Yellowstone Romance Series - Bundle (# 2-5) (60 page)

“Goddammit!” Kyle roared, and slammed his fists on the counter. Several jars rattled precariously along the wall. He wheeled to face the girl again. “How badly did he hurt her?” he growled.

Danica lowered her eyes. She slowly walked around the kitchen table, running her hands along the backs of the chairs as she went. Kyle stepped in front of her when she didn’t answer.

“I know Kate told you to keep your mouth shut,” he said, trying to maintain a level tone. It wouldn’t do him any good to unleash his frustration on this girl. She’d been more than cooperative and willing to help.

“She’s all right, really.” Danica answered quietly. “She told me to tell you she loves you, and she wants you to focus on your goals for the geyser basins, whatever that means.”

Kyle ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He turned away from Danica, and paced the floor. He hadn’t slept all night. His eyes felt gritty each time he blinked, and the blood pulsed in his temples.  All his muscles ached from tension. Kate had no doubt fared much worse than he. The thought of Hiram laying a hand on her . . .

“I can get you into that hotel room.”

Kyle stopped in his tracks. He faced the slight girl standing by the table. His eyes stared at her, unfocused. “What?” he asked, not sure he had heard correctly.

Danica shrugged. “I can get you in to see Kate.”

“How?” His eyes darted to the door leading to the living room. If his father or Samuel were within earshot, they’d be on him quicker than a grizzly on a fresh wolf kill. They’d been adamant that he should not attempt to see Kate. Both told him adamantly that he couldn’t fight a man like Devereaux with brawn.

Kyle wholeheartedly disagreed.  His Katelyn was at this monster’s mercy, and he was helpless to do anything about it. He had promised her he would protect her, that Hiram would never hurt her again. He’d always kept his word. That he had failed the woman he loved above all else was worse than having his insides ripped out and shredded by vultures. Worse than his feelings of living in his father’s shadow.

“Hiram and Kate are leaving in the morning,” Danica said. Her hand rested on one of the parcels she had tossed on the table. Kyle sucked in a lung full of air at the news. “He’s taking her back east, from what Kate said.”

“I have to see her,” Kyle said through gritted teeth. “How do you propose to get me in there?”

Danica’s eyebrows rose, and she boldly raked her eyes over him from top to bottom. She drummed her index and middle finger against her chin, and tilted her head. Then she slowly walked around him, her eyes scanning his features. Her hand came up and she fingered some strands of his shoulder-length hair. What the hell was she doing?

 ”First,” she said, stepping back and resting her hands on her hips, “you need to get out of them duds you’re wearing.”

Kyle frowned. The girl was likeable enough, but her evasive answers were beginning to get on his already tight-as-a-drum nerves.

“Stop playing with me, Dani, and make your point,” Kyle growled, his patience at an end. He grabbed her by the arm, then quickly thought better of it, and released her.

“Listen up,” Danica said, her eyes glaring at him, daring him to touch her again.  She took a bold step toward him. “Hiram is meeting with my father tomorrow morning for breakfast to discuss some business venture. After that, he and Kate are leaving for Helena. Kate will be alone, presumably getting ready for the trip. I can probably buy you about twenty minutes with her.”

“How are we going to get past Hiram’s vultures?”

“Most of them don’t know you, right?” Danica moved away from him, and walked over to the counter, turned, and leaning against the cabinets. She crossed her arms over her chest, and one ankle over the other. If he hadn’t been so anxious, Kyle would have laughed. He had never met a girl with the mannerisms of a man.

“I’m sure Ole Hiram’s given them only a general description of you. Tomorrow morning, you’re going to become a dandy, and you’ll be escorting me to the hotel.” She smiled seductively. “There’s a guard posted outside the room, but I’ll take care of him.” She waved her hand in front of her. “But you’d better be prepared to part with that pretty hair of yours.”

Kyle self-consciously ran his hand through his hair. “Get a haircut, you mean?”

“Yup,” Danica grinned.

His mother would be pleased. She’d begged him for years to cut his hair, and he’d adamantly refused. For a few minutes with Kate, he was willing to do anything.

“What the hell am I supposed to wear to make me look like a dandy?”

The girl pointed to the parcels on the table. “You’ll find everything you need in those packages. The shirt and jacket might be a bit tight around the shoulders, but otherwise everything should fit. My brother was tall, like you.” Her eyes glazed over suddenly.

“Was?” Kyle asked hesitantly.

She fanned her hand in front of her face. “He was killed in a fight with some Indians a few years back. My papa took it very hard. He’s got a deep hatred for all Indians now.”

“I’m . . . sorry,” Kyle said lamely.

Danica smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes this time. “Well,” she said, clapping her hands together. “If you’ll get me some scissors, we can get to work. I’m pretty handy with a needle and thread, too, so you might want to try on those clothes in case we need to make some changes.”

*****

The following morning, at nine o’clock sharp, Kyle strolled down the boarded sidewalk toward the Daly Inn. He wore a fancy tailored suit complete with a bowler hat. A beautiful young woman clung to his arm. He’d been as stunned at seeing Danica in an extravagant dress as his mother had been the night before when she saw his short hair.

The girl had shown up at the mercantile this morning in her britches, another large parcel draped under her arm. Kyle had offered her the use of Kate’s room when she asked where she could change her clothes. A plain-looking caterpillar had entered that room. A breathtaking butterfly had re-emerged. He’d been rendered speechless.

Kyle’s father and uncle had immediately cornered him for information on what he was up to after he’d donned the fancy suit. After a heated debate, the two older men had relented. Kyle had given them no choice. He was going to see Kate, and no one would stand in his way.

Danica was correct. None of Hiram’s henchmen gave him a second glance. Most of their eyes lingered on the young woman walking next to him. Kyle suspected that had been part of Danica’s plan.  Her low-cut red satin dress was designed to turn men’s heads, even if she was a tad young. No one confronted them in the hotel lobby, nor when they headed up the stairs to the second story.

Danica instructed Kyle to wait when they reached the top-most flight of stairs. Peering down the hall, he saw a man standing guard in front of one of the doors.

“I’ll distract him, and get the key away from him,” Danica whispered.  “I’ll drop it by the door. You’ll be on your own once you get inside. I’m afraid you’ll have to exit via the window. You have about twenty minutes. I’ll be down in the street and make sure no one’s looking up.”

The brave girl was about to walk ahead, when Kyle held her back. He searched her face. “Are you sure this is safe for you?” He frowned. He didn’t relish the idea that she was putting herself in harm’s way.

“I can take care of myself,” she said confidently and smiled, then pulled her arm free of his hold. Kyle could only stare after her. He wondered what kind of man would be able to handle her someday.

He watched her saunter gracefully toward the guard leaning against the wall twenty yards up the hall. He must have been dozing. He sprang to attention when Danica stood close enough to him for her body to touch his. Her arm slid up his chest, and she whispered in his ear. The man nodded, and seconds later, the two headed down the corridor. As they walked off, Danica dropped something. Kyle shook his head.  He only hoped he could return the favor, and pay her back in kind someday.

Wasting no time, Kyle hurried to the door of Kate’s room, and bent to pick up the key off the floor. With trembling hands, and a wildly beating heart, he pushed the key into the lock and gave it a turn.

Chapter 28

Kate sat at the vanity in the bedroom, adjusting some pins in her hair to keep her hat in place. She’d only swept her locks out of her face, letting them fall down her back. Part of her was hesitant about her blatant defiance of not putting her hair up, and part of her said
to hell with it.
It’s what Danica would say.

She smiled. Woe to any man who got on that girl’s bad side. Kate had no doubt Danica would do exactly as she said.
If any man lays a hand on me, and tries to hurt me, I’ll kill him
. However, it wasn’t as easy as the girl made it out to be. Sometimes, a woman was simply powerless to fight against a stronger man. 

Would I be married to Hiram now if I had been stronger, and more adamantly told my mother I wouldn’t go through with it?
Kate pondered the question.  Back then, she’d been weak. She’d always done what she was told. Now, after all she’d experienced, she had the confidence to stand up to her mother, and even her husband. It hadn’t been so difficult. Yes, he’d still hit her, but he didn’t get the satisfaction of watching her cower in fear.

Kate readjusted her hat, then hastily thought better of it, and pulled the pins from her hair. Without a second thought, she tossed the accessory on the ground. Hiram had told her to be ready to leave immediately when he returned from his early morning business meeting with Lars Jensen. Kate wondered what kind of financial dealings her husband could possibly make with a banker from the territories.

When Hiram returned he would be in a hurry, and there would be no time to argue about her hair, or lack of a hat. His wrath would come later, she was sure. Yesterday, he’d come back to the hotel late in the night. She had feigned sleep, hoping and praying he would leave her alone. Thankfully, he had fallen into bed without so much as a glance her way.

The lock to the door in the other room clicked, and Kate stiffened. Hiram was back early. She stood, bracing herself for his anger at her appearance. She raked her teeth over her dry lips, and ran sweaty palms down the front of her white traveling gown. The edges of the bodice and skirt were outlined in black satin, and it was a little too snug at the waist. It would have fit better had she worn a corset.  The seamstress had based her alterations on the assumption that a corset was to be worn under each gown. Kate knew her rebellion would be dealt with severely, but for just this one last day, she wanted to breathe freely.

Kate drew in a deep breath for courage, her mouth drawn together in a tight line, and headed toward the door to the sitting room. There was no need to delay the confrontation any longer. She opened one of the double doors and stepped out. The breath left her lungs in a loud gasp, and her hand flew to her mouth.

“Kyle?” She couldn’t believe her eyes. Her feet were rooted to the spot. How was he here? If she hadn’t been in shock, she probably would have laughed. Wide-eyed, she took in his appearance. Her buckskin-clad woodsman had transformed into a well-dressed man from the city. And it didn’t suit him.

“Katelyn,” Kyle whispered heatedly, and rushed to her. He yanked the ridiculous hat he wore off his head, and pulled her into a fierce embrace, picking her up off her feet. Kate wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him, inhaling deeply of his masculine scent. He may be dressed differently, but his untamed, woodsy scent was still his own. Words wouldn’t come, but her tears flowed freely.

Kyle’s body trembled as he crushed her to him. He nuzzled her neck, sending chills down her spine, and whispered her name repeatedly. Minutes passed before he loosened his hold, and set her feet back on the ground. His hands reached up to cup her face, and he kissed her like a man starved of food and drink. Kate’s chin and side of her face ached where Hiram hit her, but she didn’t mind. She returned his kisses with equal passion, knowing this would be her last chance.

Kyle pulled back, breathing hard, and stared into her eyes. His fingers touched her discolored cheek gently, and his jaw clenched. The corners of his eyes twitched, and his expression turned predatory. Kate thought he might bare his teeth in a snarl at any second. He steeled every muscle in his arms and chest.

“Kate, I’m sorry,” he rasped. “I didn’t keep my promise. But I will. I’ll get you back, if it’s the last thing I ever do.” His arm around her waist tightened.

She shook her head vigorously. Her hand reached up to touch his clean-shaven face, and his features softened under her touch. “You have nothing to be sorry for, Kyle.” She smiled up at him, and he swiped at the tears on her cheeks. “You taught me what it’s like to live, and truly love someone. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you anything in return.”

Kyle hissed. “You’ve given me everything a man could ever want,” he said softly. “And I’m not giving up on us. I’m never walking away from you, do you hear me?”

Kate let out a short laugh despite her tears, and she sniffled. She ran her hands through his short hair. “Why did you do this?” she asked.

“So I could see you.” There was no humor in his voice. “I would have done anything to see you,” he whispered. His fingers caressed her face, and she closed her eyes, savoring his touch.  She reached for his hands, and clutched them to her heart. Looking down, she gasped.

“Kyle, your . . . hands.” His knuckles were raw and swollen, especially on his left hand. Kate winced. She gingerly held his hands in hers, afraid she’d hurt him. Kyle lifted her chin with two fingers, and grinned.

“This in nothing.” He shrugged. “Believe me, it was worth it. I only wish I had chosen to go after Hiram first.” His tone became menacing.  “I still plan to –”

Kate released his hand, and grabbed his arms. “Kyle, you can’t go after Hiram. If you kill him . . . you’ll be hanged. Please promise me you won’t do anything like that. I couldn’t bear the thought of you dying.” She tightened her grip. Kyle’s solid biceps beneath her hands tensed.

“Kate,” he said slowly. “I want him to pay for what he’s done to you.” He gently touched her cheek again. “And I want you free of him, so you and I can build a life together. Every fiber in my body wants to put a bullet through his heart. Do you have any idea how helpless I feel?” His jaw clenched and unclenched in rapid succession. “He’s still hurting you, and everyone is telling me I can’t act, that I need to bide my time. What kind of man does that make me?” He took a step back, and ran his hand through his short hair. Kate reached for him again.

“It makes you a smart man. You can’t fight Hiram. His money makes him powerful.”

“I can fight him, and I will,” he growled. “Katelyn, I need you to be strong, do you hear me?” He held her arms and gently shook her for emphasis. The intensity in his dark eyes took her breath away. His brows furrowed over the bridge of his nose.   “No matter what happens, I need you to be strong. I’m waiting on some information, and then I’m getting you away from him.”

Kate nodded slowly. She believed him. Kyle would free her. She could endure anything with that knowledge.

“Right now he has the upper hand. But he won’t for long.”

“We’re leaving for Boston as soon as we get back to Helena,” she said, her voice cracking.

“I’ll follow you,” Kyle said heatedly. “It doesn’t matter where he takes you. I’ll find you.” He gripped her shoulders tightly, almost painfully.

Kate nodded. She didn’t doubt for a second that Kyle could find her anywhere. She would draw strength in the knowledge that he would find a way to dissolve her marriage.

Kate gazed up at him. She wrapped her arms around his middle, and leaned her head to his chest. His heart beat strong and steady against her ear. Kyle sighed, and pulled her closer. They stood in silence for a while, then Kate searched his face again. “Kyle, what about your work with those people who want to preserve the land around all those geysers? Have you given up on that? You were so passionate about the idea.” Kate hated to think he would give up on his dream now, because of her.

“There are people back east who are trying to get Congress to pass an act to make the area federal lands, so no one can privately own it.  The pristine beauty of the area would be destroyed if people squatted on that land. It deserves protection. They’ve asked me to come and testify on behalf of the supporters.”

“Kyle that’s wonderful,” Kate beamed. “You’ll be coming to Washington, then? That’s close to Boston.”

Kyle chuckled. “That’s still months away, Kate. I’m not waiting that long to come for you.”

His chuckle turned into a sarcastic laugh.

“Do you know why I answered Hiram’s ad for a scout through the region? I was hoping to get the railroad’s backing. The railroad people have a lot of power in Congress. Had I known what kind of man he is, I would have never considered it.”

“Yes, Hiram does have a lot of powerful allies in Congress. He’s been known to sway some members to vote on issues that advance his own interests.”

How many countless dinner parties had she hosted, just in the short time she’d been married to Hiram, entertaining senators and representatives of the legislature. Kate was merely a prop at these dinners. Once the men talked business, she was told to retire for the evening. The wives of these highly esteemed congressmen looked down their noses at her. She was much younger than any of them. She’d overheard several whispering once that Kate must be a gold digger, to have snatched Hiram for her husband.

“What do you think, Kate? Should I ask Hiram if he’d support the park idea?” Kyle’s grin was infectious. She returned his smile, and stared into his warm eyes, which were filled with love for her. Her chest tightened, and she threw her arms around his neck.  Kyle pulled her tightly to him.

“Hiram is due back any moment,” she whispered. “You can’t be seen here.”

“I know.” He sighed deeply. “My time’s up.” He cupped her face between his palms. “Remember what I said. Stay strong. I’m going to come for you.”

“I will, Kyle,” she cried, and pressed her lips to his. He raked his hands through her hair one final time, then abruptly released her.

“I love you, Katelyn. Now and forever.” He stepped away from her, and headed for the window. He shoved the lace curtains aside and scanned the street below.  Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he pushed the pane open. He hesitated, then turned and covered the distance between himself and Kate in two long strides. He pulled her into his trembling arms once again and crushed her to him for one final embrace.

“I love you, Kyle. Always,” she whispered, the tears streaming down her face. She followed him to the window, and reached for his hand when he moved to pull one leg over the windowsill. He sat, straddling the sill, and squeezed her fingers. Loud voices and a sudden clicking sound behind her startled her. Her stomach dropped, and her heart must have stopped beating.

The hotel door burst open.

“Hurry, Kyle,” Kate shrieked. Her words were drowned out by Kyle’s loud warning, “Look out, Kate!”

He grabbed her arm and yanked her violently away from the window, sending her crashing into the wall several feet to her right. Her mind barely registered the shots that fired. She looked up, and screamed. Kyle’s body jerked, and tumbled out the window, then disappeared from sight. Kate scrambled to her feet, and she rushed to the opening. A man lunged for her and grabbed for her arm in an attempt to pull her back. He succeeded in getting a fistful of her skirt.

“Let go of me,” Kate shrieked. Thrashing and kicking wildly, she pulled herself free and stumbled forward. Crawling on hands and knees, she pulled herself up to the sill. Just below the window was the pitched roof of the hotel porch. It would have been convenient as an escape route. Kyle didn’t get the chance to use it.

Kate’s eyes widened in horror, and she screamed again. “No! Kyle!” Her hands flew to her mouth in shock, and she blinked forcefully to clear her blurry vision.

 Just beyond her line of sight on the street below, Kyle’s lifeless body lie twisted in an unnatural position on the ground. A familiar young lady dressed in red knelt beside him, her hand on his chest. She looked up briefly. Kate read the anguish on Danica’s face.

Kate gasped for air. Her lungs constricted. A loud drumming in her ears drowned out every other sound. People on the street gathered, moving around in apparent slow motion.