Ellie's breath caught in her throat. Pain spread through her arm where the man held her. It frustrated her that the imbecile wouldn't believe her when she first told him she didn't have what he wanted. Of course, if he would be a little bit more specific, maybe she'd know what he was referring to.

She tried to swallow, but it was as difficult as breathing. "Please, sir. If you would tell me what it is you are after, I might be able to help."

"Don't be foolish, Eleanor. It's what you took when you were at the sheriff's office, going through your father's belongings."

Her mind tried to remember all the items that she had taken, but fear clouded her memory. What upset her most was that she was afraid. Ellie Lawson was tougher than this, wasn't she? Hadn't she broke up a fight between Austin and the outlaw he was after? And hadn't she taken Austin prisoner? Yet, she felt so helpless now. No! She refused to be the weakling. If this man knew her name, then he would know that she was tough, and she would not let him get away with this.

"I... didn't take anything," she lied.

"I happen to know differently," he snarled. "Now hand it over."

Slowly, courage built back inside her. "And if I don't?"

"Then I'll kill you."

Rolling her eyes, she snorted a laugh. "Killing me won't get you what you so desperately want."

He growled and tightened his fingers around her arm. "Then I'll kill the bounty hunter."

That was her weak spot, and this man knew it. Still, she must remain strong. "No, you cannot kill him. He has a great reputation. He didn't get that well-known for having people shoot him, don't you know."

"Listen, lady—"

"No," she interrupted, "you listen." Finding her strength, she lifted her heeled boot and smashed it on his foot, and at the same time, used her free arm to swing her fist toward his face. When her fist connected with his nose, she heard bones crack.

The man yelped and jumped back. His hands covered his bleeding nose. Now that he had released her, she turned toward him and kicked him in the shin. He cried out again, but she didn't stick around to see what he would do. Instead, she lifted the skirt of her dress and sprinted toward the hotel, hoping to meet Austin along the way.

She looked past the shocked expressions on people's faces as she pushed by them in an attempt to get to safety. Of course, she didn't think the foolish man would follow her now – not when there were witnesses.

Ellie's hair flew in her face and tried to block her vision, but she didn't have time to push it away. Getting to Austin was her main goal as she bumped against people right and left, hurrying toward the hotel. The sounds around her bunched together and overrode her thoughts.

Suddenly, she slammed into a man's body. His hands grasped her arms. She struggled and beat her hands against his chest. She would not give in to the killer without a fight.

"Ellie, what's wrong?"

Austin's soothing voice brought her out of her panicked state, and she looked up into his worried eyes. Relief washed over her, and she released a sob, falling against him. His strong arms held her up, or else she would have crumbled to the ground.

"Ellie, look at me."

She didn't want to. Keeping her head resting against his chest and hearing his heartbeat calmed her. "Austin," she cried, clutching his waist-jacket.

"Tell me what happened."

"The... killer." She inhaled shakily, trying to find the words. "He found me."

Austin's tender hand cupped her chin and tilted her head so that she could look into his face.

"Your father's killer found you?"

Her eyes stung with the tears she tried holding back. "Yes. It was the same man on the train. He told me if I didn't give him what he wants, he would kill me like my father."

"Oh, my darling." Austin's voice cracked. "Why did I let you out of my sight when I promised I wouldn't?" He kissed her forehead, holding her close. "Please forgive me."

She expelled a deep breath. "No, it's not your fault. He would have found me. He's been following us."

"How did you get away."

She took a calming breath and smiled at Austin. "I told you I was tough. Let's just say the man probably has a broken nose, maybe a broken toe, but definitely a wicked bruise on his shin."

He smiled softly. "Good, he deserved it. Where is he now?"

"Probably limping back into the hole he's been hiding in."

"Come on. Let's get you to your room to lie down." He kissed her on the forehead again.

As the calming effects of his arms and his sweet lips brushing her head, her mind cleared. "Austin, I think I know what he's looking for, and... I think we might find the killer tomorrow."

* * * *

Austin took Ellie to his room, even if hers was just across the hall. He kept an arm around her, and she let the hair fall in her face in hopes that nobody that knew her saw her. Once inside the room, she plopped on the small sofa near the window while he went to the washbasin and pitcher, which, thankfully, was full of water, and wet a hand cloth before bringing it back to her and placing it on her forehead.

The poor woman appeared so weary. Austin realized she wanted to believe she was a strong woman, but she was as weak as a kitten when faced with danger.

"Do you want me to go downstairs and order some tea to be brought up?" Austin stroked her cheek.

She took his hand and smiled. "You have done so much for me already."

"I'll gladly do more." His heart was full as he stared into her hazel eyes. But then, being with her and having her look at him as if he was her hero made him a little loopy at times. He didn't mind at all.

Ellie lifted his hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles. His breath caught in his throat. He'd never had a woman do that to him, although he'd done that to plenty of women. Yet, just the simple gesture turned up the heat inside him.

"Thank you for being here with me, Austin."

He leaned closer, moving an arm around her shoulders. "My sweet Ellie, you are the one who needs to be thanked. The minute you entered my life, you've brought adventure, intrigue, and laughter. I thought I had lost out on those things when I ended my bounty hunter career."

She arched an eyebrow. "Does that mean you still want to be a bounty hunter?"

He chuckled. "I'm contemplating it, but at this very moment, all I want to think about is helping you... but mostly, being with you."

Her pretty gaze dropped to his mouth. "Austin, you have also changed my life – for the better, I might add. But, although there are so many things I want to tell you, there is one thing that's been on my mind since the train ride, and I want to continue that right now—"

Austin stopped her words with his kiss. Her surprised gasp quickly turned into a heavy sigh as she melted against him. He relaxed on the sofa with her, taking her fully into his arms as her hand rested against his chest.

Kissing her like this was much better than when they were on the train, and there was no need to rush the passion flaring between them. Once he slowed their kiss, it became more emotional. Feelings he had never experienced before were making him float through the actions and filling his heart. He had never met a woman like Ellie, and now, he knew he never wanted to be without her. Falling in love was an emotion he had never felt, but he was sure it was what grew inside his heart. Was it possible to love someone in only a few days?

The passion inside the woman in Austin's arms was unbelievable. When two people cared for each other, it showed in the way they kissed. He had never been like this with other women, and he hoped Ellie hadn't been this way with her fiancé. Then again, she had admitted to not having any feelings for the man, so perhaps she only kissed Austin with so much energy and fervor.

Suddenly, the crashing of breaking glass rang from the hallway. The sound was across the hall... in her room!

Both he and Ellie jumped apart, but he was the first one off the sofa. He reached for his gun with one hand and her room key with the other.

"Stay right here," he told her as he moved to his door. He pressed his ear against the door, listening for anything that might sound as if someone else was in the hallway.

"Austin? What happened?" her voice was breathless.

"I think someone is in your room."

Slowly, he turned the doorknob and opened the door. He peeked out, but there wasn't anyone in the hall. He quickly stepped out, closing the door behind him before moving to Ellie's room. He carefully slid the key inside the keyhole and opened the door.