((Author Note: Again there may be some trigger warning. Mentions of attempted rape and verbal abuse. Nothing too detailed though.))

Early the next morning, Kristal woke with a frown. She had suffered from a large headache most of the day the prior. Even eating and drinking water didn't help much, if at all. As much as she hated her small claustrophobic room, she had confined herself to it for the rest of the day.

The men had gone to celebrate the last evening of Charlie's bachelorhood, by giving him a send off party. A party Kristal was sure would have the boys drunk and in a senorita's bed before midnight.

Not that she cared... and yet she did. She felt the boys deserved so much better than their one night stands, if that was even what they were doing. They deserved happiness like what Charlie found.

But didn't she deserve it too?

Shaking her head, she pushed that thought back. Thinking along those lines only made her thoughts war with themselves and she didn't want to add to the headache she already had.

Once she was fully awake, she went to the Maxwell kitchen for some much needed coffee. Deluvina was a sweet woman and Kristal took a liking to her almost immediately. Maybe it was because the woman was Navajo, and then raised by Apaches until sold to the Maxwell home that made Kris feel at home with her. She felt a kinship with the woman who was only a few years older than her.

After chatting with Deluvina over coffee, Kristal made her way to the room she had left Manuela and her friend and cousin in the day before.

Knocking on the door, Ynez answered and then pulled her again, once again unceremoniously. "I think I'm starting to get used to y'all pullin' on me," she teased lightly as the door shut behind her.

The plump Ynez smiled shyly, "lo siento Krisita... I just not want anyone to see Manuela just yet."

The woman who was to be wed that day turned around with a wide smile on her face. The dress was beautiful on the young woman. Her smile was radiant as it lit up her features causing her to glow with happiness.

The image of Manuela and the pure joy the bride emanated filled Kristal with immediate elation. Was this how love was supposed to look? Or was this how it started and it just became bitter and hateful as time went by? Still, Kristal had to admit Manuela was stunning and Kristal hoped that the joy the bride was giving off would last forever. Manuela's delight was infectious. It made a part of Kristal, a rather small part, but still a part of her, wish for this to happen for her some day too. She quickly shook her head, knowing it wasn't going to happen to her... ever. It just wasn't in the cards. Not that she wanted it to be, right?

"You are the prettiest bride I've ever seen." Kristal admitted aloud. "Yer so happy that ya look all glowing.

"Gracias amiga," Manuela said softly, her cheeks turning a soft shade of crimson. "I feel pretty."

"You should 'cause ya are. It's a big day." Kristal then looked around. "Where's Senorita Maxwell?"

"Right here..." Paulita said out of breath. She too was wearing a beautiful dress of gold, green and purple. It was elegant and fell off the shoulder to give a tease of flesh.

"You look..." Manuela paused taking in her friends ensemble, "...lovely Lita," the bride finally acknowledged, her countenance falling just a little, her gaze trailing over her friend's elaborate dress. It was clear she felt overshadowed by Paulita's grandeur and wealthy dress.

"Well, I hope so!" Paulita said swaying from side to side, sashaying her dress, oblivious to Manuela's change in demeanor. "I need to catch Chivato's attention somehow. I hear he like it when señoritas show some skin." The young woman was gloating and it annoyed Kristal.

Paulita was the type of woman that annoyed Kristal. Conceited, egotistical, and very entitled. The woman clearly didn't realize she had made Manuela feel overshadowed. All Paulita was concerned with was impressing and catching Billy's eye, when this day was supposed to be all about Manuela and Charlie.

"I still think you'll be the prettiest bride ever, Manuela." Kristal had to add in an effort to encourage her new friend. "You look like an angel in your dress."

"Oh?!" Paulita gasped realizing she hadn't acknowledged her friends dress and turned to Manuela. Nodding as her eyes slid over Manuela, she smiled, "Of course you are Ela. Eres muy bonita!"

The light only slightly came back to Manuela's eyes, "gracias." Her tone wasn't as bright as she continued to look over at Paulita and the frilly dress she wore.

"Oye! Come! We not have much time!" Ynez cried out with more force than she had before. They were on a time crunch and she would not deal with any tomfoolery. "Krisita, here is the clothes I make for you. Lita, start Manuela's hair. Ándale!"

All three women eyed Ynez with surprise at how she took charge. Taking the clothes from Ynez, Kristal moved behind the changing screen and started to undress.

In minutes, Kristal had the new clothes on. The cloth was a fine make, nicer than any she had ever had before. The pants were tight fitting instead of her usual loose and baggy slacks. Along the side of her pants was a paisley stitching with silver studded buttons embellishing the length.

The shirt was also tighter, accentuating her curves in all the right places. It was a long sleeved shirt, with three silver buttons at the collar which she immediately undid. It was a little too confining otherwise. Along the shoulder and down her arms, the silver studs ornamented the ensemble.

A black vest with red embroidered roses was carefully inlaid over the fine cloth. Matching silver buttons held the vest closed, which also gave her a bit of cleavage due to the tightness of the vest. Yet it wasn't so tight that she couldn't breathe.

Coming around the screen, Kristal felt a little awkward wearing such nice and form fitting clothes. It was probably the nicest outfit she had ever worn.

"Oh, Krisita, you look lovely! Ynez work wonders!" Manuela exclaimed seeing her friend.

"You can tell you are a woman now." Paulita said almost haughtily. "You have feminine curves. Dresses would do your form wonders." Though by the look on Paulita's face, she doubted that Kristal had the feminine wiles to go with it.

Manuela made a face at Paulita before coming over to her friend. "You look like a new woman. Do you like it?"

Behind Manuela, Ynez was watching Kristal expectantly, hope in her eyes.

"I love it. I truly do. I jus' ain't used to dressing so... nice," Kristal admitted. Or something so form fitting, Kristal added in thought.

"I can tell," Paulita murmured under her breath. Moving to Manuela she bid the woman to sit down before starting to fix the brides long flowing chocolate brown hair. "Did you happen to tell Billito what I said, Krisita? What I told you to tell him yesterday?"

"Ah... No. I haven't seen him since I left ya yesterday. Sorry." Kristal had no idea why she was apologizing. She had no reason to. But seeing Paulita's expression darken made Kristal raise a brow. "I'm sure ya can tell him yourself at the weddin'... Or after."

"Apparently, I must." Paulita grumbled now in a dour mood.

The Maxwell girl pulled Manuela's hair up, pinning it securely before adding the veil and pinning that too. By the time she was done, Manuela looked like an angelic princess about to be wed.

"Your turn, Señorita Kristal." Paulita's formal acknowledgement held a hint of cold in her accented voice. "Por favor, sit."

Trying to keep her temper in check, Kristal stared at the woman, her eyes hardening a little. "If ya got a problem with me, Señorita Maxwell, then maybe I'll jus' leave my hair as it is."

Paulita blinked at the subtle animosity. Her gaze rolled over to Manuela and then Ynez as if for help but quickly realized she wouldn't get any from them. "I have no problem, Krisita. Lo siento. I am... just tired and excited for today. Por favor... Sit? I would like to do your hair."

Chewing on the inside of her cheek, Kristal considered the woman's sincerity. After a moment, the blonde sat. "Fine..." That was as much as she could say because Paulita had already annoyed her.

"I go change! I be right back!" Ynez called out as she hurried out the door.

It was just the three of them now. Manuela moved over to the mirror to admire her wedding dress and hair while Paulita continued to do Kristal's hair.

"I do wish you had told Billito what I said though. Then he might want to go to the wedding with me," Paulita said absently as she braided parts of Kristal's hair.

"Like I said, I ain't seen him." Kristal sighed, annoyed by this line of conversation. "I don't seek him out if I don't have to. Figured it wasn't that important that I needed to. Besides I....--"

"--No importa!?" Paulita practically shouted interrupting whatever Kristal had been about to say. In her shout, however , she shoved a pin into Kristal's hair a little aggressively pricking the side of her head.

"God damnit!" Kristal growled and tried to pull out of Paulita's grasp but the woman held her hair firm. "What the hell Paulita?!"

The girl turned white as a sheet. "Dios Mio! Lo siento, Krisita!" She said releasing the woman. One of the braids fell loosely against Kristal's head not yet secured by the pin.

Reaching up, Kristal gently touched her head, her fingers moving through her hair. Pulling her hand away, she saw a little smear of blood on her fingers. Turning around, Kristal glared at the girl. "What the hell was that for?"

The Maxwell girl shrank at Kristal's anger. "I did not mean to!" She then started rambling in Spanish about how it was an accident and she wasn't thinking before switching back to English to apologize again. "I so sorry, Krisita! Please forgive me. It won't happen again!"

Stepping forward, Kristal's irritation darkened her gaze. "It better not!"

Paulita swallowed and nodded. "Will you let me continue?" There was genuine fear in her eyes.

Manuela then chimed in. "It was an accident. Lita will not do it again!" The bride's chastising tone for the wealthy girl was thick. She then approached Kristal. "Let me see Amiga."

The anger Kristal felt almost melted away... almost. It was still there at the edge of her mind. Lowering her head she let Manuela look for the injury.

"Ah, it a pin prick... You will be okay, sí?" Manuela asked the blonde woman. "Will you let her finish? Only half your hair is done." The woman's tone was sweet with Kristal, nurturing.

Massaging the spot, Kristal frowned and nodded to Manuela before relenting. How could she say no? "If it happens again I'm walkin'. So do not do it again."

The Maxwell girl fervently shook her head and quickly did the blondes hair with no more problems. By the time she was done, the upper half of Kristal's hair was in braids, wrapping around her head like a low crown. The rest of her hair hung loose about her shoulders and waist. A couple shorter tendrils of hair hung along the sides of her face framing her features. Though, with part of her hair up, the Indian totem in her hair was more visible.

"There. You are done." It was said with a sigh of relief. Paulita never wanted to do that again. "I did not touch your Indian relic... So left half your hair down. It look so nice."

Letting out a breath, Kristal got up from the chair and looked in the mirror. The part of her hair that was pinned up looked like a halo. What surprised her the most was how softer, sweeter her features appeared and it unnerved Kristal. This felt weird to her. She felt out of place in the opulent clothes and the pretty hair style.

Soon Ynez returned wearing a simple but pretty dress that also showed the busty woman's curves. Paulita did Ynez's hair as well, pulling it up and out of her face to accentuate her heart shaped features.

Once they were all ready, Ynez gave Kristal a matching coat for her outfit and they were ready for the wedding ceremony.

****

The wedding went off without a hitch. Kristal stood up at Manuela's side and to Kristal's surprise, Billy stood up with Charlie. Both men had been surprised to see her, but it was only Billy whose eyes roamed over her as a crooked smile hooked the corner of his mouth. In the quiet of the starting of the ceremony, he caught her eye. "Don't you clean up nice? You look amazing!" Billy mouthed to her. Kristal merely rolled her eyes at him before ignoring the man.

The wedding couple's vows were sweet and simple as the two confessed their love for each other. It left many among the crowd with tears in their eyes. And Kristal had to admit, it moved her as well. Both the bride and groom were deeply in love, their eyes only on each other. It was beautiful to see how devoted the two already were to each other, and the small crowd of onlookers could feel the love Charlie and Manuela shared.

Once the newly married couple kissed, loud whoops and hollers went out among the crowd. The couple was officially married and the party could now begin.

***

The festivities started after the ceremony was over. Everyone moved into the courtyard to celebrate, dance and eat. A large assortment of food had been made by Deluvina and Manuela's family. Music played at the center of the courtyard and the dance floor was already filled with dancers. Many were enjoying themselves with food, drink and dancing. Night began to fall and the revelry continued.

Out on the dance floor, some of the Regulators were moving along to the music. Dirty Steve was starting to get a little tipsy with too much drink and began dancing with an elderly lady. As she twirled around, the older woman reached out for Ynez's hand and switched places with the younger woman. Surprise entered Steve's eyes seeing the pretty little Ynez now dancing with him. He had seen her around the small fort town, but never even thought to approach her. She was pretty with all the curves that he liked in a woman. "Um... Ho-la." Steve said in the most awkward way possible, pronouncing the greeting with a hard h sound.

The girl giggled at Steve's butchery of the Spanish word. "Hello." Ynez said softly, too shy to look up at Steve letting him know she could speak English.

The man smiled "you're quite pretty..." Steve slurred and then added, "I'm surprised you'd wanna dance with me."

"I-I've been hoping to dance with you, señor." Ynez spoke her cheeks burning a bright pink at being so bold.

"Well in that case..." Steve grinned and twirled Ynez around, his eyes never leaving her adorable pink cheeks. His smile widened as she giggled and clung to him while they danced. He was surprised to realize how much he was suddenly enjoying himself with the young woman.

Not far from Steve, Chavez was dancing with a little girl. Holding the girl secure in his arms, she kept her feet carefully on his worn black boots as he moved around with her. The child laughed as he spun around. For the moment he was lost in enjoying his friends wedding. The children of the small town were enjoying having the Regulators there. On the edge of the dance floor, many of the senorita's watching Chavez, swooned at seeing the half breed with the child. It was one of the sweetest things many had ever seen.

Near the edge of the courtyard, a short distance from all the festivities, Doc sat alone reading from a book. Yen Sun wasn't there to enjoy the evening with so he chose to stay away. He didn't feel right dancing with anyone else. Except maybe Kristal. But he knew the blonde woman wasn't much of a dancer. A sullen sigh escaped him thinking of the Celestial beauty that he yearned for. He only hoped that one day he would know happiness with her, like Charlie now had with Manuela.

On the opposite side of the courtyard, near the stables, Billy was conversing with a young lad. The boy was enthralled that he was near Billy the Kid. Taking his hat off his head, Billy placed it on the boy's head and watched as the kids eyes lit up.

"If anyone asks you where you got that hat, you tell 'em Billy the Kid gave it to ya," Billy said with a smile of his own. He was happy to make the boy's night. Being such a kid at heart he had a soft spot for children. Chuckling as the boy fiddled with the large hat on his head, he waved the boy away. "Now go on... get outta here. Go enjoy the party!"

As Billy stood up, something didn't feel right. His instincts flared, warning him about possible danger. His hand swiftly swung to his gun and pulled it out whirling on the man behind him. The weapon was fully cocked and ready to fire should he have the need to. However, the only person he saw there was Pat Garrett. That was a surprise. Why was Garrett here of all places? Chewing on his cheek a little, Billy nodded to the man, "Pat Garrett."

"That's right." Pat nodded back to Billy, lifting his hands up to show Billy he wasn't going to go for his weapons at his waist. It was done in an effort to calm the high stakes tenseness in the air.

Billy frowned as he eyed Pat. He didn't bother to lower his gun as his gaze fell to the other man's hands. Suspicion flooded Billy's eyes, he wasn't exactly sure where Pat Garrett stood with everything going on. "What are you doing here, Pat?" The blond man asked, his eyes narrowing on the dark haired man. "No one's supposed to come in here 'less they're invited. An' I don't think you were on the list."

Garrett shrugged without worry. "I know the Maxwell's some," Pat explained. "I'm going back to Louisiana for a spell. Wanted to see the boy who's become such a sensation." The older man grinned. "You've made quite the name for yourself."

"How'd you find me here?" It was strange and equally suspicious to Billy that Garrett found him at Fort Sumner of all places. Especially when they were just trying to lay low.

"I'm a tracker." Garrett explained. "I can find damn near anyone if I need to. " Pat then grinned, "gonna be hell as sheriff if they elect me."

Now Billy's eyes narrowed even more, his paranoia and suspicions rising. "What're you saying, Pat?" His fingers tightened on his gun. He didn't want to go against Pat, but he would if the other man gave him reason to.

"The official's have asked me to run. Haven't decided if I'm going to yet." Pat explained to Billy keeping his eyes on the wild boy.

"Well then," Billy began and pointed east with his gun. "I'm asking you to run too... that away." The boy's tone turned darker. "Or I'll take your shittin' scalp like I did Brady's."

The older man sighed and hooked his thumbs on his belt. "Easy Bill. I ain't the law yet." Pat began taking a deep breath. "Ain't even sure I'm gonna accept. Got some other plans in the works as of right now." He then paused as if unsure he should tell Billy what he was going to next. With some consideration he gave in and went ahead and spoke up, "I come to tell you some bad news about a friend we share."

Curious, Billy put his guns away. Though he still looked at Garrett through narrowed eyes as he waited for the man to continue.

Mulling over his words, Pat finally spoke up, "McSween, Tunstall's lawyer." Smoothing his mustache, Garrett watched Billy carefully, curious as to how he would react to his news.

Billy's head perked up and he looked at Pat with worried interest. "What about Alex?"

"He's gonna die," Pat stated simply. Seeing Billy absorb his warning, he continued. "They're bringing in the big guns to get rid of him. He and his wife at his house. Murphy knows he's coming back to Lincoln on the 14th of July. They're going to wait till he's home and then go pay him a visit." Still gauging Billy's response, Pat pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

"That's about three weeks away." Billy mused. It was a few hours ride from Fort Sumner to Lincoln. If they left in the morning on the 14th they would get there by noon. "What time are they expecting?"

"Supper time." Pat answered easily. "I figured you were the only fellow with enough pluck to give, along with some McSween partisans and go and give the man and his wife a rightful escort across the border." Garrett took a long drag of his cigarette and then stared at the burning end. "Ain't been to Louisiana for a spell. I'll see you, Billy."

After relaying the news he needed to, Pat started to turn away to let Billy mull over what had been said. After a moment, Billy's gaze lifted and focused back on Pat.

"Hey Garrett?" Billy called out.

Pausing in his attempt to leave, Pat turned back around to face Billy. A dark brow rose up curiously, unsure what the wanted blond might want to say.

Narrowing his gaze on Pat, Billy was still curious about one thing. Turning his back on Pat, leaving himself vulnerable, Billy questioned the other man, "are you my friend?"

Frowning, Pat stared at Billy's back. His fingers twitched as if they wanted to go after his gun. A minute passed and then another when Pat realized that Billy was testing him. Shaking his head, his free hand dropped. "Yes, I am Bill." Pat took one more drag of his cigarette before flicking it away and walking off.

Relief washed over Billy. Maybe that meant Pat could be trusted. He had a chance to kill Billy, but didn't bother to take it. And in Billy's eyes, that resonated deeply. Not that he would have given Pat the chance. He would have spun around and shot the man without a second thought. Thankfully though, he hadn't needed to do that. In all honesty, Billy didn't want to shoot or kill anyone. But life apparently didn't agree with that. Still, Pat had gained some trust from Billy and the blond would not forget it.

However, the news of McSween's imminent doom had rattled Billy. There was no way in hell he was going to let anyone do to Alex like what had been done to John. Besides those assholes wanted to hurt Susan too?! That's where he drew the line. Women and children were not to be harmed.

As worried for the McSween's as he was, Billy figured they had time. He had promised Kris they could stay. And now that Charlie was a married man things might change. Billy half wondered if Charlie was going to try and get out of going back with them to Lincoln. He had time to figure it all that out though. For now, he would just try and enjoy the wedding reception.

Maybe he could find Kris and get her to dance with him? That would ease his souring mood. He mentally chuckled; if he got Kris to dance with him, he'd not only be surprised as hell, but he'd be tickled pink.

As he turned to go search for the feisty woman, Billy caught sight of a man standing in the shadows about a yard or so in front of him. When the taller man stepped into the light and pulled off his hat, Billy could see a shock of red hair. Wilkes. Billy quickly moved towards the man, his hand resting on the butt of his gun again just in case Wilkes wasn't there for friendly reasons.

"Didn't think I'd see you again for a while." Billy told the fellow Irishman.

"Well, truth be told, I be lookin' fer the lass... But I couldn't find her, so yeh were me next best plan." Wilkes stated with a wiley smile on his face, though his eyes were shifting constantly around him. He kept glancing over his shoulder as if someone might be standing there."Yeh know where she be?"

Stroking his chin, Billy shook his head, frowning at Wilkes behavior. The man hadn't seemed so manically paranoid before. What the hell had happened to him? "No, I haven't seen her since Charlie's wedding ceremony. Why?" Something was bothering Wilkes, Billy could tell. He seemed more agitated than he had been the first time.

"I need to speak with her..." Wilkes again glanced behind him. "I cannae stay long... If I'm caught here...." The red head trailed off his brows furrowing with worried lines that had not been there before.

"Caught? By who? What's going on Wilkes?" Billy said, his annoyed tone edging through his normal jovial demeanor.

"I-I can't... If I tell you... An' the lass finds out I tol' you what I know.... She'll scalp me." Wilkes stated and lifted a shaking hand to run through his bright red hair. The man was jittery, worried about something and it was doing nothing to calm Billy's already rattled thoughts.

"She ain't gonna scalp ya, Wilkes. That gal is all threat an' no follow through." Billy wanted to know what the hell it was Wilkes knew and was growing increasingly irritated at the man's fearfullness.

The Irishman shook his head, his eyes going to the scar on Billy's neck. "Just 'cause she didn't follow through with yeh, Bonney... Don't mean she'll do the same with me. I've seen her torture a man fer less... Or are yeh forgettin' what she did to both Kent and Wright on that mountainside?" Wilkes hands were wringing together nervously, making Billy wonder if the man was nervous in seeing Kris or something else entirely.

Instinctively, Billy's left hand went to his index finger on his right hand. Slowly his fingers wrapped around the singular appendage remembering the pieces of John Wright that Kristal had cut off the man. He also remembered the man's screams. It wasn't something he would forget anytime soon. He fought the shiver that threatened to wrack his spine at the thought of how torturous Kristal could be. Still, he wasn't afraid of her. "Ya make her out to be this scary monster. She ain't.... She's...."

"I'm what, Bonney?" The sound of Kristal's voice echoed from the shadows. The sound of it was low, almost threatening.

When she came into view, the dark cloud that had filled Billys mind began to clear just at the sight of her. He wanted to take her into his arms and just hold her. Mostly because she was a comfort to him. A safe space. And damn did she look good in that outfit she was wearing for the wedding. "The prettiest gal I've ever laid eyes upon." Billy said with a wide cheeky grin.

Rolling her eyes, Kristal stepped towards Wilkes and reached out for his shaking hands. The man flinched at her touch before visibly relaxing. She knew when the man was nervous, and she also knew how to calm the man's frazzled nerves. "How'd you know I'd be here Wilkes?" Her tone was demanding, even as she gently warmed his hands in her own

The red-haired man's eyes lifted to her and he sighed, "Belle.... She knew yeh t' be at some springs... She sent Harlon an' me out t' find it. I was the fortunate one t' be findin' yer camp up near Las Vegas." He reluctantly pulled a hand out of hers and slid it into his pocket. A second later he pulled out a little whittled animal. "Yeh hid yer camp well, but I still found this."

Kristal's eyes narrowed on the half carved animal and then swore glancing back towards Billy as if accusing him of the mistake.

Cornflower blue eyes landed on the wooden animal in Wilkes hand and he frowned. That was the same piece of wood he had been whittling on when he and Kris had gotten into that deep conversation... before their shared kiss. Lifting his eyes to the woman, he could tell she knew where and when it came from too.

"It's a piece of wood... Didn't think no one would actually come across it." Billy said in his defense. "Figured it'd be lost in the brush or somethin'."

Rolling her eyes, Kristal swore under her breath. "You don't know the kinds o' trackers Belle has. If ya ain't very careful, she will find ya." Kristal's gaze stayed on the small carved piece of wood for a moment longer before drowning and stepping away from Wilkes. "Why are ya here? What's so important ya had ta see me in person rather than send me a letter?"

Wilkes also frowned as Kristal moved away from him. He noticed something had triggered Kristal's sudden aloofness and he wondered if it had anything to do with the little carved animal in his hand. Sighing, the Irishman opened his mouth before quickly closing it. His eyes then flashes to Billy. "Yeh want me t' be repeatin' it with him here?"

Billy was about to snap at Wilkes in response. Why the hell was the man putting ideas in Kristal's head?! She hadn't told him to leave... yet. Even though he knew Kris was probably going to send him away at any moment. She was secretive. It was the one thing he hated when it came to her. However, what surprised him most was when she waved a hand as if in dismissal.

"If I tell him ta leave, he'll jus' go an' eavesdrop somewhere..." Kristal shrugged, clearly mulling over her options by biting on her lower lip. Her gaze shifted to Billy before landing again on Wilkes, "least this way I'll know he heard it correctly an' I won't have to explain it to him with some choice words later."

Billy smirked as he listened to her. She knew him more than she liked to let on and it pleased him more than he could say. Kristal was right. He had already been planning on a way to still listen in, when she had surprised him and dismissed it all together. "Ya know ya can trust me," the man stated with a curt nod.

The woman rolled her eyes again at Billy's statement. "That still remains ta be seen..." She muttered as she moved to lean up against the nearby building. The move cast her in shadows making it hard for the men to see her features clearly.

"Alright lass, if you're sure?" Wilkes began and paused. However when she nodded, Wilkes sighed worried this might not end well. Kristal was a very private person, he doubted once she heard what he now knew, that she would be as casual about it.

Repeating any of what Belle had revealed about Kristal was not easy for him. It felt vile just to have the knowledge in his head. But to say it aloud... it felt like it was a betrayal of a sort.

Taking a deep breath, Wilkes began to explain everything he had heard when at the table with Belle and Ace. Including how Belle had her hand in Kristal almost being taken advantage of by that piece of shit, Ace. He then switched it up to Belle's plan and how Ace wasn't giving up on searching for the wild blonde woman either. "Harlon's out there looking for yeh too. She wants yeh back, lass. An' she's willin' t' be gettin' rid o' yer Regulator friends if they pose a problem."

As Wilkes concluded a muscle tensed in Billy's jaw. So Kristal had nearly been raped by Ace? He had suspected it, but now hearing what Wilkes said about Belle allowing it to go as far as it apparently had... Damn he felt... enraged! How could anyone do that to another person, let alone the woman who was supposed to have been like a mother figure to Kristal? Billy felt white hot anger burning behind his eyes. Never before had he ever wanted to harm a woman... not like he now wanted to harm Belle --- for putting Kristal through that simply to make her hate men? Damn! That bitch was cold!

Turning his gaze on Kristal he noticed how she stared at the ground in silence. If he didn't know any better he would assume she was absorbing it all in. Suddenly her gaze lifted to him and he frowned. Her facial features were shadowed making it hard to see what she might be thinking. He wished he could tell if she was hurt or angry or maybe even both. She then turned her head and looked up towards the sky. The moon lit up her face for a moment and he thought he saw her eyes glisten, her brows knit together, and sadness pull at her lips. Heartache and pain was evident on her face, yet when he blinked, her expression had already changed. Damn, the emotion had been so brief he half wondered if he imagined it.

"I wish I could say I'm surprised..." Her husky tone was filled with a quiet anger that made the soft rasp in her voice more prominent. Shaking her head, she closed her eyes, "but this is Belle... I ain't surprised by anything she has done and still continues to do any more."

As the rage continued to build in Billy, he waited for Kristal to say something else... ANYTHING else. But she didn't. That was it?! Was she just going to let it go? No! She had to do something right? He was all for vengeance and justice. But Kristal made no motion she was going to do anything about it. Did that mean she wasn't gonna go after Belle and rectify the whole thing?! Shit she wasn't going to anything?! Nothing!? This was not the Kristal he had come to know. She was a fighter! She dealt with things head on! So when she didn't react to what Wilkes had said with the same rage as him, he was almost... disappointed.

"That's it?!" Billy began, questioning her in disbelief. "You ain't gonna say or do anything about it?" He shook his head in shocked annoyance. "At the very least I figured you'd get angry and say a few choice words... if not outright go and serve up justice to her. Ya know.... Something! That woman... She deserves to be put down for letting it get that far... For letting it even happen at all! Knowing what that bastard wanted to do to you!" He took a breath and continued, his face red with anger. "And you're just gonna say 'ya ain't surprised'?!"

Both Wilkes and Kristal turned to look at Billy's outburst. The Irishman stared at the blond in surprise and then winced at the younger man's words as he laid into Kristal's lack of response. Wilkes had to agree with Billy though. He had assumed she would have at least reacted more than she had. Especially when he had seen the fiery woman rage for far less.

"Are ya done?" Kristal asked, her arms crossing over her chest unamused. Her voice was calm as she spoke but also held a clipped edge to it as if his words irritated her.

"No!" Billy practically shouted, his anger getting the better of him. "I ain't done!" He could see the shadow on her face darken, but he didn't bother to stop. "Tell me ya ain't goin' back to that bitch, Querida! Please! That woman may have raised you but she ain't no maternal figure. Hell, she's the most damn wicked woman I've ever heard of."

To the right, Wilkes' brow rose at the sobriquet that Billy had used for Kristal. His gaze switched to Kristal, watching her carefully, growing more and more curious about what was going on between the two.

Billy didn't falter as he continued , ignoring Wilkes curious expression."I don't say this lightly, but that bitch should have swift justice take her out! For her to do somethin' like that to the woman who was supposed to be like a daughter..." He trailed off unable to finish putting his enraged thoughts into speech.

An irritated sigh left Kristal's lips as she stared at Billy with annoyance. "Ya done, now?" The woman's tone was now not only clipped but sharp.

"Not really---" Billy started again, shaking his head vehemently . "I can't believe you'd even consider going back to her and stayin' with her. What if she does something like that again?! Or maybe worse next time!? From what I've come to understand, she just uses you, Querida! You deserve better than that!"

When he took another breath, Kristal's head tilted, her finger tapping lightly against her arm, the only sign of her irritation. "Done now?" Her voice was low, the words careful and deliberate as if she were holding back her own anger.

"No! I got so much more to say---" Billy started but Kristal's acidic tone cut him off.

"No, yer done!" She growled, her arms dropping and she pushed away from the building she was leaning against. "You are more than done. I don't wanna hear nothin' more about it." She strolled towards him, her strides slow, like a cat about to pounce. "I will not have this damn conversation with you right now, ya understand? Cool off, Bonney! Before ya go too far an' make me mad."

"Mad?! You're gettin' mad... At me?! ME?!" The shock in Billy's voice caused Kristal to pause. The man ran a frustrated hand through his hair as he stared at her in disbelief. "I'm on your side, Kris!" Billy was so exasperated that he forgot to use her sobriquet. "You should not have---"

Again she cut him off, "Bonney I'm warnin' ya! Stop! I mean it!" There was a cold chill in her tone, her warning firm. "I ain't gonna ask ya again."

Billy did stop. He stopped and stared at her in shock. He could feel the ice in her voice and it made him shiver with disappointment and pure agitation. He experienced a fleeting sense of letdown before shaking his head. "Fine!" His eyes betrayed a sense of pain as she dismissed him, shutting him out with her cold words and demeanor.

Once more, he shook his head, transforming his irritation into anger. "Fuck this! I'm gonna go dance," he decided, hoping to release some tension. "Perhaps I'll find a captivatin' dance partner there, considerin' the gal I truly wanna dance with is choosing to ignore the bullshit that happened to her and treat me like I'm the fuckin' problem!"

As Billy stormed away, Kristal jerked back a little like the blond man had slapped her.

Billy noticed the expression on her face but refused to turn around. Anger simmered within him, preventing him from turning around and fixing the pain he might have caused her. Yet, what about the damage she had inflicted on him? Concern for her consumed him. He cared deeply. Hell he even lov---... He halted those emotions as soon as he realized they were surfacing. He wouldn't entertain such thoughts. Not now while he resented her for the lack of emotion and reaction any sane person might need to let out in order to cope with such distraught news. And then she even had the gall to act as if he had no right to be upset on her behalf. It was all bullshit! Yes, releasing pent-up energy with dancing seemed like the ideal outlet---for now.

****

Both Wilkes and Kristal gaped after Billy's departure. Though it was Kris who recovered quicker than the Irishman. Turning to Wilkes, she frowned seeing the way the red headed man was staring at her. "Not you too!"

"He's got a point, lass! An' yer actin' like its nothin'! Hell, I'da thought yeh'd be mad at me fer jes' hearin' it from the bitch an' then repeatin' it aloud." Wilkes pressed trying to get some kind of reaction from the woman.

"I've got more pressin' matters right now Wilkes, to be dwellin' on somethin' that already happened." Kristal stated simply. "Billy don't understand. And apparently you don't either."

"He genuinely cares fer yeh, lassie! Despite me own wishes that it could be me vyin' fer yeh'r affection instead. Sadly, I know yeh harbor no interest in me." The man shrugged, settling onto a crate to unwind. "An' there's somethin' 'bout him that has captured yeh'r intrigue, or yeh would'a killed him ten times over by now."

Shaking her head, Kristal rolled her eyes. "I don't know what the hell ywr talkin' 'bout Irishman. I ain't got no interest in Billy. I promised Tunstall..." she interjected.

"Aye, so yeh've tol' me." The man said interrupting her. "But even that goes so far." Wilkes paused, distracted by an apple he had pulled out of his pocket. Taking a bite, he chewed, swallowed and then continued with his thoughts. "He likes yeh, lass. More'n a friend too, I'd reckon. Which is why he don't like knowin' that worthless excuse of a mam o' yers let Ace attempt to take advantage of yeh..."

Something shifted in Kristal's eyes and her fists clenched and unclenched. "I ain't talkin' 'bout this with you or anyone else... Right now we gotta figure out what we're gonna do about Belle."

The Irishman eyed Kristal while chewing on a bite of his apple. As he swallowed he shook his head. "Fine. Jes' one more thing, lass an' I won't bring it up again." Wilkes eyed her, his expression serious. "Yeh don't need t' hold it all in. I'm here... an' I'm sure Bonney is there for yeh too. Even tha' sweet Mexican gal tha' got married -she seemed friendly to yeh- I'm sure she'd be there fer yeh too, lassie. I'm glad yeh got friends Kris. Yeh need 'em. Ye've already lost some good ones."

"They weren't friends..." Kristal again interjected, her gaze turning away from Wilkes. "They were part o' the gang... nothin' else." In the shadows she swallowed hard clearly not liking where this conversation was going.

"Aye, yeh've tol' me tha' too. Marco an' that Chinaman, they were yer friends. Ya jus' lost 'em too soon."

"Marco an' Ling are dead. Jus' leave 'em there, Wilkes." There was emotion in Kristal's voice even as she snapped at the red-headed man.

"All I'm sayin', lass... is... I'm yer friend too. So are these Regulators... That gal that got married... Bonney." Wilkes continued to press trying to get the stubborn woman to understand. "Yeh might have lost some, but yeh still got us to talk to---."

"Enough!" Kristal growled. She was done talking about Belle, the people she lost, the friends that, if she knew what was good for her, she shouldn't have now.

Waving a hand, Wilkes relented with a sigh and took another bite of his apple. Around a mouthful of chewing the juicy fruit, he spoke, "alright, back t' the matter at hand. Yer bloody mam. If both Harlon an' I go back empty handed she's gonna get suspicious... What're we gonna do?"

Kris appeared thoughtful. "Youre gonna have to tell her ya saw me. If she's jus' wantin' ya ta keep tabs on me right now, we're gonna have to let her." Kristal hated being backed into a corner, but right now there was nothing she could do. "You're gonna have to stick around at least till morning. Don't tell her about Manuela. I don't need her thinking I got a weakness here. She'll go after Manuela if she knows 'bout her. I don't want that."

"I ain't gonna tell her nothin' yeh don't want her t' know. But we're gonna have t' make it convincin'." Wilkes added.

Nodding, Kristal agreed. "I'm gonna need to think o' somethin'. In the meantime, enjoy the party... but do stay in the shadows. We don't need no one seein' us talkin' an' reportin' back to Belle. I'll talk to ya in the mornin' an' tell you what I come up with."

***

Leaving Wilkes behind, Kristal retraced her steps back to the celebration, though she didn't feel much like celebrating anymore. Half way there, she paused and slipped into a dark alley finding solace in the shadows where prying eyes couldn't reach. Facing the building, her emotions surged, and she pressed a hand to the wall for stability, shutting out the distant music with closed eyes.

Learning what Belle had done, the older woman's actions hit her with overwhelming despair, almost crippling her. Gripping the wall tightly, Kristal felt the weight of the night's revelations press down on top of her. She was unable to move, as she tried to regain her calm and collected composure, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

The gravity of what she had learned tonight was painful, more than Kristal had let on in front of the two men. Yet she knew she had to keep cool. If she didn't Billy would end up wanting to search for Belle and that couldn't happen. And to top it off, Wilkes was siding with Billy. Neither of them understood. Only Kristal knew the consequences of what that would entail if Billy found her. It would be haunting. The old bitch would tear the wild blond apart.

A shudder went through her as Kristal grappled with the painful truths she had learned that evening. The facade of emotional strength she presented to those around her was exhausting. Despite the urge to hide away for the rest of the evening, she refused to do that to Charlie and Manuela. It wasn't right since they both considered her a close friend. There was no way she would let the celebration's mood suffer simply because she had learned some disturbing news.

Kristal then turned, leaning her back against the wall, still unable to exit the alleyway. Her desire to retreat and hide away was growing. The darkness offered a temporary shield, hiding her sudden need to let her emotions finally spill over. She knew she needed to keep up appearances when around the others, but her inner struggle with the turmoil inside her was threatening to consume her. If she left to join the partygoers too soon, she might snap. Or worse, break down in front of everyone. It was better that she stay put, alone, for a little longer in the hope of regaining her composure.

Her thoughts went back to Billy's questioning. His words echoed in her mind - how could a mother figure allow Ace to go as far as he had? Belle knew how much Kristal had hated the man. The moment Ace had joined the gang when she was just shy of sixteen, Kristal had immediately taken a disliking towards him. He had been vile from the start. A flirt, harassing her left and right. Belle had warned him over and over again that Kristal was off limits, yet he continued because he had Sam backing him. Many times, she had to make Ace back off by forceful means, but he continued. So, why did Belle finally let him go as far as he had? Why would she allow him to try and take advantage of her? Unfortunately, she knew the answer - Belle wanted her to hate men.

In a way it had worked. Kristal had hated men. But as of late, her hatred of men had reshaped to tolerate them instead, and now she even cared for some. All thanks to Tunstall and Doc, Charlie and Chavez, even Steve, Dick and... damn, Billy was also included in the men she now cared about. The connections she had formed with the Regulators had helped change her way of thinking... well, mostly. She still couldn't stand most men.

Kristal lifted a hand running her fingers through her hair in frustration and then remembered it was partially pinned up and her arm dropped instead. Attempting to compose herself, Kristal took several deep breaths, suppressing the emotions welling inside her. It was not in her nature to allow such extreme emotions to get the better of her. But Wilkes news had hit her like a punch in the gut.

Damn, she still needed a few more minutes to gather her emotions and thoughts, only then would she return to the party. Pressing the palms of her hands to her eyes, it helped to alleviate the burn from unshed tears.

All her life she had craved having a family, a mother and father to love her. Instead she had Belle and that asshole husband of hers, Sam. Kristal had tried to make them out to be the parents that she wanted, but Sam had hated her from the beginning. And Belle, well that old witch was manipulative, conniving, and often cold. In front of people Belle deemed "important", she would refer to Kristal as her "daughter". Belle even made Kristal call her "ma", even though Belle would constantly remind the young blonde they were not blood related.

"Ya ain't my blood, girlie! Yer folks abandoned ya an' I took ya in outta the goodness of my heart. You do as I say, remember that." That had been Belle's constant motto when it came to Kristal. It had been repeated over and over, drilled into her head until she finally realized there was no parental love, no familial love, she was just a ward of the woman's nothing more.

Realizing that she was merely a pawn in Belle's manipulative game cut Kristal to the core. She was nothing more than an "asset" or a tool. What really drove the heartache deeper was the fact that the reason Belle had done the unthinkable in allowing Ace to do what he had done, was because the old bitch didn't want to lose the best weapon she had at her disposal - Kristal.

Crouching down against the wall, so her knees didn't buckle under the weight of all the emotion that continued to threaten her composure, she knew Billy was right and she needed to make a choice. Grappling with her decision, the one Billy continued to press on her - should she go back to the Starr Gang and be Belle's little weapon once again? The mere thought made her stomach churn. No, she made her decision, going back to Belle was not an option. Billy would be happy to know what she had chosen.

The minutes stretched as she battled her paralyzing emotions. Soon, she would return to the party, but for now, she needed a few more moments to collect herself.

****

After the heated exchange with Kristal, Billy, still simmering with frustration took a stroll around the courtyard's perimeter to cool down. He couldn't shake his disbelief at Kristal's seemingly passive display when told of Belle's deceitful actions. In an ideal world, he would confront both Belle and that Ace fellow, putting an end to the torment they continuously caused Kristal. He hated knowing the damage they had done to Kristal, emotionally and physically.

As he walked his attention was drawn to an approaching figure. Disappointment washed over him when he saw that it wasn't Kristal, but intrigue took its place as Pete Maxwell's younger sister stepped into his path. She was a vision of grace and beauty as she sashayed towards him. Cornflower blue eyes scanned the pretty señorita and the corner of his mouth ticked upwards in a crooked smile. Before he could utter a word, the young woman surprised Billy by speaking first.

"I have been looking for you everywhere, Señor Bonney..." The Maxwell girl said in accented English. "I don't know if you remember me, but..."

Billy, not one to let others do all the talking, interjected, "'course I do. You're little Paulita. Though ya ain't so little no more. You're all grown up now." He couldn't help the flirtatious tone of his voice. "And if I may be so bold, you've bloomed into a mighty pretty flower," he stated, laying on his natural charm.

"Oh, Señor Bonney... You make me blush," Paulita responded shamelessly, flirting back with him. "I was hoping you might dance with me?" The invitation hung in the air, carrying a mix of innocence and allure.

The blond's brows rose and he chuckled in amusement at the girl's forwardness. "Why, I'd be happy to, Señorita. I need to take my mind off some things and what better way to do it than dance with a pretty girl?"

Offering the Maxwell girl his hand, Billy's brows drew together noticing how small and delicate Paulita's hand was. Her hand was nothing like the scarred, calloused hands that he had watched patch him up all those nights ago. Clearly the Maxwell sister had known nothing but comfort her entire life. Though it made sense, Paulita was born into wealth. Her family had a reputation that spanned all the way back to Mexico.

Leading the girl onto the dance floor, Billy took her into his arms and twirled her in a circle before dancing. The smile on Paulita's face was bright and happy as he pranced her around. And yet, he could not stop thinking of Kristal. Damn, he could not get her off his mind. And that wasn't even the worst part. He was feeling guilty for offering to dance with Paulita when he knew, all too well, that he really wanted to be dancing with Kristal.

It was then he realized Paulita was talking to him and he hadn't been paying attention. "Apologies señorita, my thoughts were elsewhere. What were you saying?"

Bright brown eyes watched Billy, curious as to his lack of attention on her. "I was merely saying that I am glad I got to dance with you. I asked señorita Starr to tell you I had been wishing to see you tonight but for some reason she refused. I got the impression, she not like you very much?"

The woman's words jolted him and he couldn't help the frown that worked its way onto his face. "She tell ya that did she?"

A frown also slid over Paulita's face when she saw Billy's. "Well, no, she did not. Just when I ask, she say you and her not close. That she not seek you out if she not have to."

"I see," Billy mused. His already sour mood was growing darker by Paulita's information. What did that mean? Did Kristal harbor so much dislike of him that she talked badly about him behind his back.

It was then he caught sight of Kristal moving to lean up against a wagon that was full of flowers. She stood there, alone, watching from the sidelines. Her face was red and she looked upset, but he dismissed it, finding himself too annoyed with her for everything he had discovered and her lack of response to it. When Kristal's gaze turned his way, Billy directed his attention onto Paulita, charming the girl, while twirling her around the floor.

As he flirted and Paulita giggled and flirted back, he chanced a glance at the blonde who was now glowering at him. He gave her a smug smile, while leaning in to whisper something sweet into Paulita's ear.

To his surprise, Kristal's expression shifted. He didn't quite catch the look in her eye, but something about it made his heart fall into the pit of his stomach. He frowned as she turned to walk away, only to be stopped by none other than Chavez. Billy swore beneath his breath as Chavez leaned in close to her before wrapping an arm around her.

A strange feeling twisted in his gut at the sight of Chavez's arm around Kristal. Why was he feeling this way when he had a pretty girl in his arms already. She came from a prominent family too, he should be elated that Paulita was so interested in him. But, he wasn't.

Once again Paulita was speaking to him, but he was far too concerned with what Chavez and Kristal were doing. The Mexican-Indian was talking to her and Billy saw her blonde head shake and she turned to walk away again when Charlie caught up to her. Billy watched as he said something to her and she again shook her head. Charlie then gave her those big pleading brown eyes and she... relented? How the hell did Charlie do that? Billy watched in shock as Charlie lead her towards the dance floor. Looking past the two, Billy noted that Chavez was not happy at what had just taken place.

"Señor Bonney...? Billito?" Paulita tried again for the fifth time. "Are you listening to me?"

Shaking his head, Billy turned his attention back on Paulita trying to ignore Kristal being whirled around by Charlie. He wished that he was the one holding her in his arms, holding her close, not Charlie. Damn! He was completely enamored when it came to her.

"Lo siento, señorita. I'm afraid my head is elsewhere tonight. I have much on my mind." Billy said with a sigh.

"Ah, that is understandable, Señor. You have been through a lot, no?" Paulita was trying to draw his attention back on her but even she was starting to notice Billy glancing over at Charlie and the blonde woman's direction.

"Sí. I do... And please, just call me Billy. No need for formalities." He never did like having such fancy formalities to his name.

Charlie suddenly whirled next to Billy, Kristal still in his arms as they danced nearby and greeted the couple. "Having fun?"

"Sure! Dancing with a pretty girl? What's not to enjoy." Billy said back and then inwardly winced when those piercing green eyes turned on him. What the hell was wrong with him? Why was he behaving this way? Was it because he was still annoyed with her? Or was he trying to get a rise out of Kristal? What he really wanted to tell the fiery blonde was that Paulita paled in comparison to her but he couldn't. Instead he found himself blurting out, "thought ya didn't dance, Starr?"

The blonde woman's eyes narrowed on Billy and she frowned a little, "when yer bestest pal asks ya ta dance, an' he gives ya big pleading eyes, ya can't exactly say no, can ya?"

"Bestest pal?" Billy queried glancing between the two. Was that why she had been standing up with Manuela then? Because it would have been strange for Charlie to have her standing next to him? Or was Manuela and Kristal friends too, because of Charlie?

"Um... That's right. Kristal's one of the bestest pals I got, along with you of course, Billy." Charlie added with a firm nod, not wanting to make the manic Billy upset.

"Well, I'm glad she's got friend like you, Charlie. You're one of the best pals I got too," he gave his friend a grin and clapped him on the shoulder.

The music then changed and Charlie slowed to a stop. "You gonna be okay if I go dance with my wife now, Kris?" His gaze was concerned. "I don't wanna leave you alone."

"Course, Bowdre! I'll be fine! Go sweep her off her feet!" Kristal said and clapped him on the arm and gently pushed him towards Manuela watching them from the edge of the dance floor. The new bride had a bright smile on her face. "I've had my fill o' dancin' anyway."

Charlie grinned at her and rushed off to dance with his beautiful wife. Kristal watched him go for a moment before turning to head off the dance floor.

Chewing the inside of his lip, Billy released Paulita. "It was nice dancing with you Señorita. But I gotta talk to..." Before he could finish another man came over to ask Paulita to dance. That worked out perfectly in his favor. However, the woman started to protest. Billy just shook his head not letting ber. "Enjoy your new dance partner Señorita. Maybe we'll dance again later."

Paulita still did not look happy, but Billy was no longer paying attention to her. With a few quick strides he reached Kristal before she exited the dance floor.

Reaching for her hand, he grabbed it and twirled her around till she ended up in his arms. Warmth and a sense of peace washed over him as he wrapped his arms around her. Why was it that whenever he held her like this, it felt like it was meant to be.

"What the hell are ya doin'?" Kristal hissed trying not to make a scene. "Let me go, Bonney!"

"It would be rude for you to leave me hangin'... Just dance with me," Billy said leaving no room for her to argue.

Kristal scoffed, rolling her eyes at him, "why the hell d'ya wanna dance with me, Bonney? Ya made it clear yer mad at me. An' I sure as hell can't compare ta Paulita's beauty, so what is this?" Her voice was a low growl, trying not to cause a scene. "Ya tryin' ta get back at me, by forcin' me ta dance with ya knowin' I sure as hell can't dance."

Billy's gaze took in her naturally tanned complexion. Unlike Paulita she was all real. No makeup, no false smiles, no flirtations. "You're right, ya did make me mad. And I'll admit, I still ain't none too happy ' bout the whole thing. I don't understand you! I don't understand how you got so mad with that renegade indian and that Ace asshole and yet when it comes to finding out Belle's hand in it all, you act like it's nothin'."

He watched as she swallowed hard and looked away from him. She was hiding her emotions from him, he could tell. He wished she would open up to him and tell her how she felt. But she kept it all in and he knew that wasn't good --- he did the same thing.

Sighing, he looked down at her, his gaze focusing on her face, her eyes. He wanted to make a point that he was seeing her for who she was. "And sure, Paulita's quite pretty. But you, you are stunning."

When she jerked her head to look at him with wide eyes, he crooked a smile staring into her eyes. "I mean it. Ain't nobody compares, Querida." Damn, he was losing his mind. He then shook his head, not wanting to scare her off and added, "I ain't forcing you to do anything. If you don't wanna dance with me, then go. It'll be humiliating, but I ain't gonna make you stay."

To his surprise, she didn't leave. Even as the music shifted and slowed to a soft dance. Many of the couples around them started to wrap their arms around their partner, holding each other close as they danced. This gave Billy the opportunity to try and do the same. Slowly, he tried to casually pull her in closer to him. When there came no protest he looked down at her face, so very close to his, he could see a war going on within her eyes. Her thoughts seemed far away.

"I-I don't wanna talk about what Wilkes said, Bonney." Kristal finally said, her voice soft as she finally lifted her eyes to him. "I-I can't right now..." She then shook her head, the short tendrils of blonde hair framing her face swaying from side to side, "an' yer wrong... I ain't stunnin'... I ain't..." She stopped and sighed. "I'm jus' me, Bonney. I ain't gonna pretend ta be any different."

That was what Billy loved about her. She didn't pretend; she was real. There was no facade, nothing fake about her. In a world filled with masks and illusions, Billy found solace in her authenticity like no one else could. He cherished her genuine nature making every moment with her a breath of fresh air.

However, knowing she refused to talk to him about the obvious emotions warring inside her caused Billy's brows to knit together and concern washed over his face. Maybe he was wrong and what Wilkes had said did bother her then? But why couldn't she talk to him about it? Looking up he saw Paulita watching them with a frown on her pretty face and he remembered what the other girl had told him. Was that why Kristal couldn't talk to him? Because they weren't close? His gaze then went to Charlie dancing with Manuela. Kristal seemed close to Charlie. Would she talk to him about what Wilkes said? And if so, why did it bother him so much?

"Do you not feel we're close, Kris?" Billy blurted, before he could stop himself.

At Billy's sudden question, Kristal's gaze shifted to confusion. Though relief also washed over her features. Probably because he wasn't questioning her further on Wilkes' information.

"What d'ya mean?" Kristal queried, her raspy voice soft and hesitant. "We're uh... awful close right now... A little too much, if I'm bein' honest."

The blonde's admittance made him chuckle. "It's a slow song, Querida. 'Sides, I ain't gonna bite." With that, he purposely pulled her even closer and whispered in her ear. "And that's not what I was referrin' to."

When she looked at him with a raised brow he continued, "the lovely Paulita Maxwell said you didn't tell me that she wanted to speak to me... That it was 'cause you felt we weren't close and did not like to seek me out. What she said confused me... I thought we've been doing pretty good. You haven't threatened me in... Oh... A week now?"

That brilliant fire sparked in her eyes when he spoke of Paulita and he raised his brows in surprise. God did he love to see her eyes blaze even though he wasn't sure why it had.

"I ain't had the need to threaten ya lately..." Kristal's statement was simple, yet it sounded like there was so much more she wanted to say, but didn't.

Billy was becoming confused. Was Paulita lying to him then? "Is Paulita not tellin' the truth?"

Shaking her head, Kristal lowered her eyes and then sighed, "no, she is."

That was not what he had expected her to say. Even if it was true, he had half expected her to lie... Maybe it would hurt less because his heart sure as hell hurt now. "Ah..." He faltered in the dance, nearly breaking away.

Kristal let out an audible sigh and lifted her gaze upwards. "I only said it 'cause she was annoyin' the hell outta me. She kept goin' on 'bout you. How handsome an' great ya are. She wanted me to ask if you remembered her." As she explained she failed to notice Billy had nearly stopped dancing.

"And that's a bad thing?" Billy felt he had to ask. He was trying to understand and failing miserably. Her explanation hurt. It made him want to wall up his emotions. Hell, it made him want to walk away, but he fought the urge.

"Well... her annoyin' the hell outta me was." The blonde shook her head, trying to explain it the best she could. "An'... it weren't like I saw ya anyhow. Y'all were too busy with Charlie, celebratin' his last night as a bachelor, fer me ta look fer ya..." Kristal trailed off clearly not saying everything.

It made Billy wonder what she was holding back. He looked her in the eyes and sighed when she only glanced at him. Why did she seem so hesitant, even so distant? It made his heart ache even more. "I see..."

Kristal blinked finally sensing something was wrong with him. "Look, Bonney it had nothin' ta do with you... Paulita just... rubbed me wrong is all. I didn't feel the need or urgency ta tell ya anything. It didn't seem important, I guess. At least not ta me." The blonde then stopped, her brows furrowing and lifted her gaze onto Billy. "Would ya rather me told ya that Paulita was wantin' ta be yer date fer the weddin'?"

Watching Kristal, Billy was taken aback by her question. He could see her expression shift, but he wasn't sure why. Her question was something to think about though. "Well... I think, I would... Yeah..."

Something shifted over Kristal's features and she suddenly seemed closed off. "Well, then forgive me fer not tellin' ya. I'll be sure ta remember next time..." The fiery woman's tone had changed as well. It was now cold, even icy. "She's right over there... Why don't ya go spend yer evenin' with her... Not sure why yer even botherin' me. Or why ya left her in the first place. Ya seemed a lot happier..."

Was she mad? Billy's brows shot up in surprise. This was not how he thought she would respond. Then again, she didn't exactly let him finish. Kristal then tried to escape his hold and he tightened his grip. "Ya didn't let me finish, Querida. I'd rather ya told me, because it would have been a chance to see ya, no matter how short. Just seein' ya would have brightened my day immensely." He then gave her a wily grin, "an' I'm happier with you."

Thankfully, her expression changed again, but it still wasn't the one he wanted it to be. Now she was staring at him with suspicion. Her eyes slid over his face, her head tilting to the side slightly as if trying to read him. "Yer full o' shit, Bonney."

"What?!" That was not what he expected her response to be either. Especially when he meant every word. What the hell was happening? He was losing her, he could tell. "I'm bein' honest, Kris..."

The blonde shook her head at him but at least she didn't try and pull away again. However, she had a deep frown on her face and refused to look at him.

What could he do now? How could he get her attention back on him? How could he make her see that it was her he wanted not anyone else? It was then he decided what he wanted to do. He wanted to spend time with her, alone. Away from all this distraction. Just the two of them. His non-date as it were.

"I wanna cash in on my win tomorrow," Billy blurted out.

"What?!" Now it was Kristal's turn to be surprised not expecting him to say that.

Now that he said it, he needed to follow through. "Charlie's gonna be busy with his new wife for a while. Figure that gives us some time to do whatever we want. So, I wanna cash in on my win from the other mornin'." Billy was smiling watching her carefully. "I got a real special place I wanna take ya to."

Now Kristal was raising an eyebrow at him, the suspicion back in her eyes, "special place? What's so grand 'bout eatin'? Can't we jus' do that here with Deluvina's cookin'?"

A slow grin reached Billy's eyes as they danced in the low light. "While Señorita Deluvina makes some of the best food, sure, I want to take ya to one of my favorite places. Been there a couple times and I rather enjoy it."

Sharp green eyes narrowed on him, "this better not be no brothel or whorehouse, Bonney. If it is, I swear..."

Billy held up one hand and placed it to his heart. "Ain't no whores, promise." He then put his arm back around her, pulling her in close again. "Just food and maybe even some entertainment." He grinned and caught her eye holding it. "I think you'll enjoy it."

"But ya ain't gonna tell me where it is?" Kristal was still skeptical not sure she trusted him.

"Nope!" Billy was grinning now, growing excited about their upcoming non-date. "It's a surprise. You'll just have to be ready early and we can head out."

"How far we talkin'?" Kristal didn't mind getting up early it was the idea of leaving the other boys for a while that made her cautious.

"About a day and half ride... But there ain't no rush. We can take our time." Billy shrugged as if it weren't that big of a deal. And to him it wasn't. In fact, if he could milk their time together for longer, he would. "We can spend a couple days there and then head back. I'm sure by then, Charlie and Manuela will be ready to come back to the rest o' the world." His turned cheeky and he glanced towards the couple as they danced together. "Ya know they're gonna be busy for quite a while."

Kristal's eyes went wide as she realized his meaning and she too looked over at the newly married couple. "I guess yer right..."

The image of the couple was sweet. Manuela's head was resting on Charlie's shoulder, she had it tilted slightly back so she could lookup at him as they swayed to the music. A pang shot through Billy. He wanted what Charlie now had. A family. But how could he achieve it? There was still so much to be finished before he could even try to start a family. He wouldn't put his family through the mess he was in. And there was a chance he would never even be able to have the life he truly wanted. He was a wanted man now.

Blue eyes lowered to Kristal who was still watching Charlie and Manuela. Searching her features he realized she was the one he would want to settle down with. The only one who truly could see the real him beneath all the layers and masks he had to put up. The only one who seemed to be able to handle him at his best and help him through the worst. She had already done that and so much more and she didn't even realize it.

The only problem with all that was the fact that Kristal didn't like the idea of settling, or love, or being with anyone. How could he change that? He knew she must want it deep down. Their shared kiss had revealed a great deal to him. Somehow he would weasel his way into her heart, he had to!

"I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they don't leave the house for a week." Billy added, still watching the couple and thinking about his own future.

"Why a week?" Kristal queried turning to look at him, confused.

Amusement flickered across his face and he turned his gaze onto her, "well, when folks are in love, Querida, they tend to stay in the bedroom and have a good romp, if ya catch my meanin'. Several of them if they enjoy it enough."

To his surprise, Kristal's cheeks turned a bright red. "I know what sex is, Bonney. God damn!" She shook her head and glared at him. "What I don't get is why a week... That seems like an awful long time for somethin' that normally lasts a fuckin' night."

Billy chuckled. He couldn't help it. In a way she seemed so naive. And maybe she really was when it came to any kind of intimacy, since she didn't want it, or so she claimed. Their kiss said otherwise. And God damn did he want to kiss her now. "Well, when ya enjoy it... An' have a good partner, ya often don't wanna let 'em go. I think that's especially so when love is involved. It's quite... pleasurable ya know?"

If it was possible, Kristal's entire face turned a shade redder. It made Billy hold her closer not wanting to let her go. She was so beautiful like this! He couldn't stop staring at those red cheeks. How could she be innocent? It was endearing.

"You would know, wouldn't ya, Bonney?!" The growl that left her lips made his brows draw upwards again.

"I might have had my share o' women... I ain't gonna deny it. But I still haven't found the one I wanna spend the rest of my life with... However short that may be." Though he had a pretty good idea who that person might be. "I ain't ever spent more'n a night with anyone though."

A frown formed over Kristal's lips as he spoke and she shook her head. "Can we jus' not talk 'bout this..." She was clearly uncomfortable by it.

As curious as he was about her sudden change of topic and the frown that followed, he relented. "Fair enough, let's go back to making plans for tomorrow."

Nodding, Kristal turned to him and then leaned in closer to him. What the hell was this? Shock filled him. This was so unlike her. The warmth that exploded inside him as her lips neared his ear felt like home. What the hell was she doing? Not that he wanted her to stop...

"I can't leave till I speak with Wilkes." Kristal's voice was soft and careful. She didn't want anyone else to hear but him. "We're gonna let Belle know he found me. It's the only way she'll be appeased an' stop actively lookin' fer me."

For a moment Billy was lost. Her words tickled his ear. He had to fight the shiver that wanted to course through him. God damn did this woman make him week at the knees. It was then the realization of what she said hit him.

"You're what?!" That familiar anger from earlier resurfaced and he jerked his head back to look down at her with annoyance in his blue eyes. He didn't realize how loud he had shouted and some of the others around them turned to look at him.

Kristal reached up and pulled his face down, closer to hers, as if she needed him close. It was all a facade though. "Would'ja not draw attention, Bonney?!" Her hiss was anything but sweet, even though they now looked like lovers to those around them.

"You can't be serious, Kris!" Billy hissed back not about to let it go. "After you know what she allowed... jus' so ya'd hate men... Ta keep ya from fallin' in love and leavin' her ass."

"Bonney..." Kristal tried again, her voice growing softer at his words. She was tired of the monotony. She was tired in general.

"No, I can't... I ain't gonna allow that bitch ta know where ya are. Your too good for her Kris. She never did deserve someone as loyal as you. She don't understand or know yer worth. You deserve a life better than that. A life where your loved and appreciated and..." He stopped when she wrapped her arms around him pulling him even closer to her.

"Shit...." He breathed, his own arms curling around her. This was a dream come true and he didn't want it to end. His breath grew heavy and he could feel his heart race as she held him in her embrace.

"I appreciate yer sentiment, Bonney, but could ya not make such a scene? People are starting to stare."

Her words were again in his ear sending a thrill through him. "Kris... Querida..." He started but couldn't continue. Holding her like this filled his very soul with a warm blaze making it that he didn't want to let her go. Ever. If he could stay like this with her forever he would be happy.

Opening his eyes, ones he hadn't even realized he had closed, he saw movement on the outskirts of the dance floor. Chavez. He was watching them with such intensity that it made Billy frown a little. The Mexican-Indian then turned and disappeared into the darkness. The next person he caught sight of was Wilkes. The man was leaning against a makeshift awning watching them from a distance with amusement on his face. The man tipped an invisible hat to him which made Billy raise a curious brow. He highly doubted people were staring because of his outburst. They were staring because they looked so... intimate. Not that he minded one bit.

A soft and all to feminine sigh caught his attention and his gaze lowered to see Kristal staring at his chest. She had pulled away a little. The woman looked tired, more tired than she had moments ago. "Ya sound tired... Want me to escort ya back to your room?"

The blonde merely shook her head, "no... I ain't goin' no where till Charlie and Manuela leave. It ain't right..." She blinked tired eyes and looked up at him. "I'll be fine. Ain't nothin' I ain't used to."

Billy smiled at her devotion to the newly married couple, however, he still worried. Something seemed to be bothering her. "Well then ya can stay right here. I'll make sure ya stay on your feet so ya don't seem like ya don't like ta have fun." When she pressed her lips together and raised a brow at him, he winked down at her, "especially 'cause I know different."

Tired eyes focused on him and he noticed the corner of her mouth twitch. "Guess you would know best, eh?"

Chuckling, Billy tightened his arms around her. In a way it was a protective gesture. He wanted to protect her from everything that was out to get her. But it was also more than that. He needed her comfort, her warmth, her touch. She felt just right in his arms. "I would indeed. Gotta bring that side out of you more often." He teased playfully. "I think you like it. I know I do."

"Havin' fun?" Kristal queried softly, exhaustion getting to her. She gave a weak shrug too tired to care about how Billy was holding her now. "It ain't somethin' I've had much of... an' ya do keep sayin' I'm missin' out." Her gaze lowered back to his chest, "but I'll admit I did enjoy playin' that game with ya an' them kids. I'll beat ya next time though."

"Wanna make a bet?" Billy asked, that familiar spark igniting inside him. He loved that she brought it out in him.

A tired laugh blew through her lips and she shook her head. "I dunno if I got anythin' else ta bet."

Kristal's exhaustion was not lost on him. Did she even get any sleep the night before? He gently pressed her head down to rest on his shoulder. "It's okay, Querida I ain't gonna bite. Just relax. I promise I won't let ya fall."

Feeling her head lightly settle on his shoulder he let out a soft sigh. The closer he was to her the more he wanted her to be his. Damn how things had changed in less than a year. He was grateful she didn't pull away either. Maybe she was simply that tired. But he wanted to think that she liked it, even a little bit, just like he did.

"As far as bettin'... I think we can figure somethin' out." He watched as Charlie and Manuela started to move off the dance floor. Charlie was leading Manuela by the hand away from the party. Guess they finally had enough and wanted some alone time. He grinned for his friend. But that meant that Kris might be heading away from him soon too.

"Yeah?" Kristal asked softly. Her eyes were closed, but she was curious enough to ask him what he might be referring to. "Like what?"

The man was smirking now, he had the best idea, but he wasn't sure she would like it. Yet he couldn't resist saying it. "I could always go for another kiss."

Suddenly she tensed and straightened in Billy's arms. Her gaze seemed lost somewhere on the right before those green eyes turned to him. "Ya assume too much, Bonney." Those fiery eyes then turned to where Charlie and Manuela had been and her lips tilted into a frown. "When were ya gonna tell me they left?"

Billy sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess I wasnt paying attention to it..." It wasn't a lie, not exactly. "I was just enjoying the moment with a special gal."

Coldness washed over him as Kristal pulled completely away from him. There was an absence that was paralyzing. He just stood there staring at her.

"There ain't nothin' special about me, Bonney. I can assure ya that." She turned to walk away before pausing, "I'll be ready in the morning. See ya then."

Billy frowned as she walked away. "That's where you're wrong Kris, you're special ta me," he whispered to no one. He still couldn't move. The abrupt coldness was staggering. The loneliness was even worse.

It didn't last long as Pete's sister came over to him and started chattering away. It was hard to pay attention to her when his mind was still on the feeling of Kristal in his arms.

Paulita asked him to dance again and he must have agreed though he didn't remember saying anything because the girl was in his arms. She felt wrong though. The warmth, the peace, the comfort he felt with Kristal wasn't there with Paulita. And he longed to have it back...

He would soon, with any luck. Their trip would be unforgettable, it had to be.

****

((Author Note Again: Is it bad that when I write for Billy I envision the Billy that Tom Blythe plays on the MGM+ Series? I still see the Young Guns story playing out in my head, but no offense to Emilio, Tom Blythe has taken over the image of Billy. Except with sandy blond hair like many *historically* have said he had. Just thought I'd share with all you lovely readers.

Also, this has been an interesting chapter to work on. I ended up deleting a thousand words, all of Kristal's POV going back to her room after seeing Billy. But then I felt it was just random rambling. No real point to it, so I took it out. It had a conversation with Deluvina in Spanish, thus the translating needed. It was just a cute addition. I do have it still. But as of right now, it's staying out of the story.))