Kate's Outlaw (Steam! Romance and Rails) by E.E. Burke Read Free Book Online Page A

one, and the way she'd responded to him had convinced him she felt the same way. But she felt nothing—except the need to escape. That’s why she’d lured him into touching her and kissing her, so she could steal his weapon.
    His face burned as he got to his feet. How could he be so stupid? Damn it, he knew better and he'd still fallen for her tricks. Maybe he’d gotten confused because he associated her with some fantasy woman from his dreams. He’d better get his head out of the clouds before she shot it off. Daring her with his eyes, he offered his revolver. "You want this? Come get it."
    She struggled to a sitting position, gripped her shirt together. He’d managed to open it to the waistband of her skirt. If she hadn’t lunged for his gun, he would’ve had his hands on her breasts. For a second, he was tempted to toss aside the revolver and take up where they’d left off.
    Her chin lifted in a show of bravery, but quivering lips spoiled the effect. "Stop taunting me. You got what you wanted."
    “You have no idea what a man wants if you think that,” he ground out. Did she realize how close he’d come to losing control? His body throbbed with unsatisfied need. "Button your shirt.”
    Her face flamed, making her pale, freckled skin appear blotchy. Humiliation did nothing for her looks. "I will…if you give me some privacy.”
    He snorted. “You want me to turn my back so you can run? My horse doesn't like strangers. Keep that in mind before you try to steal him."
    Jake turned around. If she wanted, he’d give her the chance to be foolish. He threw a worried glance over his shoulder to make sure she didn't approach the high-strung stallion. If Thundercloud got spooked and kicked out, she could be injured—or killed.
    But she wasn’t going for the horse. Instead, she presented her back while she put on her jacket, fastening the buttons to her chin. He suspected she’d expire from the heat before she took it off again.
    Feeling antsy, he scanned the quiet woods. It was bad enough he’d fallen for her tricks, but the longer they tarried, the greater the chance of Charley catching up. His eyes drifted back to the woman, although he’d never really lost sight of her. If she’d let him, he would’ve gorged his senses on her. Kissing her, touching her, tasting her. She was so beautiful, his Redbird.
    He gritted his teeth. She wasn't his anything.
    Needing distance, he stalked after his horse. The paint walked over as Jake approached and he rubbed the velvety nose. "Good boy."
    Jake winced. His own words mocked him. He'd behaved worse than a stallion after a mare in heat. If Redbird hadn’t lunged for the gun, he would’ve taken her right there on the grass. And after he'd sworn she would be safe with him. He owed her an apology. Honestly, he owed her more than that, but he could never repay the debt. He couldn't even give her what she wanted—her freedom.
    He led his horse around in front of her, keeping his expression hard. He’d tried kindness and she’d taken advantage, so now he’d have to be cruel. He whipped out the bandana. “Give me your hands.”
    Tears pooled in the corner of her eyes. She blinked fast, but they came faster than she could get rid of them. Her distress twisted the knife in his chest. He reached for her, half hoping she’d slap him. She didn't. She didn't even fight as he folded her against his chest.
    Clinging to him, she wept. Wept piteously. Not once since they'd taken her had she cried, but at last it seemed he’d broken her like one might break the spirit of a treasured mare. It had to be the worst crime he'd ever committed.
    "Shh." He stroked the tangled curls. She needed a brush. He’d find one after they reached his aunt's house, find whatever he could to ease her discomfort. Wouldn't make her feel any better about being his captive, but at least she wouldn't feel worse. “It’s all right. I won’t tie you up. Just cooperate. I meant what I said about keeping you