Lean Stroud is wanted for robbery and a murder he didn't commit. On the run to California with his partner-in-crime, Kenneth, he spots the relentless bounty hunter, Thomas Grady, on the train. The only way to protect Kenneth is to create a distraction, and that's what he does when he flees the train at the top of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He forces Thomas to chase him, but nothing can prepare him for what it means to be caught.<br><br>Thomas Grady always gets his man, and Leon Stroud is no exception to that rule. But almost from the moment Thomas touches Leon, he wants the outlaw for something besides his bounty. Driven by desire he doesn't understand, he repeatedly claims Leon's body on the long journey from Soda Springs to San Francisco -- and Leon only begs for more. An even bigger threat, with a larger bounty, could be the very thing they need to drive them together. Or tear them apart.

Stealing West

Thomas expected Leon to stop in Soda Springs and at least get some food. Unlike Thomas, he was traveling without much in the way of supplies. If not food, then at least for a good, stiff drink. But Leon rode down the center street, ignoring the curious stares he received as he passed through on his heaving stallion. Even the high-spirited horse ignored the animals around him, clearly too exhausted to face a challenger.


Thomas hung back, knowing he could take Leon at any time, and entertaining notions of a nice, warm, soft bed. Thomas didn’t kick Max into a faster trot until Leon stopped at the depot. Did he plan to catch another train? It didn’t make sense to corner himself on a train again, but he could have been tired and injured. He might believe that his chances were better on a train. Thomas had to admit that even a crowded car would be preferable to the thin, crisp air this close to the summit.


Chapter 6