“I’ll be fine, Sterling,” she whispered, although weakly. Yes, she wanted to be independent, but she liked being in his arms, liked being pressed against his chest, liked the closeness of his face to hers.
“The more you can stay off your ankle, the quicker it will heal.”
Was he saying that because he wanted her to be back on her feet so he could get her out of his life? Or was he truly concerned about her well-being?
She didn’t want to ask, wanted instead to cherish each moment of closeness while it lasted. Because all too soon she would be walking again, and he would be busy with his life and no longer interested in hers.
Hyacinth opened the door for them, and as they stepped inside, Sterling stopped abruptly and swept his gaze over the destruction. The chairs had been overturned. The drawers in the hutch were on the floor, their contents spilled. Several crocks had been smashed and the wood bin upended.
A strange sense of despair sifted through Violet. All of this had happened because of her and Hyacinth. If they hadn’t sought out Sterling, he wouldn’t have to worry about taking care of her and having his home attacked. He could get back to running his ranch and saving his sick cattle.
“I’m so sorry, Sterling.” She struggled against him, suddenly needing some distance from him.
He started through the kitchen without releasing her. His expression held wariness, and his eyes were alert, as if preparing for more danger.
“Please, put me down.” She couldn’t stop the waver in her voice. “I’ve been nothing but an inconvenience to you since the moment I showed up.”
“You’re not an inconvenience.” His tone was clipped as he moved into the hallway on the other side of the kitchen.
“I’ve caused you so much trouble.”
He halted again and glanced down at her. Although his brow was furrowed, his eyes were a warm brown. “Do you want to know the truth, Violet?”
Even though her stomach quavered at the prospect of what he might say, she nodded. “Yes, please be honest.”
“I’m relieved you’re here with me.”
“You are?”
His eyes held a sincerity she’d always appreciated about him. “I don’t want you anywhere near Claude and his men. If they’re capable of doing this to me for sheltering you, then there’s no telling what else they could do, especially to you and Hyacinth.”
Violet couldn’t hold back a shudder. Sterling was right. Claude was more dangerous than she’d realized. What would the saloon owner do if Father wasn’t able to pay back his debt some other way?
“I don’t understand why Claude is so determined to have the debt repaid. Surely it must be a common occurrence to have men run out of money and be unable to pay what they owe.”
Sterling shifted to take in the dining room, which appeared untouched. “I would imagine most men can only afford to gamble a few dollars at a time, not enough to get them into trouble.”
“My father was likely gambling with much higher stakes. Maybe that’s why he stole from the bank, because he wanted more gambling money.”
“My guess is that your father owes too much for Claude to overlook.”
“You’re probably right.”
“If he lets your father get away with not paying, then not only will he lose the money, but he’ll lose his reputation and start having more problems with men placing bets they can’t afford.”
“So he has to send a message to everyone not to mess with him?”
“Exactly.” Sterling took several more steps, then paused in front of the parlor.
The intruders had been there, tipping over most of the furniture. But from what she could tell, nothing looked broken. That didn’t make up for the mess, but at least it could be picked up.
Hyacinth’s footsteps echoed in the hallway behind them, and Beckett’s heavier ones followed hers. Beckett seemed to think the living arrangement would work. But what would Mr. and Mrs. Noble think once they heard she was here?
Mr. and Mrs. Noble probably didn’t like her anymore. Not after the way she’d hurt Sterling. They were likely relieved she’d left the high country and hoped she would never return. Now Sterling would have to write to them and let them know that not only was she back in his life, but he’d hired her to be their housemaid.
“Your parents will hate me all the more now.”
Sterling, who had just started toward the stairs, halted. He narrowed his eyes on Violet. “My parents don’t hate you.”
