Then she kissed him again.
This time he responded.
Carefully.
Almost reverently.
His hand rose to her cheek but stopped before touching her.
She caught his wrist.
"You're allowed."
His fingers touched her face.
The tenderness in his expression nearly broke her heart.
He kissed her again.
The storm outside seemed farther away.
For several minutes, there was no Everett.
No past.
No fear.
Only the warmth of the fire.
The quiet breathing of the dogs.
The feeling of finally being safe beside someone who had no desire to control her.
When they separated, Clara rested her forehead against his.
"You are very gentle."
"I told you I would be."
"You kept your word."
"I will."
She smiled.
Then Bear growled.
Gideon turned instantly.
The dogs were standing.
Their eyes were fixed on the window.
He rose.
"What is it?"
Gideon grabbed the rifle.
Clara followed him.
"Stay here."
"No."
"Clara."
"I won't hide."
He looked at her.
Then nodded.
They moved toward the window.
A shadow crossed the snow.
Then another.
Gideon raised the rifle.
A gunshot exploded outside.
The window shattered.
Clara screamed.
Gideon pulled her to the floor.
Glass scattered across the room.
The dogs lunged toward the door.
"Down!" Gideon shouted.
Another shot struck the wall.
Gideon crawled toward the fireplace.
Clara stayed low.
The dogs barked furiously.
A voice outside shouted.
"Give her to me!"
Gideon's face became hard.
"No."
"She belongs to me!"
"She belongs to herself."
Silence.
Then another shot.
The bullet struck the doorframe.
Gideon looked at Clara.
"Can you move?"
"Yes."
"Go to the cellar."
"No."
"Clara."
"I'm not leaving you."
"You won't be safe here."
"I'm safer with you."
He stared at her.
Then he nodded.
"Stay behind me."
They moved together.
The cellar door was beneath the kitchen table.
Gideon opened it.
"Go."
She hesitated.
He placed his hand against her cheek.
"Trust me."
She nodded.
Then she disappeared below.
Gideon closed the hatch.
He returned to the main room.
The dogs stood beside him.
Outside, footsteps approached.
The door shook.
Gideon waited.
Another blow.
The wood splintered.
He raised the rifle.
"Last warning."
Everett shouted.
"Clara!"
Gideon fired into the air.
The horses outside screamed.