The Devil's Cowboy Read online

  He went on. “Deep inside, you remember. You’ve always pretended you had enough, hoping I’d quit because I was convinced you’d learned your lesson. But I know better. What we’re facing here is a lot more dangerous than that croc on the banks of the Nile. You need to listen to me, Ellen. I can’t have you running away, breaking the strength of our bond. This is the most powerful foe we’ve ever faced. Together, we can deal with it, send this tortured soul home, break the evil force holding her here.”

  Ellen shivered again. His voice was hypnotic, his touch even more so. She relaxed and took a deep breath, allowing the anger to flow out of her. And that’s when the images flooded into her head.

  A hundred places, a thousand fleeting moments seen in an instant—and in all of them, she gazed into Rafe’s soul through his warm brown eyes. There he was, clad in the garb of a Roman gladiator, stretching out his hand to her, a bound slave crouched trembling at his feet. Now dressed as a fine gentleman, smiling as he took her hand once again, this time to lead her onto the dance floor in the grand ballroom of a French chateau. She fell to her knees, weeping, as he mounted his horse in full armor, heading off to the Crusades, then disguised herself as a page and rode after him. She saw herself draped across his hard thighs in this same position when he discovered her, heard herself pleading and crying while he furiously spanked her. She felt him thrusting inside her afterward, wild and hungry, both of them knowing somehow that it would be their last lovemaking in that lifetime.

  “Raphael?” Her voice was drowsy, as if she’d just awakened from a dream.

  He smiled, pulling her up into his arms to snuggle her on his lap. “It’s me, darlin’.”

  “I saw so many strange things, strange places just now—and you were there in every one of them.”

  “Yes. I was. And now we’re here, together again.”

  He bent his head to kiss her, but Ellen pushed him away. With every second, the bizarre images were fading. She looked around the room, taking in the details, grounding herself in reality. Suddenly she was acutely aware of her position, panties down around her knees, naked ass nestled on his lap, with the unmistakable bulge of his stiff cock straining up against her through his rough jeans. Horrified, she realized those jeans would be sporting a noticeable wet spot from her dripping pussy when she got up if he didn’t quit rubbing up against her with that slow, seductive grinding motion as he rocked her back and forth on his lap.

  “Not so fast, cowboy. Can you explain what just happened? Was that her life I saw? Or did you somehow implant memories into my head, with you starring in all of them?”

  “What you just saw, just felt, was as real as any other vision you’ve had. Those are some of the lives we’ve lived together. If it’s any comfort to you, I saw all of it too, right then. I especially liked that last part,” he added, his voice rough and low.

  Ellen blushed. “Let me go,” she demanded, squirming on his lap. She stopped when she realized that wiggling around was only making the bulge she felt in his pants grow even bigger.

  Rafe held her tight. “Not just yet, darlin’. You’ve had an intense experience—one I’d guess you haven’t had before. I can’t let you go until I know you’re all right. You were taken over by her spirit. She was in your mind, in your body. Do you remember hitting me, screaming that you knew who I was and what I’d done?”

  Ellen closed her eyes. A shudder went through her body. “Yes. I remember. She’s angry with him, but even more, she’s frightened of what he’s done, what he will do next. He kept her locked up so she couldn’t stop him or tell anyone. The children—she’s afraid for Melanie’s children. She doesn’t realize that she’s dead, that he’s dead, and can’t hurt anyone any more. She cries at night, hoping to drive them away. She hovers around, trying to warn them about him. But Melanie doesn’t listen. She can’t get through to her.”

  “I saw her,” Rafe said. Ellen stared at him. She’d sensed a dark mass, but she hadn’t seen anything… only felt the whirlwind of emotions pour into her.

  “Dressed all in black, as though she’s been in mourning forever,” he went on. “She’s trapped here, Ellen, by her fear and her anger, her grief and pain. But to free her spirit, we’ve got to rid this house of the dark force that binds her here. He’s here too and he’s even stronger than she is.”

  Ellen forgot her half-naked state, her embarrassment. She clung to Rafe, burying her head in his chest. “Rafe, I’m scared. I’ve done this kind of work before, but I’ve never been possessed by anyone. Can you always see the bodies of those who have passed? Or is she somehow stronger?”

  “She, they, are stronger than any spirits I’ve ever encountered. Both of them. They’re locked into a battle here, a battle between good and evil. And no, I can’t always see them as clearly as I saw her. That’s how I know this situation is really dangerous. Melanie’s got two small children at a very vulnerable age. Little Amy could absorb all this negative energy and be implanted with a lifelong fear and distrust of men, making it impossible for her to love or trust anyone. And Adam—well, he can be influenced by the sick mind of the man who did terrible things.

  “That’s why she’s panicking now. The last few families who lived in this house were all adults. He doesn’t connect as easily with adults. And especially not with those who have already faced temptations and made the choice to fill their lives with love and kindness. Remember, Melanie said he doesn’t come around when David is home.”

  “Is he… is he the devil?”

  “Before I answer that, I think it’s best if we put you back together. I’d shore hate to have Miss Melanie and her little ones walk in on us like this.”

  Ellen blushed again, refusing to meet his eyes as she slid off his lap and struggled to pull up her panties and khaki pants without revealing any more of her body to the gaze of someone who, at least in this lifetime, was still a total stranger. Whether it was due to his psychic ability or simply his skill at dealing with people, she was grateful when Rafe seemed to sense her embarrassment and turned away.

  “How ‘bout if I go on out to the kitchen and rustle us up a cuppa tea?”

  “Yes, that sounds good.” Ellen forced herself to reply with the same casual note in her voice that he used. She couldn’t help noticing that the cowboy persona was back. Odd how his Southern drawl seemed to come and go at will.

  She found him rummaging in the kitchen cabinets and she reached up on tiptoes to get the teakettle from the high shelf where she’d seen Melanie tuck it away on her last visit. Rafe stepped behind her, raised one arm and snagged it, wrapping his other arm casually around her as he did. Ellen shivered, acutely aware of his hard masculine body pressing against hers. She longed to grind herself back into him, like the heroine in her latest story would have done. She could almost see herself, bending seductively over the kitchen counter, pulling down her pants, offering her still hot, burning bottom to him to kiss and fondle, then…

  “I love the idea, but you’ve gotta put that on hold for a while, darlin’ or we’ll be found in an even worse position when you friend comes back home.”

  His voice was low, with a warm note of humor in it. Damn, he was good. He could see everything in her mind so easily.

  “That’s not fair,” she protested, embarrassed again.

  “Sorry, but it’s as though you’re talkin’ out loud. I can see what you’re thinking most ‘a the time, clear as day.”

  She moved away, handing him the kettle to fill with water, collecting cups and spoons and tea bags, grateful for something so mundane to occupy her for a moment. Ellen was deeply rattled. She’d read other people before, had fellow psychics read her many times. But never, never had anyone been able to tap into the images in her mind as easily as flipping on the TV.

  “Let’s put aside all the past-life connection fantasies for a while and talk about what we’re going to do next,” she replied, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

  “Fine by me,” he replied easily. “But it’s no fan
tasy. You remember me too—remember us. I know you do. Your rational mind may deny it. But your soul… and your body… recognize me. We’re finally together again, Ellen. And God, I’ve missed you so. I didn’t even realize how much until I laid eyes on you. Now it’s all comin’ back. I can’t think straight when we’re alone like this for wanting you so badly, remembering how it’s always been between us.”

  “Please. Stop. We’re strangers—at least in this life. I don’t know you, not really. You’ve got to give me time to get used to this whole idea.”

  He nodded. “You’re right,” he said, looking deep into her eyes. “You need to be wooed—just like you always have. I can do that, make the whole process real sweet for both of us. We’ll take it slow.”

  Being ‘wooed.’ There was something so endearing, so romantically old-fashioned about the idea. Ellen felt her heart stir. There were so many layers to this rugged cowboy.

  “But for now, I agree with you,” he went on. “We need a plan before your friend comes home. Frankly, I don’t think it’s safe for those little tykes to be in this house till we can get rid of the dark energies here. Do you think Melanie would agree to stay with a friend or move into a hotel for a few days—give us time to work here?”

  “I think she’d be relieved not to have to spend another night in this house with things the way they are.”

  “Well, here’s what I suggest. We’ll stay here while they pack up a few things just to make sure the dark one doesn’t act out when he discovers they’re leaving. Then I’d like you to come back to my place with me while I collect some supplies. I don’t feel safe leaving you alone here after I saw how easily she was able to take over. Now that she’s gotten a foothold, it might make it easier for her next time to enter your body.”

  Ellen was silent for a moment. Part of her was relieved at the idea of not being alone in the house again. But she’d been on her own for so many years that she bristled at the idea of allowing someone else to walk in and take over the decision-making in her life.

  “Trusting someone else is scary,” Rafe said, as though reading her mind again. “In some ways, scarier than dealing with supernatural forces. You and I know those forces can enter our minds, can try to influence our thoughts and actions. But in the end, they can’t really hurt us. When you trust someone, you’re giving him or her your heart to hold, doing it willingly even though you know you risk having it crushed. I’m not asking for it all, Ellen. Not now—not yet. Trust me just a little, just on this. I will keep us safe here.”

  Ellen took a leap of faith—and held out her hand.

  Chapter Five

  When Melanie arrived, Ellen sat at the table with the children, feeding them pizza and listening to Adam chatter about his new teacher, the yucky girl who kept chasing him on the playground and the details of his latest video game conquest. Desperate for attention, Amy interrupted over and over, much to Adam’s annoyance. Ellen found herself dealing with the unaccustomed chores of playing referee to a battle of wills between two high-spirited little ones while mopping up milk spills and cutting pizza into bite-sized pieces that were exactly the right shape to pass Amy’s exacting standards. Rafe had taken Melanie into the living room to fill her in on their idea.

  “Melanie, I have a whole new respect for how hard your job is,” Ellen said when her friend walked back into the kitchen.

  Melanie laughed. “They can be a handful sometimes at this age, but when they come running in and throw themselves in your arms, you realize how precious these moments are.” Her eyes misted over as she watched her babies. “I’d do anything to keep them safe from harm,” she whispered, turning to Rafe. “The place is all yours for as long as you need. I’m going to run up and pack a few things.”

  “Why don’t I come along and give you a hand?” Ellen gave Rafe a mischievous look. “I’m sure the kids would love to get to know Rafe a little. Adam, did you know that Mister Rafe is a real cowboy?”

  Adam let loose on him full-force. “Do you have a horse? What’s his name? Does he do tricks? Can I ride him? Do you have a gun? Can I shoot it? Can you twirl a rope and catch a bad guy with it like the cowboy in that movie I saw? Can I try on your hat?”

  Rafe gave her a meaningful glance and Ellen instantly got the mental image he projected. There he was, yanking her over his lap again, this time for a playful spanking as payback for throwing him into the role of babysitter without any warning. She grinned and stuck out her tongue. He turned to Adam and his drawl popped out once again.

  “Well, young feller, as it happens, ah do have a fine horse. His name is Sariel. And he’s right good at doin’ tricks. His favorite is ta toss gentleman riders off his back the first time they get on ‘im. But Miss Amy here, she could charm him fer ya with a little gift. He jest loves apples, ‘specially apples offered to him by pretty girls.”

  Before long, Melanie and the children had been packed into her SUV, along with bags of toys, snacks, and stuffed animals enough to last for several days.

  “I’ll call you in the morning after you’ve taken the children to school and tell you all about how things are going,” Ellen promised.

  “I’d especially love to hear all about how you and Rafe get along,” Melanie replied. “I didn’t miss those looks you two have been giving each other. He is one hot cowboy.”

  Ellen blushed again. She seemed to do it all the time since she’d first laid eyes on Rafe. “Yeah, he is,” she admitted.

  “Well, he’s been devouring you with those gorgeous brown eyes ever since he walked in here today,” her friend replied. “That guy almost makes me wish I was the one staying here tonight to play spook hunter. Hope you get rid of them early so you two have time to play some other games.”

  “We have a job to do and we’re putting that first,” Ellen assured her. “Rafe and I will have plenty of time to… uh… get to know each other once your house is safe for you to come home to.”

  Melanie laughed again. “I think he’ll make getting to ‘know’ you a priority,” she replied as she drove away.

  Ellen turned to go back inside, but Rafe stopped her. “Why don’t we head over to my place and pack up what we’ll need for tonight?” He led her to his truck and opened the door, helping her inside.

  She climbed up into the seat and looked around. It was an older model pickup truck, but it was clean and well cared for. She wondered once again if he made his living solely by using his psychic talents.

  “No, ma’am. I don’t take pay for the work I do in the spirit world,” he responded, reading her thoughts once again. “It would be wrong to use my gift for profit. I’m a real cowboy, have a small working ranch about forty miles south of town. That’s where we’re headed right now.”

  “A ranch?” Ellen was intrigued.

  “Yep. I raise a few head of cattle. I have other animals too, mostly rescue critters. And I do some work with kids and horses.”

  It wasn’t long before the Dallas suburbs disappeared, and they were racing through endless scrub land dotted with small homesteads here and there. Rafe slowed down and headed under a tall gateway made of thick logs topped with the rusty iron silhouette of a winged horse. The sign hanging below it read Angel Fire Ranch.

  They headed up a narrow lane, past a stable and a corral where two cowpokes, one male and one female, were leading children around the ring on horseback while a small group looked on. Ellen caught a glimpse of one of the children, a little girl waiting her turn with an ecstatic look on her face.

  “Is that your work with kids? Giving riding lessons?”

  He glanced over at the corral. “Somethin’ like that. We can stop and see them on the way out if you want.”

  “I’d like that.”

  He pulled up in front of a sprawling ranch-style house covered in rough-sawn planks. “Come on in.”

  She followed him inside, curious to see how he lived. Unlike her little apartment, Rafe’s home seemed to have plenty of space to spread out. Of course, a man as big as he w
as needed it. Just past the entryway, a massive fieldstone fireplace anchored one corner of the main living area, soaring all the way to the high ceiling. A pair of well-worn leather sofas placed at an angle took in the fireplace along with the view from a wall of windows overlooking a large fenced-in pasture where a herd of cattle grazed in the distance along the edge of a small stream.

  To one side was an open country kitchen. A sturdy wooden table that looked as though it could easily seat ten divided the two areas. The kitchen was filled with modern appliances, including a six-burner range with several simmering pots currently tended by a grizzled old cowboy. His faded jeans and denim work shirt were covered with a big black apron that wrapped all the way around his skinny body.

  “This is Jeb. Best ranch cook for a hundred miles around,” Rafe announced. “Jeb, this here’s Miss Ellen. She’s workin’ with me on that business in Dallas.”

  The old man turned around, a wide smile on his deeply tanned face. “Pleased ta meet ya, ma’am.” He turned to Rafe. “Will y’all be joinin’ us for dinner? I’m makin’ my special chili and cornbread fer the kids tonight.”

  Rafe smiled. “I never miss a chance to dig into your chili, Jeb. Ellen, I doubt if you got much eatin’ done when you were mindin’ the kids earlier. Would you like to have a bite to eat before we head back?”

  “Chili and cornbread on a real Texas ranch? I’d love it!”

  Ellen was delighted. This little trip was turning into more of an adventure than she’d imagined.

  “Why don’t you set here a spell and keep me company?” Jeb pulled out a chair on one side of the long table. “I’ll getcha a nice cold glass of sweet tea.”

  “You look as though you have your hands full if you’re planning to feed that whole group outside,” Ellen replied. “If you’ll just tell me where to find the glasses, I can help myself.”