Millie’s Outlaw Read online

  Was it infatuation? Was it reckless and wonton sexual abandon?

  Was she putting herself on the same path her mother had taken? Allowing herself to have affections for a man who couldn't love anyone back?

  Leo was a miner, and what appeared to be a drifter and a man on the edge of the law. Not a criminal exactly, but he didn't look above stealing a horse if the mood struck him.

  Not so different than her father.

  She gazed up at Leo. He could break her heart so very easily.

  How could she let him stay? How could she ask him to leave?

  And worse, was he just playing with her fondness for him? She could not deny that she was lonely.

  His kiss had sure felt amazing.

  She touched her lips. The tingling had faded but the heat of his kiss remained.

  "I have work to do," he said, and he went outside.

  * * *

  It was nearing twilight. Leo couldn't go back in there, not yet.

  Even if he had to. He still hadn't found what he was looking for.

  If Fitzhugh were alive, like he had reason to believe, then there would be a clue somewhere.

  The rumors he'd heard at the poker game that one night in the next town over had to be true.

  He had to believe Fitzhugh was alive.

  Here's hoping he lived long enough, Leo thought cynically. As long as the sheriff in this town didn't catch him and string him up for a murder he didn't commit.

  He angled down the alley. He'd grabbed some clothes from the storage room in the back of the liquor store.

  Not to mention broke the seal on a fine bottle of scotch and knocked back a few good long swallows. That had hit the spot.

  And given him the strength to go around town in the dark of night looking like a middle aged store clerk with an old fashioned tie and perfectly pressed trousers.

  If only his co-workers back at the U.S. Marshals' office could see him now. He'd never live it down.

  If they believed him to be innocent, that is.

  If not, he'd be strung up with a noose, swinging by his neck.

  That was one outcome he would sure like to avoid.

  He unlocked the front door to the liquor store and slipped in quietly. He'd searched the back and the small storage building Fitzhugh had at the end of the block.

  Now that no one was out and about after midnight, he had the leisure to search through the shop where the wall of glass windows would not give him away.

  He rummaged around a drawer beneath the front counter and came up with a candle and matches.

  The store was peaceable, but he felt unsettled. Because he couldn't get a certain female out of his mind.

  The taste of her kiss, the warm velvet brush of her lips, the way she'd put her fingertips to her mouth afterward.

  Hell, that tormented him. She tormented him.

  Because he wanted to do that again.

  And not stop.

  That just went to show how dumb he was. He was here for only one reason—to find Fitzhugh, his friend.

  Or to find his killer.

  Who would have guessed that Millie would have been the one to come here, to have been Fitzhugh's heir?

  He shook his head, opening drawers. Looking through shelves.

  She wasn't like any female he'd ever met. Porcelain-fine skin. A silken luxury of blond hair. That spark of integrity in intelligent blue-green eyes.

  And what was with her wearing trousers?

  He heard a sound. The creaking of soft leather as the back door swung open.

  He reached for his gun. He held his breath, steady as a rock. It looked like trouble had found him.

  He recognized the sound of her light step and holstered his gun.

  "I'm glad you didn't shoot," she teased.

  "You're in luck. I wasn't even tempted." He closed the cash drawer. "What are you doing down here? Isn't it past your bedtime?"

  "I couldn't sleep." She halted with a small wobble before him.

  "It's easy, Sunshine. You just lay your head down on the pillow, pull up the covers and go to sleep."

  "I thought I heard the door open. There isn't a whole lot of insulation. I could see the candle light through a crack in the floorboards."

  "I didn't mean to startle you. Or keep you up."

  "That's all right. I guess I was curious. I didn't get to see my uncle's store. I wish I'd known him better."

  "What does that mean? You must have been important to him if he left his store to you."

  "I was just as surprised as anyone. His own son wasn't named in his will. Or any other member of the family. Just me. I hadn't seen him in years."

  "I know there was a falling out. He mentioned it to me."

  "Yes. Over the Civil War. Uncle Fitzhugh did not believe that it was anyone's right to own another human being. I happen to agree with him, by the way."

  "I do too. I don't think he could have left this place to anyone better. But you're going to have to keep this place as a liquor store."

  "Why is that?"

  "Because you will never make a profit selling women's hats."

  "I'll take that under advisement." She joined him behind the front counter. "What are you doing? Are you looking for something?"

  It would be so easy to say something to send her on her way. To get her the hell away from him because his system was overloaded.

  To the hilt, so to speak. She heated his blood in a way he could not stop.

  And he'd be smart to deny.

  He hadn't forgotten the sweet taste of her kiss. Or the soft skin of her thighs, so smooth and hot.

  And wasn't likely to.

  He pulled open the last drawer and lifted the ledger. It was the only thing in the drawer.

  Or so he thought. Until the candle light flickered and he caught sight of a note.

  Just one scrap of paper.

  But there was writing on it.

  Familiar writing.

  It was the clue, the sign he'd been looking for.

  Fitzhugh really was alive. He gave a gasp of relief and reached for it.

  Chapter 9

  Leo felt his heart kick, always a sign of coming disaster. He unfolded the scrap of paper. He read Fitzhugh's precise handwriting.

  Leo, if you find this I'm in great peril. I came back from a business trip to find my own grave. Someone thought it was me and shot a stranger new to town in the back. That's the best I can figure. That bullet was meant for me.

  And you know who is after me. Meet me where I took you to supper that one night when you loaned me the funds I needed to keep the store afloat. I'm running out of time.

  "I can't believe it. He's alive. He really is. I didn't let myself hope until now." Leo stared at relief at Fitzhugh's missive.

  Hell, he wasn't just relieved, he was ecstatic. Beyond joy.

  "Is that a note from my uncle?" Millie leaned in closer. "Do you mean he's alive? That he's hiding from dangerous men?"

  "Now do you see why I offered you the deal? I can protect you as your fake outlaw husband."

  "Why, I just—"

  He grabbed Millie. He couldn't help himself.

  He cupped the back of her head and brought her mouth to his.

  She tasted of a sweet fire all her own. He wanted her, only her.

  He could not get enough. He stroked his tongue along her lower lip.

  When she opened her mouth, so willing and eager, he dove inside. Exploring the row of her teeth with his tongue and moaning along with her.

  She loved this, too. So very much.

  Then a gunshot rang out on the street. Millie skidded away from him, her hand to her mouth.

  What had he done? He was breathing hard, his blood on fire.

  If he could think straight, then he'd have the good sense to get the hell away from her.

  That woman was doing things to his brain.

  Not to mention another anatomical part of his that stood at attention.

  "I'd better make sure that's no
t an outlaw gang come to rob the store." He pushed past her.

  How did he pretend that kiss did not happen? He blew out the candle and carefully glanced outside the window, keeping to the edge of the glass.

  Hidden behind the curtain, no one could see him. But he could see a band of half-dozen bandits riding straight down Main, guns in the air, tequila bottles in their non-gun toting hands.

  Well hell, that was trouble to the millionth degree. If they wanted to shoot up the town, then there was no one to stop them.

  The new sheriff was still missing in action because he'd only been hired a few days ago. Still traveling in from the Dakotas, as word had it.

  Leo grimaced. It wasn't as if he could face them alone.

  He was good, but not that good. He would need backup, and being undercover he could not ask for help.

  Richard Lee belonged to that gang. But the villain and murderer was nowhere in sight.

  Leo needed to get out of here. He needed to take this moment when the gang was busy and Richard Lee was not outside causing havoc in town to find Fitzhugh.

  And to find out the whole story.

  "Hey, ain't there a pretty girl living up there?" One of the bandits stopped his horse outside the front door. "I heard she's all alone up there."

  "Yeah, let me at her. I got a real hankering to have a woman cook me some supper." Another bandit howled, lifted his bottle and took a long swig.

  That outlaw wanted more than a tasty home-cooked meal. What he wanted, was anyone's guess.

  Likely someone to do his laundry too. Looked like he needed it.

  Then again, maybe he had something more sinister and violent in mind.

  That got Leo's blood boiling with a white-hot rage. No one hurt a woman on his watch.

  No one.

  "C'mon, we've got to get out of here." He reached out to take her hand.

  "What do you mean?" She looked startled. "Why do those men know about me?"

  "Because they saw you drive in with me, and they somehow figure you're here all alone. Which means they figure you've got an inattentive husband."

  "Are you kidding? If I ever got a real husband, he would not be the kind to be inattentive."

  "Well, they must figure I'm off at the gambling tables or saloon hall watching the dancing girls or bar maids serve beer. Hey, maybe you can sell your fancy hats to them."

  "Now you're teasing me."

  "I'm trying to keep you from getting scared. Is it working?"

  "Almost. Are those the men who tried to kill my uncle?"

  "Maybe. How about this? Did I scare you tonight? Or was my kiss wanted?"

  "Not wanted."

  Her voice softening, as if telling a lie.

  A slow smile stretched across his mouth. Across the mouth that had kissed her.

  If there weren't armed wanted men at the front of the shop, he would take her into his arms and give her a kiss she would never forget.

  A kiss so soft, so tender, so hot, it would melt her completely.

  "We are going to ignore the kiss." She tried to pull away from him.

  He held on tight. "Not on your life, Millie. It was only a little kiss. Don't get your panties in a twist until it's a real kiss."

  "My panties are not in a twist."

  "They might be, if I had my way."

  "Then maybe it's a good idea if you keep away from me, Leo Ryder."

  "Sure thing, whatever you say. Just come with me."

  "Out the back door? You mean outside? Aren't the drunk, violent men with guns out there?"

  "Not in the alley. Yet. If you stay quiet, maybe they won't find us in time."

  "In time for what?" She waited while he turned the key still in the lock and pocketed in. "I don't like a pretend husband who thinks he's always in charge. Especially in charge of me. What are you doing?"

  "Saving your life. That's what." He grabbed her by the arm. "C'mon, let's get out of here before they find out that you are related to Fitzhugh and you might know where the missing gold from the stage robbery a month ago is hidden."

  "What stage robbery?"

  "The one I'm involved in, let's just leave it at that, shall we? Now, don't drag your feet. We've got to get a move on."

  She stumbled alongside him through the dark shadows of the alley. "I've made up my mind. There will be no deal between us, Mr. Stage Robber. I've finally figured out who you are. You're one of them."

  "Brilliant deduction." Sarcasm dripped from his voice as he hauled her to a stop at the end of the alley.

  He peered around the back corner of the gaming hall.

  The coast was clear.

  But only if they moved and moved fast.

  "C'mon, girlie. Let's make sure you keep your stunning head of hair on your shoulders. They scalped the last woman they got their hands on. Every family who used to live in Willow Glen fled."

  "What?"

  "And you had the audacity to move here. Honestly. You need me taking care of you more than you realize. What's wrong? Can't you keep up?"

  "No." Millie began to tremble. She could not believe this.

  This was real.

  "Millie." His hand tightened on her forearm.

  Such big, comforting hands.

  Was it wrong that she wanted to feel those hands on her bare skin? All over her body?

  Yes. Absolutely yes.

  But she still couldn't help wondering about how his touch would feel.

  She blushed thinking of how the thought made her body melt.

  "Unless we move, it's bad news. There's just no other outcome." He tugged her nearly off her feet.

  She stumbled forward, following him into the deep shadows of another side street.

  "Are you all right?" he whispered.

  "I am just distressed, don't mind me. Nothing for you to worry about."

  "Good, then. Here I was worried you were knee-knocking scared."

  "Who, me?" She was full of bravado, that's what she was. "I came here for a real Wild West adventure. I just didn't think I would get one so fast."

  "We don't waste anytime here in Montana Territory. It's a good thing you're wearing pants. You've got a pretty fast gait."

  "Why, thank you. I'm not sure I've ever had a man compliment me on my running speed before."

  "It comes in handy if you ever rob a bank."

  "I'll keep that in mind. You know, in case I should decide to take up another profession. If I get bored of making women's hats, that is."

  "I could see that's a distinct possibility."

  They'd reached the shadow of the livery barn. It was closed up tight for the night so he knocked.

  "Let's get one thing straight." He spun her around so only a tiny breath stood between them.

  "What one thing? I have a few things I'd like to get straight with you too."

  "I bet you do. But I'm going first."

  "Why should you go first?"

  "Because I'm the man, and I brought the whole thing up first."

  "Let me hear this stunning thing you have to say, whatever it is."

  "It's gonna be dangerous out there tonight. So stick close to me and hold on tight."

  "Whatever do you mean?" Millie gazed up into his eyes and saw a big blank.

  Like there was nothing there. Like no one was home.

  Like a renegade who lived outside the dictates of society. Untamed. A little wild.

  World weary but wise enough to find her missing—not dead—uncle.

  The livery barn door swung open.

  "Oh, it's you, Mrs. Conway. You must be Mr. Conway. I'm pleased to meet you." The livery owner held up a lantern and invited them in. "What can I do you for?"

  Leo's hand curled over hers. "We're here for our horse."

  Millie gasped. "Our horse?"

  "And I'll need to rent or buy a second one." He stepped inside and closed the door, checking to make sure no one had followed them. "And two saddles?"

  "Saddles?"

  "Do you know how to ride?"
<
br />   "No, but how hard could it be? Or am I inviting doom by saying that? Are those going to be my famous last words?"

  "It'll be something, I guarantee it. You and your trousers and your Stetson hat. I should have known. You're more of a city girl than you let on. One hundred percent, that's my guess."

  "You would be wrong. I'm not a city girl any longer. I own what I hope is a respectable business in Willow Glen. Even if it is in the Wild West."

  "Maybe the untamed wilderness will rub off on you." There was such tenderness in his voice, and it rumbled through her with the power of thunder.

  Did she believe he really felt that tenderness? She could not doubt the sincerity in his eyes.

  "Excuse me, Mr. Conway. Will this horse do?" The livery owner ambled over leading a black gelding by the reins. "Cherokee is a good, solid horse. Fast as hell. Say, don't I know you?"

  "Uh, sorry. Not me. Never been in this town before." Leo tugged his hat down low to hide his eyes. "Let me grab a saddle and help you out."

  "Much appreciated. Are you sure we haven't met before?"

  "Not that I remember. Than again, I drink a lot."

  "I know, it was over in Helena. I was over at the horse auction. I swore it was you. Then again, I drink a lot too."

  Millie rolled her eyes. Honestly. She opened Beau's stall and led him out into the aisle.

  There Leo was, spreading a blanket across his rental horse's withers and smoothing out the wrinkles. What was he, an expert horseman?

  He had no horse.

  In fact, he had nothing. Nothing but a fake name and a need to hide his identity.

  But he knew her uncle, and he knew that Uncle Fitzhugh was alive.

  Or at least, he had been when he'd left the note.

  Gunfire rang out, echoing down the street. She jumped, and Leo's hand landed on the back of her neck.

  His touch sizzled and scorched her skin. She wanted more from him.

  She wanted to feel passion. She'd never understood that need until now, until Leo.

  She wanted much, much more than a kiss.

  "We need to hurry," he said. "I want to get out of here while the gang is shooting up the town. They'll be too busy to notice."

  "I don't even know what to say to that." She whirled around, breathless. Heavens, she could not catch her breath.

  Every part of her was on fire, every part hotter than Hades on a summer day.