Connie stood by the saloon on the boardwalk as Buck walked over. "How's CerriAnn?"

"She's doing much better. Nathan thinks she'll be able to go back to her room tomorrow."

It had been a day since CarriAnn was hurt and the town was slowly getting back to normal after the grussome event. Before they had to turn around and come home. Vin found the body of the man they had been tracking. Nathan said he died from an animal attack, Vin went looking for the animal but lost its track.

Now Buck smiled and offered his arm. "How about we get a drink."

Connie took his arm. "Why thank you. I would love one."

He lead her into the saloon and sat down at a nearby table. "What would you like?"

"I'll have whatever your having."

Buck nodded and headed to the bar. Everyone jumped as a hawk flew inside and sat on the table beside Connie. Buck shook his head it still amazed him how birds seemed to gather around her. He turned as the bartender cleared his throat.

"Sorry Buck that bird has to go."

Buck nodded and picked up their drinks. "Yeah sure thing." He walked over and sat on the other side of Connie has the bird gave him a look he could have swore meant 'she's mine'. He glanced at the bird before looking over at Connie. "Sorry darlin but they said the bird has to go."

She nodded. "He was just making sure I would be alright."

"He did?" Buck looked at her surprised.

"Um yes its kinda hard to explain." She spoke softly to the bird and it turned and flew back out the door.

Buck shook his head in amazement. "You'll have to tell me one day."

She nodded and picked up her glass, "Maybe I will."

He grinned and sat back. They sat comfortably and enjoyed each other's company.

Kala sat on the porch of the church with Raj watching Josiah as he worked in the church's garden. She grinned as people passed by them and gave her odd looks. Josiah walked over to her taking a break from his work, "People here haven't seen many women accompanied by pet tigers."

"It is alright. I am used to being an oddity."

Josiah grinned, "Well don't know if I'd call you an oddity, intriguing might be a better word for it." He playfully rubbed Raj's ears as the tiger bumped his head against Josiah's leg.

"How is the young woman who was attacked?"

"She's recovering."

"That is good to hear."

Josiah nodded, standing as Chris walked over accompanied by a young woman, "Chris."

"Josiah." Chris raised a brow at the sight of Raj and Kala. Ever since Josiah had brought them into town he still hadn't gotten used to the sight of the tiger on the church porch. "Have I introduced you to Chianna?"

"Briefly." Josiah turned to Chianna, "Chianna, how are you?"

Chianna smiled responding in a soft voice, "Fine thank you."

Josiah nodded, "Chianna, Chris this is Raj and Kala."

Chris tipped his hat to Kala, "Ma'am."

Chianna smiled at her, "Hi."

Kala stood, Raj following her, "Hello."

"He's beautiful."

"Would you like to pet him Chianna?"

"You can call me Chi and will he let me?"

"Of course, he's just a big baby."

Chris looked at Josiah, the two men moving off to the side, "There are some mighty interesting women showing up in town."

Josiah grinned looking back at Kala and Che who were playing with Raj. "That there are, but I don't mind."

Chris chuckled, "Neither do I Josiah. Not one bit." Chris said as the two men moved back to join the women who were entering their hearts and souls as they had their lives.

Chris smiled as he watched the two women talk alittle. Maybe bringing Chi into town was a good idea. He turned to Josiah. "We'll be at the jail if you need me."

Josiah nodded. "okay."

Chris smiled as he gently touched Chi's shoulder. "Chis. We should get moving." He watched her nodded, and back away from the big Cat. Then move to his side. He took her hand in his and lead her over to the jail.

"I wont be long. Then we can head back to the Ranch." Chris smiled

Chris nodded. She looked around the town from the porch of the jail.

Just then two men stopped at the side of the porch. And headed inside.

Chi turned when she sensed the horses. She went over to them. "What's wrong?" She petted the big Mare. The young woman nodded and bent down to look at it's hoof. she didn't hear the two men leave the jail till she felt someone grab her shoulder and throw her backwards.

The bigger of the two men threw her towards the wall.

Chi landed with a thud against the wall. She winced as she head hit the wall.

Chris heard the commotion form inside. And came out just in time to see the bigger of the two men adavnce on the figure sitting against the wall. "I wouldn't if I were you." He growled as he went towards the slumped figure.

As he knelt by the figure. He saw that it was Chi. "What happen?"

The two men watched the man in black. "She's just a half-breed."

Chris held his anger. "Chi?"

The young looked up at him. "Was just looking at the brown horse."

He helped her stand.

The larger of the two men frowned. "So she could have stolen it. We got here before she could."

Chi frowned. She hated it when people treated her like this. "There's a stone in the front hoof." she whispered.

The two cowboys looked at each other confused. With a nod the bigger of the tow knelt by his horse. He looked at the right front hoof. "Well I'll be. She's got a stone stuck here. How did she know?" He stood to face the blonde.

"She just knows her horses. Now get before I run you in." Chris turned to the young woman. "Let's go inside and let me see to your head."

Chi nodded as she watched the two men mount up and ride out of town. She let Chris lead her into the jail.

Chris helped her into the chair and turned up the lamp. He gently moved her hair to see where her head hit. "There's no cut. Your going to have a good bump though." He came around in front of her and sat on the edge of the desk. He smiled as she pushed her hair from her face. "You need to be more careful in town about the horses. You don't know. I don't want you to get hurt."

Chi nodded. "I meant no harm. The horse was hurting." She looked down to hide the tears that threaten to flow. "Sorry. I'll leave not." She stood and slowly headed for the door.

Chris frowned. He reached out and tool hold of her arm "It's Okay. You meant well. It's just white man isn't."

Chi quickly looked up angry. "You all are quick to judge my people. I watched white soliders murder my family for nothing more them bring Indian." The tears finally slipped down her cheeks. "My mother was cooking super. when they shot her in the back."

She quickly ran out of the building and heads out of town.

Chris frowns. "damm it." He stood and left the jail heading to the livery to get his horse. He followed the young woman in the direction she ran off. After searching for several hours he found her sitting under a large tree. He climbed off his horse and sat next to her. "Sorry I didn't mean to bring back bad feelings. I just don't want you to get hurt. Just being around you, as made me feel alive again."

Chi looked at him. "Sorry. I miss them."

Chris nodded. "I am sure you do." He put a arm around her. "I'm willing to listen if you want to talk about them. but first let's go home. I'm hungry" He stood and offered her his hand.

Chi nodded she was getting hungry too. and took his hand. He helped her onto his horse and mounted behind her.

They headed back to the Ranch.

Nervously smoothing out the skirt of her amber satin evening dress, Lilith seated herself on the sofa in the sitting room area of her hotel suite and awaited Ezra's arrival. He had approached her earlier in the day with an invitation to join him for dinner later, and Lilith had happily consented. Since that day at the ranch when he had so delightfully kissed her hand and wrist, the pretty blonde widow found herself wishing he would have done more. If only she had not been so spooked by the sound she made! She'd mentally chastized herself over and over again for it, determined not to do it again should he ever take another sweet liberty like that. She silently hoped he would, for she was beginning to become quite fond of him. Perhaps the shadow of her late husband was finally beginning to dissipate.

She looked up as she heard quiet footsteps approach her doorway, smiling as she recognized them as Ezra's. He was right on time. But as she stood up, Lilith heard another sound as well. It was the sound of someone pushing a small, wheeled table. What on earth was going on, she wondered silently.

A moment or two later, a soft knock sounded on the door. "May I come in, my dear?" Ezra's muted but musical voice came through.

Lilith swiftly crossed the room to the door. She placed her hand on the brass knob and turned it. "Of course you may!" she answered, swinging the door open. "I've been waiting for you...." she stopped as she took in the sight before her. There stood Ezra, magnificently dressed in a formal black tailcoat, trousers, and white ruffled linen shirt, with an expertly tied jade green cravat that matched his eyes. But it wasn't his appearance which caused her to stop speaking. It was the small wheeled table beside him. It held several covered dishes from under which the aroma of a freshly cooked dinner wafted. "G-good evening, Ezra!" she finally managed to say. "When you said you wanted me to join you for dinner, I didn't realize you'd be bringing it with you!" She stood aside to let him pass.

"I thought perhaps you would prefer a more intimate setting." Ezra replied as he took hold of the cart and wheeled it over towards the sofa. He then turned back towards Lilith and drank in the sight of her in her off the shoulder, short-sleeved gown, her pale golden hair gently caught up in two matching amber combs. "But now that I see what a lovely vision you are," he said, a pleased smile coming to his face, "I think perhaps I would prefer the intimacy as well. If I were to take you into public view, our table would be surrounded by other gentlemen, wishing to have a better look at you."

Lilith shut the door and came to where he stood. "And you'd rather have me all to yourself, is that it?" she teased, reaching up to brush an imaginary speck of dust from his coat.

The handsome gambler feigned shock and surprise. "Dear Lord, she has discovered my ruse!" he whispered feverishly, his eyes twinkling with laughter. "Whatever shall I do?" He caught her hand in his as she was lowering it to her side. "Perhaps," he continued, his voice softening, "if I were to distract her in some manner..." he then bent his head forwards until his lips were a bare inch from hers. His free arm curled around her slim waist.

"That might work." Lilith whispered back, trembling with anticipation, her senses reeling at the closeness of his body. "It's been known to...before, so I have heard."

"I...have heard that as well." Ezra murmured silkily, and without another moment's hesitation, molded his firm lips to the sweet, moist pink ones of Lilith's, instantly losing himself in the whirl of sensation. It was as delicious and arousing as he thought it would be, and as he felt her melt against him, he tightened his arm and drew her even closer. His other arm soon joined its partner.

Lilith couldn't help herself. When Ezra's lips touched hers, she lost whatever self-control she may have had. One arm twined itself around his neck, the other about his torso, against the cool linen of his shirt. She felt a moan rise up in her throat as his tongue slid through her lips, demanding entrance to her mouth, but it was not the animal like sound of that other day. It was a sound of pure pleasure, and desire. She willingly opened her lips further, and moaned again as he began to explore the warm contours within. Fleetingly, she wondered if he would try to disrobe her; and again, just as fleetingly, she wished he would try. It would be so nice to be wanted for something other than her card skills!

Finally, what seemed like an eternity later, Ezra ended the kiss, and looked down into Lilith's face. Her eyes were still closed, and her cheeks were as pink and flushed as a rose in summer. How he wanted her; to pick her up, carry her into the other room, and make sweet, passionate love to her until they were both exhausted. Dare he try? Not yet, an inner voice warned, but soon. He slightly loosened his hold. "Was my...distraction successful, my dear?" he asked hoarsely.

Lilith's eyes fluttered open. "Oh-yes!" she gasped, clutching his coat collar. "Very successful! In fact, I...I can't even remember what it was we were discussing before...do you?"

"No, I do not." Ezra answered, his voice still thick with want. "Whatever it was, it must have been somewhat--trivial." He reluctantly tore his gaze away from her to glance over at the table. "Perhaps...we should eat before our meal becomes cool?" He glanced back to her. "And then, afterwards we could...try to remember once more what it was we were...discussing?"

Easing herself out of his arms and trying to steady her breathing, Lilith nodded. "I-I think that's a good idea." she replied. "But I'll be honest with you. I would much rather you try to-distract me again. It was the most wonderful distraction I've ever been prey to!" She began to walk dazedly towards the table.

Ezra watched for a brief moment. "For me also, sweet Lilith." he whispered softly. "For me also." He then followed her path, hoping that he would not have to leave this suite tonight. For, if he had his way, he wouldn't.

Chi walked along the corral as she watched the new horses move restlessly around it.

Chris watched her from the porch as he smoked a cheroot. He was glad she was recovering good. He was beginning to see the true person she was. He hated the face that she had moved into the guest room.

The blonde dropped his cheroot and crushed it under his heel. Then made his way over to her. "Chi." he called out not wanting to scare her before he touched her arm. He waited for her to turn a smile at him. He reached up and brushed some hair from her face. "They okay?" He nodded to the horses behind her.

The young woman nodded. "Yes. Just a little nervous." She reached up and covered his hand that rested on her cheek. She watched as the blonde leaned in close.

Chris gently brushed his lips over hers. He smiled when he felt her return the kiss.

The sound of a horse coming into the yard caused the blonde to pull back. He looked up to see Buck coming towards him with a girl. "Hey whose that with you Buck?" He slipped his arm around the young woman he was falling for fast. A smile crossed his face as he felt her move closer to him.

The ladies man smiled. "This is Connie." He said as he climbed from his horse. Then went to help the young woman from her horse. "I see you making moves there Chris."

Chris grinned. "Oh we won't go there Buck. Chi, this is my brother Buck. Buck this is Chi." He watched the young woman nod.

"Hi. "Chris whispered. As she watched the young woman with the mustached man.

Connie smiled a little "hi."

The two men watched the woman as they started to talk.

Buck watched his older brother. "Your hooked again."

The brooding man frowns. "What?" He watched his brother nod towards the girl. "Maybe not. You better go tell Nettie your gal's here.

"Right." Buck headed inside.

Chris sat on the steps of the porch as he watched the women in the yard. He wasn't going to let Chi be out there alone. As he watched the women he smiled. He couldn't help figure out how it happened but he was glad that one shy young woman had somehow gotten through his walls.

The sound of many horses coming close pulled his attention from the women. He stood to see who it was. Upon seeing the blue uniforms he called out. "Buck get out here." He ran towards the women. "Chi."

The young brunette turned at hearing her name. When she caught sight of the men coming towards the yard. She let her instincts take over. She ran for the blond.

Chris wrapped his arms around her. "I won't let them hurt you. Go on inside I'll get rid of them." He nodded to his brother.

Buck saw his brothers concern. He know what the Army had done to the girls village. "Connie, Chi, come on inside. Chris can handle them."

With a little nudging Buck got to the two frightened women into the house. He stood on the porch watching his brothers back.

The Sergeant climbed form his horse. "We're looking for a runaway Indian girl. She's about 25 and so tall." He raised his hand at the height as he watched the blonde that stood before him.

"Sorry haven't seen her. Why's the army looking for one Indian girl?" The blond keep his eye on the other men. He rested his hand on his gun at seeing them start to look around. "Would be best if your men stayed on on their mounts."

The Sergeant waved his men to stay where they were. "We are trying to locate the girl is all. She's from a village that's been raiding homesteads. We mean no harm to you or your family sir."

"I understand Sergeant. But my girlfriend doesn't care for the Army. Now if we see her we will let you know. So I'm asking you to leave my property." He watched the Sergeant nod. Then mount up and lead his men from the ranch.

After he made sure they were gone. chris headed for the house. As he entered he pulled the trembling girl into his arms. "Shh. Their gone." He stood there holding her till he was sure she was okay. Then leads her to the family room to rest.

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