Free Magnificent Passage by Kat Martin Page A

my fault.”
    â€œYes, it is your fault! Now do you understand where your recklessness leads?”
    Mandy looked helplessly at Schooner. For years the horse had been her friend—her one ally. Now his soft brown eyes were wild with pain.
    â€œHe’s asking us to do what’s right,” her father said.
    She nodded, then looked away. Her father’s footsteps crunched on the dry earth and pebbles as he walked toward Schooner. She heard the hammer on the Springfield cock, and closed her eyes tightly.
    The wind whistled beside her ear. Then the gunshot echoed its grim message, and the labored sound of Schooner’s breathing ceased.

    â€œMiss Ashton?” Hawk’s deep voice broke her reverie. “The trail gets a might steep through here. I’d advise you to start
paying attention instead of daydreaming about your beau.” His tone annoyed her and she couldn’t resist answering in kind.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, Mr. Langley, afraid I’ll fall off a cliff, and you won’t be able to collect your reward? That is what you’re after, isn’t it? The reward. Just like in the posters: Wanted dead or alive, Julia Ashton, for unspeakable crimes of the heart.”
    Hawk dropped back beside her and scowled fiercely. “I don’t think that’s funny. Your father believes what he’s doing is in your best interest. From what I’ve seen so far, I think he’s probably right.”
    â€œAnd just what’s that supposed to mean?”
    â€œIt means, Miss Ashton, it’s time you grew up and started thinking about someone besides yourself.”
    â€œAnd what about you, Mr. Langley? Just who do you think about besides yourself?”
    He scowled even harder, his mouth a hard grim line. She was smiling at her slight victory when Lady Ann stumbled again and nearly went down.
    â€œPull up,” he commanded, his tone gruff.
    Mandy did as she was told. Hawk dismounted and picked up Lady’s right front foot. The mare whinnied and shook her head, her bit jingling with the movement.
    â€œShe’s picked up a stone.” He shoved back his hat, then turned to Mandy, his mouth curving in a smug, satisfied smile. “Looks like you’ll have to ride with me.”
    â€œI will not! I’ll walk first.” She dismounted, straightened her skirts, and started along the narrow trail.
    Hawk caught her in two long strides.
    â€œI said you’re riding with me. Your horse will be fine by
tomorrow, but now is not the time for your games, Miss Ashton.” Before she could open her mouth to protest, he scooped her up and deposited her roughly astride his saddle, then swung himself up behind. She tried not to lean against his broad chest, but there was little room between them.
    James followed on his gelding, intent on navigating the tough trail.
    By the end of the first hour the effort not to touch the big man had tired her greatly. She could feel his hard gaze boring into her back, and knew he was enjoying her discomfort.
    â€œTell me, Mr. Langley,” she began, deciding maybe a little conversation would take her mind off the feel of his hard torso, uncomfortably warm and close. “How is it my father trusts you to bring me home?”
    â€œWhy shouldn’t he? Do you think he expects me to tear off your clothes and ravish you somewhere along the trail?”
    Bright heat rushed to her cheeks. How could he say such a thing?
    He seemed to study her reaction, as if measuring her in some way. She kept her back to him, but her hand trembled slightly, and she knew he’d seen it.
    â€œDon’t tell me I’ve shocked you,” he said, turning her face toward him and noting her high color. “I had no idea you were a woman of such delicate sensibilities.” He was having a hell of a time figuring the woman out. He could usually read women like a book, fit them into just the right mold, but not this one. The last thing he