The Rebel Wife Read Free Page A

deadlines, you know, and if I don’t meet ’em, I don’t get paid. Mrs. Porter...” He raised his voice to be sure she heard. “Well, my wife made it clear what she’d do if I left her behind.”
    The soldiers chuckled good-naturedly, heads bobbing in agreement at the unreasonableness of females in general. The lieutenant considered it a moment, then holstered his pistol. He nodded to the meddlesome soldier, who grinning, shot a glance at the tent before moving back to his horse.
    “So, I thank you for checking on us, Lieutenant.”
    “Not very comfortable accommodations for a new bride,” the officer replied. “Even if she insisted.”
    “We’re quite satisfied.”
    “I’m sure the Major can find more adequate accommodations for you. You’re welcome to ride back with us to our field headquarters.”
    “Thank you, but no.”
    “Not very far. I’m certain the lady—”
    “Thank you, sir,” he repeated firmly and gave the man a pointed grin. “We’re content here. With our privacy.”
    “Er...well then, I reckon we’ll be on our way. Be sure to watch out for that fugitive. If she killed our courier, she’ll be armed and dangerous.”
    Yes indeedy, she was armed, and he had a nick on his throat to prove it. “I’ll be sure to do that. Thank you, Lieutenant. Good night.”
    The officer reined his horse toward the woods. The others followed. A few seconds later, all four riders disappeared into the darkness. He rolled down his shoulders. One crisis averted—one to go. He ducked into the tent and found the woman crouched in the back, weapon at the ready.
    “Don’t come any closer.” Moonlight glinted on the steel of her blade. “Or I’ll make your wife a widow.”
    “That’s not a problem. I don’t have a wife.” He lowered himself onto his bedroll in a slow, non-provoking movement. One knife nick was enough. “Okay if I light a candle? I’d like to find my clothes.”
    “Those Yankees gone?”
    “Yes.”
    “You’re sure? Because if they’re waiting out there...”
    “The soldiers are gone, ma’am. Otherwise, I’d be risking both our lives after that tale I just told.”
    She hesitated, then gave a soft grunt of agreement. “Fine. Get your clothes. But no quick moves.”
    His things were stacked in neat, easily accessible piles. It always paid to be prepared. Naked was not the way he wanted to greet visitors, especially half-crazed, knife-wielding women. He pulled on his trousers, then thumbed a match to life and touched it to the candle. Soft light filled the tent and—
    Gripes. Bright hair didn’t begin to describe it. Whatever he’d expected, it wasn’t this untamed, flaming wildness. Below the blazing red halo, pale green eyes met his. She had a pert, defiant nose and luscious pink lips just made for devouring. His gut clenched as though he’d been sucker-punched. This woman was dangerous—in more ways than one.
    “Reckon I should thank you for not turning me in.”
    Her full lower lip bloomed into a slight pout. He wanted to reach out and touch it. “Always happy to help a lady,” he said instead.
    Any man in his right mind would be wary of this lady. Strangely, he wasn’t. She might be desperate, but instinct told him she wasn’t a cold-blooded killer. In spite of her ease with that pig-sticker, her eyes were way too soft. As for her knife...
    “Now that we’ve settled that ugly business with the soldiers, I imagine you’ll want to be on your way.”
    Several seconds passed. She merely looked at him, knife lowered but still steady in her grip.
    What was she waiting for? “You are planning to leave?”
    “Not just yet.”
    “Why the hell not?”
    She started and thrust the blade toward his face.
    “Whoa, lady. Take it easy.” He shoved up his hands in surrender. “I didn’t mean to startle you. Just wondered, since that patrol is gone, if you’d want to be on your way.”
    “And I said I’m not ready to go yet. For all I know, the bluebellies are just off