Whispering Hills of Love (American Wilderness Series Romance Book 3) by Dorothy Wiley Read Free Book Online Page B

darkness, leaving Kelly and William alone in the light of the campfire.
    William stepped closer, and gazed down at her. For a moment, he studied her intently. Still wearing his best clothes, resolve seemed to heat his handsome face. In the light reflecting from the fire, his profile was sharp and spoke of determination. What was he suddenly so sure of?
    She searched anxiously for the meaning behind his look. She sniffled and swallowed the lump that filled her throat.
    He handed her a handkerchief and knelt down beside her. His eyes were startlingly beautiful against his tanned skin and light hair. Just looking into his eyes made her chest heat inside her and made her feel a little better. A lock of blonde hair fell onto his forehead and she reached up to push it out of his eyes. Surprised that her hand didn’t shake or hesitate, she moved the hairs away from his eye, amazed at the thrill it gave her.
    She heard him suck in a breath, but his gleaming eyes never left her face.
    Behind William, a tall, dark figure stepped from the darkshadows of the forest.
    Ice spread through her heart and her body stiffened.
    Then a terrifying realization made her insides shrivel.

    Kelly looked away from him and her expression suddenly darkened. William saw uncertainty and an inexplicable look of withdrawal spread over her face.
    The flame of hope in his chest quickly extinguished.
    Then her eyes filled with fear and uncertainty.
    He swallowed his disappointment. He had been so close to reaching her, to giving her his heart. A mere moment away from letting her know his true feelings. He studied her face with concern, wondering where the Kelly he’d seen just a moment before went. He’d seen desire in her eyes, he was sure of it. But not now. Now all he perceived was fear. It was almost as though she vanished and another woman now sat before him.
    A woman silent and defeated.
    Then he heard something behind him. He quickly stood, drawing his pistol at the same time, and turned.
    A tall man stood near the tree line, feet spread and arms crossed. The man’s dark eyes stared at Kelly instead of him. “Hello Kelly,” the stranger said. His voice echoed ominously through the forest and darkness beyond.
    “Papa,” Kelly replied, her voice weak and breaking slightly. She remained seated.
    Kelly’s father appeared middle-aged, but still robust, although a bit underweight. He was unshaven, but not bearded. His eyesappeared a bit bleary, his face sun dried, and his hands leathery. The man continued to glare at Kelly.
    The tension between the father and daughter was immediate and increasing with frightening intensity.
    “Sir, I am Sheriff Wyllie,” William said extending his hand and taking a few steps forward.
    The man didn’t move at all and William lowered his hand, but increased his wariness.
    Finally, her father’s eyes moved away from Kelly and focused on William with a look of suspicion.
    “You stole my daughter. I’ll have you hung for that!” the man swore.
    William heard Kelly gasp.
    “Mister McGuffin, you are mistaken. My brother and I rescued your daughter and killed the men who attacked her,” William said, his voice harsher than he intended, but this man’s attitude was beyond belief. Her father should be grateful instead of accusatory.
    Kelly finally stood, and William sensed the apprehension coursing through her.
    A flash of protectiveness suddenly filled him. She was afraid of her own father. William wanted to beat the whoreson to a bloody pulp. A child should never have to fear their father. That just wasn’t right. He clenched his jaw and fists in an effort to control his rising ire.
    “Kelly, gather you things, you’ll be coming home with me,” McGuffin ordered.
    Kelly didn’t move, but William did. Incensed, he advanced to stand directly before the man, just inches from his face. “Whetheror not Kelly leaves will be her decision—not yours. She’s a full grown woman now and can decide for herself where she