“Maybe Riley. Rachel told me she felt jealous because I can probably fit into size 4 clothes, and since she started living here, she hasn’t fit into hers,” Caroline said, giggling. “I tried to explain my starvation diet did wonders, but she didn’t seem amused.”
Rebecca shook her head. “You and I use humor to deal with things. Since we taught Rachel how to use a gun, she’s more of a shoot first, ask questions later, kinda gal. Riley’s resilient and feisty.”
“And you’re smart, see things others don’t, and you’re a terrible liar. I can say after six years of learning to read men’s faces, I know a lie when I see one. Will you please tell me why Jameson didn’t come tonight?”
Rebecca took her hand. “You did nothing wrong. He called and asked if I might keep you company. I didn’t lie. The men held a meeting this afternoon,” Rebecca said. “Jameson hasn’t spent much time here. Every time he caught a lead, he took off, searching for you. You made quite an impression on him. How did you meet?”
Caroline pushed the plate away, not interested in the food. The memory of Jameson burst forth.
“Take the women and get them cleaned up. We have an auction tonight at midnight. Carrie,” he yelled.
Caroline groaned and stepped forward, knowing he had already started drinking.
“Sit on my lap,” he ordered. “Show the women what I want them to do tonight.”
“I’ll show them upstairs after they’re cleaned and dressed,” she said, pushing them forward toward May, who helped prepare the girls. Cain, in a drunken mood, tended to end in brutality.
“No,” he said, jerking her arm, making her cry out. One of the new girls screamed in terror, catching Cain’s attention. A sly smile formed on his face as he beckoned her forward. The poor thing peed herself as she stepped closer. Pushing Caroline away, he stalked forward and punched the girl in the stomach, sending her to her knees.
“Cain. We don’t have time to dress everyone,” she said sweetly, helping the girl to stand. It made her sick to even touch him. Her hand ran across his chest, distracting him from his latest entertainment. “Let her go, she needs instructions, or you won’t get the price you want for her.”
Grabbing her hair roughly, Cain pulled Caroline close to his face. “When I tell you to sit on my lap, you do it immediately,” he seethed. He twisted her arm as May led the women upstairs.
“You’re hurting me,” she yelled, grabbing the beer bottle from the floor and striking him on the head.
Cain’s eyes widened, and he weaved before he fell to the floor.
“Shit,” she muttered, glancing around to see if Cain’s men saw her hit him. He’d certainly kill her now.
“Go to the kitchen,” a large man with a tattoo running down from his neck said, kneeling beside her.
Cain stirred, and the large man slammed his head against the wooden floor, knocking him out again.
“Why did you do that?” she cried. “He’ll kill me.”
“Don’t worry about him,” the man said, taking her hand and leading her into the bar’s kitchen. He checked her swollen arm and grabbed a couple of thin towels to make a sling. His tender touch sent her shivering.
“I’ll wake him in a minute. Keep this on for a few days, even if it feels better,” he instructed. “Go along with what I say.”
She peered up into his green eyes, and she saw the concern for her shining in them.
“Don’t try to save me,” she urged. “Cain won’t hesitate to kill you.”
A cocky grin appeared on his face. “I’m not scared of him.”
“Did you hit your head? He’ll torture you and make you an example. Leave and let me handle this,” she insisted.
“Not on your life, slugger,” he said, wetting a towel and returning to Cain’s side. He moved the beer bottle by his lower leg and patted the wet cloth to Cain’s face.
“Boss, you all right?” he asked.
Cain blinked and scanned the room. His eyes narrowed when they landed on her.
“You took a nasty spill and knocked her over. She’s got a bad sprain.”
Cain appeared confused as Jameson handed her the bottle. “Why don’t you pick up the bottles? We don’t need another accident.” He turned to Cain. “It’s a good thing it didn’t happen to one of the new women. Did you want Caroline to stay with you?”
“Don’t tell my property what to do,” Cain sneered. “I tell her where to go.”
