Read Wanted for Free Online Page B

outrage, of helpless fury … when he should be feeling satisfaction.
    He had no use for con men, for killers, and Braden was both of those. Morgan had never been purposely cruel to a prisoner, but neither had he ever been concerned about one’s comfort.
    But now …
    Damn Braden and his sister.
    Morgan’s voice was harsh when he finally spoke. “Get accustomed to it, Braden. It’s routine.”
    Braden’s eyes flashed his anger, the blandness gone. “You don’t give a damn whether I’m guilty or not, do you?”
    â€œNo,” Morgan said flatly. “That’s not my job.”
    â€œNeither is leaving Texas. You have no jurisdiction here. You’re just as bad as those bounty hunters you mentioned.”
    Morgan shrugged, not acknowledging the thrust that hit its target. “Think what you want.” He went back to his horse and started unsaddling it, ignoring his two prisoners. When he was through, he turned back to them.
    Lorilee had moved over to her brother and was studying his handcuffed wrists in the moonlight. “He’s bleeding,” she accused.
    Morgan unlocked the cuff on Braden’s bloody right wrist. “You can use your bandanna to wrap it,” he said.
    He unsaddled Braden’s horse and gave his prisoner the reins to both the Bradens’ horses. “Water them,” he ordered, knowing that the man wasn’t going anywhere with the leg irons and that he probably could use a few moments for his private needs. He watched as Braden shuffled awkwardly toward the stream; then Morgan turned his attention to Lorilee, who was also watching her brother, dismay and concern making her face even more expressive, more striking. “You can gather some wood for a fire,” he said.
    â€œGo to hell,” she said; and the bite was not in the words themselves, but in the almost broken way she said them. Her eyes were bright, too bright, almost shimmering in the moonlight, and he knew she was holding back tears. The glimpse of her silent pain hurt even more than that kick she’d given him earlier.
    Even killers have family … people who care about them. It doesn’t change what they are, Morgan thought. And he knew he was right. He was a lawman. Lawmen didn’t allow emotions to interfere with duty.
    Hell, he didn’t even have any emotions, he told himself. He was just tired. And it was going to be a sleepless night. His eyes studied her, and he saw her straighten, her back stiffen with pride. Her eyes still glistened, but she made no attempt to wipe them. She simply radiated mutiny.
    â€œIt’s going to be cold,” Morgan said mildly. “I’ll be staying awake, so I don’t care that much, but Nick …” He used the shortened name on purpose, just as he had used hers. It showed his control and authority. He could do anything, say anything, and the Bradens could do nothing about it.
    He watched her swallow hard to keep from retorting, her fingers fisting at her sides. He sensed the content of her internal debate. Was it worth fighting him now when he was alert? Or should she wait? She didn’t want to wait. She would have happily killed him at the moment, and he knew it.
    â€œYou enjoy this, don’t you?” she finally said through clenched teeth.
    â€œNo,” he said softly, surprising himself with the admission. It lost him some of that control, but despite his better judgment, he didn’t want her thinking him an unfeeling monster. “No, I don’t enjoy it, but that doesn’t make any difference.”
    â€œWhat would make a difference?” Her voice had softened. It was an offer, pure and simple, and Morgan felt his gut tighten. She hated him. He could see it in her eyes, yet for her brother’s sake she was offering herself to him. He felt as if a knife had been thrust into him and twisted. He turned away.
    â€œNothing, Miss Lori, and I don’t think your