Biting back the pain, she scooted behind a tree and palmed a splintered stick.
The thunderous drumming came to a stop. The horses labored breath broke through the quiet.
An imposing figure dismounted, muttering a curse. His low rumble of a voice sent chills up her neck.
Her pulse raced.
His boots firmly planted on the ground, Katherine got a good look at him. He was nothing like her attackers. Theyd worn dark suits and sunglasses when theyd ambushed her and Noah. Everything about this man was different.
He wore jeans, a button-down shirt and a black cowboy hat. He had broad shoulders and lean hips. At his full height, he had to be at least six foot two, maybe more.
A man who looked genuine and strong like him couldnt be there for the wrong reasons, could he? Still, who could she trust? Couldnt murderers be magnetic?
What in hell is going on? A shiver raced up her spine as he followed the line of blood that would lead him right to her.
He took a menacing step toward her. Friend or enemy, she was about to come face-to-face with him.
Katherine said a silent protection prayer.
Her equilibrium was off. Her head light. She closed her fingers around the tree trunk tighter. Could she hold on long enough to make her move?
A dimpled chin on a carved-from-granite face leaned toward her. Brown eyes stared at her. She faltered.
Nope. Not a hallucination. This cowboy was real, and she was getting weak. Her vision blurred. She had to act fast.
With a final push, Katherine stepped forward. Her knees buckled and she stumbled.
* * *
INONEQUICKmotion Caleb Snow seized the stick being jabbed at his ribs and pinned the woman to the ground.
She was gorgeous in her lacy white shirt. Her sea-green skirt hiked up her thigh far enough to reveal a peek of her panties. Pale blue. He swallowed hard. Tried not to think about his favorite color caressing her sweet little bottom as he wrestled to keep her from stabbing him. The rest of her was golden skin and long legs. She had just enough curves to make her feel like a real woman, sensual and soft. Whats wrong with you?
The tangle of chestnut hair and limbs didnt speak.
Was she afraid? Of him? Hell no. He took the stick and tossed it. She kicked and punched.
Hold still. Im trying to help.
No.
Youre not.
I will as soon as Im sure you wont try to poke me with that stick.
Hed turned his horse the moment hed heard the screams that sounded half wild banshee, half horror-film victim expecting to help, not be attacked.
Youre hurting me, she yelped.
The tremor in her voice sliced through his frustration. Her admission tore through him. The thought he added to her pain hit him hard. Stop trying to slap me, and Ill get up.
Her lips trembled. She looked at himall big fearful eyes and cherry lipsand his heart squeezed.
Those violet eyes stared up at him, sending a painful recollection splintering through his chest. She had the same look of terror his mother always had right before his fatherd raised a hand to her. Caleb buried the memory before it could take hold.
Listen to me. Im not going to hurt you. Her almond-shaped face, olive skin and soft features stirred an inappropriate sexual reaction. Skin-to-skin contact was a bad idea. He shifted more of his weight onto his bent knee.
Her breaths came out in short gasps. Then let me go. I have to find him before they get away.
As soon as I know youre not gonna do something stupid, I will. Youre not going anywhere until I get this off your leg. You want to tell me what the hells going on? Whos getting away? Her actions were that of a wounded animal, not a crazed murderer. He eased more weight off her, scanning her for other injuries.
She recoiled. Who are you?
Caleb Snow and this is my ranch. He picked up the wire to untangle her. Her pained cry pierced right through him. Sorry about that. He eased the cable down carefully. Didnt mean to hurt you.
Shed seriously tangled her long, silky leg in barbed wire. Shed lost a lot of blood. He couldnt have her going into shock. The more you fight, the worse itll get. Youve done a number on yourself already.
Her eyelids fluttered.
Based on her pallor, she could lose consciousness if she didnt hold still. He stood and muttered a curse.
Her wild eyes looked up at him, pleading. Some men took my nephew. I dont know who. They went that way. She motioned toward the McGrath ranch. Her voice cracked and he could see she was struggling not to cry. Tears fell anyway.
The wire has to come off first. Then well take a look. Dont watch me. Itll only hurt worse. Tell me your name. A stab of guilt pierced him at the pain he was about to cause. The weight of her body had impaled the rusty steel barbs deep into her flesh.
Her head tilted back as she winced. She gasped but didnt scream, her eyes still radiating distrust.
Hold on. I have something that can help. He pulled wire cutters and antibiotic wipes from his saddlebag. He tied a handkerchief below her knee to stem the bleeding.
Promise you wont leave me here?
Now why would I do that? One by one, he pulled the barbs out of her skin, giving her time to breathe in between. Tell me more about the men.