Read Online AwayFromtheSun by Austina Love - Free Book Online Page A

over his longtime nemesis. She watched in heated anticipation as her man straddled their enemy and raised the stick.
    “Back to hell, Draven…this is for Ty,” Trip said low and firm.
    “No, don’t! I—”
    In the next instant he drove the long cactus branch into Pike. His wretched body disintegrated before their eyes. The sound of thundering hooves filled the barn’s interior. Trip grabbed her waist and pulled her out of the way. They watched in awe as the red-coated horse swooped in and carried Pike’s empty soul away to ride wherever those taken by the riders rode. Legend told that souls taken by the Rain Riders suffered the worst imaginable fate for all eternity—never truly free of life or death, but suspended between worlds to feel the regret of their deeds forever.
    Shye couldn’t imagine a more horrid fate. To never be free of either world, yet not be alive or truly dead would be endless torment. She did not feel remorse for their souls. The entire group that had taken up arms with La, of all people, deserved the punishment they’d just received.
    “Did you know that La was behind it all?” She turned to face Trip after the dust had settled and their awestruck state of mind began to subside.
    “Not until tonight. I came into the barn just when La was about to announce what she knew.” He touched her tender face. “I’m sorry I didn’t get there before she belted you. If any of them had made a move to strike you while I was there I’d have stopped them. But I really felt we both needed to hear the truth.”
    “You’re right…we did. I can handle a little pain. She hits harder than she looks,” Shye admitted with a little laugh. “But I’ve been through much worse. I did want to know the truth.”
    He touched his lips ever-so-gently to hers. They felt soft, caring and tender. She loved him with all her heart.
    “Are you hurt anywhere else?” His gaze swept over her while he delicately brushed mussed hair off her face.
    “No, I’m fine.” She gazed into his beautiful eyes while sliding one hand into his hair. “Was that the evidence you were hoping to flush out during our first encounter with Natayla?”
    Trip nodded. “I couldn’t tell you without placing you in danger. I knew there was more behind Ty’s death than Draven. I just felt it in my gut. Natayla’s quick disappearing act, La working for Gage…I wanted to make sure that everyone involved was exposed and punished. And I have you to thank. Had we not met, I may have never found all of his killers.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me that La was Natayla’s sister?”
    An apologetic expression traversed his face. “To protect you. You already knew too much. I was worried about you. Draven was hot on your tail and when the women started honing in I just couldn’t put you at more risk by talking about my suspicions.”
    “You’d make a good cop.” She offered him a forgiving smile.
    “I’d rather ride outside the law, remember?” he teased with a wink.
    “Oh yeah…the bounty hunter who makes his own rules…I love that.”
    They walked hand-in-hand from the barn. Her horse followed, staying close behind. Trip carried his rain stick in his other hand.
    “Got a light?” she asked when they’d stepped outside.
    He stared back with arched brows, but dug into his pocket for a lighter. “I always keep one on hand for campfires.”
    “Do you need it back?”
    “No, you can have it.” He gave her a peculiar smile. “I have others.”
    “Nice lighter,” she muttered while flipping the hinged silver top open. “ Nagi said the land is sanctified. Only one thing left to do…” She tossed the flaming lighter into a stack of hay.
    “Don’t look back,” he said as her eyes filled with tears. “The next time we come here you will see a new house and a new barn built just for you. And on that day…I will make you my wife.”
    Shye sat adorned in an intricately beaded white doeskin dress, astride her majestic white steed.