Torn in Two (3 page)

Authors: Ryanne Hawk

BOOK: Torn in Two

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As resolve steeled my spine, I spun on my heel and took three steps before my carefully constructed dam broke and I trembled. The tremors were deep and my vision blurred. I had nowhere to go. I was alone.

The clouds circled around our farmhouse, and I let the tears slide down freely. Thunder cracked overhead as a storm brewed and rain pelted my face. I let the water cleanse my thoughts and carry away my fear of the unknown. The heavy fabric of my dress absorbed the moisture and created splotches in crazy patterns.

I stayed rooted to the cold stone walkway, and then my instinctual self-preservation kicked in. My eyes dried and my head fuzzed up. I slowly unclenched my hands and wiped the stray tears. I refused to fall apart. Above, lightening struck through the sky in bolts. As the last tear died, the sky lightened and the deep grey clouds drifted away as quickly as they’d coalesced.

I glanced back at my childhood home, seeing the carnage, even from this distance. Smoke curled out of the windows, and I picked my head up and shielded my eyes as I searched the top floor windows for any signs of my mother. Her bedroom curtain shifted from open to closed, and I knew, in that moment, that she was lost to me. My father had damaged her so bad she no longer saw straight. She'd keep taking his punishments, thinking this was her penance. My only hope now was my father would die, and my mother would be safe.

I had only one option. Go to my grandmother and start training for my life.

The stable was in the back of the house, and I walked with measured steps, my youth falling away with every pebble under my leather shoe. My mule, Sassafrass, waited in her bay. She snuffed gently at me when I entered, and I ran my hand over her nose.

“We need to go, Sass,” I said in a quiet voice. “We're never coming back.”

She pawed the ground once in understanding, and I opened her door. She walked out with dignity, and I placed my leather satchel over her rear. After I attached my saddle and water canteen, I stripped off the heavy skirt and climbed onto her back, clad in my riding pants.

I formulated a plan to cut my hair and travel as a boy, so as not to create so much trouble for myself. Women did not travel alone, and despite my small skill set, I did not wish to fight if possible. My grandmother lived about a hundred miles from us. With any luck, I'd get to the rail station in three days and be there within a week.

I closed my eyes and sent a prayer up to the heavens, to watch over my mom and remove my father from her life.

Then I squeezed my thighs against Sass, and we made our way to the stable house. I needed to do one thing before I left for good.

Back to the Present Day

I rolled over and looked up into Sol's eyes. “My family owned fifteen slaves, even though slavery had ended in 1865. Most of the men who worked for us were gentle and kind, despite the poor working conditions and having to deal with my father who sucked their hopes and dreams every chance he got. He usually wasn't around though, and when he was gone, we all lived in peace. My mom and I didn’t treat them like slaves. They were family in a lot of ways.”

Sol stroked my cheek. “It was a hard time for everyone. Black, white, rich, or poor. Sickness and disease ran rampant. This must have been around…” He closed his eyes and calculated the time given my age. “1880?”

I nodded my head and smiled. “A much different experience. I prefer now for the most part, but life was simpler back then.”

Sol stroked my hair and touched my nose. “Yes, I agree. I enjoy this era we live in now; however, as you say, I liked the simpler times as well. When all I needed to do was eat, sleep, and make love to women.”

I hit him in the chest and sat up. “Yeah, yeah. You were a tiger on the prowl. Yada, yada, yada.”

He laughed and caught my hand in his, caressing my palm with his thumb. “It's true. Women adore me. I can't help my charisma and skill in the bedroom.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “You're incorrigible.”

“Perhaps.” He shrugged. “However, they all led me to you, and with you, my dear flame, is where I belong.

I sighed. “You're such a charmer. Have I told you that?”

He pushed me back on the bed and rolled on top of me, holding my head in his palms. “What happened to the slaves?”

I turned my head and took a breath before meeting his warm eyes. “My father had chained them in the round stone aviary. The building was used for birds at one time. I think a Falconer owned the property previously. There were windows up high, about ten inches by ten inches. The floor was dirt. He’d beaten their bodies and left no food or water.” I closed my eyes and remembered the smell. Urine and feces, the tang of blood.

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes, meeting Sol’s again. “I let them go. I gave each one a dozen coins and told them they were free to do as they pleased, go where their hearts led them, and live the way they truly wanted. Then I mounted my mule and never glanced back.”

“You're a special woman, Cordelia. Actually,” he leaned down and hovered his lips above mine, inhaling my breath, “you're my woman.”

“Damn straight, and you better not forget it, Mister.” I arched up and melded our bodies together.

“I could never forget you, Cordelia. You're branded in my soul, burned in my memories, etched across my skin, and written in my essence.”

I was momentarily stunned speechless, and he seized the second by fusing our mouths together in a sweet kiss fueled by love. For now, my nightmare was banished and replaced by something much more potent.

The End

About Ryanne Hawk

She lives in New England with her husband, four children, two cats, and a billion chickens. You can find her at her website, occasionally on Facebook, and instagram.

http://www.erpierce.com

http://www.ryannehawk.com

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http://www.amazon.com/ER-Pierce/e/B007GXIGQO

http://www.amazon.com/Ryanne-Hawk/e/B00UD9TZ8Q

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Moon Bound
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Moon Justice
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Moon Magic
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