Dangerous Temptation

“Yes,” she murmured, grateful for the diversion, and he sighed.

“Unfortunately, I don’t remember anything. Except…” He frowned. “You know, I do seem to recall getting a beating. Yeah, my pa used to beat me.” He gasped. “How about that?”

His voice had risen as he spoke, and Caitlin put a warning finger to her lips, regarding him with wary eyes. He seemed delighted with his success, but she had the suspicion he wasn’t being totally honest. How could he remember a beating and nothing else?

Besides, from what little she knew of Jacob Wolfe, she couldn’t imagine him beating his son. He hadn’t struck her as being a violent man. He’d seemed far too gentle for that.

“You don’t believe me,” he said flatly before she could put her thoughts into words, and Caitlin made an awkward gesture.

“I don’t disbelieve you,” she said, which wasn’t what he wanted to hear, and his lips twisted.

“Well, we know where my father is. Why don’t we ask him? Better that than you think me a liar. I assure you, I’m not making it up. I distinctly remember him taking his belt to me—on more than one occasion.”

“If you say so.” Caitlin was noncommittal. “But how can you be so sure? It could be a memory of something you once read about—or saw. Why are you so convinced? Do you have any proof?”

“Not unless I’ve still got the stripes across my butt,” responded Nathan tersely. “Hey, can I help it if you don’t like what you hear?”