Honor-Bound Lawman

But that was the old Laura. The new Laura had nothing to apologize for. She was her own woman, and she would not cower just because a man raised his voice at her.

One more reason to tamp down any affectionate feelings she might have for Owen.

“You can’t just wander around here, especially without telling anyone where you’re going. James and his men could be out there. Didn’t Lena tell you to stay inside the fence?”

Laura tried to remember if Lena had said something, but she honestly wasn’t sure. It seemed like there was so much new information she’d been given over the past day, that she didn’t know.

“I...”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Owen grabbed her by the elbow and turned her in the direction of the house. “You have to stay in the yard. If we were in town, you would be confined to being indoors only. Don’t make me regret giving you even this little bit of freedom.”

Laura jerked her arm out of Owen’s grip. “And I don’t need you manhandling me to get me to go back inside. I understand the danger. In the future, I will be more cautious. However, you don’t need to be so rough with me. I’m not a child.”

Owen glared at her. “Then stop acting like one. I’m trying to save your life, and all you seem to do is gripe about the inconvenience it is to you. At least my children know not to leave the yard without letting someone know where they’re going.”

“Is someone after them, too?”

He paused, looking like he needed a moment to gather his thoughts. Perhaps they both did, with the way they were arguing. Then Owen looked at her with a gentler gaze.

“No, no one is after them. But there are dangers aplenty out here. Though we don’t get too many bears, they have been known to come onto ranch property. And then there are the mountain lions, who follow the herds of deer that like to graze in my pastures. When we were in town, you mentioned being able to take care of yourself with your pistol. Did you even remember to bring it on your little stroll?”