Dangerous Heart Read Online Free Page B

out-and-out fear. Given the choice, she wouldn’t return.
    But if she didn’t get herself back to camp before Blake figured out she’d disobeyed his orders, she’d be on her own and might not have any choice.
    With a sigh, she sat up, patting Tulip’s neck. She noted the wagon train was so far in the distance, she could barely see the smoke rising from the campfires and the circled wagons.
    â€œDadburn it,” she muttered. “I didn’t know we went that far.” With a kick to Tulip’s flanks, she headed back toward the wagon train. But just as the mare broke into a trot, the sound of horses coming from behind shot fear up her spine. She spun around in the saddle, finding herself surrounded by a dozen or more riders. Her heart slammed against her chest as she gripped her rifle without lifting it from the holder on her saddle. No one had to tell her who they were, even before her eyes adjusted to the waning light. “So it was you,” she said to the group in general. Gratified that her voice barely shook, she made an even sweep of the motley bunch. Laughter rumbled through the band of outlaws. “That’s right, gal.” Her pa rode forward.
    â€œWhat are you doing so far from home, Web?” she asked.
    â€œWell, whaddaya think we’re doin’? We come lookin’ for you,” Web said.
    â€œYeah,” a shadowy figure spoke up. Ginger recognized his voice—that sarcastic, haughty voice, setting her teeth on edge. “Besides there’s too blasted many wanted posters in Kansas and Missouri for us to stay put. We thought we’d follow your trail and see if you’re ready to come back. We got a new job planned.”
    â€œShut up, Lane,” Web commanded. “No one asked you to talk for me.”
    Faced with the reality of Web’s presence, a sudden fear dropped over Ginger like a heavy robe. She wasn’t the same person they had known. How could she explain how she had changed, without causing Web to force her to leave the wagon train?
    â€œWell?” Web growled. He gave a shudder and hunched over from the waist.
    â€œYou okay, Web?”
    â€œDon’t worry about me, gal.” The look on his face was so fierce, Ginger shrank back. She must have imagined his moment of weakness.
    â€œS-sorry, Web.”
    â€œForget sorry,” he snapped. “Just answer the question.”
    â€œWhat question?”
    Web’s eyes narrowed. “You sassin’ me, gal?”
    Swallowing hard, she shook her head as the memory of his backhand against her cheek made her cower. “No. But I didn’t hear the question.”
    â€œThat’s because there wasn’t one spoken.”
    Ginger’s heart did a flip as the moonlight illuminated the chiseled features of a man she’d never seen before. A square jaw, wide-set eyes, a firm brow. He wore a leather coat and a bandana around his neck.
    â€œMind yer own business, Elijah,” Web said.
    Was that sweat on his forehead? Ginger frowned. How could he be sweating in this cold? Forcing her gaze and concern away from Web, she settled on the newcomer. “My apologies.” His gaze never left Ginger. He smiled when he spoke. “I believe Web would like to know if you’re ready to return to the fold.”
    â€œShe knows what I mean.” Web stared down the newcomer, but clearly was losing the battle of wills. He turned his attention back to Ginger, giving her a squinty-eyed glare. “Now, I’ve given you plenty of time. It’s time to come back, whether you got it done or not.”
    Web’s aversion to revenge was the reason he’d taken so long to allow her to go after Grant in the first place. He considered it a waste of energy.
    â€œIt’s not that simple, Web. I can’t just walk up to him and put a gun to his head.”
    â€œDon’t believe her, Web. She’s done gone soft. I can see it, plain as day.”