Nights with the Outlaw by Lauri Robinson Read Free Book Online Page A

She leaned closer, so her lips almost touched his. They wanted to be reunited with his, and it was a fight of will to keep them from doing so. “There’s something you need to know about me, Clint,” she whispered. “I don’t give up.”
    He smiled ruefully. “I noticed that.”
    She brushed her lips against his, but he pulled back after a brief moment, and stood, dragging her upright with him.
    The horses had moved to escape the heat, and one of them let out a snort. She glanced to where they stood in the shade, and when her gaze went back to Clint, his was aimed over her shoulder, and a dark frown marred his face.
    â€œWhat?” She twisted to peer behind her.
    â€œA rider,” Clint whispered. “Come on.” He tugged her behind the tree.
    â€œWhere?” she whispered. “I don’t see anyone.”
    â€œWatch that hill. He should top it any moment. There might be two.”
    A second later, two horses topped the hill. The black horse with two white socks was unmistakable. Focused on Clint the past weeks, she’d almost forgotten about the sheriff. She let out a snort of disgust. “Drake.”
    â€œThat’s Sheriff Drake?” Disbelief coated his whisper.
    â€œYes, that’s him, and Deputy Hines.” The riders disappeared on the other side of the knoll. “They’re going to see the men at the cave, aren’t they?” She turned to Clint, expecting his confirmation.
    The glare of hatred in his eyes made her skin quiver.

Chapter Five
    Doreena poked a pin over the rope, securing the sheet to the clothesline. The hot afternoon breeze assured everything would be dry in no time. Clipping the other corner of the cotton to the line, she let out a frustrated sigh.
    It had been two days since they’d kissed under that cottonwood, and though Clint didn’t act any different in front of everyone else, she sensed the difference in him. She’d caught him staring her way more than once, and recognized turmoil in his eyes. Moreover, yesterday afternoon he’d come up with an excuse as to why they couldn’t take their normal ride, and last night he’d gone to town, breaking their evening routine, as well.
    Pulling one of his shirts out of the basket, she shook out the twists from washing. Sarah had made this one for him, and the dusty blue color matched his eyes perfectly.
    â€œDoreena!”
    Her heart did a cartwheel at the sound of Clint’s voice. She ducked beneath the shirt. “What?”
    â€œI’ve been looking all over for you.”
    Pushing the clothing aside, she stepped forward. “You couldn’t have looked too hard. I’ve been right here.”
    A grin formed, but left his face as fast as it had appeared. “Half an hour ago you were in the barn.”
    She lifted a brow, mockingly. In reality, her heart sang, knowing he kept such a close eye on her whereabouts. “Yes, I was, and then I told Sarah I’d finish the laundry so she could bake bread. Was there something you needed?”
    He brushed the hair off the side of her face. The intimate, gentle touch had her breath fluttering and her blood swirling. The kiss two days ago had left her craving his touch more than ever. She reached up and held his hand against her cheek. His concentrated gaze roamed her face. A tremble lodged in her knees as she caught an intense hesitancy about him.
    â€œClint?”
    â€œI-I have to tell you something.”
    â€œAll right,” she said, while her insides screamed at the cold, dark wave working its way up her body. He was leaving. As sure as the sun was shining overhead, he was leaving. At this moment she hated her instincts—wished this once they were wrong.
    Bracing herself by digging her heels deep in the earth, Doreena let her hand fall to her side. A tug-of-war ensued between her heart and mind. She couldn’t make him stay. Not even she had that kind of power.
    Tears