fillinghiseyes
withherflushedbeauty.

“Lifegoeson,”Jonagreed.Helookedathisnotes.“DidtheGeneralmentionanyplanstoretakehis
government?”

Sheshookherhead.“Heonlysaidhewasgoingtogetitback.It’swhyhe’skidnappingpeople.”She
grimaced.“Iexpecthe’skickinghimselfaboutnowafterlosingmyransom.”

“Mybrotherhelpedthatalong,”Jonsaidirritably.“Hewasinvolvedwithasnatchandgrab,assisted
bypersonsinJacobsvillewhowillremainanonymous,apparently.”

“KilravenwasafraidGraciemightbekilledwhilewewerenegotiating,”Jasonsaidquietly.“Sowas
I,frankly.Ifyouneedsomeonetoblame,I’myourman.Iwouldn’triskher.Notforanything.”He
lookedatGraciewitheyesthatcouldhavestartedfires.

Shebeamed.“Iknewyouhadtobebehinditwhentheycamein.”

“They?”Jonasked.

“Grr…greatballsoffire,isthatthetime?”sheexclaimed,havingjustcaughtherselffrom
mentioningthenameofherrescuer.“IhavetomeetBarbaraforlunch!”

“Inyourcondition?”Jasonexclaimed.“Areyououtofyourmind?”

Evenasshespoke,acarpulledintothedriveway.Barbara’scar.

“Oh,hell,”Jasonmutteredunderhisbreath.

Gracieblushed.

Jonbitbackalaugh.Hehadagoodideaofwhatwasgoingon.Hedidn’tsayso,ofcourse.Hewasa
gentleman.

HegottwomorequestionsoutbeforeBarbarawalkedinwithbagsoffoodfromtherestaurant.She
stoppedinthedoorwayandstared.TherewasGracieinanightgownandrobe,herhairtousled,her
faceflushed.TherewasJason,lookingoutofsortsandfrustrated.AndtherewasFBISpecialAgent
Blackhawk,obviouslyamusedbyitall.Hestoodupassheentered.SodidJason.Old-Worldmanners,
Barbarathoughtwithindulgentamusement.

“Ibroughtlunch,”shetoldGracie.Sheglancedatthemen.“MaybeIshouldgobackformore.”

“Maybeyoushouldn’t,”Jasonsaid.“I’vegotcattletomove.IjuststoppedbytoseehowGraciewas

doing.”

“Iwasgettingintel,”Jonadded.“IthinkI’vegotenoughfornow,butI’llphoneyou,ifImay,ifI
thinkofanythingelse.”

“Ofcourse,”Graciesaid.

“Thanks.Seeyou,”hetoldJason.

Barbaracarriedthefoodintothekitchen.JasonhelpedGracieupfromthesofa,hiseyessoftand
possessive.

“I’llseeyoulater,”hesaidsoftly.Hebrushedbackthedisheveledhairfromherface.“Inacoupleof
days,wouldn’tyouliketocomeoverandsupervise?”

“Supervisewhat?”sheasked.

“NextThursdayisThanksgiving.WeneedtoputupChristmastreesanddecorations,”hemurmured,
staringatherlips.“I’llgetthementohelp.We’llbringDillyandMrs.HarcourtdownfromSan
Antonioandletthemstartdecoratinghere.”

Shefeltthejoydrainoutofher.“Idon’twanttothisyear,”shesaidwithoutlookingathim.“Maybe
Kittiewasright.You’veneverlikedhavingtheplaceswimmingindecorations,anyway.It’sjustabig
fuss,that’sall.Mrs.Harcourtcanputupatreeforyouattheranch.”

Hisheartsank.Hecouldseethereasonshe’dlostherenthusiasmfortheholiday.Hefeltguiltyall
overagain.“Gracie,youlovedecoratingfortheholidays.”

Shemethiseyesandwinced.“Ican’t.Notthisyear.Ican’t,Jason.”

Hedrewinaraggedbreath.“Okay.Iwon’tpushit.You’recomingoverforThanksgivingdinner,
though,right?”

Shehesitated.

Hisfacehardened.Hewonderedifwhathadhappenedinherbedroomhadinfluencedherhesitation.
Wasshefeelingguilty?Hadhemadeherfeelashamedofwhathadhappened?She’dwantedhim,he
knewshehad.Whatwaswrong?

“Gracie,aboutwhathappened…”hebegan.

Blushing,sheturnedaway.Itwasembarrassing,thewayshe’dpracticallythrownherselfathim.The
wildabandonwasn’tlikeher,andshewasconfusedandalittleafraidofwhathadalmosthappened.
Sheneededtimetosortoutherfeelings.“IhavetohelpBarbarainthekitchen.Goodbye,Jason.”

Shewalkedout,justlikethat.

Heheldinthebadlanguageuntilhewasbackinhistruck,speedingawayfromthehouse.He’dnever

beensofrustrated.SomethinginGracie’spastwasholdingthemapart,makingherhesitant,spoiling
things.Hedidn’tknowwhatterriblesecretshewashidingfromhim.He’dneverpushedherfor
answers.Butwhathe’dalreadylearnedmadehimcertainthattherewasmore.Muchmore.Hewanted
answers,byGod,andhewasgoingtogetthem!

“JASON’SINASNIT,”BarbaracommentedasJasonleftskidmarksonhercementdrivewaygoing
outintotheroad.

“He’sjustinahurry,”Gracierepliedwarily.“He’snotusedtotheranchtrucks.”

“He’sfrustrated.”

“Barbara!”

“Bothofyouwereflushedanddisheveled,”shereturnedwithagrin.“Justwhatwasgoingonhere
whileIwasworking?”

“Barbara!”

“It’sabouttime,isallIhavetosay,”theolderwomanmused.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Gracieaskedasshejoinedherfriendatthetable,whereBarbarawasfilling
glasseswithicedtea.

“Imean,Jasonsmolderseverytimehelooksatyou.Don’ttellmeyouhaven’tnoticed?”

Gracie’sheartjumped.“Really?”

“Wasn’theinvitingyoutodecoratethehouse?”sheasked.

Graciepickedathersandwich.“Yes.Kittiemadefunofit.Shesaidnobodyputupdecorationslike
thatanymore,andthatIwentoverboard.Jasonhadalreadybeensayingitforyears.”

“Andyou’regoingtoletthatstopyou?”herfriendasked,aghast.“Gracie,youalwaysdidhavea
styleofyourown.Youshoulddowhatyoulike,withoutwonderingwhatotherpeoplethink.Iloved
yourdecorations.Theneighborsusedtodrivebythehouseeveryholidayseason—theylooked
forwardtoseeingwhatnewcolorschemeyoucameupwith.”Hereyeslitup.“Itwaslikeagiftyou
gavetothewholecommunity.IexpectitwaslikethatinSanAntonio,atthemansion,aswell.”

Sheknewitwas.ButthememoryofKittiestillhurt,evenmorenowthatsheknewJasonhadalmost
madeamistakethatcouldhaveforcedhimtomarrytheterriblewoman.Graciewouldhavelosthim
forever.

“Kittieishistory,”Barbarasaidfirmly.“SheonlywantedwhatJasonhad.Shedidn’tlovehim.”

“Hewasattractedtoher,”Graciesaidquietly.

“Washe?Orwassheaconsolationprizeforwhathereallywanted?”

“Idon’tknow.”

“YoushouldgooverforThanksgiving,”Barbarasaidfirmly.

ButGraciewasn’tsureshewantedto.ShelovedJasonwithallherheart,andshe’dwantedhim
desperatelyearlierintheday.Butevenheavypettingwasn’tsex.Shedidn’tknowifshecouldgive
himwhathewanted.Shewasafraidtofindout.Ifsherefusedhimasecondtime,hemightreallygo
offthedeepend.HemightgobacktoKittieindesperation.Itmightendallherdreams.Shehadto
havetimetothinkaboutwhattodo.

ITWASWORRYINGTHATJasondidn’tphoneherorcomebyagain.Graciegotoutofbedthenext
day.SchoolwasclosedfortheThanksgivingholidays,butshehelpedBarbaraatthecafé,againstthe
olderwoman’swishes.Jasondidn’tcontacther.Shethoughtofcallinghim,butshewasstilltoo
embarrassedaboutthewaythey’dparted.

Mrs.HarcourtphonedherThanksgivingnight,attwointhemorning.Gracieansweredthephone
half-asleep.

“Hello?”

“MissGracie?It’sEveHarcourt.”

“Yes,Mrs.Harcourt.HappyThanksgiving!I’msorryIdidn’tcall…”

“Oh,that’sallright,weallknowwhatyou’vebeenthrough.”Shehesitated.“MissGracie,doyou
thinkyoucouldgodowntoShea’sRoadhouseifIhaveoneoftheboysdriveoverandgetyou?”

Shesatupinbedandblinked.“Mrs.Harcourt,whywouldIwanttogototheroadhouseattwointhe
morning?”sheasked,stilldrowsy.

“Yousee,Mr.Jasongotthispackageyesterday,specialexpress.Hetookitintohisofficelastnight
andclosedthedoor.Idon’tknowwhatwasinit,buthestayedoutalldaytoday.Hedidn’tevencome
inforThanksgivingdinner.Ithoughthemightbewithyouuntilthephonejustranganditwasthat
bouncer,Tiny,fromtheroadhouse.”

Graciesatstraightupinbed.“Tiny?Whywouldhecallyou?”

“HesaysMr.Jasonhastreedthebar,MissGracie,”shecontinuedworriedly.“HeputTinyoveratable
whenhetriedtogethimtoleave.Nowhe’sgotoneoftheHartboys’ranchhandstrappedina
bathroomandisthreateningtotearthedooroffifhedoesn’tcomeout.Iswear,Ican’trememberthe
lasttimeMr.Jasontookadrink!”

“Ican,”Graciemuttered,rememberingwhathe’dtoldherabouthowheendedupinbedwithKittie.
Shewonderedwhathadsethimoffthistime.“I’llgetdressed.Sendoneoftheboysover.I’llbring

Jasonhome.”

“Youweretheonlyonewhocouldeverhandlehimwhenhegotdrunk,”theolderwomansaid.“I
hatedtocallyou,buthewouldn’tletanybodyelsenearhim.”

“Iknowthat.It’sokay.”

“Thankyou,MissGracie,”shesaid,andhungup.

Shewasafraidofmenwhodrank,butthiswasonlythesecondtimeJasonhadevergoneoverboard
withliquor.Thatothertimehe’dgottendrunkwasafterhisfatherdiedandhehadn’tthreatenedherin
anywaywhenshe’dinterfered.Infact,he’dbeenincrediblyeasytohandlewhenshe’dtakenthe
liquorawayfromhim.Hedidanythingshetoldhimtoandfollowedherlikealamb.Itwasonemore
reasonshe’dneverhadtobeafraidofhim.Havinglivedwithafatherwhodranktoexcessandwas
violent,itwouldhavedevastatedhertofindJasonlikehim.Buthewasn’t.

TIM,ONEOFTHERANCHhands,droveGracieovertothebar.“Youwantmetocomeinwith
you?”heasked.

“Comeandstandontheporch,Tim,”shesaid.“I’llneedyoutohelpmegethimtothetruck.Itwould
probablybebetterifyoudon’tcomein.”

Helookedrelieved.“Bossisdangerousinatemper,”heremarked.

Shesmiled.“Yes.Butnottome.”

Shewalkedintothebar.Jasonwasn’tstaggering,buthedidlooklikearattlesnakelookingforaplace
tobite.Hewascursingatacloseddoorinthebackofthebar.Mostofthepatronshadlongsincegone
home.ItwasjustJasonandwhateverpoorsoulhehadtrappedinthebathroom.

Tinycametomeether,limping.“SorryIhadtocallforhelp,MissGracie,butI’mjustgettingover
surgeryagain,”heapologized.“Mr.Pendletontheregetsunreasonablewhenhedrinks,andhe’s
alreadyswungatmeonce.Idon’twanttocallthelawunlessIhaveto.He’sagoodman.”

“I’llhandleit.Thanksforcallingme,Tiny.Youknowwe’llpayforanydamages.”

“OfcourseIdo.”

Shewalkedpasthim.Jasonwasstillcursing.

“Jason,”shecalledsoftly.

Thechangeinhimwasimmediateandamazing.Heturned,blinkedandthenseemedtorelaxallat
once.“Hello,Gracie,”hesaidinabreathlessrush.Hemanagedawansmile.“I’malittledrunk.”

“Inoticed.”Shetookhimbythehand.“It’stimetogohomenow.”

“Okay.”

SheledhimoutofthebartoTiny’sastonishedamusement.Hedidn’tevenofferanyresistance.
Behindher,sheheardadooropen.

“Ishegone?”acowboyaskedplaintively.

Jasonstopped,whirled.“You…!”

“Home,Jason!”Graciesaidfirmly,jerkingonhishand.

Heglaredatthecowboy,whowasfrozeninplace.Thenhedraggedinaroughsighandturnedaway,
lettingGracieleadhimofftheporchandtothetruck,whereTimwaswaitingwiththepassengerdoor
open.

“Hemadefunofmydamnedhat,”Jasonmutteredasheclimbedupintotheseat.“Iwasgoingtofeed
ittohim,butheranintothebathroomandlockedthedoor.Damnedcoward!”

Graciegotinbesidehim,motioningTimtogetthetruckgoing.

“Idon’twanttogohome,”Jasonsaidsuddenly.

“Well,you’regoinganyway,”Graciereplied.She’dfastenedherseatbelt,butshecouldn’tfindhis.
Hewassittingonit.Shesatbackandhopedthepolicewouldn’tnotice.Itwasagainstthelawnotto
buckleup.

“Mrs.Harcourtwasallupset,”Graciesaid.“Shesaidyoudidn’tevenhaveanyThanksgivingdinner.”

“Nopoint,”hemuttered.“Youweren’tthere.Itisn’tThanksgivingwithoutyou.”

Herheartachedatthecomment.Shefeltguilty.

“Ihatewhiskey,”hemurmuredastheyapproachedtheranch.

“You’regoingtohatethehangoveryouhaveinthemorning,too,”sheassuredhim.“Rightuptothe
porch,Tim,thenyougobacktobed.Thanks,”sheadded.

“You’rewelcome,MissGracie.”

Betweenthem,theygotJasononhisfeetandheadedintothehouse.Mrs.Harcourtwaswaitingthere
inherhousecoat,herdarkeyesfullofconcern.

“Isheallright?”sheaskedworriedly.

Heglancedather.“I’mjustdrunk,Mrs.Harcourt,”hetoldher.“Notdrunkenough,though.”

“Comeon,”Graciesaid,aiminghimdownthehalltowardhisroom.“Mrs.Harcourt,yougoonback
tobed.I’llgethimintohisroom.”

“Thankyou,MissGracie.”Shehesitated.“ButI’llneedtorunyoubacktoBarbara’shouse.”

“I’mnotleaving,”shesaidfirmly.“Icansleepintheguestroom.Nouseupsettingthehousehold
again.”

“I’llmakeyouanicebreakfast,”theolderwomansaidwithasmile.“Thankyouforsavinghim.”

“Nothing’sgoingtosavehimfromme,”Graciemuttered.ShepropelledJasonalongwithherand
guidedhimintohisroom,closingthedoorbehindthem.Shewanted,morethananything,toknow
whathadsethimoff.

Sheeasedhimdownontotheking-sizebedandbenttopulloffhisboots.Hesprawledonthe
patchworkquilt,knockingoffhishat.Shetosseditontohisbigdresserandsatdownbesidehim.He
waswearingjeansandachambrayshirt,verycomfortableclothes,butnotdressy.Apparentlyhe’d
gonefromtheranchtothebar.

“Whatintheworldiswrongwithyou?”sheasked.“Youalmostneverdrink.”

Hiseyesopenedandlookedupintohers.“Ihiredaprivatedetective.”

Herheartstopped.“Why,Jason?”

Heranahandthroughhisdisheveledhair.“Totellmewhatyouwouldn’t.Totellmeaboutyour
childhood,andthetruthaboutyourfamily.”

11

GRACIE’SHEARTSTOPPED.Shekneweverydropofblooddrainedoutofherfaceatthestatement.
“Oh,”shesaidweakly.

Hegrimaced.“Iknewyou’dtakeitlikethat.Ihadtoknow.Ihadtoknow,Gracie!”

Sheavertedherface.Shefoughttears.“IthoughtIcouldkeepithiddenforever,thatyou’dneverfind
out.”Hereyesclosedtight.“I’msoashamed!”

“Ashamedofwhat,baby?”heaskedsoftly.“Comeheretome!”Hepulledherdownintohisarmsand
wrappedheruptight,fightingtheeffectsoftheliquorashetriedtomarshalhisthoughts.Whathe’d
learnedhadbeenaterrificshock.“Whywereyouafraidtotellme?”

“Weweresopoor,”shewhispered.“Wehadnothing.Mamadidn’twantyourfathertofindout.He
wassuchasnob,Jason.Hewouldneverhavecomenearherifhe’dknown.Shepretendedthatwe
camefromawealthybackgroundandmadeupstoriessohewouldn’ttrytofindoutanythingabout
us.”

“Yourfatherheldaguntoyourheadandthreatenedtokillyou,”hebitoff.“ASWATofficerwhowas
theresaidhewouldhavedoneit,thathewasn’tbluffing.Thesniperhadtotakehimout.Butthe
trauma—tohaveyourfatherkilledwhenhewasstandingbehindyou.”Hegroaned.“IfI’dknown,I’d
havehadyouintherapy!Andnotonlyforthat.Yourpoormother!”

“Wewereallmessedup,Iguess,”sheagreed,shivering.“Ithought…Ithoughtitmightchangethings,
betweenus,ifyouknewmyrealbackground.It’ssosordid.KittieoverheardmetalkingtoMrs.
HarcourtandthreatenedtotellyouifIdidn’tgetoutofyourlife.”Shefelthistallbodyshudder.“I
wassoafraid…”

“Itwouldn’thavemattered.Itdoesn’tmatternow.”Hisarmstightened.“You’resafe,Gracie.Nobody
willeverhurtyouagain,notaslongasthere’sabreathinmybody!”

Sherelaxedwithalittleshiverandlethimtakeherweight.Shecurledupintohisbodyandheldon
fordearlife.

Helaughedoddly.

“Whatisit?”shewhispered.

“I’vegotyouinmybedinthemiddleofthenight,vulnerableandsoft,andIcan’tgethardenoughto
doanythingaboutit.”

“Wh…what?”

Helaughedbreathily.“Drunkmencan’tperform.”

Sheliftedherheadandlookeddownintohisamusedblackeyes.“Theycan’t?”

“It’sallthatsavedmefromKittie,”hemused,tuggingonalockofpaleblondhair.“ButIdon’twant
tobesavedfromyou.”

Sheproppedherhandsonthepillowbehindhisheadandstudiedhisrelaxedface.“Youdon’t?”

Hetuggedharder.“Youcouldtakemyclothesoff,”hesuggested.“Wecouldseeifithelped.”

Sheflushed.“No.”

“Spoilsport.”Hedrewinalongbreath.“Sleepwithme,then.It’sabigbed.It’sfreezinginhere.I
mightcatchcold.”

“It’snotthatcold.”

“Yes,itis.”Hemoved,tuggingatacolorfulafghanthatMrs.Harcourthadmade.Theonlylightinthe
roomwasfromthesecuritylightoutside,barelyenoughforthemtoseeeachother.HerolledGracie
overnexttohimandcoveredthembothwiththeafghan.

“Mrs.Harcourtwillbeoutraged.”

“No,shewon’t,”hemurmured.“Sheknowsaboutdrunkmen,Iguaranteeit.”

“Youwon’tbedrunkinthemorning,”sheprotested,butnotverystrongly.

“Inthemorning,”hewhisperedatherear,“youmightnotmind.”

Shestiffenedjustalittle,butheknewherwellenoughtounderstandwhy.Heliftedhisheadand
lookedintohereyes.

“Youthinksexoutsidemarriageisasin,”hewhispered.“Iknowthat.IfrightenedyouatBarbara’s
becauseIlostcontrol.IpromiseIwon’tdoitagain.I’llneverforceyouorcoerceyou.”

Herbodyrelaxed.“Idon’twanttobethisway,”shebitoff.

Hecurledhercloseandwrappedheruptightinhisarms.“There’snothingwrongwiththewayyou
are,”hesaidquietly.“Gotosleep,angel.I’llkeepyousafe.”

Itwasverylate.Mrs.Harcourtwasn’tjudgmental.Besides,theybothhadalltheirclotheson,she
rationalized.ShemovedclosertoJason,closedhereyesand,finally,slept.

JASONWATCHEDHERSLEEP.Daylightwascomingthroughthewindows.Graciehadbeeninhis
armsallnight.Shehadn’ttriedtoleave.Itwasadreamcometrue,toseeherfaceonhispillow,her
hairspreadoveritlikeapalegoldcurtain.HelookeddownatherfirmbreastsundertheT-shirtshe
waswearingandheachedtopullitoff,alongwithherbra,andmakeabanquetofthatsoft,warm
skin.Butheknewthingsabouthernowthathehadn’tknownbefore.Hehadtotakehistime,goslow,
coaxherintointimacy.Forthefirsttime,hehadalittlehopeforthefuture.Graciewantedhim.She
mightnotknowityet,orunderstandit,butshefeltit.Hesmiledwithjoy.

Therewerefootstepsoutsideinthehall.Thedooropened,justaslit,andMrs.Harcourtpeeredin.

Heputhisfingertohislips,andindicatedthesoftlittlebodynexttohisinthebed.Hesmiled.

Shesmiledback.“Breakfastintenminutes,”shewhispered.

Henodded.

Mrs.Harcourtclosedthedoor.Shewaspositivelyradiant.

Gracieheardhimchuckleandhereyesopened.Shelookedupathiminthesoftlight,fascinatedby
theplayofemotionsonhisface.Hereyeswentfromhimtothebedandbackagain.

Hisfingerstracedapatternoverherbreasts.“Mrs.Harcourtjustcametosaybreakfastwillbeready
intenminutes.”HishandwentslowlyunderthehemoftheT-shirt.“Doyouthinkwecanfind
somethingtodoforeightminutes?”hemurmuredwickedly.

Shecaughthiswristandthenslowlyletitgo.

Hegrinned.Hisfingerswentaroundhertothefasteningthatheldherbrainplace.Hishandwent
underitandteasedaroundunderherarmandthenrightontohersoftbreast.

Hebenttohermouth.“Ilovetouchingyoulikethis,”hemurmuredashekissedherverysoftly.

Hernailsbitintohim,butshedidn’tprotest.Whenhelookedintohereyes,hefoundthemraptwith
pleasureandcuriosity.

“Everythinghaschanged,”shewhispered.

“Yes.”Hiseyesweregrowingdarker.Heshiftedandsmoothedthefabricoutofhisway,sothathe
couldseewhathewastouching.“Everything.”

Ashespoke,hebenthisheadandshefelthiswarmmouthonherbreasts,exploring,teasing,
possessingher.Thesheerpleasureofitarchedherbody.Heheardhersoftgaspasheincreasedthe
pressureandtheinsistenceofhislips.Oneleanhandslidunderher.Theotherunfastenedhisshirt
buttonsallthewaydown.Hepulledherhipsintohisandgroundherbarebreastsintohishair-
roughenedchest.

Hehadtocoverhermouthwithhistosmothertheexcitedlittlecrythatburstfromherlipsaspassion
surgedinheruntriedbody.Sheshivered,graspingathim,pullinghim.Herolledoverontoher,
nudgingherlegsoutofthewaysothathewasrestingblatantlyintheforkofherbody,lettingherfeel
thepowerandheatofhisarousal.Heshudderedashishipsmovedrhythmicallyagainsther.

Sheopenedherlegsforhim,clawinghisbackasthepleasuremushroomedintolevelsshe’dnever
expected.

“Breakfast!”Mrs.Harcourtcalledfromthehall.

JasonjerkedawayfromGracie.“We’llberightthere!”hecalledback,hopinghisvoicedidn’tsound
asraggedtoMrs.Harcourtasitdidtohim.

“Okay!”Herfootstepsdiedawaydownthehall.

Graciegapedathim,wide-eyed.

Hiseyesfelltohertautbreastsanddown,towheretheirtwobodieswerestillpressedhardtogetherat
thehips.Hehadtofighttobreathe.

“Iwanttogointoyou,hardanddeep,”hewhisperedroughly.“Iwantyoutofeelmeagainstyou,
insideyourbody.”

Shetrembled,barelybreathing.She’dneverdreamedmenspokethiswaytowomen.Herface
colored,butnotfromembarrassment.Shewaspicturingthatlean,fitbodydrivingintohers.She
moaned.

“You’dletme,”hebitoff.

Sheswallowed.“Yes.”

Hehesitated.Hewashurting.Badly.

“Don’tletitgetcold!”Mrs.Harcourtcalledagain.

Hiseyesclosedandhebitoffacurse.Hispowerfulbodyvibratedwithfrustratedneed.

Graciefeltthatanguishinherverybones.Sheeasedawayfromhim.Herlipstouchedhisface,
eyelids,noseandcheeks.“It’sallright,”shewhispered.“It’sallright.”

Helovedthattenderness.Hesankbackontothebedandletherhaveherwaywithhim,letherkiss
himandcalmhim.Hisdarkeyesopenedintohers,softandquiet.

“Areyouokay?”sheaskedgently.“Ireadthatithurtsmen,whentheygetlikethis.Ididn’tknowwhat
elsetodo.”

“Niceinstincts,”heresponded,stillbreathless.“Itworked.”

Shesmiled.Hereyeswerefullofwonderastheysearchedhis.“Ineverunderstooduntilnow.What
it’slike,Imean.”

“Itgetsworse,”hesaid,staringpointedlyatherbarebreasts.“Muchworse…”

“Oh!”Shesatup,flustered,andrightedherclothing.“Sorry.Ididn’trealize…”

Hesatup,too.“Itwasn’tacomplaint.”

Hepulledhertoherfeet,amazedatthedifferenceinher.Hesmoothedherhair.

“Itwillshow,”Graciesaidworriedly.

“Idon’tcare,”hereplied.Hetookherhandinhis.“Let’shavesomethingtoeat.”

Theywatchedeachotherbetweenbites.Mrs.Harcourtlaughedtoherself.Theyweresotransparent.It
madeherfeelgoodtoseethegrowingaffectionbetweenthem.Itwas,shethought,abouttime.

AFTERBREAKFAST,THEYWALKEDouttothecorraltowatchamanworkafillyonaleading
rein.

“WecouldhaveThanksgivingdinnertoday,”hemused,smilingdownather.“Mrs.Harcourtsaved
it.”

Herheartjumped.“I’dlikethat.”

Heturned,pullinghergentlyagainsthistallbody.“ThenwecoulddecorateaChristmastree.”

Shebitherlowerlip,uncertain.

Hemovedhishandsonherwaist.“Iknowwhyitmeanssomuchtoyou,”hesaidafteraminute.“The
detectivewasquitethorough.Yourfatherwasanatheist.Hewouldn’tletyouhaveatreeoranysortof
decorationsorevengotochurch.”

Shenodded.“Itwaslonelyduringtheholidays.”

“Fromnowon,”hevowed,“we’llcelebratethemtogether,evenifIhavetoputyouonaplanetomeet
meoverseasforit.Ipromise.”

Hersofteyessmiledupintohis.Hewastalkingaboutafuture.Asharedfuture.

“Andwe’llgoslow,”headdedquietly.“I’mrushingthings.Idon’tmeanto.I’mstarvingtodeathfor
you,”heconfessed.“ButIcancontrolthat.Ihaveto.Iwanttogettoknowyou,Gracie.”

“We’velivedtogetherfortwelveyears,”shelaughed.

“Notlikethis,”hesaid,hisvoicedeepwithfeeling.“Noteverlikethis.”Hebenttohersoftmouthand
toucheditwithhislips.

“Jason,someonemightsee,”sheprotestedweakly.

Hisfacewassomber.“They’llhavetogetusedtoiteventually,”hereplied.

Hewasmakingpromiseswithoutsayingasingleword.Shelookedupathimwithherheartinher
eyes.“Yes.They’llhavetogetusedtoit.”

Hispulseranwild.Hebentandkissedhertenderly,holdingherlightlyinhisarms.Whenshetriedto
movecloser,hesteppedback.

“No,”hesaidsoftly.“Thiscloudseverything.Iwantyou.I’msureyouknowit.Butwehavetogo
forwardonestepatatime.Okay?”

Shebeamed.“Okay.”

THENEXTTWOWEEKSweremagic.GracieandJasonrodetogetherontheranch,wenttoasale,
attendedarenditionofTheNutcrackerattheballetinSanAntonio.Inbetween,Graciegavealecture
toathird-gradeclassandevenhadtheteacherlisteningraptlywhileshegaveawatered-downversion
ofeventsattheAlamo.Thenthecollegecalled,desperateforsomeonetofillinfortheadjunct
historyprofessorwhowasteachingnightclasses—he’dbeeninanautomobileaccidentandcouldn’t
comebackintimetofinishupthecourse.Sheonlyhadtomanagetheclassforfoursessions,until
theendofthesemester,thefirstweekofDecember.He’dlefthislessonplanandlecturenotes.

Shewentintotheclassnervousanduncertainofherself.Butoncesherealizedhowmaturetheseadult
studentswere,howinterestedtheywereinthesubject,sherelaxedandwarmedtothem.Shefollowed
theinjuredteacher ’slessonplan,whichinvolvedthehistoryofTexas,butsheaddedherowntidbits
abouttheMexicanRevolutionspillingoverintotheUnitedStates,andtheconflictattheAlamo.The
classwastwohourslong,butitwentoverahalfhour.Graciewasoncloudninewhenshedroveher
junkycarbacktoBarbara’s.

She’dhadtofightJasonaboutreplacingit.HewantedtogiveheraclassyJaguarconvertible,andshe
wantedtopayherownway.Hewasirritatedthatshewasbeingsoindependent.Butherespectedher,
justthesame.Hedidn’tpush.

Itwashard,keepingthemselvesatarm’slength,consideringthegrowingpassionthatthreatenedto
burstitsbonds.Jasonwantedher.Itwassoevidentthatshewasamazedshehadn’tnoticeditbefore.
Barbarahadhintedthatshe’dseenitforthepasttwoyears.ThatwouldbeaboutthetimeJasonstarted
refusingtodancewithheratparties.Perhaps,shereasoned,hewasuncertainofhisrestraintifhegot
thatclosetoher,andhehadn’twantedhertoknowhowphysicalhisaffectionforherhadbecome.

THEIDEAOFDECORATINGforChristmasstillleftabittertasteinhermouth,butshewascoaxed
intoitbyMrs.HarcourtandJason.Shespenttheafternoonbeforeherclassworkingonit.Whileshe
wasputtingthelasttouchesonthebigtreeinthelivingroomoftheranchhouse,withJasonsipping
coffeeinhisbigarmchairandwatchingher,hiscellphonerang.Hepulleditoutofhispocket,
checkedthecallerIDandabruptlyturneditoff,tossingitontothetablebesidehischair.

Gracieglancedathimcuriously.

“I’mnotinthemoodtotalk,”hesaidwithoutexplaining.

Sheonlysmiled,goingbacktothelastofthedecorations.

Aminutelater,thehallphonerang.Andrang.Andrangagain.

GraciefrownedatJasonwithopencuriosity.“Aren’tyougoingtoanswerit?”

Jasonsighedirritablyandstartedtogetup.

“I’llgetit!”Mrs.Harcourtcalled.

Hesatbackdown,butGracienotedthathelookeduncomfortable.Shewonderedwhy.

Aminutelater,Mrs.Harcourtcameintotheroom.ShegaveGracieawarylookbeforeshehandedthe
cordlessphonetoJason.

“It’sMissSartainagain,”shesaiddully.

Jasonmutteredsomething,glanceduneasilyatGracieandansweredit.

“Yes,Iknow.Icutitoff,”hesaidafteraminute.Hisjawwastaut,hisexpressionresentful.“No,I
haven’tchangedmymind,”hesaid.Therewasahesitation,duringwhichhisfacehardened.“Iknow
allaboutherbackground,”hesaidabruptly,glancingatapuzzledGracie.Therewasanotherpause.
Hisblackeyesbegantoglitter.“Ifyouwanttotalktothetabloids,bemyguest.Idon’thaveany
secretsI’dmindsharing.That’sright.I’mnotinterestedingettingbacktogetherwithyou,Kittie.You
cancalleverydamnedday,butyou’llgetthesameresult.Fine.Doyourworst.”

HehungupandmotionedtoaworriedMrs.Harcourt.

“Ifshecallsagain,hangup.Don’teventalktoher,”hetoldherfirmly.

Mrs.Harcourtnodded,butherfacewasverypale.Obviouslyshe’dheardJason’ssideofthe
conversation.

HestaredatGracie,whowasopenlywatching,herexpressionfullofuncertainty.“Hasshecalledyou
beforetoday?”sheasked.

Hehesitated.

Shemovedcloser.“Hasshe?”

“Afewtimes,”heconfessedreluctantly.“Youhavetounderstandhowhermindworks,”hereturned.
“Shethinksshecangetmebackifshe’spersistentenough,butithasn’tworked.Nowshe’sthinkingof
blackmailingme.IspikedhergunswhenIsaidIknewaboutyourpast,butshe’shintingthatshe
knowsanothersecretI’dpaytohushup.”Helaughedcoldly.“Fatchance.”

Graciewasn’tsurethatKittiewasbluffing.Mrs.Harcourtwashidingsomething,butshehadnoidea
what.

“Whyareyoutalkingtoheratall?”Gracieasked.

Hiseyebrowsarched.“Excuseme?”heaskedinafaintlyarroganttone.

Herteethcaughtherlowerlip.“Well,shewasverypretty,”shesaid,“andyouwereengagedtoher
forseveralmonths,Jason…”

“Engagedisn’tmarried,”heinterruptedcurtly.“Myfathertrieditthreetimeswithlittlesuccess,”he
added,hiseyesdarkandquiet.“Evenheandmymotherdidn’tgetalongallthatwell.Youknowhow
longyourmotherandGlory’slasted.I’veneverseenagoodmarriage.”

Graciewasevenmoreuncomfortablenow.Hewasn’tbotheringtoconcealhiscontemptfor
marriage.Whatifhejustwantedher,andthoughthecouldcoaxherintobedandkeepherthatway
withoutmarryingher?Itwasn’tthefirsttimeshe’dentertainedthatmiserablethought,anditwouldn’t
goaway.

Hewasaffectionateandseemedtoenjoyhercompany,buthehadn’tevenhintedatasharedfuturefor
themlately.Worse,shewasfrustratedbythenewfeelingshearousedinherandirritablebecausethe
tensionbetweenthemhadalmostreachedflashpointinthepastfewdays.Nowhewouldn’teventouch
her.Itwasasifhewastoyingwithher,playingsomesensualgame.Evennow,hisexpressionwasone
offaintamusement.Washegettingevenforthetimewhenshehadn’twantedhim,andhe’dendedup
withKittie?

Henoticedherexpressionandhisdarkened.“Nowwhat’swrong?”heasked,withabiteinhisdeep
voice.

“Areyousureyoureallywantedtobreakthatengagement?”shepersisted.“Ordidyoujustfeelguilty
thatIgotkidnapped?”

Hisblackeyeskindled.Shewasn’ttheonlyonewhowasfrustrated,exceptthathisconditionhad
lastedalotlonger.Hewasburninguptohaveher,andeverytimehegotonestepcloser,shefounda
reasontotaketwostepsback.Histemper,alwaysclosetothesurface,wasthreateningtoerupt.

Hegottohisfeet.“MaybeIdofeelguilty,”hereplied,eyesnarrowing.“Youwouldn’thavebeenon
theroadatnightinthefirstplaceifyouhadn’tmovedoutwhenitlookedasifKittiemightmovein.
YouneverlikedKittie.”

Shewasshockedatthewords,andthefaintaggressionbehindthem.Shemovedawayfromthetree
withthelastdecoration,anewglassone,inherhandandglaredathim.

“Howdoyougivearattlesnakehalfachance,offeritfirstbite?ShemadeMrs.HarcourtandDilly
feellikeidiots.SheharpedonJohn’sage.ShewantedmeoutofthewaybecauseImightinterfere
withherplansforyourmoney.”

Hecockedhisheadandstareddownather.Hewasgettingmadderbytheminute.“Andthat’smyonly
drawforawoman,Gracie,mymoney?”

Shestoodverystill.Theyweregettingintodangerousareashere.Thedayhadstartedwithsuch
promise.Nowitwasheadingdownadarkchasm.“Jason,Ineversaidthat.”

“DoyouknowwhatKittiesaidaboutyou?”hedrawledicily.“Shesaidthatthereasonyounever
marriedwasbecauseyouknewIwouldn’tsupportyouandsomeotherman.Shesaidyoustayed
singledeliberately,sothatyou’dhaveanice,cushylife.”

Herfacewentseveralshadeslighter.SothatwashowKittiehadkepthimawayfromGracie,by
plantinggiantdoubtsinhismind.

“YouknowwhyI’msingle.”

“DoI?”heasked.“Iknowthereasonyougaveme.Butyouaren’tthatafraidofme,Gracie,”headded
inaninsinuatingtone.“Infact,I’vebeentheonewho’sdrawnback,everytime.”

Herfacewentred.Itwastrue,buthewasdistortingit.Shelovedhim.Thatwaswhyshehadno
restraintwithhim.Nowheseemedtothinkthatshewastheoneplayinggames.

“I’mstillrich,Gracie,”hesaidbluntly.“Andyou’reaworkinggirl.Aren’tyou?”

Thatdidit.Shethrewthedecorationonthefloorandhearditbreakwithafeelingofrecklessness.
“Yes,Iam,”shesnapped.“I’maworkinggirlwithmyownlife,andyoucanthankyourstarsthatI’m
independent,can’tyou?Nowyou’llneverhavetoaskyourselfifIhungaroundyoubecauseyou
wererich,becausethisisthelasttimeI’msettingfootinthishouse!”

Shegrabbedherpurseandjacketandheadedrightoutthefrontdoor.

“Wherethehelldoyouthinkyou’regoing?”hedemandedfromrightbehindher.

“I’mgoingtowork!”sheraged.“Myclassatthecommunitycollegestartsintwohours.I’llhang
aroundthecanteenanddrinkcoffee!Anythingbeatssittinghereandeavesdroppingonyour
conversationswithyourfiancée!”

Jasonfeltlikechewingnails.Hisfistsballedbesidehisnarrowhips.“Itoldyou,Ibrokethe
engagement!”

“DidyoutellKittie?”shechallengedsarcastically.

“Damnit!”

“That’sright,startcussing,”shemuttered.“Thatwillcertainlyhelp!”

Shejerkedopenthedoorofheroldcarandgotinbehindthesteeringwheel.Jasonstoodthere
glowering,hisjawclenchedsotightthatitwasvisibleeveninthecar.Shestartedtheengineandblack
smokepouredoutthetailpipe.Shewantedtogroan.Itonlyemphasizedthedifferenceintheir
financialstatusnow.

“Allright,goteachyourdamnedcourseandseeifIcare!”heyelledafterher.

“Iwasplanningto!”

Sheputthecaringearandgroanedagainwhentheenginebackfiredasshepulledoutofthe
driveway.Thesorryoldpieceofjunkwouldprobablyquitattheroadandshe’dhavetowalkback,
sinkherprideandbegforarideintotown.ButshewasgoingtostarttowardJacobsville,evenifshe
nevermadeitthere.

Shefeltlikecrying,butshewasn’tgivingintotheurge.ShewasconvincedthatJasonhadno
intentionofaskinghertomarryhim,noworever.Hewantedsomebodyinhisbed,butnotforkeeps.
Hisopinionofmarriagewascrystalclear.

DidhestillwantKittie?Ifhedidn’t,whydidheanswerherphonecalls?Andhe’dtriednotto,when
Mrs.Harcourtfinallyansweredthehallphoneandalmostforceditintohishands.Washetryingto
hidethefactthatKittiephonedhim?

Shewastooconfusedtothinkstraight.Herlifehadbeengoingbeautifully.Jasonwasattentiveand
affectionate,andithadbeenlikeoldtimes,goingplaceswithhim.Well,notlikeoldtimes.Notwhen
hekissedhersohungrilyandlookedasifhewerestarvingtohaveher.

Butthatwasn’tthesortofhungeryoubuiltamarriageon.Itwasaflashfiresortofhungerthatwas
soonsatisfied.Itdidn’tlast.

Graciewantedahomeandchildren.She’djuststartedtothinkofhavingthatwithJason,andhe’d
encouragedherto.ButKittie’sphonecallhaddestroyedthatillusionwithabang.NowherewasJason
cursingandGracierushingbacktoJacobsvillewithherpridestuckinherthroat.Herdreamsofa
rosyfuturehadjustcrashedandburned.

ShetookthedirtroadturnoffthatleddownthebackwaytoJacobsvilleandwasjustcrossingtheold
woodenbridgewhenthestupidcarstopped,sputteredanddied,rightthereintheright-handlaneon
thenarrowbridge.ShehitthesteeringwheelwiththeheelofherhandandusedsomeofJason’sbest
badwords.Thisjustwasn’therday!

12

GRACIEWASRESIGNEDtowalkingbacktotheranchtoaskforhelpwhenaredpickuptruckcame
rushingtowardher.

Shesteppedoutinfrontofhercarandwaved.Thedriverskiddedtoahaltjustbesideher.

“MissGracie,isthatyou?”BobbyHawkins,oneofJacobsville’svolunteerfiremen,asked.“Whatin
theworldareyoudoinginthatpieceofjunk?”Heindicatedthecar.

“Itmaynotlooklikemuch,Bobby,butit’smine.Couldyougivemearidetothecommunitycollege?
I’llbelatetoteachmyclassanditwilltakeforeverforTurkeySanderstogetouthereandtowthis
carintobeworkedon.Ican’tevencallhim.Iforgotmycellphonethismorning.”

Bobbygrimaced.“IguessIcandothat.Ihavetogettothebankbeforeitclosestomakeadeposit,
andthenbythehardwarestoretopickupsomething.I’vegotatrainingclass,butifyoudon’tmind
waitingwhileIgetmybusinessoutoftheway,I’llbegladtodropyouoffbeforeIgotothefire
station.”

“Idon’tmindatall,Bobby,”shesaid.

“Climbin,then,”hesaidwithagrin.

“You’realifesaver!”

Shejumpedinbesidehimandtheysetofftowardtown.Hisbankingbusinesstookhimseveral
minuteslongerthanhe’danticipated,andthenthefirechiefcalledandaskedhimtostopbytheoffice
supplycompanyandpickupsomepencils.

Finallythrough,hewasonhiswaytodropoffGraciewhenarescuecallcamein.Heansweredit,
frowninginGracie’sdirection.

“They’vegotsomeoneinthewaterofftheRiverBridge,”hesaid.“Ihavetogo,I’mtheonlydiver
we’vegotoncall.Tellyouwhat,I’llhaveoneoftheboysatthescenebringyoubacktotown.
Somebody’slifemaybeontheline…”

“Saynomore,”shesaid.“Go!”

Hewasalreadyoutoftownatthestripmall.Hewheeledthetruck,gunnedtheengineandshotback
downtheroad.IttookaminuteforGracietorealizethattheywereheadedforthesamebridgeher
carwasstuckon.

Severalmenweregatheredonthebridge.Thepolicewerethere,alongwiththeemergencyservices
people,afiretruckandacoupleofprivatecars.OnewasJason’sredJaguarconvertible.Gracie
groundherteethtogether.WhatintheworldwasJasondoingouthere?

“Didyouseeanybodyonthebridgewhenyourcarquit?”BobbyaskedGracie.

“No,nobody.Iwonderwhofellin?”

“We’llknowsoon,Ihope.”

HepulledupascloseashecouldgettowhereGracie’scarwassitting.Theybothgotout.Gracie
peeredthroughthecrowdtowardtheriver.

“ForGod’ssake,couldyouhurry?”Jason’svoicecameurgently.

Jason?Shepushedthroughthementostandbesidehim,lookingdownattheriver.“Whofellin?”she
askedworriedly.

Hestoppedandstareddownather.“Gracie?”Hecaughtheragainsthimandheldonhard,
shuddering.“Ithoughtyouwereintheriver!”hegroaned.

Shewasstilltryingtosortthingsoutinhermind.“Intheriver?”

“Yourcarwassittinghere,abandoned.”

Howhadheknownhercarwashere?Hadhefollowedher,hopingtomakeup?

“Yousaidshejumpedintheriver!”AssistantChiefPalmeraccused,pausingbesidethem.“Youwere
sure!”

JasonletGraciegoreluctantly.Hewinced.“Well,we’dhadanargument,sortof.Igotworriedand
followedher,andfoundhercarsittinghereabandoned!”hesaiddefensively.

“Abandonedandwiththekeysgone!”Graciemuttered,pullingthemoutofherpockettoshakethem
underhisnose.“Whotakesoutthecarkeysbeforetheyjumpintheriver?”shecriedindignantly.

Jason’slipsmadeathinline.Hewasembarrassedandhatingit.

Palmergrimaced.He’dbeenapoliceofficeruntilhe’dswitchedjobsandbecomeafireman.Fromhis
oldjob,hehadagoodideaaboutwhatwasgoingon.“Listen,noharmdone,”hesaidcalmly.“It’s
alwaysbettertobesafethansorry.”

“Ofcourseitis,”Graciereplied.“Thanks.”Shesmiledathim.

Hesmiledback.“Okay,guys,let’swrapitupandgetbacktothestation.”

BobbyHawkinsletoutawhistle.“Goodthing,Iwasn’tanxioustodiveintothatcoldwater,”hesaid
sheepishly,“althoughI’dhavedoneit.Wecangonow,MissGracie,I’lldropyouatthecollege.”

“I’lldropheroff,”Jasonsaidfirmly.“WecancallTurkeySandersonthewayandhavehimtowthe
car.”

Bobbystood,indecisive.

“Thanks,Bobby,butI’llletJasondriveme,”shesaid.“I’vebeenenoughtrouble.”

“Notroubleatall,”Bobbyreplied.“Honest.”

JasontookGracie’sarm,openedthedooroftheJaguarandputherinbesidehim.

“Nicewheels,”Bobbysaidwithawhistle.

Jasonchuckled.“Itbelongstomeandthebank,Bobby,”hetoldtheotherman.“Idon’tknowanybody
whocanlaydownacashpaymentforoneofthese.”

“Still,itmustbenice.”Bobbysighed.Hegrinnedonthewaytohistruck.

“Yes,itmust.”Graciesighed,also,glancingatthesadoldcarsheowned,sittingthereinaheaponthe
bridge.

“YoucancomehomeandhaveanewJaguaranytimeyouwantone,”Jasonsaidgruffly.

Sheglancedathim.“Jason,I’mnotplayingatbeingindependent.It’simportanttometoseeifIcan
makeitbymyself.”

“Ofcourseyoucan,”hesaidashepulledbackontotheroadandwavedashewentaroundtherescue
people.“You’renodummy.”

Sheflushedwithpleasure.“YousaidIwas.”

“Inever.”

“YousaidIwasgoodatgivingteas,”shemuttered.

“You’regoodatanythingyoudo,”hesaidsimply.“Especiallyinemergencies.”

Shesmiledreluctantly.“Okay.”

Heglancedatherashedrove.“Idon’twantKittie.Ineverdid.”

Sheflushed.Sheglancedatthefieldswhereplowshadturnedunderthedeadsummercrops.“Iwas
jealous,”shesaidthroughherteeth.

Hechuckledsoftly.

Sheturnedherattentionbacktohim,amazedatthechangeherstatementhadprovoked.

Hiseyesmethersforaninstant.

Sheshrugged.“I’mfrustrated,too,”sheconfessed.

“Youaren’ttheonlyone.”

“Itwasyouridea,allthisabstinence.”

“Firsttimesareroughonwomen,orsoI’veheard,”hesaidevenly.“IfIloseit,youaren’tgoingto
enjoytheresult.I’mtryingtocoolthingsoff,justalittle.”

“Withwhatendinmind?”sheaskedfinally.

Hefrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Sheshifted.“Imean,whatdoyouseeforusinthefuture?AmIgoingtobeanotchonthebedpost…”

“ForGod’ssake!”Hepulledontothesideoftheroadandgapedather.“IsthatwhatyoureallythinkI
wantfromyou?No,don’tprevaricate,”headdedwhenshetriedtofindareply.“Iwanttoknow.You
thinkI’msoshallowthatmyultimateaimistogetyouintobed?”

Sheshrugged.Shehad,justbriefly.Butthatexpressionwasunmistakable.Shetriedtobackpedal.“I
didn’tknow.Thisisallnewtome.YoustayedengagedtoKittieforalongtime…”

“Ididn’tthinkIhadanythingelseleft,”hesaidflatly.“IburnedupinsideeverytimeIlookedatyou,
andallyoudidwasbackaway.I’dgivenup.Ididn’tcarewhetherIwasengagedornot.Iwasdead
inside.”

Hereyesgrewsofterasshelookedathim,sawthroughthefrustrationtotheneedinhim.Shedrewin
aslowbreath.“Iwantchildren.”

Hisblackeyeskindled.“SodoI.”

Shebegantorelax.

“Wegetalongwell,”hesaid.“Mostofthetime,anyway.Weknowtheworstandthebestofeach
other.Physically,we’redynamitetogether.Childrenwouldfallnaturallyintothat.”

“We’dlivetogether…”

“We’dgetmarried,Gracie,”hesaidflatly.

Thechangeinherwasremarkable.“Youneversaid…”

“Youneverasked!”

Shebegantorealizejusthowmuchdamageshe’ddonetotheirfragilerelationshipoutofmisplaced
jealousy.Sheturnedherpurseinherhands.

“We’vestillgotalongwaytogo,haven’twe?”heaskedabsently.Hepulledbackontotheroad.
“Whatareyouteachingatthecommunitycollege?”

“History,”shesaid.“Theregularadjunctteacherwasinawreck.I’mfillinginforhim.Istart
teachingfull-timewhenspringsemesterstarts.”

Hefrownedashedrove.“Full-time?”

“Thisclassmeetsthreenightsaweek,”shesaid.

“Youdon’thaveateachingcertificate,doyou?”

“Ifyou’reteachingadults,youdon’thavetohaveone.Youdon’thavetohaveamaster ’sdegree,
either.”

Hesighed.“Oh.”

“I’veneverhadtodependonmyself,”shetriedtoexplain.“Untilallthiscameup,Ineverthoughtpast
thenextday,thenextcharity,thenextparty.”Shesearchedfortherightwords.“Idon’twanttotake
overacorporationorclimbMountEverest.Ijustwanttodosomethingthatmattersintheworld.”She
laughedself-consciously.“Itsoundscorny,doesn’tit?”

“Notreally.Weallwanttofeelthatwhatwedoisworthwhile.”Heglancedatherandsmiled.“Evena
rancherlikestoknowthathispolicieshelptheenvironment,provideforwildlifehabitat,leavethe
worldalittlebetterthanhefoundit.”

Hedidunderstand.Itmadethingseasier.

“Myfatherhatedtheranch.Hecouldn’tunderstandwhyIwantedtogooutanddigpostholesandhelp
brandcattle.Hefeltitwasbeneaththedignityofourstationinlife,formetodomanuallabor.”He
shookhishead.“Hereallywasasnob.”

“That’swhatMrs.Harcourtsaid.”

Helaughed.“She’dknow.Hewouldn’tlethersitatthetableandeatwithus.Hesaidservants
belongedinthekitchen.”Heliftedaneyebrow.“Irememberwhenthatchanged.”

Shelaughed.SheandGloryhadgoneintothekitchenwiththeirplatesandsatdowntoeatwithMrs.
Harcourt,leavinganamusedJasonandashockedMyronPendletonattheformaldinnertable.

Afteraminute,Jasonhadfollowedthemintothekitchen,informinghisfatherthatifhefeltinclined
toplayupstairs,downstairs,thenJasonandthegirlswouldeatwiththehelp.Shamedand
embarrassed,MyronhadinvitedMrs.Harcourttoeatwiththem,andthecustomhadremained.Now,
DillyandJohnalsohaddinneratthetablewiththefamily,alongwithMrs.Harcourt.

Hefrownedsuddenly.“Ihaven’tbeenabletofindJohn,”hesaidquietly.“Itworriesme.”

“Can’tyougetthatprivatedetectivetotrackhimdown?”

Hescowled,rememberingthathe’dpriedintoGracie’slifewithouttellingher.“Iwasn’tsureI
should.”

“He’sprobablyafraidKittiehassomethingonhimthatshe’sthreatenedtoreveal,andhe’shiding,”
shesaidquietly.“ShethreatenedMrs.Harcourt.Idon’tknowwithwhat.”

“Yourownpast,probably,”hesaideasily.“Mrs.Harcourtisveryfondofyou.”

Shesmiled.“Yes.I’mfondofher,too.”

“We’llfindJohnsoonerorlater.We’dbetter.”Hesighed.“I’mnotdrivingmyselftotheairport,andI
don’tlikehiringacaroutofSanAntoniotocomeafterme.ButI’mnotleavingthis—”heindicated
thefastcar“—inanyparkinglot.Ileftitinawell-guardedcoveredlotwhenIwenttoEurope.”

Shelaughed.Helovedhiscars,especiallythisone.

“I’meccentric,”hesaiddefensively.

“Ifyouwerepoor,they’dlockyouup.It’sonlycalledbeingeccentricwhenyou’rerich.”

“Youcouldcomehomeandberich,too.”

Sheshookherhead.“Notyet.”

Hesighed.“Okay.”

Shewasstandinguptohimmorethesedaysthansheeverhadbefore.Itfeltgood;notonlytodefend
herposition,buttohavehimsoeasygoingaboutit.Hewastheexactoppositeofherfather.

“Whycan’tyoulivewithmeandbeindependent,too?”heaskedsuddenly.

Hereyebrowsarched.“That’sacontradictioninterms.”

“Idon’tlikehavingyoualoneatnight,”hesaid.“YouhadatraumaticexperienceinMexico.I’llbet
youstillhavenightmaresaboutit.”

“I’vehadalotoftraumaticexperiences,andIdohavenightmares,butI’magrownwoman.Ican
cope.”

“YoucouldgoseeDr.Hemmings,”hemurmured.

Thedoctorwasapsychologist.GracieandGloryhadbothgonetoseehimregularlyinhighschool
onJason’sinsistence.HeknewaboutGlory’sbackground.Hehadn’tknownaboutGracie’s,buthe’d
feltthatDr.Hemmingswouldhelphercopewiththelossofhermother.

ShetoyedwithherpurseastheydroveintoJacobsville,acrosstherailroadtracksinthecenterof
town.“Ilikehim.Icouldalwaystalktohimaboutthingsthatfrightenedme.Imightdothat,later,”she
saidvaguely.Shewasn’tgoingtoaskJasontopayforthevisitsandshecouldn’taffordthem.

“Youandyourpride,”hesaidwithresignation.“Idon’twantyoutobescarredmentallyanymore
thanyoualreadyareaboutsex.”

Shejumpedatthesoundofthewordandheflinched.“Sorry,”hesaid.

“I’mnotthatmessedup,”shereplied.“Besides,it’snotsoscarywhenIthinkaboutdoingitwith
yo…”Sheclampeddownhardontheword.

Butheknewwhatshewasgoingtosay.Hesmiledather.“Nowthat’smyideaofdiplomacy,”he
murmured.

“Baloney.Yourideaofdiplomacyisacannon.”Sheclearedherthroat.“ButIwon’tdoitwithyou
untilwe’remarried.”

Hechuckled.“Okay.No,really,”heassuredherwhenhepulledupintotheparkinglotofthecollege,
whichwasalreadyalmostfull.“Ilikecoldshowersandhardexercise.Mymusclesaregetting
bigger.”

Sheburstoutlaughing.Hewasoutrageous.

“WhattimedoIpickyouup?”heasked.

“Aboutnine-thirty,”shesaid.“I’monthesecondfloor,room106.Weusuallyleavethedoorsopen
becausewe’retheonlyclassmeetinginthatsection.YoucancomeinevenifI’mnotthrough.”

“I’llcomeearly,”hesaideasily,studyingherwithwarmeyes.“I’dliketohearyoulecture.”

Sheflushedwithpleasure.“I’mstillfeelingmywayalong.”

“Oneofmyhandshasasisterwhoteachesattheelementaryschool,”hesaid.“Shetoldhimthatthe
classyoulecturedisstilltalkingabouttheAlamo.Someofthemhadtheirparentsdrivethemoverto
takethetour.Theysaidthekidsevenimpressedthetourguides.”

Shelaughed.“Ilovemysubject.”

“Andyou’regoodwithkids.”Hiseyesheldaquietprideinherthatwasflattering.“Youcando
anythingyouwantto,Gracie.Allthatwaslackingwasself-confidence.You’regettingthat,too.”He
shrugged.“Ilikeitwhenyoustanduptomeanddefendyourposition.”

“Thanks.”

“Goteachyourclass.”Heglancedoutthewindow.Heavycloudswererollingin.“It’sbeen
unseasonallywarmtoday,”hecommented.“Ihopewe’renotinforastorm.I’mgettinganotherlotof
cullsreadytoship.We’llhavehellkeepingthempennedupifitstartslightning.”

“Don’tgettrampled,”shesaid.

Hegrinned.“Iwon’t.”

Hegotout,wentaroundthecarandopenedherdoorforher.ItwasOld-Worldcourtesythatalways
madeherfeelgood.Shesmiledathim,wavedandwalkeduptowardthemainhallofthequad.

ITWASJUSTNINE-THIRTYwhenshewasfinishingupthatshenotedJasoneasingintotheroomat
theback.Hewasstillinworkingclothes,dampandstained,andhelookedtired.Heleanedagainstthe
wall,crossedhisarmsandlistenedattentively.Herheartjumpedwithpleasureatjustthesightofhim,
evendisheveledandwornashewas.

ShewastalkingaboutthemodernTexasRangersnow,havingcoveredtheirturbulentandawe-
inspiringhistoryalready.

“Theystillhavetoknowhowtoropeandrideahorse,”shesaid,“becausetheirinvestigationsmay
takethemoutintothebrush.Theyalsoworkoncasesinternationally.Ifyou’reinterestedinlearning
moreaboutthem,theyhaveaWebsiteattheTexasRangersHallofFamewheretheygointomore
detailthanIhavetimeforabouttheirhistoryandinvestigativemethods.”Shepaused.“Arethereany
questions?”

“Yes,aretheystillanall-maleforce?”awomanstudentasked.

Gracielaughed.“Theyarenot.Theyhavefemaleofficers,aswellasmaleones.”

“Why?Youthinkingofjoiningup,Jane?”oneofthemalestudentsteased.

Shelaughed.“Whynot?IthinkI’dlookgoodinawhitehat.”

“Ifthat’sall,we’redonefortonight.I’llseeyoualldayaftertomorrow,sametime.”

“Thanks,teach,”oneoftheyoungmeninthebackmurmured.HegatheredhisbooksandgaveJason
alonglook.“Man,yououghttosignupforsomeclassesandgetyourselfaneasierjob,”hesaidwith
genuinesympathy.“Workingcattleisnowaytomakemoney!”

Jasonpursedhislips.“Youcouldberight.”

“Heis,”anothermalestudentechoed.“Besides,thewayscienceisprogressing,inafewyearsthey’ll
beabletogrowasteakinapetriedish.”

“Godforbid,”Jasongroaned.

Graciejoinedthematthebackoftheroomwithherbriefcaseandpurse.“Godforbidwhat?”she
askedJason.

“Growingsteaksinapetriedish.”

Shemadeaface.Shelookedattheyoungman.“Hall,isn’tit?”sheaskedwithtwinklingeyes.“Dr.
Carlsonsaysyou’rehisstarstudentinmicrobiology.Planningtoraisecattleinhislab,areyou?”

Helaughedself-consciously.“ActuallyIwasthinkingmoreontheorderofheartcells,”hetoldher.
“Theydon’tregenerate,butyoucangrowtheminanagar,evenprintthecellswithamodifiedink-jet
printer…!”Hegainedstrength,warmingtohissubject.

“Barbarian,”theotheryoungmanmuttered,glaringathim.“Whatsortofsickmindwouldwantto

subjectaninnocentprintertothatsortofabuse?”

Jasonburstoutlaughing.

“Youneedtogethimtojoinourclass,”theyoungmantoldGracie.“Adegreecouldgetyouamuch
betterpayingjobthanworkingcattleintherain!”

“Hecouldberight,”GracietoldJason,tongue-in-cheek.

Hiseyestwinkledastheysharedaprivate,silentjoke.“Couldbe.Youready?”

Shenodded.SheturnedoutthelightsandpulledthedoorclosedbeforeshewalkedoutatJason’sside.

“Hardnight?”sheaskedhim.

Henodded.“Oneclapofthunderandthecowsstampeded.Wehadtwofencesdownandlivestockall
overthestatehighway.”Heshookhishead.“OneofCashGrier ’sofficersthreatenedtocitemefor
grazingmycattleonstategrass.”

ThestudentsweregatheredaroundthesportyXKconvertiblethatJasonwasdriving,thenewonethat
wasradiantred.Italmostglowedinthemistyrainunderthestreetlights.

“It’sabeaut,isn’tit?”oneofGracie’sstudentsenthused.“I’llbetitflies!Wonderwhoownsit?”

“Nobodywhoworkshere—that’sforsure,”theyoungmanwho’dteasedJasonabouthisjobsaid
withasigh.“Oneofourprofessorssaidthatanoldlawonthebookscouldlandthewholeteaching
staffinjailbecauseitreferstoanyonewithlessthanfivedollarsinhispocketasavagrant.”He
glancedup.“Hi,MissMarsh!Isn’tthisaneatride?”

“Itis,”JasonagreedasheopenedthedoorandhelpedanamusedGracieinside.“ThebankandI
boughtittogether.”

Theboy’scheekbonesflushed.“It’syours?”

Jasonshrugged.“Idoworkontheranch,”hetoldhimwithagrin.“ButIowntheranch,too.Ihave
someofthefinestSantaGertrudisbullsinTexas.”

Theboywhistled.“Doyoueatthem?”

Jasonglaredathim.“WouldyoueataRodinsculpture?”

Theboychuckled.“Notreally.”

“Samething.Artisart.Seeyou.”

Hegotinunderthewheel,startedtheengine,madesureGraciehadherbeltonandroaredoutofthe
parkinglot.

JUSTASHEPULLEDONTOthestatehighway,theskiesopenedagainandheavyrainpeltedthe
windshield.

“Damn,”hemuttered,glancingatGracie,whowasn’twearingaraincoat.“Idon’tevenhavean
umbrellainhere.Ithoughttherainhadstopped.”

“Nottoworry,Iwon’tmelt,”sheteased,hersofteyestwinklingathim.

Helaughed.“Iguessnot.We’vegotmudpuddlesintheyard,butIcancarryyouoverthem.”He
glancedather.“Didyouhaveanythingtoeat?”

Sheshookherhead.“Wasn’ttime.Besides,thecafeteriahadlongsinceclosedfortheday.”

“Iguesswecanmanageanomeletandsometoastbyourselves,”hesighed.“Dilly’sgonetothe
movieswithhermother.It’shernightoff.Mrs.HarcourthadtodriveuptoSanAntoniotosupervise
somelast-minutedetailingatthehouse,soshewon’tbebacktonight,either.”

“Icancook,”Graciesaid.

“SocanI.We’llsharechores.”

Itfeltsonaturaltobewithhimattheranchhouse.Itseemedlikealongtimesincethey’dbeenso
comfortabletogether.Despitetheearlierargument,theywerefriendsagain.

Heparkedclosetothebackdoor,butthewholeyardwasamudpuddlefromthefrenziedrunningof
thecattlethathadgottenlooseearlier.

“We’regoingtogetsoaked,Iguess,”hesaidheavilyasheturnedofftheengineandgotoutofthe
car.

Graciesteppedoutintoamudpuddle,trippedoverherownfeetandwentflyingfacedownintothe
slickmud.

Sheletoutacurseshe’dheardJasonuse.Heburstoutlaughing,sooverwhelmedbythepictureshe
made,drippingmudandusingrangelanguagethathecouldn’teventrytobesympathetic.

Shepickedupahandfulofmudandthrewitathisshirt.“There,”shemutteredasithit,“nowwe
match!”

Hewasn’tevenangry.Hejustshookhishead.“Okay,butyoucanforgetaboutbeingcarriedinside,”
hesaid.“Neitherofushastoworryaboutgettingwetormuddyanymore,”headdedwitharueful
glanceathisred-spottedshirt.

“Sorry,”shemuttered.“Youshouldn’thavelaughed.”

“Icouldn’thelpit,”herepliedastheywalkedupontotheporch.“Yououghttoseeyourself!”

“No,thanks.”Shehesitated.“Thismudistwoinchesthickonmyshoesandyourboots.”

“Bettertakethemoffandleavethemouthere,Iguess,”heagreed,bendingtopullhersoffbeforehe
satdowninacane-bottomedchairandshuckedhisboots.“Mrs.Harcourtwillkillusbothtomorrow
ifshehastogetredmudofftherugsandthelinoleum.”

“Iwouldn’tevenblameher.”

Theywalkedinside,carefultokeepofftheprettywoolrugsandmadetheirwaydownthehalltothe
bedrooms.

“Ouch,”Graciemurmuredasherlegsintheirsoddenslacksrubbedtogetherandhurt.“Imusthave
cutmylegonsomething.”

“Gohaveashower.I’llhaveone,too,andthenI’llcheckthecut,”hesaid.

Shestartedtosaythatshecoulddoit,buthelookedworried.Shejustsmiled.“Okay.”

Hesighedashestaredather.“Well,youevenlookgooddressedinredmud,”hemurmured.

Shelaughed.

Hewinkedatherandturnedintohisownroom,closingthedoorbehindhim.

13

ITHADNEVERFELTSOGOODtostepunderasprayofwarmwater,Graciethoughtasshewashed
herchilledbodyandherlonghairandwrappedherselfinoneofthebig,softTurkishtowelshanging
ontherackbytheshowerstall.Sheglanceddownatherlegandgrimacedasshesawalongscratch
ontheinsideofherthighjustaboveherleftknee.Itwouldn’tneedstitches,probably,butitwasfairly
deep.

Shepickedupherstainedslacksandnotedacutonthepantsleg.Theremusthavebeenapieceof
metalorglassonthegroundunderherwhenshefell.

TherewasaperfunctoryknockatthedoorandJasonwalkedin,wearingapairofblacksilkpajama
bottomsandnothingelse.Graciestaredtransfixedattheperfectionofhismuscular,tanned,hair-
roughenedchest.Sherememberedhowitfeltagainstherbarebreasts.Thethoughtexcitedher,and
shebecameflushed.

Heliftedaneyebrow.“Don’tstartdroolingoverme,”hesaid.“Itisn’tnicetotakeadvantageofaman
who’sonlytryingtohelpyou.”

“Whatsortofhelpdidyouhaveinmind?”sheaskedwithawickedgrin.

Hetappedhernosewithhisfinger.“Stopthat.Let’sseethecut.”

Sheproppedherlegonthetubandpulledthetowelthatswallowedherasidejustenoughtodisplay
thecut.“Imusthavefallenonsomething,”shesaid.

“Somethingsharp,”heagreed,frowning.“Whendidyouhaveatetanusboosterlast?”

“Thisyear,”shesaideasily.

“Goodgirl.”Helookedinthemedicinecabinetforelasticbandagesandantibioticcream.“Ithinkyou
candowithoutstitches.”

“Ithoughtso,too.Idon’treallyfeeluptoatriptotheemergencyroom.It’sbeenalongday.”

“Iknow.”

Heappliedthecreamandawidesquarebandage,hisfingersdeftandsureonhersoftskin.She
tingledalloverathistouch.

Heglancedupatherwithanamusedsmile.“Don’tletmeseehowmuchthisexcitesyou,”he
cautioned.“Anythingcouldhappen.”

“Really?Anything?”

Hestoodupandreachedforthehairdryer.“Bravewords.”

Heturnedthedryeronandhisfingerssiftedthroughherblondhairasheblewitdry.Shemoved

closer,likingthefeelofhisbodynexttoherwithsomuchbareskinondisplay.Shefeltpositively
wanton.Shewasn’treallyafraidofhim.Shewonderedwhysheeverhadbeen.Itseemedperfectly
naturaltobestandingalmostinhisarmsinatowel.

Hefinisheddryingherhairandturnedofftheblower,unpluggingitashelaiditbackonthevanity
table.

Shelookedupintohisblackeyeswithfascination.She’dknownhimforsolong,butsometimeshe
waslikeastranger.Especiallylikethis.Theirrelationshiphadundergonearadicaltransformationin
pastweeks.

Hetookahandfulofhersoft,paleblondhairandhiseyesnarrowedashisgazefelltotheswellof
herbreastsoverthedroopingtowel.Hisjawclenched.“You’reveryprettywithoutyourclothes.”

“AmI?”Shesoundedbreathless.Thetensionintheroomgrewexplosive.

“Pretty.Desirable.Irresistible…”Hebentandhismouthbrushedlazilyoverhers,onlytoslide
warmlydownherthroatandontothesoftskinofherbreasts.Hehesitatedashedrewhislipsagainst
them,waitingforherreaction.Heliftedhishead,justbriefly,tolookintohereyes.

Whenshedidn’ttrytobackaway,hefeltajoltofpuresensualitythatranthroughhimlikeelectricity.
Hebentagain.Hishandsmovedthetowelalittlelower,outoftheway,andhismouthopenedonsoft,
warm,faintlyscentedskin.

Itwasn’tscaryatall,whenhislipsmovedtenderlylikethatonherbareskin.Sheforgottobeafraid
andshiveredwithdelight.Herarmswentaroundhim,hershortnailsdiggingintohislong,muscular
backhungrilywhilehismouthexploredhertautbreasts.Shewasbarelyawarethatthetowelhad
fallenawayfromherbreasts.Shedidn’tevencare.Hismouthhadopenedrightoverhernippleand
waspullingitinside,exploringitinadarksensualitythatmadehertremblewithneedandjustalittle
fear.

Hefeltherstiffenandliftedhishead.Hisblackeyessearchedhers.“There’snothingtobeafraidof,”
hesaidquietly.“Iwon’tdoanythingyoudon’twantmetodo.”

“Iknow.”Shetracedapatterninthethickhairoverhisbreast-bone.Itfeltright,standingherewith
himlikethis,insuchintimacy.Sheachedallover.Thesensationshemadeherfeelwereintoxicating.
Shefeltsoweakthatherlegscouldhardlysupporther.“Itisn’tscaryatall,”shewhispered.“I…Ilike
it.”

Hisbighandcoveredhersmalloneonhischest.Hisbreathingwasnoticeablylabored.

Shecouldfeelthetensioninhim.Shelookedupintohisglitteringblackeyeswithcuriosityand
fascination.

Hehadn’tsleptwithKittie.He’dsaidthat,andhe’dneverliedtoher.Sheknewthathe’dkeptto
himselfforalongtime,notevendatinganyone.Ifhe’dfeltthisattractiontoGracieasstronglyasshe
feltitforhim,itmusthavebeenaverylongtimesincehe’dfedthatgnawinghungershecouldseein

hiseyes.Itmadehimvulnerable,which,oddly,lessenedherfearofhim.Butherpast,andher
scruples,haderectedabarrierthatshecouldn’tgetthrough.

“God,Iwantyou!”hemurmuredroughly.

“Iknow.Ireallywantto,”shewhispered.“But…”

Henodded.“But.”Hesearchedherworriedeyesandthensmiledgentlyashebenttokissherwith
exquisitetenderness.Anditmighthavebeenpossibletodrawback,justthen.Butasheheldher
closer,thetowelfelltothefloor,sothathernudebodywassuddenlypressingrightagainstthefirm
musclesofhischestandstomachinanintimacytheyhadn’treallyshareduntilnow.Hegroanedin
anguish.

Graciefeltashudderrunrightthroughhispowerfulbodyasitechoedinhers.Thefeelofhim
againstherwaslikeadrug,shecouldn’tgetenoughofit.Thetouchoffleshagainstfleshmadeher
kneestremble.Shefeltherselfswellinginoddplaces,kindlingexquisitelittlestabsofpleasurethat
grewwitheachbrushofhischestagainsthers.

Impulsivelysheliftedagainsthimsothattheywerestandinginablatantposethatletherfeelthe
immediateresponseofhisbodytohercloseness.Shegaspedunderhisinsistentmouthasshe
registeredthepowerfulcapabilityofit.Thethinsilkofhispajamatrouserswasnobarrieratall.And
whenhispajamasfelltothefloor,theintimacywassuddenlyanarcoticthatmadeherincapableof
resistance.

Sheheldontight,lettinghismouthburrowintoherswithpassionandurgency.Theheatedexchange
wasonlyenhancedwhenshefelthimagainstherwheresilkhadseparatedthemonlysecondsbefore.
Hethrobbedwithdesireforher,andsheachedtosatisfytheblatantneed.

Herhandsranupanddownthemusclesofhisbackashecaughtherthighsandpulledherupinto
evengreaterintimacy.Shewhimperedagainstthewarmpenetrationofhismouth,shiveredashis
handsslidlowerandtouchedherinanewway.Shestartedtoprotest,buthistouchwassuddenlyso
arousingthatsheonlywhimperedagaininsteadandliftedhighertoencouragehimnottostop.

Shehadn’texpectedtheurgencythatoverwhelmedherashishandsexploredherbody,theaching
needthatblottedoutreason.Shedraggedherbreastsagainsthishardchestwithexquisiteabandon,
hernailsdiggingintohimasshepleadedforanendtothetensionthatthreatenedtoripherapart.

“Gracie…”heprotested,butthewordmorphedintoagroanasheloweredhertotheflooroverthe
damptowelthathadcoveredher.

Hismouthtooktheplaceofhishands,exploring,arousing,tastingherinahundredwaysastheylay
inatangle.Allsheheardwastheroughsighofhisbreathagainstheryieldedbody,barelyaudible
abovetheracingwhipofherownheartbeat.

Sheshouldstophim,shetoldherselffirmly,buthismouthwasontheinsideofhersoftthighsandhis
thumbhadmoveduptosearchagainstasensitiveareathatquicklyliftedheroffthefloorina
shiveringlittletasteoffulfillmentthatsobbedoutofhertightthroat.Herlonglegsmovedapartto

easehisway.Shebitintotheshoulderthatmovedoverher,tastingitwithhertongueasheleveredhis
powerfulbodydownbetweenherlegsandslowly,exquisitely,penetratedher.

Shesobbedhelplesslyasoneleanhandslidunderherhipsandtiltedthemashepusheddown.

Heliftedhishead.Hewasshudderingwiththeforceofhisheartbeats.Hiseyescapturedhersashe
moved,hisfacerigidashefeltthebarrier.

“I’msorry,”hewhisperedinagroanoftorment.“Ican’tstop!”

“It’sallright.Iloveyou,”shewhisperedback,shiveringunderhim.“Iloveyou…somuch,Jason.”

Thewordsrippedthelastofhiscontrolaway.Anguishedjoyreplacedtheguiltinhisblackeyes.He
sethisteethandthrustdown,hard.Hefeltthefaintresistancethatquicklygavewaytohisardor.

Graciegaspedatthestabofwhite-hotfirethattorethroughherashemasteredherbody,butshe
didn’ttrytopushhimaway.Sheswallowedhard,whilehehesitated.

“It’sallright,”shewhispered.Shelifteduptohim,hereyesholdinghis.“Don’tstop.”

Hisbighandsslidunderherheadashebenttokissthequicktearsfromhereyesashemovedslowly,
deliberately,againstherandheardalittlecryofshockedpleasure.

“Didyouexpectittokeephurting?”heaskedtenderly.“Iknowhowtosatisfyyou,Gracie.Iknow
howtogiveyouecstasy.Iwon’tstopuntilyou’vetakenthelastbreathofsatisfactionfrommy
body…”

Hismoutheaseddownoverhersandhistongueteasedattheundersideofherlip,tracingitinaslow
rhythmthatmatchedtheexquisite,slowthrustofhisbodyashefoundtheplaceandthetempothat
madehernailsdigintohisback,madeherhipsarchupandpushagainsthis.

“Slowdown,”heurgedinthetensesilence.“Slowdown,honey.Wearen’tinahurry.”

“Yes…weare!”shemoaned.

Helaughedtenderly,hislipsbrushingoverherflushedface,tastingtearsashebegantoshiftover
her.Thenewpositionmadehercryout.

Heliftedhisheadandwatchedherashemoved,sawtheagonyofpleasurethatwasgrowinginher,
buildinglikeasymphony.Hereyeswereglazedwithwonderandpassion,herlipspartedasshe
struggledtofindtheplacethatwouldendtheexcruciatingtensionthatwaspullinghermusclestight
assteelcords.

Hemovedagain,feelingherbodyclenchandshudderaroundhim.“Yes,”hewhisperedasheshifted
onelasttimeandbegantodrivedownintoher,savoringherhoarselittlepleas,feelingtheexquisite
contractionsthattookhisownrestraintawayinamaelstromofbuildingjoy.“Yes!Feelme,Gracie.
Feelme…goingintoyou!”

Thewordsexcitedherbeyondmeasure.Hishipsarchedintohersfiercely.Shefeltthetensionsnapin
ahotrushofpleasure,heardhervoicecryoutinasoundshedidn’tevenrecognizeastheglorious
sensationsreachedflashpointandcarriedheroversomeflowinghotlava.Sheshiveredasthewaves
grewevenhigher.ShewasvaguelyawareofthesoundofJason’svoiceinherearsashepressedhis
mouthheatedlyagainstherbreastforsecondsbeforehearchedandgroanedandbegantoconvulse
aboveher.Sheclungtohim,hereyeswide-openwithshockedwonderasshesawhisface.Itwasso
intimate,shethoughtwildly.Sointimate!

Hiseyesopened,blackandglazed,andpiercedrightintohersastheyshudderedtogetherinonefinal
burstofpleasure.Hegroanedandthetensionwentoutofhimashecollapsedinadamp,exhausted
heaponherrelaxedbody.

Sheheldhimtoher,gloriedintheweightofhispowerfulbodyasshefeltthesoft,stabbingechoesof
pleasurewiththehelplessmovementofhiships.Ithadbeenlikeavolcaniceruption,shethought.
She’dneverdreamedthatsuchsensationsexisted.She’dneverlovedJasonmore.

Sheshouldhavestoppedhim,shethoughtthen,asshameandguiltbegantoreplacethesilverydelight
ofthepleasurethey’dshared.Shebitherlipandfoughttears.Buttheyrainedhotlydownhercheeks,
ontohis,whichwaslyingcloseagainstherown.

Hefeltthemandliftedhishead,proppinghimselfonhiselbowsashestudiedherstrickenexpression.

“Itoldyoufirsttimeswererough,”hesaidsoftly.“I’msorryIhadtohurtyou.”Hekissedawaythe
tears.“Itwasbad.”

“Itwasn’t,”shearguedquietly.Herarmsslidaroundhisneckandherfaceburieditselfinhisstrong,
dampthroat.“Bad,Imean.Itwasincredible!Butthatjustmakesmefeelguiltier.Icouldn’tevenask
youtostop!”

Hekissedherclosedeyelids.“Couldyoudothiswithsomeoneelse?”heasked.

“Heavens,no!”

Heliftedhishead.Hewassmiling.Itwasthemosttender,affectionatesmilehe’devergivenher.
“NeithercouldI.Wearen’tpermissivepeople.Asitis,we’veonlyjumpedthegunbyafewhours,”
headded.“We’llgrabafewhoursofsleep.Thenwe’regoingtoflytoSanAntonio,followedbya
triptotheJacobsCountyprobatejudge’soffice.”

“Weare?Why?”sheaskedinadaze.

“ToSanAntonioforringsandadress,”hesaidlazily,kissingthetipofhernose.“We’llcollectMrs.
HarcourtandDillyontheway.We’regettingmarriedtomorrow.”

“Married?”sheechoed,stillstunned.

Hegaveheragloweringlook.“Married.Youhadyourwaywithme.Don’tthinkyou’regoingto
walkawayandgossipaboutmetoanywomanyoumeet.I’mnotthatsortofman.”

Hereyeswidened.Helookedsane.“Ooookay,”shesaid,humoringhim.

“Afterall,”headded,gazingdownatherpertbreastsbelowhim,“Icouldbepregnant.”

Shestartedtolaugh,butthenthethoughtbegantoflowerinherownmindasshestaredupintohis
eyes.“Pregnant.”

Thesmilefaded.Hetouchedhersoftmouthwithhisfingertip.“Pregnant.”Hedrewinalong,slow
breath.“Gracie,youreallycouldbepregnant.Withmybaby.”Hisblackeyesglitteredwithpure
possession.

Anoticeableshiverranthroughherbody.Shelookedradiant.“Iwouldlovethat!”shewhispered
huskily.

Henoddedsolemnly.“SowouldI.”Hepulledawayfromherandgottohisfeet,pullingherupbeside
him.Hesmiledathershyglancesashewenttoturntheshoweron.“Whichiswhywe’rewastingno
time.Nomodernarrangementsforus.We’regoingthetraditionalroute.”

Shefollowedhimunderthewarmsprayandhuggedhimwithalong,soulfulsigh.“Thisisn’t
traditional.”

“Actuallyitis,ifyourememberyourhistory,”heteasedashereachedforwashclothsandsoap.“The
intenttomarrywasallthatwasrequiredforcouplestoindulgeeachotherlikethis,evenduringthe
sixteenthcentury.Itwascalledhandfasting,Ibelieve.”

Shelaughed,becausehewasright.“IbelieveIhavethehistorydegreeinthisfamily,”shepointedout.

Hebentandkissedhernose.“Ibelieveyoudo.”Hetouchedhercheeklightly.Hiseyeswerefullof
dreams.“Ishouldhaveasked,insteadoftelling.Willyoumarryme,Gracie?”

“Ofcourse,”sherepliedsoftly.

Smiling,hemovedcloserandbegansoapinghersoftskinwiththecloth.

SHE’DHADSOMEIDEAthattheymightsleepseparately,buthewouldn’thearofit.Hetuckedher
upintohisarmsinherbedandheldhercloseallnight.Hecouldn’tbeartobeseparatedfromher
evenbyawall,hesaidwithsuchsinceritythatherheartraced.

Thenextmorning,hecametowakeherupwithasteamingcupoffreshcoffee.Hewasalready
dressed.Hesatdownbesideherandkissedhertenderly.

“Wakeupandgetdressed.I’vegotbreakfastready.We’llleaveassoonasweeat.”

“Ihavetodosomethingaboutthemessinthebathroom,”shesaidandthenflushedassherecalled
whathadhappenedinthere.

“Iputthelotinthewashingmachine,”hesaidquietly.Hetouchedhertousledhairgently.“Gracie,I

didn’tmeanforittohappenlikethat,”hesaidapologetically.

Helookedtorn.Shereachedupandtracedhishighcheekbone.“Iknow.NeitherdidI.”Shesmiled
shyly.“Ididn’trealizehow…intense…thingscouldget.”

Helaughedshortly.“Especiallyforamanwho’sabstainedforthebetterpartoftwoyears.”

Shecaughtherbreathatwhathewasadmitting.

Heshrugged.“Iwasn’tabletowantanyoneelse.”

Forallthattime,shewasthinking.Andwhilehewasstandingback,hopingforhertoseehimasa
man,she’dbeenpretendingeverythingwasnormalandtryingnottotranslateherloveforhiminto
somethingphysicaloutoffear.

“Ikeptbackingaway,”shesaidslowly,“becauseIdidn’tthinkIwascapableofgivingyouwhatyou
wouldhavewanted.Iwastiedupinthepast,scaredtodeathofanythingphysical.Iwasafraidtoeven
experiment.Mypoormother,”sheaddedsadly.“Idon’tthinkshehadanyideawhatshewassupposed
tofeel.”

“Nowonder,”hereplied.“I’msorryaboutthat.”

“SoamI.”Shesearchedhisblackeyes.“Ineverdreameditwouldfeellikethat,”shemurmured.

“Itwouldneverfeellikethatwithanyotherman,”heassuredherquickly.“You’dbreakoutinpurple
spotsifyouevenletanothermankissyou.AndGodforbid,ifyoudidanythingmore,you’dgrowan
extraarminthemiddleofyourforehead.”Heputhishandoverhisheart.“Iswear,”headded,allwith
astraightface.

Sheburstoutlaughingandreacheduptodrawhimdownintoherarms,hugginghimwithfierce
delight.

Helaughed,too.“Youjustrememberthat,”hetoldher.

“Iwill.”Shesearchedhiseyes.“AsifIcouldeverletanothermantouchme!”

Hedrewaway,winkedatherandgottohisfeet.“Comeon.Getamoveon.Iwanttorushyoutothe
altarbeforeanycompetitionshowsup.”

“Thereisn’tanycompetition,”shetoldhimfirmly.“Thereneverhasbeen.NotsincethedayIfirst
sawyou.”

Hishighcheekboneswentalittledusky,andhelaughed.

Shelookedathimadoringly.“I’llneverleaveyou,Jason.”

Hisjawtautened.“AndI’llneverleaveyou.ThelightwentoutoftheworldwhenIknewyou’dbeen
kidnapped.IfI’dlostyou…”Hislipsmadeathinline.Heturnedaway,stillreluctanttoadmittothe

feelingsthatwererackinghim.“We’dbettergetgoing.”

“Okay.”Shesmiled,buthedidn’tturnaroundagain.Shewatchedhimwalkaway.Hewantedher.But
itwasmorethanphysical.Sheknewthatwithherwholeheart,eventhoughhehadn’tputitintowords.
Hewould.Shewascertainofit.Andshewasgoingtomarryhim.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,shefelt
likeawholewoman.

THEYDROVETOSANANTONIO,tothemansion.Mrs.Harcourtmetthematthedoor.Shewasso
thrilledwiththeirnewsthatsheburstintotearsandhuggedthemboth,murmuringinaudiblythe
wholetime.

Jasonlefttheminthehallandwentofftohisstudytogetsomethingoutofthesafe,hesaid.

Mrs.Harcourtdriedhereyesandsmiled,butshewasworried.ShedrewGracieintothekitchenand
closedthedoor.

“Ihavetotellyoubeforehecomesback,”shesaidquickly.“Kittiecalledhere.Shesaidshe’sgoingto
givethestorytothetabloidsbecauseJasonwon’tgobacktoher.Shesaidshe’dmakehima
laughingstock.”

“It’sallright,”Gracieassuredher.“Jasonknowsaboutmypast.She’llneverbeableto—”

“Notyours,”Mrs.Harcourtinterrupted,anguished.“Mine!”

“Yours?”Graciehesitated,frowning.“Butyoudon’thaveapast.”

Theolderwomanclosedhereyes.“Ifyouonlyknew.I’veneverspokenofittoasoul.Wesigned
papers.IsworeI’dcarrythesecrettomygrave.”

“Whatsecret?”

Theolderwomandrewinadeepbreath.“Mrs.Pendletonwasbarren.Shecouldn’thaveachild.My
husbandwasagoodman,butImarriedhimbecausemyparentswantedmeto,notbecauseIloved
him.IdidloveMyron,withallmyheart.Hehiredmetoworkforhimaftermyhusbanddied,andwe
hadanaffairwhilehiswifewasinBermudaonesummer.Ihatedsneakingaround.Ifeltsoguilty.I
wassuresheknew…”

Graciefelttheblooddrainoutofherface.Mrs.Harcourthadjet-blackeyes.JustlikeJason…

Mrs.Harcourtwipedhereyes.“IgotpregnantandMyronhadtotellher.Shewasn’tevenupset.She
saidthebabywouldstillbeaPendleton.ShearrangedforustogotoEuropetogether,justmeand
her.Shetoldeveryoneshewaspregnant,andIwasgoingtotakecareofherbecauseshehadtorest
onaccountofherdelicatehealth.WhenJasonwasborn,wecamebackhomeandtheyannouncedhis
birthinallthepapers.Nobodyknew.Whenshedied,IthoughtmaybeMyronwouldmarryme.”

Sheshookherhead,continuinghersadtale.“Hesaidhecouldn’tmarrysomeonelikeme.Iwasn’this

socialequal.Fromthatday,Ineversleptwithhimagain,althoughhekepttryingtoluremeback.He
marriedyourmotherandwhenshedied,hemarriedGlory’smother.ButhewarnedmethatifIever
spokeofJason’srealparentage,he’dhavemeputinprisononsometrumpedupcharge.Ibelieved
him,”sheaddedgrimly.“Hewasn’taboveit.”

“Jasonneverknew?”Gracieexclaimed.

“No.Buthe’llfindoutnow,”shesaidmiserably.“Itwillhurthim.Andnotonlythathisfatherhidit
fromhim.Thetabloidswillloveit.Millionairemakeshismotherpretendtobehishousekeeper
becausehe’sashamedofher.”Shesmiledwanly.“Whataheadline.”

Graciewasastonished.Hermindwentblank.SheheardJason’sfootstepsinthehall.“Don’ttellhim,”
shetoldMrs.Harcourtfirmly.“We’llthinkofsomething.”

“What?”sheasked,distraught.

“We’lltalklater,”Graciesaidquickly.

“Whatareyoudoinginthekitchen?”Jasonaskedthewomen.“WehavetogettoNeimanMarcusto
buyweddingclothes.IforgottodrivebyandgetDillyontheway,”headdedwitharuefulgrinat
Gracie.“Imusthavehadmymindonsomethingelseatthetime.Anyway,IphonedGrange.He’s
goingtobringDillyuptomeetusatthedepartmentstore,thenI’lldriveusallhome.”

“Weddingclothes?”Mrs.Harcourtstammered.

“Yes,”hesaid.“YouandDillyandGrangeareourwitnesses.IwishwecouldfindJohn,”headded
sadly.“He’sasmuchapartofthefamilyasweare.”

Mrs.Harcourtlookedtorn.Shehesitated.“Iknowwhereheis,”sheconfessed.“Buthemademe
promisenottosay.”

“Why?”heburstout.

Shegrimaced.“JohnwasinprisonforbeingthewheelmaninabankrobberyupinDallasabout
thirtyyearsago,”shesaid.“Yourfatherdidn’tdoabackgroundcheckonhim,sonobodyknew.Miss
Kittiefoundoutandsworeshe’dtellifhedidn’tleave.Shehadsomethingonallofus,”sheadded
darkly.“Godknowshowshefoundout.”

“Oneofherfriendshasadetectiveagency,”herepliedcoolly.“Sothat’swhyheleft.Didhereally
thinkitwouldmattertome?Johnisfamily!”

Mrs.Harcourtwatchedhimquietly.Therewasadeepprideinherexpressionthatshefoughtto
conceal.Graciehadseenitbeforeandnotunderstoodit.Nowshedid.

“Whereishe?”Jasondemanded.

“He’slivingatthemen’smissiondowntown,”shesaid.

“Let’sgo.”

Hewasoutthedoorinaflash,leavingthemtofollow.

ATTHEMISSION,heleftthewomeninthecarandwentinalonetofindJohn.Hewasdirectedtoa
second-floorbedroom.Theoldmanwassittinguponhisbed,readinghisBible.Hestartedwhen
Jasonwalkedinandstumbledtohisfeet.

“Mr.Jason,youshouldn’tbehere!”heexclaimed.

Jasonlookedaround.“Neithershouldyou,”heshotback.

Theoldmanlookedwounded,tired,absolutelydevoidofhope.“Mrs.Harcourtsworeshewouldn’t
tellyou,”hesaid.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Jasonputafirmhandontheolderman’sshoulder.“Gettingmyfamilyback,”hesaidquietly.“Your
pastdoesn’tmattertome.Youbelongwithus.Comehome.”

Johnfoughtthemoistureinhiseyes.Jasonhadbeenlikethesonhe’dneverhad.Ithadalmostkilled
him,havingtoleave.He’dbeensoafraidofKittie’sthreats.

“Oh,stopthat,”JasonmutteredwhenhesawtheglitterinJohn’seyes.“You’llhavemedoingit,too.
Whatwillpeoplethink?”

Johnswallowedhard.

“Idon’tcarewhatyou’vedoneinthepast,”hesaidshortly.“You’vedoneyourtime.Ican’tdo
withoutyou.You’rethebestchauffeurinTexas.”

“Thanks,”hebitoff,stillchokedup.

“Packyourbag,”hesaid,smiling.“We’reonourwaytogetmarried.”

“Youandme?”Johnexclaimedwithafaintattemptathumor.

Jasonglaredathim.“Gracieandme,”hecorrected.

Theoldman’sfacelitup.“You’remarryingMissGracie?”

“Yes.WhenIgetthefamilytogether,”headded.“Willyoupack?We’reinahurry.”

“Pack.Yes,sir.Yes,sir!”Itwasthebestnewshe’dhadinweeks!

Jasonstoodbythedoor,swallowingalumpinhisownthroatashewatchedtheoldfellowputhis
pitifulfewbelongingsintoaricketyoldsuitcase.HewasashamedofsomanythingsKittiehaddone
behindhisback,thingshe’dbeentoowrappedupinhimselftonotice.Atleasthewasfinallygetting
thingsbacktonormal.

Johnwasenthusiasticallywelcomedbythetwowomen,whowereoddlyquietwhenJasongotin
behindthewheelandstartedoutintothestreet.

“Whythesolemnfaces?”JasonteasedGracie.“Weddingsarehappyoccasions.”

“Thehappiestofmylife,”GracieagreedandhereyeswarmedastheymetJason’s.Shewascarrying
anothersecretnow,onemuchmoredangerousthanherownthatshe’dhiddenforsolong.Thisone
hadthepowertodestroyherfragilerelationshipwithJason.Thequestionwas,didshedarekeepMrs.
Harcourt’ssecretinlightofKittie’sthreat?

14

THESHOPPINGSPREEwassoenjoyablethatGraciewasabletoputasideherworriesforthetimeit
tooktofindasuitabledressforherselfandoutfitsforMrs.HarcourtandDilly,aswellasasuitfor
oldJohn.

“Idon’tknowaboutusstandingupwithyou,Mr.Jason,”Dillyworriedasshewashandedseveral
garmentstotryon.“MissKittiesaidIwasdumpy…”

“I’mnotmarryingMissKittie,”Jasontoldherfirmly.“YouandMrs.HarcourtandJohnarepartof
ourfamily.We’renotgettingmarriedwithoutyou.”

“Exactly,”Graciesaid,armsfoldedstubbornly.

Dillybitbacktears.“Okay,then.”

Shewentofftotryonherdresses.Mrs.Harcourtcameoutwearinganicenavysuitwithasoftpink
blouse.“Whatdoyouthink?”sheaskedworriedly.

Jasonputhisarmsaroundher.“Ithinkyoulooklikeawonderfulsubstitutemother-of-the-groom,”
hesaidtenderlyandbenttokisshercheek.

Mrs.Harcourtbawled.Graciedrewoutatissueandhandedittoher.

“Youhavetowaitandcryatthewedding,”shesaidfirmly.

Theolderwomanlaughed.“Iknow.Sorry.Justrehearsing.”

Shewentbackintothefittingroom.

JasondrewGracieofftoanunoccupiedcornerofthewomen’sclothingdepartmentandhandedhera
grayjewelrybox.

Sheopeneditandcaughtherbreath.Whenshe’dtakenartclassesincollege,she’ddrawnasetof
weddingbandsthatshedreamedofusingonedayifshewaseverabletoworkupthecouragetoget
married.Therewasasquareemeraldsolitaireandamatchingband.Therewasaman’sband,plain
butwiththesameengravedmotifasthewoman’sweddingband.

“Idrewthese,”Graciefaltered.

Jasontookouttheengagementringandsliditsolemnlyontoherfinger.Hekisseditwithbreathless
tenderness.“Ihadthemmadeupyearsago,”hesaidhuskilyashemethereyes.“Iknewthatitwould
beyouornobody.”

Ifshehadn’trunfromhimthatrainynight,shewasthinking,alltheanguishinbetweenwouldhave
beenspared.Thethoughtlayinherexpression.

“Don’t,”hewhisperedsoftly,andbenttokissher.“Wecan’tlookback.Onlyahead.”

Shedrewinasoftbreath.“Onlyahead,”sheagreed.Shesmiledupathim.“You’regoingtoweara
ring?”

Hechuckled.“Oh,yes.”

Shegrinned.“Okay.”

Grangeappearedfromanadjoiningdepartmentwithabagoverhisshoulder.HeglaredatJason.“I’d
justgotaroundtobuyingsomenewjeansandshirts,andI’dgotticketstotheballet.Ihateballet,”he
added,“butIwouldhavegoneforher.”HepointedatGracie.“Thenyouhavetogoandgetengaged
toherandmessupallmyplans,”hemuttered.“Ievenwashedmytruck!”

Theybothburstoutlaughing.SodidGrange,whowasfondofGracie,butnotanywherenearinlove
withher.Sheknewit,evenifJasonhadn’tseemedto.

“Hardluck,”Jasonsaidsmugly.“You’retoolatenow.”

Grangeshookhishead.“AtleastIgettocometothewedding,”hesaid.Hejiggledthebagoverhis
shoulder.“Iboughtasuit,too.”

“Goodidea.Ifyouevergetmarried,youwon’tevenhavetogoshopping.”

Grangejustgrinned.

THEREWASABRIEFbutpoignantceremonyintheprobatejudge’soffice,inthethickofalibrary
oflawbooksandcountyrecords.Thejudgeherself,AlexandraMills,wasthesisterofoneofJason’s
cowboys.

“I’dliketosayI’msurprisedtoseeyoutwohere,butIwon’tlie,”sheconfessed.“Thegossipshave
gonewildaroundherelately.”SheglancedfromGracieinherprettywhitesuitwithits
accompanyingveiledpillboxhat,tothewitnessesandthentoJasoninhisneatbluepin-stripedsuit.
“Niceofyoutobringwitnesses.”

“Ididn’t,”Jasonsaidcomplacently.“Ibroughtourfamily.”

Alexandralookedfromoneofhiscompanionstotheother,notingtearsinseveraleyes.“Ofcourse,”
sheagreedwarmly.JasonPendletonmightbeamillionaire,butnobodycouldcallhimasnob.

ShereadthemarriageceremonyfromtheBible,andwatchedthemexchangeringsandvows,after
whichJasonwasallowedtokisshistearfulbride.HeliftedthebriefveilandsmiledatGraciewithhis
wholeheart.Hekissedherverysoftlyandthenhuggedherwarmly.

Congratulationswereofferedandaccepted,afterwhichrelevantpapersweresigned,andtheyall
walkedoutoftheofficeintoflashingcameras.

“It’sokay,”Jasoncomfortedhiscompanions,whowerelookingforplacestohide.“It’sjustBilly

ThorntonfromthelocalpaperandJackHarrison,ourresidentphotographer.Iaskedthemtocome.
Getbackhereandsmile,”headdedfirmly,gettingeverybodyintoagroup.Heputhisarmaround
Gracie,holdingabouquetofbronzedchrysanthemums.“Shootaway,”hetoldthephotographers,and
hesmiled.

JASONHIREDALEARJETtotakethemdowntoCancúnforathree-dayhoneymoon,completewith
bodyguardsjustincaseGeneralMachadotriedtonaboneofthemagain.Hecheckedthemintoan
expensivehotelonthestrandofbeachthatwashometosomeoftheritziestaccommodationssouthof
theborder.

TheroomoverlookedtheGulfofMexico.Itwaslateeveningandafullmoonhungoverhead,
silveringthewavesastheycrashedinwhitefoamontothesugar-whitebeach.

“Tired?”Jasonaskedashedrewherintohisarms.

Sheshookherhead.“Happy.”

“Me,too.”

Hebentandkissedherverysoftly.“Sore?”hewhisperedmeaningfully.

Shemethiseyesandshookherheadagain,veryslowly.

“Inthatcase,”hesaid,smilingashemetherlipswithhisown.

ITWASTHEWAYHE’Dwantedittobeduringtheirfirstexplorationofeachother.Hetreatedheras
thevirginshe’dbeen,drawingouteachsoftcaressuntilhemadehermoanandpleadformore.He
kissedherfromthetipofherheadtothetipofhertoes,hislipsfindingherinexquisitewayswith
skillandmasterythattookherbreathaway.Shejumpedfromplateautoplateau,shiveringwiththe
newnessofpleasure,delightinginthefeelofhisskinagainsthersandthewarmthofhismouthonher
breastsashemadetheirtipshardandsensitivebeforehistonguesensitizedthemevenmore.

Shehadthoughttheirfirsttimehadgivenherthegreatestpleasurepossible,butshelearnedinthe
longnightthatshe’donlygrazedthesurfaceofecstasy.Jasonwasoverher,thenunderher,then
besideherashishandsexploredheryieldingbody.Themutualtensionbuilttosuchaflashpointthat
shedraggedhimdownagainstherandalmostforciblyjoinedherbodytohisinatempestofphysical
delightthatmadehersobwithescalatingpleasure.

Eachlong,slowthrustwasanagonyofpatiencethatbroughthertosomeprecipiceofanguishthat
shecouldhardlybear.

“You’retorturingme,”shewailed,pushingherhipsuptomeethis.

“I’mgettingyouready,”hecorrectedbreathlessly,ashestilledherthrashinghipsandpusheddown
withlong,measuredthrusts.

“Ready?”shepleaded.

“Ready,”hewhispered.“Holdontight,sweetheart.We’regoingrightoveracliff…”

Heincreasedtherhythmsosuddenlythatshewaslefthanginginmidair.Shefelthimswellingeven
moreashepushedharder,hisbodybuffetinghersnoisilyagainstthewhitesheetsinthefiltered
moonlight.

Shecriedoutandhernailsbitintohiships.

“That’sit,”hegroanedatherear.“Holdme.Feelmedrivingintoyou.Feelme…exploding…inside
you!”

“Jason!”Sheshudderedandarchedup,thepleasuregrowingsounbearablethatshesobbedand
sobbed,rigidasaboardunderthefiercerhythmofhiships.“Harder,Jason,harder,harder…!”

“Oh…God!”

Hearchedandstiffened,andthensuddenlyconvulsedwithagroansoharshthathesoundedasifhe’d
beenwounded.

Gracieheldonfordearlife,herbodysoattunedtohisthatsheshotupintotheheatwithhim,arching
intothesleekcurveofhisbodysothattheyseemednolongertwopeople,butone,meltedtogether
likemolteniron.

Sheopenedhereyesjustatthelastandsawhisfaceclenched,hiseyesclosed,hismouthathinlineas
heenduredtheagonyofclimax.Herownbodywasjustpastthatexquisiteburstoftension,echoing
withlittlestabsofdelightashemovedhelplesslyinsideher.

Onelastshudderandhiseyesopened,rightintohers.Incredibly,thesightofher,watchinghim,
broughtanotherexplosionofpleasurethatshookhimoverher.Helookeddownatherswollen
breasts,herflatbellypressedsotightlytohis,andhetrembled,closinghiseyessothathecouldfeel
thetight,hotpressofherallaroundhimashespenthimself.

Finallyhisbodyunclenchedandherelaxed,flowingdownoverher.

“We’regoingtokilleachother,eventually,”shewhisperedshakily.

“Inoticedthat.”

Shemovedexperimentally,enjoyingthelittleechoesofpleasurethatshiveredinher.“Gosh!Itjust
keepsgoing,”shecried.

“Yes.”Heshiftedhisleanhipsandliftedhisheadtowatchher,grinningasherfaceexpressedthe
pleasurehewasgivingher.

“Conceited,”shemanaged.

Heshookhishead.“Incrediblytalented.”

Shelaughed.“Yes.”

Herolledoverontohisbackanddrewheroverhim,hiseyesdarkandwarm.“Andjustthink,thisis
supposedtogetbetterwithpractice.”

“I’lldie,”shelamented,movingcloser.

“Yes,honey,butwhatawaytogo,”hewhisperedatherear,andlaughedwithher.

“BUTYOUHAVETOhaveaproperwedding,”GloryfussedwhenJasonandGraciegothome.She
wasstillupsetbecausethey’dwaitedtwodaystocallherandtellherabouttheceremony.

“Wedid,”Jasonsaidreasonably.“Onewithoutfanfareandcameras.”

“YoucouldatleasthaveareceptioninSanAntonio,”shecontinueddoggedly.

GracieandJasonlookedateachotherwithresignation.“Iguesswecould,”Graciesaid.Shehugged
herstepsister.“Wemeanttocallyou,honestly.Butwejustforgotabouteverything.”

Jasongrinnedsheepishly.“Itwasaprettyintensehoneymoon.”

Glorygavein,laughing.“Ican’tsayIwasevensurprised,”shepointedout.“Thetwoofyouwere
prettyobvious,evenmonthsago.”

“Wewere?”theyechoed.

Gloryjustshookherhead.“I’mmeetingRodrigoforlunch,butyouhavetogowithustothecharity
dinnerinSanAntonioFridaynight.Alltheoldcrowdisgoingtobethere,andtheycan’twaitto
congratulatebothofyou.”

JasonsmiledatGracie.“Wereallyhavetogo,”heagreed.“Wedohavefriends.”

Gracienodded.She’dforgottenhersocializingsincehermovetoJacobsville.“Iwastryingtoget
backtomyroots,”sheexplainedquietly.“AndprovethatIcouldtakecareofmyself.”

“Whichyoudid,”Jasonsaidfirmly.“Youcankeepyourjobatthecollege.Iwon’tsayaword.You
canlectureattheelementaryschool.Butwe’vealreadyproventhatyoucanhaveanoccasionalnight
outwithoutstainingyourworkinggirlimage,”headdedpersuasively.

Shesighed.“IguessIcan.”Shesmiledupathimtentatively.“Ifyouwon’tmindwhenIfalldownthe
stepsoccasionallyortripovermyownfeet.”

Hepulledherclose,verysolemnly.“I’llalwaysbetheretocatchyou,”hesaid.“Anditwon’tmatter.It
neverdid.”

THEYWENTHOMERELUCTANTLY.RodrigoandGlorymetthemattheSanAntoniomansion
withabeautifulcutcrystalbowlforaweddingpresent,andafewrecriminations.Butlongbefore
theygottothose,GloryjusthuggedGraciewithallherstrength.Shehadtobitebacktears.Thiswas
alovematchifshe’deverseenone.Shewonderedwhyithadtakenthesetwostubbornpeoplesolong
toseeit.

“You’regoingtobeveryhappytogether,”shesaidabsently.

Theybothsmiledather.“Ofcourseweare,”Graciesaid,andthereweredreamsinhereyes.

ThecharityshindigprovedtoGraciethatherfriendshipsweren’tamatterofJason’smoney.People
werehonestlyhappytoseeher,andshehadmoreinvitationsthanshecouldeveraccept.Shewas
askedtoserveoncommittees,andshepromisedtoworksomeofthemintoherbusyschedule.When
shetoldherfriendsabouthernewjob,theywereelatedtoseethatshewasusingallhertalents,not
justtheonesshehadforhostessingandplanningparties.Sherealizedfinallythatitwasherown
personality,herownself,thatthesepeoplevalued.She’dalwaysassumeditwaspositionandmoney.
Nothingwasfartherfromthetruth.

Therewasonlyonesournote.OneofJason’sbusinessassociates,alittletipsy,askedhimwhat
happenedtothegorgeousredheadhewasgoingtomarry.

“Graciehappened,”Jasonsaidwithoutbattinganeye,andhepulledGraciecloseandkissedthetipof
hernose.

Thetipsymansmiledself-consciouslyatthepeoplefrowningathim,andwentaway.

GloryandRodrigotookthembyaLatinclubforanightcap.

“YourfriendtheGeneralistryingtogetenoughmoneyforacoup,”Rodrigotoldher.“Wecan’thelp
him,muchaswe’dliketo.Wordonthestreetisthathe’sgivenupkidnappingbecausehedoesn’tlike
thewaytheFuentesbunchdobusiness.Buthecan’tleaveMexicountilhehasenoughtohiresome
goodmercenariestohelphimkickouthisadversary.”

“Hewaskindtome,”Graciesaid.“Iwishwecouldhelphim.”

“SodoI,”Rodrigoreplied.“He’ssomethingofapirate,buthe’sprogressiveanddemocraticinhis
politicsandhehasasoftspotforhelplesspeople.Hisreplacementhasbeensendingpeopletosecret
prisonsandhe’sstartingtonationalizethegovernment.Hehasfriendsinsomeverydiceyplaces.
We’dlovetoseehimretired.”

“Badtimepoliticallytomeddleinforeignaffairs,”Jasonremarked.

Rodrigonodded.“Verybad.Ah,well,”headded,sippinghisdrinkandsmiling.“Wedon’talwaysget
whatwewant.”

JasonlookeddownatGraciewithachingtenderness.“Sometimeswedo.”

“Oh,yes,”Gracieagreedbreathlessly.

GloryandRodrigolaughedandliftedtheirglassesinatoasttothenewlyweds.

JASONANDGRACIEHADplannedtospendthenightattheSanAntoniomansion,butwhenthey
droveuptothegate,theydiscoveredasatellitetruckandatleastonelocalnewsteamstandingatthe
closedgatesandtryingtogainentrance.

“I’llgetoutandseewhat’sgoingon,”Jasonbegan.

Graciecaughthisarm.“Turnaroundandgetoutofherebeforesomebodyrecognizesus,”shesaid
urgently.“Please,Jason.”

Hegaveheranoddlook,buthedidassheasked.Fortunatelytheywerefarenoughawaythatthey
onlygotcuriouslooks.Nobodytriedtofollowthem.

“They’veheardaboutthewedding,that’sall,”heteased.“Weshouldhavegiventhemaninterview.”

Graciegrittedherteeth.Thiswasgoingtobehard.“Jason,therearethingsgoingonthatyoudon’t
knowabout,”shesaidgently.“AndI’mafraidtheremaybemorereportersattheranch.”

Hepulledofftheroadintotheparkinglotofanall-nightfastfoodjointandcuttheengine.“Why?”

Shefeltsick.Thiswasgoingtowoundhim.Butsheknewthatthereporterswouldn’thavebeenthere
unlessKittiehadmadegoodonherthreat.SomeofthepeoplesheknewinSanAntoniowouldsurely
havetoldheraboutJason’smarriage.Sheprobablywasoutforrevengenow,insteadofmoney,and
shewasusingMrs.Harcourt’ssecrettogetit.Graciecouldn’tlethimwalkintothisblind.Shehadto
tellhimthetruth.

“KittieknowssomethingaboutMrs.Harcourt.”

Jasonfrowned.“So?”

Sheclutchedherpursesohardthathernailsmademarksintheleather.“Jason,haven’tyouever
wonderedwhyyoudon’tlooklikeyourmother?”

Hescowled.“Idon’tlooklikemyfather,either.HesaidIresemblemygrandfather.”

“Youreyesarecoal-black,”shebeganslowly,meetingthemwithherown.

Allatonce,hewentrigid.Hewasrememberingthingsfromhischildhood.Mrs.Harcourt’scoddling.
Hisfather ’scoldnesstoher.Argumentsthatheoverheardanddidn’tunderstand.Butthereferenceto
hiseyeswaslikeabodyblow.He’dwonderedaboutthat,too,sometimes,thinkingthatMrs.Harcourt
mightbeacousinordistantrelationthathissnobbishfatherhadn’twantedtoclaim.Now,however,he
wasseeinghisfather ’selitistattitudeinatotallydifferentlight.

“Mrs.Harcourtisn’tjustmyhousekeeper.She’smymother!”Evenashesaidit,heknewitwasthe

truth.Ithadbeenrightinfrontofhimalltheseyears.

“Yes,”Graciesaidheavily.“ShewashorrifiedthatyoulaughedoffKittie’sthreats.Shesaiditwould
disgraceyouifitevercameout.Nottomentionwhatitwilldotoher,”sheaddedsadly.“She’sa
churchgoingwoman,youknow.Shehadachildbyamarriedman,outofwedlock.Howdoyouthink
she’sgoingtoreactwheneverybodyknows?Youaren’ttheonlyonewho’sgoingtobehurtbythis.”

Heglaredather.“Youknew.”

Shegrimaced.“Yes…”

“Youknew,andyoudidn’ttellme?”

“Shemademepromise,Jason,”shesaidquietly.

Hewasthinkingthatshenevertrustedhimwithanysecret,beginningwithherownpast.Ithurthim
thatshestillfeltthatway,regardlessofhowclosethey’dbecome.

“Reporterswillhavehertrappedatthehouse,”heguessed,startingthecar.

“Idon’tthinkso,”Graciesaid,pullingouthercellphone.“ComancheWellsisverysmall.Somebody
wouldhaveseenthetruckscoming,eveniftheydidn’tknowwhy,andtoldher.She’dhaveagood
ideawhytheywerecoming.”

“Whatareyoudoing?”heasked.

“Callinghercell,”shereplied.Itrangandrang.Finallyatimidvoicesaidhello.“Mrs.Harcourt,it’s
me,”shesaidgently.

“MissGracie?ThankGod!MissKittiecalledandsaidshewasgettingreadytobreakthestorytothe
wholeworld,”shesaid,sobbing.“Shesaidnewspeopleareheadingthisway.I’matBarbara’shouse.
She’sgoingtogetpeopleinJacobsvilleandComancheWellsorganized.Nobodyisgoingtospeakto
anybodywithacamera.ButIdon’tknowhowlongshecanhideme.Doesheknow?Ishemad?He
hatesme,doesn’the?”

“Ofcoursehedoesn’thateyou,”Graciesaid,daringJasontoargue.

“Whatwillwedo?”Mrs.Harcourtwailed.

“We’llthinkofsomething.We’llseeyouwhenwegetthere.We’reonourway.”

“Allright.Becareful,”theolderwomansniffed.

“Wewill.”Shehungup.“She’satBarbara’s.”

Hedidn’treply.Hewasfurious,andgrowingmorefuriousbytheminute.Hefeltasifhe’dbeen
betrayedbyeverybody.Hiswholelifewasupsidedown.Andthewomanhethoughtwouldneversell
himoutwassittingbesidehim,wearinghisweddingband.

Graciefeltthatdeepanger,eventhoughhedidn’tspeak.ShecouldhaveknockedKittieoveratable
forputtingMrs.HarcourtandJasonthroughthis.Thegreedy,heartlesswomanshouldn’tbeallowed
togetawaywithit.

“Itwascruel,doingitthisway,”Graciespatout.

Jasonglancedather.“Secretsaredangerous,”hesaidbluntly.

Sheflushed.Sheknewwhathemeant.“Allright,I’llagreethatIshouldn’thavekeptthingsfromyou.
Ididn’ttellyouaboutmyownpastbecauseIwassoashamedofit.ButIdidn’ttellyouaboutMrs.
HarcourtbecauseIgavemyword.”

HeswervedontotheJacobsvilleroad.“She’sworkingasmydamnedhousekeeper,”hesaidshortly.
“Howisthatgoingtoplayoutinthepress?”

“Badly,ifwedon’tcomeupwithastrategybeforewegethome,”shesaid.“Mrs.Harcourtwillbe
hurtmorethanyouwill.”

Heshiftedintheseat.“Iknow.Shewasalwaystherewhennobodyelsewas.Mymotherwasa
socialite.Shespentlittletimearoundme,”hesaidslowly.“ButMrs.Harcourtwasalwaystheretokiss
thehurtplacesandcuddlemewhenIhadnightmares.”Heclosedhiseyesforaninstant.“She’sbeen
livingonthefringesofmylifesinceIwasborn,playingthepartofthehousekeeper,neveraskingfor
anything.”

“It’sthewaysheis.WhenKittiethreatenedher,itwasyoushewasmostconcernedabout.Shesaidthe
mediawillmakeyoulookheartless.Itmadehercry.”

Hepursedhislips,scowling.“I’vegotarentalpropertyinJacobsville,downthestreetfrom
Barbara’shouse.It’svacantrightnow,andalreadyfurnished.Wecanmoveherintoit.We’llhave
NeimanMarcussenddowntherightsortofclothes,inhersize.IownthatcraftshopinJacobsville,
too.I’llphonethemanagerathome.Wecanputhernameonthebillofsaleasownerandputsomeof
thosebeautifulafghansshe’smadeinthereforsamples.”

“Nowyou’rethinkingstraight,”Graciesaidwithabeamingsmile.

Hedrewinalongbreath.“It’sgoingtobetricky.”

“Wecanpullitoff.”

“Wecan’tturnmynewmotherintoasocialiteovernight,”hegroaned.“She’sstillherself.Idon’t
wanttochangeherintosomethinguncomfortable,butshecan’tgoonbeingmyhousekeeper,under
thecircumstances.”

“She’sscaredtodeath.”

“Iknow.We’llhandleit.”

Gracierelaxed.Howmanytimeshadsheheardhimsaythat,inhisdeep,confidentvoice,whenher
worldwasfallingapart?Heneverseemedtolosecontrolofhimself.

“We’llneedBarbaratohelp.”

“Shewill,”Gracieassuredhim.

Theydrovetherestofthewayinsilence.

JASONPARKEDUNDERBarbara’scarportandescortedGracieinside.Mrs.Harcourtwasstanding
inthemiddleofthelivingroomwithasoakedhandkerchiefandredeyes.ShestaredatJasonwith
anguish.

“I’msorry,”shecried.“Inevermeantforyoutoknow!”

Jasonstoodinthedoorway,unmoving,hisfaceamask.Hedidn’tknowwhattosay.Thenewshad
comeasaterribleshock.

GraciecaughtBarbara’ssleeveandtuggedheroutoftheroom.Onlytwopeopleneededtobeinon
thatdiscussion,anditwasn’tgoingtobeeasyforeitherofthem.

“WHYDIDN’TYOUTELLMEyearsago?”Jasonaskedcurtly.

Shedabbedathereyes.“Myronmademesignalegaldocument,”shechokedout.“HesworethatifI
told,he’dframemeforanawfulcrimeandhavemeputawayforever.Iknewhewasn’tbluffing.
Then,afterhedied…Ididn’tknowhowtotellyou.Iwasafraidhemighthaveleftsomesecretpapers
orsomethingtoincriminateme.”Shebitherlip.“Hewasruthless.”

Jasonknewthat.Hisfatherhadn’tmadehismillionswithoutwalkingonotherpeopleintheprocess.
Hewashard-heartedandcalculating,andhisenemiesneverthrived.Jasonhadneverlikedthatpartof
him.Ithadputabarrierbetweenthem.

“Oureyesarealike,”hesaid,watchingherwithhishandsinhispockets.“FunnyInevernoticed.”He
frowned.“Whodidweinheritthemfrom?”

Shesmilednervously.“Myfather.MygrandfatherwasaSpanishduke,”sheadded.“Hecametothis
countryaftertheFirstWorldWartotakeoveraranchthatbelongedtosomeoneinhisfamily.He
marriedmygrandmother,whowasthedaughterofhiscook.”

“Theranch…myranch?”heasked,fascinated.

“Yes.”

Hefrowned.“Iboughtitfromyou.”

“Therewasn’tmuchleftofit,”shesaid.“Itwasjustaboutbankrupt.Itmademesoproud,toseewhat

youdidwithit.Iknewyoucouldstandonyourowntwofeet.Youdidn’tneedyourfather ’snameor
wealthorpositiontomakeasuccess.”Hereyesglittered.“Hewassureyou’dfallflatonyourface.I
knewyouwouldn’t!”

Forthefirsttime,hisfacerelaxed.Hemovedastepcloser.“Howdidyouendupinthissituation?”

Shesatdownheavilyonthesofa.Hertiredeyesmethis.“MyhusbandhadjustdiedandIneededa
job,badly.Mr.Pendleton’shousekeeperhadquit—hecouldn’tkeepanyofthemforlongbecauseof
histemper.Ijusttalkedbacktohiminsteadofcowering.Helikedit.”Shemanagedasmile.“Hewasa
veryhandsomeman,andhecouldbecharming,absolutelycharming.Hiswifewenttospendthe
summerwithhersisterinBermuda.”Sheavoidedhiseyes.“Iwaslonely.Hebroughtmepresents,
gavemeflowers,mademefeellikeaprincess.Igotpregnant.Heseemedtobeexpectingit.He
smiledandsaidIwasn’ttoworry,he’dtakecareofeverything.”Sheshookherhead.“Hetoldher.
Shewasverycalm.Shesaiditwouldbeeasyforustogoawaytogether.She’dtellpeopleshewas
pregnantandherhealthwasfragile.ThecoverstorywasthatIhadtolookafterheruntilthebabywas
born.Heputusonaplane.WecamehomeafterIhadthebaby.Theyassuredmethatthey’dtakecare
ofthebaby,thatitwouldneverwantforanything.AndIcouldstayonandhelpraiseit.”

“GoodGod!”heburstout,aghast.

“Iknow,itsoundsinsane.Iwastooupsettofight.Ididn’twantpeopletoknowhowstupidI’dbeen.”
Sheshookherhead.“Apparentlyyourmotherknewwhatheplannedtodo.”Shegrimaced.“Your
father…well,hewasn’texactlyamodelofthevirtues.”

“Yes,Iknow,”hesaidcoldly.“Mymotherknew?”

“Shewasbarren.Theywerebothhorrifiedthatthemansionandalltheirmoneymightgotoadistant
relative.Theywantedachild,butnotanadoptedone.Iwassonaive,”sheaddedmiserably.“Ihada
greattimeoverseas.Ilovedbeingpregnant.MyronflewoverwhenIwentintolabor.Whenyouwere
born,theywereoverjoyed.YouwereatleasthalfaPendleton,yousee.Iwasjusttheincubator.”

“Itwascruel,”hesaidheavily,droppingintoanarmchairacrossfromher.“Itwasevenworsewhen
hedied.Heleftyououtofhiswillentirely.Iwon’ttellyouwhathesaid.IfonlyI’dknown,”he
groaned,andhiseyeswereanguishedastheymethers.

“Ididn’tmindaboutthewill.Ineverexpectedanything.IwasjusthappythatIgottobewithyouwhile
youweregrowingup.I’msorryyouhadtofindthisout,”sheapologized.“Iknowyoulovedyour
mother.”

Hisblackeyesdarkenedevenmore.“Ineverlovedher,”hereturnedatonce.“Shewasascoldasice.I
rememberbeingsickandthrowingupwiththefluwhenIwasaboutfiveyearsold.Shewashorrified
thatImightsoilherdress.”

“Yes,youhadmeasles,”sherecalledsoftly.“Isatupwithyoufortwonights,feedingyouicechips,
soyouwouldn’tgetdehydrated.”

“Youwerealwaystheonewhotookcareofme,”herepliedhuskily.“Mymotherhadnotimeforme.

Shewastoobusybeingasocialite.Myfatherwasn’tmuchbetter.Hewasinterestedinmakingmore
money.Neitherofthemhadthefoggiestideaofhowtobeaparent.”

“Ididmybesttomakeupforthem,”Mrs.Harcourtsaid.

“Andyoudid,”hesaid,hiseyessoftastheymethers.“Ihadawonderfulchildhood,thankstoyou.”
Hegrimaced.“Youshouldhavetoldme!”

Shedabbedathereyes.“Iknow,”shesaidheavily.Shelookedathimworriedly.“Thosereportersare
goingtomakeitlooksobad,”shemoaned.

Jasonliftedaneyebrow.“That’swhatyouthink.GracieandIalreadyhaveaplan.”

Hereyeswidened.“Aplan?Whatisit?”

Hesmiledgently.“We’regoingtoturnthetablesonKittie.”

“Weare?”sheexclaimed,fascinated.

Hechuckled.“Oh,yes.Herplanisgoingtobackfireonher,big-time!”

15

“YOU’REGOINGTOMAKEabusinesswomanoutofme?”Mrs.Harcourtexclaimed.“ButI’mjust
aplainoldcountrywoman.I’llneverbeabletoconvinceanybodythatI’mbusinessmaterial.You’ll
beashamedofme,Jason.Everybodywilllaughatyou.”

Hegotupfromhischairandpulledherup,lookingintohereyesthatweresomuchlikehis.“You’re
mymother,”hesaid,andthewordscameoutraspyandwithwonder.“Myveryownmother.Icould
neverbeashamedofyou!”

Asmoretearsfloweddownherpalecheeks.“Alltheseyears,”shewhispered,“I’vewatchedyou
grow.I’veseenthewayyoutreatedpeople,howyoumakeeverybodyfeelimportantandneverlook
downonanyonebecausethey’repoor.Youhavesomanygoodqualities,Jason,somanymorethan
yourfathereverdid.”Shegazedupathim.“I’vebeensoproudofyou.Iwantedmorethananything
totellyou.Butitwasn’tMyron’sthreatthatkeptmequiet.Itwasthefearthatyou’d,well,be
humiliatedtoknowyourmotherwasanignorant,commonsortofperson….”

“Youstopthat,”hesaidfirmly.“You’rethenicestpersonIknow.Younevergossip,you’realways
smiling,yougiveawaywhatlittleyou’vegottoanyonewithagreaterneed,andyoucooklikean
angel.Youhavewonderfulqualities.I’mproudtobeyourson.”Hisvoicebrokeontheword.“More
proudthanIcantellyou.”

“Oh,mydear,”shewhisperedtearfully,andsuddenlypulledhimintoherarms,rockinghimasshe
hadwhenhewaslittleandscaredandhurt.Somanytimesshe’dachedtodothis,toholdhimand
havehimknowthathewasfleshofherflesh,bloodofherblood.She’dlovedhimmorethanherown
life.Andnow,atlast,shecouldtellhim.“Myson!”shechoked.

Jasoncouldn’tanswerher.Hisvoicewouldhavebetrayedhim.Heheldhertightandrockedherinthe
silenceofthelivingroom.Nobodywasgoingtohurther.He’dfighttheworldtokeephersafe.She
washisveryown.Hismother!

Alongtimelater,heeasedheroutofhisarmsanddashedahandacrosshiseyesbeforeheturned
backtoher.

“We’vegottogetmoving,fast,”hesaid.“Wemaynothavemuchtime.”

Mrs.Harcourtbeamedthroughhertears.“Okay!I’lldowhateveryouwantmetodo.”

FIRST,THEYMOVEDHERintoJason’srentalhousewithsomehelpfromtheirfriends.Grangewas
sentbacktotheranchhousetopilesomeafghansintoaboxandbringthemtothesmallcraftshop
offthesquareinJacobsville.Hehadn’tseenasinglereporterorsatellitetruckyet,hetoldthem,
whichwasarelief.Itgavethemtimetoputtheirplanintooperation.

JasonopenedtheshopwithhiskeyandheandGraciespreadtheprettycrochetedpiecesinthefront
window.Jasoncalledthemanagerathomefromhiscellphonewhiletheyworkedandgaveher
instructions.Shewasagoodwoman,andshelikedMrs.Harcourt,whoboughtallheryarnthere.She

agreedtotellanyreporterswhoturnedupwhatJasonhadsaid.

Alltheshiftingaccomplished,theywentbacktoBarbara’shouseandwaitedforGrangetocallthem.
Hewascontactingsomepeopleheknewtotrytofindoutwherethesatellitetruckshadgone.

JasonandGraciedrankcoffeeatBarbara’skitchentableanddiscussedwhattodonext.

“It’sdisgraceful,”Barbaramuttered.“Thatawfulwoman,todosuchathingoutofwoundedpride!”

“Woundedwallet,morelike,”Graciemurmuredwithforcedhumor.

Jasonglancedather.They’dhardlyspokentenwordssincethenightmarebegan.Hiseyeswere
promisingtroublewhenthingssettleddown.Graciedidn’tknowwhatelseshecouldsayinherown
defense.Hewasupsetandhewasn’treallylistening.Allhisenergiesrightnowwereconcentratedon
savinghismotherfromthemedia.

Finally,Jason’scellphonerang.ItwasGrange.Jasonlistened,hiseyeswidenedandheburstout
laughing.“Okay.Thanks.Ioweyouone.”Hehungup.Helookedatthetwowomen.“Youaren’t
goingtobelievethis.Theydon’tknowaboutMrs.Harcourtafterall.ThatcomputergamesoftwareI
boughtinCaliforniahasjusthittheshelvesandit’sarunawaybestseller,settingnewrecords.The
media’saftermeforaquote.Theysaidmydecisiontofundthecreatorswasastrokeofgenius.”

“Well!”Gracieexclaimed,relieved.“Wewenttoalotoftroublefornothing.”

Jasonpursedhislips.“Doyouthinkso?Idon’t.”Hepulledouthiscellphoneandcalledthedetective
heusedforspecialjobs.HeoutlinedwhathethoughtKittiewasplanningandaskedthemantocheck
aroundandseeifshewasgossipingaboutherfutureschemes.HegavehiminformationaboutMrs.
Harcourt,toGracie’sastonishment,thathewantedleakedtothetabloidmedia.Thenheaddeda
requesttolookinKittie’sownbackgroundandseewhatturnedup.Hewassmilingcoldlywhenhe
hungup.

“Thattakesthefightintotheenemy’scamp,”Jasonsaid.“We’llspikehergunsbyreleasingthestory
beforeshehastimeto.Godhelpherifshe’shidinganydarksecrets.Thisthingworksbothways.”

“That’swhatIwouldhavedone,”Barbaracommentedcoolly.“She’sgoodatstartingtrouble.I
wonderhowsheisathandlingit?”

“We’regoingtofindout,”Jasonsaid.“Firstthinginthemorning,thetabloidswillannouncetothe
worldthatmyhousekeeperhasjustconfessedtobeingmymother.We’lladdthatshewastheowner
ofacraftshopandhadn’ttoldme.Sheworkedatthehousejusttobeclosetome.”

“Whatabouttherestofit?”Gracieaskedworriedly.

“Therestofitwillnevercomeout,”hesaideasily.“I’vealreadytakenstepstoassureit.Nevermind
asking,Iwon’ttellyou.Now,supposewegohomeandgetsomesleep?Idon’tknowaboutyoutwo,
butI’mtired.”

“AreyougoingtocallMrs.Harcourt?”Gracieasked.

“We’regoingtogetherandtakeherhomewithus,”hereplied.“Noneedlettingherbroodalone.”

Graciesmiled.“Goodidea.”

“Thanks,Barbara,”Jasonsaid,kissinghercheek.“You’rethebest.”

Graciehuggedher,too.“I’llsecondthat.”

Barbarawatchedthemoffbeforesheturnedoutherporchlight.

THEYDIDN’TSPEAKONthewaytogetMrs.Harcourt.Theydidn’treallyspeakwhentheygotback
totheranchhouse,either.JasonleftthewomeninthelivingroomwhilehecheckedwithGrangeon
anyproblemsaroundtheranch.

“Ithoughthe’dbefurious,”Mrs.HarcourttoldGracie.“He’stakenitverywell.”

“Iwonder,”Graciesaidquietly,becausehewastoocalm.Sheknewhim.Hewasbroodingandstill
angryather,shewascertainofit.

HecamebackintothelivingroomjustintimetowishMrs.Harcourtagoodnight’ssleep.Hesmiled
andkissedhercheek.

“Maybewecanallsleep,”sheagreed.“I’llmakeyouanicebreakfast.”

Hechuckled.“Somethingtolookforwardto,”heteased.

“Sleepwell…son,”shesaid,tryingoutthisnewword.Sheflushedalittlewhenhegrinnedather.

Hisblackeyeswarmed.“You,too,Mom.”Itcameeasilytohim.

Sheliftedhercheekforhimtokiss,huggedhimandthenlaughedself-consciouslyasshewished
thembothgood-nightandwentdownthehalltowardherownroom.

JasonturnedbacktoGracie.Hewasn’tsmilingnow.“I’llsleepintheguestroom,”hesaidcurtly.
“We’lltalktomorrow.”

“Jason…”

Heignoredher.Hewalkeddownthehall,turnedintotheguestroomandclosedthedoor.Gracie
stoodstaringattheemptyspacewithquietmisery.

THENEXTMORNING,theyhadaquietbreakfastafterwhichJasonannouncedthathewasdriving
uptoSanAntoniotothemansiontoseeifanysatellitetruckswerestillguardingtheentrance.Ifthey
were,hesaid,hehadastorytotellthem.

“Icouldgo,too,”Graciebegan.

“You’vetakenseveraldaysoffalready,”Jasonsaidwithoutmeetinghereyes.“Ifyouwanttokeep
thatjob,you’dbettergetbacktoit.”

Shegrimaced—hewasright.Herteachingpositionatthecollegewouldn’tsurviveanotherthreedays
ofbeggingforsubstitutestofillinforher.Besides,therewereonlytwomoreclassperiodsleftinthe
semester.“Iguessso.”

Hefinishedhislastsipofcoffeeandgottohisfeet.“Everythingwasdelicious,”hetoldhismother
withagrinandbenttokisshercheek.“I’llbehomeforsupper.”

“Youbecareful,”Mrs.Harcourtsaid.“Thosekidnappersarestilloutthere.”

“YoucouldtakeGrangewithyou,”Gracieaddedworriedly.

Heglaredinhergeneraldirection.“WetookbodyguardstoCancúnwithus,andtherewasn’tevena
hintoftrouble.They’vegototherfishtofrynow.”

Shesighed.“Becareful,anyway.”

Hemadeasounddeepinhisthroatandmethereyesforalongminutebeforehecouldtearthem
away.Hewasstillhurtthatshehadn’ttoldhim.“Iwon’tbetoolong.”

Hewalkedoutontotheporch.Thewomenexchangedworriedglances.Hewasheadstrongand
stubborn.Butmaybetheywereconcernedfornogoodreason.

ANDMAYBENOT.SUPPERTIMEcame,butnoJason.Graciecalledthemansion,withMrs.
Harcourtwringingherhandsnexttoher.

Theinterimhousekeeperthereansweredthephone.“No,MissGracie,”shesaid,“Ihaven’tseenMr.
Jasonatalltoday.Areyousurehesaidhewascominghere?”

“Yes.Whataboutthesatellitetrucks?”

“Oh,theyleftyesterday.Nobody’sevencalledhere.Well,exceptthisstrangeman,”sheaddedslowly.

Gracie’sheartjumped.“Whatstrangeman?”

“SomemanwithathickSpanishaccent.HesaidhehadMr.Jason,thathewasgoingtostaywithhim
forafewdaysandhe’dbeintouchaboutwhathewantedinreturn.Ithoughthewassomekook,soI
didn’t—”

“Whendidhecall?Howlongago?”Gracieinterruptedurgently.

“Justafewminutesbeforeyoudid…”

“Ifhecallsagain,youreachmeonmycellphone.Here’sthenumber,soyouwon’thavetosearchfor
it.”Shegaveittothewoman,waitingimpatientlywhileshefoundapentowritewith.“Youcallmeif
hephones.Okay?”

“Yes,ma’am,Isurewill.”

“Thanks.”Graciehungup.Herfacewaswhite.“Iknewit.Iknewthey’dkeeponuntiltheygothim!
It’sthatdamnedFuentesbunch.TheywanthimforhelpingRodrigoshutthemdown,forpayingEb
Scott’sgrouptogethimout!”

“Whatdowedo?”Mrs.Harcourtaskedmiserably.“They’llkillhim!Eveniftheygetsomeransom,
they’llkillhim!”

Gracietookherbytheshoulders.“They’renotkillingJason,”shesaid.“Notwhilethere’sabreath
leftinmybody!”

“Butwhatcanwedo?”

Forcingherselftostaycalm,Graciethoughtfeverishlyaboutwhathernextmoveshouldbe.Jason
hadacellphone.Ifhe’dbeenkidnapped,hiskidnapperswouldhavethephone.Shehadadirectlineto
themifitwasstillon.Shewasn’tinvolvingthegovernmentorEbScott.Shehadmoneyofherown,
althoughshe’dnevertouchedit.Shehadovertwohundredthousanddollarsincertificatesofdeposit
thatJason’sfatherhadlefther—identicalbequeathstobothherandGlory.Shecouldusethatmoney
toransomJason,ifonlytheGeneralwasstillinchargedownthereovertheborder.Heneededmoney
tofundhiscounterrevolutionandshehadsome.Nowallshehadtodowasgethimonthephoneand
havehimgetJasonawayfromtheFuentesbunch.ButfirstshehadtogetthroughtoMachado.

ShepickeduphercellphoneanddialedJason’snumber.Shecrossedherfingers,teethclenched,asit
rangandrangandrang.She’dalmostgivenupwhenadeepvoicecameovertheline.

“¡Digame!”

Shecouldhavecriedwithrelief.Sheknewthatvoice.Shewouldhaverecognizeditanywhere.
“GeneralMachado!”

Therewasapause.“Gracie?¿Erestu?”heaskedinthefamiliartense.

Shesmiledthroughtears.“Yes,it’sme.DoyouhaveJason?”

Therewasanotherpause,withmuffledlaughter.“Sí.Fuenteshadhimkidnapped,butItookhimaway
fromthatbunch.Yes,Ihavehim.Youwantyourstepbrotherback,huh?”

“Myhusband,”shesaidgently.“He’smyhusbandnow.”

“Youmarriedhim?Niña,themanisatiger,”hegroaned.“Heknockedtheteethoutoftwoof
Fuentes’smenandthenhecrippledoneofmyown.Heisonemeanhombre!”

Gracielaughedsoftly.“Yes,heis.CanIhavehimback?Icanbringyoumorethanenoughmoneyto
takebackyourgovernment.”

“Youcan?Buthehasthemoney,no?”

“Ihavemoneyofmyown.Itsitsinabankanddrawsinterest.Youcandogoodthingswithit.Almost
aquarterofamilliondollars.”

“Caramba,Icouldtakeovertheworldwiththatmuch!”

“Idon’tdoubtit.”

“Youhavenotcalledyourgovernment?”

“Idon’tneedto.IknewthatifyouhadJason,wecouldcometoanagreementthatwasmutually
beneficial,”sheaddedwitharelievedlaugh.

Hechuckled.“Aswecan.Thebankwillneedtobeopen,inorderforyoutogetthemoney,no?
SupposeyoumeetmeinMalaSuerteateleventomorrowmorning,attheChineserestaurant,inthe
parkinglot?”

Shelaughed.“TheChineserestaurant?”

“IlikeChinesefood,”helaughed.“Besides,wewillattractlessattentionthere.Youmustdrive
somethinglessnoticeablethanthebigJaguar,sí?”

“I’lldriveoneoftheranchtrucks,”shesaideasily.“Don’thurthim,okay?”sheaddedhopefully.

“ItisnothimthatImustworryabout,”hesaiddrily,“butmyownpoormen.Butno,Iwon’thurthim.
Seeyoutomorrow.Niña,ifIseemorethanatruck,IdrivebacktoMexico,entiendes?”

“Iunderstand,andyouwon’tseemorethanmytruck.Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Shehungupwithalongsigh.“He’sokay.He’sbustedupsomeofthekidnappers,butheseemstobe
fine,”shelaughed.

Mrs.Harcourtlaughed,too.“That’smyboy.”Shegrimaced.“IwishIcouldgiveyouthemoney.I
hatethatyouhavetogiveupyourinheritance.”

“IloveJason,”shesaidsimply.“I’dgiveupanythingtogethimback.It’sjustmoney.Besides,I’d
neverbeabletogetaccesstoanyofJason’sassets.Yourememberwhathappenedwhenhetriedtoget
aloanfromhisfriendwhowaspresidentofthatSanAntoniobankwhenIwaskidnapped.”

Mrs.Harcourtwhistled.“Yes,Ido.Theverynextweek,hepulledeverydimehehadoutofthatbank
andopenedanewaccountwithacompetitor.Theysaythepresident’sstillcrying.”

“Serveshimright.Mr.Reeveswon’ttreatmethatway,Iguaranteeit,”Graciesaid.

SHEWASRIGHT.WhenMr.Reeves,thepresidentoftheJacobsvilleMunicipalBank,heardwhyshe
neededtocashinherCDs,hewentrighttoworkonhelpingherout.

“You’resurethisisthewayyouwanttodoit?”heaskedastheywereclosetedinhisofficewhilethe
headtellercountedhundreddollarbillsoutandputtheminthebriefcaseGraciehadbroughtfrom
home.“WithoutcallingintheFBI?”

“Mr.Reeves,Iknowoneofthekidnapperspersonally.He’sanhonorableman.Ifhesayshe’llhand
overJasonwhenhehasthemoney,youcouldbetyourlifeonit.”

“Ifhe’ssohonorable,whydidhekidnapyourhusband?”theheadteller,Marge,askedworriedly.

“It’scomplicated,”Gracietoldhergently.“Hedidn’tactuallykidnapJason,hetookhimawayfrom
themenwhodid.Butitisn’ttofunddrugrunningoranythinglikethat.Helosthiscountrytoaman
who’storturingandkillinginnocentpeople.Hewantstostoptheterror.Hecandoitwiththeransom
money.”

Margesmiled,herredhairgleaminginthelightoverhead.“Hedoesn’tsoundlikeyouraverage
kidnapper.”

Graciesmiledtiredly.“He’snot.”ShesippedthecoffeeMr.Reeveshadbroughther.Shehadn’tslept.

MargefinishedcountingandhadMr.Reeveshimselfconfirmhercount.Thepapersweresigned,the
penaltyforearlywithdrawalwaivedunderthecircumstances.

“Youdon’thavetodothat,”Graciesaidquickly,becausesheknewthebankpresidentmeanttopayit
outofhisownpocket.

“Jasonisourbestcustomer,”hesaidfirmly.“Thekidnappermaybehonorable,buthe’llexpectthe
fullamount.”

Shegotupandhuggedtheoldman.“You’rejustthebestpersonIknow.”

Hehuggedherbackandlaughed.“We’recousins,youknow,”heremindedher.“Familytakescareof
family.”

“ThencouldyougiveCousinMargearaise?”Margeaskedwithagrin.

Hemadeafaceatherandtheybothlaughed.

Gracietookthebriefcase.Itwasheavy.“I’llletyouknowwhathappens,”shetoldMr.Reeves.

Henodded.“We’llsayaprayerforyouboth.”

“Thanks.Ireallymeanthat.”

Shewalkedoutofthebank,nervoustobecarryingsomuchcash,andalmostwalkedrightover
Kilraven.Hewaswearingstreetclothing,notthepoliceuniformshewasusedtoseeinghimin.She
knewalltoowellthathisbrother,Jon,wasanFBIagentinSanAntonio.Bothhadbeeninvolvedwith
herownransom.

Shestoppeddeadwithacomicalexpressiononherface.

“Don’tbothermakingupstories.Iknoweverything,”headdedwithtwinklingblackeyes.“I’minan
unmarkedcar.I’mgoingtodrivebehindyoumostofthewaytoMalaSuerte,justincaseanybody
overheardtheconversationyouhadwiththeGeneralanddecidestoliberatetheransommoney
beforeyoucanhanditover.”

Graciewasaghast.“How…?”

Heheldupabighand.“Somesecretshavetobekept.We’renotgoingtointerfere,”headdedquickly
whenhesawherconcern.“We’rejustgoingtokeepaneyeonyou,fromadistance.Iwon’teven
followyouintoMalaSuerte.”

“ButyouhavesomebodyinMalaSuertealready,”sheguessed.

Hisfacewentbland.“Whywouldwewanttodothat?”

“Godhelpusifhe’safedtryingtoblendinatownoftwohundredsouls!”

Hegloweredather.“Helivesthere,”hereturned.

Sherelaxed.“Okay.”

“Let’sgo.”

SheclimbedinbehindthewheelofJason’soldestranchtruck,withabatteredfenderwhereoneofthe
cowboyshadhitafencetryingtoavoidanescapingyoungbull.Shethoughtitwouldlookless
suspiciousthananewervehicle.

Kilravenwassomewherebehindher,andshefeltsafer.Themoneywassobiganamountthatshe
despairedabouthavingittakenfromherbeforeshecouldgettoMachado.She’dneverbeableto
replaceitintimetosaveJason,especiallyiftheFuentesboysweregoingtogetacutofthe
kidnappingmoney.TheGeneralmighthavetocutthemintogetJasontoGracie.

She’dhadgreatconcernsaboutgoingsuchadistancealonewithaking’sransominhertruck.She
didn’tknowhowKilravenknewwhatwashappening,butshewasgladtohavehimnearby.Ifonlythe
Generaldidn’tspothimandblowthedeal!

Herhandsweresweatywheretheygrippedthesteeringwheel.Hermouthfeltasifshe’dbeen
chewingcotton.Jasonmightbeangrywithher,butitdidn’tmatter.Shelovedhimmorethanherown
life.She’dhavedoneanythingtogethimback,sacrificedanything.Hermindwentracingbackover
thepastmonths,tothatfirstanguishedkissintherain,tohisengagementtoKittie,toherown

kidnappingandthehorrorinJason’seyesashe’drushedtohersideandgatheredherupsoclosethat
shecouldfeelhisheartbeatingrightintohers.TheendlessweeksinbetweenKittie’sappearanceand
thelong,exquisitenightwithJasonattheranch,whenshe’drealizedthathermother ’swordswere
false—thatsexwasn’tanightmareofpainandinjury,butabeautifulsharingofsoulsandbodiesthat
approximatedparadise.Thejoyofthatfirstintimacywouldremainwithherforever.

Asshedrove,sherecalledsomethingelse,somethingthatmadeherfeelwarmandburstingwith
happiness;they’dneverusedanysortofprotection.ShecouldbepregnantevennowwithJason’s
child.Herheartsoared.Whatagloriousgiftthatwouldbe,withMrs.Harcourttospoilherfirst
grandchildandJason’sstrongarmscarryingababyaround.He’dbeawonderfulfather.

Sheheardascreechofbrakesandlookedinherrearviewmirrorintimetoseeapursuingvehicle
suddenlycutoffbyanothercar.Whileshe’dbeendaydreamingaboutthefuture,somebodyhadbeen
rushingupbehindher—mostprobablynotsomemotoristinahurry,either.ShesawKilravenjump
outofthesecondcarandrushtothefirstone,jerkingthedooropenandmanhandlingthedriverup
againsthisownvehicle.

Sheputtheacceleratorpedaldownhard.ItwasonlyamiletoMalaSuerte.Sheknewshe’dmakeit
now,thankstoKilraven’svigilance.Itdidn’tdotothinkwhatmighthavehappenedifshe’dtriedtodo
thisalone.

Shedrovethroughthesmalltown,lookingfortheChineserestaurantandfoundit,finally,onaside
streetjustpastthesingleflashingyellowlightinthecenterofthesleepylittlebordertown.

Shepulledthetruckintotheparkinglotwithfearandhopeequallymingled,lookingfortheGeneral.
Buttheparkinglotheldonlytwooldcars.Oneofthemwasparkedintheonlyreservedspot—
probablytheowner ’s—andanothersatbesideit,butnobodywasinthecar.

Herheartsank.Hadthepursuingvehiclebackonthehighwaysensedtroubleandphonedaheadto
alerttheGeneral?Orhadthepursuingvehiclebeenadouble-crossofsomesort,anattempttotake
themoneywithoutgivingJasonback?WhatifJasonwasdead?

TearsstunghereyesassheputthetruckintoParkandcutofftheengine.IfJasonwasdead,shehad
nothingleft.Hernewjob,herindependence,nothingwouldmakeupforhisloss.Theworldwould
endforher.

ButwhileshewasagonizingoverafuturewithoutJason,abeat-upoldtruckpulledintotheparking
lotanddroveupbesideher.SheturnedherheadandlookedstraightintoJason’sblackeyesinthe
passengerseat.

“Jason!”sheexclaimed,fumblingherwayoutofthetruck.“Oh,Jason!”Shejerkedathisdoor,feltit
openandshejumpedupontotherunningboard.Throwingherarmsaroundhim,shekissedhis
mouth,hischeek,hiseyes,everywhereshecouldreach,mumblingendearmentswhiletearssoaked
herflushedface.

Sherealizedatsomepointthathishandswereboundandthathewaskissingherback.

“Uh,youtwoknoweachother,eh?”cameanamuseddrawlfromthedriver ’sseat.

SheliftedherheadandblankeyesmettheGeneral’s.“GeneralMachado!”sheexclaimedbreathlessly.
“Sorry.Iwasjustsohappytoseehimaliveandwell…”HereyeswentoverJasonlikehands,seeinga
blackeyeandbruisesonhisface,andwhenshelookeddownpasthisdirty,tornshirtshesawthathis
knuckleswereraw.“Alive,atleast,”sherevised.

“IhadaslightaltercationwithsomeofFuentes’smen,”Jasonsaid,managingagrin.

“Totheirdiscredit,”theGeneralmused.HisdarkeyesnarrowedashelookedatGraciewithhelpless
delight.“Fuentes,therat,sentoneofhismentoappropriatethemoneybeforeyoucouldgettome.I
couldn’twarnyou.”

“He’sinaditchamileoutoftownwearinghandcuffs,”Graciemurmuredjovially.

“Kilraven?”Jasonaskedwithashortlaugh.

Shegrinned.“Kilraven.Hepromisednottointerfere,butIguessheanticipatedtrouble.Notfrom
you,”sheaddedtotheGeneral.

Hechuckled.“Notfromme.Iwantverybadlytogetmycountryback.Iamsorrytohavetodoitthis
way,”hesaidsolemnly.“Butinallhonesty,itwasnotmyidea,thiskidnapping.ItwasFuentes’s.Ionly
tookadvantageofitbysteppinginbeforehecouldact.”

“Ihopeyoublowhisheadoff,”Graciesaidshortly.

“Bloodthirstygirl,”theGeneralteased.

“Fuentesdeserveseverythinghegets!Maybehishenchmanwillspillhisguts.”

“IfKilraveninterrogatedme,I’dspillmine,”Jasonoffered.

Gracielaughed.“SowouldI.”ShemovedreluctantlyawayfromJason,divedbackintotheranch
pickupandpulledthebriefcaseout,glancingaroundtomakesuretheparkinglotwassecure.She
pushedthebriefcaseintotheGeneral’shands.“Mr.Reeves,thepresidentofthebank,countedit
himself,whileIwatched.Icanassureyouthatthebillsareunmarkedandthere’snoboobytrapin
there.”

TheGenerallookedattheneatrowsofbills.“Boobytrap?”heasked,frowning.

“Bankssometimesputexplosivecontainersofinkinstacksofmoneytothwartrobbers.”

“Ah.Isee.”Heliftedoneofthestacksofbillsandlookedatitlongandhard.“Amigo,”hetoldJason,
“IwillerectastatueofyouwhenIregainmyoffice.Andwewillnameastreetforyourlovelywife.”

HepulledoutaknifeandcuttherawhidebondsonJason’swrists.“Iamsorryforyourcondition,but
youknowitwasnotmydoingormywishthatyouwereharmed.”

“Idoknow,”Jasonassuredhim.“Ihopeyousucceed.”

“Sodocertainmembersofyourgovernment,”hechuckled.“Wewillsee.Gracie,”headded,smiling
ather,“ittookgreatcouragetodowhatyoudid,comingherealone.Iwillnotforgetyourpartinmy
successwhenIachieveit.AndIpromiseyouonmysoulthatIwillrepayeverypennyofthismoney
whenIambackinpower.”

Sheflushed;shehadn’texpectedthat.“Ididn’taskyoutodothat,”sheremindedhim.

“Itisapointofhonor.”HelookedatJason.“Gohome.Youcoulduseabath,señor,andIamcertain
Graciewillenjoypatchingupthosecuts,”headdedwithawickedgrin.

“SowillI,”Jasonsaid,smiling.“Buenasuerte.”

“Andgoodlucktoyouboth,aswell.VayanconDios.”

“Ytu,”Graciereplied,usingalsothefamiliartense,becausethemanfeltlikefamilynow.

Hewinkedather.

Jasongotoutofhistruck,wentaroundandslidinbesideGraciewithaheavysigh.

“You’regoingtoletmedrive?”Gracieasked,shocked.“Youneverletmedrive.”

“Honey,yourescuedmeallbyyourself,”heremindedherwithsoft,lovingeyes.“Youmadeaplan,
lootedyourinheritance,droveupheremostlybyyourselfandgotmeoutofMexicowithoutfiringa
singleshot.Hell,theyoughttoemployyouattheFBI.You’reawonder!”

“AndIcouldabsolutelyputinawordforherwithmybrother,”cameadeepmurmurfromrightin
thecabofthetruck.

“Kilraven?”Gracieexclaimed.Shelookedaround.“Whereareyou?”

“Notinthetruck,”Kilravenreplied.“I’minyourpurse.Sotospeak.”

“Youbuggedme!”sheexclaimed.

“Hadto.WehadwordthatFuenteshadbeenfoiledinhiskidnappingattemptbyyourfriendthe
General,andhewasgoingtosendmenafteryoutointercepttheransom.Wehadtokeeptabsonyou.
Safestwaytodothatwasbugyourpurse.Paidoff,too.IgotbothFuentes’smenincustodyand
they’respillingtheirlittlegutsinexchangeforimmunity.”Hechuckled.“MerryChristmas.”

GracieandJasonexchangedamusedlooks.“MerryChristmastoyou,too.Andthanks!”shesaid.

Hechuckledagain.“Noproblem.I’mcuttingoffthereceiver,bytheway.Justincaseyoutwowantto
parkalongthewayandgetreacquainted.Iwouldn’tadviseit,though.Fuentesmaytryagain.”

“We’llwatchforhim.”

“Youwon’tneedto,”camethereply.“Youwon’tseeus,butwe’rewatchingyoujustthesame.If
anybodytriestostopyou,they’llregretit.Solong.”

Thelinewentdeadandtherewasaminute’sstatic,andthensilence.

GracielookedatJasonhungrily.“Iwasscaredtodeath.Sowasyourmother.”

“I’mokay,thankstoyou,”hesaid,smilingruefully.“I’msorryIwassuchanidiot,”headdedgruffly.
“Itwasashock,findingoutthatmymotherwasmyhousekeeper.Yougaveyourwordtoherandkept
it.Ishouldn’thaveexpectedyoutobreakit,evenforme.Thatloyaltyisoneofyourbesttraits.”

“Thanks,”shesaidemotionally.“Shouldn’twegobythehospitalandletthemcheckyouout?”

“I’mjustbruisedanddirty,”hereplied,smiling.“Iwantabathandabigbed.Andyouinthemiddle
ofit,”headdedinadeep,softtonethatmadehertoescurlinhershoes.

“Me,too,”shereplied.Shesmiledandpusheddownontheaccelerator.“I’ll,uh,washyourbackfor
you,”shemused,blushing.

Hethrewhisheadbackandlaughedwithpurejoy.

16

MRS.HARCOURTWASCRYINGwhentheygottothehouse.Graciehadphonedheratonceandtold
herthatJasonhadbeenransomedandwasokay.She’dcalledeverybodyelse,includingGloryand
Rodrigo,whowereshockedandrelievedatthesametimebecausethey’dhadnoideawhatwas
happening.Gloryhadthoughtaboutrushingovertotheranch,butshegiggledwhenMrs.Harcourt
saidtactfullythatGracieandJasonjustmightwantafewminutesaloneafterthehorrorofthenight.
Glorysaidshe’dcomeoverforsupper.Mrs.Harcourtsaidthatwouldbegood,becauseshehadan
announcementtomake.Shehungup,leavingGlorystillinthedark.

Theminutetheywalkedintothehouse,Mrs.HarcourtthrewherselfintoJason’sarmsandhugged
himtight.“Wewerescaredtodeath!”shesobbed.

Hehuggedherclose,smilingoverhergrayhairatGracie.“Allofuswere.ButI’mfine.Justafew
skinnedknuckles,andabruiseortwo,that’sall.”

Shepulledback.“Skinnedknuckles.”

Hedisplayedthem.“SomeofFuentes’smengotalittletoodisrespectfulandIgavethemanattitude
adjustment,”hesaiddrily.

Shelaughedandclutchedhimagain.

“Ineedabath,”hesaidruefully.

“Yes,youdo,”Mrs.Harcourtsaid.“Ihavetogointotownandgetmilkandeggsandpotatoesand
beefsteakorthere’llbenolunch,”sheadded,pullingoffherapron.“Iexpectyou’rebothstarving.I
knowMissGracie…Gracie,”shecorrectedwhentheyoungerwomanglaredather,“mustbehungry,
shedidn’thaveabitetoeatbeforesheleftforthebank.”

“RemindmetoputsomemoremoneyinReeves’sbank,”JasontoldGracie.

“Icertainlywill.”

“Iwon’tbetoolong,”Mrs.Harcourtcalledasshewentoutthedoorwithhercarkeys.

JasonlookeddownatGracieandsmiled.“Inthatcase,hadn’twebetterhurry?”heaskedinalow,
suggestivetone.

ITWASTHESTORMIESTcomingtogetheroftheirrelationship.Hetriedtomakeittothebathroom
toshowerfirst,butGraciewouldn’tstopkissinghim.Theyendeduponthepatchworkcoverlet,
rippingoffclothesinbetweenfrantic,hungrykisses.

Hepushedherdownandpossessedherfiercely,hiseyesblackasdiamondsasheliftedhimselfabove
herinanarch,watchingherfaceashejoinedhimselfintimatelytoher.

“Wrapyourlegsaroundmine,”hewhisperedroughly.

Shedid,moaningwhenthechangeofpositionsbroughtastabofintensepleasure.

“Yes,justlikethat,”hesaid,andhishipsliftedandpushed.

Shegasped.

“Ifyoucouldseeyoureyes,”hebreathed,flushingasthewhipofpleasuremadehimshudder.

“Ifyoucould…see…yours,”shereplied,moaningagainashefoundtheveryplacethatstarted
buildingasweet,almostpainfultension.“Yes,likethat,like…that,like…that,Jason!”

Hernailsdugintohisleanhipsasheshiftedandbegantodriveintoherwithpassionateurgency.He
restedonhiselbows,kissingherraptfaceashemoveddeeperanddeeperintoherarched,aching
body.

“I’lldie,”shemanagedinahigh-pitchedwailasthepleasuresoaredtowardsomehigh,anguished
goal.

“We’llbothdie,”hewhisperedraggedlyasheincreasedtherhythm.

Itwassofast.Sofast.Oneminuteshewasreaching,reaching,almosttouchingthecenterofecstasy
itself.Thenextshewasconvulsingwithsomethingsohotwiththrobbingpleasurethatitwasalmost
pain.AninhumancrytoreoutofherthroatasshewentuplikeaChineserocketandexplodedintoa
millionflamingpiecesofpurejoy.

Shefelthimstiffenandheardhimcryoutevenasshewasshiveringintheaftermath,curlingupwith
everymovementofhispowerfulbodyonhers.Echoesofsatisfactionpulsatedthroughher.She
moanedyetagainashisownharshfulfillmenttriggeredyetanotherwaveofecstasyinherself.She
clungtohim,drowninginpleasure.Itwassointensethatshethoughtshemightpassout.

Feverishminuteslater,shelookedupintohisrelaxed,tenderfeatures,strugglingtogetherbreath.

“IthoughtImightneverseeyouagain,”shewhispered.

“Yes.SodidI.”Hebentandkissedhereyelidsshut,hisbodystillintimatelyjoinedtohers.Hemoved
lazily,intensifyingthelittleshocksofpleasure.“I’msorryIwassocoldtoyou.”

“YoujustmadeupforeverysinglecomplaintIeverhad,”sheassuredhim.Hersofteyessearched
his.“Youknow,we’veneverreallytalkedabouttakingprecautions.”

Hegrinned.“Wecantalkaboutitinafewmonths.”

Shesmiledback.“WecanforgetaboutitaltogetherasfarasI’mconcerned.”

Hetracedhereyebrowswithalongforefinger.“Whataboutyourjob?”

“Icanbepregnantandstillwork,”shesaideasily.

Hesmiled.“Okay.”

Shereachedupandkissedhimsoftly.“Weshouldprobablyhaveaniceshower.Iimagineyour
motherwillbebackwithfoodsoon.”

“Mymother.”Hedrewinalongbreath.“Ifeltsoguilty.Andsostupidfornotevenguessing.Iknew
thewomanIcalledmyrealmotherwasn’tanybody’sideaoftheidealparent.Sheneverseemedto
haveabondwithme,andIneverunderstoodwhyIdidn’tfeelanythingmuchwhenshedied.”He
winced.“Mypoormother.Myfatherwassuchadamnedsnobhewouldn’tevenmarryherwhenhis
wifedied.Hethoughtshewasbeneathhimsocially.”

“You’llmakeupforallthat,”sheassuredhim.“Andwe’llgivehergrandchildrentospoil.”

Hepursedhislipsandlookeddowntheirbodiestowheretheywerejoined.“Prettysoon,ifwekeep
doingthis.”

“Ihavenoplanstostop,”shesaidsoftly,hereyessearchinghis.“Mypoormother.Inherwholelife,
sheneverknewwhatlovecouldbe.Ibelievedher,youknow.Itruinedmylife.Well,upuntilafew
monthsago,”sheconcededwithashysmile.

“Iwishyou’dtoldmeeverythingalotsooner,”hesaid.“Butbetterlatethannever.”

“Iloveyousomuch,”shewhisperedhuskily.“Morethanmyownlife.”

Hedrewinalongbreathandtouchedherfacetenderly.“Thosewordscomehardtome,”he
confessed.“IneverheardthemfrommyfatherorfromthewomanIthoughtwasmymother.They
weretwoofthecoldestpeopleonearth.Myfatherhadwomen,butheusedthem.Hehadnorespect
forthem.”

“Mymotheratleastdidloveme,”shesaid.“Andshesaidso,allthetime.I’llsayittoourchildrenall
thetime,too,”sheaddeddoggedly.“They’llalwaysknowthey’reloved.”

“AsIloveyou,”hesaidinadeep,heavytone,bringinghershockedeyesuptohis.“WithallthatIam.
IlovedyouwhenyouwereinyourteensandwentawaytomakesureIneveractedonit.Youwereso
young.Later,whenIknewhowdeeplyIlovedyou,Istillheldback,hopingyou’dseemewith
differenteyes.Thenightitrainedandyourcarwentintotheditch,I’dwaitedsolongthatIbecame
desperate.Ilostcontrolandalmostruinedeverything,”hegroaned.“Youlookedsoshocked…”

Sheputherfingersagainsthislips.“Shocked,butoverwhelmedwithjoy,”shewhispered.“Itwassex
Iwasafraidof,notyou,andIcouldn’tfindthenervetotellyou.I’velovedyouforsolong,”shesaid,
choking.“Mostofmylife!Ilovedyou,butIwasafraidI’dneverbeabletogiveyouawoman’slove,
aphysicallove.Iwasgoingtotellyoueverythingthatnextmorning.Butyouweregone.”Hereyes
shadowed.“AndthentherewasKittie.”

Heburiedhisfaceinherthroat.“Myfault.Allmyfault.WoundedpridemademeintoamanInever

was.I’msosorry,honey.Sorryforeverything.”

“Notforwhatwejustdid,Ihope,”shewhisperedintohisear,movingrestlesslyunderhimuntilshe
felthisbodyclenchandthenstarttoswell.“BecauseIwanttodoitagain.”Sheliftedherhipsand
curledthemintohis,laughingbreathlesslywhenhegasped,andthengroaned,andthenstartedto
movehelplesslyonherbody.“Yes,that’sit,”shewhimpered,holdingontight.“Loveme.Loveme.
Loveme!”

“I…do,”hemanagedtosay.Andthenhewastoobusytogetanotherwordout.

THEYWALKEDHANDINHANDintothediningroomwhereanamusedMrs.Harcourtwasputting
foodthatshe’dalreadyreheatedonce.Shedidn’tsayaword.Theyweresomuchinlove,somucha
partofeachotheralreadythatherheartliftedwithjoy.

She’dputaChristmascenterpieceonthetableandshewasusingtheholidayplates,too.“It’salmost
Christmas,”sheremindedthem.

Jasonlaughed.“Almosttimeforpresents!”hesaid,lookingatGracieteasingly.“Igotyousomething
lovely.”

“Igotyousomething,too,”shereplied,hereyesteasing.

“Tellmewhatitis,”hesaid.“Comeon.Tellme.”

“Andruinthesurprise?”shelaughed.“Notlikely!”

Hebentandkissedthetipofhernose.“Okay.Ilikesurprises.”Heglancedathismotherandsmiled
warmly.“Goodthing,consideringhowmanyI’mgettinglately!”

Theyalllaughed.

GLORYANDRODRIGOCAMEoverforsupper,muchlater,andlistenedtoGracieexplainhow
she’dransomedJasonfromtheGeneral.Theywereastonishedthatithadalltakenplacewithouttheir
knowledge.

“Listen,”Glorysaid,“youtwohavegottostoplettingyourselvesbesnatchedbykidnappers,”she
saidfirmly.“Jason,youneedabodyguard.I’mnotkidding,”sheaddedwhenhelaughed.“Theseare
dangeroustimes.Johnisagreatdriver,buthecan’thandleyoungtoughs.Iwantyoutothinkabout
it.”

“I’vegotGrange,”Jasonremindedher.“He’sdonealotofthingsbesidesbeinganofficerinthe
military.”

“Thenlethimgoplaceswithyou,”Gloryinsisted.“Imeanit.YouandGracietaketoomanychances.”

Jasonglancedathiswifeandsmiledcomplacently.“Iguessit’ssafeenoughtolethimtagalong,
sincewe’remarried.”

“I’mveryfondofhim,jealousheart,”sheteased,leaningclosetokisshim.“Butitwasnevermore
thanfondness.Okay?”

Hegrinned.“Okay.”

Mrs.HarcourtstoodbehindJasonatthetableandquietlytoldthemthetruthaboutwhoJason’sreal
motherwas.Therewasasuddensilence.Butthen,Glorygotupandhuggedherwhileshecried.It
was,Glorywhisperedinherear,oneofthenicestsurprisesshe’deverhad,becausesheknewhow
muchMrs.HarcourtlovedJason.ThatfeelingwasveryobviouslymutualfromJason’sdark-eyed
smile.Shecouldn’timaginethatJasonwouldeverbeashamedofsuchagood,kind,lovingwoman.
Shesaidso.Andeveryoneelseatthetableagreedwithher.

THENEXTDAY,THESTORYofJason’sparentagehitthetabloids.Reportersgatheredtoask
questions,andJasonproducedhisradiantmotherandhuggedherforthebenefitofthe
photographers.ItwasreallyaCinderellastory,someoneremarked,butJasonremindedthemthathis
motherwasabusinesswomaninherownright,andthathercraftingabilitieswereformidable.He
displayedoneofherafghans,whichwasalsophotographed.Foronce,thelightofthemediahada
sweettaste.ThefurordieddownwiththeadventofamurderrightthereinJacobsville,whichwas
whisperedtohavetiestoanothermurdersevenyearsagoinSanAntonio,whichinvolvedKilraven
andmighthavetiestostillanotherinOklahoma.

Dayslater,anothertabloidcarriedastoryaboutamodelwhohadattemptedtoblackmaila
millionairewithsecretsabouthispast.Nonameswerementioned,butthestoryassuredreadersthat
themillionairewasalreadypursuingcriminalchargesagainstthewoman,whichwouldbeannounced
soon.

OneofJason’sfriendsinSanAntoniocalledhimafterhereadthestory.HeaskedJasonifheknew
thathisex-fiancéeKittieSartainhadgivenuphercontractsintheUnitedStatesandwasmovingto
Londontopursuehercareer.Herfriendsweremystifiedastoherreasons,butJason’sfriendsaidhe
hadasneakinghunchthathecouldanswerthatquestion.Jasonreplieddrilythathedid,too.

CHRISTMASWEEKWASFULLofjoyattheranchhouse.ThecollegewascloseduntilJanuary,
whenspringsemesterwouldstart,andpublicschoolswerealsoonholiday,soGraciehadtimeto
rackupthedecorationsallovertheranch.ThehousekeeperinSanAntoniowasdoingthesamethere
becauseGracieandJasonalwaysthrewabonzerNewYear ’sEvepartythere.Thisyearwouldbeno
different.

Butitwasattheranchthattheyspenttheholidays.TheyopenedpresentsonChristmasEve,afamily
traditionforMrs.Harcourt,whowasbeamingandfullofjoyasshesatonthesofabesideGloryand
RodrigowhileGracie,Jason,JohnandDillyhandedoutpackages.

GraciegaveherpresenttoJasonwithherownhands.Hedidlikewise.

“IboughtthiswithmyownmoneythatIearned,”shesaidgently.“Soit’snotextravagant.Butit’s
somethingIthinkyou’lllike.”

Hebentandkissedher.“I’dlikeanapkinifyougaveittome,honey,”hesaidsoftly.“Itreallyisthe
thought,youknow,nottheexpense.”

Shekissedhimback.“Openit.”

Hedid.Insidewasaknife,anexpensiveonewithabonehandleandwiththeTexasRangerlogoonit.
Jasonhadalwaysbeenfascinatedwiththelawenforcementorganization,andhealwayscarrieda
pocketknife.Heturneditoverinhishands,smiling.“I’llusethisallthetime.Thanks.”Hekissedher.
“Now,openyours.”

Shedid.Itwasagoldlinknecklacewithapalegreenstonependanthangingfromit.Itwaselegant
andexquisite.

ShelookedupatJason,frowning.“It’slikeperidot,butitdoesn’treallylook…”

“Moldavite,”heinterrupted,smilingathersurprise.“It’smoldavite,Gracie.Somethingfromthe
stars,toaddtoyourmeteoritecollection.Butit’swearable.”

“Moldavite!”Sheturnedthestoneoverinherhands,holdingituptothelight.Itwasararestone,
meteoricinorigin,anditcostasmallfortune.NotthatJasoncouldn’taffordit,buthe’dfound
somethingthatheknewwouldpleaseher,andgonetoalotoftroubleatthat.Shehuggedhimclose.
“Thankyou!It’sthefirstpieceofmoldaviteI’veeverowned!”

“What’smoldavite?”Mrs.Harcourtasked,peeringoverhershoulder.

“Itcomesfrommeteors,”Gracieenthused.

“I’dratherhavemine,”theolderwomanteased,holdingupabeautifulsoftpinkhousecoatwith
matchingslippersthatJasonhadboughther.“Itfeelslikeacloud.”

Jasonbentandkissedhercheek.“Itlooksmotherly,”heteasedback.

Mrs.Harcourthuggedhim.“Ihopeyoulikeyours.Itdoesn’tlookmotherly,butamotherwholoves
youmadeit,”sheteased.

“Iloveit,”hechuckled.She’dknittedhimacoverforhisbedintheearthcolorsheliked.She’ddone
Gracieone,too,andbeenenthusiasticallyhuggedforit.Theybothknewhowmuchlaborandlove
Mrs.Harcourtputintoherknitting.GloryandRodrigoalsohadafghans,andsodidoldJohn,who
almostcriedwhenJasonandGraciegavehimacolortelevisionforhisroom.Dillygotone,too,and
huggedeverybody.

“ThishasbeenawonderfulChristmas,”GlorysaidwithasighwhensheandGraciewerebriefly

alone.“Canyoubelievehowfarwe’vebothcomefromourearlylives?”

“I’dneverhavethoughtwe’denduplikethis,”Gracieagreed.HereyeswenttoJason.Theywere
radiant.“Especiallyme.”

“Isawthewayhelookedatyouyearsago,”herstepsistersaidgently.“Iwantedtotellyou,butI
wasn’tsureIshould.NowI’mgladIwaited.”

“Me,too.”SheembracedGlory.“Wehaveafamily.Averybigandwonderfulone.”

“Yes.”Gloryhuggedherbackandsighed.“IwishRodrigoandIcouldhaveababy.I’veneverreally
gottenoverlosingthefirstone.”

Gracielookedherintheeye.“Miracleshappenallthetime,Glory.LookathowIgotJasonback,how
hegotmebackfromthekidnappers.Whataretheodds?”

“Everydaymiracles,”Glorymused.

“Yes.Everydaymiracles.Including,”shewhispered,“theoneI’malmostpositiveI’mcarrying.”Her
handwenttoherflatbelly.

Glorycaughtherbreath.Jason,glancingtheirway,caughthis,too,whenhesawthelookonGracie’s
faceandwhereherhandwasresting.Hedroppedthepackagehe’dstartedtoopenandwenttoher,
pullingherintohisarms.

“Tellme,”hesaidwithahungrylookinhiseyes.

“I’mnotsure,”shesaidsoftly.“It’stooearlytobepositive.ButIthink…”

Hewrappedheruptightandrockedher,inthesuddensilenceoftheroom.

“MerryChristmas.”

“MerryChristmastoyou,mysweetheart,”hewhisperedintoherear.

“Isthisapersonalsecret,ordotherestofusgettohearit,too?”Grangeaskedfrombehindthem
withagrin.

Theylookedup.Gracie’seyeswerewetwithtears.Jasonwasbeaming.

“Wemightbepregnant,”Gracieconfessedshyly.

Therewaspandemoniuminthelivingroom.Mrs.Harcourtweptandhuggedthem,andsodidold
John,tothesurpriseofeveryonepresent.Foralongtime,therewaspalpablejoyandexpectation
aroundthehuge,glitteringChristmastree.

MUCH,MUCHLATER,whentheguestshadgonehomeandMrs.Harcourthadluggedhergifts

downtoherroom,JasonsatinhisbigarmchairinfrontoftheglowinggaslogswithGraciecurled
upinhisarmsnexttotheChristmastree.

Hehandedherasmallbox.“Isavedthisoneforlast,”hesaid,smilingindulgentlyasshepulledoff
thewrapping,openedtheboxandstaredatitscontentsuntiltearsbeganrollingdownhercheeks.It
wastheitemsshe’dpawned,hermother ’sjewelry.Shelookedupathimthroughamist.

“Thankyou,”shesaidhuskily.

Hekissedhertenderly.“Don’tbemad.Youcanstillbeindependent.Buttheseareheirloomsthatwe’ll
handdowntoourchildren,andtheytotheirchildren.Theybelonginthefamily.Iwantedtomake
suretheydidn’taccidentallywindupinsomeoneelse’shands.”

Shesighedandnestledcloser.“Iwasworriedaboutthat,too.I’mnotmad.Itwasasweetthingtodo.”

Hegrinned.“I’mverysweet,”heinformedher.“Ihavenicequalities.Mymothersaidso.”

“Verynicequalities.”

“Canyoudieofhappiness?”hemurmured,kissingherhair.

“Iguesswe’llfindouttogether.”

Hisarmscontracted.“Whenwillweknowforsureaboutthebaby?”

Shebrushedherlipsagainsthisthroat,drowsyfromthelongdayandthedelightshewasfeeling.“In
afewweeks,Ithink.ThehomepregnancytestIusedwasencouraging.Mymonthlyisdayslateand
I’mveryregular.”

Hesighed.“We’llmakebeautifulbabies,”hemurmured.“Ihopesomeofthemareblond.”

“Ihopesomeofthemhaveblackeyes,likeyouandyourmother.”

Hechuckled.“We’llseewhatweget.Ijustwantwhateveritistobehealthy.”

“Me,too.”

Shenuzzledherfaceintohisthroatandclosedhereyes.“Jason?”

“Hmm?”

“MerryChristmas.Ihopeyoulikeyourpresent.”

Heliftedhisheadandlookeddownathersoftface.Hesmiledtenderly.“MerryChristmas,honey.Ido
likeit.ButtheoneIlikebestisthegiftoflove.”

Shehuggedhim.“Thegiftwegiveeachother,”sheagreed.Shepeeredupathimwickedly.“I’vejust
thoughtofsomething.”

“What?”

“You’rethemostexpensiveChristmaspresentIevergot!”

Hedidn’tgetitforaminute.Thenherealizedthatshemeanttheransomshe’dpaidforhim,andhe
burstoutlaughing.“WasIworthit?”heteased.

Shereachedupandkissedhimsoftly.“Wortheverypenny.Everytear.Everylonelyminute.”

“Lifeissweet,myprecious,”hewhispered,searchingherlovingeyes.

Shenuzzledhisfacewithhers.“Yes.Sweeterthanhoney.”

Hecuddledherbackintohisarmsandsighed,closinghiseyesastheflamesinthegaslogsdanced
likesugarplums.Graciewatchedthemacrosshisbroadchest,feelingthehappinesslikeaflame
insideherheart.SomewheresheheardChristmascarolsbeingsungandadogbarkinginthedistance.
Closer,sheheardthestrong,regularbeatofJason’sheartunderherear.Christmaswasn’tonlyinher
heart.Itwasinherarms.

ISBN:978-1-4268-3399-1

HEARTLESS

Copyright©2009byDianaPalmer

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