Julesburg, May 1887She stretched her back and looked at the horizon where a big hot orange globe slowly disappeared and threw a golden halo on the land. It was the field of the sugar beet plants that seemed to never end.It was almost as it melted into the sky.Sophie's body&nbsp;felt the day of hard work. With the back of her hand, she swiped her forehead. She and other workers started the shift early in the morning. The rest of the women followed her with a moan stretching their backs. The work in the field took a toll on all of them.The overseer signalled that the day was over. It was a welcome sound. With tired steps all of them headed towards the wagon that will take them to the warehouse to collect their daily wages.It wasn't much, but it will buy her and Eric dinner and pay the rent for the tiny shack they lived in.&nbsp;The wagon bounced left and right, and all she could feel were her sore muscles. The women rode in silence; they were too tired to start any conversation.&nbsp;Sophie knew she shouldn't complain. She had a job, and the "Morning Glory" plantation paid more than any other around. They had shorter working days as well.The twenty eight years old owner Jaxon Barnett was rarely around and Sophie only saw him twice so far. He was tall with broad shoulders, and long legs clad in riding pants that revealed strong muscles.&nbsp;His dark hair was waved at the nape of his neck. She noticed at the quick glance that his silver eyes had icy shade in them. Sophie's heart fluttered. He was the most handsome man she ever saw.Sophie heard stories about him from field talk in between other women. He owned the sugar factory in town as well. He apparently rebuilt his family wealth from the ashes.His next neighboring plantation was owned by Mr. Hens. The rumor had it that they would be a union between Jaxon and Dorin. She was Hens's youngest daughter. People saw them dancing at every ball they attended.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sophie saw Dorin a few times in Julesburg and each time just a glimpse when her surrey drove by. The last time she had glanced at her, Dorin wore a beautiful green dress that must cost a fortune and looked good with her blond hair and petite figure.Sophie was aware of her plain dark blue cotton dress. Actually, it was washed so many times the colour faded to a lighter shade of blue.When Jaxon came to talk to his manager he was close enough to her that she could see him clearly. She hoped none of the other workers noticed her watching him. They would tease her endlessly. It was silly of her to dream of someone so out of her reach. Sophie didn't have much expectation of finding love or a husband.&nbsp;A few guys backed away from a girl responsible for a younger brother.&nbsp; A few days later Jaxon rode by on his magnificent black horse. Sophie's heart jumped on its own. Good thing he rode on and was shortly out of her view.&nbsp;While making slow way back while the wagon gained ground she could see the glimpse of the house on the horizon. "Morning Glory" plantation house was a huge mansion with columns and balconies all the way around. It was freshly rebuilt with many additions, the house had groomed lands all around with trees and shrubs. As much as she would wish their transport wagon never got close enough for them to see every detail.&nbsp;At the warehouse she got her daily wage, and stashed it in her pocket. Sophie stepped out and headed towards the direction of home situated even past the suburbs of Julesburg. It was a good two mile walk on the dusty road. She let her auburn hair out of the scarf she usually wore while working. It felt good to feel the wind in it. Her shoes were on its last threads so she carried them in her hands. This way they will last a little longer.&nbsp;Sophie was beautiful. She inherited her mother's good looks: heart shaped face, little nose and full pink lips.&nbsp;Her beautiful big blue eyes were framed by long dark lashes.&nbsp;When she finally got in front of their rented run down shack and opened the door, her eleven years old brother wasn't home. He was probably out with his friends chasing frogs. For a boy his age she couldn't expect much more. They were orphaned when both of their parents died contracting influenza.There was a heavy feeling in her heart when she thought what kind of future he'll have. In the part of the town where they lived the most men worked either in the sugar beet factory, trading post or they didn't work at all. They sent their wives to work in the fields of the surrounding plantations. The ones they did work would stop at the tavern before they head home and most of their wages were left there.Her brother needed new clothes but she couldn't afford it. Little she put aside will take time to collect to buy him a new coat.&nbsp;She started the fire in the old rusty wood stove and placed the pot with water on. Eric came storming in just as the first raindrops hit the ground. She placed a few old pots in already known places where the roof leaked. Eric had an expression of guilt on his face. Sophie looked at his legs and knew why. She noticed blood on his pants and a rip in them.&nbsp;"Sorry Sophie, but I fell." He was apologetic, while his knee throbbed.&nbsp;To get mad at him would be pointless, so she poured water in the basin and cleaned him up. Then she washed his pants and hanged them to dry. She'll just have to mend them later. They already had a few patches on them, so what's one more.She made the thin vegetable stew and after supper read Eric a story from her mothers old yellow stained book that was very dear to her. Afterwards, Sophie stretched her tired body on her bed and slept. Tomorrow she had to get up early and go back to work.****&nbsp; Jaxon watched the young woman walk by the edge of the road. Her beautiful auburn hair was carried by the wind. She stopped and bent down to pick the wildflower. She smiled and it was the most beautiful smile he ever saw. Her blue dress hugged her slender waist, and he could see the slight swell of her breast. She was simply stunning. Something in him stirred it was a raw desire he felt. Almost the same instant he knew he had to have her. He was on his way back to the plantation, but wanted to check on the water level in the ponds. They are essential if they get&nbsp;dry spells like last year. She didn't notice him on the side path he came out of.The girl picked up speed and soon was out of his view, and he stood there for some time.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was intrigued, but after a few moments he turned his horse around, and galloped towards his house.&nbsp;His manager, and his right hand man Ben came out to take his horse. He noticed his neighbor's horses in his drive. He knew it must be Dorin and her father visiting. For some reason he didn’t feel too keen on seeing them just now.He was aware that Mr. Hansen soon expected him to propose to his daughter. Jaxon had planned to do&nbsp;that anyway. The prospect of more land adjoining his was very luring.&nbsp;The next day he found himself at the same spot waiting for the girl to appear. He wasn't disappointed she came the same way as the day before. From the same spot as yesterday he watched her until he couldn't see her.&nbsp;The day after that he waited for her again. It somehow lured him in like an irresistible force.&nbsp;Thursday afternoon he&nbsp;came to the warehouse to check on the progress of shipment. While he talked to his manager he saw her in the line of women that waited for their pay. She turned to&nbsp;talk to a woman behind her, and her shawl slid from her head. Her hair was coiled around her head, but smile was the same.Those lips were tempting and stirred the fire in his groins.&nbsp;So, she&nbsp;was one of&nbsp;his field workers. He approached Ben and discreetly asked him about the girl. Jaxon knew Ben wasn't the talking kind of guy. He was a very loyal employee."Oh, you mean Sophie. Those poor children,&nbsp;left all alone. It is too much for a girl of her age to take&nbsp;on."&nbsp;Jaxon wanted her and wanted her badly. He had an apartment in town and currently didn't have a mistress.“Ben, can you send her to my office afterwards? Discreetly of course.”"Understood, boss."&nbsp;He walked to his office and waited for her.&nbsp;Ben approached Sophie when she was just about to walk out of the warehouse.&nbsp;"Sophie! Come with me! Mr. Barnett&nbsp;wants to talk to you."&nbsp;&nbsp;The fear appeared in her eyes. Did she do something wrong?What if she loses her job? How will she and Eric live?&nbsp;She stepped into the spacious room with a big oak desk behind which a pair of silver eyes looked her over."Sophie!"&nbsp;She was stunned that he knew her name,"Yes, I'm Sophie”

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

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Cold hearted 

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Cold hearted

NinaLRauch

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