Chapter Eleven

At the edge of the county line Lucas sat in the steaming car waiting for a certain man to come along. After prying Merlyn told him about the deeds her father made her commit. Then like a good daughter she begged him not to take it out on Gage. Promised to behave, not to run away again. However, the agreement between him and Gage Temple was now broken and someone needed to pay.

A green car, bright as a pickle, sped past him leaving a trail of dust. Lucas wasted no time turning on the lights and following. The short chase ended near a fork in the road, the road divided by a large oak.

Lucas strolled to the car and found Mr. Green sweating profusely. His linen jacket tossed in the seat next him and his cotton shirt damp with perspiration.

"Howdy Sheriff," said Mr. Green short of breath. "What can I do for you?"

"Pete, you don't mind if I call you Pete?"

"No not at all sir."

"Well Pete I have a bit of a problem and you're a banker and know all sorts of things like investments, loans, debts. Am I right?"

"Yes sir, I can help you with all of that." He reached into his wallet and handed a business card to Lucas. "Feel free to make an appointment anytime."

Lucas flipped over the card and grinned. "Anytime?"

"Well, you know during banking hours."

"Of course." Lucas tore the card in two. "I suppose now is a good as any."

"Now?" He gulped.

"The banks don't close for another two hours. And that foreclosure notice you're delivering can wait a few more minutes. Now tell me what happens when a man owes the bank money, comes into let's say a small inheritance and instead of paying off his debts gives it to a friend as a gift. He knows he owes it to the bank. The bank knows it and his friend knows it. What happens next?"

"Well, any collateral he put up would be seized."

"Interesting. You've been down to the Temple place recently?"

"I don't see how that is any of your business."

Honk, honk.

Mr. Green jumped at the noise. His car's motor turned on without him moving the key. He pulled out the keys only for the car to keep running. "What's going on?"

Lucas grabbed his collar and pulled him out the window. "Do you know Gage Temple owes me and his payment went to another debt? You wouldn't happen to know anything about that?"

He wheezed and tried to pry Lucas's hands off. "You're not the only one he owes."

"You should have come to me first. Merlyn Temple is mine. You touch her again you'll lose the ability to touch."

"Yes sir," he said as he gasped for a breath.

Lucas released him and patted the car like a horse. The engine revved and the wheels turned before Mr. Green took control of the steering wheel. And on its own accord raced forward. He screamed the second he saw the car aiming for the tree in the middle of the fork. Breaks squealed and failed as the pickle green car crashed into the trunk.

Surveying the wreckage Lucas pulled out a cigar and lit it. A reward for a day's work.

The evening started out with kisses as the sun set in the west. A red sky showed over the horizon and through the dark trees. As promised Merlyn accompanied Lucas willingly, and allowed a hand to slip under her dress and rest firmly on her thigh. Little circles rubbed her leg, moving closer and closer. Not ready to reveal her secret she pushed his hand away.

Lucas scowled before pulling her into a passionate kiss. He pulled the ribbon out of her hair. "You know better than to refuse," he grunted.

Merlyn grimaced. Remembering what Selena told her about his preferences she reached down for his belt. Lucas froze as she initiated the contact and released him. He gasped when she took him in his mouth. "Oh darling… that's the… best I've had… in a long… time."

His praise encouraged her to continue. Guilt filled her. Her stomach tied in knots. She was bending over like a back-alley whore Selena accused her of being. But she needed to protect her secret. She kept working until. . .

"That's enough. I want to finish in you." By the hair he pulled her up for a kiss.

No, she screamed in her head. He'll find out. In the car she said nothing as she pulled down her underwear preventing Lucas from ripping one of her last pairs. His head rolled back as she settled on top of him. Greedy hands slipped under her dress and gripped her hips.

"Ride," he ordered.

Merlyn obeyed and hoped to end it fast. A wave of nausea hit her as Lucas kissed her neck. She stopped, covered her mouth and leaned towards the window.

Realizing that Merlyn's actions were real, Lucas quickly opened the door and pushed her out. No need for bile on his leather seats.

Dirt and rocks scraped her hands and knees as she tumbled out. A moment later she spewed out the contents of her stomach. She wanted to go home and curl up in bed.

"You done?" Lucas sat in the car like nothing happened. His pants still undone.

She nodded. Stood up and wiped her hands on her dress, her mouth with a handkerchief.

She nearly fell again when Lucas grabbed her. Lustfully Lucas pushed her onto the backseat ready to finish. He pushed up her dress and revealed her secret.

"Merlyn what's this?" he said in a low warning. A hand, a nearly tender hand pressed into her slightly rounded stomach.

"I'm pregnant," she said looking up at the car ceiling. She expected him to lash out, hit her for lying instead he climbed off of her and pulled her up. Sitting next to her he kissed her forehead.

"This changes everything."

Merlyn stayed silent.

"We'll have to get married."

"No." She pushed him away. Spending the rest of her life tethered to Lucas Buck frightened her. He humiliated her, stole her innocence and forced her into a life of sin.

"Don't be stupid. You don't have a future beyond that baby on your hip. And I do not want another bastard child."

Tears ran down her face. She wanted to say she's too young but Poppy Bowman, who was a year younger, was already married and had a baby in her arms.

Lucas sighed and hugged her. "I get it. Too soon. Take a few days to think about it and next time we see each other you let me know," he said brushing a tear away.

"Okay."

"But understand this, if you refuse me there will be unpleasant consequences. It would be dreadful if something happened to Gail or your daddy."

Merlyn's eyes grew big. "You promise to leave Gail alone and don't you. . ."

Lucas put a finger to her lips. "And I will, providing both parties are cooperative. Understand?"

"Yes."

With that Lucas drove her home without his fee. Maybe he forgot or maybe he was counting on her saying yes.