Read Love's Dream Song for Free Online Page A

they hoisted heavy packs, and the muffled stamp of hooves as the mules struck at the sand to shake off the flies.
    For several seconds Autumn remained, willing the frustration to subside. She longed to lash out at their stubbornness and hatred, but her temper would only serve to prove them right. Their way was to accept the situation in silence. Her patient determination alone would win their respect.
    Just as she was about to leave, Frank Riker strode down from the plateau where they’d set up the tents. “Well, well—Miss High and Mighty. Don’t tell me you’re going to help us unpack the gear.”
    “Looks like you’re doing fine.” Autumn refused to let him goad her. If it had been anyone else, she would offer to help. The ranger didn’t need her assistance; he only wanted the opportunity to harass her.
    Riker strode to where she stood and stopped inches away. Autumn wanted to back up, but doing so would acknowledge his insult by invading her space. Taller than Riker by an inch, she stared unmoving into his eyes.
    Without breaking visual contact, he reached for the turquoise nugget, his knuckles brushing her breasts. The touch made her skin crawl, but she stood her ground.
    “Still kissing up to the clan?” he yanked on the necklace.
    Autumn gripped his wrist and pressed hard on the nerve, forcing his fingers to loosed their hold. When she felt the nugget swing free she tossed his hand away, resisting the urge to dig in her nails. “Mind your own business, Riker.”
    His laugh was more like a grunt as he reached for her face.
    Autumn did back up this time. “Don’t touch me.”
    Frank’s expression turned ugly. “What’s the matter? Think you’re too good for me?”
    Autumn stilled, ready for his verbal attack.
    His lip curled. “Or maybe you prefer some red meat. Does Injun blood turn you on?”
    To her surprise, her uncle stepped forward. Riker backed away as darts of hatred flew from Arlo’s stare.
    “Get back to work, government man.” Arlo’s accent thickened as he spoke. “She is not worth the insults.”
    So much for familial togetherness. Riker’s outspoken prejudice had caused Arlo’s reaction, not any latent feelings of protection.
    “You’re right about that,” Riker sneered. “Who’d want a breed, anyway?”
    Autumn shot a glance at Arlo. He stood immobile. No emotion showed, but Autumn felt it. Like a snake, hatred slithered around them.
    Frank ignored the danger, or maybe he was too dense to take heed. “Can’t figure you out, Ross. You don’t look Injun. Why ask for trouble you don’t need when you can pass for white?”
    “You’re showing your ignorance,” Autumn spoke, each word clipped as she strained to remain in control of her temper.
    “Don’t speak for me.” Arlo glared at Autumn. “You couldn’t begin to understand.”
    “Sure she could, Ross. She’s a breed, like you—or so she claims. In fact, she wants to be an Injun so bad you could probably do her a favor by taking her into the bush and…”
    Her slap snapped Frank’s head around and echoed in the silence. She gripped her fingers and ignored the sting. Slowly, he swiveled to face her. Already, red welts streaked across his cheek. The angry part of her rejoiced at the sight.
    He took a step toward her. “You won’t get away with that, you…”
    “Riker!”
    The shout halted him midstride. His head jerked up. Autumn didn’t turn at the sound of approaching footsteps, but kept Frank in her line of vision. Jess Barron moved in beside her.
    “Don’t you have something else to do besides badger women and…”
    “You’re right, Barron. Scum like them…” He gestured toward Arlo and the others. “…make good slave labor. That is—when they’re sober.”
    The three Navajo men started to come forward. Jess blocked Riker and spoke in the low tones of rapid-fire Navajo. Autumn strained to understand, but could only pick up a few basic words. Too much emotion clouded the discourse.
    When Jess