Yawning lethargically, Ellie rubbed petite fingers into her sleep-heavy eyes. She slung her feet over the edge of the bed and cracked her big toe before standing. Weary from being tossed, folded, and ridden to the point of exhaustion, she clutched the nightstand for support. Dark circles hung below her lids, her youthful faced lined with fatigue.

Tom snickered, pouring her a cup of energizing brew. She stretched her aching back muscles and accepted the coffee, sighing after the first sip.

"You are killing me."

"You will grow accustomed to my touch." He said flatly.

"Will I?" She snapped back in a southern sassy tone.

Tom collected the coffee from her hands and lifted her to sit on the dresser. He spread her legs apart and said "You have no choice not to."

He sank.

Giggling, Ellie wrapped her fingers into his hair and arched her hips to serve Tom his breakfast.

While Tom showered, Ellie hummed softly over the countertop stove. She was utterly happy with him as long as she neglected to think of his lifestyle. She knew better than to keep on with Tom. This was a game to him. She was a virtuous home-bred kind of gal and he a notorious crime lord. He would tire of her soon enough, and then the game would be over and she would lose...but for now, it was fun playing.

Sniffing the air Tom recognized peppers, onions, and maybe even eggs. He opened the kitchen door surprised to find Ellie wearing an apron raking food in a plate. He drew behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his face to the back of her neck. "What is this?"

"Sopaipillas with warm honey and Huevos Rancheros."

"You cooked for me?"

She turned to face him, squinting her brows as if bewildered. "Yes..Hasnt any of your other women ever made you breakfast?"

"Um, no...I do not think they even knew how. I have always had cooks."

"A cook doesn't put the love she feels for you in her cooking."

"It looks good." He accepted a bite from a fork she placed to his lips. "Mmm, is that love I taste?"

"Maybe…" She pecked his cheek.

He took the plate from her hands and placed it on the counter. She faced his serious expression. Dread flourished in her heart. He was about to break it. The game was coming to an end.

He said, "You are the type of woman a man marries."

Casting her eyes down, she faintly asked. "But you are not the type of man who marries. Are you?"

He captured her chin, tilting her face to his. "I wasnt until I met you."

The morning flew by too quickly for the lovers. Ellie and Tom both had business to attend to. After a long kiss goodbye, they agreed to meet for dinner at eight, but by 6, Tom glanced up from his desk and into John Ross' infuriating reflection.

"Have you come to threaten me, John Ross? Are you really that brave?"

"You would be surprised at the surge of courage that flows through my veins sparked when it comes to my baby sister. Now you saved Ellie's life and I am grateful, but that is the extent of my gratitude. My sister's heart is not part of the reward."

"She is in love with me."

"Of course she is. You were her first. You two have a bond based on sex and that is all you have! You have nothing in common. She comes from a completely different world than you. She rides the range all day. She works hard, gets dirty, sweaty. The only blood on her hands is the blood she sires when birthing calves. Have you even thought about what life would be like with her? She would tend the ranch all day, cook you fried chicken for dinner, and at night, spend a quiet evening at home watching Duck Dynasty under a flannel throw."

"Do you really think that I am just fucking Ellie? Do you think I have not thought of a future with her?"

"Even a man vacant of a heart would fall in love with my baby sister. She is young, naive, untouched by experience, but you and I are not. We both know first hand the cruel reality of the world surrounding Ellie. Are you really willing to tear that shield down?"

"She is stronger than you give her credit for."

"Come on, you know Ellie is not for you. She is pure, innocent, your way of life would ruin her. She would not be able to endure it long. She would wither away before your eyes. Could you really sit there and watch her demise knowing you are the fault of it?"

"You are right. You Texans are a different breed; a dying breed."

"Because people like you are choking us out and I am asking you to spare my sister." John Ross snapped back, his tone saddened.

Closing his eyes, Tom grew silent, his face reflecting inner turmoil. Finally he opened his eyes and said, "If you think I do not care for her, you are mistaken. And it is for this love that I will relinquish her, but know that I do so with a bleeding heart."

John Ross' face gave away to relief. He nodded reassuringly. "Thank you. You are doing the right thing for her. I appreciate that."

NOTES - Only one more chapter!