The first day they ride hard stopping by a creek to make camp after close to fifty miles of riding. Bill shouts orders and everyone moves quickly to set up camp.
“Cole, scout. Frank, you will have the first watch, John relieves you then Bob, Cole and I'll take the last.” Soon a fire is lit, and Aiden has to admire the efficiency.
“Gentlemen, I brought whiskey to celebrate our first night, together,” Aiden announces after the flurry of activity calms down. Murmurs of approval float on the evening breeze and soon the bottle is passed around.
“Cole, quick as ever. Tell us what you have found,” Bill demands when the scout returns and offers him the bottle.
“Rider coming from the east, fast. Headed straight for our camp,” Cole announces and sits with a smile.
“Excellent, he will no doubt be hungry, tired, and in need of refreshment,” Aiden announces and pulls a second bottle from his bag. They all laugh and wait for the evening's entertainment to arrive.
The pony express rider was young and easily killed. Aiden and Bill took him by the river while the others searched his things. Over blood and whiskey, they formed a bond that would last for years. Aiden told Bill of Cassandra's betrayal and enjoyed the young man's twenty-year-old body between them. They forged an oath to reclaim his property and strip the mine of all the gold.
Frank watches from the bushes in disgust as Bill and Aiden do things to the boy that a man should never do to another human being. They slowly take him apart and enjoy every stroke and cut of their knives. Pleasuring themselves in the gory sexual perversity of the acts. When they finish and head back to their camp all that remains is a bloody pile of meat and bone. The unseeing gaze of the young man’s head rests on a stump overlooking the river never to gaze upon this world again.
Digesting all the information for future use, Frank shakes his head at their new employer. This man is a truly one sick fuck of an individual. He knows this job just got a lot more dangerous, and this Aiden character will need watching to make sure that he doesn't destroy them all. They would reclaim this woman and her mine, but that would be the end of Bill's unholy union with Aiden!
Cassie sits quietly and watches Dalton's family laughing, and it is impossible to miss the strong connection. They are quick to touch, hug and laugh. It reminds her of her family, and all she has left behind. She knows her family would be happy that she's found love again. Her husband would have wanted her to go on, but she fears for the danger she is bringing to them.
“Help an old woman to the front porch, won’t you, dear, then you can tell me what’s on your mind.” Dalton’s Grandmother prods and jolts her from her thoughts.
Cassie loops her arm gently and guides her out to the generous sized front porch to sit in the evening shade. She settles an afghan over her legs and steps back, “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be inside near the fireplace?” Cassandra inquires.
“Heavens, no. I want to watch the sunset and sometimes, I just need the quiet.” Her wrinkled eyes sparkle and Cassie laughs softly with her.
“It is a bit much, I haven't been to a house this full in a long time…” Cassie's voice fades, and her smile goes with it. Tears threaten, and Grandma Jenny pats her hand.
“Today has been magical, you have all been so welcoming, but I'm afraid my time for dreaming is over.”
“There now, we are never too old to dream. If we are then, that means we have given up. You are no quitter. My Dalton would not have picked a quitter.”
“Mom is always right. The sooner you learn that, the easier your life here will be,” Dalton's mother, Hannah teases. She steps outside and sits with a sigh. “I imagine we have about fifteen minutes before they start rumbling about desert. Should we make a run for it?” Hanna implores.
“I heard that woman. I want pie! Don't even think about it,” Dane quips from inside the house. Dalton's father is intimidating. He is the picture of a rancher, tan skin, muscles, and his once blonde hair is now silver. He's a watcher, quietly taking in all his surroundings and waiting to have his say. When he speaks, everyone listens and they all respect and adore him.
Laughter floats through the door while the men do the dishes, much to Cassie’s shock. They welcomed her with open arms, teasing, laughing and loving each other, all the while waiting for the questions she knows they must be longing to ask. Her eyes, look for him and he crosses to her and offers his hand, pulling her to her feet.
“Let's take a walk.” Dalton guides her away, and she sighs in relief. As the sky is filled with red and orange streaks, they stroll near the pond. He pulls her roughly into his arms and takes her mouth with a fierce possessiveness that steals her heart.
“What is that for?” she wonders.
“It has been hours since I tasted you!” he growls and pulls her tight against his chest.
She laughs, “Poor baby, what if I told you I was thinking about how quickly I could get you out of your denims all through supper?”
His eyebrows raise, and he throws his head
