His failure in keeping his promise to Cassie had made him more determined to do right by Emily. Or at least to see to her safety. He’d let one woman down; he sure in blazes didn’t want to fail another.

Horses were dangerous. The land was dangerous. But a part of him knew there was more. A lot more. As long as they were at each other’s throats, he could control his thoughts. Or at least keep from dwelling on such things as Emily’s gold-tipped eyelashes. Or the little indentation on her cheek when she smiled. Or even the way her eyes flashed during their many confrontations.

Looking away, he reminded himself how unsuited she was for ranch life. How unequipped she was to deal with the harsh land. She was much more suited to the city.

“Tomorrow, we’ll go a little easier with your lesson,” he said, hoping to make amends for his bad behavior.

She lifted her chin, her face dark with anger. “There won’t be any more lessons.”

“Come on,” he said gently. “You don’t mean that. Look at you. You’re fine.” More than fine…

“No thanks to you!”

Surprised by the vehemence in her voice, he stepped back “Me? What did I do?”

Her blazing blue eyes met his. “You put me through hell, that’s what!”

“By teachin’ you the proper handlin’ of a hoss?”

“By making me obey your every command like a helpless imbecile!”

He drew in his breath. He’d been rough on her, but he never meant to make her feel bad. “You have to admit your knowledge of hosses leaves much to be desired.” Taking her silence to mean she agreed, he added, “Tomorrow, same time, same place.”

She shot visual daggers at him. “If you expect to have your way with me a second time, you better think again.” With that, she stormed away.

Her words struck a chord that was better left untouched. Still, he couldn’t hold back the words that popped into his head. “Trust me,” he called after. “If I wanted to have my way with you, it wouldn’t be on a hoss!”

* * *

Emily’s mouth dropped open, and her steps faltered. “Ohhhh!” There was simply no reasoning with the man.

Legs stiff, she forced herself to put one foot in front of the other and blinked back tears. When she’d agreed to stay married to Chase for a year, she certainly hadn’t bargained on a life of torture!

Just as she reached the gate, a strange rattling sound stopped her in her tracks.

Her gaze darting to the sound, she gasped. A rattlesnake was poised within striking distance. Head rising from a coiled body, it flicked its fork-pointed tongue and hissed.

Staring in horror, she froze, her heart beating so fast, she could hardly breathe.

Poised ready to strike, the snake opened its mouth wide, revealing deadly fangs. The tail moved back and forth, making a loud buzzing sound.

“Don’t move!” Chase said from behind her, his command followed by gunfire.