(Trails West, #1) Tears Like Rain by Connie Mason

Author:Connie Mason [Mason, Connie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Zach spat out another curse. "Do you recall what they said?"

Abby stared at him, then nodded her head, her expressive face giving vent to her fear and anger. "Yes, they spoke. They accused me ofthey said I had lain with men, many men. Even

with you." Lightning flashed in the storm clouds gathered in her eyes. "How did they know I had lain with you? Did it give you pleasure to tell them about us?"

Zach paled. "My God, Abby, you don't think that Ithat I would tell anyone what happened between us, do you? I have many faults, but bragging about women I've bedded isn't among them. Just calm down and tell me everything you can remember about those men. How many were there?"

She was still shaking, a natural reaction to the shock of being assaulted, and Zach led her toward the stove in the middle of the room. He sat down in the chair nearby, pulling her into his lap.

"Ththree men," Abby said through chattering teeth. "No names were mentioned, but I know I'd recognize their voices if I heard them again."

"Exactly what did they say?"

"They wanted toto take me behind the livery andand"

"I get the picture," Zach said tightly. He hugged her fiercely, wanting to end her fears and protect her from vicious men and malicious gossip. "It won't happen again, I promise."

"Do not make promises you cannot keep," Abby said bitterly. She regarded him intently. "I want to go home, Zach. I don't belong here."

"You are home, Abby. Aren't you happy with the Porters? Have you been treated unkindly?"

"The Porters are not to blame," Abby contended. Except for Belinda, she thought. "I will never fit into white society."

"You must remain at the fort," Zach said urgently. "I've put off mentioning it to you, but something rotten is afoot. I don't know exactly what it is, but it involves Colonel Chivington and his Colorado volunteers. Until I know for certain what Chivington plans, I want you where you'll be safe. It's what White Feather would want for you."

"Do you think Chivington means harm to my people?" Abby asked sharply. "Black Kettle signed a treaty at the Great Smoke. I have heard of no raids by the People since they settled at Sand Creek."

"I don't know what Chivington's presence at Fort Lyon means, Abby. But I intend to find out soon."

"I must warn White Feather," Abby cried, pushing herself from Zach's lap.

His arms closed around her, preventing her escape. "What can you say? Neither of us knows what Chivington plans. You would only cause trouble and perhaps create problems where none exist if you go to White Feather now. Relax. As soon as you've composed yourself I'll take you home."

Home, Abby thought bitterly. She had no home. No one wanted her. Her people had abandoned her, and white society scorned her. "I do not want to go back to the Porters'." Her voice was taut with emotion.

A nerve jumped in Zach's jaw. "I'm afraid you have no choice. I'm only human, Abby.

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