Desperation had the muscles in her face rigid as she stood in front of him, moving closer. A red heat climbed up her neck.
“I can’t let you lie.” He smiled. “Besides, you’re no good at it. And the evidence will clear us.”
Defiance shot from her glare. Her stubborn streak reared its head again. “You don’t get to decide.”
Her gaze was fiery hot. Her body vibrated with intensity as she stalked toward him.
He readied himself for the argument that was sure to come, but she pressed a kiss to his lips instead, shocking the hell out of him.
“There’s been enough fighting for one day. I need something else from you.”
He locked onto her gaze. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“No. Not at all. But I need to do it anyway.”
Rancher Rescue
Barb Han
BARB HAN lives in North Texas with her very own hero-worthy husband, has three beautiful children, a spunky golden retriever/standard poodle mix and too many books in her to-read pile. In her downtime, she plays video games and spends much of her time on or around a basketball court. She’s passionate about travel, and many of the places she visits end up in her books.
She loves interacting with readers and is grateful for their support. You can reach her at www.barbhan.com.
The chance to work with the incredibly talented Allison Lyons is a thrill beyond measure. Thank you for sharing your editing brilliance and giving me the chance to learn from you.
To my agent, Jill Marsal, for all your guidance, encouragement, and patience.
To Jerrie Alexander, my brave friend and critique partner.
To Brandon, who is strength personified; Jacob, who is the most courageous person I know; and Tori, who is brilliant and funny, I love you. This one is for you, Babe.
Contents
Chapter One
Katherine Harper pushed up on all fours and spit dirt. “Don’t take him. I’ll do whatever you say.”
The tangle of barbed wire squeezed around her calf. Pain seared her leg.
“She got herself caught.” The man glared down at her. He glanced toward the thicket, sized up the situation and turned to his partner. “She’s not going anywhere.”
The first man whirled around. His lip curled. Hate filled his eyes. “Leave her. We have the boy.”
“Kane won’t like it. He wants them both.”
“No. Please. My nephew has nothing to do with any of this.” She kicked. Burning, throbbing flames scorched her ankle to her thigh. “I’ll give you whatever you want. I’ll find the file.”
“We know you will. Involve the police and he’s dead,” the second man warned. “We’ll be in touch.”
Noah screamed for her. She heard the terror in his voice. A wave of hopelessness crashed through her as she struggled against the barbs, watching the men disappear into the woods with her nephew. Oh. God. No.
“He’s sick. He needs medicine,” she screamed through burning lungs.
They disappeared without looking back.
Shards of pain shot up her leg. Fear seized her. The thick trees closed in on her. Noah had been kidnapped, and she was trapped and helpless.
“Please. Somebody.”
The thunder of hooves roared from somewhere in the distance. She sucked in a quick breath and scanned the area. Were more men out there?
Everything had happened so fast. How long had they been dragging her? How far into the woods was she?
All visual reminders of the pumpkin patch were long gone. No open fields or bales of hay. No bursts of orange dotting the landscape. No smells of animal fur and warmth. There was nothing familiar in her surroundings now.
Judging from the amount of blood and the relentless razor-sharp barbs digging into her flesh, she would bleed to death.
No. She wouldn’t die. Noah needed her to stay alive. Noah.
Anger boiled inside her, heating her skin to flames. Katherine had to save him. He had no one else. He was probably terrified, which could bring on an asthma attack. Without his inhaler or medication, the episode could be fatal.
Forcing herself to her feet, she balanced on her good side and hopped. Her foot was slick with blood. Her shoe squished. Her knees buckled. The cold, hard ground punished her shoulder on impact.
She scrambled on all fours and tried to crawl. The barbed wire tightened like a coil. The ache in her leg was nothing compared to the agony in her heart.
Exertion wasn’t good. Could she unwrap the mangled wire? Could she free herself? Could she catch up?
Panic pounded her chest. Her heartbeat echoed in her ears.
The hooves came closer. Had the men sent company? Had her screaming backfired, pinpointing her location?
Autumn foliage blanketed the ground, making it difficult to see if there was anything useful to use against another attacker. She could hide. But where?
The sounds of hooves pounding the unforgiving earth slowed. Near. She swallowed a sob. He could do whatever he wanted to her while she was