#3:10 to yuma

[russellcroweblog]

3:10 to Yuma (2007)

Dir. James Mangold

“Even bad men love their mommas”

The only reason I watch the Movie. He really is the Loml🤎🤠🐴

[christianbalefanatic]

310 to Yuma (2007 Movie) No Good by Kaleo 

First 3:10 to Yuma Video starring Christian Bale and Russell Crowe!

Movie: Christian Bale as Dan Evans in 3:10 to Yuma (2007) dir. James Mangold

Watch, Like, Comment, and Subscribe to my YouTube channel - @christianbalefanatic0130.

[thevoicefromanotherworld]

"I WANT TO SEE YOU"

Another fic with Ben Wade, cause I love him in this movie and that freaking look is driving me crazy

I hope you like it!

Tags: @wildsaltair

Dione cleaned the bar once more after a drunk man spilled most of his drink on it.

She hated this damn town, she was only there for that job that she hoped would earn her enough money to get out of there.

The town was quiet that day. There hadn't been any disturbances so far, and that was saying a lot for a town like Blackwater. Her customers drank and laughed loudly while she concentrated on cleaning the tables thoroughly.

Even though everyone said that taverns were places where it was easier to catch an infection than a good drink, the waitress tried to make sure that wasn't the case in hers.

The door creaked open and she heard a couple of footsteps on the wooden floor.

"I'll take care of you now," she said without taking her eyes off the table she was cleaning.

She passed by one where the men were quite drunk.

She wondered how it was possible that they were already that drunk at ten in the morning. Then she thought it was none of her business and let it go.

She was meticulously wiping the cloth over the surface when she felt someone tugging at the fabric of her dress from behind. She looked up and saw one of those drunks with glassy eyes watching her.

-Let me go- she ordered, the man laughed as if she had said something funny-

-Come on, darling- she encouraged him, pulling a little harder- Wouldn't you like to have a good time with a real man?

-I told you to let me go- she repeated, trying to get away from him- Is he deaf or something?

The man frowned and turned red with rage

-How dare you talk to me like that, you ungrateful bitch?- he growled, holding her arm tightly- I'm going to…

At that moment, the silver barrel of a 78 Colt rested on the drunk's temple. Dione's gaze first fell on the distinctive cross on the hilt, then on the man holding it.

Her eyes lingered for a moment on the determination in his eyes as she looked between him and the other man.

"You heard the lady, friend" the man with the gun muttered, "let her go."

"And who are you? Her husband?" the drunk asked, laughing out loud.

"I'm a man who doesn't tolerate disrespect," he took off the safety and pulled the hammer back. "I'll repeat it to you one more time. Let her go and you'll keep your hand. Don't do it and I'll blow your whole arm off," he threatened. "Do you understand?"

The drunk stared at him, his whole body shaking, and this time it wasn't because of the alcohol. He was scared shitless. Dione thought he really had done it in his pants.

-I asked you a question- the blue-eyed man pressed his finger on the trigger- I want an answer

-Yes, I understand- he murmured with a trembling voice-

-That's what I wanted to hear- he said putting the gun back in the holster around his waist, he gestured outside with his head- get out of here, and don't bother coming back- he threatened- this saloon is off-limits to you

-You're nobody to tell us where we can go- another one of them intervened-

-Leave it Bill, it's not worth it- the drunk stopped him- let's go

-But… - another one complained-

-Let's go- the drunk murmured- let's leave the couple alone

The men left the tavern laughing, making the place completely silent.

Dione froze in place not knowing what to do, still feeling the drunk's touch on her waist and arm. She looked up at the blue-eyed man, who was watching her with interest, he slightly raised his black hat to see her better, which made her inevitably nervous.

-I didn't need your help, sir - she began - but I appreciate it anyway - she continued - You know, I could use someone like you to keep the drunks at bay

-I would gladly offer my help - he answered, his hoarse voice making her skin crawl - but I'm just passing through

-May I ask where you're going?

-You've already done so - he smiled, a blush appearing on his cheeks-

-Excuse me, I didn't mean to butt into your affairs - he lowered his head - it's just that not many travelers like you pass through here

-Like me? -he asked, she nodded-

-Friendly and eager to start a conversation

-I don't know if I would define myself as someone friendly -he laughed- but I am happy to have a conversation with you -he confessed- I have spent several nights camping alone in the open air until I got here

-You alone? Around here? -Dione asked- it is a miracle that you're still alive

-I am skilled with weapons -he said in response- Can I have a drink? -he asked, she stood behind the bar nodding her head-

-Sure, what can I get you?

-A whiskey, dry

Dione took the bottle and a glass and poured the liquid halfway. He took it and emptied it all in one gulp. He took out a couple of coins, but she stopped him with a gesture of her hand.

-It's on the house - she said - you've saved my life, sir - she reminded him - it's the least I can do

-Okay - he whispered, looking at her intently before -He looked up at the top floor, where there were three doors- “Do you have any rooms available?”

“You’ve been lucky,” he said, pointing to the second door as he gave her the key. “That one became free last night.”

“It’s a done deal,” he said, gesturing with the brim of his hat after taking the key. “It’s been a pleasure talking to you, Miss.”

He started up the stairs, but before he could take another step, she stopped him by introducing herself.

“Dione,” she murmured. He slowly turned toward her, his lips curving into a half-smile. “You saved my life, so it’s only fitting that you call me by my name.”

“It’s a beautiful name,” he praised. “It means light blue,” he added, holding her gaze. “Although your eyes are green,” his smile grew wider. “I’m Ben.”

“It’s a simple name,” he replied, playing along. “It doesn’t suit you very much.”

“Is that so?” -He asked with a playful tone in his voice, he retraced his steps and slowly walked around the bar until he was in front of her, his irises clinging to hers like fire to dry wood- and what name do you think suits me best, Dione? -He whispered, tangling one of her curls around his index finger, stealing her breath as she felt him so close-

-I don't know- she admitted, unable to think due to the scrutinizing gaze of his bright blue eyes- maybe William or Duncan

-Duncan? -the man inquired, a hoarse laugh that made her shudder came out of his mouth- you can call me whatever you want, darling- he murmured dangerously close to her mouth- although when you cum and your body is leaning on mine, I would like it to be my real name that comes out of your tempting lips

His thumb gently ran over her cupid's bow, sending shivers throughout her body. The pressure in her lower abdomen only grew. Several questions flooded her mind at that moment.

Who was this stranger?

Where had he come from?

What was the real reason for her visit to Blackwater?

They all vanished from her mind when she connected their lips.

They felt warm against hers, her mouth moved over his shyly at first, but then as the kiss grew in intensity, the embarrassment was left behind to give way to a brazen attitude she didn't know she had.

She pulled at his lower lip between her teeth, before placing his mouth on hers, this time with less delicacy than before.

A squeal left her lips, when she lifted him by the hips and sat him on the bar. In that instant she remembered where they were. She separated from him for a moment.

The image before her only increased the tension between them: her wavy chocolate-colored hair was disheveled on both sides of her face, her lips stained by the pink lipstick she had applied that morning.

Unable to help herself, her shyness returned when she saw him, her labored breathing evidenced what they were doing.

-Wait –she placed her hand on his chest, his FIRM chest- we can't do this here –she murmured pointing to the door- the clients…

-Let me take care of that –she reassured him leaving a passionate kiss on his lips-

He walked to the doors and went outside, where the people of the city were doing their chores or simply taking a walk, and announced:

-Gentlemen! Ladies –she added kindly- it is my duty to tell you that the salon will remain closed today due to illness, thank you for your attention

-Wait a moment, young man –said a woman- What do you mean by illness? Is young Dione okay?

An amused smile appeared on Ben's lips at the question. He remembered the feel of her lips and the trembling of her legs on the bar and replied:

-Don't worry ma'am, it's nothing serious -he said- I'm sure the saloon will soon be back to normal -he tipped his hat to her, in a sign of respect- good morning

When he came back in, Dione, who had heard everything he had said, blushed from head to toe as he placed his hands on her knees and snuck between her legs.

-I can't believe you did that - she stammered, laughing nervously - Mrs. Sprout won't believe I'm sick, I'm always bragging about my good health

-I don't care what they believe or don't believe - she whispered - a little lie like that doesn't hurt anyone - he said, slowly raising the hem of her dress -

The cold wooden surface made her skin crawl, although that cold was rewarded with Ben's gaze, which went up and down her body until resting on the place she had left exposed.

A new wave of shame came over her and she tried to close her legs, but he didn't let her, giving her a soft touch on the inside of her thigh.

-Don't do that, precious - he ordered softly - I want to see you, all of you

A moan came from Dione's lips when she saw him get on his knees. The next thing she felt was his tongue covering her center and his teeth pulling at her clitoris making her feel more comfortable, white dots appeared in her field of vision.

She squeezed her eyes shut, moans and sighs escaping her lips as he drove her to the most delicious madness. His hand rested on her lower belly, and she understood that he wanted her to lie down.

And so she did.

Her legs spread wider, resting on his shoulders. He held her thighs tightly so she wouldn't slip, while he kissed her clitoris, earning a gasp from her.

-Ben… -she moaned, pushing her hips against his mouth- please…

-I've got you, baby –he said, separating for a moment to look at her- keep fucking my mouth like that and I'll let you cum for being such a good girl for me –he said, leaving small kisses on the inside of her thighs- God you're so wet… -he growled- it would be so easy to slide inside you… -he teased, enjoying the expression of pleasure that crossed her face-

-Do it, Ben –she asked between gasps- please… I need…

-I'm hearing you loud and clear, precious –he whispered, outlining a half-smile- What do you need?

-I… -she gasped, feeling her release approaching-

-Answer the question, love –he ordered, she nodded slowly-

-I need you… -she gasped- Inside me, I need you! -she squealed- I can't… -he sighed- hold on any longer… I'm going to…

-I'm going to let you cum for being so good to me- he whispered leaving a loving kiss on her knee- my good girl- he murmured against her skin- mine- he repeated giving one last tug on her clit-

The orgasm came over her with force, her name was on his lips, just as he had said it would happen. He held her legs gently, at the same time he got up to kiss her, his erection pressed against her sensitive walls making her moan again.

-Ben… -he murmured against her mouth, at the same time he held her hips, bringing her closer to him-

-You're going to drive me crazy, honey- she admitted returning the kiss- Are you sure you want to do this? You're tired, that was one of the strong ones - he smiled very smugly-

-I'm sure, Ben - she murmured unbuckling his belt, God's hand fell to the ground with a dull thud- I said before that I needed you - he said getting rid of his pants - I still do - she let him know, her body trembling both from the excitement she felt and from her sudden outburst of courage-

Ben's blue gaze rested on hers for a moment before joining their foreheads.

-Okay - he whispered - if that's what you want, that's what you'll have

Then when they merged into one, Ben could see that all those nights alone had been worth it just to get to that moment, just like Dione, who while feeling him moving inside her discovered what true love was.

[mystery-star]

Ben Wade: It’s man’s nature to take what he wants, Dan. That’s how we’re born Y/N: Yeah, at least they try until they get bitten… Everyone: … Y/N: Yes, I bit Ben once when he was a bit too eager

[stingrayextraordinaire]

Character Moodboards // Ben Wade

Remind me never to play poker in this town.

[ny-flafla]

[russellcroweblog]

Russell Crowe is by far in my top 3 favorite actors of all time. It’s very rare the film industry comes across an actor like him, the way many actors play the same role just different stories. Whereas Russell has a range of different roles he adapts to so well & is able to bring out the emotional depths of those characters so effortlessly & the volume of expressions he displays especially in Gladiator & A Beautiful Mind.

[christianbalefanatic]

Christian Bale as Dan Evans in 3:10 to Yuma (2007) dir. James Mangold

[10464john]

Check out what I got😈🙏

[thevoicefromanotherworld]

HIS SMILE OMG, THE EYES, THE BEARD, THE OUTFIT, THE FUCKING HAT OMG BEN I KNOW YOU'RE AN OUTLAW I DON'T CARE WE CAN RUN AWAY TOGETHER, PLEASEEEE JUST ONE CHANCE 😩

[mystery-star]

Growing closer – Ben Wade

Pairing: Ben Wade x fem!reader

Warnings: abduction, mentions of pregnancy and death

Words: 2’506

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms!

-

“Okay” Ben’s word was accompanied by a shrug. You frowned in surprise. This was not what you had expected. “You need something? More money?”

“But…” you didn’t know what to say. In your head you had imagined all different kinds of reactions for when you would tell your lover that you were pregnant. That he’d be overjoyed. That he’d be overwhelmed. Or get angry and leave. But just a casual ‘okay’ like you had only told him about your day was almost disappointing. “Is this all you have to say?” you carefully probed “I mean… it’s gonna be our baby, Ben” somehow you wouldn’t even mind if he got a bit angry. Or worried about what it would be like to be a father.

“I know” he said “Doesn’t change anything between us” he lifted your chin “Still love you and always will. Don’t you worry”

“And the baby? I mean…” you made a dismissive hand movement “How do you feel about it?” he chuckled

“It’s a baby. Feels weird if I’m honest” this time you shrugged. It seemed like he just needed some time to get used to the thought. Maybe it would change once the baby was born. Or a bit older and Ben could actually do stuff with the child.

However, once your son was five years old, Ben and he still didn’t have a close relationship. You argued it could be because often the outlaw was gone for weeks or even months and when he was here, he didn’t spend too much time with his own son. Although you knew that probably you should just give up hope and accept the fact that the two of them probably would never get closer there still was a wistful feeling in you that their relationship would grow. The last time he had been here, you had talked to Ben about it. When he told you that he ‘didn’t mind the boy at all and kinda even liked him’ you had given up. Maybe he just wasn’t the man to be a father. And you could be glad that he still was by your side, – at least when he wasn’t off to pull off robberies and then having to lie low – now even as your husband, providing you with everything you and the little one needed.

Of course you could talk to your son and have him try go get closer to his father but while the boy admired him for what he did, you knew that he was wary of the man. And if you were honest, you understood him. At first, when you had gotten to know Ben you had felt the same. Felt like maybe he wasn’t serious about his feelings for you and would discard you the moment he found someone else. Only a couple of months later did you realize how glad he was that you wanted him. That you loved him back, trusted him and gave him the closest thing to a home and a friend. And that, in fact, he was the one who was scared to be abandoned for who he was.

If you were completely honest, you still knew that your pregnancy brought Ben and you closer. In the later stages of it, he had been staying with you to help you whenever you needed him. And once the baby was born, he had found you a household aid so you didn’t have to do everything alone. And of course he had finally fulfilled his biggest wish to marry you. He had even started to help you with the housework (after your son was two you didn’t need to be around him all the time and could go about your work almost as you could before and therefore had dismissed the household aid.) because he knew that the sooner it got done, the more quality time the two of you had. Sometimes you also felt like your husband was jealous of your close relationship to your son and you felt his gaze on you, whenever you hugged the boy, played with him or had him in your lap to read to him. Maybe this was also part of the reason Ben was being extra sweet to you – to remind you that he, Ben, was here too. And just maybe this jealousy also was the reason Ben couldn’t love his son as much as he loved you.

What you could not have known at this moment was that soon, this would change. After you had put your son to bed, Ben had taken you out for a small picnic, which mostly consisted of sweet foods because you had already eaten of course. You hadn’t been far from the house and although you had left the little one at home quite a few times when you got groceries or something, this time it was different. Maybe it only was because it was evening or because you hadn’t let your son know where you went. As you returned to the house, Ben stopped you.

“What’s wrong?” you asked

“Don’t know. But something is off, I tell you that. Stay with me” before entering, he took out his gun and only now you realized that the door, which you had closed as you left, was now slightly ajar. There was a pang in your chest and you would have loved to cling to Ben’s arm but he would need it in case someone was still here. It irked you that he was looking around in the living room. All you wanted was to check on your son. You didn’t even care if someone had robbed the house. All that mattered was that Sam was fine! Although Ben had told you not to, you silently backed away from him and sneaked to your son’s room. His bed was empty but that wasn’t even what bothered you most. It was the piece of paper someone had hung to the wall with a knife.

“Ben!” you cried and probably thinking you were in danger he was in the room less than two seconds later, gun at the ready.

“You okay? What is it?” feeling tears burning in your eyes, you gestured at the note on the wall. For some seconds he glared at it as if he hoped to incinerate it with a mere look. He took the paper and read it while you sat down on the bed gloomily. From under the sheets you saw peeking out a part of his favorite wooden horse, the one Ben had given to him two years ago. After your son had examined it he’d demanded that it should be black like his father’s horse. So, Ben had gotten black paint that Sam could paint it. You still remembered the scene and even better how your son had found that also the table could use some black. And the chair. And the floor. And the kitchen cupboard. In some places the streaks of paint were still visible today. Your tears spilled and your glance fell to Ben, who seemed done reading and crumpled up the paper in his hand

“What does it say? Do-do they want money or…”

“Me” Ben said dropping the note “He wants me” you swallowed.

“Who?”

“Dunno. Didn’t wrote his name. Just a T.”  

“You don’t have an idea?”

“No” he sank down on the bed as well and buried his face in his hands. For a while you watched him then, moved closer

“It’s not your fault” you said, knowing what was going through his mind

“He went after him ‘cause of me. That would have never happened if I hadn’t come back to you. Or taken you to that picnic. I should have known something like that was bound to happen!”

“Don’t blame yourself. I’m glad you stopped by or I would have dearly missed you” even though you didn’t feel like it, you still tried to smile. He remained seated without replying before he got up with a determined nod and left the room. Surprised, you followed him outside, to the small stable behind the house where he kept his horse during his visits “Ben?” you asked as he got ready to saddle the animal “What are you doing? Where are you going?” he turned to you, anger sparking in his eyes

“Some asshole got my son. And if he think he can mess with my family and get away with it, he’s mistaken” you took a step back. It was the first time referred to the boy as his son. But you also were scared

“What if he hurts you? Or worse… What about Sammy? What will he do to him then?” Ben shook his head

“He ain’t after him. If it was ‘bout that he’d have just killed him” you winced and felt the tears coming back “He wants me. He’ll let him go”

“And how is he supposed to come back home if something happens to you?” for a moment Ben hesitated, a clear sign he had not thought about that “I’m coming with you” you decided

“No” he shook his head, throwing you a glance as he got the halter, putting it back down to come over to you and lean his forehead against yours instead. “I can’t give him the chance to hurt you too”

“Too?” you swallowed “Did he already hurt Sam?”

“I hope for the asshole’s sake he didn’t dare to lay a single finger upon him” he growled, turning back to his horse. His shoulders tensed and carefully, you stepped closer again, placing a hand on his back

“Just… be careful. I need you back. Both of you” he turned around to you cupping your face

“I’ll get him home, (Y/N). I’ll get us both out; I promise”

-

You couldn’t close an eye for the whole night and despite the lack of sleep you were quite awake the following day as well. Of course that was apart from the nagging feeling of fear inside you which slowed and wore you down. Every fifteen minutes you threw a glance into the distance to see if you could see either your husband or son approaching. In the evening you even stayed outside after dinner. Once it was dark, however, you knew it was of no use, so you returned inside and got ready for bed although you doubted you’d be able to sleep. Every little sound disturbed you and finally, you heard hooves approaching and couldn’t help but shooting out of your bed and rushing outside with a candle you had quickly lighted. A weight was taken off your chest when you recognized Ben, holding your sleeping son against his chest. As you ran towards them, the candle went out but you didn’t care and simply discarded it. After stopping and dismounting, Ben carefully transferred the sleeping boy to your arms, making you breath out in relief.

“He’s okay” Ben assured you, leading the horse to the stable and not wanting to let either of your boys out of sight you followed him with Sam still in your arms. Ben light a lamp to see more and you used the light to study your son’s face. There was a bruise on the side of his face and his lips were chapped and split open at some point which probably was because he bit on it. Tenderly, as to not wake him up, you stroked his hair and pulled him a little closer. Once Ben had finished taking care of his horse, he came over to you and held out his arms. Letting out a sigh you hugged him, still careful not to wake your son up. He pulled you closer and buried his face in the crook of your neck “You okay?” he asked making you chuckle

“I should be asking you” slightly moving away, his hand came to your face as he pressed a kiss to your forehead assuring you he was fine. “Thank you”

“No need to thank me. I got him into the mess. Only fair if I get him out” Sam was getting heavy in your arms and Ben seemed to notice “Give him to me” he whispered. A small moan left the boy’s lips as he was transferred but didn’t wake up. Upon entering the house, Ben went to the boy’s bedroom and put Sam down in the bed, tucking him up and placing the toy horse on the pillow beside him. Then he sat down at the edge of the bed with a sigh and watched him for a while before bending down and kissing your son’s forehead. The little gesture warmed your heart because Ben had never done this before. It seemed to have woken Sam, however and he blinked his eyes open.

“Daddy?” he whispered, instantly getting soothed by Ben and you moved closer to the bed, making him call out for you as well. With another big step you were in the hug too and pulled him close, assuring him that he was safe now. “Stay. Please” he begged and all you managed was a nod. You put his head back on the pillows and lay down beside him, pulling his small form against your body. Ben took off his boots before joining you as well, on Sam’s other side. The bed was a little crammed for the three of you but no one seemed to mind. Finally, your son’s breathing got calmer and more even, a clear sign he had fallen asleep again. But Ben was still awake, absentmindedly stroking Sam’s hair. You wanted to ask how he was able to get your son out, who had been behind it and what had happened to the guy but right now, all that counted was to have your family back.

“You know,” Ben started looking into your eyes “what’d you think about moving and settling down somewhere else?”

“Moving? To where? Why?”

“I know we just moved you here during the pregnancy to avoid talk from townspeople if you got pregnant without a husband and could claim he died… but the thing is, it ain’t safe here for me. Or us. What if someone tries something like that again?”

“I see” you said. He had a point

“’Sides… I don’t really want to leave again for such a long time” his hand came to your face “How ‘bout we move to Mexico where I can evade the law easily? Or up North where they don’t know me. We could settle down together. The three of us, as a family” you looked at him in surprise

“You mean living an honest life?” he shrugged and even in the dark you knew he smiled

“Increases my life expectancy too, ya know” you chuckled

“Why, that would be nice” you said quietly “I mean us being together. I would like that a lot”

“Means it’s settled? We’ll be together from now on?” nodding you took hold of his hand

“For the rest of our lives”

[wildsaltair]

[d-a-n-n-y-y]

me after watching 3:10 to yuma

[christianbalefanatic]

Christian Bale as Dan Evans in 3:10 to Yuma (2007) dir. James Mangold

(christianbalefanatic edit)

[10464john]

A Need I Should Feed😈

3:10 to Yuma fics, all great, lovely even.

But I wish there was one talking more about Dan's younger years, or even one where they meet when they're both younger, or even one taking place during the civil war or right after!

I want a fic focusing more on Dan and how he used to be a soldier, pls.😔🙏

[thevoicefromanotherworld]

"I'M AFRAID IT IS"

SOOOOO I'M WATCHING 3:10 TO YUMA AND I HAVE TO WRITE ABOUT HIM, so here's my first fic about Ben 🖤☝😩

I hope you like it!

@wildsaltair

Everyone knew that Ben Wade was a dangerous man, a murderer, a trickster, someone who wouldn't blink if he had to kill an entire family, including women and children, in order to carry out his plans.

At least that was what she thought until she met him in person, and found out that everything they said about him couldn't be further from the truth.

To understand all this we must go back in time to a hot summer night in southern Texas, where in the middle of a drought-ravaged field there was a house. She lived there with her husband Jack and her two sons, Martin and Luke.

She tossed and turned in bed, threw off the covers, and even lifted her dress a little to try to find some coolness, but none of that helped, the heat was so unbearable that it prevented her from breathing normally.

She decided to get up to drink some fresh water, as she was sure that it would help her. When she set foot in the place they called the kitchen, she felt a hand cover her mouth. She tried to break free from his grip and scream, but the man was stronger.

“Silence,” he ordered, whispering in her ear. “I don't want to hurt you, but if you make any sudden movement that alerts people to my presence, I will be forced to silence you,” he threatened. “Do you understand?”

She nodded and he held her hands behind her back, while gesturing her towards the door.

“Move,” he ordered again.

She did as he asked and climbed onto his horse with him. He took her hand from her mouth, but as he didn't want to risk her screaming, he tied a handkerchief to her mouth, just in case.

Three other men were waiting for them outside, all of them watching them closely as they left, before riding off again.

The girl turned around to take one last look at her house. A single tear slid down her cheek, wondering if she would ever return to this place. They rode for what seemed like an eternity, until they stopped near a small pond to rest and water and feed the horses.

The man dismounted first and then helped her off the horse.

She didn't want him to touch her, she didn't know who he was and therefore she didn't feel comfortable with him doing so.

Since she wasn't in a position to complain, she let him do it. He placed his hands on her hips to lift her up and placed her on the ground face to face.

The young woman's gaze observed him for a moment with curiosity and fear reflected in her eyes. He did the same, stopping at her irises.

-If I take this off you - she pointed at the handkerchief - Do you promise not to scream?

She nodded firmly.

“Okay,” she murmured, undoing the knot in her handkerchief.

She coughed for a couple of minutes because the dust from the road had gotten stuck in her throat. He gestured to one of his men, who gave her a rubber boot. She handed it to him.

“I'd rather die than accept anything you can offer me,” she replied, looking at him firmly. An amused smile appeared on the man's lips.

“If I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead, my dear,” she added, handing him the boot again. “If you don't drink, you'll die of dehydration, and you don't want that.”

“Don't call me that,” she growled, steeling herself. “There's only one man I'll allow it to, and it's certainly not you.”

“I suppose you mean your husband,” she murmured, watching the road behind them. “The same one who sold you as if you were one of his cattle?”

“What are you talking about?” –she questioned, frowning-

-Jack owes me money –she explained- a lot of money –she pointed out- the last time we spoke he told me that, if he didn't pay me within three days he could take you with me as collateral –he shrugged- so here we are

-It can't be… –she murmured- it's not possible…

-I'm afraid it is –the man intervened- you have nothing to worry about, as soon as Jack pays me what he owes me I will return you home safe and sound

-And if he doesn't? –she asked, placing her gaze on his- What will happen then?

-I suppose you will have to stay with us longer than expected –she answered, sketching a half-smile-