Chapter Thirty #3
Her expression shifted instantly, her eyes getting even larger and rounder than usual. She looked almost like a deer, fragile but wild. Aidan ran a thumb over her cheek. She stared at him, serious and watchful. Slowly, by degrees, Aidan dipped his head to meet hers, his lips finding hers.
Their first kiss had been a matter of impulse, a spur-of-the-moment action without thought behind it. This time was different; this time Aidan knew exactly what he was doing. He was measured, considering each movement carefully, fully aware that he might not get the chance again.
Alexandra didn’t melt against him, not exactly, but Aidan could feel the precise moment that she relaxed into him. Tension released from her, and he could feel her hands coming up to rest gently on his chest, her right hand over his heart.
A long, low whistle broke through the quiet of the moment, followed by a whoop. Aidan broke off the kiss and saw two old miners had spotted them and were laughing and hooting. This got everyone’s attention, and the rest of them piled on, shouting and ribbing the pair.
Alexandra, a woman raised on Philadelphia manners, blushed mightily and buried her face against Aidan.
Even so, he caught a glimpse of her grinning, embarrassed as she was at such a public display of affection. Her shyness just made everyone laugh more. It was a good-natured ribbing, the sort of thing that is born only out of a close-knit community.
Nothing could make this night any better, Aidan thought, putting his arms about Alexandra’s shoulders as she tried to hide against him.
He thought his face might break from smiling so much, his cheeks sore from the unaccustomed expression.
Maybe there was room in his life for joy, for humor, even despite his loss.
Above the happy din, a new sound emerged.
Aidan couldn’t be sure he even heard it at first, but there it was again: someone was clapping, loud and slow.
Conversation died down as everyone tried to find the source.
Night had truly fallen, and the world outside of the circle of lights was hidden in darkness.
It was out of this gloom that a shadow moved, a blotch of black within the dark.
Kevin Black emerged, dressed in his customary funeral attire.
He accessorized his ensemble with a sardonic grin that widened as he brought his hands together, each strike a rebuke against the joy that had been felt before.
“Well, well,” he said, his voice replete with false good humor. “Ain’t this a cozy little shindig you all have put on?”
The tenor of the way that Alexandra was holding to Aidan changed; he could feel her shifting slightly, pressing her side against his.
Her left arm went about his waist, supporting and anchoring.
Likewise, his right arm wrapped around her shoulders, sheltering her, without Aidan even being aware at first that he’d done so.
And then he was aware of it, all at once and entirely.
He knew exactly what this man had said he would take, and in what tone he had said it, and how the light had been coming across the corral when he said it.
Aidan had carried the words around for a week without letting them out of his mouth, and here they were anyway, standing in his yard in a black coat with his whole family looking on.
“Such a merry celebration,” Black continued. He strolled forward, tucking his thumbs into the watch pockets of his vest. Everyone watched him silently, riveted and afraid all at once—Aidan could see on their faces that they were equal parts thrilled by the scandal and disgusted by Black.
The interloper stopped at a table where a few ladies were sitting. Boldly, Black winked at them and picked up a half-empty cup of punch and drained it, carelessly tossing the cup back down. The result was several curled lips and a flurry of fan fluttering.
“You all must have good news to celebrate,” he said, resuming his stroll. “That’s the only reason I can think of to have such a party.” He paused, shifting his hands to his waist. The action flared his jacket, revealing the pair of guns belted to his hips.
Black’s gaze fell on Aidan. He tensed in response, his arm instinctively tightening around Alexandra. He was acutely aware that the children were present, possibly still sleeping behind him. As Kevin approached Aidan, he subtly shifted so that Alexandra was partially hidden behind him.
“Of course,” Black said, his friendly tone and mask slipping, revealing the colder, sharper self beneath, “I might be put out at not being invited to such a happy occasion.” He paused, tapping his foot, making a great show of considering.
“Yep,” he said with a nod, “I’ve decided that I’m most definitely incensed. ”
“What do you want?” Alexandra demanded. She still held to Aidan’s waist but strained forward. Aidan had the strange sensation of holding back a guard dog ready to bite anyone who threatened her pack.
Black’s gaze fell on Alexandra, and a smile coiled his mouth up again. This time, Aidan didn’t attempt to be subtle: He placed himself firmly between Black and Alexandra.
“Why, my dear Mrs. Rawlins,” Black said, his voice slippery, “it’s quite simple.” Black fixed his gaze on Aidan, like the stare of a snake. “Where is my money?”