Samantha James by Outlaw Heart

thought you said the hideout was a couple of hundred miles north. Are we getting close?”
    “Close? Honey, we’ve got at least another four days of riding ahead of us.” He looked at her then, his features harsh, almost brooding. “‘Course, you know you may just be setting yourself up for a big fall. I haven’t ridden with Sam for nearly a year. He may have moved the hideout.”
    Abby’s heart squeezed. She couldn’t dare consider that—she wouldn’t!
    With an effort she faced him calmly. “Now who’s the one being prickly? I told you before, Kane. I don’t expect you to help me for nothing. I’ll pay you.”
    “Who says I’m interested in your money?” With his knuckle he shoved back the brim of his hat. He gave her a leering once-over, his gaze an insult.
    Abby felt stripped to the bone. She colored and glanced away. “All you have to do is name your price.” Her voice was scarcely audible. “I told you that before.”
    Her gaze flitted back to his. His eyes were riveted on her face, his scrutiny so unwavering and piercing it gave her a jolt; she felt she’d been struck by lightning. His expression was dark and hard. Yet oddly, he was the first to drag his eyes away. “We’ll settle up later,” she heard him mutter. “You can count on it, sweetheart.”
    He spurred Midnight into a gallop. Abby did the same, keeping abreast with the pair although she soon speculated dryly that Kane might be trying to lose them. He didn’t slow until they reached the outskirts of the town.
    Abby glanced around curiously. Most of the buildings were small and squat, bleached gray by the unrelenting sunshine. They trotted past a bank and a schoolhouse; Kane surprised her by turning down a side street and reining to a halt.
    She soon discovered why.
    They had stopped before the general store. He dismounted and turned to her, brashly setting his hands around her waist and swinging her down from Sonny’s back. He hobbled their horses to the railing, then turned to her.
    “Why don’t you go inside and get those supplies you said we needed?”
    A slender brow rose. “Where will you be?”
    He jerked his thumb toward a small building at the end of the street.
    The soft line of her lips compressed as she peered over his shoulder. Oh, she should have known—it was the saloon! Before she could say a word, Kane turned and walked away.
    Abby was only a step behind him. He spun around and glared. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
    She matched his stare bravely. “You’re not going anywhere without me, Kane.”
    Again those strange silver eyes gave her a perusal that was far too thorough for her peace of mind … “Why, sweetheart, I’m flattered.”
    “Don’t be,” she said shortly. “I wouldn’t put it past you to sneak out the back door.”
    At his side, those long fingers curled hard into his palm. Abby had the distinct sensation he wished her neck were between them. “As I recall, sweetheart, that’s your trick, not mine. But you’re welcome to come if you want. I thought I might ask a few questions, maybe see if your husband or Sam passed through here. ‘Course I doubt if anyone will be inclined toward talk once a lady like you walks through the door. I’d have thought you might know by now what men expect of females who like to frequent saloons.” Each word was like the prick of a knife. “But if you don’t mind everyone thinking you’re a whore, hell—why should I?”
    He seized her wrist and hauled her up against his side. By now Abby’s suspicion had distilled; his point, she realized rather sheepishly, was a valid one. But she wouldn’t say she was sorry, not when he was being so deliberately hurtful.
    He’d called her bluff … and won.
    He would have strode away with her in tow if she hadn’t resisted. But she did and he turned on her, his features as black as a thunderhead.
    “You go on. I—I’ll wait for you here.” Her head was down, her voice low and not entirely