Dusty Haven#2 - AP & Epi 10/30/'13 - Page 24

Khushi had to fight hard to hold her impatience in check.

The group moved at, what was to her, a canter down the trail back towards Yerba. The afternoon sun shone down on them, the Indians barely affected by its heat on their bare heads. She could feel the sweat trickle down between her shoulder blades. Ahead of her, NK rode with Shining Cloud, the two of them riding straight and alert in their saddles. Had she seen their eyes, she would have seen them constantly scanning the countryside around them, looking beyond the shimmering heat waves to spot any movement that would warn them of Arnav's presence.

Suddenly Shining Cloud raised his hand, the whole band coming to a halt behind him.

Wha-?' she began, but NK turned to her, his eyes narrowing, warning her to keep silent.

She watched as Shining Cloud swung down from his saddle, his head tilted, his eyes on the ground. They silently trailed him as he moved forward, until finally he stopped. He stood looking at the ground ahead of him. Raised a hand. Crooked a finger. One of the braves slipped from his horse and joined him, his moccasins making no noise on the rough, stony ground. Together, they walked forward, and crouched on the ground, conferring, their low guttural words barely reaching the others.

Shining Cloud lifted his eyes to NK and gestured to the high outcropping to the West. NK nodded.

We walk from here,' he said softly in her ear. She turned to him and nodded, sliding the rifle from its scabbard, before joining him on the ground. Hands on the horses' reins, the little group walked up the steep hillside to their right. They slowly led them up, finding the little dry patches of grass that would muffle any sounds of hooves clinking on stones, holding them just under the rim. One of the braves stayed just below the crest, holding onto all the horses, the rest flattened themselves on their stomachs as they crawled the last few yards before peering slowly over the lip.

Khushi could now make out the distant murmur of voices. Sliding her hat to the back of her head, she peered over the rock she hid behind.

The bluff - for that was what it was, hung over a gully, dipping into a shallow grade for about two hundred feet. To the right was another rocky outcrop. To the left, the grade finished in a tiny spur bottoming into what was a small wooded area. A trail wound round from their left, around the spur, along the base of the two outcrops and then faded to the North into the mountains that glowed green in the afternoon haze. About three hundred feet away a group of men sat around on horses, with one man standing in their midst. It was to this group that their eyes were drawn and the man in their middle.

Tall and lean, there was no mistaking Arnav Singh Raizada. And it was obvious from the stiff way he stood that he wasn't there of his own accord. There were guns trained on him from every direction.

One of the men held Shadow's reins, trying to control him. The big horse jerked its head trying to get away. A tall man who had his back to them, and seemed to be the leader, said something and the others laughed. Arnav did not move a muscle, his face impassive, implacable. One of the men came forward and yanked his arms behind him, tying his wrists with the rope he carried.

Khushi could feel the blood beginning to boil in her veins. Manny! And Rocky! She opened her mouth and NK clamped a hand over it. Dragging her below the rim of the rise. She looked at Shining Cloud. Whispering, he said something to NK.

How well can you use that gun?' NK whispered to her.

Her eyes flashed blue-grey fire at him. Well enough,' she whispered back.

Aim for the rope and shoot when I tell you,' he told her.

You have a plan,' she stated.

He nodded. We'll distract, you get him out.'

She drew a deep breath and signed her acknowledgement. Shining Cloud gestured to the Indian with the horses. NK, Khushi and Shining Cloud slithered to the rim again and peeked over.

Arnav was sitting on Shadow now, and they led him over to the nearest tree with a low hanging branch. Khushi waited until they had him situated under the branch and looped a rope over it, the noose hanging in front of Arnav's face.

She rested her gun carefully on a firm rock, the barrel just over the tip. His life was in her hands. All she had was one shot and she had to make it count. Flipping up the sight, she stared down it, the rope around his neck, taut and stretched, filling her vision, her mind focused on that one shot. A slight touch on her shoulder had her turning towards Shining Cloud. He held a handful of grass and gently let it fall. The wind was blowing from left to right. She would make a slight correction in her aim to account for the wind. She nodded to thank him, and then rested her eye against the sight once more.

The men below laughed, the sound barely registering on her senses. The noose was now around Arnav's neck.

Shining Cloud hefted a small rock in his hand and swung it to the right. It fell with a loud clatter against the cliff face, bouncing off other stones, jarring a few lose, the racket gaining as it approached the bottom of the gully.

The men below swung as one towards the sudden noise.

Now!' said NK.

Holding her breath, she squeezed the trigger. The rope vanished from her view. Simultaneously, she heard shots ringing out from beside her. The tall man who'd laughed, Rocky, was the first to drop to the ground, motionless. The man with the rope was next. Shadow broke straight into a gallop, heading down the trail to the left. A loud yell behind her came along with the loud drumming of hooves. The Indians and NK, all mounted, flew down the hill shooting as they went.

The men below milled in confusion. She fired once more into their mist, close to a horse's foot. The animal reared and her rider went down. Flinging herself into Red's saddle, she turned him in the direction that Shadow had taken off. The big horse was not wont to panic, she was sure, but she didn't know how long Arnav would be able to stay on him with his hands tied behind his back.

She scanned the scene in front of her, looking for the telltale cloud of dust to guide her, praying he was okay. Adrenaline was rushing through her veins, her hat hanging from her chinstrap as she flew down the trail. Suddenly, she saw it and swerved to cut it off. Shadow had slowed down.

Arnav!' she called. She saw him look over his shoulder and then lean over the horse's neck. He slowed down and was down to a canter when she finally caught up with him.

Are you okay?' She asked, sliding off the saddle as she ran to him. She tugged the knife out of her boot and cut his wrists free.

He swung off the panting animal. For a few seconds he stared at her. Wind whipped hair, sweat streaked face, a knife in her hand, breasts heaving with agitation, flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes filled with raw emotion. She was the most beautiful he'd ever seen her. With a soft groan, he pulled her into his arms and smashed his mouth down on hers.

For the last hour, Arnav had been wondering how he would escape the clutches of Shyam's men. Hope had died slowly. The men had made sure of that. They'd made him put his hands on his head, one of them taking Shadow's reins. They'd not come near enough for him to touch them, but within point blank range of their guns, which they'd held at the ready and trained sure and true on him. They'd known their quarry well. El Puma. They'd made sure that he wouldn't be able to strike. He'd gritted his teeth and kept his eyes peeled for even the smallest chance. But to no avail.

When they'd finally tied his hands, he'd felt his darkest hour come over him. When the noose dropped around his neck, there was only one last thought in his head. For a second he'd closed his eyes. His dicha. His happiness. His Khushi. He wouldn't get to tell her what it meant to call her shi'aad. Regret had clawed through him at that instant.

His eyes had flown open at the clatter of the rocks. Unlike the men, he knew what that meant. Help was near! His eyes searched the rock wall in front of him, seeing the flash a second before he felt the rope give and hear the boom of a Winchester. Khushi Kumari Gupta! Somehow she'd done it!

His lips lifted in a smirk, as he dug his heels into Shadow's sides, hearing the booming sound of other rifles as the echoes of the first shot barely faded. Then he was away, pounding over the rocks. . Racing towards the life she'd gifted him. If she was here to rescue him, there was no reason for him to hang around, especially since she'd brought reinforcements.

The hoof beats drumming behind him momentarily surprised him. Until he heard that voice.

Arnav!'

Slow boy,' he leaned over Shadow and murmured in the horse's ear. The stallion slowed down until she caught up with him. And there she was coming towards. He waited until she'd cut his bonds before looking his fill of her.

From thoughts of never seeing her again to seeing her like this. In front of him. From anticipation of certain death to assurance of certain life, Arnav swung from one end to the other. For once in his life, emotions overcame him. He hauled her into his arms.

She felt as soft as he'd remembered her to be. His hands roamed over her back, her arms as if making sure she was really there. Her lips were still the soft pillows that so distracted him. He drank of them, and she gasped, aware that her hands had started sliding up his chest.

But before he could deepen it further, slake his thirst properly, he heard the sound of hooves and raised his head. NK and Shining Cloud were riding towards them.

He let her go, but kept one arm around her, while one of hers softly crept around his waist and curled into his shirt. She was looking at him with wonder, and joy sparkling in her blue-grey eyes, meeting his chocolate ones with delight in them. They waited for the others to catch up to them.

NK slid from his horse and gave him an uncharacteristic hug. Shining Cloud was a little slower getting off his horse, but his face reflected happiness as much as he would allow it in its impassivity.

You okay, boss?' NK asked, searching Arnav's face.

Arnav nodded. The other braves rode up as well as Shining Cloud came and clapped a hand on his shoulder.

I am glad you are safe, Piishii,' he said solemnly, only his dark eyes revealing the relief he felt.

Thank you. All of you,' Arnav said softly. What happened to those men?'

Rocky's dead, and the others fled. One is badly injured. We could follow the trail and see where they go,' NK suggested.

No need,' he swung himself into his saddle.

We would talk with you, Piishii,' Shining Cloud told him.

Arnav considered him with narrowed eyes. Where?' he asked.

Our village is safest for you now. They will not think to attack you there,' Shining Cloud remarked.

Arnav nodded. They set off at a brisk run for the Apache village. They didn't talk much on the way back, because voices carried in the open. When they finally reached the village, they were surrounded immediately by the villagers.

Still Waters came out of his tepee, looking as puzzled as his flat demeanor would allow. What has happened, my son? We expected you long ago.'

Shining Cloud bowed his head. Swiftly he spoke, the urgency in his voice conveying to Khushi what he was telling his father. They had all been seated in the tepee, and food and drinks were silently being served by the women. Khushi was the only one sitting in the male circle, not least because Arnav had refused to let her hand go.

She leaned into him and murmured, I need to speak with you.'

He looked down at her and raised an eyebrow. The look in her eyes was enough to make him realize that she was serious. He looked at Shining Cloud and said something to them. They nodded solemnly.

Rising up, he helped her up and together the two of them went out of the tepee. They walked away from the village, finding the shade of a tree and sinking to the ground there, by mutual accord.

What is it?' he placed a hand around her shoulder, dipping his head to look into her downcast face.

She took a deep breath and looked up into his face. The killer. He warned me that you were in danger. From El Coyote. That's why we knew to go looking for you.' She was silent for a while, as he turned this strange piece of information around in his head. He knew my name, I don't know how. But he doesn't seem know I saw him kill Miss Anjali's husband. I saw nothing like recognition in his eyes. All I remember is that he looked...' frowning as she tried to put her thoughts together. Scared. He was sweating scared.' She paused and then asked, you know who he is, don't you?'

She glanced across at him. He seemed to be turning something over in his mind and then he said, his name is Shyam Manohar Jha. My sister's betrothed.'

She gasped. Gripped his arm. No.'

He nodded. I didn't know till you told me at the celebration.'

She sat there, her mind reeling, her tender young heart bleeding for his sister. A woman destined not to find happiness in her life. You haven't told her, have you?'

He shook his head, looking unseeingly forward. I haven't. I don't know how I will.' His simple words somehow made her more aware of the pain he was in. She nuzzled his shoulder and then turned to him.

But why did he warn me to save you then?' she asked.

I don't know,' Arnav was as puzzled as her. He frowned, thinking over her words. He said El Coyote was out to kill me?' She nodded. So Shyam's men were working for El Coyote. And Shyam was too.' With what Aman had told him today, it was starting to make sense.

She shook him out of his thoughts. What are you thinking?'

He rose up. Let's go back and tell the others and hear what Still Waters has to say.' She followed him back to the tepee. Once they settled down, he turned to Still Waters. You wanted to speak to me. I apologize, but I had to hear what Khushi had to say. And I think you all should, too.'

Still Waters nodded and began speaking.

Khushi felt like twitching in agitation. She understood not a word and Arnav wasn't translating and neither was NK. So she was reduced to watching their expressions. Whatever the chief said, it suseemed to surprise NK, whereas Arnav just frowned harder, not surprised, but more

There was a moment of quiet when he finished.

What did he say?' she murmured.

Arnav turned to her. He told me that El Coyote was in town, at the Striking-S. We already know that. He also said that they'd been hearing about the Railway coming to this part of the country.' He included the others in their conversation. It still doesn't tell us why El Coyote wants me dead! And why Shyam wanted to save me. Given that he was the one who killed Donny.'

His last pronouncement was greeted by silence.

What?!' surprisingly, it was NK who broke the stunned silence. Shyam killed Donny? How do you know?'

Arnav looked at him carefully and said, Khushi saw him. She saw the murder. But she didn't know that it was Shyam she saw. He hadn't seen her. He still doesn't know that she is the one who'd seen him.'

NK read between the lines. Which means she might still be in danger from him.'

They all kept quiet for a while. What now?' NK spoke the question most in their minds.

You take Khushi back to Aman. Let her tell him everything she knows. Send word back to the Guptas that she is safe and with me. I'll head back to the Circle-R tomorrow.' He looked at Still Waters. We need to find out where Shyam is. Will you help us find him?'

Still Waters nodded. He barked something at Sitting Cloud, who left the tepee.

They had a little time together before she left with NK. He drew her into a little stand of pines halfway up a hill. Here, so close to the village, they were safe. The men guarding the camp would know if anyone came close to it.

Will you tell Miss Anjali?' Khushi asked as he stopped beside a tall pine. She leaned back against the tree.

He slid both hands around her waist, pulling her close, burying his face in her hair.

She felt the familiar rise of her heartbeat, the difficulty in breathing as she did every time he came close. Her arms slid around him. There was no reason not to. But deep inside, something was coiling inside her. A sense of something hanging over them. It sent a cold finger down her spine, even though she was wrapped in the warmth of his arms.

He felt her shiver, and drew back. His hand came up to softly brush her hair back from her forehead. I never did say thank you for saving my life,' he softly breathed across her lips.

A small smile lifted the corner of her lips. Then perhaps you should,' she whispered back, before his lips claimed hers.

She sighed in contentment, the brief moment of apprehension vanishing as other, more pleasurable sensations fluttered along her nerves. His lips nipped at hers, nibbled and stroked until she parted her lips. He sucked on her lower lips, stroking his tongue along the soft insides of her lip. She moaned as the tip of his tongue touched hers. He drew back and she chased him to recapture that delicious sensation. He let her in, gladly. He waited for her and welcomed her with a long stroke at the same time as his hands parted her shirt from her jeans at the waistband, and slid along her waist.

He pulled his lips from her, kissing the corner of her mouth as she protested, before planting a hot open mouthed kiss in the hollow behind her ear. His hands stroked over her skin, under her shirt. She clutched at his arms, her fingers digging into the rock-hard muscles. He reveled in the feel of her nails. Kissing her along her neck, he backed her into the tree, his body hard and honed, holding her completely covered by him. He could feel his head spin, control rapidly spinning out of his hands.

With a deep, shuddering breath, he pressed a long, deep kiss on her, before pulling away slowly. His eyes flickered open to take his fill of her. Her eyes closed, her lips softly parted and deep red, slightly swollen from his kisses.

Slowly she raised her eyelids, the blue-green intensified, the pupils dilated, darkening her eyes.

You should go,' he said, unable to stop himself from dropping a kiss on those gorgeous eyes.

I should,' she agreed. Her fears came back again. You'll take care,' she requested a question hidden somewhere in the statement.

I have to,' he answered. Once this is over, Khushi Kumari Gupta, you and I have a lot of talking to do,' he promised.

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak as a deep flush rose across her cheeks.

Come, let's go,' he said, leading her out of the little copse.

*****