Read Online Tempting Prudence: The Bride Train by E.E. Burke - Free Book Online Page A

her, thinking she was trying to poison them.
    “I’m sorry. No food.”
    The Indian’s black brows slashed in a fierce frown that sent a chill down her spine. She had read about Indian attacks where women had been taken captive and degraded.
    Her body quaked, an uncontrollable reaction to terror.
    The dog’s growls grew louder. If she withered beneath her fear, Rebel might attack and things would go badly for both of them. From what she’d read, Indians respected courage. Even if she didn’t have any, she could pretend.
    She patted the dog and then stood, shoulders squared. “All right, I’ll get you food, but I’m giving you no guarantee you’ll like it.”
    Top Hat kept the gun trained on the dog. He lifted his chin, indicating she should go toward the house. What choice did she have?
    As she drew near the cabin, she prayed Arch would see her even though she couldn’t see him. Of course, the annoying man wasn’t in sight when she needed him.
    Rebel stayed close, every so often growling to let the Indians know he was watching them.
    When she reached the door she instructed the three men to wait outside. They didn’t wait. They followed her into the house.
    Now what?
    Rebel slipped inside, remaining close, as if he sensed that she needed him. The dog couldn’t protect her against three armed men, but she felt better with him in the house. If bad went to worse, he would sound an alarm, and maybe Arch would arrive before the Indians murdered them both.
    The bronze-skinned savage with the red silk vest went to the table and lifted the cloth off the bread. He picked up a loaf and held it in the air like a prize. The one wearing the bow tie around his neck started poking around the fireplace. He motioned for her to get the Dutch oven.
    She had no choice. The Indians had made it clear they wanted food and she had better give it to them. After one bite, they wouldn’t be coming back for more.
    Top Hat cradled the rifle, watching as she set the beans on the table with what she’d swear was amusement in his dark eyes. Would they take the food and leave? She prayed that would be the case. If they tasted it before they left, they might decide to take her scalp along as well.
    “Here, let me spoon some in a bowl. You can take it with you…”
    The Indian wearing the bow tie swiped the ladle out of her hand. He dipped into the pot and brought the hot beans to his lips, blew across them, and then took a big bite.
    Prudence held her breath. The beans had to taste atrocious. She’d burned the bottom, undercooked them, and to make sure, stirred in some lye soap.
    The Indian’s face remained set, impassive, except for the moisture welling in his eyes. Without a word, he handed the ladle to the man in the red silk vest.
    He took a bite; his expression also remained flat, save for the flaring of his nostrils. Inexplicably, the second man dipped the spoon into the beans, and then offered it to the third, the older man.
    Top Hap took the ladle. He didn’t spare the other two a glance and began to eat. After the first bite, he stopped. The glimmer of amusement in his black eyes fled, replaced by flat disdain. He picked up a loaf, turned it in his hands and then banged it on the table.
    The younger Indian who held the second loaf watched him with wide eyes, and then set the second brick-hard loaf back where he’d found it.
    A shuffling noise came from the doorway. Rebel whined, but didn’t bark.
    Arch entered the house with a rifle in his hands.
    Prudence sagged with relief. Thank God, he hadn’t stumbled in unawares. Though it had taken him long enough to get here. If she’d hightailed it, he would’ve been on her trail before she reached the end of his property.
    “What’s goin’ on here?” He asked the question in a casual tone, as if inquiring about the weather. His gun wasn’t pointed at the threat. He had it aimed at the floor. Of course, the Indians didn’t appear a bit frightened. They seemed so sure he