Read Online Tough to Kill by Matt Chisholm - Free Book Online

overpowering tenderness toward her. Surprised, he thought:
My God, this must be the real thing
.
    He didn’t press his luck. As soon as her mouth relaxed under his and when her hands tightened behind his neck, he released her grip on him and held her off. She looked at him in a defiant, frightened way, he smiled at her.
    â€œWell,” she said, “does that prove I’m human?”
    â€œIt proves the Markham girls pay their family debts. This’ll prove if you’re human.”
    He put his arms around her and pulled her gently to him. For a brief moment, she resisted him, then as his pressure continued, she at first relaxed against him and then, as his mouth swooped to hers and demanded more of her, her whole body arched to meet his.
    For a while, they both lost all sense of time. When they came apart, they were panting unashamedly. For a moment, she was silent, then she showed anger.
    â€œWell,” she snapped, “are you satisfied? What have I proven now?”
    â€œThat you’re not only human, you’re a wonderful woman.”
    â€œNow you despise me.”
    â€œNow I admire you more than ever.”
    â€œYou think I’m a woman who would let any man kiss her.”
    â€œI think if another man so much as looked at you I’d nail his hide to the barn door.”
    â€œYou think I’m cheap - ”
    McAllister said: “Would you marry me?”
    That stopped her. She gazed at him out of wide eyes.
    â€œYou don’t mean that.”
    â€œWhat’s the matter with you, woman? Don’t you believe any good of yourself?”
    She turned away. In a low voice, she said: “I didn’t mean to start anything like this. You could get yourself killed.”
    â€œYour brother.”
    â€œAnd Foley. He’s wanted me for years. Ever since we were down in Texas, he’s wanted me. He’s a dangerous man. You think because you made a fool of him the other day he doesn’t amount to much. But he could kill you. I know what he’s capable of.”
    He took her by the arms and turned her.
    â€œThis doesn’t have anything to do with Foley or your brother or anybody but you an’ me,” he told her gently. “I’m courtin’ you an’ that’s all that matters.”
    Her eyes were bright when she raised them to his.
    â€œI believe you mean that.”
    â€œBelieve it like you never believed anything before. Just tell me I have a chance.”
    She touched his face gently with her fingertips.
    â€œYou have a chance,” she whispered.
    He kissed resoundingly. He laughed. He felt good. He felt ten years younger, like a green kid and he liked that.
    â€œWhen will I see you again?” he asked.
    â€œIt’s too risky.”
    â€œDo you ride?”
    â€œSometimes.”
    â€œYou know Squaw Canyon?” She nodded. “Meet me there mid-morning three days from now.” She nodded again eagerly. He walked her back to the buggy and helped her in. She leaned down and kissed him, taking his face between two cool hands to do so. He didn’t speak again, but walked to his horse, gathered up the trailing line and stepped into the saddle. Lifting a hand in farewell, he rode past her. She watched him go, smiling to herself, scared at what she had done, but knowing that she had never felt happier in her life. She watched him out of sight over the brow of the rise, then gathered up her own lines and drove on into town.

6
    McShannon, his face ruddy in the firelight, asked: “Do you have a plan?”
    McAllister said: “Sure.”
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œWin that race and play hell with Markham. He pays for our house and he goes on payin’ till he cries quits.”
    Jack Owen said: “I don’t call that a plan. It’s a dream.”
    â€œThat’s all you’ll get out of me. Kiowa, get your horse saddled and let’s get outa here.”
    Jack said: “Ain’t I