Our Fugitive Bride (Treasure Falls Brides 1)

“About once a week, we would run short of food. The older children would let the little kids have their portion. Then one day they came in and told us that anyone sixteen years of age needed to leave. So they kicked us out with no money. Only the clothes on our back.”

He’d spent that first night sleeping in a box on the streets. Shivering and cold and so hungry.

The orphanage had been bad, but not having a way to earn a living to take care of himself was even worse. Finally, a man had hired him, given him room and board, and helped him find his way in life. Then the old man died, and once again, he’d been on his own. But this time, he’d had enough money saved so he didn’t starve.

“It took me a while, but finally I learned to live on my own and make it. Then I met Jesse in Savannah, Georgia. He was playing cards,” he said with a laugh. “He was horrible. No poker face to save his life. Afterward, we became friends and soon began to travel the country together.”

There was so much more he could tell her, but they had agreed to keep the past in the past if at all possible.

“What brought you here?”

“Jesse was shot and it almost killed him. As soon as he was healed enough, he wanted to come home. He said it was time to return to his family. So I brought him home, intending to leave. Instead, we purchased the old family mine from a shady man and made it successful. Then we started talking about finding a wife to share and I made the decision that this town, these people, they’re my family. I’m not going anywhere.”

It was partially the truth. The only part he’d left out was how they made their money in card game heists. That was how Jesse was shot. He waited for her to ask how he was injured, but she didn’t and that surprised him.

She ran her hand down his cheek and brought his mouth to hers. She kissed him and it was the sweetest kiss he’d ever received. It was filled with care and worry over him, and that made him feel so special.

When their lips came apart, he stood with her in his arms.

“I’m taking you upstairs. I’ve got to have you now,” he said as he carried her up the steps.

“What about Jesse?” she said breathlessly.

“He’ll come home and find the two of us in bed together,” he said. “Tomorrow he can stay home with you while I go to the mine.”

She giggled and when they reached the bedroom, he let her slide down the front of him, feeling the erection that was hard with want for her.

“Close the door, Mary. I’m going to fuck you hard.”

And he did.