I woke with the sun, surprised the others had already begun to pack up the camp. Eddie was the first to greet me, offering a slice of bread and cheese for me to eat while they prepared to leave. I gladly stood back and allowed them to do what was needed; after what I revealed to Dimitri in the middle of the night, I didn't feel up to making conversation.

I could feel the weight of his piercing gaze on me. I never looked to confirm if it was with judgment or pity—I wanted neither.

It was another day of riding across the seemingly endless plains. After all the times I heard of the peacefulness of the country, I had grown tired of it and longed for the metal jungle of the city. Even spending time with my father would be preferred to another day on horseback.

"I want to show you something." Dimitri drew my attention. I was surprised by the upbeat tone in his voice and by the fact they were the first words spoken to me that day. We had stopped to let the horses rest before we finished the journey to the next town for the night.

Dimitri retrieved a bag from his saddle bag and gestured for me to follow him. I glanced at the others before I pursued. We walked a far distance away before he stopped and nodded.

I crossed my arms self-consciously, "What did you want to show me?"

My eyes widened when he pulled a derringer pistol from the bag he carried along with a handful of bullets.

"Have you used a gun before?"

I blinked at him, then answered, "Yes."

He nodded as he loaded the gun. "Good."

I stood still as Dimitri held the gun to me; when I didn't react straight away, he took my hand. His touch sent a shock through me; his rough, calloused hands felt so gentle as they guided my fingers on how to hold the small weapon.

"Focus on the target. Once you line up the gun, relax your shoulders and squeeze the trigger. There isn't as much of a kick-back on this one, but you will still feel the power behind each shot."

I worried my bottom lip as he spoke; half of his words were missed as I was too preoccupied with how he touched me. He directed me to hold the gun before me, lightly brushing his fingers against my arm and shoulders as he adjusted my stance.

I took a deep breath to steady myself and my beating heart. "What's the target?"

He paused. "See that knot in the tree?" I spied the direction he pointed, finding the tree around ten feet away. "I want you to try to hit that." He stepped back from me and drew his gun from his holster; he mimicked my stance and pulled the trigger. The sound of the shot frightened the few birds near us.

The bullet hit the tree, just an inch from the middle of the knot. It was a good shot, considering the distance.

"Nice shot," I complimented, not missing the way his lips quirked up in a smile for a moment.

"It took practice," he replied, returning his gun to the holster.

I lowered my gun, tilting my head at him. "Why are you showing me this?"

"Because," he began as he lifted my hands back up until the gun was level with my eyes, "we are going to be in bigger towns soon. There is the chance something could happen, and I want you to be able to protect yourself if I'm not there." Dimitri's expression was tight when he finished.

My heart skipped a beat.

Dimitri was worried for my safety.

He was worried about me.

I aimed the pistol and squeezed the trigger, surprising Dimitri. The shot rang out, and I heard the bullet hit the tree. Dimitri turned to look and did a double take.

"I appreciate it," I told him as I eyed the two shots on the tree; Dimitri's on the edge, and mine right in the middle of the knot. "My mother taught me how to shoot when I was nine."

"Oh." Dimitri stared at the tree and then looked back at me. He passed me the bag of bullets, "You should hold onto these."

I held back my smirk as I took the bag. I didn't think it was necessary to tell him it had been months since I had fired a gun. It was a pastime of my mother to go out shooting, and she would bring me; it was the one thing we had in common and could bond over without arguing. Janine had an opinion on everything I did, but when at the range, she always had compliments.

"I should have assumed you would know," Dimitri acknowledged. "You are Zmey's daughter, after all."

I flinched, unsure if he meant that as a good thing or not. Dimitri had already turned and missed my reaction; he started the trek back to the horses, and I dawdled behind. Many assumptions were made about me because I was Zmey's daughter, and I had yet to hear one I liked.

Once we reached the others, I tucked the gun into my satchel and slung it over my shoulder. It felt nice to have a weapon to protect myself. I hadn't left the city on my own before, and had no idea just how far Abe's reach was; for all I knew, people in the next town had a bone to pick with my father.

Dimitri stood by his horse, hand held out to take mine. I paused as I brushed down the horse's neck. "What's the name of your horse?"

"Pardon?" He gestured for me to come closer. I took a step towards him, and his hands went to my waist, lifting me a foot off the ground so I could take hold of the saddle and situate myself.

"Your horse's name. We've been riding this whole time, and I don't know what you call her."

Dimitri heaved himself up and settled behind me. For a moment, he was pressed up against me, so close I could smell the leather of his duster.

"Her name?" he repeated beside my ear, sounding distracted.

He felt so solid and warm.

I swallowed. "Yes."

Dimitri cleared his throat and shifted back so we were no longer touching. "This is Elizabeth," he answered and pointed to the horse that Eddie was riding, "and that's Darcy. I bought them as a pair; both needed to be broken."

I smiled. "And what's Ivan's horse called?"

He became silent.

As if summoned, Ivan rode up to be beside us, a large smile on his face. "Yes, Dimitri. What's the name of my horse?"

I twisted to see Dimitri and saw the grimace he wore, a look of ire aimed at Ivan. "Is it truly that bad?" I asked.

"Yes," Dimitri and Ivan replied at the same time, but with different attitudes.

It drew a laugh from me. "Well, now I need to know."

"You have to tell her now," Ivan urged. "The lady insists!"

Dimitri looked skywards and muttered under his breath, then met my eyes. "He named his horse Horsey McHorse Face." It sounded as if it pained him to say the name, and I tried desperately to maintain my composure for his sake.

I did until Ivan added, "You may refer to him as Horsey."

Unable to hold it back, I threw my head back and laughed. It was unladylike and much too loud, but I couldn't stop it even if I tried. "I love it," I replied in between bouts of laughter.

"Don't encourage him," Dimitri pleaded. When our eyes met, there was shine in his, the ghost of a smile on his lips. It made warmth flood my chest.

I tried to rein back in my composure, willing the heat to leave my cheeks. "And what's about Spiridon?"

"You know," Ivan answered, his voice dropping so as not to be overheard, "I don't think he has named him."

I glanced at Dimitri. "Should we call his horse Mr Wickham then?"

If I had known what a sight Dimitri's smile was, I would have done everything in my power to make him smile earlier. It was bright and beautiful; the warmth I felt before was nothing compared to the feeling of Dimitri smiling at me.

I quickly turned to face forward so he wouldn't see my flush. My breath had caught in my throat, and it took a moment for me to remember how to breathe.

He's just a man hired to take me home. Nothing more.

Even as I reminded myself over and over, my heart continued to beat wildly in my chest.

The next town we stopped at was larger, with an inn for us to stay at rather than another person's home. As soon as we reached the limits of the town, Dimitri tensed, and he hadn't relaxed since. He stayed closer to me than he had previously, and despite being in close quarters for the journey, I found myself flustered.

It made no sense. There was nothing he did that should cause that reaction. I was no stranger to having a man up against me. Hell, I had even gone as far as having Mason's hands venturing under my skirts at one of the events my father forced me to attend. I'd never laid with a man, or gone far enough to completely lose my virtue, but still, I shouldn't be turned into one of the prudent girls I attended church with.

Frustratingly, Dimitri reduced me to a shy girl who blushed every time he touched my hand.

The man was always so in control of his own reactions that I could never tell if I affected him the same way. I knew that Dimitri was only fulfilling a job by protecting me, but part of me couldn't help but wonder— hope —there was more to it.

"Stay here," Dimitri ordered in a hushed tone by my ear, his hand lingering on my elbow momentarily. As soon as he stepped away from me, I lost the heat that I realised I'd been enjoying from his body.

I clutched my coat closer, huddled in the corner of the saloon. It was rowdy and in a different way from what I was used to. Growing up in the world of my father's businesses led me to be around many types, but the ones I had grown most used to were men who always had a hidden motive. Men gambled with their lives with each word they said.

When the men at the tavern owned by Abe were rowdy, it was usually a prelude to someone about to die. Yet, there wasn't an underlying threat here—just drunken foolishness.

"Ain't you a pretty cherry," a man who smelled of too much whiskey sauntered up to me. I could barely back away two steps before he boldly laid a hand on my waist and pulled me up against him.

I wasn't one to cower, yet when he towered over me and reeked of alcohol—I froze.

"Hold her down."

A fist shot out and collided with the man's jaw, sending him sprawling to the ground, and he didn't get back up.

"Are you alright, Miss Hathaway?" Dimitri asked; fist still balled, ready to strike again. His eyes found mine, gazing at me with concern; there was a spark of fire in them. "Did he harm you?"

"No," I forced out, stepping back and trying to compose myself. "I'm fine. Thank you."

What was I doing? I could have easily defended myself, but I appeared as nothing more than a useless girl. I gritted my teeth.

"Where are we staying for the night?" I snapped. When I looked back at Dimitri, I kept my expression harsh. I wouldn't let him think less of me. "The sooner we rest, the sooner we can keep moving."

Dimitri's lips pressed together; he appeared as if he wanted to say something, but thought better of it. "I got you a key to a room upstairs. It would be best if you moved up there."

It was a dismissal. Have me out of the way so I didn't draw more trouble. Dimitri and others likely wanted to drink and relax without a woman around. I snatched the key from Dimitri's hand. "Fine. I'll get out of your way."

I spun and made my way up the stairs, not looking back at the lively crowd. Before I was kidnapped, I would have joined in and been ordering drinks into the night, but now, I couldn't find the same confidence.

Was I really just a weak girl who needed protection all the time?

I used to believe I could protect myself against anything, and then I was taken. I couldn't even save myself from that horrible place.

The room was small and smelled of sweat; though the bed would be more comfortable than the hard ground of the desert, I still preferred to sleep under the stars. The loud cheers worked their way up to my room, barely muffled by the closed door, and the room beside me had a rather energetic couple constantly sending praises to God.

A timid girl who worked at the inn knocked at my door after a couple of minutes, and I requested a basin of water to wash some of the dirt and sweat from my body. Back home, I would wash my face daily, and after being caked in dirt for weeks, I felt the need to clean constantly.

The water she brought was cold, but the cloth was clean, and the small bar of soap smelt like lavender. I removed my coat and blouse; the only challenging part was my corset, but that was more because it hurt to twist. The wounds on my back were almost a week old now, but they stun when I pulled at them.

With my chemise gathered around my waist, I sat on my bed and attempted to clean my back. Rebecca said I needed to apply the cream again to help heal them.

A knock at my door made me pause. I was about to call out when it opened.

"Miss Hathaway, I brought you some food," Dimitri explained as he stepped through.

I shouted in surprise, jumping from my spot and covering my chest. The movement knocked the basin and spilled the water on the ground. "Dammit! What the hell are you doing?" I demanded.

Dimitri stood still with wide eyes. He didn't speak.

I turned my back on him, a blush worked its way up my face. "Look away, will you!"

He inhaled sharply, followed by the sound of his boots scuffing the wood as he spun. "I'm sorry, I thought I heard… I'm sorry."

With his eyes off me, I reached for the quilt on the bed and wrapped it around to cover myself completely. "If you try anything, I'll shoot you," I warned in a shaky voice as I searched for my satchel.

Had I been wrong about him? Was Dimitri just as bad as the other men?

"I didn't mean to—It was in no way my intention to see you… indecent." His voice had become thick, almost a whisper.

"If that's the truth, then why are you still in here?"

I watched him straighten, starting to turn, only to pause. When he turned again, his eyes were closed, and his ears were red. Dimitri held a plate of food out. "You need to eat."

I didn't know if I should yell at him. He sounded earnest. "Fine. Leave it on the bed," I replied. When he began to awkwardly search for the bed, I added, "You can open your eyes, I'm covered."

He didn't open his eyes straight away, slowly peeking through one eye before opening both. "Sorry, Miss Hathaway," Dimitri apologised again. He placed the food and quickly backed up to the door, "I'll ask them to bring you more water."

"Good idea," I sassed; the quilt still pulled tight around me. "Maybe they'll wait until I call them in to enter."

Dimitri frowned and turned, but then stilled with his hand on the handle.

"What?" I growled; anger fuelled by my embarrassment.

"Those wounds," he began, his tone was icy, "did you receive them at the ranch?"

I clenched my jaw. "Yes."

Tension pulled at his shoulders, visible even under his duster. "I see. I truly am sorry, Miss Hathaw–"

"Rose." I wasn't sure why I said it, but the words were out of my mouth before I could second-guess myself. "Please call me Rose." Dimitri turned and gave me a look of confusion. I blushed. "I think after tonight, we are close enough to drop the formalities."

His ears pinked again. Dimitri licked his lips, working his way up to replying, "Then please call me Dimitri."

"Dimitri," I repeated. I shouldn't enjoy saying his name as much as I did. "Thank you for the food."

A soft smile appeared on his face. "You're welcome. Rose."

Many had said my name, and many had done so with a look of desire in their eyes, yet the soft way Dimitri said it made my heart flutter. It wasn't the first time he had called me by name; I could recall a handful of times, and yet, I was left a fumbling mess. Thankfully, Dimitri chose to leave my room, and I didn't have to panic at the possibility of him witnessing my reaction.

Something about him took away all of my composure. I was usually quick-witted and able to hold a man's eye without flinching. I was like a blushing bride at just the notion of him seeing my bare back—granted he had seen more than that.

And he didn't turn away.

I should be upset that he hadn't looked away instantly, but part of me was proud that I could make him still like that. Dimitri couldn't pull his eyes away from me. I shouldn't be happy about it, but I was.

Did he think I was attractive?

Dimitri certainly was gentle on the eyes; I would admit I found him very attractive. His face drew my eyes on more than one occasion; especially his lips.

I wondered what they would feel like to kiss— Stop it.

I shook the thoughts from my head. It was but a schoolgirl crush that would lead to nothing. There would never be anything between me and the Russian cowboy that saved my life.

Over and over, I reminded myself. Yet, as I fell asleep that night, I only dreamt of him.

The next morning, I was determined to stop myself from falling into the hopeless situation I felt drawn into—like a lovesick fool, falling head over heels for a tall, dark and handsome man. I wasn't even trying to make him work for my affection. I had practically placed it in a gift basket and given it to Dimitri.

I knew nothing about the man.

It was part of what drew me in.

I shook my head, pulling the strands of my hair tighter, taming them into a crude-looking braid. It had never been a talent of mine. My mother used to do my hairstyles, and then it was my governess, Alberta.

That woman was terrifying, the only one other than my mother who could stare Abe down and win. I could only imagine how she was fairing since I went missing. Alberta would be on a warpath; everyone knew to move out of the way or be taken down.

The men were out front of the inn, each preparing their horse for the continued trip. There were enough stores to restock and replenish. Though Dimitri claimed we wouldn't sleep in the desert again, I wondered if it would be quicker than stopping at each town.

"Miss," Eddie greeted, climbing the wooden stairs to stand beside me. His hair was shaggy, in desperate need of a cut; bits of straw clung to the strands by his ears. I plucked it out and laughed.

"Morning," I grinned, enjoying the blush that covered his cheeks. He didn't conceal his reactions.

Eddie brushed a hand through his hair. "We should be leaving soon. Just waiting on the shopkeeper to gather some things." He reminded me of Mason with his bright smile and boyish charms. With sun-kissed skin and striking hazel eyes, he could easily catch the attention of many young women.

He was the kind that I would flirt with. I enjoyed making boys like him flustered.

I dropped my chin to look up at him through my lashes, leaning a little closer. Already, I had gained his full attention, and I hadn't even said anything.

"Go see if the order is finished, Castile," Dimitri ordered sternly. Eddie reacted instantly; he shouted a quick reply and raced off to fulfil Dimitri's demand.

I glanced at the man; his eyes avoided mine as he focused on his saddle instead. Dimitri saw my bare chest and back the night before, and now wouldn't meet my eyes. "How far will we be riding today?" I asked, stepping off the wooden walkway. My skirt hem was already covered in mud, so I didn't care to lift it as I walked through the dirt.

Dimitri paused; long fingers wrapped around the leather straps. "We should reach the next town by sundown if we leave soon, Miss Hathaway."

I frowned. "I told you to call me Rose." I wanted to hear him say my name again—hear how it rolled off his tongue in the most tantalising way.

Slowly, he angled his head to look at me, a shadow over his eyes from the brim of his hat. I had to tilt my head back to meet his eyes—why did I enjoy that fact about him?

Brown eyes settled on me, their gaze pinning me in place. The way he stared at me made me wonder if he was actually looking at me or if he was thinking of something else. Dimitri looked away and went back to adjusting the straps. "We will be leaving shortly."

I deflated when he turned away, about to move out of the sun when Dimitri spoke again.

"Do you need a doctor for your back?"

I spun back round to face him, head held high. "I'm fine. Don't mention it again." I didn't need to delay our trip any longer than necessary, and neither did I want to have to explain to a doctor what happened. Each hit with the leather was a punishment to make me break, and each failed.

Even after I killed the man who tried to climb into my bed, and they punished me for doing so, I didn't cry out.

I didn't want to talk about it.

I didn't want to admit I felt no guilt for what I did, and I would do it again.

Pavel once said I reminded him of Abe, and I dreaded what that meant.

I marched back into the shade, standing with my back to the building and arms crossed. People in the town milled about the main street, mothers and their children, groups of women avoiding the gazes of men that appraised them. It all seemed so mundane and quiet compared to my life in San Francisco—what I wouldn't do to live that simple life.

Maybe if my mother had chosen a simple life, she wouldn't be dead.

A loud whistle made me jump, breaking me from my thoughts. I realised all but Dimitri had mounted. Spiridon glare burned, "Hurry up! We don't have all day!"

My cheeks flamed, and I quickly made my way to Dimitri, keeping my eyes down and trying not to touch him any more than necessary as he helped me up onto the saddle. I tried not to take notice of our proximity as we rode, not to feel his breath on my neck or take joy in the soft tones of his voice.

I refused to be a girl falling helplessly in love.