Loving River

Eyes of the Past

Zane easily caught the slight form before she crumpled to the ground. His brow puckered as he gazed at the beautiful soft woman he held. She was gorgeous. She was in danger. Zane glanced at the mercantile owner. "She probably needs some air. We'll be back when she recovers."

The man nodded without seeming too concerned about the unconscious woman. "Probably came for the thread." He grumbled as he picked bad apples from the crate on the counter.
Zane wasted no time in taking River from the mercantile. He turned and strode for the soft grasses just behind the diner. He knew that nature would calm the girl's soul while he caused her to faint. Zane wasn't surprised that she fainted. He rather expected it. The girl would only associate him with horrific memories. She would be a monster if she hadn't acted so. Kneeling, Zane settled himself onto the grass. He pulled River onto his lap, cradling her gently, he stroked her hair. "Come on, baby." He whispered. "Come back to me. We need to talk." Zane sighed as she made no reaction to his soft words.
"I know you don't think well of me. You have reason to be weary, but baby, my Pa's found his way out of prison and word has it that's he's been asking about you. I protected you from him once, darlin' and I'm not gonna let him get his grubby hands on you this time either."
The crease in his brow seemed to deepen as he continued to watch the sweet girl. She was perfect. Why couldn't his father just leave her be? He stripped everything from this girl? Would the nasty man not even leave her with her future and pride? "Baby girl, I'm here to help you. I'm not bad news for you. Please wake up. We need to talk."

River's lashes fluttered against her skin as her mind slowly came to. She was laying down outside. Someone was holding her. He smelled wonderful. The scent was familiar to her. It was similar to the scent that accompanied her fathers memory. The scent of the outdoors, hard work, and leather. She breathed deeply, reveling the the comfort that the familiar scent brought her. As her mind slowly returned to consciousness, she heard a voice, a deep voice speaking to her in a soft, reassuring manner.

"You just relax, River girl. I'll take care of you. You have my promise. I'll never let anyone hurt you. I promise. Now come on, baby. Wake up and talk to me, this is important darling. Come on." He whispered. Unable to resist, he bent and placed a warm kiss to her forhead. "Please talk to me." He murmured against her skin.

River basked in the warmth surrounding her. It had been too long, much too long since she had felt so protected and secure. She felt as though someone really cared for her- not just care for her, but was taking care of her. It was a feeling that she associated with love and happiness. She didn't want to lose that feeling, it had been so long since she felt it. Content. That's what it was, contentment.

"River, baby. We need to talk. There's danger coming but I promise he will not get to you. I will protect you. I will always protect you."

Almost against her will, her lashes fluttered open and she found herself gazing into the handsome face that could only belong to one.

Zane smiled as he gazed into River's eyes. "That's it, girl. Come one. We need to talk, baby."

"You're a lawman." River whispered.

Zane smiled as he gently caressed her cheek. "Yep."

"Are you-. Is your father-?"

"My father isn't here. Yet. Now listen, we need to talk. There are things that you need to know. Just relax, and let me tell you."

River nodded her silent agreement as she sat up and pulled away from Zane. She wanted nothing more then to sit in the embrace of his arms and take comfort from this strange man. She knew she couldn't though. It wasn't safe and she wasn't going to risk her life with a man known to be dangerous.