He drew back a little. That was the very last thing he'd expected her to say. And why bring it up in this moment? He chose his answer carefully. "I did not. Callum spoke little about where you lived before, only how happy he was for you to come to him."
Her eyes flashed. And her chin lifted. "When my mother died, my father abandoned me at a girl’s school. At least, that was what it felt like—abandonment. He took me there, then sold our house and came to this territory.” She trembled so much, even her voice quivered.
But she kept going, her story twisting in his belly. “For five years I lived there. Then I caught the eye of a man from one of the best families. I thought I’d done well, forming a connection with so much advantage. He said all the right things, and my father wasn’t there to tell me differently. I married him, and he turned out to be a snake. A man who took pleasure in controlling other people…me…and the men he did business with. He was only happy when we were at his beck and call." She paused for a heartbeat, her mouth pressing closed as though she were deciding what to say next.
So much he wanted to know. What had this mandoneto her to control her? Heidi seemed like such a strong, free spirit. How could anything hold her down, short of binding her with ropes? Everything in him wanted to find the viper and revenge her honor. Make him pay for every time he hurt her.
But he held his tongue so she could continue.
"He died in May." Her voice trembled again. "I'm finally free, and Iwill notbe under any man's thumb again." With every word, her tone grew stronger, ringing with determination. Her eyes flared, nearly sparking now, though still rimmed red.
His anger dulled as realization spread through him. She was supposed to be safe with him, and yet she'd been afraid those two snakes were going to force her to…who knew what she thought they'd do. Take her back to the brothel owner in Virginia City maybe.
Two Stones wouldn't have let that happen, no matter what. But his delay in acting had made her think he wouldn't stand up for her.
He leaned in so he had her full attention. He waited to speak until her eyes focused on him. "I'm sorry I made you think you had to defend yourself. That I would not protect you from those white weasels on the trail." He tapped his fingers on her arm. "You are a woman who can do anything she sets her will to. But I promised to keep you safe, and to provide all you need."
He pressed a fist against his chest. "I want with all that is in me to do these things for you." He started to rein in the emotion that surged with his words. But maybe she needed to see the fierceness. To understand how fully he intended to carry out his promise.
So he let his eyes flash. "I hate what that other man did to you. If he were not dead, I would hunt him. I would bring his actions down on his own head. Make him suffer for every day you did not feel safe and happy." He lowered his voice, but kept it hard with his anger. "I promise you this. I will be a good warrior, a good husband. I will guard you with my life. As long as I have breath, you will live in peace and plenty. Even after I am gone, I will leave you with all I can."
He waited, barely breathing as he watched her face. She gave no sign of her thoughts, but she was certainly scrutinizing him.
At last, she spoke. "And what will you require in return?"
He had to work to keep in a snort. What had her other husband required? He shook his head. "Nothing. I want only your happiness. I hope you will find it in the village of my people, but if you wish to leave, you are free to. I will keep my promise, protecting and providing for you." He might not be as free to travel for his trading if he needed to protect her in Missoula or one of the other mining towns. But he would do what he had to for her.
Not just because Callum had asked him. Not even as a matter of honor, since he'd taken her as his wife before God. But because Heidi needed him. She deserved to be safe and happy. He wanted her to be so. Hedesperatelywanted it.
Maybe more than he should allow himself if he planned to guard his heart. He would have to ponder that later though. Now, Heidi needed his full support.
The sharpness of her gaze softened. She no longer seemed to be searching for the lie in his words, but maybe hoping they were true.
He let her search, not turning away as he waited.
At last, her mouth parted and quiet words slipped out. "Thank you."
Relief swept through him, nearly pulling the strength from his limbs.
She'd begun to shiver again though. Was there something he could say to ease her fears more? Maybe she simply hadn't gotten warm yet.
He reached out to touch the back of her hand. "Are you still cold?"
She nodded, a heavy tremble quivering her shoulders. "Will you…sit close? Like you did the other night?"
A layer of warmth eased through his chest. She was asking for help. Asking for him.
He moved next to her, settling close. Closer than they'd been the other night. That night, only her arm had touched his side. Now, he shifted so the length of their bodies touched. Maybe that was as far as he should go, but he wrapped his arm around her back, resting his fingers at her waist.
She didn't object, but she sat stiffly. At first. Little by little, as the crackling of the fire rose to warm the quiet around them, she eased her defenses, leaning into him.
He released a breath, letting himself enjoy the pleasure of her touch. Of her company. Of her trust.
The only problem now was remembering he'd promised to be a friend only, not a husband.
Heidi could still feel the memory of Two Stones's arm wrapped around her, though it had been two nights ago now. In the strength of his hold, she'd not had to face the fear of surviving in this world of men who took pleasure in hurting others. In overpowering people weaker than themselves. As she laid her head on his shoulder, she’d been free of the memory of watching the man jerk when her bullet slammed into him, the shock in his eyes turning to horror. Then pain.
Out here in the saddle, she had to squeeze her eyes shut to make the image fade. If only she could be tucked beside Two Stones again, wrapped in his comfort. But he was riding ahead of her as their horses tromped in a narrow creek. Tree-covered slopes rose up on both sides, and with the thick layer of snow concealing rocks on both sides of the water, the safest place for the horses to walk was in the creek bed.
