Page 20 of Fool's Gold

Rafe looked furious at the interruption.

Who could the stranger be? And why didn't Rafe like him?

The man rapidly crossed the yard to where they stood. His cold, gray eyes roved over Sarah, still in Rafe's arms. Sarah bristled at the scrutiny. What business of his was it if she and her husband wanted to share a cuddle?

Rafe kept a snug arm around her waist. He didn't notice her questioning glance because his gaze locked on the stranger with utter contempt.

Sarah was shocked. Why was there such animosity between them?

"You're not welcome on the Double-H, Blackthorn." Rafe's voice was curt, his stance rigid.

Sarah started at the intensity in Rafe's voice. He was usually so controlled. This wasn't at all like him.

"This isn't a social call, Halliday. Besides, the way I see it, this land should be mine." Blackthorn's voice was cool and cultured as he took a step closer.

"I've heard that old song before," Rafe snarled. "I don't want to hear it again. Get back in your car and get out."

Blackthorn grinned, seeming to relish Rafe's animosity. He put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. "Your great-grandfather cheated my great-grandfather out of this claim, Halliday. Just because you don't like to hear the facts doesn't change them."

Rafe snorted. "That's your version, Blackthorn. You never had anything to back it up, and you still don't. Your great-grandfather lost that card game fair and square. It's not my fault he didn't have the guts to admit it to his family."

Blackthorn jerked his hands out of his pockets, clenching them into fists. He took a rigid step forward, his face contorting with rage. "Bull squat."

Rafe let go of Sarah and stepped toward the man. "Well, now that the pleasantries are over..."

Sarah had horrible visions of the OK Corral. "Rafe," she quickly interjected. "I need to talk to you."

He ignored her and took another step toward Blackthorn.

"Now," she added sharply.

It drew both men's attention. Rafe scowled at her, and Blackthorn looked intrigued.

She smiled at Blackthorn, hoping to defuse the situation.

Blackthorn seemed to relax. He smiled at Sarah, but his eyes were cold and calculating. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your lovely wife, Halliday?"

"I see you heard about her." Rafe crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned back against the corral as he scowled at Blackthorn.

The man laughed. "Of course. The whole town is abuzz that the lady you scared off has come back for more."

Rafe’s eyes narrowed while he tipped his head in Sarah's direction. "Nevell Blackthorn, meet my wife, Sarah Halliday."

Blackthorn doffed his hat. "Charmed. I hear you're one of the Maxwell family, a distinguished and wealthy clan. Quite a handy connection for a man who wants to open a dude ranch."

Sarah was put off by both his words and his smarmy gentility. She instinctively stepped closer to Rafe, linking her arm with his. "You seem to hear a great deal, Mr. Blackthorn, none of it any of your business. But yes, my maiden name was Maxwell."

Blackthorn watched the move with narrowed eyes. "So, are you going to bail hubby out of his financial difficulties?"

Sarah decided at once she didn't like this man any more than Rafe. "I'm sure my husband can take care of himself and any difficulties that might arise."

Blackthorn nodded and eyed at Rafe. "I came here to up my offer, Halliday."

Rafe put an arm around Sarah's shoulder and pulled her close. "No dice, Blackthorn. I'm not going to sell."

The man shrugged. "Very well, if that's the way you want it."

"It is."

---