Ella jerked awake with a violent start; her breaths came in shallow gasps as her eyes wildly took in her surroundings. She was in the small bedroom in Crow Town, Joey still slept deeply beside her and she cursed lightly under her breath at the unnerving dream but at the same time was silently thankful that she had not awoken Joey. She slowly sat up, wiping her hand across her brow, trying to rid herself of the clinging feeling of dread that held a clammy grasp over her, the aftermath left over from her nightmare. It was only a moment before she realized with a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach that the abrupt movement had in fact disturbed the man slumbering beside her, he sighed sleepily and then his eyes opened to slits, the deep blue of his irises shining in the golden sunlight. He cleared his throat lightly, his eyes taking in her back and position.

"What is wrong?" His voice was soft and still coated in the dew of sleep.

Ella found that her body was shaking slightly in the after effect of her ordeal and although she bitterly wished for some kind of consoling she did not feel as if she could answer nor ask for succor, not from him. He had no right to know the darkest part of her, the fears and regrets that clawed at her insides and yet she harshly wished she could wrap her arms about his powerful shoulders and breath in the scent of comfort and love she could perhaps once again fool her soul he had in relation to her. But she knew confessing any of her weaknesses to Joey now felt like something she could never do again, not after the occurrences of the day before. Finally, knowing she must tell him something, she licked her dry lips.

"It was just a bad dream." She said as casually as she could, her tone a little icy.

She felt his hands slide up her arms and flinched at the contact; he gently pulled her back down beside him and nuzzled into her shoulder kissing her skin tenderly.

"Dreams cannot harm you" he said lazily.

Ella stiffened slightly under his touch, her mind racing as to why he was acting as if yesterday had not happened, his manner was gentle and warm, his soft mouth traveling sweetly across her flesh, the aim to please and ease her fears. His lips slowly moved to her neck and then her cheek leaving soft wet kisses in their wake before nipping playfully at the lobe of her ear.

"Let me chase your fears away" he breathed huskily.

Ella felt her mind giving way to pleasure and tried to fight it, tried to hang on to the feelings of regret, resentment and hatred that had consumed her only a few hours before. He had hurt her and forced her to play his power games, she knew she should be recoiling from his touch - that the very thought of his hands upon her should make her feel sick to the pit of her stomach in the same way Dave had made her feel… But with growing disgust at herself Ella came to realize that despite all he had done she still desired him, still wanted him. Each thought was like a searing blow to her mind, she wanted to cry out, to shake herself and see the common sense that she always relied on so heavily, that she prided herself upon… but when it came to Joey Garza it all seemed to desert her and leave nothing but inconsolable longing… She detested herself for it and yet she could do nothing else but give in. She fought silently within as his caresses continued and tried to reason with herself why she was allowing him, why after everything? She clutched fruitlessly for any reason that would make her feel at ease and settled upon the fact that he may force her once more if she resisted… it wasn't true and deep down in herself Ella knew she was just conjuring excuses. Joey's lips brushed hers softly, barely touching before he again moved forward, his lips once again connecting lightly with her own, but this time in a soft kiss. His mouth worked, bringing out deep feelings of pleasure from within Ella's body, she allowed her mind to become defenseless against him as his kiss continued, his tongue nudging her lips apart and slipping into her mouth, dipping lightly against her own tongue, tasting her. She breathed in the desire that was building around them, enjoying the feel of his heated lips upon hers, reveling in the sensation of the slight pressure of his body as he shifted his position and pressed against her.

Joey broke their kiss and travelled once again down her neck and continued to her collarbone, lingering a moment upon the exposed skin before his fingers skillfully began to unlace her chemise. He slipped a warm hand underneath the material, splaying his fingers to fully enclose her breast. He kneaded the smooth mound tenderly, his thumb brushing the sensitive skin, bringing it to a hard peak. His mouth took over, his lips pressing gently, his tongue flicking out over already responsive flesh, heightening the arousal she felt. Joey laid kisses down her chest and along her stomach. Ella pressed her lips together at the new experience, she could not remember Joey ever paying her this much attention before, she tried to think, to understand but the sensations would not allow her to and she closed her eyes. His kisses did not abate but continued until his lips pressed against the material of her pantaloons, he gently and hurriedly untied the drawstring tie at her waist and eased the clothing over her hips and past her feet, discarding it upon the floor. Joey pressed soft kisses to her thighs, his exploration slow as if taking in every inch of her; he let his bottom lip tease the thin skin upon her inner thighs before again laying kisses against her. With a slow gentle movement he parted her legs and again his warm mouth found her body. Ella gave a jerk of surprise as his tongue found the sensitive place between her legs; she bucked slightly at the sensation, her hands gripping wildly at the covers as he flicked over her, sending little electric shocks shooting up her spine at the contact. He probed further, deeper, bringing her to the edge and then each time pulling back leaving her aching and wanting, her breaths harsh and wanton to her ears.

Finally he released her from the beautiful torment and slowly worked his way back up her body, his lips meeting hers once again in a hungry kiss that signified he too was having trouble keeping his composure. Feeling his lust pressing against her thigh, Ella tentatively placed her hands on his chest, Joey responded by pressing his body more firmly against her, his actions telling her he wanted to feel her touch. She opened herself to him and without breaking their kiss Joey slipped gently inside, his thrust slow and deliberate. Ella let out a cry of pure pleasure at the sensation but it was swallowed in the passion of their kiss. They moved together, their minds lost in desire and longing. Ella knew that once this moment was over she'd despise herself for giving in, for letting him be with her after everything and she knew she'd trust him no more… But still, in this moment she was free to love him as much as she wished and as their kiss broke and Joey looked down at her, his blue eyes glinting with need, she knew he too was free and in this small space of time he did love her with all the soul he had.

They collapsed, physically spent and emotionally satisfied from their love making. Their breaths came in heavy gasps as each of their bodies tremored at the conclusion of their meeting. They stayed entwined in each other for what seemed to Ella a long time, her nerves and muscles gave twitches and pangs of pleasure as they slowly recovered. Joey pressed his brow against her shoulder regaining his own senses from the unbidden place they had just been released to. Ella knew he was gathering his thoughts and it would not be long until Joey would return to his cool, calm mask with the burning anger lingering dangerously behind his eyes.

As if he had sensed her thoughts he slowly moved his head, his hair hung in his face hiding his eyes, and he pulled away gently with a low groan as the last part of pleasure left him. He rose from the bed and walked over to the wash stand where he splashed some cool water upon his face. Ella watched him, knowing it was all over, that the blissful moment could never last any longer than this. She was suddenly conscious that her eyes ached with tears pleading to be shed, but she commanded them back, she would not cry again, not over this, she would not allow herself to. Ella sank back under the covers, the blanket shielding her naked body. She reached down onto the floor and picked up her under clothing and struggled for a moment as she pulled them back on, once she had finished her task she pulled the covers further around herself and turned onto her side. She would sleep for now and think later, this moment she wanted to keep as a good memory.

---

The sound of a sharp knock awoke Ella from a pleasant enough dream. She opened her eyes and saw that the sun was still shining; it could not yet be past four o'clock. She blinked, dispelling the sleep and focused her attention upon the sounds of someone opening the door at the front of the house.

"I am Senora Garza, is my son here?"

Ella's eyes opened fully at the sound of the familiar voice, her heart leaping into her throat. For a moment she didn't dare believe what she had heard and she strained her hearing trying to listen, at the same time avoiding waking a sleeping Joey beside her.

"He's here but he ain't awake." It was Beulah's voice that replied.

"Wake him; tell him his mother is here." Maria sounded defiant and authority rung clearly in her tone.

A pause of nervous silence followed. "You can come in," Beulah said finally, "but I ain't gonna wake him up. He don't like it when people wake him up."

The door was closed and footsteps came quickly over to the room, Ella's eyes fixed upon the doorway and within a short time Maria pulled back the curtain and walked in. At the sight of her friend Ella's eyes over brimmed with tears and she could do nothing to stop them falling. Maria stared at her a moment the stern look she had been wearing for everyone in Crow Town fell and she looked upon the young, emotionally exhausted girl before her with kind eyes and a heart full of pity.

"Ella" she breathed, her young friend's pallid appearance shocking her for a moment.

Ella wiped at her tears and nodded as if confirming it was indeed her.

"You look sick" Maria said, her voice verging upon being both concerned and scolding.

"I'm okay" Ella managed to croak.

"This place would make anyone sick" Maria commented, casting a disdainful eye over the room. "I do not have time to talk" Maria said as if suddenly remembering something important. "I must wake Joey, Call is coming."

Ella's eyes widened and she glanced down at Joey; he was deep in slumber, his features taking on the quality of innocence. She noticed that Maria too had seen this, her dark eyes softened as she looked down at her son, their depths flickering with something akin to hope, she closed her eyes and upon opening them she shook Joey gently.

"Joey!" She shook him again, harder. "Wake up, wake up! You must leave here!"

Joey gave a low groan and his eyes opened sleepily, focusing his gaze upon Maria.

"Mama?" he questioned, his tone surprised and coated in the remains of a deep sleep, he gave a low grunt as he moved his position, the harshness lost, to Ella he sounded like a young boy. "Will you wash my clothes? These girls they don't know how to do it."

Maria almost smiled at her son's request but she pulled herself back quickly. "We don't have time to do the laundry" she said, her voice verging upon panic. "Captain Call is coming."

Joey's eyes fell upon her face once again, taking in her features. He gave a slight frown as if only just seeing her fully.

"I want you to do my laundry." His tone was already taking on the curt and angry edge that he so often directed at his mother. He pulled himself into a sitting position as Ella looked on, wishing harshly that she was not pinned between the wall and Joey - she knew where this was leading.

"He will kill you Joey, like he killed your grandfather and your uncles. I do not want him to kill you!" Maria's face bore a look of pleading, begging her eldest son to listen to her words.

Joey covered his face with cupped hands, pressing his fingertips lightly into the corners of his eyes as he came fully into wakefulness. Maria studied his face and as he removed his hands, his eyes remained closed and then he drew in a frustrated breath and opened them slowly. Cool, deep blue eyes focused their attention fully upon her - gazing into their bottomless, cold depths, full of contempt, the small flicker of hope Maria had been carrying blew away to nothing.

"This is my room" he declared, his voice even but tinged by annoyance. "I don't like women in here unless I invite them." He paused, "Vaya largata!"

Maria's face contorted and her hand lashed out, connecting with a harsh slap against his cheek, Ella knew from the sheer determined look upon the older woman's face that she had put all her strength behind it.

"Do not talk to me like that, I am your mother."

Ella saw surprise register within Joey's features, something that rarely happened, she pushed herself against the wall, her heart already beating hard, waiting for the explosion. Maria got up suddenly from the bed, her agitation heightened.

"Get up!" she commanded. "Get up and leave!"

Joey turned towards her, his callous gaze taking her in as she spoke heatedly.

"They have sent the great killer after you!" she continued, trying to stir some kind of emotion from her son who continued to watch her calmly, his eyes glowing with steady anger. "Go to Mexico, down into the Sierras and go quickly or you're dead!" she finished, shouting out the last word, hoping it would scare her son into responding in the way she wished.

His calm mask melted away within a split second, replaced by bubbling anger and harsh contempt for the woman before him, he pulled the covers violently from himself and got to his feet, his jaw set.

"You leave" he said lowly, his tone threatening. He advanced quickly upon her in certain steps, lunging towards her in one swift movement. "You are a stupid woman!" His tone was raised and forceful. Ella saw Maria raise her hand ready to defend herself, her eyes were defiant but her body posture said all too plainly she feared her son. "You've ridden all this way just to tell me what I already know." He turned from her as if the mere sight of her face disgusted him. He walked to the washstand, pulling up his drawers briefly before he flung up his hand in exasperation. "I know about Captain Call!" He picked up a wash rag and wrung it out, taking up the task with rough movements that betrayed the amount of irritation running through him at his mother's words. "I'm not running from an old gringo." He regained his normal calm tone back as Maria stepped forward, Joey moved his hair out of the way with brisk strokes and began to dab his face with the wet cloth.

"Then you are dead if you think that way!" Maria hissed, her own anger beginning to boil; she took in a deep breath, pulling herself back. "I will go home and tell your brother and your sister that you are dead." Her voice was again even and she made for the door.

"You'll be lying" Joey said, stopping her steps. "I will not die!" he said through gritted teeth, his eyes looking at her through the reflection of the mirror he stood in front of. "Call will die." He gave a certain nod as if reaffirming the idea within his mind. "Even before he knows his death is coming!" He wrung the cloth violently in his hand, "Tu Veras." His teeth clenched together and he threw the wash rag down into the bowl. Maria did not look back at him but quickly departed from the room as if she could not stand another moment in his presence.

Ella glanced at him; Joey gave one rough shake of his hands, dispelling any remaining drops of water before he smoothed his palms across his face. He breathed in deeply, regaining back the control his anger had made him lose for a moment and looked at himself in the mirror. His lips were a tight line and behind his eyes lay something that to Ella looked like he was thinking deeply, perhaps heeding his mother's words after all.

Ella rose quickly and not bothering to dress herself, she went after Maria not giving Joey any chance to protest. Maria had nearly reached the main door; she had opened it and stepped outside before Ella called out to her.

"Maria…" she came and stood in the doorway.

"Ella," Maria replied, turning, "I must find someone that will make him leave. Is there anyone that can make him leave Ella?" she asked, her words still full of the frustrated emotion Joey had caused.

Ella glanced back in before closing the door, hoping this was enough to muffle their voices. "John Wesley Hardin maybe" she said in a low voice. "He's killed over fifty men they say." She paused, "I think Joey likes him."

The door behind them opened and Ella started but it was only Beulah who had come to see what the commotion was about.

"John Wesley might be able to help," Beulah put in. "Course he's crazy, he's apt t' kill anybody when he's in the mood."

"Where is this man?" Maria asked, her bravado returning.

"He's in the saloon, he never sleeps" Beulah said, glancing behind Maria to the old cantina. "You'll be takin' more than your life in your hands if you go in that saloon alone." She paused, "There's rough men in this town, in fact there's none that ain't rough."

Maria huffed a sour laugh. "They will not be the first rough men I have seen."

Ella caught Maria's arm. "Let me go with you" she said, her eyes saying she meant more than just down to the saloon.

"No chica" Maria said with a warm smile. "Stay with my son." She paused, "Have your belongings packed when I return and we will ride back together, my horse can take two."

Ella's face lit up in a grin at the words and she nodded eagerly. "Just be careful Maria!" she called after the older woman as she began to make her way to the saloon, she paused and turned back, going to her horse that was tethered next to Joey's, she pulled out a handgun and continued on her way.