Shameless

By Rosanne Bittner

The heart knows no law in this sweeping historical western romance from the bestselling author of Comanche Sunset.
 
After the brutal murder of their parents at the hands of American soldiers, Nina Juarez and her brother Emilio have learned to survive by any means necessary. Skilled with horses and not much else, the two make their name as outlaw wranglers.
 
But Nina, weighed down with the guilt of their crimes and yearning to settle down, wants out of the business. After their next target, Nina’s headed for California or bust.
 
When plans go awry, Nina finds herself at the mercy of an army officer on his last mission. She owed these gringos nothing, but now she owes the handsome Lt. Clay Youngblood her life.
 
Clay, enchanted by his encounter with this Mexican beauty, does the unthinkable for a lawman—he lets her go free. Now Nina is caught between the law, her brother, and the only man capable of taming her heart.
 
“A unique and wonderful story.” —Janelle Taylor, New York Times–bestselling author of the Gray Eagle series

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Apr 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781682303405

Rosanne Bittner

Rosanne Bittner has penned fifty-nine novels since 1983, stories about America’s 1800s Old West and Native Americans. She has won numerous writing awards, including the coveted Willa Award from Women Writing the West for Where Heaven Begins.  Her works have been published in Russia, Taiwan, Norway, Germany, Italy, and France. Bittner is a member of Women Writing the West, Western Writers of America, the Nebraska, Oklahoma, and North Berrien (Michigan) Historical Societies, Romance Writers of America, Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America, and a Board member of the Coloma Lioness Club, a local charitable organization.

Book preview

Chapter One

Spring, 1856

Eighteen-year-old Nina Juarez always felt daring and victorious when she rode into Texas from her motherland of Mexico. As far as she was concerned, she was not leaving Mexico at all when she came here, for, she reasoned, this land should still belong to her people, not the land-hungry, murdering Americans who had stolen it from them. She was not ashamed of what she and her brother Emilio, did now for survival. It was a fitting revenge against the greedy gringos. They had stolen from her people; now she and Emilio stole back from them: horses, and the best they could find when on their raids of white settlements and ranches.

"Ándale! she urged a straggling mare ahead of her. She gave the beautiful horse a light tap on the rump with a piece of twisted rope. Keep moving, pretty lady." Nina smiled with pride. When she and her brother first got into horse trading, they had gone after only the wild mustangs, but soon Emilio, who was four years older, decided it would be more effective to take those horses already corralled and tamed. They were easier to find, especially now that Texas was becoming so settled, with so many people chasing the wild herds into more remote country where the Comanche and a few Apache still posed a serious threat.

Emilio had found a dependable buyer who had connections all over the West, a man Emilio and Nina knew only as Hernandez. The man took any horses they brought him, and asked no questions. All she and Emilio had to do was capture and take off with them without being caught. Hernandez paid them well and in turn sold the horses to willing buyers, whose names he never disclosed. There were times when Nina wondered if what they were doing was right with God, but Emilio had convinced her it was.

We are only taking from people who stole from us, people who killed our mother and father, he always reminded her. There is nothing wrong in what we do. The Americans took everything from us and left us poor orphans. We do what we must do to survive. As long as it is only gringos who suffer a loss, then we have done nothing wrong. Emilio always seemed to make sense, and brother and sister shared an equal hatred for the gringos.

Nina would never forget the day Texans had come and raided her parents’ ranch, men who claimed to be soldiers, but whose uniforms were ragged and mismatched. They had shot down her father, raped her mother in front of her before killing her. They had trampled and burned her father’s crops, burned the outbuildings, stolen all the livestock. They had left her and Emilio nothing but memories of the horror of that day. She had only been nine then, Emilio thirteen. They had buried their parents and had survived by their wits ever since.

Emilio’s heart still burned with a need for vengeance, and he was satisfying that need by stealing gringo horses. Both of them had become adept at their trade, and Nina enjoyed hearing Emilio laugh with victory whenever they got away with another raid. He was so full of hurt and hate that it was soothing to see him find some form of happiness, even if it came from what others would consider lawlessness.

Nina knew that Emilio felt a keen sense of responsibility to take care of her. Every time he sold more horses to Hernandez, he would buy her something special, always seeming to be trying to make her happy and erase the horror of the day the Texans came.

She watched Emilio as he rode toward her. She was proud of his dashing good looks. He was full of fire and passion, his blood running hot tonight with the excitement of their latest theft. We should reach Hernandez by morning, he told her. Then we can rest. Are you all right?

"I can stay in the saddle just as long as you, mi hermano."

Emilio laughed. Sí. I should not have asked. Just be careful. You know it is dangerous riding in the dark, but the moon is our friend tonight, no? We will be many miles away by the time that rancher finds his horses missing. We were so quiet, I think those gringos slept soundly right through the whole thing! If they manage to track us, they will follow us only to where we meet Hernandez and then we will be on our way, with money in our pockets—money the gringos helped us earn! We should thank them. He laughed again before leaving her to circle behind a few gently running mares.

Nina smiled, trying to ignore the sadness that hit her at unexpected moments. She loved her brother, and usually she had no regrets about what they were doing, but lately a little voice had been speaking to her, nudging her, making her think about things that never used to concern her. Most of the time she wanted to be here with Emilio, enjoyed the adventure and danger, but another part of her wanted to be sitting in front of a hearth nursing a baby. She was not sure when such thoughts began invading her mind. It was as though there was another side to her, a woman lurking somewhere inside her, a woman trying to climb her way to freedom.

For nine years now she had thought of nothing but survival, had always turned to Emilio for everything she needed. Her brother jealously guarded her, fully aware of the nightmares that plagued her after being forced to watch her mother’s brutal attack. The thought of allowing a man to get too close frightened her, and she had never taken a romantic interest in any of the young men who befriended Emilio, even though she did have these longings for a home and babies. There was only one way to make babies, and she was not ready for that. She knew her brother’s friends thought her beautiful. Emilio had told her often how they felt, told her of some who wanted to court her, but Nina was not interested.

For now, life was just fine the way it was. Again she put away unpleasant thoughts, concentrating on herding the horses ahead of her. They should reach Hernandez’s ranch by tomorrow morning. They would get good money for these fine animals. Maybe she could finally buy the new pair of riding boots she needed so badly.

First Lieutenant Clay Youngblood walked into Major Keller’s office. He stood at attention while the major finished some paperwork. When he looked up, Clay saluted. Keller gave a reply salute. At ease, Lieutenant, he said, thinking how Youngblood’s tall, broad frame seemed to fill the room. Have a chair.

Youngblood sat down, curious as to why he had been summoned. He had been in the Army long enough to know that being singled out usually meant special duty, and often something unpleasant. He was aware there had been more Indian trouble lately, along with a rash of horse stealing in the outlying areas.

You’ve been in the Army seven years now, Lieutenant, Keller spoke up. Just a little under a year left. Are you going to continue with us at the end of this term of service?

Clay studied the balding man’s gray eyes before answering. Not this time, sir, he said in a firm, deep voice. He shifted in his chair, wondering why the major had asked. I joined up for personal reasons. My wife had died. I needed the discipline and rigid duty to keep my mind occupied…too busy to think about things better forgotten. At any rate, I’ve learned that life goes on. I’m thirty years old, and if I’m going to have a normal life, with a wife and children and a place of my own, I’d better get started. I thought I’d maybe head for California, start a new life.

California? The major’s eyebrows arched. You tired of Texas? The man watched Clay smile, a broad grin framed by full lips and a square jawline.

Not especially, Clay answered. But I’ve heard California is beautiful. Good weather, lots of good land for farming or ranching. I just thought it would be best to start over someplace completely new.

Keller sighed. You’re a good man, Youngblood. I hate to lose you, but I respect your decision. At any rate, I have an assignment for you that will take you away from Camp Verde. You’ll go to the Gulf Coast for a while, which should be pleasant enough, and after that you’ll be heading for California, so you’ll get to see it for yourself. That should help you decide whether or not you want to stay there. Either way, a handsome young man like yourself ought to appreciate such an assignment—going to the Gulf and making a journey to California—lots of pretty little señoritas out there.

Clay laughed, a little embarrassed. His deep-blue eyes sparkled with humor, and he removed his hat, running a hand through sandy hair that showed streaks of blond from exposure to the Texas sun. His face sported a ruddy tan. Why do I have the feeling you’re buttering me up, sir? When we’re given an assignment, we aren’t usually tempted with the prospect of finding women, and I’ve never heard of any Army assignment that left us time for philandering.

Keller grinned, leaning forward, his elbows on his desk. Well, you’re right, Lieutenant. This could be the adventure of your life—or it could be a disaster, and it has nothing to do with women. I wasn’t all for it myself in the beginning, but, like you, I just take orders from someone higher up.

Clay toyed with his hat. "And what are my orders, sir?"

Keller rose. He was a short, round man, but brick solid. Lieutenant, normally I would just call you in here and have you stand at attention while I bark out my orders. I am being a little more lenient here. He walked to a window and looked out a moment, then turned to face Clay. I decided this project warranted some preparation and discussion. I couldn’t choose just any man for this since it’s such an unusual project.

Clay watched his eyes. Dangerous?

The major looked almost ready to laugh. That depends. Not dangerous in the way it might be going out after the Comanche or horse thieves. Fact is, I’m doing you a favor. Since you have just a year left, why should I send you into dangerous Comanche country? You’ve risked your life time and again fighting Indians. No, this assignment isn’t dangerous, except that a man might get kicked or bitten. Keller rubbed at his lips as though he didn’t quite know how to say what he had to say. What do you know about camels, Lieutenant?

Clay blinked, hardly believing the question. "Camels?"

Camels.

Was this a joke? Well…next to nothing, sir. I’ve seen pictures of them. I’ve never been to a circus to see one live.

The major seemed embarrassed. He scratched his head nervously as he headed back to his desk. Well, you’re going to learn a lot about them, Lieutenant, firsthand.

Sir?

The major folded his arms. Lieutenant, a few months ago Congress allocated several thousand dollars to purchase some camels from a country called Alexandria, to be used in an Army experiment.

"Camels?"

Camels.

Clay shook his head. I don’t understand, sir. I mean, since I know nothing about the beasts, how am I going to be involved in this?

The major leaned over his desk again, bracing himself with his hands. "I’m sending a platoon to the Gulf to meet the ship that’s bringing the camels. It’s a specially modified storeship called the Supply, and it will land at Indianola, a port near Galveston, with thirty or so camels aboard. I want you to be in charge of the platoon, and I want you to bring the camels back here to Camp Verde."

"Me? But I just told you, I don’t know anything about camels."

You don’t have to. There are supposed to be some Arabs along to help. Your job is just to keep things organized. I’m not sure how easy that’s going to be, but if anyone can do it, you can.

Clay frowned in exasperation. Camels? He didn’t know whether to be glad or angry. It seemed like a ridiculous assignment. He could end up looking like a fool. "Sir, I appreciate being spared from danger, but…camels?"

Major Keller moved to sit back down in his chair. You’re thinking this is some kind of insult.

No, sir. It’s just—

Lieutenant, this is a very important assignment. I assure you, Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, is behind it. Another major, a Major Wayne, has been working to bring it about—went to Alexandria himself to learn about camels and buy the best ones he could find so that we could experiment with them here in the American desert. He’ll be coming out here to help with the entire project. It may prove interesting, Lieutenant. Did you know that camels can go many days without water, sometimes weeks or even months if the temperatures remain cool?

I’ve heard they can go a long time, but I didn’t know it was that long. They store water in their humps, something like that.

That’s what most people think, but experts say that isn’t true. The theory is that they have an incredible cooling system. They don’t sweat at the temperatures men or even horses do, and they can lose an incredible amount of their body weight in water without any effect on their blood or strength. They can carry three to four times the weight of a horse or a mule—up to twelve hundred pounds, I’m told. If the beast grows and prospers here in America, its hide and wool could even be used by our Indians, the way they serve the desert tribes in Far Eastern countries. With the rapid demise of the buffalo, perhaps the camel can replace them. And camels don’t even have to be shod.

The man sat back in his chair, watching Clay. I want this to be successful, Lieutenant, he continued. It’s an important project.

Clay rubbed at the back of his neck. Well, sir, from what you’ve told me, I can see why the Army would want to at least give it a try. He sighed. "Do they expect men to ride these things? I can’t quite picture fighting Indians from the back of a camel, or trying to chase their swift ponies with those big, clumsy creatures."

They might not be as clumsy as they look, and I’m told they remain very calm under battle or stress; but I don’t think they would be used that way. The main purpose at this time is to use them for hauling supplies. Whenever we have to send a battalion or a regiment out on a long-distance assignment, we won’t need as many horses and mules, because the camels can carry so much weight. There will be less worry about water, and camels can eat just about any vegetation they find. We would save a lot of money on livestock, and camels are less likely to be stolen by Indians when we’re out in wild country.

What Indian would want them? Clay thought as he listened.

Once you get the camels back here, the plan is to load the beasts with as much as they can carry and make a journey to California, the major continued. See how they take it, if they survive—just get some idea if this whole thing can work. I would put you in charge of the expedition to California. What do you think?

Clay grinned, letting out a little snicker as he pulled on his neatly trimmed mustache. "I don’t think it matters what I think. If I’m being ordered to do it, then I’ll just do it. It beats having a Comanche sink a tomahawk between my shoulder blades."

The major smiled. That’s the way I look at it. You’re a good man, Lieutenant Youngblood. I’m sure you can handle this. The major rose, and Clay followed suit.

Well, I’ll do my best, sir, but I need to know more about these camels to do the job right.

The major picked up a book from his desk and handed it to Clay. Study this. It was sent to me from Washington. Tells you more about the beasts. Learn what you can from it, and pick out whatever men you think are best to take along with you to the Gulf. Report back to me tomorrow morning, and we’ll go over the details of your trip. Once you get back here with the camels, we’ll prepare for the trek to California.

The man saluted and Clay went to attention, also saluting. Yes, sir, he answered. I’ll read it tonight and I’ll do my best, sir.

I know you will. That’s why I picked you. Good afternoon, Lieutenant.

Clay lowered his hand and nodded, turning and leaving the room. As soon as he was outside, he rolled his eyes, leaning against the wall of the building and looking down at the book in his hand. "Camels! He was almost embarrassed to tell his men about this. He could already hear them laughing. What a hell of a way to end a career," he muttered.

Dawn was breaking as Emilio and Nina herded the horses into the green valley where Hernandez ran a vast, well-guarded ranch south of San Antonio. Some of his neighbors suspected the man was not totally legitimate, but it was almost impossible to penetrate his privacy. Hernandez was the son of a white man and a Mexican woman; his rights to the ranch were completely legal because his father had been an American. He had learned from his father how to trade in stolen horses, and he did his job well. The ranch was well guarded, and neighbors had long ago learned to stay out of the owner’s way.

Emilio waved a red bandana to one of Hernandez’s guards, signaling that he was a friend come to do business. The guard recognized Emilio, not so much by his appearance but by the young woman who rode with him. A man didn’t forget a body like that, or the sight of her long hair flowing in the wind. It was Nina Juarez, and there were few men who did not fantasize about getting that one in their bed. He watched her ride past, provocatively straddling her black gelding, sitting a horse as good as any man, a six-gun on her hip and a rifle in its boot on her saddle.

Nina and Emilio approached the house. Hernandez, not a man to sleep late, was already up. He came out onto the porch to greet them, grinning broadly. His even, white teeth stood out against the dark skin of his round, puffy face, and his black eyes showed their pleasure at the sight of the horses. They showed even more pleasure when his gaze turned to Nina. He had been hoping the two of them would show up soon, for he never tired of the sight of Nina’s youthful, virginal beauty.

Emilio! he called out, stepping down to shake the young man’s hand after he dismounted. I was wondering when I would see you and your beautiful sister again.

Emilio took his hand while Nina trotted her horse around the Appaloosas to keep them bunched together. Are they not the finest you have seen? Emilio asked Hernandez. They should bring good money, amigo.

That they will, Hernandez answered. He motioned for one of his men to open a gate. Get them into that corral, he told Nina. Sid, you help her, he called to another man.

Nina and Sid herded the horses through the gate, and Hernandez and Emilio followed, Hernandez keeping his eyes on the way Nina’s bottom swayed in the saddle. He climbed on the fence to watch the horses then, huffing and puffing as he did so. The short man enjoyed his food, and it showed in his heavyset body. Ah, they are fine animals, he told Emilio, wiping the sweat that had beaded on his brow from the effort of climbing up only three rungs on the fence.

I knew you would be pleased, Emilio told him.

Nina rode up to the fence and dismounted, tying her horse to the fence and climbing up beside Hernandez. If they were not stolen I would keep one for myself, she told the man.

Hernandez eyed her appreciatively, thinking how he would like to keep Nina Juarez for himself. "Sí, I can understand, he told her. He turned to look at Emilio then. Both of you, come inside. I will have my cook make you some breakfast; then you can rest here for a day before you leave us. I have plenty of room. You must be very hungry and tired."

Thank you, Hernandez, Emilio answered. You are very generous. He climbed down from the fence, and Hernandez ordered one of his men to take care of their horses.

Thank you so much, Nina told the man.

Hernandez bowed to her. Anything for you, señorita. His fat cheeks puffed out when he grinned, and Nina felt an odd warning when his eyes moved over her. She had never felt uncomfortable around Hernandez, wasn’t even sure if Hernandez was his first or last name. It was all he was ever called. He was no better than an outlaw, but then, she reasoned, wasn’t that what she and Emilio had become?

Hernandez led them to the front door of his sprawling stucco ranch home, stepping back to let Emilio and Nina go inside first. He walked behind Nina, studying her slender waist, the long, blue-black hair, the movement of her hips beneath her suede riding pants. This was the fifth time he had seen her, and each time he wanted her more. He knew she was at least eighteen, plenty old enough for a young girl to become a woman. He had much to offer a woman. Perhaps…

He showed them a room where they could wash. Nina took her wide-brimmed hat from where it hung around her neck and set it aside, then removed her bolero jacket. Hernandez breathed deeply at the way her full bosom filled out her red shirt. As she washed her hands, he noticed they looked amazingly delicate for a young woman who was always around horses and lived half the time under the sun and stars.

He led the two of them into the kitchen then, where an old Mexican woman had cooked a grand breakfast. Did you have any trouble? he asked Emilio as they all sat down at the table.

Emilio drank some coffee and leaned back in his chair. Not this time. Those gringos must have been very surprised when they woke up yesterday morning to find their horses gone. They slept through the whole thing. He grinned. It was so easy. But we ran them hard, Hernandez. They need a good rest, as do Nina and I. We hardly stopped for the last two days.

I understand. I will pay you well, Emilio, twenty dollars a head for all eight horses. That is a hundred and sixty American dollars. Such money goes a long way.

Emilio nodded, wondering how much profit the man would make on the palominos when he resold them. He had thought often lately about eliminating the middleman and selling his stolen horses himself. Surely there would be more money in that, although it was much more dangerous. He was not about to tell Hernandez his thoughts, worried the man would be upset that he was considering going around him. He knew Hernandez was the type who could be a man’s best friend or his worst enemy.

That is fine, he answered. When we are finished eating, we will get some sleep and then take our money and leave. We will probably be back in a few weeks.

You are always welcome. You do a good job, Emilio. Hernandez’s eyes moved to Nina. And he could not do it without you, eh, Nina?

Nina smiled. I am just as good as my brother at stealing and herding horses, she answered proudly.

The old Mexican cook set plates with generous helpings of steak, potatoes, and eggs in front of Nina and Emilio.

I have no doubts about that, Hernandez told Nina with a grin. Eat up, my children. When you are finished, I will show you where you can sleep. Nina, in your room there is even a separate little room where you can bathe. I will have Rosa bring you some hot water.

"Gracias, Señor Hernandez. I would very much like to take a bath."

Your wish is my command. Hernandez chuckled deep in his throat.

Nina and Emilio ate as though they were half starved; then Hernandez led them to separate bedrooms, showing Nina a tin bathing tub. Rosa will be here soon with the water, he told her. His eyes moved over her strangely again, and again Nina felt a light shiver, but she dismissed the warning. Hernandez had always been good to them, almost fatherly. He smiled kindly and left, and moments later the woman called Rosa showed up with two buckets of hot water.

After two more trips, the tub was filled, the steam it generated putting the smell of scented soap into the air. Nina closed the curtain, thinking how good a bath would feel. She undressed and stepped into the warm water, breathing deeply from the ecstasy of sinking into the perfumed suds. She lathered herself slowly with the same expensive soap Rosa had used to make the suds, then leaned back and closed her eyes to soak for a while. She drifted off to sleep unaware someone had entered the outer room and walked quietly on bare feet to the curtain to peek through one end of it and watch her. Nina’s head lolled forward and touched the water. The movement awakened her, and she decided she had better finish washing and get into bed. She dunked her head, soaping her hair, as Hernandez, unseen, watched her from the other side of the curtain.

It was all Hernandez could do to keep from groaning as he watched the beautiful Nina lather her body, her breasts, and private places. He drank in the sight of her dark, slender body as she rose from the tub. He studied the firm roundness of her bottom when she turned to step out. The sight made him grin and lick at his lips, every desire in him alive with ecstasy.

Nina wrapped her hair in a towel and dried herself off, then rubbed at her hair, tossing her head and running her fingers through it before picking up a brush to get out the tangles. Hernandez moved a hand to grasp himself, on fire at the sight of her full breasts and the soft hairs between her legs. Yes, this was the wife for him! This was the woman he wanted! He would wait, though, wait until she had gone to bed. He would wait until she was sleepy and confused. Before she had time to think, he would be in her bed, touching her in ways that would ensure she would not want to refuse him. And when they were through, she would belong to him and would have agreed to marry him, but that was really no problem. After all, he reasoned, what woman would not want to marry such a rich man?

He quietly left the room before Nina might draw the curtains away. His mind reeled with the memory of the sight of her, and he hurried to his own room to wash and shave. This time he was determined that Nina Juarez had come to his home to stay. He could not bear to let her leave again. Nor could he bear to wait to enjoy her virgin body. He was a rich, successful man. No woman had ever refused him. Surely Nina Juarez would be just as willing as the others, especially when she realized that he wished to make her his wife.

Chapter Two

Nina crawled into the soft bed, delighted that Hernandez had given her the chance to rest in such luxury. He always fed her and Emilio whenever they were here, but never had he offered an overnight stay in his fine home. The bath had made her even more relaxed, and the fine linens on the bed felt cool to her skin. She breathed deeply in exhaustion, staring for a few minutes at the heavy pine beams of the stucco ceiling, thinking how this time she would save some of the money she and Emilio made from the horses. Their dream was to one day live like Hernandez lived; to have a fine home and maybe a ranch of their own in Mexico. It was time to begin planning for that dream.

It worried her that Emilio was not good at saving money. She knew she would have to do it herself. Perhaps she could convince her brother to give her part of his share of the money Hernandez would pay them. If she held it, he couldn’t spend it. Emilio was not as serious about settling down as she, and she wondered sometimes if he had begun to like this way of life, if he intended to always live like an outlaw.

She sighed, dismissing the thought as foolish worry, deciding it was her own anxiousness to settle down that made her concerned. Weariness from two long days and nights of riding overcame her then, and she curled into the soft covers. Soon she drifted into dreams…

She was riding a shiny black horse, and many more beautiful horses ran ahead of her. Suddenly her parents appeared on two of the horses, laughing. Just as suddenly they fell from the animals. In the dream Nina tried to scream, but in reality she only uttered a little whimper. She struggled to get to her parents as the horses trampled them, but the horses turned into men, who began beating her father and doing horrible things to her mother. They touched her in bad places, and suddenly they were touching Nina, too. No! This could not be! She was just a little girl! She tried to stop them, screamed again. Another little wail came from her lips as she was startled awake then, perspiring because of the dream, unable to utter a sound when she realized that someone had been touching her! She finally managed a gasp and turned to see Hernandez in her bed!

My sweet Nina, he said softly, one hand running up her bare leg and under her gown. He hovered over her, resting on one elbow. I have wanted you for so long. You will stay here with Hernandez, no? I can offer you a good life, pretty dresses, servants—

Nina let out a startled cry and tried to scoot away, but he grasped her bottom firmly, moving on top of her, grinning…grinning the way the Texans had grinned when they raped her mother, with the same evil glint in his eyes. Get away from me, she whimpered. Get out of my room!

"Your room? The man chuckled. This is my home, lovely Nina. I am telling you that I find you the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I have wanted you since the first time you rode into my life. Marry me, Nina, but let us not wait for the ceremony. It is time for you to be a woman!"

His hand moved between her legs, and her eyes widened. Stop it, she screamed. He only moved more of his weight on top of her, and she felt the ugly hardness, knew he was swollen like those hideous Texans had been for her mother, displaying their manparts in front of young Emilio and Nina like some kind of trophies.

Nina began screaming Emilio’s name, reaching up and scratching at Hernandez, drawing blood across one cheek. His eyes widened in shock, and he grasped both her wrists, squeezing them painfully as he pushed them down into the feather mattress. Ungrateful little bitch! he growled.

She arched and continued to scream, trying to get free of his heavy body. Finally she butted her head upward, smashing it into the man’s nose. He cried out and rose up, grasping the front of her gown with one hand while he put his other hand to his bleeding nose. Look what you have done! he nearly screamed himself.

Nina saw then that he was completely naked. Her eyes widened at the sight of that part of man that was to her most ugly. She knew he had intended to shame her the way the Texans had shamed her mother. He sat straddled across her, suddenly jerking her up and raising a hand to hit her. Nina thought quickly, reacting in the brief second it took for Hernandez to raise his hand. She punched hard at the thing she hated most, wanting to hurt it and make it small again. Hernandez froze in place, his hand still in the air. He let go of her, shuddering, grasping at his privates as he rolled off her and drew up his knees.

Nina quickly jumped up from the bed, staggering back from it, staring at a cringing, moaning Hernandez. She had no idea that hitting a man there could cause so much pain.

Bitch! Hernandez growled. I will…not forgive you…for this!

The door burst open then, and Emilio entered, brandishing a handgun. His eyes widened at what he found, and he looked from Hernandez to Nina.

He…tried to rape me, she told her brother in a shaking voice.

Rosa came to the doorway, as well as one of Hernandez’s hired hands, both of them staring in shock at the sight of a naked Hernandez holding himself and rolling around on the bed in pain, one side of his face bleeding from three deep scratches.

Get out! the man growled at the hand. Get out of here!

The kid here has a gun, boss, the hired hand protested.

Just get out!

The man took Rosa’s arm, and the two of them left. Hernandez managed to get to his knees, breathing deeply, perspiration breaking out on his face and body. I…offered to marry her, he told Emilio, who stood there in his long johns.

Emilio cocked his gun. "This is your idea of courting my sister? Climbing into her bed unwanted? His eyes blazed. I should kill you!"

Hernandez glared at him. "Kill me, and you and your sister will never make it past my front door! My men will see to that, and they will take their turns with your sister. Is that what you want?"

Emilio hesitated, glancing at Nina, noticing the tears on her cheeks. He knew the horror this must have been for her. Get dressed and pack your things, he told her. We will leave right away.

Nina quickly obeyed, moving behind the curtains as Emilio looked back at Hernandez. You have shamed and insulted my sister. We will never do business with you again!

Fine, Hernandez growled. "Do you think I survive from what you bring me? I do not need your business, Emilio! And it is I who have been insulted! I intended to marry Nina. I can give her a much finer life than you will ever give her! I am a rich man! No woman has ever turned me away! There are many who would be honored and eager to be my wife and share my bed."

"Then get one of them! Emilio sneered. My sister is too good for the likes of you!"

Hernandez grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around himself. I will let you and your sister go, but I cannot forget this insult! Rosa has seen me naked, and my men will laugh behind my back! I want you both out of my sight! I would not marry Nina now if she was the last woman in Texas!

"And she would not marry you if you were the last man!" Emilio moved the gun closer to Hernandez’s head as Nina came out from behind the curtains fully dressed. She held her saddlebags, packed and ready to go.

I am sorry, Emilio, she said, moving closer to her brother.

You have nothing to be sorry for. He waved the gun in Hernandez’s face. I want our money, Hernandez.

The man managed a sneering smile in spite of his pain. "What money?"

Emilio blinked. The money you owe us for the palominos!

Hernandez deliberately leaned closer to the gun, grinning wider. "I owe you nothing, my friend. Not now. The horses are payment for the insult you have shown me. You are lucky now to get off my land with your lives! He moved his dark eyes to Nina. And with your sister’s precious virtue!"

You owe us a hundred and sixty American dollars, Hernandez! Emilio nearly shook with rage.

"I told you I am paying you nothing! If your sister would like to reconsider sharing my bed, perhaps then I will pay you! Let her be a whore for me and get your money, or you can both leave! If you harm me or try to steal the money, your sister will be a whore for every man on this ranch! Make up your mind, Emilio!"

Emilio breathed deeply, wanting badly to pull the trigger. "Tu eres un malo hombre," he sneered.

"Sí, Emilio. I can be very bad when it is necessary! I have much power and importance, and the two of you are nothing! And that is how your sister will be treated if you do not leave—right now! I do not forget an insult. If you ever come back here, you will not leave here alive…and Nina will be wishing she was dead!"

"We need that money, Hernandez! We did not come here to make trouble for you. We delivered those horses in good faith! What has happened is your fault, not ours!"

Get out now while you still can. Hernandez backed away, getting off the other side of the bed and holding the blanket around himself. Go on! I will tell my men to let you saddle your horses and go.

Our horses are weary. They are not ready to be ridden.

Hernandez chuckled, rubbing at his mustache. Apparently, neither is your sister! Now go, before I change my mind!

Nina reddened deeply at the remark. Let’s just go, Emilio, she told him. We can rest the horses after we get out of here.

Emilio looked almost ready to cry. He finally lowered the gun. Come to my room while I dress, he told her, his eyes still on Hernandez. You tell your men to let us leave freely.

Hernandez nodded, his eyes moving to Nina, running over her hungrily. You had better hurry—before I change my mind.

"You are a bastard! Nina replied, tossing her hair. I would starve to death before I shared a bed with you!"

Hernandez only chuckled again. Tell me, Nina, did you enjoy your bath? It looked to me as though you did, the way you took your time drying off. The man took pleasure at the horror in her eyes. You should always check the other side of the curtain when you are naked, Hernandez added.

I should kill you! Emilio said, raising his gun again.

No, Emilio, Nina said, grabbing his arm. The crimson blotches showed in her face in spite of her dark skin. "He wants you to do something foolish just to keep me here! Go and get dressed and we’ll leave!"

He looked down at his sister’s tear-filled eyes, then turned and grasped her arm, hurrying her out of the room. Nina followed him to his room, where Emilio quickly dressed.

I am so sorry, Emilio, Nina told him as she packed some of his things.

I told you not to be. Quit saying that.

But I cannot help feeling it is my fault we will not get our money now.

That is stupid. The fault is mine, for agreeing to stay here in the first place. He angrily tucked a shirt into his pants. I should have realized Hernandez was up to something. He is a bad man at heart and I knew it. He strapped on his gun. "I only

Reviews for Shameless

[benn9314 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was an exciting story about the building up of the frontier

[carleneinspired · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review to come