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haven't known you long enough to know one way or the other."
    Finn's jaw clamped down tightly and I worried for his teeth. "You can't judge my character based on the past few hours together?"
    "You did kidnap her," the lawman added.
    Finn turned his hard stare toward his friend.
    "I kept her from Meecham. I protected her. I was a gentleman. I did not ravage her."
    "It looked like you were on the way there when I came upon you," Mr. Stevens countered drily.
    Finn sighed. "You are not helping."
    "You're an outlaw," I said.
    Mr. Stevens grinned at my words. "Ma'am, I have known Finn Masters my entire life. He is not an outlaw. While he led me into a scrape or two when we were wet-behind-the-ears boys, you will not find a better husband. Except perhaps me."
    Finn might not be a true outlaw, but I was still a murderer. Did I deserve a man who received such a glowing review?
    "She's mine," Finn replied in a very possessive tone, pulling me into his side.
    Mr. Stevens held his hands up. "Fine, fine."
    "But--" I wanted to dissuade him, for if he were as nice as his friend said, was I the best wife for him?
    "You have been compromised, Caroline. My mouth was on your breast. You are wearing just your shift. Your skin is flushed, your nipples tight little buds. Stevens can see for himself I've taken your virtue."
    "You haven't!" I countered.
    "I said your virtue, not your virginity. I’ve not taken that, at least not yet. I told you your maidenhead was safe until you were married."
    I opened and closed my mouth like a fish, trying to think of some retort, but I had none. I'd never felt less virtuous than I did at this moment.
    "He is correct, Miss Turner. I can't rightly let Finn get away with his actions. He must be held accountable and marry you."
    "Now, Stevens," Finn commanded.
    "Would you like your bride to wear a dress, or perhaps a shirt for yourself?"
    "Just like this. Now," he repeated. Finn's green eyes flashed, not with anger, but in triumph. He'd well and truly captured me. Pulling me from behind his back, he wrapped an arm over my shoulder to hold me securely against his side. "Shall we begin?"
     
     

CHAPTER FIVE
    FINN
     
    If Stevens had remained with us five more minutes, I would have shot him. Caroline and I had said our vows, perhaps with not as much surety on her part, but it was done. Stevens' part was done. We were well and truly married. Meecham wouldn't be able to touch her. No one would be able to hurt her again.
    What remained was the claiming. Consummation wasn't much of an issue as Stevens had seen Caroline in a very compromising position. Not only was her virtue at stake, but my honor as well. Therefore, our marriage would hold without consummation. But to me, it was the most important part. In the eyes of the law we were wed, but I needed to make her mine.
    I didn't even offer Caroline a chance to say goodbye before tossing her over my shoulder and walking briskly toward the shack. This time she didn't struggle. My farewell to my friend was a vague wave. I had no doubt the man understood my interest in haste and most likely would remind me of it for years to come, or at least until he married and we were even.
    With the sun tipping close to the horizon and the stove cool now, I kicked the door shut behind us; I didn't need wild animals joining us in the middle of the night. I dropped Caroline onto the bed. Her eyes widening in surprise as she bounced on the mattress. Her hair was a wild tangle about her head, the hem of the shift riding high on her thighs to show her drawers.
    I was quite pleased with myself. There was no dress to impede my progress now. I was halfway there as well in just my pants. It was the only wedding I was aware of where the bride and groom were barely dressed. "Sit up, baby."
    As if she knew how much of a temptress she looked as she did so, she slowly pushed up on her elbows, then upright.
    I tilted my chin in her direction. "Take off your shift." When she just looked up at me, her