Read Online Jake, Devils on Horseback, Book 2 by Beth Williamson - Free Book Online

happen.
    Margaret Summers stopped her sweeping to stare at them as they passed. Gabby waved as the tinkle of Allison’s laugh rang out. A widow, Margaret had much to be sad about, but even she wasn’t immune to Allison’s brightness, which had been hidden for so long.
    “Hello, Gabby. It’s good to see you out, Allison.” Margaret almost managed a smile.
    “Hello, Margaret.” Gabby tipped her hat, aware how odd she and Allison looked walking together, since one dressed as a man and the other a young girl.
    As they headed toward Cindy’s, unease crept over Gabby. They were out in the open, with no protection except each other. Allison’s grip tightened on Gabby’s arm. In an instant, the playfulness from five minutes earlier disappeared.
    “Maybe we should come back out later.” Allison’s voice was tense enough to crack ice.
    “Miss Rinaldi.” Jake’s sweet greeting made Gabby’s breath come out in a rush. Was it relief or something else?
    Both women turned to face him. Gabby was glad to see his friends standing a polite distance away, poised to enter Cindy’s. They all nodded to her. Even if they didn’t like her, they still used their manners. Jake on the other hand smiled so widely, Gabby thought she might get lost in the dazzle of it. Her heart beat a slow, lazy rhythm, pushing blood around and making her a bit lightheaded. Dang it, that was not supposed to happen.
    “Good afternoon to you and your friend.” He took off his hat. “My name is Jake Sheridan, miss. I’m pleased to meet you.”
    “Mr. Sheridan, this is my friend, Allison Delmont. She’s the minister’s daughter here in town.”
    Allison looked at the ground beneath her feet, trembling ever so slightly against Gabby. She murmured something to Jake but didn’t look up. Gabby wondered if meeting these four large men would end in disaster as predicted. What she didn’t expect was the scary blond man to come to Allison’s rescue.
    “Ma’am, my name is Zeke Blackwood.” He spoke in a soft tone, as if gentling a wild creature. “My friends and I aren’t going to hurt you. We’re here to help you and everyone in Tanger.”
    Allison finally raised her head and looked into the man’s face. Where Gabby saw a cold, calculating man, her friend must have seen something very different because Allison offered him a small smile. Gabby’s mouth dropped open in honest surprise.
    “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Blackwood.” Allison performed a small curtsey. “My name is Allison Delmont.”
    “Miss Delmont.” Zeke didn’t exactly smile but his face had softened a bit. “My friends and I are about to subject ourselves to Elmer’s worst dinner fare. Would you care to join us?”
    Allison glanced behind Zeke at the other two men. The curly-haired one watched with avid interest while the one-armed man scowled so hard his blond brows formed a big V.
    “Are you sure we’re not imposing?” she asked.
    “Not in the least.” It was Jake who answered. “We would be tickled pink to have both you lovely ladies join us. It’s been quite some time since we dined with proper company.”
    “Yeah, because you sure as hell aren’t proper,” the one-armed one sniped. Gabby remembered his name was Lee.
    “Watch your language, Lee,” their leader scolded. What was his name again? Oh yes, Gideon. “These are gently reared ladies who deserve more respect than that.” He tipped his hat at them. “Excuse my friend, ma’am. He’s been in the company of men for too long. I’m Gideon Blackwood and this is my unruly cousin, Lee.”
    Allison inclined her head regally. “Thank you, Mr. Blackwood.” She looked at Zeke again and Gabby swore she saw stars in her friend’s blue eyes. Was that good or bad?
    “We’d be happy to join you.” Allison held out her arm and Zeke took it as if they were at a fancy dance.
    Jake’s eyebrows shot up and he glanced at Gabby. She shrugged. He grinned and bowed low and long like he was at the