Loretta's shoulders slumped in defeat. With numb hands she lowered the rifle to...

Loretta's shoulders slumped in defeat. With numb hands she lowered the rifle to the dirt.
A nasty grin twisted Hunter's mouth. "So it is a trade? You are my woman?"
For once, she was glad she couldn't talk.
"You can make sign language, " His eyes locked with hers, glinting, watchful.
Amy cried, "No, Loretta, no, don't do it!"
Lifting an eyebrow, the Comanche waited. The tension mounted, reminding Loretta of the lull right before a storm, thick, heavy, unnaturally quiet. She caught the inside of her cheek between her teeth and forced herself to nod. His eyes flickered with satisfaction.
Nudging his mount forward, he closed the distance between them and leaned down to encircle her waist with a steely arm. With little effort he lifted her onto his horse, positioning her sideways in front of him so her shoulder pressed against his chest, her bottom wedged between him and the ridge of his stallion's neck. Never had she felt such quivering, helpless fear. He was going to take her. The reality of it sank home now that he had her on his horse.