((Author note: I know y'all are probably getting annoyed by my notes by now, but I wanted to apologize for taking so long. I almost didn't post this chapter and went onto the next part of the "actual" movie. But my friend who inspires me in writing Billy, told me I should publish it.

So, here it is. I hope y'all like it. It's long again, I know. I get carried away in trying to give detail so the imagery will pop to life in your head. I try. Also, I tried something different with the Spanish translations. I put the translation under the paragraph so y'all don't have to scroll all the way to the bottom. Let me know if you guys like it this way or if you like it the old way. I LOVE feedback. It's often a kick in the butt to get me writing.

Also, I know the movie states it Juarez, but historically, I believe Charlie and Manuela were married in Fort Sumner. I may shift it to coincide with the movie. I dunno yet. But I really do like to add historical accuracy when and where I can.

One other thing, I may have lengthened the book a little. Originally I had about two chapters left. But, as ideas pop in my head, I lengthened it. I think I'm at five more chapters now. However, it also depends on how long chapters get. Originally, this chapter was about 20k words. I split the chapter into two. Which was part of the addition to length of the book.

Any way, without further ado...))

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"One. Two. Three..." William Bonney's slow drawl sounded from behind Kristal as she ran to find a place to hide...

_ _ _

They had arrived at Fort Sumner the night before. The ride away from the hot springs had been a leisurely one, since they hadn't had the need to worry about anyone chasing them for once. However, the ride had still been tense and awkward, at least for the lone woman in the group. She avoided Billy at all cost, unable to face him without remembering that blasted kiss.

By evening, Billy had knocked on the door of the Maxwell house seeking refuge. The wild blond apparently knew the Maxwell family rather well and arranged room and board for all of them. Being the only woman, Kris had been given a room of her own, while the boys all had to share --- Señor Maxwell had insisted.

The boys had all grumbled in sharing a room. All but Billy, who watched as Kristal was led away to her room by Deluvina Maxwell. Kristal, however was grateful to have her own space away from the boys for a while.

Once given her room, Kristal had disappeared and not returned for supper. Instead, she stayed alone in the small room. The peace and quiet helped her to try and absorb what exactly had happened earlier, after her bath. And it kept her away from Billy. She didn't want to face him or have an awkward conversation with him again. He made her feel... strange.

The room itself was narrow and small. A singular bed, large enough to fit two people took the far side of the room. A wooden nightstand with a lantern nestled to the left of the bed. On the opposite side of the room sat a slender writing desk and lone chair. Oil paintings lined the wall each of a meadow of flowers, all with different colors. There was only one window in the room, a circular hole in the wall that was a little bigger than her head. The small window was directly over the bed, barely giving a view to the night sky outside. As she had entered the room, Kristal swallowed and stared at the window. Deluvina mentioned dinner and then left, oblivious to any hesitation by the blonde woman.

Taking a deep breath, Kris had to force herself to step into the room. At first, she lay there on the bed doing her best to keep her thoughts from constantly dwelling on the kiss, while also trying to keep from focusing on how small the room was. If she wasnt careful she would start to feel like the room was closing in on her. After she couldn't stand it any longer, Kristal had to move. So, she started to keep busy by cleaning every weapon she had on her. It had taken hours with how meticulous she was. It wasn't until some time after midnight that Kristal finally fell asleep, too tired to focus on the things that were bothering her. Her slumber, however had been anything but restful, despite being on a comfortable bed for once.

Dawn came bright and early the next morning, with Billy tapping on her door. Grumbling profanities, she had opened the door and found a grinning Billy standing before her. She had grumbled once more and slammed the door in Billy's face. The look of shock written on his features before the door shut was admittedly satisfying for her. After all he was the cause of the confused and chaotic emotions he had made her feel; it only served him right. However, he just rapped his knuckles on the door again and called out to her.

"Up and at 'em Querida! Time to teach you how to play hide and seek."

Once again grumbling, Kristal moved back to her bed and let her self fall onto it. Was she really doing this? She was eighteen now, going on nineteen, this was something she should have learned when she was a child. Not when she was an adult. What was the point? However, she had given Billy her word and so begrudgingly removed herself from the bed and prepared for the day ahead.

Twenty minutes later, Kristal was standing in the courtyard of the Maxwell manse. She tried not to appear bored as Billy informed her how to play hide and seek. Her gaze roamed the handful of children Billy had recruited for their game, her fingers hooking casually on her gun belt. Billy had claimed she wouldn't need it, but she felt naked without them. Still, she only had one of her guns on her and a few knives compared to her normal multitude.

The children that surrounded them ranged in ages from six to twelve, and each eagerly eyed Billy as he now explained the rules. It had been surprising to see how many children idolized the blond, gringo.

"Did you get all that Kris?" Billy asked.

"Yeah, Bonney, I got it. Someone's gotta count while everyone else goes an' hides. Then if found, ya gotta run from the one who counted back ta that tree over there." She pointed to the large lone tree near the edge of the main yard. "If yer tagged, ya lose. If ya make it back to the tree yer safe." Kristal finished with a roll of her eyes.

Billy was grinning at her sour attitude. He noticed she still refused to look at him for more than a glance. He wasn't sure if he should be offended or flattered that the kiss had affected her so much. "That's right. Ya got any questions?"

"Yeah, one. What happens if ya ain't found?" Kristal asked curious, a sly smirk on her face.

Now Billy's brows furrowed. What did she mean by that? "Well..."

"That means, senorita... you win all us." A young boy said in broken Spanish.

"Really?" Kristal's eyes lit up. "How interesting."

"Ain't you ever played before, miss?" Another, older boy asked in perfect English.

To Kristal's dismay, Billy laughed and answered for her. "No, ha sido encerrada por una señora mala y su marido malvado. Nunca la dejaron divertirse. Hasta que yo la salvé y ahora le estoy enseñando a jugar".

(("No, she's been cooped up by a mean ol' lady and her evil husband. They never let her have any fun. Until I, saved her and am now teaching her how to play games."))

The children's eyes all grew wide as they turned to Kristal. One little girl pulled at her pant leg, wonder in her soft hazel eyes. "Senorita? Are you Princesa?"

The laughter that erupted from Billy made Kristal press her lips together. Before she could say anything, Billy quickly intervened. "Si. She is Princesa, Rosita. Princesa Kristalita."

The little girl's eyes widened and a bright smile appeared on her face. "I always want to meet Princesa." The little girl, Rosita, giggled and hurried away to hide behind her older brother.

Letting out a little huff, Kristal again glanced at the blond before turning away."Ya make it sound like some kind of fairytale, Bonney. I ain't no princess an' ya know it." She then grumbled under her breath, "an' ya didn't save me from nothin'."

"According to the papers you are." Billy burst out, still laughing. Seeing her sour expression, he sighed. "Aww, c'mon Kris. What harm is it to let them think something fantastical? They're kids, they should be allowed to be creative and imaginative. And if she thinks you're some kind of princess, then let her."

Kristal chewed on the inside of her cheek. He wasn't wrong and she hated that fact. But she also wasn't sure she liked being thought of as a princess. She didn't look or act the part, nor did she want to. "Fine, can we just get this started?"

A brow rose as Billy eyed her, "you got somewhere better to be?" When she just shrugged he frowned. "You ain't planning on running off are ya? You promised...."

With a wave of her hand, Kristal cut him off. "I gave my word, Bonney. I'll see this through. Now who's counting first?"

"I will." Billy claimed, his smirk returning, determination in his eyes. "Better hide somewhere good, Querida."

With defiance in her eyes, she turned her gaze directly on him. It was the longest instance that she had looked at him since the kiss. Her gaze was sharp, challenging. "Don't cry too hard when ya lose, Bonney."

Billy's smirk shifted into a grin at the challenge. That familiar spark went through him, making him want to kiss her again. Shaking his head, he merely held out his hand. "You said you'd place a bet on who won... if you win, what do ya want?"

"I did." The blonde woman confirmed with a nod. Kristal then blinked and eyed the boy's hand as she contemplated his words. "Me? Ya wanna know what I'd want?" That was an interesting question. What did she want? What on earth could she possibly wager? Asking for anything was so hard for her. Not that she really wanted anything. She was a woman of simple means.

Wait, she had an idea! "A'right... If I win, I want all of us ta stay here fer a week or two, jus' relaxin'. Charlie, Doc, Chavez, and Steve deserve some time where they're not afraid someone's huntin' 'em down. As long as we're all safe here."

Billy was shocked at her thoughtfulness. She was willing to use her win for the others? How completely selfless. Again, she amazed him. However, he couldn't allow her to give up her reward like that. He had to put her at ease, "I was already plannin' on stayin' a couple weeks. Maybe till the end of the month. Maybe longer." He shrugged. "I like not running all the time either. We still got a job ta finish, but... a little rest might be nice. I don't think any bounty hunters'll come here, but if they do, the Maxwell's and a few others I know will inform me." The boy's grin reappeared, "so you're gonna have to come up with somethin' else."

Again Kristal blinked, staring at him in surprise. Staying in one place for a while didn't normally sit well with her. But that was because she was normally being hunted. Maybe, for a little while, she could relax - like she had done at Tunstall's. "Really? Ya promise?"

Billy gave her an affirming nod, his eyes remaining on her with genuine sincerity. "My word is law. I promise, Querida."

As he stared back at her, Kris had suddenly felt uncomfortable and quickly looked away. "Well..." That would mean she needed to think up something else for the wager. But what? At one time she would have wagered for him to stay away from her, but she couldn't bring herself to do that anymore. Why, she didn't know, and she didn't want to think about either.

Other options like having him groom her horse, clean her saddle, feed her horse -- none of that sat right with her. She wasn't one to push her responsibilities onto someone else. Plus, she was very particular about how she did those things. But then what...

"Chocolate." Kristal blurted, an idea coming to mind.

"I beg your pardon?" Confusion washed over his face, sure he heard her wrong. There was no way she was wanting mere candy if she won against him.

The fiery woman crossed her arms over her chest, clearly irritated that she had to repeat what she said. "Chocolate. Some mercantiles have these little boxes of chocolate truffles..."

"Ya like chocolate?" Billy interrupted, still surprised at how menial her request was. "Didn't figure you for a sweet tooth." The boy was grinning at this realization.

"I ain't really..." She shrugged, not sure what the big deal was. "Jus' chocolate really. I sto---" she stopped seeing a couple of the children staring at her, paying very close attention to what they were saying. It took a quick second for her to rework what she had been about to say. "I happened to acquire a box once... It was a rare treat. An' I've fancied it ever since."

Billy chuckled, amazed at this knowledge. The more he learned about her, he was beginning to realize, she was a girl of simple tastes. Nothing fancy or elaborate. Chocolate was a treat, but not so hard to come by. "Alright then. Chocolate it'll be, if'n ya win that is."

Not about to be baited by him, she casually questioned him in return."An' what about you?" Turning away from him, she inwardly cringed afraid of what he might choose as his reward. If he said a kiss, she might just slug him. She jolted out of those thoughts when she noticed a little boy staring at Billy expectantly. The children were patiently waiting for them.

"You'll go out to eat with me. Get a nice meal and eat the whole thing. Maybe even have some dessert too." In truth he was asking her out on a date. But, he figured he'd make it seem like he was looking out for her. Which he was, but an actual date would be nice too.

"What is it about m' eatin' habits that bothers you an' Chavez so?" Her eyes narrowed on him, curiously. She had noticed that the two of them were always trying to get her to eat and had even recruited Doc in their endeavors. It was strange to her.

"You don't eat enough." Billy stated honestly. "You're too thin. I could throw you over my shoulder without breaking a sweat."

Her eyes narrowed a little dangerously, "I'd like to see you try."

"Don't challenge me Querida," Billy added, his smile turning sly. "Ya won't like it."

Both her brows rose and she smirked, eyes flashing with a fiery challenge in them. "Likewise, darlin'." She emphasized the word since he refused to stop calling her the same thing in Spanish. It was annoying.

It took everything in Billy to not do exactly that - chase her down and throw her over his shoulder. Maybe he would still... However, his thoughts were interrupted by one of the children.

"Chivato... can we play now?" The oldest boy in the group asked, patiently waiting, along with the rest of the children.

Billy laughed. Later. He might just tempt fate in that challenge she threw at him, but later. "Course. I'll start the count "

And that was what had Kristal running.

_ _ _

"... Four, five, six..." Billy was grinning as he continued counting.

Kristal raced away, eyes scanning the ground as she moved. Where to go... where to go... She watched as one of the kids jumped into a barrel and ducked down.

Wrinkling her nose, she shook her head. Nope, that's not happening. A wagon stood near the edge of their established perimeter and she quickly ducked underneath it. Glancing up at the axle that connected to a long skinny piece of wood called the reach, she slid up and into it. The wagon's sides covered her body as she sat nestled beneath the wagon bed. With one hand she swiped at her long blonde hair, to pull it up and over her shoulder so it wasn't falling down into view.

This wasn't the first time she had to do something like this. She had once rode two hours secured under a wagon just like this, with no one above any wiser. All in order to evade the law. Now, she was doing it for fun. What an ironic twist.

"Fifty! Ready or not, here I come!" Billy called out.

Holding her breath, Kristal listened to the sound of footfalls as she stared at the dirt and rocks beneath the wagon.

"Found ya, Carlos." A scuffle sounded and the quick fall of running feet could be heard before a loud groan came from the oldest of the children. "And tagged ya too." Billy added, laughter in his voice.

"Eres rapido, Chivato." Twelve year old Carlos said between heavy breaths.

((You are quick, Billy.))

The blue eyed man chuckled, in return. He was barely out of breath. "Gotta be. You all keep me on my toes. Now I gotta find the others."

"Want me to help?" The oldest of the children questioned eagerly.

"That'd be against the rules, chico. You know where most of them hid." There was no way he was going to cheat. He would play fair with the kids and especially with Kristal. Billy chuckled as the young boy huffed and sat on the ground, crossing his legs beneath him.

It was then Kristal realized her mistake. If Billy found her, she would have a hard time getting out of her hiding spot. Her keen gaze ticked around trying to think of an easy way to get out. There was only one. For her to reach up and use arm strength to pull herself up and forward. However, if Billy found her from the forward side of the wagon, she'd be trapped.

Another squeal and a shuffle of little feet sounded before a pair of children started to laugh and giggle somewhere to Kristal's right.

"No fair! No tickling Chivato!" One of the little girls in the group cried out still giggling.

"I had to catch you somehow. " Billy was grinning down at the twin siblings before ticking off who was left. "That leaves Julian, Rosita, and Kristal."

"You mean your Querida." Carlos teased, his accent thick. The dark haired boy had stood up from his sitting position to follow Billy around. He grinned, "you want to kiss her... An' marry her... An' have babies wit' her..." The boy's singsong teasing could easily be heard through the courtyard.

The twins, who were also following behind Billy made disgusted noises. "Eew, kissing is gross!"

Kristal nearly gasped at the young lads words. It took everything in her to keep quiet so Billy didn't hear her. He was much too close to the wagon for her liking. If she so much as squeaked, Billy would find her. Still, the boy's words had caused her heart to beat faster and questions to fill her mind. Why would the kid even tease about something like that? Kristal didn't understand it at all.

Chuckling as he moved, Billy turned to the twins. "Kissing isn't bad." He was walking backwards now, to eye Carlos. "And I don't think that's any of your business niño." Billy responded giving the child a gentle shove. The boy laughed and moved to sit on a crate by the nearest building.

A soft sigh blew from her lips, silent but full of relief. Somewhere another child screamed with glee before quickly grumbling. Apparently Billy had once again caught the child in a full run. She had seen Billy run, but never fast. It made her wonder. Was he really as quick as these children made him out to be?

Minutes went by and she heard only faint laughter and giggling. It was then she started to clearly hear voices once again.

"Did you find everyone?" Carlos queried as he watched the group come closer.

"Nope. Still looking for..." Billy began.

"La princessa?" The same little girl asked from before, cutting Billy's response off.

Billy laughed, "si, Rosita. La princessa de Fuego."

The little girl giggled, "la princessa de Fuego muy Bonita. I want to be just like her when I grow up."

Kristal blinked at the child's sweet tone. It surprised her that the little girl thought that she was pretty. Sure she had been called pretty before, mostly by drunkards. But Sam had often called her an ugly pest or a hideous rat. And Belle referred to her as homely or plain. All her life she had heard it, so finding herself to be pretty was not feasible for her. Maybe that was why she liked certain pretty things. Since she didn't view herself as pretty, she liked pretty things like her silver brush, or the beads and feathers wrapped around strands of her hair. However, children were so innocent and truthful. That thought made her smile a little.

"Si. I think so too. La Princessa de Fuego muy Bonita. Ella es hermosa." Billy agreed with the little girl completely. "If you grow up ta be like her Rosita, you will be a bright diamond in a colorless desert."

(The fire princess is pretty. She is beautiful.)

Kristal's eyes widened at Billy's agreement. Surely he was just playing along with the little girl. Right? He didn't really mean any of that... could he?

It was then she heard Charlie calling out to Billy trying to get his attention. Her attention piqued, wondering what Charlie could possibly want.

"Hey Billy!" The blond didn't acknowledge Charlie at first, so he tried again. "Billy! Have you seen Kris anywhere? I can't seem ta find where she went off to."

"I'm lookin' for her now actually. Why?" Billy's voice sounded like it was getting a little further away.

"I wanna talk to her about something." Charlie sighed sounding a little frustrated. He then quickly added, confusion growing in his voice. "Why are you looking for her? Did you need her for something too?"

"Nah, we're just playin' a game of hide 'n seek." Billy responded, his voice growing a little frustrated. He could not find her anywhere and his tone echoed his frustration.

"Wait... I ain't sure I heard ya right. Did you say ya got Kris to play a game with you?" Shock filled Charlie and he glanced around the area. "Ya mean to tell me, she's hiding somewhere right now?"

"Sure did." Billy acknowledged. His cheerful tone, made Kristal roll her eyes, but she continued to listen quietly. "An' yeah... She's the last one I gotta find. She's pretty good at this."

Shocked brown eyes slowly moved over the courtyard curious if he might see her blonde head somewhere. "And how the hell did ya manage to get her to play this game with you?" Charlie queried, curiosity getting the better of him.

"Well..." Billy began bending down to look in a bush and then paused. He was grinning now, even though he still hadn't found Kristal. "Maybe I'm startin' to actually wear her down. I think she might jus' be startin' ta like me."

"Your delusional Billy." It was Charlie's turn to be amused. After the awkward silence on the ride to Fort Sumner, he highly doubted Billy was wearing the woman down.

Billy shrugged, not about to argue the fact when the fiery woman could be within earshot. "Maybe, but she's playing the game ain't she? Now I just gotta find her an' tag her so I can win."

"If you find her?" Charlie chuckled. He had seen movement by the wagon. To his surprise, Kristal was pulling herself carefully out from under it. He hadn't even seen her hiding beneath it. "I don't think she's gonna make it easy."

"Does she ever..." Billy muttered to himself, before flashing his friend a confident smile. "Oh I'll find her and I'll catch her, make no mistake..."

"A little arrogant ain't we, Bonney?" Kristal called out already moving towards the tree that had been declared their safe spot.

"What the hell..." Billy's shock was written on his face at the sound of her voice. Turning just in time to see her moving towards the tree, the cocky boy shot forward. A wild grin spread across his face as she broke into a run. Now this was what he called fun! He had no qualms chasing a pretty girl down in the name of fun.

The blond man wasn't far behind her and was quickly gaining. Quickening her pace as the tree grew closer, Kristal smirked already knowing she was going to make it. She wasn't even running as hard as she could. There was no point when the tree was so close. A few more steps and... "I'm safe!" She cried out as her arms went around the tree.

Breathing heavily, Billy swore under his breath so none of the children heard. He had been so close in tagging her. So damn close! Leaning forward, his hands resting on his knees while he took slow swallows of air, he lifted his gaze to the woman. What he saw, made him gape in pleasant surprise.

Behind Billy, Charlie approached and he too was staring at Kristal in silent amazement.

Still hugging the tree, Kristal had a wide gleeful smile on her face. It lit her entire face with an innocent childlike wonder that the boys had never seen before. For a moment, she looked younger, happy, and carefree. It was transforming to see such a soft and quite breathtaking expression on her face.

"Why the hell are you both staring at me like that?" Her glowing expression darkened a little as she raised an eyebrow at them, growing uncomfortable by their odd stares.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile like that." Billy sounded a bit breathless. He wasn't sure if it was from the running or the fact that she took his breath away.

"I'm not sure any of us have..." Charlie agreed with a shake of his head, in awe.

"You should do it more often, Querida." Even as Billy said it, he knew she'd roll her eyes. He chuckled as she did just that.

"I don't often got a reason ta smile or laugh." Kristal shrugged, her gaze moving away from Billy to land on Charlie. She still didn't feel comfortable in looking at the blond boy for very long. It reminded her too much of the kiss and how strange he made her feel. "Can't smile or laugh if ya got no reason to."

"She's got a point." Though it saddened Charlie to know that Kristal had never had a reason to laugh or even smile like that before. "But, I will say, you should do that more often Kris. Your entire face lights up. You were glowing." The curly haired boy was smiling gently at her.

"You're beautiful." Billy blurted before Kristal could respond. However, he quickly added, "Rosita thinks so too, don't you?" He had seen Kristal's eyes widen and even Charlie had shot him a curious glance. Better to play it off so the woman didn't bolt and his friend didn't get any strange ideas. Then again, what did he care if Charlie did make assumptions where he and Kris were concerned?

"Si!" The little girl declared without hesitation. She was now clinging to Billy's leg with a toothless smile on her face. "Muy Bonita! Como una Princesa!"

(Very pretty. Like a princess.)

Blinking Charlie turned his gaze down to the little girl and then up to the blonde wondering how his female friend would take being compared to a princess. He was not surprised to see her roll her eyes. What surprised him the most was that she didn't bother to correct the child. "Well they ain't wrong, Kris. You are quite pretty, especially when you smile like that."

Billy just nodded still staring at her as if trying to keep the image of her, like that, forever in his memory. He wished he could capture it. Her long golden hair was unruly, curled over one shoulder, smaller strands falling in her face. Yet she didn't notice. What made his breath hitch the most was the happy glow he had seen in her eyes. Those green eyes had sparkled like gems and caused his heart to pound a bit faster in his chest. Was it wrong that he wanted to always make her face light up like that?

Waving a hand to dismiss this awkward talk, Kristal's smile dimmed a little. Being the center of attention was not something she much liked. "If y'all say so." Though she didn't sound like she agreed, which made the two boys frown a little. Her gaze then turned to Charlie, "ya said ya were looking for me? Did ya need me fer something Charlie?"

"Um... Uh yeah..." The woman's quick subject change made him flounder. What was he looking for her for? Oh yeah... "Just wanted to show you something." The boy waved a hand in dismissal. It wasn't really important anyway... Well it was to him, but nothing urgent. "It can wait, though. Y'all can finish your game."

Nodding to Charlie, Billy hid his curiosity behind a smile, "you can join in, Charlie. If ya want?"

The curly haired boy laughed. There was no way he was going to play a game with two of the most stubborn, determined and energetic people he knew. He admired the children's innocent natures because they had no idea what the two were like. "Nah, I'm good. I'm fine watching Kristal beat your ass."

"Language! Charlie!" Billy feigned offense and quickly put his hands over Rosita's ears. The little girl giggled and Billy smiled down at her.

"Least he knows who ta root fer." Kristal stated, leaning against the tree, watching Billy with the little girl. It was honestly endearing. It brought the conversation her and Billy had the other night to mind -- the one about settling down and having a family. The reckless boy would have made a good father. Wait! Where the hell had that come from?! Shaking her head, Kristal jerked her gaze away from Billy and Rosita.

"Alright. I'll count again. Normally it'd be the last one I caught, but I think it might be too hard for the kids to find us." He motioned to himself and Kristal. He was grateful to see her nod in understanding even though she was looking anywhere but at him again. He sighed wondering if she was ever going to look him straight again.

"I can count and do the finding." Kristal offered, her gaze lifting up to follow a cloud rolling by in the sky.

"But you won last game. That not fair to you." Little Rosita claimed, tugging on the older woman's pant leg to get Kristal to look at her.

The tugging worked. Kristal's bright green eyes lowered on the girl. A hint of a smile returned to her lips and Kris tapped Rosita on the nose. "It's alright little darlin'... Chivato and I can just take turns. I don't mind. Y'all can jus' worry 'bout hidin'."

Billy's eyebrows rose and he stared at her for a moment, watching her with Rosita. He didn't respond at first, but then nodded. "Sounds good to me. Ya know how ta count, Querida?" It was a general question, without any of his usual teasing. Just because she knew how to read didn't mean she could count. Had he ever heard her count before?

Charlie's brows rose at Billy's consistent sobriquet towards Kristal. Though he found it interesting he kept it to himself.

"Course I do Bonney." Kristal snapped, annoyed. For some reason the blond's question bothered her. "I gotta count to fifty right?"

"Unless you can't count that high." Billy teased, a wily grin curling on his face. Her annoyance had spurred him into teasing.

A scoff sounded from Kristal's direction."I may not have gone to a proper school Bonney but I learned ta read, write and do sums. Same as if I had gone to one. Belle made sure of that." She wrinkled her nose at him. "So I have no problem counting to fifty or higher if'n ya want me to." Her tone was again challenging. Why was it that he constantly got on her last nerve?

Brows rose at that knowledge. Of course he knew she could read, the woman always had her nose stuck in a book. But knowing she could do arithmetic too, that was impressive. "Nah fifty is fine." His gaze followed her. "Just turn around, face the tree, close your eyes an' start countin'."

With a simple nod, Kristal did as she was told. Once she had turned around, facing the tree, she closed her eyes. This felt a little vulnerable for her, it was odd. Anybody could easily sneak up behind her. Damn! She had to force herself to shrug off the uncomfortable feeling. There was no way she was going to quit just because she felt uneasy having her back facing everyone. "One.... Two... Three..." She began, carefully listening to the patter of feet as the kids started to run to find a hiding spot.

Billy paused for a moment to watch Kristal. For a moment he thought he saw her hesitate. Something had bothered her and he had a feeling he knew what it was. The uncomfortable feeling of having their back turned. It was the same for him. However, she hadn't shirked away or given up. He was proud of her for that. Glancing over at Charlie, he gave his friend a broad grin before turning and racing off with the other children.

Charlie's gaze watched as each child hid. Half of them could still be seen, their small heads bobbing behind a bush or a barrel. He then turned to see Billy racing to find a place to hide. The curly haired boy found the game enjoyable to watch, even more so seeing Kristal let all her inhibitions fly away. She was having fun, something Charlie was sure she desperately needed among other things.

"Forty nine. Fifty! I'm comin' ta find y'all." Kristal's shout echoed out in the courtyard.

Charlie continued to watch as Kristal turned from her spot at the tree. Taking a look around, her head then tilted downwards before she knelt down and focused on something in the dirt. The woman then followed it till she came to a pair of stacked crates. Circling the wooden boxes, she quickly found her first hider. The little boy squealed and raced out before he could be tagged. Kris was quickly on his tail. She gave him a little leeway, before charging down on him before he got to the tree. The curly haired boy's brows rose. Was Kristal, laughing?

Sure enough, Kristal was laughing alongside the little boy. Charlie gaped at her, he had never seen or heard her laugh like that before. She looked so much softer and happier in that moment, younger and innocent too. He quietly marveled at her and found himself being grateful to have her as a friend.

"You got me. But I don't think you'll find the others. Especially not Chivato." The boy shook his head. "He too good."

"We'll see, I guess." Kristal stated, mirth edging her voice. Before long she had found all six of the children. The little girl, Rosita, had asked for a piggy back ride, so she was now sitting securely on Kristal's back. It was adorable seeing Kristal following some invisible trail, with the little girl laying on the woman's back. The trail was closing in on Billy's location. He was in the same wagon that Kristal had been. Except, he was in the bed with a canvas carefully draped over him. The thick cloth was normally used for a covered wagon, but Billy had adjusted it, so it would hide his position. Charlie chuckled knowing she was getting close. Kristal glanced Charlie's way and he smiled at her seeing the knowing look in her eyes. She had found Billy.

The woman carefully walked around the wagon before stopping at the open bed of the wooden vehicle. Carefully, she set Rosita down, placed a finger to her lips so the child would stay quiet and then moved to grip the canvas. Before she knew what was happening, the other side of the canvas lifted and billowed towards her. On the other side, she heard boots scrambling for footing as Billy tried to climb over the seat.

Struggling with the canvas over her, Kristal finally managed to shimmy out from under it wasting precious time in going after Billy. Once she was free, she followed Billy jumping up onto the wagon's seat and jumping over the yoke to race after Billy. Little giggles sounded behind her as she pushed herself faster in order to try and catch Billy.

Kristal was hot on his tail and closing in when the blond man put on a quick burst of speed, his hat flying off his head. He reached the lone tree seconds before Kris could tag him. The woman swore under her breath and slowed to a stop before she ran into him.

"Nice try, Querida." Billy grinned watching as she crossed her arms over her chest, a brow rising as she scrutinized him. "Maybe I should have wagered another kiss instead." He teased, breathing a little heavily. He had forgotten that Charlie was within ear shot as he winked at the woman.

Not far away, Charlie's brows rose, indeed hearing Billy. What did the blond boy mean by another kiss? As far as he knew the last and only kiss had been unwanted. Had there been another since? However, to Charlie's surprise, Kristal's cheek grew a soft pink in color. What the hell was this? Was there something going on? He chose to remain quiet, listening and watching instead of saying anything.

"Ya act like yer gonna win." Kristal growled, her eyes and tongue sharpening on him, despite the warmth that surfaced in her cheeks. "Either way, don't expect that to happen again... Ever."

"But--..." Billy tried, still forgetting that Charlie was nearby.

Kristal turned to face him, eyes filled with chastising anger as she glared at him. "Drop it, Bonney." It was clear she didn't want to talk about it. She picked up his hat and shoved it into his chest. "Your turn to count."

Turning around, she froze seeing Charlie who was standing there staring at them in surprise. Her mouth fell open in a quiet gasp, also forgetting that he had been watching them.

"What the hell... Did I miss something somewhere?" Charlie finally queried, speaking up with concern and confusion in his warm eyes.

Kristal shot back a glare towards Billy, as if to tell him he needed to keep his mouth shut before shaking her head at Charlie. "I don't wanna talk about it, Charlie." At least not now and not around Billy, but she wasn't about to say anything more where the annoying blond could hear. "Count, Bonney 'fore I grow tired o' this."

In truth she was enjoying the game. It was a great deal more fun than she had thought it would be. She had definitely missed out as a child, but again she wasn't about to announce that to the blond either. His ego would grow tenfold and she did NOT want that. He already had a large enough self esteem, he didn't need any help in that.

"Fine." Billy began pouting a little. However, he wasn't about to do anything to make Kristal quit. "Get ready..." He didn't wait for her as he turned around. Leaning against the tree, the blond boy closed his eyes, "one, two, three, four..." His count was quick, much quicker than before. If Kristal didn't want to mess around, neither would he. He smirked as he heard all the scrambling footsteps behind him.

Once he finished counting, Billy quickly went around finding each of the children. However, on his trek, he casually picked up a rope and curled it into a loop.

Again, Kristal was hiding in a spot that Billy couldn't find. She had pressed herself along the topside of an awning of one of the nearby buildings. As she jumped down and raced to the tree, Billy lifted the rope and started twirling it over his head before he threw it. The rope soared over Kristal's head, wrapping around her before being pulled taught. With a gentle tug, the momentum caused her to fall back onto her rear.

Running over to the seething woman, he tapped her on the head. "I do believe that is a tag," he said between fits of laughter.

"That's cheating! You cheated!" Kristal hissed, glaring at the man as she sat in the dirt.

"Nah, never said we couldn't use anything to stop ya. We never added that into the rules." Leaning down, Billy's blue eyes were alight with mirth as he pulled the rope off of her. "That's two points for me. Shall we call it quits and just say I won?"

"Hell no!" Standing up, Kristal turned to face Billy with darkened green eyes. "If we're playin' dirty..." She poked the boy in the chest, "that's m' speciality. So, by all means, lets continue." The corner of her mouth shifted into a dark smirk, "Go hide." The tone of her voice held a dangerously cunning edge to it that made Billy raise both brows. With that, she turned, stalked to the tree and began to count.

Swallowing hard, Billy didn't wait for her to start counting, he was already gone. It took him a little longer to find a hiding spot this time, but somehow barely managed before Kristal finished counting. His spot was on the far side of the barn, probably the furthest away from the tree. But he wasn't worried. He had to shimmy under a pile of hay, but he had the perfect vantage point. If Kristal came for him, he could skirt around the backside of the barn and make a break for the tree.

A grin lit Billy's face as he watched the fiery woman roam the courtyard. Only a couple times did he lose sight of her, but when she returned to his sight, she had another child trailing her. Soon enough, she found each and everyone of the children and was soon hot on his trail again with little Rosita on her back. Seeing her with the little girl made his stomach do an odd flip. He wondered why he felt this way, practically giddy at the sight of Kristal catering to the child.

It was then he watched her pause. She set the girl down and knelt. What the hell was she doing? He quickly realized that she had found something interesting in the dirt and began to follow it. He marveled at how careful she was in following an almost non existent trail on the ground.

Once again, Kristal disappeared from his sight, seemingly following his prints in the ground. She was gone for a short while before he saw her rounding the front side of the barn and right towards him. Popping up out of the hay, Billy quickly turned to run around the backside of the barn. As he hurried around the back of the barn and came around the other side, he suddenly found himself falling forward, his foot caught in something holding it back.

Losing his footing, the boy fell to the ground with a painful grunt. Turning he saw a rope wrapped around his ankle. Swearing, he quickly tried to pull it off of him. As he was about to stand up, he felt something being pulled from his hair, his hat once again lost in the run. Lifting his head he saw Kristal standing above him, holding a straw of hay that had been stuck in his hair.

The woman leaned down, so her face was mere inches from him, a triumphant smirk on her face before she poked him in the chest just like she had earlier. "Tag."

"What the hell was that?" Billy queried, motioning to the rope. He sounded more irritated than he really was.

"A trap, darlin'. I'm awful good at makin' 'em. Quick too." Straightening, she offered him a hand up. "When I realized where you were hidin' I knew I had to do somethin'."

"You tricked me into going behind the barn." Billy sounded impressed. He was honestly surprised he fell for it.

When he didn't move, Kristal leaned down, "I warned ya..." There was a playfully wicked glint in her eyes before she straightened and offered her hand to him again.

A grin appeared on Billy's face, and took her hand this time. He had to ignore the warmth that spread up his arm at the touch. This was becoming a problem. He couldn't even touch her without feeling drawn to her. "You're a woman of many talents, Querida." He couldn't help but call her darling back. He enjoyed calling her the Spanish endearment. Not only did it ruffle her feathers every now and then, but it also felt right.

As he stood up, he watched her as she reached up and pulled another strand of straw out of his hair. He had to fight the shiver that went through him at her gesture. "Thanks." He whispered to her.

She opened her mouth to respond but quickly turned as Charlie called out to her. Billy cursed his luck wondering what she had been about to say.

"That was smart thinking, Kris!" Charlie was now sitting with Doc who had joined him a few minutes earlier when Kristal had been setting the trap. He was just as intrigued to see the woman playing a game, and with Billy of all people.

As Charlie explained it all to Doc, Billy noticed Kristal's shrug. She never did boast or take credit for anything. Her statement of being good at making traps was nothing more than that --- a statement. She didn't brag or make them feel inadequate, not that he would, but it was quite amazing to see a woman so skilled and not gloating about the things she could do.

"Next round will see the winner. I ain't holdin' back Querida." Billy, however, had no problem gloating.

"Wouldn't expect anything less." Rolling her eyes she waited for him to start counting.

The next round was a blur. Kristal had decided to hide inside the stables as Billy counted much too quickly for the children. Many groaned as they had barely managed to find a hiding spot before the blond boy was finished.

Once again, Billy went around finding all the children first. Many of the kids were starting to lose interest as they moved to sit along the edge of the perimeter to watch el Chivato search for the golden haired woman. Time quickly ticked by, though to Billy it felt slower than ever. He was having trouble finding the woman this time around.

Charlie and Doc watched from a distance, chuckling to themselves as their rash friend struggled. They knew right where Kristal was hiding and Billy was not even close.

Minutes went by as Billy finally moved towards the stables. His gaze flew to the opening. He hadn't tried inside yet. Technically it was still part of the area allowed to hide in. Maybe... Just maybe...

Inching towards the large stable, he entered to find the horses relaxing. Not a one seemed spooked or concerned. Baby blue eyes scanned the stalls, as he moved further inside. Still nothing. Damn! About to turn around and head back outside, he quickly froze. He heard something. Jerking his head to the right, he saw nothing but a palomino gelding staring at him. His eyes narrowed, searching for anything out of place. Maybe what he heard was just one of the horses?

Something caught the corner of his eye. He would have missed it except for that it drifted closer to him. A piece of straw fluttered down from the rafters above.

Lifting his eyes, he saw the woman standing above him. Damn! As their eyes met, she began jumping from one beam to the next. The hayloft window was her exit as she slid out it and jumped to the ground with a soft grunt.

Billy was out the barn doors just behind her. He knew he had to catch her. There was no way he was going to let her win! Shouts and cheers came from somewhere, but Billy wasn't about to lose his focus. Pushing himself even harder, he launched himself forward. With the quick burst of speed, he reached out to grab her, just as she was about to touch the tree. His hand wrapped around her upper arm and he jerked her backwards away from the safety of the tree. He did it! She didn't get to touch it. He could still win this thing.

At the sudden pull, Kristal felt a shock go through her shoulder before things started to shift around her. The ground seemed to move out from under her as she fell backwards. The tree had been so close, she had almost touched it, but now she was being pulled backwards. The momentum of her run mixed with the harsh jerk on her arm in the opposite direction caused her to lose her footing. Bracing herself for the inevitable crash of the ground, she closed her eyes.

Instead of hitting anything, warm, strong arms caught her and held her upright. The jolt that had gone through her arm thrummed at her nearly healed injury. She hadn't realized she had gasped when Billy's worried face came into view at her side. Her eyes opened to see him staring at her with concern. He was so close. Why? She then also realized she was leaning against him, enveloped in his arms. Even as she realized all this though, she didn't move. She was dazed and taken off guard.

"Are you okay, Kris?" He asked, dropping his endearment for a moment. "Did I hurt ya? I didn't mean to..." There was an underlying fear in those blue eyes of his.

The blond's worried voice shook her out of her reverie. Attempting to stand, she found it difficult when Billy had his arms wrapped around her. She wasn't sure which hurt more, her pride or the old gunshot wound? "I'm fine, Billy." She breathed trying to pull out of his strong grasp, but he was holding her tight. "You can let me go."

Even though her words eased his mind a little, the boy was afraid to. He was terrified that he had hurt her again. In any other instance he would have basked in the warmth of her body against his. But her gasp of pain had shaken him to his core. What had he done this time? His gaze lowered to her shoulder only now realizing what arm he had grabbed and his face paled. "Shit... I didn't... That wasn't... I'm sorry..." Blue eyes lifted to her face, distressed over hurting her. Shaking his head, he carefully released his grip on her. "Lo siento mucho, Querida."

The anguish in his tone surprised Kristal and she lifted her head only to have her gaze lock on his. There was horror and dread in his eyes, a terror deep inside. One she had a feeling he was reliving by the look on his face.

Damn her heart. The feeling of needing to put him at ease outweighed the annoyance at being grabbed, even if it was part of the game. "Ya got nothin' ta apologize fer, Billy. It's fine. I'm fine."

As the boy continued to shake his head, Kristal raised a brow not understanding why he apparently disagreed. "Billy, it's part o' the game, right?" This time he nodded and then shrugged looking dejected. It was a big change from his normal jovial and carefree demeanor. "I'm fine, I promise. No harm done."

There was confusion in his eyes before those blue orbs narrowed with questioning. He hadn't let her go completely yet; he still held her by the arm though it was gentle --- a lifeline to make sure she was okay. "I do though..." His voice was soft, a whisper on the breeze.

"Ya do what...?" Now she was confused.

"... have so much to apologize for." The blond breathed a sigh before pulling his eyes away from her. Why the hell did he suddenly feel emotional? Damn it all! He swallowed hard, refusing to look towards Kristal. She made him feel things he hadn't felt in a long time. It was unnerving. And in a way, he liked it. Sorta... "If you wanna call it quits, I'll understand."

"We're not playing anymore?" The voice of little Rosita queried, coming from behind Billy. Her acorn colored eyes were filled with sadness. She didn't understand what was going on, she just wanted to play. It wasn't often they had grown ups playing with them.

Swallowing hard, Kristal lowered her eyes to the little girl before she jerked her arm back and out of Billy's grasp. The movement caused her shoulder to protest, but she made sure to keep her expression smooth so Billy would quit coddling her. "I ain't quittin', Bonney." She moved towards the tree, cringing a little at the harshness of her tone. "I'm gonna count, so I suggest ya hide. Ya let me win, an' I'll kick yer..." She paused remembering the little girl near Billy, "jus' go an' hide."

The boy watched her, surprised by the harshness of her tone. It amazed him how quickly she could pull him out of the sorrow he would start to get lost in. He wasn't sure if she knew what she was doing. Whether she did it on purpose to snap some sense into him or she just didn't care about his emotions. He had no idea what to think. Nor the time to think it. She was so damn confusing. However, he had to admit he was also pleasantly thrilled that she wanted to continue to play the final round of the game.

"As you wish, Querida." Billy bowed causing the little Rosita to giggle. The blond winked at the little girl before taking her by the hand. "Want me to help you hide, since this is our last time?"

At the child's eager nod, Billy led her away as Kristal began to count. The other children followed suit, hiding in places they hoped were good enough to keep the game going a little longer.

Near the edge of the fence of the courtyard, were thick hedges, that were surrounded by overgrown bushes. Hidden behind the thick, thorny bushes, was a narrow alley. On the left was the courtyard fence. On the right was the old run down barracks building that was now used for storage by the Maxwell's. He had two exits. Three if he wanted to jump to the roof, which the overhang was low enough that he could easily reach up to it if he had to.

Once he hid Rosita, Billy crouched down behind the thick thorny hedges. He patiently waited, listening to the faint voice of Kristal's raspy mezzo-soprano. She was done counting and had started looking for the children, or so he assumed. He waited patiently, listening to any and every sound. His gaze constantly switched from looking behind him to the opening at the far end of the small alleyway, to peeking through the thick bushes.

Nothing yet.

There was a child's gleeful scream somewhere which brought a half smile to Billy's face. The woman was good with the kids, much to his surprise. For someone who wanted nothing to do with love or settling down to have a family, she would be awful good at both. Billy could see it even though she tried so hard to hide it. There was a softness behind those sharp eyes, a tenderness behind that sarcastic smirk, and a warmth in that heart hidden behind the thick walls she had surrounding it.

A rustle pulled him out of his thoughts. Movement caught his eye through the branches. A shock of golden hair peeked through the thorny bushes. She had found him! How? He hadn't heard any of the other kids, only the one. Was this another trick?

Taking slow, quiet steps backwards, Billy watched as she made her way through the bush. Once he could see her clearly, he turned around and raced through the alley. Jumping over some wooden slats, stored there for construction. He quickened his pace as he neared the exit.

Billy could now hear her boots pounding against the dirt behind him. He wasn't about to turn around. All he could think about was making it to the tree without being tagged.

Now free of the alley, he could see the tree. It wasn't far. Taking a deep breath he pushed himself as hard as he could towards the only safe designation in the courtyard. His lungs burned and his legs were itching from the sudden burst of speed. He didn't run like this very often, at least not this hard. But he was not going to allow himself to be tagged. If he made it to the tree, he would win. He had to make it.

Charlie and Doc were shouting. The children were whooping and hollering somewhere behind Billy. But there was no slowing down. No looking back. He didn't even slow as he slammed into the tree and gripped it tight. The whole tree shook, loose leaves falling around him.

Finally Billy turned to see that Kristal had stopped a few feet from the tree. She was breathing heavy, about as heavy as he was. Her brow glistened with beads of sweat and her cheeks were red from the heat.

The two of them just stared at each other, unable to speak as they caught their breath. Billy released the tree to lean forward, placing his hands on his knees to breathe in deeply. It was several minutes before either of them could finally speak.

"Well, ya won..." Kristal stated, her tone a little dour.

Looking up at her, Billy saw her shrug and then nod her head to him relinquishing defeat. "I guess I did." He was grinning, though he didn't feel the need to gloat for once. She wasn't being a poor loser like he thought she would be. She was actually taking the loss gracefully. "Good game, Querida."

"Yeah... It was," Kristal paused a moment considering her words, "...fun. More fun than I thought."

"Glad ya enjoyed yourself." It was hard for Billy to hide his excitement at her admittance of the game being fun. It was hard to gauge her thoughts most of the time, so he really had no idea what she thought of the game. "Think ya'll wanna do it again?"

"I dunno, Bonney." Kristal shook her head. "Let's take one thing at time, a'right." When he looked hopeful, she frowned, "don't get your hopes up."

"Too late. I feel it's my duty to get ya ta have more fun, Kris. Ya need ta let loose and just enjoy life." Billy straightened, now able to breathe normally and watched as she turned to walk away.

"Around you, Billy, there's never a dull moment. Whether it's always fun, is another thing entirely." She waved a hand to him and continued to walk away just as little Rosita ran over with her brother in tow.

"That muy divertido!" Little Rosita exclaimed bouncing up and down. "Princesa! Did you have fun?"

With a sigh, Kristal stopped in her trek to reach Charlie. "Course I did, Rosita. Yer the best hider out all of 'em."

The boy next to the girl frowned. "I hid good, no?"

Chuckling, Kristal nodded acknowledging Rosita's brother. "Sure ya did. Jus' not as good as yer sister."

The boy pouted but little Rosita beamed. "Muchas gracias, Princesa." Her sweet, tiny voice was filled with glee.

"Come, Rosita." Rosita's brother huffed, waving for her to follow. "Es la hora del almuerzo y tengo hambre."

(It's lunch time and I'm hungry.)

"Hasta luego. Disfrute de su almuerzo." Billy called out to the two as the older boy led the girl away.

(See you later. Enjoy your lunch.)

Without warning, Rosita broke free of her brother's hold and ran up to Kristal. She wrapped her arms around the woman's legs. "Thank you for playing with us. You best Princesa ever!"

Kristal blinked patting the girl on the head as her brother called out to her. The girl squeezed tight and then let go. "Hold on a sec..." Kris began, capturing the girl's attention and knelt down in front of the child. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a little wooden animal. "Here little darlin', jus' fer you. Every princess needs a faithful companion."

The girl's bright brown eyes lowered to the wooden carving. "Oh! Gracias! I keep it forever!" She tucked the tiny dog into her hands and wrapped her arms around Kristal's neck.

Again, the woman patted the girl on the back awkwardly. Showing physical emotion was not something that was normal for her. And hugs had been forbidden since she was a small child herself, after the first time she had hugged Belle and was scolded for it. "De nada, Rosita." Kristal whispered into the child's ear.

Surprise filled the little girl's eyes. She hadn't realized that the golden haired Princesa could speak her language. Joy filled the child's heart at being understood and so accepted by this gringa princesa. Before she turned away, Rosita pressed a small kiss against Kristal's cheek. "Me gusto mucho." The girl-child then skipped happily back to her brother.

Watching as the girl walked away while showing her gift to her brother brought a smile to Kristal's face. The girl was happily talking her brother's ear off which made the blonde chuckle as she stood back up.

"That was sweet of you."

Kristal shrugged at Billy's compliment. "Yer the one that made her think I'm a princess."

"And look, it made her extremely happy.. pretty sure you made Rosita's entire day." The blond moved to stand next to her, also watching the children move out of sight. "She'll remember this day forever. The day she got to meet la princesa de fuego." He started laughing after the words left his mouth finding the title hilarious.

Rolling her eyes, Kristal pushed him away from her. "You're hopeless Bonney. And excruciatingly annoying."

The woman's response only made him laugh even more. The look of distaste on her face had spurred him forward. He couldn't help teasing her, knowing she didn't like it. When she started to walk away again, he called out to her. "Wait! When do I get to make good on my win?" There was no way she was going to get out of their bet.

"Guess that depends on you."

Billy's gaze narrowed on her when she didn't stop walking. "Ya promise we can go wherever I want? And you'll hold to it?"

Pausing in her walk, Kristal glanced back to look at him curiously. "Why? Where d'ya wanna go?"

Glad to finally have her attention back on him, Billy shrugged. "I got a couple of ideas. There ain't nothin' here in Fort Sumner though. Might need to head outta town for a little bit. Jus' you and me." He hesitated noticing her brows furrow and eyes darken. "The others can stay here. They'll be safe."

There was a moment of silence as Kristal stood contemplating her options. She didn't see a way to get out of this. A promise had been made and she would keep to it, even if she had to be with Billy... alone. As long as the others were safe that's what really mattered to her.

"Fine. Wherever ya choose, I'll go. But ya make a fool outta me," a smirk shifted over her peach colored lips, "I'll skin ya alive."

"No makin' a fool outta no one. Jus' a good meal an' a good time. Ya have my word Querida."

That would have to be good enough for her. "Jus' let me know when..." She was about to walk away again, but stopped. "An' Billy try an' not let it be a last minute thing. I don't like rushin' if I don't have to."

Billy nodded, "course, Querida." He wanted to say something else, to get her to stay but Charlie was waving to her from across the courtyard. Damn! He would need to think of a place to take her that was at least a day or two ride. Spending four or five days with Kristal, alone sounded like a challenge, but that was the beauty of it.

Watching her walk away, he sighed wishing she was still near, giving her attention to him. Even the negative attention he would take, as long as it came from her. God damn, he was losing his mind over her! He had never been jealous a day in his life, but seeing Kristal greet Charlie so warmly made his stomach sour a little. It became even worse when Chavez appeared and approached her.

"What's with the face, Billy? I thought you'd be happy that you won." Doc queried as he casually approached the manic blond. "I am happy. She's gonna go on a date with me." Even as he said that, his expression never changed. It remained glaring at the men across the yard. Chavez was holding her hand and a strange, overwhelming feeling came over him. One that left him half sick to his stomach and anger curled on his brow.

"A date? She agreed to a date?" Doc's skeptical question finally made Billy tear his eyes away from the irritating scene.

"Yeah... well no. I just told her she had to have dinner with me and eat it all because she never eats." Billy explained as Doc started to shake his head, "but it's a date. She just don't realize it."

Doc continued to shake his head and glanced over at Kristal as she walked away with Charlie and Chavez. "You're treading awful close to the fire, Billy. Be careful you don't get burned."

"See, I knew ya cared Doc." He grinned, forcing himself to focus on something else other than Chavez with Kristal. Besides Billy knew what he was getting into, or at least he thought he knew. If he didn't step up his game, he might just lose one of the most amazing women he had ever known to Chavez. He needed to start making plans to get Kristal alone and quickly.

"So, Doc..." Billy began, hooking an arm around his pal's shoulders. "I need your help with something..."

Shrugging off the man's arm he shook his head, "God, Billy... I'm not helping you with anything till you bathe. You reek of sweat and horse shit."

"Fair enough." Billy nodded, noting he was sweaty and filthy from the game. Not to mention he hadn't had the chance to bathe since their long ride the day before. They had spent hours on the horses. He supposed he did smell pretty rank. Steering Doc into the direction of the little bath house near the main building, Billy gave him a sly, knowing smile. "C'mon. I got no time to waste."