He glanced behind him and saw the Harris gang riding hard toward them, sending his heart to pounding and his breath straining. He had a choice. Try to get away from them with Annabelle, or stop and act like he was glad to see the gang he belonged to and he’d been busy searching for the outlaws everywhere. Though he hated the second option, he couldn’t help but think it would serve him better than trying to outrun them and risking either himself or Annabelle being shot. He pulled his horse to a halt and glanced over at Annabelle. “Listen,” he said, his voice stern. “The Harris gang is about a half mile behind us. Follow my lead and don’t do anything stupid. You’re my wife. Do you hear me? Don’t disagree or you’ll be servicing five randy cowboys. Are we clear?” Her blue eyes widened with fear, as she pulled up next to his horse. “You better get me out of this alive, or I will haunt you in hell. Do you understand me?” He reached out and ran his fingertips across the smooth skin of her face.
