7. Sunday Best

'What are you doing up there, Miss Hathaway? We're going be late for church!' Dimitri called out from the foot of the stairs, his fingers worrying at the brim of the hat in his hands.

He wanted to be on time today. The Sunday church service was the social highlight of the week in Saints Town (apart from the nightly booze-ups at the saloon, of course), and everybody from the district was likely to attend. After two and a half days out making personal house calls with Rose, this would be the first official public engagement for the new deputy and his charge, and it was vital that they both make a good impression.

'Hold your horses, cowboy. I'll be there in a minute,' a voice floated down in reply.

The deputy sighed in exasperation. Rose had been making a conscientious effort to improve her manners and behaviour since her brief stint in jail, but punctuality was a skill that still eluded her. Knowing how long 'a minute' might potentially take, he slouched back against the wall in the hallway and retrieved a well-thumbed book from the pocket of his duster.

When Dimitri first moved to America, his boss Ivan had given him this novel, suggesting that reading might help him to improve his English.

'What is it about?' Dimitri had asked in his thick Russian accent, eyeing the front cover dubiously. He already felt anxious just trying to pronounce the title.

'It's about the only man in the world taller than you, my friend,' Ivan joked, handing him a copy of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. 'I imagine this story should keep you entertained for a while.'

It did. Dimitri figured he must have read the book cover to cover at least ten times by now and he never tired of it, but today he was more interested in the bookmark that kept his page than the story itself. The photograph of Rose and Lisa had somehow made its way from the oilskin cloth in his jacket to the novel that was never far from his fingertips, and he studied the picture yet again. Miss Draymore was as elegant and serene in real life as she was on the page, but now he'd met her in person he couldn't miss the haunted look that permeated her features.

And Rose? It was only nine days since Dimitri had first laid eyes on the girl, but it felt like he'd already known her a lifetime. Spending long hours in her company, he was quickly learning to read her every mood, expression and inflection, and the more he discovered about her, the more he found to like. Looking carefully at Rose's image, he could tell that the tight set of her jaw was determination – not arrogance as he'd first imagined. The crease between her brows was evidence of a young woman burdened with worry for a treasured friend, and the slight twist to her lips was the edge of a smirk that could mean anything from unapologetic disobedience to gleeful triumph. But those eyes – those deep wells that reflected the fire and passion of her untamed spirit – were utterly beguiling.

There was a discrete cough from above, and when the deputy looked up he nearly dropped his book. The woman descending the staircase before him was a vision of pale muslin and youthful beauty. Awestruck, the deputy's eyes caressed each detail; the lavender sash that accentuated her slim waist and the voluminous skirts that swished around her feet as she moved; the matching parasol and fan; the wide silk ribbons that secured her bonnet and the pretty brown curls that peeked out from beneath its narrow brim.

Dimitri realised he was gawking but he couldn't help himself. 'You look lovely, Roza,' the pet name rolled off his tongue without him even noticing he'd been so informal. 'That colour looks so well on you.' A disturbing thought flashed across his mind. 'Is there some boy you're trying to impress?'

Rose was secretly thrilled that she'd gained his approval and a sinful ripple coursed through her body as she realised the cowboy might actually be jealous. 'Not a boy, Deputy Belikov. It's for Madam Kiroy.'

He raised an eyebrow, relieved but confused.

'It's simple, really,' the girl explained, advancing with a twirl of her fan. 'I've been separated from Lisa because Madam Kiroy claims I'm a bad influence. But if I prove that I've mended my ways and can be a suitable companion for Lis, then she has no reason to keep us apart!' she glowed with pride at her logical conclusion. 'If you can't beat them, join them, yes?'

Dimitri gazed down at her with faint amusement. 'I do believe that's the first sensible thing you've said since I met you, Miss Hathaway.'

She basked in his approval for only a second then fixed him with a warning look. 'Don't get used to it,' she said archly and swept past him towards the exit.

Reverend Karp's church was situated on the northern edge of town – as far from the saloon as possible but still in walking distance of the sheriff's office. As Dimitri and Rose strolled towards the wooden building, summoned by the tolling of the church bell, they saw others out in their Sunday best who were also making their pilgrimage along the road, and one especially well-dressed gentleman sidled up to greet them.

'Deputy,' the proprietor of the hotel announced, grabbing the taller man's hand and pumping it warmly, although it wasn't offered.

Adrian Ivara was everything the Russian was not. Where Dimitri was strong and bulky – as if hewn from unyielding stone – Adrian had a lightly muscled frame, chiselled features, and an affable nature that only added to his physical appeal. His unusual emerald-green eyes sparkled with a sly intelligence and charm that made him formidable in his own, unique way.

'And who is this stunning creature you've brought with you?' he feigned ignorance. 'Oh, it's you Miss Hathaway! We meet again!' The man made a great show of kissing her on each cheek in the European fashion, lingering against her skin for longer than absolutely necessary.

The close attention made Rose feel flattered but slightly uncomfortable, knowing how Deputy Belikov reacted the last time he'd caught her fraternising in public, and one look at her chaperone told her she was right to be concerned.

Dimitri's vision clouded and he had to restrain himself from placing a hand on Adrian's collar and throwing him into the dirt. The man was too assuming. Too… nice. 'I'm surprised you attend church, Mr Ivara,' he chose sarcasm over violence. 'I thought a saloon owner would have too many vices to care for being in a place of worship.'

Adrian's usually languid expression flashed with interest as he caught the thinly-veiled animosity in the lawman's voice. 'Some people go to church because they are at peace with God,' the green-eyed man replied easily. 'Others go because they are sinners in need of salvation. But you of all people would understand what I mean, wouldn't you, bounty hunter… do forgive me… deputy,' he corrected himself, shooting Dimitri a look that showed he knew damn well what he was saying.

He wasn't going to let a glorified killer take the moral high-ground. Something about the big man's overprotective attitude towards Miss Hathaway irritated him and he decided then and there to make the attractive young woman his personal conquest (not that he needed much encouragement - she'd already captured his interest from their first encounter in the saloon).

Adrian turned up the charm. 'I look forward to our next meeting,' he addressed the lady with a dazzling smile, tipping his hat to her before walking on ahead, followed by Dimitri's violent gaze.

Rose gave Mr Ivara a half-hearted nod, having lost interest in the conversation at the sight of a familiar carriage, and a surge of adrenaline washed through her as she spied Lisa alighting from Victor Dashley's richly decorated concord. At last! The girls hadn't seen one another in days and Rose was growing worried. After the crash it wasn't just nightmares that haunted Lisa. Weird things had been happening at Cottonwood Creek Ranch – disturbing things. If the troubles had started again, Rose wanted to be there to protect her friend.

Unfortunately, there was still one obstacle in her way; a governess with a bee in her bonnet. Madam Kiroy had always hated Rose (the feeling was mutual), and only accepted the girl as a pupil because Alberta didn't give her a choice in the matter. Now, after nearly twelve years at the receiving end of blatant disdain, insolence and intolerable pranks, Ellen Kiroy finally had the upper hand. Rose was beginning to regret making an enemy of the one person who could grant her access to her best friend, but it was too late to do anything about that now. She would have to swallow her pride and be patient – grovel if necessary – to win Lisa back.

The moment Rose saw Lisa stepping out of the carriage she was struck by a desperate desire to rush over and throw her arms around her friend, but she was checked by a warning hand on her elbow.

'Not yet,' Dimitri murmured. He didn't agree with the decision to separate the two girls, but he also didn't want his charge to risk being caught by Lisa's vindictive governess.

It took all of Rose's willpower to hold herself steady, but she was glad she did, because the next person to emerge from the carriage was Madam Kiroy. The woman was just the same as Rose remembered – from the severe expression and scraped-back hairstyle, to the tailored black dress and hat that always made her look as if she was in full mourning.

'That's her?' Dimitri asked quietly, keeping his hand on the girl's sleeve just in case she made a reckless dash towards her friend.

Rose nodded, her face set in a forced smile to mask the anger and frustration that were threatening to escape. 'The devil herself.'

While Dimitri seemed to grow more relaxed over the course of the church service, Rose couldn't let go of the tension that had planted itself in her soul. Lisa was here – only a few rows ahead of her – and yet they weren't able to communicate. It was absolute agony. An irrational part of her even resented that it was Natalie sitting by the blonde girl's side; sharing a hymnbook and whispering harmless little secrets during the prayers.

To add to Rose's discomfort, Reverend Karp was behaving strangely again, stumbling over his words during the gospel reading and barely looking up from the lectern when he addressed the congregation. And then there was the stranger across the aisle who spent the entire service scowling at a candle on the altar like he hoped it would roll off the table and set the building on fire.

The doxology couldn't come soon enough, and Rose practically dragged Deputy Belikov from the church on the last Amen.

'Do you think we can go—?' she began the moment they were outside, but Dimitri was pulled away by one of the local ranchers who had a matter of business to discuss, and then a small band of ladies accosted the new deputy to officially welcome him to the town.

By the time Victor Dashley approached to offer Deputy Belikov his best wishes, Rose gave up trying to catch Dimitri's attention and wandered off a few paces to mutter curses at the flies as she swatted at them with her fan.

It was only when the girl was finally alone that a familiar voice breathed in her ear. 'So you're really back, Rose?'

The young gentleman was as ostentatious as Adrian Ivara, only without the charm, and he came around to face her, standing a little too close for comfort. Jesse Zekeman. Rose stiffened under his possessive gaze, wishing she were somewhere else.

'I know we had a little thing going on before you left last year,' Jesse's expression was haughty and disdainful, 'so I thought I should let you know I'm already accounted for,' he thrust his chin in the direction of a dark-haired beauty who was giggling with her friends under the watchful eye of her mother. Mr Zekeman returned his attention to Rose and leant in even closer. 'But let me know if you get tired of the imported goods, and I'll see what I can do for you,' he finished, sauntering off before she had a chance to process what he'd said.

A little thing? There was absolutely no thing! Rose was disgusted at the thought. And what did he mean by imported goods? She gasped in surprise when she realised that Jesse must have been alluding to her connection with Deputy Beikov. That rat! How dare he make such a lewd accusation?! Sure, she might be spending a lot of time with the deputy, but that wasn't by her choice. Dimitri Belikov was her legal guardian and there was nothing inappropriate about their relationship. Strangely, the slur to her own character didn't bother Rose as much as the suggestion that Dimitri might be acting improperly towards her. Yes, the man was just a foreign bounty hunter when she'd first met him, but he was more of a gentleman than Jesse ever would be! She wanted to run after Mr Zekeman - to scream at him and tell him he was a coward and a brute - but by good fortune another voice cut through her rising anger.

'Rose! You're really back! Thank God you're okay!' A good-natured face swam into view and a pair of long, strong arms wrapped around her shoulders. 'I just got back into town and came over as soon as I heard the news.' It was Mason.

'Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes,' Rose smiled against the newcomer's chest, letting out a quiet sigh of relief as she glanced after the retreating figure of Mr Zekeman.

'That worm isn't giving you trouble already, is he?' the young cowboy asked at once, pulling back from the embrace, his handsome, freckled face lined with concern.

'Nothing I can't handle,' Miss Hathaway replied quickly.

Mason always worried about her too much, which was sweet but completely unnecessary.

Shaking off the uncomfortable encounter with Jesse, Rose focused back in on her friend. 'It's so good to see you, Mace,' she breathed, letting her hands loop loosely around his waist and burying her face into his chest.

Rose had been friends with Mason Ashford since they were kids, and if the tomboy wasn't spending time in the company of Lisa Draymore, she was probably up to some kind of mischief with Mason and their other sidekick, Eddie. Lisa always joked that Mason was sweet on Rose (he had proposed to her once when they were six, after all), but Rose couldn't see it. In her mind, there was no sense ruining a perfectly good friendship with romance.

Unfortunately, their moment of reunion was interrupted in the worst possible way.

'Such a public display of gross indecency, Miss Hathaway. And you wonder why I don't want you around my Lisa,' Madam Kiroy declared in horror, sweeping up beside them like a vulture drawn to a carcass.

Lisa and Natalie followed close behind, looking nervous and apologetic, while Victor Dashley and Deputy Belikov ceased their conversation to observe the unfolding drama.

Rose lifted her head from Mason's chest and pulled away from him quickly, her eyes flashing with anger. She'd made such an effort to be on her best behaviour today to impress the stupid old bat, and the one time she even paid attention to her had to be now, of all times. Dammit. Dammit. Dammit.

'Now wait just a minute,' Mason frowned at Madam Kiroy, jumping to Rose's defence like an over-sized puppy between two angry wolves. 'You know I've been friends with Rose since we were children. I'd never behave indecently towards her. I was only saying how glad I am that's she's back home safely – it wasn't like I was kissing her in broad daylight!'

If the woman was upset before, now she was ropable. 'I'd thank you to keep your filthy ideas to yourself, cowhand,' she spoke indignantly. 'There are ladies present.'

Rose had remained silent until now, horrified that her plans had gone so wrong, but she wouldn't let Kiroy insult her friend and get away with it. She was in trouble anyway. She might as well let loose and serve the old cow a piece of her mind. A string of obscenities hovered on the tip of her tongue and her fingers balled up into tight fists, shaking by her sides with the effort not to smack the self-righteous expression off Madam Kiroy's prim, pasty face.

Before she had a chance to unleash her fury, however, the deputy stepped in and took control.

'Excuse me ladies, gentlemen, but Miss Hathaway and I have some pressing sheriff's business that we need to attend to. Please excuse us,' he announced, approaching Rose and offering her his arm.

Let it go. Trust me. Dimitri's eyes implored her.

How can I let it go? Rose glared back.

Just trust me.

After a long hesitation, Rose tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and allowed him to lead her away.

'Calm down, Miss Roza,' Dimitri instructed, as they walked down the main street, placing a hand over hers to prevent her from changing her mind and going back to clock Lisa's governess in the face.

'Did you hear what she said?' Rose blurted out when they were out of earshot, shaking free of him. 'That old witch! I wasn't doing anything wrong – Mason is just a friend! If she tries to use this as an excuse to keep me and Lisa apart I'll kill her!'

'You shouldn't say things like that,' Dimitri warned softly, concerned by the ferocity of her outburst.

He knew Rose was worried about Madam Kiroy taking Lisa away from her, but this extreme, uncontrolled anger was unhealthy – no matter how justified she felt she was.

'Well neither should she!' Rose snapped.

When they reached the sheriff's building, the deputy ducked inside briefly and returned with a length of rope.

'Oh no you don't!' the girl backed away from him, hands up to ward him off. 'You're not tying me up again. I won't let you!'

Dimitri eyed her with the steady patience of a hunter. 'This rope isn't for you, Miss Hathaway, but if you don't take control of yourself I might change my mind. Now follow me.'

After a raging internal battle, Rose obeyed, and minutes later they were hidden from view among the pinyon pines that grew up behind the main stretch of town.

'Sit,' the deputy ordered, pointing to a fallen log.

Rose seethed but sat. 'What are you—?'

'Don't talk. Listen. I can see you're angry,' Dimitri cut her off, dropping to a crouch so they were at eye level, 'and while there's nothing wrong with feeling angry, it's going to eat you up inside if you can't learn to control it. You're going to end up hurting yourself or somebody else. Do you understand what I'm saying?'

The girl's jaw tensed but she nodded.

Dimitri continued on, the intensity of his gaze never wavering. 'I'm not asking you to bottle up your feelings and keep them inside. That's a recipe for disaster. I want to help you release all that frustration so you can get rid of it, but I need you to listen carefully to my instructions or you're going to injure yourself. Can you do that?' he asked, standing up and reaching for the knife at his belt.

Another nod, less certain.

'Good. Then come with me,' he said, leading the way a few feet further into the trees.

For the first time since they'd arrived, Rose took note of her surroundings and realised she was alone in a secluded area with a beast of a man who was currently wielding a knife. Most girls would have run away, but not Rosemarie Hathaway. She took a deep breath and followed after the mysterious Russian.

Rounding a large tree, Rose saw Dimitri bent down in front of the massive sack of flour he'd purchased earlier in the week. Stabbing a hole in the bottom of the canvas, he lifted the heavy bag and shook it several times to empty out some of the flour, then tipped it upside down. Using the rope he'd brought from the sheriff's office, he tied a knot around the slack canvas at the top of the sack then threw the other end of the rope over a sturdy tree branch, hoisting the bag up so it dangled at chest height.

Rose still wasn't sure exactly what the deputy had in mind, but she was just beginning to feel more at ease when the big man turned to her silently and stepped so close they were nearly touching. Her heart raced and her eyes flitted nervously as Dimitri carefully reached out to untie the ribbons under her bonnet.

'No sense ruining this,' he said so softly it was almost a whisper, inspecting the spray of flowers that sat on the brim before placing the pretty thing aside.

If Rose was given to fainting she would have done so now, but fortunately she was made of sterner stuff. Forcing herself to be sensible, she followed Dimitri to the punching bag and waited for his first instruction.

'Make a fist.'

Easy, the girl thought, scrunching her right hand into a tight ball.

'No. you're going to break your thumb if you hit something that way,' the Russian explained. 'Tuck your fingers firmly into the palm of your hand starting with the smallest one first, then wrap your thumb over the top of them.'

He demonstrated the correct technique then took Rose's hand in his to check the fingers were tight and to adjust the position of her thumb.

'Good,' he affirmed.

Thinking the lesson was over, Rose turned her body and delivered a swift punch to the bag.

'Dad-blamin-gummit!' she cursed, wringing her hand as lightning bolts of pain shot up her arm.

Dimitri sighed. 'Remember what I said about listening carefully so you don't hurt yourself? I wasn't finished yet.'

When Rose had recovered enough to try again they resumed the lesson.

'The top of your hand needs to stay in line with your arm to protect the wrist,' Dimitri instructed, running a fingertip along the plane of her hand to illustrate, 'and you should lead with the knuckle of your index finger to deliver a more powerful blow.'

After a few further adjustments Dimitri declared his student ready. 'That's it. Now punch.'

There was a soft smacking sound as Rose's fist connected with the canvas. It felt good.

'Well done.' Dimitri adjusted the angle of her elbow. 'Again. Harder.'

Smack.

'Breathe out on your strike. Picture your target on the far side of the bag.'

Smack.

'Your power comes from your back foot,' he stepped closer to make Rose more aware of her posture. 'Feel it come up your leg then travel through your hips, back and shoulders before it explodes out of your fist.'

Smack! The release of tension felt heavenly.

'Better. Now do the same with your left.'

He continued to instruct her, adjusting her technique every now and then, until she slipped into a kind of trance.

Smack. That's for you Alberta. For forcing me and Lisa to come back home.

Smack-smack. That's for you Jesse - you slimy bastard. Why would I ever want to be involved with you?

Smack-smack. Smack-smack. That's for you Kiroy. She's not your Lisa. She's mine. And there's nothing you can do to separate us. I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe - even if I have to come and steal her back.

As Rose said each name in her head and released the energy into the bag, she still felt the anger but it was like it had no power over her anymore. She was in control of her feelings not the other way around.

There was sweat beading on her brow when Dimitri finally called enough.

'Better?' he asked, as Rose collapsed onto the ground, sitting back against a fallen log.

'Yes. Thank you,' she puffed, eyes sparkling with exertion. Her whole body felt shaky but refreshed and she was already wishing she could try again - as soon as she recovered her breath.

Dimitri smiled down at her, tucking his hands in his pockets and leaning against the closest tree trunk. 'I'm glad it helped,' he said, taking a moment to choose his words as a thought came to mind. 'I don't want you wandering out here by yourself, but if you'd like to do this again I could come with you. I'm not an expert exactly, but there are plenty of other moves I can show you, if you'd like?'

Rose didn't have to think twice. 'Yes,' she met his gaze and they fell into a brief, comfortable silence.

Lisa was right. She was lucky to have someone looking out for her. She still wasn't sure how the man was managing to be so patient with her, but right now she was just thankful he'd come into her life.

'Well, we should be getting back,' Dimitri roused himself. 'Do you think you can manage to refrain from attacking any old ladies for the rest of the day?'

He put a hand out to help her up and she took it.

'I'll do my best,' she replied with a sly grin. The old Rose was back.

'I knew you'd be trouble the moment I laid eyes on you, Miss Hathaway,' the deputy shook his head.

The young woman brushed a few leaves from her skirt, and was reaching for her bonnet when she realised that a hairpin had dislodged itself during her exertions, causing one of her braids to come loose. She struggled a moment to fix it, but Dimitri stepped forward and took the pin from her grasp.

'Allow me,' he offered, earning a dubious look from Rose. 'Three sisters, remember?' he insisted, reaching out to tighten the braid and securing it with its pin.

Rose stood perfectly still under his hands, her heart racing at the intimate contact, trying to calm her breathing as Dimitri placed the bonnet on her head and adjusted the angle to sit perfectly on her hair. She was fairly sure that what they were doing was inappropriate, but she didn't want it to be over yet.

'If you knew I was going to be this much trouble when you met me, then why did you take the job?' she asked to fill the silence, intensely aware of the man's close proximity and the expression of gentle concentration on his face as he tended to her hair.

Dimitri paused, his fingers sliding to a stop halfway down the silk ribbons that hung from Rose's bonnet. 'I just had a feeling about you, I guess.'

Rose felt breathless but she couldn't let it go. 'A feeling like wow - this girl has problems?' she tried to make a joke of it, but her words came out flat as she got lost in the deputy's deep brown eyes.

The man searched her face. 'No. Not that feeling,' he answered quietly, tying the ribbons under her chin then turning away to begin the slow walk back to town.

.

Author's Note:

Ka-Pow! So, in one chapter we've got Adrian, Jesse, Mason & Dimitri all showing an interest in Rose (poor girl), and we've finally introduced Kiroy in the flesh + some creepy candle guy!

Acknowledgements to my husband for some technique pointers on punching - he did Karate for years - and to my extra special readers who have been leaving me reviews/PM's to give me a boost. (Well done Lea for picking what the sack of flour was going to be used for! Any theories on dodgy Jesse's backstory?)