Reckless Hearts

Chapter 1

You leant against the bar, one hand on your hip, and rolled your eyes.

"Really boys, ain't you and your friend lost enough money already," you drawled.

"C'mon," the half drunk cowboy slurred. "Double or quits."

You grinned, "Ok, but you better buy me a drink first, cos you ain't gonna be able to afford it, once we're done!"

The bartender, put a whisky on the bar. You waited until the man had tossed the money on the counter, before you necked it, in one gulp.

"Lets get this over with," you laughed, as you headed back to the poker table.

A short while later, you dragged the money towards you, and stashed it in your satchel.

The cowboy sneered.

"It's not like I didn't warn you," you smirked, as you got up from your seat.

You clapped your hand on his shoulder, "maybe you can try and win it back, next week."

One of the other players at the table laughed, "That's if his wife ever lets him out again!"

The cowboy got up, and staggered out the saloon.

You grinned, as you watched him go, and headed back to the bar.

You noticed a man at a table in the corner, eyeing you up and down. He was well dressed. He also looked rich.

You shrugged the idea off. You'd made plenty tonight, without pushing your luck. Besides, it had all been legal. Well, most of it.

You were about to order a whisky, when the man walked over.

"Excuse me miss, can I buy you a drink." he asked.

You looked him up and down, he was smart looking. Dressed in black, apart from his white shirt, with grey pinstripes, and a bright red silk handkerchief, in his coat pocket. There were gold chains hanging off his waist coat. You couldn't help notice the ruby, that hung down from one of the buttons. Surprisingly, he wore no neck tie. But he carried it off, very well.

You smiled. "I don't usually accept drinks from strangers," you quipped.

His lips curled slightly upwards, with the vaguest hint of a smile. "Then lets get acquainted, Dutch Van Der Linde," he held out his hand.

"Kara Finlay," you responded, holding out your own.

He took your hand, a slowly brought it to his lips, "enchanted, Miss Finlay."

You rolled your eyes, withdrawing your hand, "quite the gentlemen, aren't you. Mr Van Der Linde."

This caused him to chuckle, you weren't quite sure why.

He nodded to the barman, who passed him a bottle, and two glasses.

"Now Miss Finlay, lets have this drink."

He walked back to the table, where he had been sitting before.

You shrugged your shoulders nonchalantly, and followed him.

He set the glasses on the table, and quickly poured the drinks. He raised a glass.

"To not being strangers," he toasted.

You raised the glass, and took a sip of the alcohol. You raised your eyebrows.

"The good stuff," you commented, quite surprised.

He smiled, "I doubt you'd drink anything less. In any case, watching your work tonight, you deserve it."

You leant back in your chair. Observing the man opposite.

"A few hands of poker, is hardly working," you retorted.

He leant forward, speaking in a whisper, "in some states, counting cards like that could get you arrested. Besides, you could have let that poor bastard go home with some dignity, now he doesn't even have a watch!"

You leant forward, and glared at him, "What do you want, Mr Van Der Linde."

He smirked, "I want you to come and work for me. I don't suppose the folks of this town, would be too happy if they found out they had a cheat, and a thief in their midst."

You narrowed your eyes, "Are you threatening me, Mr Van Der Linde?"

He chuckled, "I wouldn't dream of it, you're packing a tasty side arm," he glanced at the revolver in your holster. "I assume you know how to use it?"

"Why don't we just go outside, and you can find out," you sneered.

"Now why would I want to do that. It would be a pointless exercise, shooting the thief, I'm hoping to persuade to join me. So what do you say?"

You leant back in your chair, rubbing your mouth with your hand, as you thought about his offer.

"Is it just you," you asked.

Dutch chuckled, "no, I have several friends."

You raised your eyebrows, "a gang then?"

"More of a community." he added.

You laughed, "hell, why not. It was getting a bit dull around here anyway."

"Good," he stood up, "I assume you've got a horse."

You just looked at him, and rolled your eyes.

The bartender, glanced across, as you followed the stranger.

"Everythin' alright Kara?" he asked, frowning.

You smiled, "Just peachy, Joe. Just peachy." You waved as you left the saloon.

Dutch Van Der Linde smirked, as he mounted his horse. "My boys are just gonna love you."

You rolled your eyes, as you mounted your horse. This better be worth your while, you thought.

You rode out of Blackwater, side by side. An unlikely pair.

Dutch was the first to speak, "So, were you bluffing, when you called me out, Miss Finlay?"

You smirked, "Please call me Kara. A good friend, once said to me, never gamble with what you're not prepared to lose. You money, your life, your ideals. I figured you wanted me for something, so even if you beat me in the draw, you wouldn't shoot to kill."

Dutch hummed, "and what if you'd beaten me, would I be dead."

You narrowed your eyes, "I never kill for fun, Mr Van Der Linde. I would have disarmed you."

He smiled, "Please call me Dutch. How very unusual, to meet a woman with brains, as well as beauty."

You felt your face flush. You weren't used to receiving compliments.

He glanced at you and smirked.

"So tell me Kara, how long have you been counting cards, and lifting watches for?"

You thought for a while, not sure whether to tell the stranger, everything about yourself.

"Long enough," you replied.

He smiled, "it appears you like to play your cards, close to your chest."

You glanced at him, trying to read him, "I find it best, not to give too much away to people I hardly know." you added.

He nodded. "Very wise. Very wise for one so young. Am I permitted to know that at least?" he questioned.

You smirked, "I'm eighteen."

"Is that the truth, or is that just what you think I want to hear?" he asked.

You laughed, "I'm not in the habit of telling people, what they want to hear. Which is likely why you found me, robbing and counting cards!"

He chuckled, "So cynical, for one so young. Hopefully, I can change your mind, the world doesn't have to be so dark."

You Shrugged, "Maybe, I guess time will tell."