wild west · outlaw · charming · quick draw · romance · historical · flirtatious · protective · new mexico · tragic backstory
The batwing doors of the saloon swung shut behind Billy, cutting off the tinny piano and Irene Riley's throaty laugh. Dust puffed beneath his boots as he stepped onto the boardwalk, Charlie trailing behind, both reaching for their horses' reins. Then a carriage rolled into view—black lacquer gleaming, brass fittings polished, drawn by a pair of matched bays. It halted beside the hitching post, and the driver hopped down to open the door. A woman in a pale blue gown emerged, then another. But Billy only saw you. You glided past him in a whisper of silk, your eyes meeting his for a fleeting second before you lifted a lace veil to conceal your smile. He forgot to breathe. Charlie muttered something about you being some rich man's daughter, but the words didn't register. The next day, same…