Tame My Wild Touch – American West Read Online Donna Fletcher

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Historical Fiction, Romance Tags Authors: Donna Fletcher Advertisement

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Zac waited, sensing exactly what the man was about to say and disturbed that he thought such of his daughter.

"— Prudence being . . . plain, she had much to deal with as a child. Losing a loved one was difficult enough, but having to cope with only being asked to social functions because of her father's business standing in the community was another difficulty."

"So you felt spoiling her was the answer to her problems?"

"My only fault, Mr. Stewart," James said firmly, "was that I loved my daughter too much."

Zac couldn't argue that point. He could tell the man was hurting, worried, and rightfully so. He felt the same way, though he was completely puzzled as to why.

"As I said, I need your help."

"Let me guess," Zac said, walking around to the front of the chair to sit, having already surmised Winthrop's intentions. "You want me to go after Prudence, find her, and bring her back to you safe and sound."

James released a heavy sigh, as though by the words being spoken the deed was done. "Yes, Mr. Stewart, that's exactly what I want from you."

Zac's response was edged with hostility. "And I suppose you will offer me a fee to secure her return?"

"Yes, yes, by all means. I will pay you a substantial sum."

Zac stared at the man, and James had no doubt that his intense look was the one he wore just before he drew his gun on an opponent.

"Do you assume all gunslingers hire for a fee?" His voice was clear, steady, and in control.

James had a feeling he was treading on dangerous ground. He proceeded with caution, fearful of losing his only chance of having his daughter returned safely. "I must admit, Mr. Stewart, I am ignorant of the ways of a gunslinger. And if I have insulted you, I apologize."

Zac had to hand it to the man. He was intelligent. He had sized up the situation immediately and acted accordingly. No wonder he owned the largest banking firm in Boston.

"This proves my point," James continued. "If I am ignorant of the ways of the West, then Prudence most certainly is and I fear for her safety."

Zac hated to admit feeling likewise. Ever since Winthrop had announced that Prudence was gone, Zac had felt edgy, annoyed, and angry. She was a fool to think she could survive such a trek.

"Please, consider before you refuse me," James begged. "I know this may seem a preposterous proposition. After all, you have dealt with much more difficult tasks and this must seem a petty annoyance. But I ask you to consider her fate… a young woman, alone, incapable of protecting herself, ignorant of her surroundings. She may be in danger this very minute. Please, help me."

Winthrop's impassioned speech disturbed Zac, mainly because the picture he had painted was so true. It also brought to mind the previous night in the garden and the kiss. She had tasted fresh and innocent and much too good. No doubt someone would force his intentions on her, and then what would she do? Shoo them away with her glove-covered hand?

"You, of all people, should be able to control her, Mr. Stewart. She wouldn't dare give you trouble," James said.

Zac didn't agree. Prudence would probably find his intrusion inappropriate. "You mean she wouldn't refuse my suggestion to return to Boston?"

James hesitated a moment… a moment too long to Zac's way of thinking.

"If she entertained a different notion, I'm certain you'd be able to persuade her."

Zac leaned forward in his seat. "What you're saying is she can be stubborn at times?"

James found it impossible to contain his smile. "When Prudence is convinced she's doing the right thing, she'll go to great lengths to see it through to completion."

Zac entertained the notion of how interesting it would be to force Prudence Agatha Winthrop to comply with his directions. The idea did hold promise. "Then I assume you wish me to do whatever is necessary to see to her return?"

James wasn't certain he should agree to such a limitless proposal, but he did want Prudence back. And from the determined look on Stewart's face, he wasn't about to agree to any other terms. "I trust your expertise, Mr. Stewart," James said, but quickly added, "And I trust you will return my daughter to me safely."

Safely? He wondered if it was Prudence's virtue or stubborn nature Winthrop worried more about.

"If—and I say if, since I'm still considering taking on this task—I accept, then the fee shall be determined by me."

James had expected this but it didn't matter, since there was no price too high to pay for his daughter's safe return. "As you wish."

"I won't take money, Mr. Winthrop," Zac said sitting back in his chair.

James looked at him oddly. "I don't understand."

"I came to Boston for two reasons. One was to order more furnishings for the home that I recently built for myself in the Dakota Territory. The second was to invest money and in return secure the future of my ranch."

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