Page 23

“Just how hard did you hit her?” Shelby hissed.

“Hard ’nough to teach the chit a lesson.” The fiend chuckled before slamming the door behind him.

The moment his footsteps receded, Shelby crouched beside her.

Roxina rolled over to face him.

“What are we going to do, Shelby?”

It didn’t escape her that none of the familiar animosity she usually felt in his presence troubled her. But then, her life had never been at stake before, forcing her to rely upon him.

“I’ve loosened several boards with a knife I carry in my boot.” He smiled in satisfaction. “They took my pistol, but surprisingly, they didn’t search me. They are not the brightest lot.”

“Then we can escape?” A spark of hope flickered to life within her.

He nodded. “If we time it right. But we have to be quick and quiet. They will be back to check on you soon.”

A twinge of dread curled in Roxina’s stomach.

She glanced toward the door.

The men were dangerous, but she would rather take her chances of escaping than remain a prisoner—or worse.

Shelby hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers. He brushed his calloused fingertips against the back of her hand, a gentle reassurance amid their peril.

“I shan’t let anything happen to you, Roxina. I swear it.”

Her breath caught at the earnestness in his voice, the warmth in his touch chasing away the icy fear that had settled in her bones. How long had it been since she had felt this kind of security—this kind of trust?

Never.

And something more stirred—something foreign, new, infinitely wonderful, and wholly unexpected.

Without forethought, she raised her face, offering a silent invitation.

Doubt flickered in Shelby’s uncovered eye before he very slowly lowered his head and brushed his mouth across hers.

Tentative. Sweet.

Blissful.

Every thought flew from her mind, and only sensation remained.

An instant later, he lifted his head.

“You are a wonder, Roxina Danforth.”

Her exact thought about him.

What was wrong with her?

How could she let him kiss her?

No, not let him.

Practically beg him to by presenting her mouth like a Saturday night trollop.

Chagrin heated Roxina’s cheeks, but though she wanted to avert her face to hide her mortification, Shelby’s gaze held her prisoner, making her incapable of looking away.