Love Inspired Historical January 2016 Box Set by Regina Scott

Author:Regina Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781459295292
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

A bullet whizzed past Nate’s ear.

Too close.

Then he saw her—Carly, gun in her hands, her eyes wide with fear.

If only he could whisk her away from danger, but logic kicked in, springing him into action. He launched himself at Stogsdill.

The outlaw tumbled and rolled, scuttling for the weapon Nate had kicked out of his hand and into the weeds.

With his eyes focused on the spot where he’d tossed his own gun, Nate spied the glint of metal. He dove for his revolver and lurched to his feet, aiming it at Stogsdill crouching in front of him, the outlaw’s weapon inches from his outstretched fingers.

Heart pounding, breath coming in spurts, Nate’s hand wobbled. He clenched the gun tighter, sucked in a steadying breath. “One move, Stogsdill, and you’re dead.”

Exactly what the villain deserved.

Kill him, his mind raged. Kill him for murdering your parents. Kill him for murdering Rachel.

Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord.

While Nate warred with his conscience, Stogsdill lurched for his gun, reared to his knees and stretched out his hand. As fast as a blink, he aimed the pistol at Nate’s heart.

As if from a great distance, Nate heard Carly’s “Watch out!” and he squeezed the trigger.

A high-pitched, ear-piercing cry of pain.

Stogsdill writhed on the ground, holding his shooting hand, moaning.

The sound of hoofbeats. Someone was coming.

Could it be a member of Stogsdill’s gang?

“Carly, leave. Now!”

“I’m staying.” Her weapon aimed at Stogsdill, Carly’s eyes never left the outlaw. “You okay?”

In that moment Nate knew he’d loved Carly from that very first day when she’d fainted in his arms. Seeing her now, strong and in charge, a woman not to be trifled with, he’d never loved anyone more.

This petite woman, who had endured both a father and a husband’s tyranny, and the pain Nate had brought her, had saved him. A man who’d thought he was beyond saving.

“Where did you get that gun?” he asked.

“It’s mine. Just because I dislike guns doesn’t mean I can’t use one.”

“You never cease to surprise me,” he said, his own weapon pointed toward those thundering hoof beats. He exhaled a gust as Sheriff Truitt galloped in.

The sheriff swung from his horse, weapon drawn. “Heard the shot. Was afraid I was too late.” Then, as he took in Carly poised for trouble, a grin stole over his face. “Looks like you’ve got things well in hand, Mrs. Richards,” he said, “but, since I’m here, might as well do my job.”

Truitt grabbed up Stogsdill and pulled his hands behind his back to cuff him.

“Watch my hand!”

“You’re lucky that’s the only hole in you, Stogsdill,” Truitt said as the handcuffs closed with a clank. He turned to Carly and smiled. “Maybe you can talk Nate into splitting the reward money.”

“She deserves it all,” Nate said. “I’d be dead if she hadn’t distracted Stogsdill.”

“Sheriff, don’t listen to him. Nate deserves it for nearly sacrificing his life to save my son,” she said, her weapon still aimed at Stogsdill. “Do you know if Henry arrived in town?”

“Can’t say.

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