“Did you tell this to anyone?”
“I took my supposition to the Sheriff. He dismissed my allegations as a grieving widow and I have no proof. I have nothing except my fear, gut feelings, and the belief that some of the cowhands we hired in the months before Thomas died were Mr. Sullivan’s men.”
Elijah seemed to consider her words and she waited in an agony of hope for him to say something positive.
“If what you say is true Sheridan, you are not safe here. Pick any destination, and I will ensure that you reach it safely. Then I’ll return and deal with Sullivan’s interest in the Creek.”
She gritted her teeth until they hurt. She wanted to shout and rail at him, but forced herself to speak calmly. “Elijah you cannot just expect me to leave. This is my home.”
“Yes I do. What did you think would happen when you trekked up here? I would remember how intense it had been between us and allow you to remain at the ranch?” His sardonic question was like a whip, sharp and flaying.
Sheridan flushed because her heart had harbored such secret dreams. Her heart pounded against her ribs with arduous force. She hadn’t realized how violently he disliked her. “Why are you so cold to me? I know you are angry, but I never thought you hated me.” Her words barreled from her before she could stop them.
He shrugged as if she were unimportant and returned to packing his bag. “I do not hate you, Sheridan. I simply do not feel anything for you.”
Her heart slammed into her throat. How many times could she try to apologize? “I am sorry I lied to you. I was lonely and empty and so damn lost. I am sorry I foolishly told you I was free when I was not. If you will only listen to me, Elijah. Please let me explain—”
His eyes hardened. “I have told you Sheridan, there is nothing to discuss.”
She veered her eyes to the colt dragoon that lay on the polish oak table. She snatched it up, pointed and cocked the hammer.
He slowly spun and she was not sure what the smile that creased his lips meant. “Why have you pulled a gun on me?”
In the distance there was a roll of thunder and she jerked. Her hands trembled even though she knew she would not use it. “You are only so indifferent to me because you have refused to hear any apology or explanation from me as to what happened. I know I have done an unforgivable thing in the past, but I swear to you—”
He slowly stepped towards her. “What have I told you about drawing a weapon unl
ess you are willing to stand by your action?”
She forced herself not to twitch at his cool drawl. Sheridan narrowed her eyes, hating the amusement that edged his lips. “You are not listening—”
She gasped and recoiled as he grabbed the gun, parried it, and twisted. Her hands stung as the twist broke her clasp on the weapon. He spun her around, pressing her front into the wall, holding her wrists above her head.
She craned her neck to meet his eyes. “Release me,” she hissed furiously, hating that he had easily gotten the better of her, hating herself for the tears of frustration prickling beneath her eyelids.
His mask slipped and hunger moved over his face. He tried to shutter his gaze but she saw it. He wanted her. She shifted pushing her body against him, and became still. She felt a twitch of hardness against her backside. Shame and hope surged through her. She had to mean something to him if he reacted so strongly to her closeness.
She wriggled against him, and he bit off a curse. He used one hand to clamp her wrists and the other to grip her hips tightly. For a moment he held her against him, his erection an erotic brand against her buttocks. Suddenly she knew the plan she concocted with Beth might work. Elijah could be tempted.
Her heart surged wildly. Need dampened between her legs, and she prayed he would kiss her. He wrapped her in his sexual need and she watched the expressions that swirled in his eyes—hunger and desire, and something else altogether too dark. Her womb clenched and she whimpered in loss when his resolve won and the shutters came down.
“Elijah, I—”
He surged from her muttering curses. She flinched at the virulent nature of his profanities. She should have felt despair, but what curled in her heart instead was hope. If he wanted her, all could not be lost.
***
Hell! His cock probably had the imprint of his buttons in it. Elijah snarled. He wanted her too much. He reigned in his lust with cool logic. He was determined to not sink into the need that blazed from her. She had always been weak to his touch and he just as damnably weak to hers. “Get a good’s night rest. We will be heading out at first light.”
“I insist that we discuss it now.”
She seemed to think on her words and he almost smiled when she grudgingly tacked on ‘please.’ She was a persistent thing, but he knew the best thing for her would be to leave the territory. Perhaps it would be best for his sanity as well. It would kill him if she were to be harmed.
“Beth is my dearest friend. She is very fragile and she needs me. Grayson is like my own son. The ranch is their home and if I were to leave Beth would not want to stay without me. I cannot protect them. I have a bargain to offer you.”
“I am not interested.”
“Whispering Creek is my home Elijah, my home.”