The Devil's Daughter: The Devil Ryder, #1

By Suzie Grant

A bounty hunter facing his past

Gade Ryder returns to Eden, Texas, after twelve years to investigate a gang of rustlers on the family ranch. Had he accepted the job out of misplaced family loyalty or was it the compelling mystery of the devil's daughter keeping him in the one place he didn't want to be? Confronted by the memory of his mother's suicide and the father he blames for her death, Gade finds himself seeking comfort from the one woman he couldn't trust.

A criminal on the run

Blaze Marie Austin, once a little girl forced to be an outlaw, finds a chance at redemption by repaying the man who'd saved her life. Only her savior's estranged son accuses her of betrayal and ignites a passion she can't deny.

When the little criminal is accused of murder, Gade's growing attraction for her could not only cost him his freedom, it may well cost him his life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Suzie Grant
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201427177

Suzie Grant

My  life has been one big adventure.  My childhood was full of reading the classics like Treasure Isle, Robinson Crusoe, and The Swiss Family Robinson tales. In fact my mother has another word for my “stories” but to this day, I continue to dream up adventures of my own. ​As a pregnant teen my adventure became a life-defining moment as I struggled to survive and raise a child. During those rocky years writing became an emotional outlet. After a very long divorce I again found myself climbing that rocky path of life and have learned to live by a single quote: “Obstacles are placed in our path to determine whether we really wanted something, or just thought we did.” By Dr. Harold Smith. ​Taking life by the proverbial horns, I now live happily ever after with my new beau, and three boys in NC. One day I plan to retire and sail along the east coast, an adventurer to the end.

Book preview

The Devil’s Daughter

––––––––

Suzie Grant

Other Books by Suzie Grant

New Release! Summons from Abroad!

The Devil’s Defiance ~ Book two in the Devil Ryder Series

Wrong Kind of Paradise

Valkyrie’s Vengeance

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The Devil’s Daughter

Copyright © 2011 by Suzie Grant

Cover Design by Heather Boyd

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without written permission.

For more information: www.suziegrantauthor.blogspot.com

The Devil’s Daughter

A bounty hunter facing his past encounters a criminal on the run from her own.

Blaze Marie Austin is no longer the little girl forced to be an outlaw. Finding her chance at redemption, Blaze must repay the man who’d saved her life. Only her savior’s estranged son accuses her of betrayal and ignites a passion she can’t deny.

Gade Ryder returned to Eden, Texas, after a twelve year absence to investigate a gang of rustlers on the family ranch. Gade can’t decide if he’d accepted the job out of misplaced family loyalty or had the compelling mystery of the devil’s daughter convinced him to stay in the one place he didn’t want to be. Confronted by the memory of his mother’s suicide and the father he blames for her death, Gade finds himself seeking comfort from the one woman he couldn’t trust.

When the little criminal is accused of murder, Gade realizes his growing attraction for her could not only cost him his freedom, it may well cost him his life. Blaze couldn’t help but wonder if the murder were a subtle hint of her past and had she just lost her last chance to run again?

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Epilogue

Dedication

––––––––

For my parents who taught me how to dream, for my children who taught me how to love, and for the love of my life who taught me true happiness. Special thanks to the critique group who never let me give up.

Chapter

One.jpg

1874

Gade Ryder considered Eden, Texas anything but paradise. Yet, the Eve every man imagined strolled down the boardwalk as he stepped off the stagecoach.

The way she moved intrigued him. Slow, smooth, calculated steps drew his attention as the rolling wheels on a passing wagon drowned out the tinkle of her Mexican spurs and the steady clomp of dusty black boots. The building’s overhang cast the woman’s profile in shade while late afternoon sun shed the shadow of lush curves across the wood-grain floor. He couldn’t see her face yet just the red hair set ablaze, the ends curling like flaming fingers around her waist.

She lowered one hand to rest on the set of Remingtons holstered on her waist. Gade narrowed his gaze. The customized army forty-fours had both of the wooden handles removed and replaced by solid silver.

What made a woman pack a set of pistols like that?

Plopping down in a chair outside the saloon, the woman offered a coin for a boot shine to the young boy, and propped one denim clad leg on the stool. A hand clapped down on his back and drew his attention. Welcome back, Gade. It’s good to see you again.

Gade whipped around toward the dark-haired man in the three-piece-suit and black boots. I didn’t even notice you there, Garret. He dropped his single bag on the ground to give his younger sibling a hearty hug. It’s been too long, hasn’t it?

Twelve years, but I’m glad you’re home. His brother’s intense silver-grey eyes, familiar even after all the time away, crinkled under the sun’s rays. The slightest breeze trickled through the deserted main street and stirred the dust under their feet.

The telegram he’d received several weeks ago had been unexpected, and he couldn’t shake the feeling, like a noose had slipped over his neck. After twelve years, his father still tried to correct a wrong he couldn’t amend. Nothing would ever change the fact that he’d left this part of his life behind years ago. Not even the urgency in the letter could erase the memory of his mother’s suicide.

Garret retrieved a small metal case from his vest pocket. Not everyone is going to be glad to see you.

Yeah, I figured as much, Gade replied, a dull ache developed in his chest as he realized the truth of those words. Their brother never was the kind to forgive and forget.

I’m not sure how Warren is going to take the news of your return. So, don’t expect a welcome wagon from him. Garret spoke around the cigarette in his mouth. This place has gone downhill since you left. He lit it and replaced the casing in his pocket. As if it wasn’t bad enough already.

One hundred and twenty-five miles northwest of San Antonio, Eden had little to commend it. A town full of numerous saloons, brothels and gambling halls nestled in a valley south of Edward’s Plateau.

"Don’t worry, amigo, I don’t plan to be here long." Gade pulled on the chain then flipped the top of his pocket watch open to look at the time. I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to be.

Garret retrieved the discarded bag and urged Gade forward. C’mon, let’s get a drink before we head out to the ranch. You’re gonna need it.

He shuffled up the steps and past the red head. She tugged the brim of her hat down and he couldn’t get a good look at her face. The double swinging doors swooshed to and fro behind him as he followed his brother to the bar, propping a foot on the brass rail. He squinted to adjust his vision to the dim interior. One of Eden’s finest held about a half-dozen people. Three men played an early game of faro at the rear, and another sat at the other end of the bar. The stench of stale alcohol and cigars assaulted him, and the gauzy haze of smoke burned his eyes. An inch of dirt covered the interior of the Whiskey Spades and the grating scrape of his boots echoed in the curious silence of the establishment.

So this is paradise.

The doors thwapped open again and daylight spilled across the grainy floor. The woman entered behind them and headed for the bar, several spaces down. Her reflection distorted slightly in the smeared, cracked mirror and produced shards of color within the rows of bottles aligned across the counter. A whistle from a nearby stage driver split the late afternoon air and the soft murmur of voices increased at her entrance. Gade shifted. She appeared oblivious to the attention, or too confident to care.

Over the last thirty-five years, some of the most beautiful women since Eve fed Adam the forbidden fruit had taught Gade some valuable lessons in love, but he imagined this red-head could teach him something new. The woman who’d attracted his attention walked right by with little more than a cursory glance in his direction.

Like himself, she propped a foot on the brass rail. Bartender. Get me a whiskey. The husky timbre of her voice sent a curl of heat through him.

She glanced over at them and nodded. Garret.

Garret tipped his hat.

How did his brother know this woman? Who was she? He was certain he would’ve remembered her if she were from Eden.

Gade waited for an introduction but seconds passed, and Garret had focused his attention out the window.

So what’s Pa want with me? Gade asked, hoping to get his brother to open up about something.

I’ll let the ol’ man tell you that. It’s not my place.

He figured they should head on out to the ranch, but Gade wasn’t ready to give up the view quite yet. His gaze met hers in the mirror. The first clear glance of the woman made his heart slam against his ribs and stick there. Classic features and a smooth complexion widened his gaze in surprise. But the full mouth turned up in a knowing smile as if she kept secrets from him. And he suddenly wished she’d whisper them in his ear.

Despite her delicate appearance, her dark midnight eyes were fierce, almost hostile. The intense look lasted only seconds, long enough for him to tip his hat in hello.

Hell, my unwanted family reunion is twelve years overdue, what’s one more night?

The steady thump of boots on wood brought Gade’s attention to the stairs. His gaze rose from the polished black leather to the hands fastening a set of shiny gold cuff links. Another face he hadn’t seen in years greeted him.

Gade ducked his head and glanced at Garret. When the hell did Sid come back?

The local town’s instigator had caused enough trouble that old man Gerard had sent his son, Sid, off to school. Gade hadn’t expected the trouble-maker to return but then again, smaller towns meant more chances to bully and less people to talk.

A while ago, and since he’s been back he thinks he’s the biggest toad in the puddle.

Great, could things get any worse?

Gade peeked at Sid from under the rim of his hat. Of average height, he didn’t have any real impressive features. Other than the consistent leer he still wore.

Sid didn’t glance their way, instead his gaze lit on the woman, and he eased beside her, leaning one skinny elbow on the bar. Did you come back to reconsider my proposition?

She stiffened. No.

Then what are you doin’ here?

The woman tossed down the whiskey and set the empty glass on the bar. Havin’ a drink.

You should reconsider. You’d make a hell of a lot more here than you do workin’ at the old man’s ranch. That cheap bastard holds onto every penny but then again that’s what happens when you’re flat broke. He chuckled at his own joke as he vacated his spot and moved behind the bar. Jerking the bottle from the bartender, Sid refilled her drink until it sloshed over the sides. The Whiskey Spades could use a new addition. And a woman like you could make a lot of money.

I don’t need money.

He picked up the glass, and set it before her without releasing it. Ahh, I don’t believe that. Everyone needs money.

She didn’t reach for the shot glass, instead brought her gaze up to Sid’s. Then you don’t know me.

Sid leaned over the bar and slapped the short, fat man wearing the sheepskin jacket next to her on the back of the head. What do you think, Eddie? Don’t you think our little devil’s daughter would make a nice addition to the Whiskey Spades?

The one named Eddie grinned and leered at the opened V of her shirt. I’ll bet she’s as hot as a whorehouse on nickel night.

Gade twirled the liquid in his shot glass and attempted to ignore the confrontation. It isn’t my business.

See, Eddie here would pay you good money. Sid sniggered and let go of the glass.

The red head downed the liquid. Eddie would pay a bitch in heat for a little attention.

One of Sid’s skinny hands shot out and grasped the back of her head, toppling her hat. The fist-sized scar on her neck drew Gade’s attention. It appeared to be a pitchfork branded on her flesh.

Now who the hell would brand a woman? And why?

Sid let her go and her head snapped up. Pa gives you more credit than you deserve. He says we should keep a good eye on you. While I certainly don’t mind the view, I don’t think you’re that tough.

Gade pinned his gaze on Sid and clenched the empty glass until his hand shook.

Garret drank down his whiskey. "Heroism is for fools, amigo," he whispered to Gade.

Don’t worry. My hero days are over.

~*~

Sid leaned down into her face. Why don’t you try your tricks on a real man?

Blaze Marie Austin raised a single brow at his arrogance. Show me a real man, Sid.

His cheeks turned a deep, ruddy red. Bitch.

A chuckle sounded from the other end of the bar, and Sid swung in that direction. Blaze risked a quick glance.

Your friend seems to have a sense of humor, Garret. Sid shuffled closer.

Garret sighed. I’ll say.

Sid’s brow furrowed as he squinted, peering closer at the man beside Garret. Do I know you, mister? You seem awful familiar.

Out of all the men in the saloon, only one had been worth watching. Aware of Gade Ryder’s every move, Blaze traced his hard visage. She’d recognized him immediately because he looked exactly the way James must have as a young man. She wondered if James knew his son had returned to Eden. Or would he be surprised?

Reputation colored Gade as a hard man. A man who didn’t care about anything, much less family. So why would he return to a town he didn’t give a rat’s ass about? And to a family he hadn’t spoken to in years? Blaze didn’t know the details on the Ryder family scandal other than rumor and hearsay. It’d been none of her business but now curiosity tantalized her. What had happened to make him leave in the first place?

Gade didn’t seem to want his arrival advertised as he lowered his hat, shadowing his features. Or maybe he avoided Sid. Unease slid along her spine. Shadows trimmed his profile, his chiseled jaw and prominent cheekbones the only visible features on his face.

Hey, I’m talkin’ to you, Sid shouted.

Gade leaned both forearms on the bar and his shoulders visibly tensed. He raised his head, emptied his whiskey glass and set it on the bar. Why don’t you make yourself useful while you’re back there, Sid, and get me another drink.

Sid lost his grin. Did the two have some bad blood between them? Well, well, Gade Ryder. You just get into town?

As a matter of fact, I did, Gade replied.

It’s been a mighty long time since I’ve seen you. Things have changed around here since you left.

Gade made an exaggerated effort to glance around. So I’ve heard. But you know this place is as much of a shit-hole now as it was twelve years ago.

I run this shit-hole now. And we don’t serve breeds here. In fact, Pa controls this town. James no longer has the kind of power to make everyone conveniently forget the real color of your skin. So why don’t you mount back up and ride on out to wherever it is you’ve been hiding for the last twelve years.

Change isn’t like lightning. You never know when it’s going to strike the same place again. Those silver eyes hardened like hammered metal and his tone grew cool. Each word was said with precision, and Blaze had a sense of staring into the mouth of hell.

Sid grinned. Change is only good when I get something out of it.

"Still a greedy bastard and unlucky with the ladies. Gade shook his head. Some things never change."

Sid eased back and frowned. Don’t need luck with women, just a firm hand. I was offering a little friendly business proposition and I don’t think it’s any of your business, breed.

It didn‘t look so friendly to me and I don‘t think the lady thought so, either.

Normally, I’d agree with you, but this ain’t no lady. Are ya, darlin’? Sid chuckled, reached over and squeezed her jaw. She jerked away. Not exactly the angel she appears. You see, a lady wouldn’t walk into a saloon, order panther piss and toss it down like a man. A lady doesn’t play poker, pack a set of pistols like those, an’ a lady wouldn’t dress like a two bit whore in denim so tight a man can’t even slide a finger in.

Lady or not, when a woman turns away, it means no in my book. Don’t you agree, Garret?

I don’t think she looks like she enjoyed it. Garret shrugged. But then again, maybe you get that reaction all the time, Sid.

I don’t give a shit what a woman wants, Sid said.

Blaze had enough of being the object of the conversation without getting a single word in. And that’s probably why you have to hire one.

Sid crossed the area in half a stride, reached out and grabbed her by the collar. He yanked her over the counter. From the corner of her eye she noticed Gade straighten to his full height and take a step forward.

When I want your opinion, bitch, I’ll give it to you.

Both of her hands clasped his wrists and the prized gold cuff links he wore. She smiled. The only thing you give me, Sid, is a headache.

With a single thrust she nailed him in the nose with her forehead. Blood spattered across her brow and cheeks. As he let go to grasp his broken nose, Blaze tugged the cuff link off and slipped it into her shirt pocket.

He’d replaced the missing cuff link quick enough.

Sid held his nose between his hands. That was really stupid. He came up in a wide arc with a gun in his hand. But the Remington’s cleared leather and she shoved both of her barrels beneath his chin.

Sid swallowed.

The men at the back of the bar stood to interfere but Garret and Gade drew their weapons. Silence reigned. A Mexican standoff.

Blaze certainly hoped the prize she’d placed in her pocket was worth all this. If her hunch proved wrong about Sid, and someone got hurt from this little escapade, she might feel a little guilty. Might being the key word.

Do you really want to continue this, Sid? she asked. I’m not so sure your father would want to stir the pot yet, or am I mistaken in believing he’s still got some unfinished business. After all, he hasn’t even gotten word the breed is back in town yet. Like Gade said, change isn’t like lightning.

Sid blinked and gave a crooked grin. He holstered the pistol and nodded in the direction of the four men in the back. They eased back in their seats, the weapons disappearing one by one.

Sid didn’t take his gaze off Blaze. Welcome back to Eden, Ryder. I hope you enjoy your stay.

~*~

Damn Gade, I thought you said your hero days were over? Garret said.

I lied. The double doors swung shut behind them as they backed out of the saloon. Gade swung toward Garret. Now tell me what the hell is going on here? The three of them pounded down the boardwalk to the south of town.

Garret shook his well-groomed head and tugged on his vest. I’m going to the livery to get you a horse. We’ll head out to the ranch and you can get some answers there. Besides, we’ll need to stay out of town for a while until the air clears.

Little Miss Trouble-Maker strode after Garret, and Gade seized her wrist. I want some answers now, especially since that little crack about the breed being back in town was about me. Now talk.

A smooth smile slithered across her features and her midnight eyes hardened. You’ll get your answers, but not from me.

How the hell do you know me anyway?

You’re a popular man around here, Ryder. Surely, you must realize that. It wasn’t too difficult to figure out who you were.

She attempted to disengage his hand, but he didn’t let go. Sid isn’t exactly a good role model, lady. I’d be lookin’ for some new friends.

I have no friends.

Really? He raised a brow. That isn’t what Sid seems to think.

Sid can think whatever he wants. And you can too, for that matter. Listen, your father has the answers you need, so I suggest you go find what you’re looking for. You’re just wasting time here.

His brows drew together, and he backed her against the wood railing until she couldn’t go any further. I’m not so certain I’d be wasting time as you so clearly put it. In fact, I think our time together might be rather enjoyable. We’re just getting to know each other, right? You seem to be as interested in me as I am you, or am I mistaken?

She sucked in a quick breath, and her eyes dropped to his mouth. So, she is interested. When her gaze collided with his again, the stubborn tilt to her chin raised a notch. I came here for a drink, Ryder, not a romp between the sheets. But don’t take it personally. I simply have things to do before it gets dark.

He let her ease out from between him and the banister, though he pinned her to the spot with his gaze. What’re you going to do if you run into your buddies again?

The woman swiveled to face him. What? You won’t be around to help me out next time? She chuckled. I don’t need your help or anyone else’s. I could’ve handled the resident asshole myself.

It didn’t appear that way to me.

You didn‘t hold off long enough to find out. Besides, I don’t remember askin’ for help.

Gade gritted his teeth. So much for playing the hero. You’d think he’d learned by now to mind his own damn business. That’s your mistake, not mine. Gade crossed his arms and shrugged. But you apparently know where to find me if you change your mind.

She paused, one foot about to descend the steps. Her gaze fell to his lips again and an answering heat coiled through his body. You want me to thank you for your help but the kind of thanks you’re asking for isn’t my style. I believe they have places for that kind of thing. I’m sure you’re real familiar with where they’re located, so you won’t need any directions. Here’s a quick lesson for you, Gade, not every woman needs a hero. You should remember that.

She stepped off the boardwalk and headed down the street in the direction of the livery. The sway of those hips under the denim drew his attention and Gade found himself itching to pull them free of the material to see what lay underneath.

I never caught your name.

I never gave it, she shot back over her shoulder.

He frowned and tamped down the urge to run after her to demand an answer. Gade had to face a past he hadn’t confronted in twelve years before he could place the missing pieces of the puzzle to the devil’s daughter.

Chapter

Two.jpg

Gade rode hell bent for the ranch accompanied by images of red hair, fiercely seductive eyes, and a body a man could lose himself in. His encounter with the devil’s daughter had left him with a yearning for a woman he knew nothing about.

Brilliant rays from the afternoon sun poured over him and caused his head to throb in rhythm with the horses’ hooves. Sweat ran down his temple in tiny rivulets and soaked into the collar of his dark shirt.

Two hours later, he and Garret crested the last rise, stopping just short of the long, curved drive. The carved oak sign creaked under the weight of the breeze and read The Broken Circle Ranch.

The sprawling ranch nestled deep within a wide floor of dry grassland, with a small stream curling sharply behind it. So many buildings backed the rear of the house it resembled a small village. He took a deep breath. The familiar sweet scent of honeysuckle reminded him