To Love a Stranger by Connie Mason Read Free Book Online Page B

sharp.”
    “Get me a mirror, I’ll do it myself.”
    “I don’t think so.” She slapped the lather on his face and nearly laughed aloud when it got into his mouth and he began to sputter. “Lie still,” she warned. “I’m very good at this, but only if you don’t make me nervous.”
    Pierce went still, his eyes never leaving Zoey’s face as she shaved him. Zoey was right, he thought grudgingly, she was very good at this. She finished and stepped back to inspect her handiwork.
    “You’ll do.”
    “All this for a wedding neither of us wants?” he asked with a hint of mockery.
    She gave him a mischievous grin. “A girl doesn’t get married every day.”
    “Neither does a man. My first marriage was attended by the entire town of Dry Gulch.”
    Zoey went still. “You’ve been married before?” A terrible thought suddenly occurred to her. “You’re not married now, are you?”
    “No. After the first time, I swore I’d never marry again.”
    “Pierce, I’m truly sorry to force you like this. But it’s either that or … well, you know the alternative. I wish it didn’t have to be like this.”
    “No more than I do,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “Like most women, all that matters are your own selfish needs. You don’t give a tinker’s damn that I’m tied to this bed, unable to travel more thanten feet on my own.
Blackmail
isn’t a pretty word, Zoey.”
    Zoey’s chin rose stubbornly. She was doing the right thing, she knew she was. At least for her. “Hate me all you like, Pierce, I don’t blame you. But I do need you. I swear I’ll never bother you again once this mess is cleared up. Besides, where would you go if you left? Obviously you can’t return to Dry Gulch. You’ve nothing to lose by remaining here for a time.”
    “Nothing except my freedom,” Pierce said harshly. “You’ve got it all worked out, haven’t you? Beware, lady.” His voice was low and strident. “You might get more than you bargained for.”
    Zoey blanched, struggling to keep her voice even. “I’ll bring up a basin of water and the clean clothes you requested. I assume you’re strong enough to wash and dress yourself. Don’t dawdle, Cully should return with the preacher soon.”
    When Zoey, Cully, and the preacher walked into the room two hours later, Pierce was dressed in Robert Fuller’s cast-off clothing and sitting up in bed. He smiled ruefully, thinking that at least Zoey had obeyed him in one thing. She wore a lovely blue dress fashioned of silk and lace that matched the bright blue of her eyes.
    “This is somewhat irregular,” Reverend Tolly said when he was introduced to the bridegroom. “I understand you’ve suffered an injury.” He pursed his lips. “Young people, always in such a hurry. Can’t seem to wait. Very well, take your places.”
    Pierce stared at the tall, gaunt reverend, convinced at last that this wasn’t a bad dream. He never thought he’d find himself in this position again. He’d sworn he wouldn’t. Time and luck had run out Zoey took his arm and helped him to his feet. Cully stood as witness.
    When it came time to say “I do,” Pierce balked. Until Cully poked a gun in his ribs and whispered into his ear, “Make up your mind fast, Delaney. Miz Zoey needs you, and I aim to see that she gets what she wants. You ain’t gonna like the consequences.”
    It was done. Pierce and Zoey were husband and wife. Zoey saw Reverend Tolly to the door, and Pierce collapsed on the bed. He had a wife but could expect no wedding night. He gave a shout of laughter, more bitter than mirthful.
    “What in the hell is so funny, Delaney?”
    Pierce had all but forgotten Cully, who had remained behind. “This entire scenerio is a farce. I never thought I’d live to see the day I’d be railroaded into marriage.”
    “Them are harsh words, Delaney. Miz Zoey was desperate. She didn’t like doing what she did. You don’t understand what this ranch means to her. Or how much she hates