1 Bed, 2 Weddings, 3 Husbands

Bride Train 5

1 Bed, 2 Weddings, 3 Husbands Desperate to escape her scandalous past, Victoria Edison heads west to a respectable future. When a storm traps her for three nights on the J Bar C Ranch, she’s faced with a choice of marriage or shame. Jed Adams says he detests the shrew but she can cook and, since his partners want her, agrees to wed the voluptuous woman in a civil ceremony. But their new life is destroyed when the wedding is annulled by a vengeful business rival. Unless they remarry with a preacher, Victoria will lose the respectability she craves, Clint and Riley will lose the woman they’ve come to love, and Jed will lose the new light in his life. But Jed’s the son of a vicious Biblethumping hypocrite and will have nothing to do with a preacher. Can Victoria face the rival’s wrath, and Jed his night marish past, to bring love into their lives? Genre: Historical, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cow boys Length: 75,641 words

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1 BED, 2 WEDDINGS, 3 HUSBANDS Bride Train 5

Reece Butler

MENAGE EVERLASTING

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting

1 BED, 2 WEDDINGS, 3 HUSBANDS Copyright © 2012 by Reece Butler E-book ISBN: 1-61926-373-4 First E-book Publication: January 2012 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of 1 Bed, 2 Weddings, 3 Husbands by Reece Butler from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Reece Butler’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Butler’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION As always, this is for the three men in my life: Paul, Andy, and David. I’d also like to thank the wonderful people I’ve met in Montana while researching. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes and lives, for sharing your knowledge, and not laughing too much when I messed up while working on your ranches. Most importantly, thank you to my loyal readers, who encourage me to keep discovering the people of Tanner’s Ford.

1 BED, 2 WEDDINGS, 3 HUSBANDS Bride Train 5 REECE BUTLER Copyright © 2012

Chapter One Tanner’s Ford, Main Street Tuesday, May 7th, 1872 “That dresser goes in the bedroom. And please be careful. Mr. Smythe called it a family heirloom.” Jed Adams studied the commanding woman in the ugly dirtbrown dress and bonnet. Whoever she was, she’d almost swooned when they pulled up and offered to help unload the delivery wagon. She immediately told them they had to work quickly as dark clouds threatened bad weather. The plan was for him and his two partners to help empty Smythe’s wagon. They’d wave good-bye to the hired deliverymen then remove something valuable from the house and take it back to the J Bar C ranch. They’d hold it until Smythe paid the long-overdue bill for their cattle. An interfering woman was not in their plan. She perched on the delivery wagon’s seat like a nervous spinster at a bachelor party. She kept her knees tight together, hands in her lap, and lips pressed together when not giving orders. But she couldn’t

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hide the well-curved ass overflowing the narrow wagon seat. He caught her looking at Riley and Clint when they bent over to pick up the bed. She blushed like a virgin and turned away, but Jed saw her eyes straying back to his partners again. The heavy dresser was the last piece of furniture, but the three crates left on the wagon interested him. They had to get home before the weather hit, but first they needed something small that was worth a lot. “Jed?” Clint Fortune and Riley Jansen, his partners, waited for an answer to a question they wouldn’t ask out loud. “Too big,” he said, “but those crates look right.” Because the dang woman said she’d be staying at Smythe’s house, they couldn’t slip something from the house. The crates, hidden underneath bulky furniture, likely held precious goods. Riley and Clint nodded understanding. They’d take and hold the crates at the J Bar C while waiting for their gold from Smythe. “I’ll carry the lady’s drawers,” said Riley, grinning at her. Pink spots appeared as if she understood his double meaning, but pretended not to. Clint and the deliverymen carried the dresser into the house, following Riley. Jed waited for them to return to the wagon before picking up the first crate. He grunted at its weight. “Those go in Mr. Smythe’s bedroom,” she said. Jed carried it to the J Bar C wagon. He shoved it forward to make room for the others. “Excuse me, sir, that box goes in the house. Why are you putting it in your wagon?” When he ignored her, the woman waved her hand to get his attention. No gloves or lace stuck out of her plain, ugly brown cotton cuffs. Riley took the second box, staggering a bit. Though two inches taller, he didn’t have Jed’s muscle or determination. “What are you doing?” She stood up. “Stop! Those crates don’t belong to you!” She turned to the two deliverymen. “Aren’t you going

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to do anything?” They shrugged as if it had nothing to do with them. She snarled something Jed didn’t catch and scrambled off the seat into the wagon bed. She set her ass on the last box just as Clint hopped up. She crossed her arms, spine straight, and dared him to move her. Jed watched what would happen. Clint was the most easygoing of them, but this was his plan. He’d do whatever he had to in order to get their cattle back. Since Clint preferred ample women, lifting one into his arms would suit him fine. He looked her over for a bit, started a slow smile, and reached. “Don’t you dare lay a hand on me!” Clint stopped, no doubt hearing the same fear as Jed. Fear, but with the same willpower he recognized in his partners. She was an ornery one, all right. But so were they. Jed almost smiled at the way she glared up at Clint. Did she think her weight would keep them from taking something belonging to Mr. Frederick Smythe, liar, cheat, and four- flusher? It was going into the wagon with the J–C brand no matter what she did. Jed looked around for onlookers, but for once, no idlers watched from the boardwalk. The deliverymen, now leaning against Smythe’s extravagant house, snickered. Likely they’d had enough of the blasted woman all the way from Bannack City. “Ma’am,” Jed said quietly, “if you stand up so Clint can get that crate, we won’t have to touch you.” “I am not moving until you put Mr. Smythe’s belongings in his house!” “Your choice.” Clint’s eyes lit up. He nodded politely and reached, aiming for her waist. “Help! Thieves!” She screamed as if he was about to slit her throat or something. Clint stopped. “That’s it!”

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Jed swung himself onto the wagon behind the woman. He put his hands around her waist and lifted. She screeched, flinging her arms up and kicking back at him. Her boot caught his shin. He muttered a curse and spread his legs so she couldn’t hit him again. Meanwhile, Clint handed the heavy crate down to Riley, who stashed it on their wagon, grinning the whole time. She threw her head back and banged it on his shoulder, almost hitting his chin. Now that they had what they came for, he laughed at her efforts to hurt him. There was enough hair piled in her bonnet that, no matter how hard she hit, it wouldn’t hurt. He should put her down, but who knew when he’d touch a woman again? Her waist was thick enough that his fingers didn’t touch. Wide hips flared under his hands. Her full bottom rubbed against his pants as she struggled. His cock automatically reacted, straining to escape. It didn’t matter that she was the last woman he’d want in his bed. She was female, she was soft, and that made him damn hard. He gave in to his devil and looked down. Sure enough, she had breasts that might even overflow his large hands. He leaned into her neck and inhaled. He smelled a light scent under the expected stink from travelling a week or more without the chance to bathe. He took another whiff. Did every woman smell so good even when she stank? She shuddered and stopped fighting. “Put me down so I may find the sheriff and have you all arrested.” Instead, Jed lifted her up and down to judge her weight. Too cantankerous for him, but there were two other ranches looking for wives. She was big enough to hold on to and not break if a man got carried away now and then. That meant she was big enough to handle three men. Luke Frost at the Circle C already had his eye on Sarah Unsworth, but maybe the Southern boys on the Flying X would want her. Pity about her high- handedness and fishwife screech. He’d never take orders from a woman, other than Aunt Chrissie. She saved his life, so he owed her. Not this one, though. “You got your way with me, you cur, so let me go!”

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“If I’d done that, ma’am, you’d be too limp to talk.” Riley burst into laughter. Even Clint smiled. She gasped, and a bright flush appeared above her tight collar. She understood the other meaning of what she’d said, and his reply. She wasn’t so innocent after all. “Set the woman down, Jed.” Owen Barstow, his vest sporting the five-pointed star recently handed over from Frank Chambers, had strolled over from the jail next door. Jed saw his bushy moustache twitch when he looked over the situation. Barstow’s new wife was well known to be opinionated, so he’d be used to cantankerous women. “Sure thing, Sheriff.” Jed gave her a quick squeeze before he set her feet down and released her. He quickly turned away and hopped off the side of the wagon. He figured she was the type to take a swing at him, but he also had to get behind something to hide his cock’s eagerness. He nodded a howdy at Barstow, who turned his head before winking, so the woman wouldn’t see. Jed felt his ears burn. The man missed nothing. “Sheriff? Oh, thank goodness!” She wavered and grabbed onto the wagon seat. Barstow tipped his hat at the woman and nodded a greeting at the deliverymen. “You seem a mite riled, ma’am. What’s yer story?” She clasped her hands in front of her so hard her fingers were white. She cleared her throat and smiled at the sheriff. It changed her face from mulish to almost handsome. Not pretty, but not so bad that you’d only want to bed her after blowing out the lamp. “I am Miss Victoria Edison, and I have a contract with Mr. Frederick Smythe to deliver his goods to this address and set up his household. I’m to be his housekeeper until other arrangements are made. I was pleased when these men offered to help unload, but they put the last three boxes on their wagon. Please demand these thieves return what they stole!”

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“Thieves?” Barstow’s eyebrows rose. “You mean Jed Adams, Riley Jansen, and Clint Fortune?” He pointed to each man as he named him. Jed and Clint nodded while Riley, being Riley, took off his hat and gave the woman a charming smile. He said females liked his blond hair, so he made sure they knew about it first thing. “Yes. They took Mr. Smythe’s most precious goods.” Her smile disappeared when she looked at Jed. In fact, her expression resembled Grandpa Fortune’s old billy goat, the one with the evil eye and worse temper. He winced in memory of the times he’d been caught by that damned goat and knocked arse over teakettle. “We aren’t stealing anything, ma’am,” said Clint calmly. She sent her glare his way. “Mr. Smythe seems to have forgotten we have a contract. He took our cattle but never paid. So we’re going to hold these crates as a reminder.” “When we get the gold, he gets his boxes back,” added Riley. “Excuse me, ma’am,” asked the shorter of the two hired men, “the wagon’s empty. If’n you could climb down, we’d be on our way.” Miss Edison stared down at them from the top of the wagon. She looked so stiff she could have been stuck on the bow of a sailing ship to point the way across the cold ocean. Clint, ever the gentleman, lifted his hands. “Let me help you down, ma’am. This wagon is mighty high, and I don’t want you to fall.” She swept them with an icy glare which softened slightly when she looked at Clint. No wonder, as the girls back home always said he was handsome. She turned her back to climb down and lifted her skirt slightly with her right hand. Her feet were dainty for a woman her size. Her boots were scuffed, and when Clint lifted her, Jed saw the soles were worn though in a couple of places. Was she dressed so plain because she wanted to, or because she had no money for anything better?

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When Clint didn’t release her immediately, she jabbed him in the chest with her elbow. He chuckled and stepped back, blowing on his hands as if she were too hot to handle. She blushed again. Jed sighed. Clint always had the ladies smiling at him. This one, though she was a shrew, was still affected by his cousin. Seems Clint appreciated her in return. The deliverymen turned their wagon around and headed east, back to Bannack City. Jed walked over to Riley, who’d climbed onto their wagon. “Drive slow, in case there’s breakables in those crates,” said Jed. They were heavy enough to contain gold, but he didn’t want anyone to suspect it. Riley nodded, his eyes showing he knew what Jed really meant. “No, you don’t!” Miss Edison stomped forward and grabbed the horse’s reins. She had a glare that would tarnish brass. “You’re not going anywhere with Mr. Smythe’s possessions. Tell them, Sheriff.” “Well, now, I can’t rightly do that, miss. Smythe owes these men a good bit of gold, and everyone knows it. That makes him about as welcome around here as a wet dog at a parlor social. But don’t worry about them crates. I trust the J Bar C to hold them safe until they get paid. I’ll explain things to Smythe.” “No.” She gripped the reins harder. “I signed my name that I would personally ensure these items are carefully stowed in Mr. Smythe’s home, unopened. I will not break a contract and ruin my good name. These boxes will not be taken from my sight.” Clint raised an eyebrow, reminding Jed of his suggestion they tell the sheriff beforehand. Jed had hoped no one would notice. At least the sheriff stood behind them. “Ma’am, I’m taking this wagon, and everything on it, to the J Bar C.” Jed stared her down like he would a cantankerous mule. “My family is not going to be cheated out of what is theirs.” She opened her mouth, so he held up his finger to stop her talking. “Smythe will get it all back, untouched, as soon as we get what’s ours.”

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Sheriff Barstow took off his hat, smoothed his hair, and set it back again. He sighed. “Stand aside, Miss Edison.” “What? You—” “Me and Judge Thatcher will have us a talk. But the J Bar C will hold Smythe’s crates until the judge tells me otherwise.” She lifted her head and swallowed. Jed thought her chin might have trembled, but she immediately clenched her jaw, so he couldn’t tell. “Then I will go with this wagon and wait until the judge rules in my favor.” She inhaled and nodded to herself, as if an important question had been answered. “You will wait for me to get my carpetbag.” It was a command, not a question or comment. “I’ll hold the horse,” said Barstow. “If you’re like my wife, you might want to stop first. That’s a bumpy road you’ll be riding. There’s a privy out back.” She flushed again but nodded with dignity and stomped into Smythe’s ridiculously large house. They heard her footsteps echo across the wood floor as she headed through to the kitchen. “I hear you’re lookin’ for a wife,” said Barstow quietly. He caught Jed with intelligent eyes. “She’s female and unmarried. If Smythe hired her as housekeeper, maybe she can cook.” Jed gasped as if a punch had landed in his belly. His mind rebelled, but his cock, which had finally relaxed enough that he wasn’t in pain, filled again. He grimaced. “Oh, no,” he said. “I’m not marrying her.” “She’s a fine-lookin’ woman,” said Barstow. “Tall and sturdy, with wide hips for carrying young’uns. You could do a lot worse.” Though the thought of bedding a woman—any woman—had him harder than a pickax, he shuddered. “You heard her screaming. She’s a loud, quarrelsome shrew. I won’t spend my life being screeched at and ordered around by a woman.” “Then do what Mr. Shakespeare wrote about in that play.”

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Barstow’s huge moustache made it hard to tell, but Jed swore there was a smile under his bristles. “What’s it about?” Riley adjusted his pants and pulled his coat to cover his belt. “The Taming Of The Shrew,” said the sheriff. He winked. “I think you boys can figure out what happens.” “Does he win?” asked Clint. Barstow nodded his head. Clint and Riley perked up. “You think we can tame Miss Edison into being a sweet-tempered woman, eager to share her bed with all three of us?” asked Clint. His pants had an obvious bulge, one he didn’t bother to hide. “I bet the three of you could sweeten the lady,” said Barstow. “Maybe she’s just tired from coming all this way by herself. A woman’s not used to contracts, and it seems mighty important to her.” “The lady does deserve respect for that,” said Clint. “So she has principles,” groused Jed. “She’s still loud, illtempered, and who knows what else.” Barstow shrugged. “Why not give her a chance to show who she can be when she’s rested? You might be surprised.” Jed grunted to acknowledge the idea, but he wasn’t grabbing on with both hands. “I know Mary can be”—the sheriff glanced at his house next door, and lowered his voice—“a mite cantankerous at certain times. But there’s ways to change a woman’s mind, if she’s interested.” His lips twitched up in a quick smile. “The pickings are mighty slim in wives out here. Ben Elliott warned me to bring my own and it’s a good thing I did.” “Mary seems like a happy woman,” said Riley. “I intend to keep her that way. But if you want a happy wife, you gotta do some compromisin’.” Barstow’s keen glance hit Jed square on. “If you don’t go after Miss Edison, it could be a year or more afore you get another chance at a wife. Best take what the good Lord brung you.”

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Jed met his partners’ eager eyes. The sheriff was right. If he’d been contracted to do a job and someone tried to stop him, he’d be pretty hot under his collar, too. He’d give Miss Edison a chance to show her true character, but if one of them wanted to marry her, it should be Clint. She seemed to like him. A smile fought to escape. If she could cook, they might even get a decent supper tonight. **** Victoria rushed to the tiny room off the kitchen where she’d set her carpetbag. She had to go along with the three men. Jed mentioned family. The one called Clint seemed to know how to treat a lady, so perhaps he was married. He was certainly handsome enough to catch a woman’s eye. She hoped he didn’t notice that she’d blushed when he held her waist. She certainly reacted strongly to the leader, Jed Adams. Though he was handsome as well, he was also domineering. She never, ever let a man touch her. Was that why she felt such a surge of lust when he held her against his chest? His hard chest, which smelled wonderful, unlike the aromas emitted by the fusty old men or overly scented young ones who were far too common back East. While she was a virgin, she was not innocent to the ways of men. She’d felt the hard cock rubbing against her bottom as she struggled. Felt it, and wanted it. Goodness, had she inherited her mother’s hot blood after all? Men never attracted her. She knew they could not be trusted. At least, none had attracted her until today. She shivered in heat while groaning in dismay as she trotted to the privy. Her body had never felt that type of heat before. Yet two men within the space of minutes had made her want to throw herself against them. Even the third partner, Riley, had a wide smile that made her want to get to know him better. She sat on the smooth seat and sagged. She was tired. No,

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exhausted. Years of worry followed by weeks of terror about her future had worn her down. The wonderful opportunity provided by Mr. Smythe was a godsend. Not only had she escaped with her virtue intact, she had a bright future. As housekeeper to a wealthy, influential man of business she could hold her head high. For the first time in her life she would be free of scandal. She would let nothing smear her reputation, no matter what she had to do. Tanner’s Ford was her only hope of redemption, and no trio of arrogant, handsome, arousing thieves would ruin her future! She would fulfill this contract to the letter. She’d keep Mr. Smythe’s precious boxes safe, set up his household, and then she’d be paid. She could work for him as housekeeper until she found a wonderful man to raise a family with. Someone decent and kind, who respected and admired her. A sensible, trustworthy, honorable husband to give her the loving home she always dreamed of, and children to love. Yes, her children would have two loving parents. They would be cared for with dignity and respect, and would have a position in society where they could hold their heads up with pride. Victoria was calm, her head high, when she arrived at the front door. She peeked out the window. The sheriff was still there, making sure the wagon didn’t leave without her. She removed her bonnet and smoothed her hair back. Now that she was an unmarried woman with a respected position, perhaps she could change her hair and clothing to appear more attractive. First, she had to be paid by Mr. Smythe. She knew all the tricks, thanks to her mother, but would have died before leaving her bedroom without making herself look as drab and unappealing as possible. She’d realized when she was twelve that hiding, and looking ugly when she had to be seen, was the only way to be safe. After tying her bonnet strings snugly under her chin, she stood straight. After years of trying to appear shorter, and cowering when necessary, she had to learn to keep her spine straight. She would

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succeed. She would be known as Miss Edison. She would have a place in society where she was welcomed in the best homes. Her opinion would be sought, and her children would be free to choose any life they wished. She would keep her contract with Mr. Smythe, and he would keep her secret. As soon as she opened the door, she knew something had changed. The sheriff stared at his boots while the other three looked at her as if she might be for sale. Appraising, as if determining whether they could afford her, or if she’d be worth trying out. Oh, goodness, do they know? Her chest contracted, and she couldn’t breathe. The men wavered in front of her. Her legs wobbled, and she grabbed for something to hold herself from collapsing. Clint rushed forward and caught her before she crumpled. He held her snug to his warm chest. Hating her weakness and loving his touch, she clutched his shirt, her eyes closed. Her fear eased, and she inhaled the wonderfully different smell of leather, horse, and what must be a spicy soap. It was nothing like the men who came to her mother’s home. “When was the last time you ate, Miss Edison?” Clint’s deep voice rumbled through his chest to hers. For the first time in forever, she felt safe. He must be married. That meant she should not allow herself to enjoy this need to have him hold her. She opened her eyes and struggled to be released. He frowned and held her tighter. “I had a biscuit or two this morning,” she said. His eyes and hair were brown, but he didn’t look at all plain. She wanted her children to have a father like this. Warm and caring, rather than cold and threatening. “No wonder you dang near fainted,” said the sheriff. “I bet you didn’t drink anything, neither, so you wouldn’t have to stop on the way.” She nodded, mortified that a man would not only understand, but

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say it out loud. Of course she wouldn’t want to ask the deliverymen to stop for her to do her business, especially as there were few trees to hide behind. Montana Territory was a desolate place compared to back East. But she would take a land’s desolation over a city’s disgust. “Put her in the wagon, Clint. I’ll get something from the hotel,” said Jed. His stomach rumbled, and he snorted a laugh. “Might as well get something for all of us.” He headed across the wide street. She struggled again to get away from Clint’s warm arms. “Enough of that,” said Clint. “I’m putting you in the wagon.” He winked at her. “Can’t have our guest perishing from hunger.” This wagon wasn’t as tall as the delivery vehicle, so she could have climbed on by herself, but he seemed to enjoy carrying her. She enjoyed it also. Too much. Though their first glances were appraising, Clint and Riley now looked on her with concern. She couldn’t remember a man caring about her for any reason. But then, she’d made sure she had nothing to do with them. It was safer that way. “I’m not a guest,” she said. She gave them a small smile as a thank-you for their concern over her. “Just a temporary nuisance.” Clint carefully handed her up to Riley. “We’ll see about that,” he mumbled.

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Chapter Two Victoria shivered and wrapped her shawl tighter when another gust hit, but she didn’t complain. She’d learned early that it did no good and, if she was noticed, made things worse. The temperature had dropped with the clouds racing in from the northwest. The wind rushed down the mountains, into the valley, and hit them in the face. It was better for a bit when they turned south, but there weren’t any trees above the river to block the wind. Luckily, Riley was on her right, and his body protected her from the worst of the icy rain peppering her face. As usual, she had quite a few layers under her outer dress, though none of them were more than thin, cheap cotton. Her mother, however, had expensive tastes. The tightly woven wool paisley shawl, which Victoria had rescued from the trash and cleaned, helped keep her warm. “There’s home,” said Riley, pointing at the large cabin above them. She dabbed her eyes with a corner of the shawl and peered through the rain. It was nothing like her mother’s three-story elegant residence, but it would be warm and dry. That was all she cared about at this point. As soon as they left town, Jed and Clint rode ahead, to get a fire going they said. She didn’t ask why the wife wouldn’t have already done so. There had to be a wife! Riley pulled the wagon right up to the small porch. A shaft of welcoming light shone out when Clint opened the door. Her fingers were so cold that she couldn’t hold on to the side of the wagon when

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she climbed down. She slipped, and once more Clint caught her. He picked her up and carried her through the front door. He set her down, and a wave of warmth enveloped her. He pulled off her soaked shawl, replacing it with a warmed blanket. He directed her to a rocking chair by the fire. “Coffee will be a few minutes,” he said. She looked around the neat cabin. No curtains on the windows. No dresses hung on a nail, and there were no pictures, or even a pretty rock or two for the window ledge. Jed came out of a back room with another blanket. “Doesn’t your wife keep the fire going during the day?” “Wife?” Jed snorted like a bull. “You’re the first woman to enter our home,” said Clint. She looked from one to the other. Both blinked back, dead serious. “But, you said Mr. Smythe cheated your family. I thought you meant your wife and children.” “We are family,” explained Clint. “Jed and Riley’s mothers are my aunts. We’re the only ones here.” He smiled kindly. “Unless a family of packrats has moved in.” “Oh, no,” she whispered. She was alone with three men, in a cabin far from town. She couldn’t stay here and ruin her reputation. Not when she’d come thousands of miles to redeem herself. But the sheriff would be by, maybe after supper. Surely the rain would stop by then. Sheriff Barstow would rule that the boxes be returned to Mr. Smythe’s house, and she’d go with them. She couldn’t destroy her reputation the first day she arrived! “You’re safe with us, Miss Edison,” said Clint. He hunkered down beside her and adjusted the blanket. He looked at her from only a couple of inches away. She noticed honey flecks in his brown eyes. “None of us would touch you…without your permission.” His eyes twinkled. “You can have the bed upstairs and we’ll sleep down here.” A rush of heat hit. It was strongest at her face, breasts, and

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between her legs. The sensation both aroused and shocked her. Was this what her mother had felt for her father? No matter how interesting the feeling, or how much she wanted more, she would never give up her life for a man’s touch. “I won’t be here long enough for that, Mr. Fortune. As soon as the sheriff arrives, I’ll be gone with Mr. Smythe’s belongings.” A wave of cold blew over her as Riley stepped inside. He pushed the door shut and stood there, dripping. He swept his hat off and smacked it against his thigh. Drops flew. “Feels like a three-day blow.” Riley rubbed his hands together. He blew on his fingers while he watched her. “That means we’ll have a lot of time on our hands. You know how to play checkers and dominoes, Miss Edison?” “Three days? No!” This was not going to happen. Her stomach clenched, the same way it used to when Mother would…The food she ate in town threatened to come back up. She fought to stand, pushing her blankets off. She got her balance and strode toward the door. “I can’t be here overnight, much less three days,” she said. She touched the latch, but before she could open the door, Riley grabbed her around the middle. It pressed her cold, soaking clothes against her body. “Let me go!” “Sorry, ma’am, but no one’ll be visiting until the storm’s over.” “But the sheriff—” “Has other things on his mind,” said Jed from across the room. “He’ll be by when he gets time.” She shoved Riley’s arms away. “You don’t understand! I can’t stay here without a chaperone. My reputation will be ruined!” “Maybe the storm’ll only last one night,” said Riley. “You think so?” “Could be.” He had a wonderful smile. His eyes turned up at the corners the same way his lips did. Her sister would be jealous of his long lashes. “I don’t think one night will ruin you, especially since no

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one was on the street except us and the sheriff.” She nodded, calming herself. “That’s true. If no one knows, I’ll be safe.” “What’s wrong with staying here with us?” Jed scowled. “The whole town knows we wouldn’t harm a lady.” But she wasn’t a lady. She had the same last name that her mother was born with. When her sweet, blonde, petite little sister was four years old and Victoria seven, she was banned from the drawing room because she was so tall and plain. She hadn’t seen her father since. She didn’t even know his last name. “I can’t take a chance of ruining my good character.” She felt their accusing eyes and had to explain she was not insulting them. “Other than my contract with Mr. Smythe, it’s all I have.” She said it with the quiet dignity that infuriated her mother. “Well, it’s too late now,” said Jed “You’re the one who forced your way onto that wagon. You’ll just have to put up with us until we can get you back to town.” “With Mr. Smythe’s boxes,” she said quietly. “No!” chorused all three men. She jumped at the explosive sound. Tears threatened, something she did not allow. Ever. She held her head high and marched over to the stove. She had to do something to keep busy. She’d learned at seven that if she had value, she was tolerated. They might not touch her if she was of use to them. “Is there anything prepared for dinner, or shall I start from scratch?” She swallowed in the silence. She turned. “There’s a haunch of venison in the pantry,” said Clint in a hollow voice. “You can cook?” Riley’s expression looked hopeful and eager. She noted Clint’s comment and answered Riley’s. “Of course I can cook. I was hired as a housekeeper. I can cook, clean, mend, wash, plant, harvest—”

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“You’re hired,” said Jed. The others murmured agreement. “I’m already employed, thank you very much.” “If we say you’re our housekeeper, your important reputation won’t be ruined.” What they said was poppycock, but she knew better than to tell them so. She ignored them, pretending she hadn’t heard. “Where’s the pantry? Do you have the makings for pastry, or shall I make a stew?” “Pastry?” Riley slavered like a starving wolf. “Can we keep her, Jed?” He spoke like a boy talking about a kitten or puppy. “She followed us home. She doesn’t have anywhere else to go. So, can we keep her? Please?” “Do your chores,” ordered Jed. Riley pouted but headed out. Clint snickered and followed. That left her alone with Jed. The angry one. He unbuttoned his soaked shirt and pulled it off. Muscles rippled over his chest and arms. She turned her back so she wouldn’t stare or beg to touch him. “I’m insulted you’d accuse us of ruining your reputation, Miss Edison. We’ve treated you kindly even though you screamed at us like a fishwife on the main street of town. We’re grateful you want to earn your keep, but frankly, I want you out of here the first minute it’s possible.” She lifted the carving knife and, holding it before her like the weapon it was, glared back at him. He was not as tall as the others, but more imposing. His hair, eyes, and expression were dark. He was broad and muscular, and exuded power and control. “I’m not leaving here without Mr. Smythe’s possessions.” “Then you have a problem, Miss Edison.” He had an insolent smile. “Because those crates stay here until we get paid. And if staying here ruins your reputation, it will be on your head, not mine.” Victoria stared at the door after he left. Of course he didn’t slam it. He had too much control for that. But the tick in his cheek as he glared proved he was angry. Very angry. What would it take before

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he lost control and hit her? She was used to it, but pain was another thing she’d hoped to leave far behind. Yet, strangely, she wasn’t afraid of him. She didn’t want to admit it, but she felt attracted. And that made her angry. She slammed the knife into the meat. There was only one thing her mother ever praised about her. She had an ability to cook what men loved to eat. That and her housekeeping skills were the only reasons her mother hadn’t thrown her onto the street when she turned sixteen. She would show this trio of men what they’d be missing when she left!

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Chapter Three “You can’t leave me alone with her!” Jed held his tight fists at his sides though he wanted to punch something, hard. His partners had saddled up, but they were still in the barn. He had to keep calm so he didn’t get the animals any more riled than they were from the storm. “You got the long straw,” said Clint. He held out his hands in a “what can I do” gesture. “We said we’d help the Double Diamond so Jessie’s baby would be safe. They’ll need help with the cattle with the flooding we’re likely to get.” “I’ll trade with you,” said Riley eagerly to Jed. “You ride out in the freezing rain, spend all day pulling calves and rescuing their mommas from mud. I’ll stay and keep the pretty lady company in our dry, cozy cabin. My cock’s too hard and eager to ride anyway.” He held out the reins to Jed. “We always go with the straws, and I lost this time.” Jed grimaced. “I’ll put up with her somehow.” Clint chuckled. “I think your problem is that you like her more than you want to. The sheriff said one of us ought to marry her. Maybe you can see if she’s amenable.” He winced and tried to adjust his pants. “She’s got me harder than that barn door.” “How the hell am I going to stand being hard for three days and nights?” Clint and Riley just laughed at him. “You could always seduce the lady,” said Clint. “That would compromise her enough so she’d marry you.” “Worked for Ace,” added Riley. “He compromised Jessie and

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now she’s growing their baby.” His usual smile faded. “We could have that, if you don’t get her too mad at you.” Jed groaned. He wanted a wife, but not one who cared so much about what others thought. His mother was like that. She did terrible things and hid them from the world, just so others would think she and her life were perfect. “I don’t get her mad at me,” he groused. “She does that all by herself.” “Don’t get fat sitting around eating Miss Victoria’s cooking,” said Riley. He trotted into the rain. “I like her,” said Clint. “Then you marry her.” Clint shook his head. “You’re the one who needs a wife. Try to be pleasant for a change.” “Why the hell should I?” “Apart from it being the polite thing to do? Because when she leaves, she’ll be working for Smythe. If you behave now, she might give you information about him in the future.” “You’re right.” Jed rolled his neck and shoulders out. “Fine. I’ll play nice. But if she starts something, I’m going to finish it.” “Are you talking about an argument, or sex?” Jed cursed. He’d almost got his cock under control. Clint laughed as he followed Riley. Jed watched him fade into the dark and rain. No, it had turned to sleet. They’d be colder than a witch’s tit when they got to the Double D. Unless they stopped at the hot spring. He’d only been invited once, but he’d never forget how it warmed his bones. He looked at the light streaming from the cabin. A shadow passed the window. She was doing the dishes, cleaning up after the best supper in a long time. She was trying to be helpful, while he’d been a son of a gun. He should do something for her. A blast of wind whipped around the barn door and spattered him with cold rain. The hot spring would be mighty nice about now.

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That was it. Hot water. He’d get that tin tub out and heat enough water for her to have a bath. Not only had she come across the country on a filthy train, she must be soaked to the skin. Her dress had flapped against her boots, now that he thought about it. Decision made, he lifted the oval tub from the nail on the barn wall and checked to make sure nothing was living in it. White dots bounced on the ground when he looked out. “Hail?” Clint and Riley would be cursing him a blue streak about now. He held the tub over his head and shoulders and ran to the cabin. Hail clanged against the metal, near deafening him. If anyone saw him like this, they’d think he was crazier than a jaybird. Hell, thinking he could stay alone with the wild, arousing woman for three nights and not touch her was ever crazier! Laughing at himself, he hauled the door open, rushed inside, and slammed it closed again. He lifted the tub off his head, still chuckling, and set it by the fire. He turned at her gasp and stilled. She stared at him, eyes wide and hand over her chest, as if terrified. His good humor melted like the hail dusting his clothes. “For God’s sake, woman, I’m not going to rape you!” “You surprised me when you ran in. That’s all.” She dropped her hand, placing both behind her back. It made her chest stand out. If she hadn’t been wearing so many layers, he’d be able to see her nipples. They’d either be hard from the cold, or because she was staring at him like she wanted him. Did she? He looked her over, slowly, from head to feet. When she removed her disgusting bonnet, he found a pile of brown hair that might touch her butt when released from its pins. She had wide shoulders to carry her full breasts. He knew about her waist and well-padded bottom. Trim ankles might mean equally slender legs. Except for her mouthy attitude, she was a mighty fine woman. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

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“I wanted to see how wet your clothes are,” he said. He cleared his throat since his voice was so rough. Likely from yelling at his cousins. “Do you have anything dry to change into?” “Just my nightgown.” She flushed and crossed her arms over her chest. He nodded at the tub. “Do you want a bath?” “A bath?” Her mouth dropped open. She licked her soft, rosy lips with the tip of her tongue. He closed his eyes at the vision and groaned. He’d rather be out in the hail with Clint and Riley than face temptation that would have him burn forever in his father’s hell. “Yes,” he croaked. “A bath. There should be enough warm water in the reservoir to fill this tub.” He kicked it. She startled at the noise and stared at it. “I’ll skedaddle for a bit,” he added. What would it be like to have a woman look at him with such longing? As if that would ever happen. The disappointment urged him to rattle her more. “You need help getting out of all those layers, Miss Edison? I’m good at buttons.” He held up his hands and wiggled his fingers. Her shocked gasp made him grin. She narrowed her eyes and shot him a look of pure loathing. “Thank you for your kindness. If you will be kind enough to fill the tub, Mr. Adams, I will take care of everything else.” He set the tub near the wall and filled a bucket from the stove’s hot-water reservoir. He poured in two more buckets before he realized she was taking her dress off. He whipped around to fill another bucket, his heart thumping so fast it dang near exploded. His ears, and other parts further south, burned. He lifted the empty bucket to hide his cock and, ready for anything, turned. The woman wore a whole slew of dresses, one under the other! He wasn’t sure whether he was glad she wasn’t purposefully tempting him or mad that she wasn’t. He realized part of her thickness was due to who knows how many shifts and petticoats she wore underneath the whole shebang.

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“Just out of interest, why are you wearing all your clothes, rather than packing them like most folks?” He looked up, catching her opening yet another blouse, this one white with pink flowers on it. Though he knew she had many more layers before he’d see skin, it still made his cock pound to see her undress. “It’s safer.” “Fewer bruises in case you fall on your, uh, bottom?” She sure blushed a lot for a woman with brown hair. “Something like that. Thank you, Mr. Adams. I can do the rest.” She waved him away and then looked at the window, frowning. “The weather is terrible out there.” “Don’t fret. I’ll wait in the barn until you’re finished,” he said with a sigh. “You won’t look?” He shook his head. “I told you. Your honor’s safe. But don’t fall asleep because I only have so much patience.” She nodded quickly, like a bird. “And don’t dump out the water. I’ll be needing to warm up when I get back.” He lit the extra lantern and put on his coat and hat. He hunched his shoulders as he strode to the barn. At least the hail was over. “Sleet. That’s just great,” he growled. He grabbed a curry comb and headed to the protective overhang where the horses gathered. He hung the lantern on a hook. “Looks like you’ll be getting some pampering tonight.” He worked for over an hour, brushing out winter hair. When he got a pile, he stuffed it in a sack. He ended up with enough to make a horsehair pillow for their rocking chair. Some day their wife would nurse their baby in that chair, and he wanted her to be comfortable. He could imagine a caramel- haired woman rocking in it. He stared up at the house. A light still shone in the window. “It’s been so long, I bet she fell asleep.” An image of her wet, pink body slammed into him. “She’d be uncomfortable sleeping in

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that tub,” he said to the barn cats perched on the rafters. They blinked sleepy eyes at him. “I sure as hell won’t be sleeping in here tonight.” The rain had eased a bit after hammering down for some time, but it would get worse again. It was either move now or forget it. He took the lantern and jogged to the cabin. He took a quick peek in the window, but his view of the tub was blocked by the table. He knocked and waited. Nothing. Another knock. Still nothing. The roar of approaching heavy rain sent him inside. He kept his face to the door, fighting every male’s need to look at a desirable woman in her bath. He shucked his muddy boots, coat, and hat. They’d changed the bedsheets just last week, but he needed to tidy things before she went upstairs. The piss pot was clean, though it might be a good idea to hang something over the corner to give her a bit of privacy. Women liked that sort of thing. She wouldn’t want to head for the privy in this rain and get her dress all soaked again. But first, he had to get past her and up the stairs. “Miss Edison? Victoria? You sleeping?” He couldn’t hear a damn thing over the rain that now pounded on the roof. He screwed up his face, expecting a shriek, and turned. Relaxed in sleep, her head resting against the wall, she looked nothing like the shrew from the wagon. Soft golden-brown tendrils curled at her ears and down her neck. When he sat in the tub his knees got jammed into his chin. She was tall for a woman, about four inches shorter than he was. But there was a gap between her knees and her chest. He gulped. No, not a gap. The space was filled with two round, pink objects. Large ones, with darker pink rings and— He jammed his eyes shut and whirled around, fists clenched. “Dammit, why can’t she be ugly?” The temptation of Eve, staring him right in his face. His father blamed women, using it as an excuse to berate them. Jed knew it was due to a man’s lust. And damn, did he lust after Miss Victoria Edison. His tongue could do things to her nipples, things that would make

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both of them demand more. What color were they? Pink or coral? If he stayed in this room another minute, he’d do something that would have had Uncle Pat taking him behind the woodshed for a good, long whipping. “And man, would it be worth it,” he whispered longingly. He jammed his jaw shut so his tongue wouldn’t drag on the ground as he walked past her. One step, and then another. No! Don’t turn around. Forward. To the back of the cabin and the stairs. No! Look at the wall, not—Soft splashes made him stop, turn, and stare. She yawned and shifted position. It made her breasts bob. A nipple popped up. “Oh, yeah,” he moaned quietly. “I thought they’d be big and rosy.” He forced himself up the rest of the stairs, cursing himself for being an idiot. How the hell was he going to live here until the storm blew out and not touch her? **** Victoria woke to the drumming of rain on the roof and cramped legs. She struggled to her feet, trying hard to keep from wetting the floor. The water was filthy, but she was clean. Finally. She smelled of lye soap, but it was better than being fusty from a week on the train. Smythe had arranged for a hotel night in Bannack City, but not a bath. The ewer had held barely enough tepid water to sponge herself off. Except for her hair, which took hours in the sun to dry, she was clean. Jed might growl at her like a bear with a thorn in its paw, but she really appreciated his thoughtfulness. Perhaps he, like herself, wasn’t at his best when they met. She used one of her shifts to dry off and slipped her nightgown over her head. Just in case Mr. Adams came in, she would put on her third dress as well. Though she’d left it by the fire, it would likely still be damp. She lifted it and—it was dry. That meant…

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“The poor man’s been outside all this time,” she moaned. “I wonder how long I slept?” “I was out there at least an hour,” said a deep voice. She gasped and whirled around, then realized the voice came from above her. Heavy footsteps crossed above her head. “I hope you’re dressed, because I’m coming down.” She quickly finished the rest of her buttons as she watched his socks descend. There was a hole in the big toe of his right foot. His rough wool pants came next. Her face flamed at the telltale protrusion below his belt. He wore a shirt this time, thank goodness. He scanned her body as soon as his eyes appeared. “Goodness, he’s pouting like a child.” She clamped her hands over her mouth. She must be very tired to lose her usual control. “I was hoping you’d be wearing only one layer.” He ran a hand through his thick, dark-brown hair. It flopped over his eyes, and he impatiently brushed it away. “Just as well.” When she was twelve, she’d begun wearing at least three layers of clothing, usually four or five. Her nipples prickled against her rough cotton nightgown as they hardened. She crossed her arms to hide her reaction, and received a knowing smirk in reply. She should feel threatened. Not only was she alone with a big, strong man, his pants tented in obvious desire. She stood in front of him wearing only two thin layers of cotton, at night, in his house. She could easily cope with fear, as she’d lived with it all her life. But this attraction confused her. It was as if he had invisible strings which drew her toward him. Her pussy swelled along with her breasts. She had to stop this before she took a step into danger. A quick apology, then she’d get out of his sight. “I apologize for falling asleep.” “You must’ve been pretty tired. I pounded on the door, but you didn’t wake up.” “I am so sorry, Mr. Adams. It’s no excuse for keeping you out of

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your home, but—” “Jed.” She blinked at the interruption. “Pardon?” “If we’re going to share bathwater, and my home for a few days, you’d best call me Jed.” He winked. She turned her head away, biting her lip to keep her mouth shut. He was far too attractive when he wasn’t scowling. When he came in with the tub over his head, laughing, she’d gasped. He might have thought it was in fright, but no. Far from it. “Don’t be embarrassed, Victoria. I turned my face away when I walked past you.” She chanced a glance. He held his eyes wide as if telling the honest truth, but she saw an eyebrow twitch. “You didn’t look at me, even once?” A wicked glint appeared in his eyes. It spread to his mouth in a smile that made her feel wanted, but not in an ugly way. It warmed her blood, swelling the tissues in her breasts and between her legs. Both ached for his touch. Was this how men treated women they cared about? It was entirely new to her. New, and dangerous. “Well, I did have to make sure you hadn’t drowned.” She barked a laugh. “Drowned? There wasn’t room in that tub for me to drown!” “So I noticed.” His eyes flicked to her breasts. His nostrils flared, sending an answering heat. She had to get more people in the room, or she might do something she swore would never, ever, happen. Her reputation was far too important to lose from plain lust. Why do I suddenly feel lust, just when I finally have a chance to be respected? She stared out the small window. It needed a good wash, like many of the items in the room. She bent down to see better, but there was nothing out there but wind and rain. “Where are your partners? Surely they’ve finished their chores by now.”

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She heard the sound of fabric moving and looked over her shoulder. Jed had pulled his shirt from his pants. She stared, turning slowly as he began unbuttoning his shirt, starting at the bottom. His fingers were strong and long, lightly dusted with hair. The shirttails drifted across his swollen groin. She tore her eyes away and found him laughing at her. “Clint and Riley headed off to help the Double Diamond ranch, next door. They’ll be back in a couple days.” Her eyes drifted lower again. From the way his pants stuck out, he must be very big. His words finally sunk in. “They’re gone?” The warmth from her bath fled as icy fear hit. She couldn’t be alone with this man, not even for one night. What would they say about her in town if they found out? Sharing a cabin with three men would be safer, as they’d keep an eye on each other. She trusted Clint to make sure no one touched her. But one man, especially a big, strong man like Jed, could do things, and she couldn’t stop him. Even if she wanted to. “Ace, Sin, and Henry aren’t as used to ranching as we are. Jessie is, but she’s growing a baby so they won’t let her do anything much.” Someday, she would have babies. Even if her husband was indifferent to her, she would have someone to love. And she would love them, no matter what. Jed tossed his shirt aside. His chest was wide, sprinkled with fuzzy curls around his nipples. His shoulders looked strong and wide enough to carry trees, or anything else he wanted. He moved, and his muscles flexed. He seemed to be moving in a different way than before. This time, he knew she watched. Heat replaced the ice in her veins. If he wanted to do something, anything, with her, she could not stop him. She could truthfully say she’d no choice. But how could she convince anyone it was against her will when her body throbbed just by looking at him? He reached for his belt. She stared at his laughing eyes.

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“This would be a good time for you to head off to bed.” He pointed his finger up. “It’s clean and tidy, and I hung a sheet around the piss pot in the corner. It’s a big bed, made for sharing.” He gave her another of those arousing smiles. “If you get cold in the night, just holler. I’ll come up and keep you warm.” Just knowing this man slept in the same cabin would keep her hot, not warm. He flicked the first button of his pants open. “Oh!” She rushed past him and up the stairs. Hoarse chuckles followed her mad dash. She stopped a few feet into the room. A moment later she heard water splashing. He was naked, climbing into the water her skin had just touched. He whistled, some tune she didn’t recognize, as he washed. She caught her breath as she looked around. Enough light came up the stairs to show a neat room. Clothes hung from nails driven into the sloping roof. One corner was curtained off, as promised. The bed was huge. Of course, if three big men slept in it, it had to be large. She took off her dress, folded it, and laid it on the shelf containing a ewer of water and bowl. She climbed up and lay down, stretching her arms and legs wide. She couldn’t touch the edges of the mattress! It was wonderful to lie on something that didn’t move. Something soft. She sighed, her lips curving up at the thought of sleeping in the most luxurious bed ever. She rolled over. A touch of sage drifted up. She pressed her face into the pillow and inhaled. In addition to sage, she smelled a hint of leather, the same soap she’d used, and other masculine aromas. Water splashed below her. Was Jed standing naked in the tub, water running down his chest to his groin and dropping off his hard cock? A tingle between her thighs aroused her, but she banished it. If she was going to be alone with him for a day or so, she had to have a sharp brain, and that meant sleep. He moved around, perhaps dressing. The stove door creaked as he banked the fire for the night. He rustled around, muttering something

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about giving up his soft bed in order to sleep on a cold, hard floor. She relaxed in that soft bed, only slightly ashamed for taking it from him. Perhaps tomorrow night they’d switch, and she’d bed down by the fire. She had enough dresses to make a hard pallet. It wouldn’t be much different than what she was used to. But tonight she would enjoy every bit of comfort she could. She was warm, dry, and protected by the grumbling man below. If he meant her harm, he surely wouldn’t have given up his bed for her. What would it be like to feel this safe and warm every night?

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Chapter Four Victoria drifted in a warm, soft cloud. Rain over her head soothed her. She opened her eyes a crack. A feeble light came in through the window. She inhaled the smell of coffee. Of course she was dreaming, because she never, ever was in bed unless it was dark. The kitchen was three floors below, and she was the only one to make coffee. And she never felt so rested, so safe, so— “How long you think she’ll sleep?” Danger! She scrambled away from the deep voice so fast she fell off the far side of the bed. Her heart pounded louder than the rain. Was he going to attack? “Dang it, Jed, you yelled so loud, you woke the lady up. Sounds like she fell out on the floor.” Jed? And didn’t the second voice, slightly higher and with a hint of a twang, belong to Riley? She managed to swallow as her heart slowed from panic to worry. She rested her forehead on the mattress, still warm from her body. Riley and Clint must have returned from the neighbor’s ranch. She was not in her mother’s house, in danger of attack. She was in a cabin west of Tanner’s Ford, thousands of miles away. A cabin belonging to three big, loud, handsome men. Men who swore they wouldn’t harm her. That was good. The men had nattered and complained like brothers over supper, making sure the others didn’t get more food than themselves. If they were so worried about equal shares, they’d watch that the others wouldn’t take liberties with her. “Good thing we turned back from the Double D,” grumbled Riley.

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“That creek was so high my boots would’ve got soaked even if I crossed my legs on the saddle.” A deep snort rang out. “That’s because you’re so short you have to ride a pony.” “Pony? Dammit, Clint, you’re only two inches taller than me.” “And two inches longer.” Victoria gasped when she realized what Clint meant. The room below was silent for a moment. She could imagine the two men glaring at each other like a pair of bulls. She braced herself, expecting a fight to break out. “Yeah?” replied Riley with slow menace. “At least I know how to stir up a lady.” “Pull your horns in,” ordered Jed. “There’s a lady upstairs.” Riley laughed. “And she’s in our bed.” Quick footsteps ran up the stairs at the far side of the room. She looked up. Thick blond hair appeared at floor height. Riley’s usual grin quickly followed. “You hungry, Miss Edison? I made more biscuits, since you liked them so much last night.” He winked. “These ones aren’t quite as hard. You might need to dunk them only a couple times in your coffee to break off a chunk.” Her face flamed. She thought she’d hidden her reaction to his valiant attempts to cook. “They weren’t that bad.” “They’re better than Clint’s, but not by much.” He turned and yelled down the stairs. “Mine are way better than Jed’s. His are like rocks.” He turned back to her, waggling his eyebrows and leering, though it was funny rather than lewd. “Maybe you could show me how to do it right. We’ll have lots of time until this rain blows over.” “You want me to show you how to cook?” His leer turned from fun to suggestive. Her breasts tingled in response. Her pussy throbbed. Was it swelling, the way a man’s cock did when he wanted a woman? “Unless there’s something else you want to do together?” He

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leaned his arms on the floor. “I got a few ideas on that.” Suddenly, his eyes flew open. His shirt tightened against his chest. He fell backward, scrambling to hold on to the ridge at the side of the open stair. Clint stepped up behind him, stopping him from a fall. “Morning, ma’am.” He released Riley, who turned to him with a scowl. “What was that for?” Clint’s pointed look answered Riley’s question. Riley pushed around the bigger man and tromped down the stairs. “Sorry about that. Riley hasn’t had a lady to impress in a while. You ready for some breakfast?” Her stomach gurgled. She pressed her hand over it as Clint laughed. “Help yourself when you’re ready. We’re going out to the barn for a bit.” “The barn?” The roar came from below. “Why? It’s raining like anything out there!” “Shut up, Jed,” said Clint, still smiling at her. “The lady wants some time to herself.” He nodded and went back downstairs. She heard thumps, mutters, and others noises as they dressed to go out. “She’s had all night and half the morning to herself,” grumbled Jed. “I spent over an hour in the barn while she snoozed in her bath.” A moment of sudden silence was followed by deep groans. “Great,” moaned Riley. “I was already hard as a rock from her sleeping in my bed. Now I can see her in my mind, naked in our tub. How’m I going to bend over to work?” “In pain, like the rest of us,” said Clint quietly. The sound of the rain grew louder as someone opened the door. “I wonder what color her nipples are?” “Same as those roses Aunt Chrissie grows by the front door,” said Jed. “You saw them?” “Nah, just one.”

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She heard scuffling, thuds, and grunts before the door slammed. She dropped her forehead on her hands, groaning in embarrassment. Clint and Riley now knew that Jed saw her naked body. Only Jed knew how little he’d seen. The other two would look at her, thinking about what Jed said and imagining it. And, because they were so competitive, Jed would rub it in. She’d messed up their lives with her rash decision to protect Mr. Smythe’s belongings. She never made a decision without careful thought. She made backup plans, at least two of them, before choosing her path. But she’d pushed herself into their lives, and their home, without a second thought. Because of her, Jed, Clint, and Riley had spent the night on the hard floor of their own home. Then they went out into the cold rain to work in the cold barn to give her time to wash and get dressed. All three of them had to work in pain, their cocks hard and swollen, because she was there. Her whole body flamed in embarrassment, making her breasts and pussy tingle. Or was it lust which made her ache? **** “You watched her in the bath?” It was the third time Riley asked him the same damn question. Each time, he’d gotten louder and madder. Jed knew there’d be trouble as soon as those words slipped out of his mouth. Clint had stopped them fighting by pushing them into the rain. They couldn’t fight in the barn because it would upset the animals. But he could still tell the little shit off. He put down the rake and stomped over to Riley. “I froze my ass out here, waiting. I finally gave up and went in. To our cabin.” “Jed wouldn’t stare at a lady bathing, Riley,” said Clint mildly. “No more than you, or me.” “I would,” said Riley. “Long as the lady didn’t mind. Even better,

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I’d offer to wash her back, as well as the rest of her.” Jed would do the same thing if she was his woman. He’d take her to the hot spring on the Double Diamond ranch and take hours bathing her. Especially her hair. He’d tow her through the warm water, letting her hair float out behind her like a cape. Then he’d brush it dry, keeping her naked the whole time. Whenever he wanted, he’d play with her breasts. Maybe she’d sit in his lap, on his cock, while he worked. He’d lift her up and down, teasing her clit and nipples. Her large, rosy nipples. But she wasn’t his, and he’d better toss that image away until she was gone and he was alone with his cock. Then he would think of everything he would do to make her scream his name. He groaned. Hell, he was so hot from thinking of her that he needed to take off his coat to cool down! “Someday, when we have a wife, we’ll do that,” said Clint. “But Miss Edison is our guest.” “She was asleep!” Jed spoke as loud as he dared. “I called out, but the rain was so hard she didn’t hear me. I went upstairs to make the bed and tidy up.” “And you just happened to catch a view of her nipple out of the corner of your eye?” The absurdity of the situation suddenly hit Jed. What red-blooded man would walk past such a temptation without looking? His anger faded, and he grinned at his cousins. “Well, hell, I had to take one quick look when I walked in. All I saw was her face, the tops of her breasts, and her knees.” “You didn’t see her nipples?” Riley slumped against a beam. “Damn. I wonder what color they really are.” “She moved when I walked past. When I heard water splashing, I couldn’t help it. That’s when I saw her nipple. Just one.” And it was perfect. Big enough for his tongue to roll it around and his teeth to nibble. As he hoped, her breast was large, and looked so smooth that the calluses on his hands might scratch her. Scratch, or

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arouse? Riley turned to face the beam, a tree trunk they’d dragged down the mountain to build the barn. He thumped his forehead against it. “How are we going to stand being in the same room with her?” He looked at Clint. “When’s the next Bride Train coming through?” “End of July.” Clint looked out the door, toward the cabin. “Let’s meet it in Virginia City. If we wait for a woman to make it all the way here, or even Bannack, we’ll be going without a wife for years.” “How ’bout we head even farther east? We could buy some of the tools we’ve been wanting, and they’d be a lot cheaper,” said Riley. “What do you think, Jed?” Last night, as he lay on the floor knowing a near-naked woman was in his bed, a woman whose flesh he’d seen, he knew he needed a wife. It wasn’t just that he was so hard he could pound nails. It was the way Victoria laughed when she made supper. How she bustled around, humming under her breath. The four of them had said a prayer before eating, and used the manners Uncle Pat and Aunt Chrissie insisted on at every meal. Finally, their cabin felt like home. “I think the sooner we find ourselves a wife, the better. Why don’t we meet the Bride Train in Virginia City? If there isn’t any suitable women, we head east until we find at least one.” “Unless you think Miss Edison would suit,” said Clint. “She kept sliding her eyes at you when you weren’t looking.” “She did it at you, too,” said Riley. “I think the lady wouldn’t mind some company, but she won’t let herself.” He snickered. “What if we let her see what she’s missing?” Jed nodded, feeling a smile coming on. “No reason we should be the only ones hornier than a coon dog in heat. I came down after she’d dressed, wanting to warm up with her bathwater. She stared at me when I shucked my shirt. I had to start on my pants before she ran upstairs.” He laughed. “Yeah, I think teasing her will be fun.” “Nothing crude,” said Clint. “And no touching.”

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Riley nodded agreement. “Soon’s we go in, I’m gonna ask her to help me make biscuits. I’ll need lots of help.” He winked. Jed bent over to pick up the rake he’d dropped. His pants snagged on his cock. Pain shot from the tip of his cock to his ass. He stood quickly, cursing when the others laughed. “If Riley learns to cook, at least we’ll get something out of putting up with this.”

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Chapter Five Two days later, Jed was chopping wood when he noticed two horses riding up the road from the river. Must be the sheriff since they rode from town rather than farther up the valley. He wasn’t sure who the man with him might be. Wasn’t Smythe, as he was afraid of horses and never rode. A breeze blew past, making him shiver. It was only midmorning, and the sun hadn’t warmed up the air yet. He gladly put his shirt back on, using the excuse of visitors. The only reason he took his shirt off was that it bothered the heck out of Victoria. Riley’s plan was working. She kept all of them hard and horny, but he bet she was in the same state herself. She looked at them like she wanted to touch but refused to let herself. They sent her looks saying she could touch them anytime she wanted. It made her fluster and squawk like a broody hen. He hadn’t laughed this much in ages. Thank God his partners turned back from the Double Diamond the first night. The hail was bad enough, but Warm Spring Creek was running too high to cross safely in the dark. He wouldn’t have been able to keep his hands off the woman for three whole days—and nights—if it was just the two of them. She kept fretting about being stuck there with them. How her reputation would be ruined if anyone found out. She didn’t care that she was just as much a threat to their reputation. Not that anyone would care. At least, anyone he respected. The rest could go hang. He was sure she hadn’t been touched by a man, but there were things about her that didn’t make sense. She understood too much about men. They’d say something, figuring she wouldn’t know the

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double meaning, but she’d react as if she did. He didn’t say anything to Clint or Riley, but he wondered if she’d spent time in a whorehouse as a cook or housekeeper. Even with the distraction and pain of working with a hard cock, he’d miss her when she left. She knew how to rile him, but that just made him feel more alive than he’d been in a long time. He caught himself whistling sometimes, just knowing she was there. She played a mean game of dominoes and cleaned their clock at whist. Clint said she was a lot smarter than she let on. Riley pushed, as always, but she wouldn’t say anything about her past. Damn shame she was Smythe’s housekeeper, and stood up for the crook. Otherwise, they would’ve courted her when she returned to town. It burned his britches to think Cole Taylor and the Sweetwater Ranch might end up with her as their wife. But they didn’t have a history with Smythe. Jed suddenly realized who the second man was. He remembered Judge Thatcher from the previous year. Fin MacDougal Junior. came up from Texas, chasing Jessie Elliott and eager to cause trouble. He brought the judge from Helena to rule against the legitimacy of his half brothers. He wanted to take control of the MD Connected and sell it, throwing Gillis, Ross, and Nevin off the land. But Beth Elliott found the wedding certificate proving Finan Senior. had married Sunbird, Ross and Nevin’s mother. That meant Ross’s three- monthold twin sons would inherit the ranch, rather than Fin. The judge stayed a few days afterwards, which they now realized was to get reacquainted with Miss Lily. Their wedding was planned for a couple of weeks. Everyone agreed the judge was fair and honest, and he didn’t stint with the whiskey when he poured. But why was he here on the J Bar C? Both the sheriff and judge looked solemn, but that seemed to be a lawman’s usual expression. “Morning,” called Jed. “You didn’t have to come all this way, Judge. We’re law-abiding men, and we’d listen to whatever Sheriff

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Barstow said.” “That’s what I’ve heard,” said the judge. “But I’m not here just for this. Barstow’s taking me to the MacDougals to see the deed to the ranch Sunbird brought back from Texas. That’s the last bit of business to wrap up before I retire.” He dismounted and held out his hand. “Good-size home you’ve got.” Jed returned the strong grip. “We had a lot of free time since we didn’t have cattle. We wanted to have a cabin ready for a wife, when we found one.” “And how is she?” asked Barstow. “Victoria? Other than a damn good cook and housekeeper, she’s a pain in the—” He saw the front door open from the corner of his eye. Victoria erupted through it like a volcano. She must have been brushing her hair, as it streamed behind her as she ran. In the sun it looked thick and rich, like caramel. As he figured, it fell all the way to her ass. She stopped in front of their guests and gave them a wide smile. With pink in her cheeks, her chest heaving from her run, and no scowl, she was a beautiful woman. His cock rose, as it did whenever he smelled her scent. He swallowed and turned away, cursing under his breath. Barstow’s moustache twitched. A good lawman noticed things, so it wasn’t surprising he saw Jed’s typical male reaction. “Morning, Miss Edison,” said Barstow. “This is Judge Thatcher.” “Sheriff, Judge,” she said, nodding at each. “I just took some pies out of the oven. Would you like a piece with a cup of coffee before we return to town?” “Appreciate the pie and coffee, ma’am,” said Barstow. She ushered them inside. Jed followed, with Clint and Riley trailing behind. The cabin smelled like apples, cinnamon, and something that could only come from having a woman around. Even though he and his partners thought the cabin was clean enough, she’d gone after it like the devil yesterday while the sun tried to dry the

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mud. He had to admit, the place sparkled. They ate quietly while she twitched like a bear in a honey tree, eager to get going but knowing she had business to do first. Barstow sat back and sighed. He wiped the last crumbs from his huge moustache. “My wife won’t ’preciate me saying this, but that pie was grand.” “Thank you, Sheriff.” She pointed to the back of the cabin. “The crates are right over there, under the stairs. Since you’re both on horseback, Jed can bring them to town in the wagon. I’ll gather my things and be ready to leave.” She stood up and began to undo the apron she’d created out of an old flour bag. “Not just yet,” said Judge Thatcher. He was a big man, and his black cloth suit and bushy gray eyebrows made him imposing even while sitting down. Victoria, biting her lip, slunk into her seat. She held her head high but clasped her shaking hands in her lap. Jed didn’t have to know her well to see she was nervous, but hiding it. Thatcher pushed his empty plate away, nodding his thanks. “From what I’ve been able to find out, Mr. Smythe purchased cattle from the J Bar C about a year ago. They shook hands on a price. Smythe only paid part of it, promising to send the rest in the fall. He was temporarily short on funds and would pay after the cattle went to market. He has not paid, nor has he made other arrangements. Is this correct?” “Yes, sir,” said Clint. “We’ve talked this over with the town council. Because of the storm, Mayor Rivers couldn’t attend.” “Gosh, darn,” said Riley. His wide grin didn’t match his words. Thatcher cleared his throat at the interruption. “The council ruled that you’re to get your cattle back immediately. The only one who disagreed was Mr. Jennet.” Victoria opened her mouth to speak, and then shut it again. She looked at her hands, her face almost as white as the flour on the table.

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“But, they’re on the mayor’s land. How can we take them back without his hired guns killing us?” Riley grimaced. “That’s why we haven’t gone after them before.” “You won’t be going after your cattle alone,” said Thatcher. “The Tanner’s Ford town council will be in charge. Rivers won’t try anything when the entire council, and men from every ranch in the valley, ride in, round them up, and drive them right down the main street of town.” Jed hadn’t realized how heavy a weight he’d carried until it was gone. He breathed in, to the bottom of his lungs. Right from the start he’d felt shame that they believed someone like Smythe would abide by a handshake. It meant they’d lost a whole year when they could have had cattle grazing on their land, fattening up for the fall market. They’d planned to take Smythe’s money and buy longhorns from Texas. Even if they were paid in full tomorrow, it was too late for this year. At least they’d be able to talk with the men bringing cattle up for Walt Chamberlain. Walt said they were due at the Running W, just to the east, by the end of summer. Barstow fought a smile and lost. “Most of the council will be bouncing in a wagon and not forking a horse. The ranchers will be rounding up all the cattle.” “We appreciate the help,” said Clint. Barstow waved the comment away. “The other week you helped with their spring gather, so they’re glad to pay you back. The council will be on the lookout for more than cattle. There’s lots of rumors of, ah”—he glanced at Victoria and cleared his throat—“shenanigans. So keep your eyes open for whatever don’t seem right.” The sheriff turned to Clint. “Trace Elliott said to give the cattle a day or so to settle. Then you’ll have lots of help branding anything without a J Bar C brand. They’re interested in what other brands might turn up.” Jed wouldn’t be surprised if Smythe had arranged for some rustling. He wasn’t the only one who didn’t trust the mayor as far as

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he could throw him. “When our cattle are on our land, we’ll send Smythe’s crates back to town, along with Miss Edison,” said Clint. “That might be a week!” Victoria stuck out her jaw at them. “I can’t stay here that long. Since no one knew I was here my reputation is safe, but if I stay any longer—” “The whole town knows you’ve been at the J Bar C all this time,” said Barstow. “Whole valley, too.” “What?” Victoria stared at him, clutching the edge of the table with stiff fingers. A flush rose from her collar for a moment before her face turned white. “If they didn’t hear you yelling at Jed on the main street, they learned about it when we talked over how to solve this difficulty,” said Thatcher. He leaned toward Victoria, who trembled on her chair so much Jed thought she might fall off. “Does that create a complication for you, ma’am? One I could solve?” “No!” Victoria shoved back her chair and jumped to her feet. Clint reached for her, but she cried out something and pushed his hands away. She rushed out the front door, slamming it behind her. **** Victoria raced to the privy, the only place she knew they wouldn’t follow, on shaking legs. She opened the door and collapsed on the new seat. She fought hot tears as cold chills racked her body. Everyone in a hundred miles knew! It didn’t matter the reason she’d stayed in the cabin, or that the men hadn’t touched her. No one would care that she hadn’t put her hands on Jed’s naked chest, slid her fingers down the dark line into his pants, and grasped what she knew was inside. They wouldn’t know how she smoldered all day as they walked around shirtless. How she burned each night, wanting one of them, any one, to come upstairs, lift her nightgown, and relieve her

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aching need. No, the townspeople didn’t know that had never happened, but it wouldn’t matter. The whispers would start, followed by quick glances and raised eyebrows. Skirts would be lifted so she didn’t contaminate the ladies by walking past. The wonderful life she’d longed for was over before she could enjoy even one day of respect. She had no money to leave and escape the shame. Mr. Smythe said he’d pay her the last two thirds he owed after he arrived and inspected his goods. Considering what she just heard, that money might never get into her pocket. Her mother said Mr. Smythe was well respected and would introduce her to the right people. She should have known not to believe it. Since when had her mother done anything that wasn’t to her own advantage? When Smythe gave her an opportunity to escape, she was so elated she didn’t look too closely at what others might get out of it. When she finally arrived in Tanner’s Ford she was so tired, so eager to fulfill the contract and get Smythe’s possessions safely to his house, that she hadn’t thought of what she was getting herself into by insisting on accompanying his goods. Her control had snapped. Looking back and being honest with herself, it was the three men who had clouded her thinking. If they’d been like the men who visited her mother, she would have gone inside Smythe’s house and locked the door behind her, and them. She let her head bang against the wall behind her. When she rolled her head a few hairs, caught between the boards, were yanked. The minor pain brought tears to her eyes. Surely that was the only reason. By now she would have had Mr. Smythe’s house all settled, dishes in the cupboard and food in the pantry. She’d be free to find other employment, or a decent husband. Instead, she spent the last three days pretending she had a home where she was treated with respect. She’d let go of all the layers of protection to laugh with Riley, crow when she beat Clint at dominoes,

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and fight with Jed over anything and nothing. She now knew what she wanted in a husband. But, if everyone knew about her time alone with them, it would destroy any chance of finding a decent man and having a home. One where screams and blows weren’t part of daily life. One like the home Jed shared with his cousins. But, if she married Jed, Clint, or even Riley, the physical attraction she felt would destroy her ability to keep in control, especially of herself. Control had allowed her to survive intact all these years. She never showed emotion, or pain. She was invisible, and therefore harmless. It was the only safe way she knew to live. She could control a quiet man who wished for companionship and children. She would fulfill her wifely duties without feeling a desperate need to have him touch her. She’d have a quiet, orderly home, with children to love. None of the men of the J Bar C would be controlled by a woman desperate for their touch. When she disagreed, all they would have to do was kiss her or run their fingers lightly over her breasts or bottom, and she would agree to anything. How could she choose which man to spend the rest of her life with? And what would happen with the other two? One of the things she heard over and over from her mother was that men could not be trusted. They used women for their own purposes, tossed them a few baubles, then walked away without a backward glance. They didn’t do anything for a woman’s comfort, unless it was to gain something. Jed, Clint, and Riley could overpower her judgment just by taking off their shirts. So now she hid from her need for their touch. In a privy, of all things. A privy with a brand- new seat. The first morning she’d muttered about splinters in the rough boards, not knowing anyone heard. But Jed spent the day making a new seat while she cleaned, Clint worked on some complicated leather bits, and Riley polished the saddles. The rain had poured down, creating a soothing rhythm. After

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dinner Jed told her to go upstairs to sleep, that she’d been on a long journey and needed her rest. She’d drifted off to the rumble of their deep voices and the drumming of the rain. Their scents surrounded her, a part of the bedclothes. When she woke, they’d already made supper, even biscuits. Riley was so proud of them that she had two, though she had to dunk them in the soup to make sure she didn’t break a tooth. No one had ever taken care of her before. She was responsible for everything in her mother’s house. From dawn to dusk, and far into the night, she cleaned, cooked, sewed, and everything else. In return, her mother allowed her to live there while screaming, beating, and humiliating her. Yet these three men, strangers, had welcomed her into their home as if she belonged. And because of that, her good name was tarnished. She’d been so looking forward to the Tanner’s Ford spring picnic the men spoke of. It would have been the first time she could walk about with her head high. But now everyone would be pointing and staring at her, or worse. Unless she was married. That’s what Judge Thatcher meant when he asked if he could solve her “difficulty.” An immediate burst of arousal, of primal need, hit between the legs. For some reason, all was forgiven a woman if she married, especially if she wed the man responsible for her condition. The wicked part of her wanted to have hugs and kisses, and everything else men and women shared. Not love, of course. She’d never seen real love, just the fake. Her mother loved like sweet icing of ribbons and flower petals spread over a cake full of bile, resentment, and greed. To pass the time while they worked, the men told her about the history of Tanner’s Ford. None of the valley women had been wooed by their husbands. They’d been put in a difficult situation, just like herself, had made a choice, and were the better for it.

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Beth Elliott was given a few minutes to choose between Trace, a total stranger with a tortured voice, or the town bully. Amelia MacDougal married her sister’s brother- in- law, Nevin, on paper. On arrival she discovered she’d wed Ross, the one known as the MacDougal Devil. Jessie was found in bed with Ace by a brother who came back with seven other relatives ready to shoot someone if there wasn’t a wedding. Florence Elliott married Ben to save her newly adopted children. In fact, it was Sheriff Barstow who insisted they marry. She’d gone West to find a decent man and get married. Having it forced on her like this was not her plan. But then, she’d never known men like Jed, Riley, and Clint. All three men made her want to do wicked things. Things that had seemed so hideous when her mother talked about them. She couldn’t imagine wanting a man to touch her there, much less putting something like a sausage inside her. Her sister had laughed at Victoria’s disgust, saying she would never learn how wonderful sex could be because she was so ugly no man would bother arousing her. Oh, they’d be happy to use her for their own gratification since she was a female, but they wouldn’t care about pleasing her. These men would want to please her. Though she’d forced herself on them, they were kind. They didn’t have to give up their wonderfully comfortable bed to her. From what she heard during the last couple of days, the valley wives were reasonably happy with their choices. Would she be content to live here, married to one of them? Considering the men she’d seen in her life, Jed, Clint, and Riley were saints. They aroused her, laughed with her, and wanted to please her. She’d never touched a man by choice, and certainly never kissed one. She could live on this quiet, beautiful ranch. Cities and even Tanner’s Ford had too many people bustling around, sticking their noses high in the air. If she lived there, she’d have to be careful of what she said, how she said it, and to whom. But here, she’d have

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mountains to the north and south, caring neighbors to share the load. Maybe even true friends, something she’d never had. No one wanted to be associated with her, in case her disgrace rubbed off on them. Friends, quiet, caring men in a home of her own, one that would shelter her children one day. Children who would have a father and two uncles to help them grow rather than one who abandoned them without a second thought. Children who could hold their heads high, proud of their home and family. They’d have lots of valley friends and would grow up strong, healthy, and loved. She smoothed her dress, tucked the strands of loose hair back into place and strode toward the cabin with confident steps. This would be her home forever. She’d share it with her husband, his cousins, and their children.

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Chapter Six “Huh,” said Barstow after the door slammed behind Victoria. “Way she shook on that chair, I thought she’d faint again.” He tilted his hat to look at Jed from under the brim. “You sure she’s not with child?” “God, no,” snarled Jed. “She’s always talking about keeping control so her perfect reputation isn’t tarnished. The woman wears about six petticoats, three shifts, and three dresses, all at the same time, to hide her figure. She’s a virgin for sure.” “I guess learning others know she’s been living here knocked her for a loop,” said Clint. “She sure was happy the last couple days, humming as she worked.” “She usually scowled at me,” said Jed, doing the same. “That’s because you wouldn’t put your shirt on and undid the top button of your pants,” said Riley. He sat back and licked his fork again. “When your back was turned, she checked you out pretty good.” “Values her reputation, does she?” Judge Thatcher pulled out his pipe and tobacco and began building a smoke. “We kept our hands off her,” said Jed. “Made sure she was well fed and entertained.” The judge lifted his eyebrows. “I mean with dominoes, stories, and that sort of thing. She took our bed and we stayed down here by the fire.” He stretched out his shoulders. “I’ll be glad to get off the floor.” “If Miss Edison is that worried about her reputation, she has a problem,” said the judge. He struck a match and puffed until he got a smoke going. “She’s been alone with you for three days and nights.

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You know what that means.” “Everyone knows we wouldn’t touch her,” said Riley. “Not that I didn’t want to,” he added with a sly grin. Jed tried to shush him, but he blathered on. “Don’t tell me you didn’t want her, Jed Adams. Your cock’s been hankering for her just as much as mine and Clint’s.” “That’s just because we haven’t had a woman in years,” explained Jed through gritted teeth. “Victoria’s not the only one with a problem,” said Barstow. “I hear Mrs. Jennet, that stuffy banker’s wife, has a nose for trouble and always has that cane ready to stir it. She’s one of those wanting to throw Sarah Unsworth out of town, just for being found in a whorehouse.” “What’s that sanctimonious battle-axe got to do with this?” asked Clint. “When she heard about Miss Edison staying here, she got her husband going. When we ruled against Jennet about getting your cattle back from Smythe, he roared over to talk to that newspaperman, Hames. He must have sent a horse and rider to Mayor Rivers, because the man rode in last night. He came right to the jail to complain, covered with mud.” “Would’ve liked to see that,” said Riley, laughing. “Rivers and Jennet are so mad about the council taking back your cattle that they’re ready to tar and feather you,” continued Barstow. “They can’t touch you about the cattle because the town council ruled, so they’re going after you for the only thing they can,” said Judge Thatcher. “For seducing Miss Edison.” “We haven’t seduced anyone!” yelled Jed. He jumped to his feet and pointed to his pants. “Look at my cock! It’s been this hard since I first saw the woman. You think I want to be in pain for three days and three damn- near-forever nights?” He looked from the judge to the sheriff as his cousins nodded agreement about their own pain. “If I’d had my way with Miss Edison, gentlemen, she’d be purring in my

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arms, not spitting fire.” Barstow held up his hands. “I believe you. But they’re powerful men, and Smythe will jump on the bandwagon as soon as he arrives. If’n you don’t change your situation, you’ll have a heap of trouble.” “From who?” demanded Clint. “Vigilantes, for one. They might do to you what they did to Jack Gallagher.” They looked at each other. “Who’s Jack Gallagher?” asked Jed. “Nobody, but he was innocent. And that hangman made sure his neck wasn’t broken so he’d have a long, painful death.” Thatcher’s words created silence. The self- nominated group of vigilantes dispensed what they called justice seemingly on a whim. Jed knew they were safe enough on their ranch, and even in the valley, but once they left the area controlled by the Tanner’s Ford sheriff, the same thing could happen to them as Jack. Bile rose in his throat. The J Bar C would not hide from a mob of cowards who covered their faces and rode in the night! “So, who’s the lucky man?” Judge Thatcher reached into his suit pocket. The thick paper crinkled as he unfolded it. “I wrote this marriage license just for you.” “Marriage?” Jed’s heart stopped beating for a second before pounding against his ribs. His ears buzzed so loud he couldn’t hear anything but echoes of Thatcher’s words. He backed away, hands up. “Oh, no. They’re not going to force us to marry that woman.” “It’s not force if it’s our choice,” said Clint calmly. “It mightn’t be all that bad, she’s a pretty good cook. She’s smart. Beats me every time when we play dominoes. When I lifted her from the wagon she felt like she’s got a body a man could get a handle on. Jed knows more about that, since he saw her bathing that first night.” He snickered at Jed’s furious glare. “If Jed’s seen her naked, he’d better be the one marrying her. She’d understand that reasoning,” said the judge. He gestured to Jed’s

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open shirt. “Seems to me you were showing off for the lady when I came up. That means you’re interested in her. That true, boys?” Clint and Riley started yammering about how Jed liked to tease her by showing off his chest and that she liked it. “Come on, Jed!” Riley almost bounced on his toes in eagerness. “We’re not gonna get anyone better, anytime soon. She’s a hard worker. She started planting the garden this morning. I saw her sigh, like she wished she could stay.” “Why should I have to marry her? I didn’t do anything wrong!” A blast of wind warned him too late that the door behind him was open. He turned to find Victoria standing like one of those Amazon women. She glared like a harpy, but he noticed her clasped fingers were as white as her face. “Neither did I, but my reputation is ruined,” she said with quiet dignity. Jed braced himself for female hysterics, but she kept her face blank. “I came to Tanner’s Ford to start a new life, with my head high,” she continued. “And you’ve destroyed it.” Jed held up his hands. “Whoa, lady. I haven’t destroyed anything. You came here by your choice. Wasn’t my fault Mother Nature hit us with a storm. I said we’d never touch you, and we didn’t.” “No one would believe that,” she said. “Jed did see you naked in that tub,” added Riley. “That’s not helping,” growled Jed. Her white face turned pink. Was it embarrassment, or something else? “Shall I solve your problem, Miss Edison?” asked the judge, cutting them off. “Appreciate you trying to help, but—ow!” Jed glared at Clint and rubbed his shin where a boot had struck hard. “Miss Edison, what if you were married, living on a thriving ranch, with good neighbors who respected you and enjoyed your company?” Judge Thatcher looked Victoria in the eyes and spoke

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calmly. “This valley has eight ranches, if you include Walt Chamberlain’s. Four have found wives in the past couple of years. Those women headed West to find a better life, and also found a new family. They’re happy, Miss Edison. A couple of them have part ownership in their ranches, and all are working toward good-sized families. Do you want a home of your own, children to love, and respect in the community?” She nodded. Jed figured she clenched her jaw so tight she couldn’t talk if she wanted to. The woman was tough, which said a lot for her life. When one of them did little things for her, things Aunt Chrissie expected as her right, Victoria was stunned. When he made a new seat for the crapper so she wouldn’t get splinters, she looked at him like he was the finest man she’d ever met. He liked her, but that didn’t mean she could put up with him for the rest of her life. Dammit, he hadn’t even kissed her, and everyone expected them to jump into marriage? “I’ve been performing weddings for over twenty years,” said the judge. “It’s a civil union with different words, but it still makes you married. Any preference in a husband?” “Jed,” said Clint quickly. “Riley and me agreed long ago he’d marry first. He’s the ramrod of the outfit, so it’s only right.” Jed opened his mouth, but Riley elbowed him in the gut. “I’d have to marry him?” She curled her lip. “What’s the matter with me?” demanded Jed, rubbing his belly. “I’d make a good husband.” “Tell me why.” She crossed her arms, looking him over like a side of beef. Jed thought for a few minutes. If he had to marry her, and it looked like that was in the cards, he wanted to start out right. Though it was true, she wouldn’t want him telling everyone that she made him burn hotter than a tumbleweed in a blazing fire. That his cock surged with need whenever he thought of her. And when he saw her, or smelled her fragrance, he wanted to make her scream his name so hard the mountains rumbled.

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He’d tell her that later, when she was thoroughly, happily bedded. By all of them. “I’ll listen to what you want, but we’ll have differences,” he said. “We’ll talk things over with my cousins, and come to an answer that works for all of us.” He could almost see her head spinning at hearing a man tell her that. But his Aunt Chrissie, Clint’s mom, insisted on being treated like an equal. Clint and even Riley would thump him if he treated their wife differently. Never would Jed treat a woman like his father did his mother, with curses, shame, and blows. Not that his mother was any better. “What if I disagree with your opinions?” For the first time, Jed calmly met her eye to eye as he would a man he respected. She had smarts behind those blue eyes. She might also have more than the usual wifely skills to add to their ranch’s future. “You’ll learn to live with it. Just as I’ll live with other things that the three of you force on me,” he said, giving his cousins a glance. “I might yell and get mad, but I’d never, ever, hit a woman or child. None of us would.” “How can I be sure of that?” “Jed’s father damn near beat him to death when he was six. He won’t hurt a fly.” “Shut up, Clint!” Jed’s face grew hotter. “That’s why my parents took him to live with us,” continued Clint. “You and your children will be safe.” Jed caught Cliff’s reference to the children being Victoria’s. If he’d said “you and our children,” that might have skewed things a bit. Victoria looked around the room, catching each man with her gaze. “I’m supposed to just agree to marry a stranger, because of the circumstances I find myself in?” Jed saw her fear, anger, and a touch of what might be eagerness. To hell with it. Time to see if they were compatible in the way that

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made marriage worthwhile. He stomped over to her before he let his good sense take over. She glared up at him with narrow eyes and pursed mouth. He exhaled and relaxed. This woman might be his wife, if he could convince her to agree. If he did this well, she might be even eager. He let a small smile escape. She frowned, but her nostrils flared. He leaned forward, ever so slowly, and brought his mouth down. He saw a flare of panic for a moment. Then she closed her eyes and opened her mouth. He slid his lips over hers in a taste. Apple, cinnamon, and coffee. Soft, delectable. He shivered, feeling a need he’d never acknowledged. He wanted her to love him, with all his faults, warts, and failings. That wasn’t going to happen, but he could make her want his body. He pressed harder, enticing her with his tongue. She grabbed onto his shirt with both hands and made a little female sound. Her eager demand zapped him from his balls around to the tip of his rock-hard cock. He slid his tongue into her mouth and under her lip. Soft. Soft and warm and wonderful. She groaned and did the same, tasting him. He wrapped his arms around her and leaned into the kiss, taking control with a passion he’d never felt before. “Yep. I think this’ll work,” he heard someone say with a chuckle. He slowly backed away, hauling air into his lungs and peppering her with small kisses to her lips, her cheeks, her nose. He rested his hands on her waist. Cold dread trickled down his spine. “Will you marry me, Miss Victoria Edison?” She trembled as she looked up at him with wide blue eyes. Her fingers still clenched his shirt. “Yes,” she whispered.

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Chapter Seven “Why wasn’t there any promises to love and obey?” asked Riley as he gave the judge’s horse some water. “I thought that was part of all weddings.” He laughed. “Not that Victoria would agree to obey anyone, especially Jed.” “I said a civil wedding was different.” The judge winked. “I hope you noticed I made sure Victoria promised to ‘care for her husband and family,’ and then had all three of you sign the marriage contract as equals, but with Jed first.” Riley shrugged. “Isn’t that the way it’s done?” “No. But this is Tanner’s Ford valley, where each wife shares three husbands.” He took the reins. “Since the new Mrs. Adams likes to keep her word, I made it part of the legal contract.” Riley gulped. He, along with Jed and Clint, would be having sex with Victoria. A woman with a marvelous bosom and lovely wide ass. They could touch her whenever they wanted, as long as she did, too. His cock throbbed, hard and eager. “Does she know she’s sharing us?” he asked, his voice breaking. He coughed. “I mean, does she really understand what she promised?” Thatcher’s moustache twitched. He looked toward the cabin. “I let the sheriff explain that. He’s a married man and has the badge to prove his word is law.” “What?” A feminine shriek erupted through the open door. “All of them? You can’t be serious!” “Sounds like Barstow just made his point.” The judge mounted up, chuckling.

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The sheriff dashed out of the cabin. He put his arms over his head and ducked as Victoria, screaming about rats and snakes and jackals, swatted at him with a twig broom. Jed stood in the open door, shoulder against the frame, laughing. He’d been smiling since their postwedding kiss. It lasted so long the judge had to break them apart to sign the wedding contract. He hadn’t let his cousins kiss her yet. Riley held the reins out to the sheriff so he could make a quick getaway. The two lawmen trotted off, taking the easy way out after getting a woman royally upset. “Did you have anything to do with this mockery of a marriage?” Riley turned to Victoria. Her lip quivered. She looked hurt and lost. He held out his arms to her. She dropped the broom and curled into his chest. He shifted so she wouldn’t feel his needy cock. She snuffled against his shirt as he rubbed her back. “Don’t fret, darlin’. It’ll work out.” “Did you know I promised to…to…” “I knew about it, but it didn’t hit me until just now.” He kissed the top of her head. He was six inches taller, making her just the right height. “Every wife in this valley has three men to care for her.” His hand slowed, the gentle rub changing to a lighter caress. Each time he let his fingers drift down her back he went a little lower, until he grazed the curve just below her waist. “I expect Beth will stop by in a day or so for a woman-to-woman visit. When she married Trace, she was the first wife in the valley to share her men. Jack once said Beth was surprised but enthusiastic.” Riley remembered almost punching the man for looking so smug. That was when Amelia and Ross MacDougal had their wedding party. “Beth’s got a son with Trace and a new daughter with Simon.” He kissed her neck like a lover would. Soft and gentle, encouraging her to relax. His hand flowed over the curve of her ass and back up. Her breath hitched, and her grip on him tightened. “Do you want children?” he whispered. She nodded, rubbing her forehead against his shirt. “There’s only one way to make that

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happen. You understand?” She nodded again. When she tilted her head to look up at him, he began a line of kisses leading to her ear. When he got there he nibbled her lobe. She rolled her head. She was flushed, her pupils so big they looked black. She still hadn’t put her golden-brown hair up. He ran the fingers of one hand through it, from her shoulder over her back and down to her bottom. “Your hair is like silk. And your eyes are so blue, like a cornflower.” She closed her eyes, so he kissed each one. “I promise to care for you like a husband, Victoria. To cherish and protect you.” He whispered the words into her ear as he stroked her hair. “I want to make you laugh. I’ll pick flowers for you, and rub your feet when they’re sore. I can rub your back, too.” He let his hand rove over her bottom, cupping it. Her eyes widened, and her nostrils flared. “In fact, I’d like to rub all of you, and kiss every part of you, too. Inside and out.” She gulped and pulled back. He immediately relaxed his grip, but only as far as necessary. He didn’t want to let go of her. “Just holding you now,” he said, “I feel better than I have in years.” “It’s the same with me,” said Clint from over his shoulder. “When I carried you, I didn’t want to put you down. The last couple of days, when you’ve been here, have been the best since we left home.” Clint walked behind her. Riley released her enough for Clint to pull her back against his front. She closed her eyes and leaned her head on his chest. “Please give us a chance,” murmured Clint. “Let us prove that we can please you. If you still don’t like us after a month or two, the judge can grant you a divorce. They do it all the time in Virginia City.” “I’m frightened,” she whispered. “Not of me, I hope.” Jed stood a couple of feet away. He looked at them and shook his head. “Good thing the judge changed those vows,

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since my cousins are making love with my wife already.” Love? Not yet. But it would come. Riley saw Jed’s small signs of nervousness, but also his gentle smile. Been a long time since Jed was so relaxed. “Our wife,” said Riley. Jed held out his hand to Victoria. He crooked his fingers at her. “Mine first.” When she didn’t move, Jed lifted an eyebrow in that irritating manner of his and tilted his head. Riley knew it was his “this is your last chance” look, but would Victoria? She must have, as she pulled away and slowly stepped toward Jed. “What are you going to do?” she asked. Her voice quavered. Jed took her hand. He brought it to his mouth and kissed her knuckles, gazing at her over them. Her eyes fluttered. “Show my wife one of the advantages of marriage.” “And that is?” Jed pulled her close and kissed her. When his hand went for her breast she moaned in agreement. Riley poked Clint, eager to join in. “We might as well go see if the Double Diamond needs some help,” said Clint. “But—” “Ry, we’re going to leave these two alone. We never got to the Double D the last time, and I expect they’ve got plenty of work for us. If they’re going to help us round up our cattle, we should do what we can in return,” Riley grumbled but followed him to the barn. They saddled up and led their horses out. Jed and Victoria hadn’t moved much. “She’s got her hands under his coat, so she’s not complaining,” said Riley. “Just as long as he doesn’t tire her out too much,” replied Clint. “It’ll be our turn when we get back.” Riley brightened. “You’re right. Let’s get this done so we can come home again.”

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**** “They’re gone,” gasped Jed. “Finally!” He rested his chin against his wife’s head and hauled air into his lungs. He had a wife! He held her tight in case her hands, gripping his shirt under his coat, let go. After a minute he looked down. Victoria’s eyes were glazed. Her mouth was pink and swollen a bit from his kisses. Yet she hadn’t complained. If he was to guess, her pussy lips would be just as swollen as the ones beneath her nose. But he didn’t want to guess. He wanted to find out. He planned to slowly and gently introduce her to married life and the benefits of a marriage bed. It had been a long time since he’d wanted to satisfy a woman. But the past didn’t matter. This was his wife, and his future. He stroked her breast. She inhaled a gasp. “I wonder how many layers there are between my hand and your skin?” “Layers?” “It doesn’t matter,” he replied, seeing her glazed look. He kissed her forehead. “There won’t be any in a moment.” He bent slightly to look her in the eyes. “Do you want me to show you what I mean, Mrs. Adams?” She swallowed hard, and then nodded. Jed swept her into his arms and strode toward the house. His hard cock brushed against his pants with every step. It hurt, but the end result would be worth it. He set her down inside the cabin and shut the door. The room was warm, but their bed would be cozier. He wasn’t sure he could get her up there yet, however. So he started on her buttons. Too damn many buttons. He kissed her, even through her clothes, as he worked. He paid a lot of attention to her breasts when he discovered how sensitive they were. As each layer came off, she gasped even more when he touched

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her. “If you’re that cold that you need all these petticoats and shifts to stay warm, you’re going to freeze in the winter.” She shook her head, but didn’t reply. Since he was down to the final layer, he had other things on his mind anyway. Making love with his wife. He took his time with the last layer. A plain drawstring shift and petticoat. No lace, no ribbons. Her stockings were scratchy wool, her boots battered. Yes, there were two holes in the sole of one boot, three almost working through in the other. Her laces were so knotted that he yanked, snapping them to get them off quickly. Did she wear all her clothes so that they wouldn’t be stolen? Everything was of poor quality. He didn’t know much about women’s clothes, but his wife was going to be comfortable. He wouldn’t be happy unless she was. “We’re going shopping for some pretty things,” he murmured against her neck. “A bit of silk and lace, and stockings that don’t scratch your skin.” “For me?” “Who else?” He was at the last button of her top. “We’ll go to town so you can pick out what you like. Patsy Tanner can order anything else. Also a wedding ring, and your bride present. We can’t forget that.” He parted her blouse like drapes, revealing her breasts. His stomach clenched at the pearly-pink skin topped with wide rose rings. An erect nipple jutted from the center of each. He choked for a moment. She was so beautiful. “Oh, my.” She tried to cover herself, but he found her nipple with his mouth. He flicked the tiny nub with his tongue. She gasped, grabbed his ears, and pulled him to her. So his new wife liked that, did she? Her breast did overflow his hand. Lucky him to have such bounty. He let his fingers trail down her ribs. She arched and trembled. He

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toyed with the last button, the one holding up her petticoat. He knew from removing her stockings that she had no drawers underneath. Nothing but soft, warm flesh. A moment later the fabric dropped to the floor. He didn’t notice anything but her lush beauty drawing him to her like a bee to pollen. He knelt on the floor and kissed her belly. He cupped her ass, one cheek per hand. Again, they overflowed his palms. Damn, he was a lucky man! “I’m awfully big,” she whispered. “Big and tall. I’m ugly.” “Who the hell told you that lie?” He glared up, past her rounded belly, her trembling breasts, and her jutting chin. “My mother,” she whispered. Maybe they had more in common than he thought. The last time his mother saw him, when he was finally fully grown, she’d looked up at him and called him a monster. She stayed married to a man who beat her, and her children, yet called him names? “Is your mother short and skinny with a tiny waist, narrow hips, and small breasts?” “Her breasts aren’t small, but you’re right about the rest. She’s blonde, like my younger sister. Men like women like that.” “Not this one,” he growled. He nibbled her downy belly. Her skin quivered. She fidgeted, moving her feet for better balance. When she widened her stance, her thighs parted enough to release a wave of her fragrance. God, how long could he stand this? He rested his forehead on her stomach, fighting for control. If he didn’t have his pants on, fully buttoned, he’d have entered her to the hilt! “Victoria, I think you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” “You’re only saying that because you married me.” He nosed her lower curls, inhaling the sweet perfume that soon he would taste. “I don’t lie. Ever.”

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He squeezed her cheeks, separating them with his fingers. He loved the way they sank into her flesh. It was as if her body already accepted him, and wanted more. She tensed, but relaxed when he just massaged them. He watched the emotions flashing across her face. Lust, worry, and other ones that flowed too quickly to identify. He brushed his fingers down the crack between her cheeks. Just a touch. When she didn’t pull away, he did it again, more deliberately. Slower, letting his fingers touch every part of her. The third time he scratched gently at her cavity. Her eyes widened, but she did nothing more than bite her lip. He rewarded her by stroking her curls with a finger. Once, twice, then he sent in an exploring finger. She shifted her thighs again. Another wave of fragrance drifted up. His hands shook at the thought of her trust. He was going to show her, for the first time, the pleasure a man can give a woman. He rubbed between her legs, from her clit to her ass, and back again. She gasped and crouched slightly, giving him more space to work. No, to play. “You like that?” A dark flush rose from her belly. He watched it flow across her breasts, up to her face. He didn’t need a verbal answer. “We’d be more comfortable in bed,” he said. “Would you like that?” “Aren’t you going to take your clothes off? I want to see you.” Blood surged to his engorged cock. He groaned in pain, and then choked a laugh. “Victoria, if I take my pants off, I’m going to come inside you so fast you’ll think marriage is just a nuisance.” He poked his tongue in her belly button when he really wanted to slide his cock inside her sweet pussy. “I don’t know if you know what I’m talking about, but—” “I know,” she whispered. “Would you take your shirt off? When I saw you this morning chopping wood, I wanted to run my hands all over your back. I like that you’re so big. All those muscles…” She liked him? He yanked his shirt over his head, not caring that

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buttons popped off. He tossed it aside and held his arms out. “You can touch me any time you want, sweetheart. Help yourself.” He’d never called a woman an endearment in his life. Uncle Pat used to call Aunt Chrissie that sometimes, and it just flowed from his mouth. She must’ve liked it, because she leaned forward as if to kiss him. He closed his eyes, ready. But instead a hard berry tickled his lips. He eagerly sucked her nipple into his mouth and nibbled it. “Oh, Jed,” she moaned. “I want to go to bed. Now.” He was halfway up the stairs, Victoria in his arms, before he realized he wasn’t kneeling anymore. He strode over to the bed and gently tossed her down. She sprawled like he hoped she would. He caught a flash of pink between her thighs before she shyly closed them. He shucked his socks but, though his cock hurt like the dickens, he didn’t dare undo even the top button of his pants. He had a wife to please a few times before his best buddy could come out to play. He knelt on the floor and reached for her ankles. She squealed when he hauled her to the edge of the mattress. She ended up with her knees either side of his hips. He gazed at her swollen, moist pussy. He touched her clit with one finger and vibrated it. She shivered. “You know what this is?” She shook her head. “No, but please do that again.” “I’m going to do something even better.” He wiggled his fingers under her ass until he held a cheek in each hand. He lifted her to his mouth and tasted her. She slammed her hands on the mattress, eyes wide. “What are you doing?” “Pleasuring my wife.” He watched her closely as he separated her lips with his tongue. She gulped, leaving her mouth open to pant. He flicked her clit. She jerked so hard he almost lost hold of her. “Want me to stop?” “No!”

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He settled in to make her scream. Concentrating on her pleasure, noticing every twitch, sigh, gasp, and tremble, was the only thing that kept him from ripping his pants off. He teased her, waiting to nip her clit until she silently begged him by thrusting against his mouth. She groaned, clenching her thighs around his face. This was heaven. Nothing he’d ever experienced had come close to the wonder of pleasuring this woman. Her flesh was soft and swollen. His tongue easily slid from her clit, down to her slit, and in. He probed there for a moment before swooping down toward her ass and back up again. Again, and again he did it, until she was gasping and pleading. He set her down, never letting his mouth leave her. He pressed around and over her clit while he slid a finger into her. She was so tight, so perfect, he almost came in his pants. She thrust her pussy up in a silent demand. She was so close, he could taste the difference in her. More salty than sweet. He lapped it up, using his fingers on her clit. One finger either side, he played with her as he gently sucked her lips, pressed into her slit with his other hand, and nibbled her clit. She gasped and reared, tight and high. A gush erupted into his mouth as she fell apart. He held her hips, drinking her first orgasm. Too soon, she collapsed, limp as wilted beet greens. He rested his forehead on her thigh, gasping air deep into his lungs. “Oh, my,” she murmured. Her fingers found his hair. She tugged. He looked up. She didn’t let go, so he followed her direction and brought his head up. He stopped to kiss and caress her breasts, of course, until she yanked him higher. He leaned over her. She smiled into his eyes. She changed her grip from his hair to his ears. “Can you do that again?” She challenged and begged him at the same time. He guided one of her hands to his pants. “You ready for the main course?” He tensed when she didn’t answer right away. Would she be frightened? She was well lubricated, but so tight that he’d have to be careful.

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“I want to feel good.” She trailed her hand down his chest. When her fingers reached his pants he had to grab her before he really did explode. “I can make both of us feel good,” he said, holding back a gasp. “You want that?” “Yes, please!”

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Chapter Eight Victoria still couldn’t catch her breath. Jed had shown her something wonderful between her legs, using just his tongue and fingers. Now that she knew about it, she wasn’t going to go without. She felt like she’d waited twenty-one years for this moment. She couldn’t wait any longer for more. He stood up, grimacing as if in extreme pain. He opened his first two buttons and groaned. A shiny purple head poked out. He released the other buttons and dropped his pants. “Oh, my goodness! How did that fit in there?” “Very painfully,” he replied. He looked down. “For a while I thought I’d bent him in half, but he looks fine.” Jed’s hands were so big they could almost hold her breast. But it looked like his hand barely circled his cock. Though she tried desperately to avoid it, she’d seen some naked men in her life. Few were anywhere near as magnificent as Jed. None sported a cock that big. Her mother insisted a woman could take any man as long as she relaxed enough. But how could she relax when she knew it would never fit? The first time was supposed to hurt, but she was used to pain. “Can we get this over with quickly?” He flinched as if she’d struck him. “Victoria, if I wanted fast I’d have been in you as soon as I dropped your last petticoat.” She couldn’t keep her eyes off the purple head bobbing in front of her. He lay on the bed on his side, facing her. “I’m a bit frightened,” she admitted. “It’s so…”

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“Big. And you’re so tight.” He stroked the side of her face with his fingertips. “I won’t hurt you, honey. We’ll take this as slow as you want.” “But, you haven’t, um”—she waved her hand, letting him fill in the word—“in a long time.” A drop appeared from the single eye at the end of his cock. She wanted to taste it, as he’d tasted her. “Maybe if we could, ah, do what you did to me, you wouldn’t be so big.” He jammed his eyes shut and moaned as if in pain. She cursed herself for talking and making him hurt. “I’m not sure if you know what you said. But if I come, I won’t be as hard, and I definitely won’t have this need to take you fast and hard.” He shuddered. “You got any ideas, sweetheart?” She knew some things, such as a man’s need to spend himself, but she’d refused to watch or learn what to do about it. Perhaps that was one lesson that would have been useful. Cecily had big breasts, and once said how much her patron enjoyed putting his cock there. Victoria loved it when Jed touched her breasts. Why not have another part of him touch them? She rested her hand on his cock. He groaned, fell on his back, and covered his eyes with his arm. “Help yourself,” he rasped. “Touch me anywhere, do anything you want. I’ll love it no matter what.” Now that he was on his back, she could see all of him. His cock stuck up like the mast of a sailing boat, angling forward to catch the breeze. She grasped it. Hard, like wood, but warm. More drops emerged from his tip. She came onto her knees, leaned over, and touched her tongue to him. “Oh, God, yes!” He grabbed the mattress with his hands, groaning. She faintly remembered when she’d done the same thing. He wanted her to suck and lick him, just like he’d done to her. She settled herself across his thighs and leaned forward. She loved his strength. Even here, he was massive. She ran her other hand over his free arm. The muscles had defined edges and a light dusting of hair, while his

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cock was smooth. She had to pull his cock down, like a lever, to touch her mouth to him. As soon as her lips touched him, he jerked. Though she was tall and heavy boned, he still lifted her in the air. She held tight and, once he settled, did it again. He moaned, but lay fairly still. She shivered at the sense of power surging through her. Jed could throw her across the room with one arm, but she could hold him down with one touch of her lips. A sheen of fluid slid down his cock, coating it and making it slippery. She dangled her breasts either side of his cock. Concentrating to make it work, she pressed her elbows against her breasts, which then pillowed his cock. She lifted up on her knees so he slid between her breasts. It dragged against her nipples, shooting a wave of need between her legs. His eyes shot open. “Jehosaphat!” “You like this?” “Are you crazy?” He finally met her eyes. “I like it so much just the thought of you doing it is going to make me come!” She looked down. Sure enough, the open tip gasped like a fish out of water. She put her hands on her breasts instead of using her elbows. She rocked back and forth, watching him disappear between her breasts, and then appear again. The thick, dark arrow pierced the space between her white flesh. Was that what it would look like if she could see his cock entering her pussy? The thought excited her. She sped up. “Oh, that’s good, honey.” Jed rested his hands on her waist, guiding her speed. He thrust up, harder and faster than she could move. She slowed, letting him control the action. When his cock shoved past her breasts, almost to her mouth, she caught it with her tongue. Salty and warm. He groaned and did it again, so she dropped her head to catch him. Every time he came near her mouth, she caught him with her open mouth. He moved one hand to her head, directing and encouraging

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her. Not wanting to lose her power, the next time he came near she opened her mouth wide and sucked him. He jerked, growled, and gushed into her mouth. She drank him, loving that she’d made him lose control. Loving that she could bring this joy to him, a joy he’d given her. When he sagged onto the mattress, gasping for breath, she licked the last few drops and settled by his side. His arm nestled her close, twitching every now and then. She draped her hand over his cock. It was smaller, but not by much. Suddenly, he chuckled. His shoulders shook, and he laughed out loud. Was he laughing at her? She sat up and slapped his chest. “What’s so funny? You didn’t like that?” Jed suddenly rolled, taking her with him. She ended up under him, looking into his dark eyes. A rich chocolate. His hard body covered her. He lay between her legs, his cock nudging her entrance. She caught her breath. Was he going to do it now? He smiled, smoothing back her hair from her face. His look was gentle. Peaceful. “You just surprised the hell out of me, Victoria. I laughed because I realized what a lucky man I am to have you.” He kissed her lips. She tasted herself and gave him back his essence. “Don’t be angry for me asking, but where did you learn that?” He suddenly put a finger across her lips. “No, don’t answer. It was just my smart wife figuring things out for herself.” She nodded, relieved she didn’t have to explain. How could she? “My mother always said I had a good imagination. She didn’t like it.” “I do. Feel free to use it anytime you like. Especially when we’re naked.” He moved his bottom so his cock nudged against her. She ached there, wanting something more than his fingers and tongue. He rolled again, so she lay on top of him. Her knees straddled him, which put

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her bottom in the air. She’d landed far enough up his body that his hand could caress her back cheeks. She arched like a dog. Would he take the hint, or did she have to beg? He chuckled and slid his fingers into her from behind. He played with her breast with his other hand for a moment. “I know what you want,” he said, and touched her clit. What about this man made her body light on fire? His fingers were no different than any others, but when they touched her skin, she felt alive. She shuffled her knees until she could dangle her breasts in his face. He caught one with his mouth and suckled, nibbling her nipple and flicking it with his tongue. At the same time he tantalized her by touching her clit for a moment, and then circling it. He drew fluid from her pussy, forward and back, until he reached her back hole. He stared fiercely up at her. What was he doing? Surely he wasn’t going to— He did! She shivered when his finger penetrated her. Why did it feel so good? She silently begged him for more, ashamed to ask in words. When he didn’t move, she arched her back, pressing him into her. His nostrils flared, and a triumphant look came over him. “Yes,” he hissed, baring his teeth. She trembled, not knowing what to do. “Sit on my cock,” he whispered. Not quite an order, but a strong suggestion. She backed up with his help until she hit an obstacle. His cock. He rubbed it against her slit, reminding her of the orgasm she’d experienced with his mouth. She pressed back, letting him enter her for the first time. It wasn’t much, barely an inch, but she exhaled in relief. Finally, she would find out what it was like to be a woman. Her sister had taunted her for years. Her mother had ridiculed her since she first bled. She was not complete until she’d had a man between her thighs. Unlike her mother and sister, she’d vowed not just any man would take Victoria Edison’s virginity. She wanted one who would put her

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first, who would want her to have equal pleasure. She wanted the man under her. With his encouragement she rose high enough to impale herself. She tried to drop slowly, but her barrier stopped her. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t take him any deeper. “I’m going to have to help you,” he said. Lines of worry crumpled his forehead. “Oh, sweetheart, this may hurt, and I don’t want to hurt you.” She smoothed his forehead with her hand. “Help me,” she whispered. He placed his hands on her hips when she rose up. She licked her lips in concentration. “Now,” she said, and dropped. He pulled her onto him. A sharp pain made her gasp. He stopped, holding her in midair, both of them gasping. She held her breath for a second, and the pain faded. It was nothing compared to countless others. But it meant something important. She smiled. “I can do it now.” “Are you okay?” “I will be in a minute.” She rose and fell, a little closer to him each time, as he guided her down. When her golden curls mingled with his dark ones, she swore she saw a tear in his eye. He blinked, and it was gone. “My turn to work,” he said, and rolled her again. He lay between her legs, joined to her in a way she’d heard so much about and never really understood. He didn’t move, supporting himself on his elbows and smiling into her eyes. “I’m honored that you chose me,” he finally said. What could she say to that, other than, “Thank you. For helping me, and being so kind.” “Kind? I thought I’d hurt you.” “Never.” She clenched his cock, loving the feel of him throbbing inside her. He gasped, and then groaned. He started moving then, slow and sure. His cock rubbed against something just inside her, something that made her breath hitch.

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“I like this,” he said, “but I’ve got a better idea.” A moment later she found herself on top again. “What are you doing?” He laughed and crossed his arms behind his head. “It’s time for you to take charge. Find the right angle and drag your clit against me. Anytime you want your nipples played with, just let me know. I’m here to please.” She tentatively slid back and forth. A zing hit her. Her clit did, indeed, rub against him just right. He laughed when she gasped, and he took control of her breasts. She didn’t know it would feel so good to have her nipples pinched. She rode him, grinding herself on his groin. “Harder,” she ordered, and slammed back on his cock. She could feel the tension grow, just like last time. She closed her eyes to better concentrate. He groaned under her, massaging her breasts and pinching her nipples. There it was, that need. She ground herself against him, silently begging for release. One more and… “Yes!” She shuddered, clenching him as her orgasm hit. He grabbed her hips and surged into her. She sighed, thinking it was over, but his cock slammed up hard, thrusting deep and setting off another round. This one was different, deep and hard. She threw back her head as he slammed her down, again and again, until he yelled. He shot his seed deep into her. She held him, milking every drop, just as her mouth had done earlier. He groaned and pulled her down for a kiss. He devoured her, sucking and nipping and thrusting his tongue as he had his cock. They broke apart, and she collapsed on his heaving chest. Her ears buzzed, like a bumblebee at high speed. “Oh, lord. If that didn’t kill me, I don’t know what will,” he finally gasped, half laughing and half groaning. She toyed with his hair until she got up her nerve. “Is it always like this for men?”

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He lifted her so he could look her in the eyes. She saw more emotion there than she’d seen in any man before. Tenderness, caring, and a wild joy. “I don’t say I’ve had a world of experience,” he said, “but I’ve never had that happen before. Whatever it is between us, it’s damn good.” She snuggled beside him, her head on his chest. His breathing became regular and deep. She smiled against his ribs. If it was this wonderful with Jed, what would it be like with Riley and Clint? Now that she knew what sex was all about, and how wonderful it could be, she was ready for the next round. Jed, however, was not. Her sister’s patron was an older man, and she remembered Cecilia complaining he could only perform once a day. That was one advantage of having more than one husband. She still had Clint and Riley to try out. With three men to share, when she tired one man out, the next would be ready to please her. And then the next. She closed her eyes and drifted off to the sound of Jed’s steady heartbeat.

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Chapter Nine “Shh, she’s sleeping,” said Jed. Clint motioned for Riley to take his boots off at the door. The place was almost spotless, and he wasn’t going to get on Victoria’s bad side by messing it up. Not when he was as randy as an elk in October. He wasn’t going to butt heads with Riley over it, though. They’d come to an agreement. They’d flipped a coin, heads or tails. Riley got her head and chest, and he got her tail. As long as the lady was willing, that is. And they hadn’t cheated this time. Jed had no idea that there were three long straws. Each of them got the same length, but he and Riley agreed to break theirs. Jed sipped coffee, looking more relaxed than he had in years. No wonder, if he’d bedded Victoria so hard she was still snoring. Though his pants were on, the top button was loose, as if ready to go again. Nuh-uh. Jed would have to take his place in line. He could make supper while they entertained the darling, naked Victoria. “You treat her right?” Jed nodded at Riley’s question. “That woman is something,” he added, shaking his head in wonder. Clint was hungry, but he’d go without food for now. They’d washed up in Warm Spring Creek on the way home, from toes to tits, as Grandpa Fortune used to say. He shrugged out of his shirt and set it over the chair. Riley, eyes bright, did the same. “What do you think you’re doing?” Jed frowned at them. “Waking up our wife with a kiss,” said Clint. He held up his hand to stop further complaint. Jed might be the ramrod of the J Bar C, but he’d been the leader from the day his father brought Jed home. Clint

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was pretty young, but he remembered the older boy’s cuts and bruises. Jed’s parents didn’t come by for years after that, and no children were left alone with either of them. Because Clint’s parents raised Jed, and later, Riley, both of them looked to Clint for approval. When he wanted something bad enough, both his cousins backed down. And he wanted Victoria, spreadeagled, naked, and reaching for him with a smile. “Wait for my signal,” he warned Riley. His slightly older cousin tossed him a jar of something. He automatically caught it, and then looked down. “In case she needs lubricating,” whispered Riley. Jed snorted into his coffee. “That woman was so wet she—” “Not there,” corrected Riley. He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. Caught swallowing, Jed choked and coughed so hard that Riley had to hit him on the back a few times. Really hard. Clint concentrated on climbing the stairs that rose up the back wall. He paused when his head cleared the floor. All he could see in the bed was a tangle of sheets and a long, silky river of golden-brown hair. What would it be like to have her dangle that over his body? If she rode his cock and leaned forward for him to suckle her breasts, her hair would hide him like a curtain. He set his foot on the top step, and then stood on the floor. She lay on her stomach, one knee pulled up to her chest. His eyes traced the curve of her back, swooping down her waist to the outward flare of her ass. Her fine, white, plump ass. Each full cheek a part of two, divided by the cleft which separated them and led to the intriguing brown rosette, then her slit, then her clit. He would investigate them all, in time. He set the jar on a shelf higher than she could easily reach. She wasn’t ready for that yet, but when she was, the lard would be close enough for easy access. She sighed and rolled over. Her swollen lips proved that Jed had

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kissed her more than once. Her breasts followed the pull of gravity, one resting against her chest while the other flowed onto the mattress. He unbuttoned the first three buttons of his pants, just enough to release the pressure. He shook out a leg and walked forward. A reddish-brown mark in the center of the bed hit his gut like a punch. If he’d wanted, it would have been his cock to breach her maidenhead. But Jed needed Victoria to be his wife. He needed to know a woman loved him first. Clint had a good idea that, in time, Victoria would love them all. He almost loved her already, just for being there for them, but he needed to know her better before he gave up his heart. She was a complex woman with secrets, but weren’t all interesting women that way? And when she opened her past to them, it would mean she’d also opened her heart. He let his pants drop to the floor and stepped out of them. He watched her sleep, absently shafting his hand up and down his cock. Its single eye released enough liquid that his palm slid easily over his entire length. But what was he doing watching when he could hold her? He sat on the edge of the bed, but she still didn’t stir. So he lay down beside her and pulled her over half on top of him. She smiled in her sleep and sighed. He smoothed her hair over her shoulder, letting it drape over her back. Her hand moved, snagging his cock. She grasped it. He tensed. Was she still asleep, or was that a conscious choice? “Hmm, you’re ready for more now?” “It’s Clint you’re holding on to. What’s in your hand proves I’m more than ready.” Her eyes flew open. A blush stained her cheeks. He lifted his head and looked. Yep, the rosy glow went all the way down to her belly. He winked. “Sleep well?” She nodded, biting her lip.

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“You mind me holding you like this?” She shook her head. “Do you want to use the commode before we start?” “Start?” He ran his rough fingers over her breast. Her skin was as soft as he’d imagined. She arched, bringing her rosy nipple into view. He rolled it between his thumb and fingers. She licked her lips, breathing hard. “There’s plenty more of this if you’re interested,” he said. “But if you’re not…” She looked toward the screen in the corner. “Give me a moment.” “Take all the time you want. I’m not going anywhere.” She covered herself with a dress, leaving the front open. Clint leaned on one elbow to watch her walk across the room. Nah, she didn’t walk. That was far too plain a word for this woman. Even through the thin cotton he could see her butt sway, each cheek moving against the other. He was going to kiss every inch between those cheeks. He’d show her how good that felt. Maybe he’d play with her asshole a bit, just to see if she liked it. He’d certainly like it. A tinkling sound came from the corner. He groaned and dropped his head. He shook it, amazed that something so intimate could make him crave her even more. Though tall, she was still delicate in her ways. He was a man. Loud, brash, and strong. She kept her eyes down as she washed her hands. When she looked up, he winked. She straightened her back, raising those magnificent breasts. “You are one fine-lookin’ woman,” he said. “Front and back, just perfect.” She shook her head in denial. He crooked his finger at her. She bit her lip and walked forward. This time it was the movement of her breasts that fascinated him. Women had so much to admire, front and back, top and bottom, side to side. He would kiss, lick, and tickle

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every inch of Victoria’s body, inside and out. She stopped at the edge of the bed and looked at him. She kept her mouth open to breathe. “Are you sore, or do you want more?” His cock pulsed with his rapid heartbeat as she took her time looking at him. She licked her lips. “I want more,” she said, staring at his cock as if she wanted to swallow him deep. Would she follow his directions? “Put your foot here.” He pointed to the mattress. She set it where he asked, which opened her body to him. Under her curls she had a cute little puss. Small inner lips pouted past her outer ones. She was shaped like a bun with a slit in the top. He imagined dripping honey along that slit and licking it off. He slid his hand up her strong thigh. She watched his fingers slowly rise. He was the one to tremble when he grazed her swollen lips. She smelled of sex, no doubt about it. If he tasted her now, he’d find traces of Jed. That wouldn’t bother him another time, but he wanted to think she was all his today. He watched her face the whole time, judging his touch by her reaction. He curled his fingers, running them from back to front in a slow “come hither” movement. Pinky first, touching the smooth skin of her ass and all the way to her slit. His pointing finger entered her there. Her nostrils flared. Another finger, and a third, proved he would fit. His thumb found her clit. She stiffened, her mouth opening in a silent cry. Her scent intensified, and his fingers were flooded with her juices. Fresh juices. Perhaps he would taste her after all. “I want to put my tongue here,” he said, rotating her clit with his thumb. “Please,” she said. He lay on his back and motioned her forward. She frowned,

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unsure. He took her hands and guided her. Her eyes widened when she realized what he wanted, but she eagerly complied. Clint moaned when Victoria settled her pussy over his chin. He inhaled, drawing her scent deep into every pore of his body. This was his woman, the only one he would touch for the rest of his life, God willing. He smiled up at her, past her belly and magnificent breasts. Every woman was different, but all were wonderful. But damn, he loved a big woman with breasts and ass cheeks that overflowed his hands. Victoria had wide hips and a belly that would swell with his child one day. It didn’t matter who the father was. Every one would be his baby. He helped her to angle herself so her clit was right where he wanted it. He caught the engorged hood between his lips. She sighed and relaxed against his mouth. He licked her from slit to clit and a gush of sweetness flowed over his tongue. His cock throbbed in need, but he had more important things to do first. She was ready, and eager. He encouraged her to take over her breasts while he worked on her pussy. He couldn’t help trying a knuckle against her rear. She liked it so much he decided to try something a bit bigger to finish her off. Nothing could beat the joy of giving a good woman what she needed. Her orgasm caught them both by surprise. She laughed, trembling above him, while he held her hips and caught every drop of her explosion. She was still quivering when he moved, placing her on her hands and knees facing the room. He knelt behind her and placed his eager cock against her slit. She arched and pressed against him. That was all the encouragement he needed. He entered her slowly, letting her set the pace. She groaned, holding him tight inside as she took all of him. Her pussy was tight, holding his cock like a velvet vise. He leaned over her back and massaged her breast with one hand. He easily found her clit with the other. If his fingers weren’t sure, her gasp of delight would have proven it.

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Using long, slow strokes, he filled her to the hilt and then pulled out. Slow, deep, and frustrating for both of them. Arousing as hell, but frustrating because he’d gone so long without. He should have given himself a hand job at the stream. “Damn, you look good, woman!” **** Victoria, deep in Clint’s rhythm, startled at the new voice. Riley stood a few feet away, naked, staring at her. She tried to move, to hide, but Clint held her hips too tight. “Shh, you’re fine,” he murmured. “Riley wants you just as much as me and Jed, but he’ll take his turn and wait until you’re ready.” “I don’t think I can wait until you’re finished.” Riley walked closer, his cock bouncing slightly with each step. It curved toward his belly. “You always take too long to do everything.” Clint continued at the same steady pace. If his slow glide didn’t feel so good, she’d be blushing and stammering. Riley stared at them, his hand on his cock moving in time with Clint’s movements in her. Back and forth with agonizing slowness. “With sex, slow is best,” said Clint. “The more you build up, the better it is.” She tried to entice him, tightening her inside muscles to make him speed up, but he just laughed. “Our wife has a fine ass, Ry.” Clint trailed his fingers between her back cheeks. A most arousing shiver hit. Was this proper? She squeezed her cheeks, but he pressed them open and rubbed her where no one had ever touched. “Take a look at this sweet, little brown rosette,” said Clint. Riley stood right beside her, his cock bobbing by her ear. “See what happens when I scratch it.” Would he put his finger there? Would it feel good if he did? He touched her. She shivered at the wicked sensation.

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“She’s got a pink ring inside,” said Riley. “Let me try.” Instead of scratching, he pressed something into her. She inhaled at the rush of feeling and gripped both her ass and pussy. “Oh, that is going to send me through the roof,” groaned Clint. “If the lady wants more and you’re going too fast, I could finish her off.” Clint changed angles and hit something that tingled. “Again!” she ordered. As long as she got pleasure, she didn’t care who gave it to her. Riley’s cock came near her mouth. She nipped the side of it. He held it steady, letting her mouth drift over it from belly to tip. “If Clint can’t wait, I’ll make sure you have a good time, Victoria. Any way you like. Back, front, on your knees, whatever. I aim to please.” Clint leaned over and kissed her neck. “You want Riley to help you, honey? Because if I come, as soon as I pull out, Ry’s going to want to fill you all the way. You want that?” She answered by squeezing his cock inside. “She says yes, so let go of your cock and give Victoria’s breasts some attention.” Riley moved so fast that he was on his knees, hands reaching for her, before Clint hit bottom again. Riley massaged her breasts, and then sucked her nipple into his mouth. Clint held her loosely. She grabbed control and backed against him, moving fast and hard. “That’s it!” Clint slammed against her, thrusting deep. She wanted him and cried out in need. He shuddered, losing rhythm, just when she was almost there. Riley moved, pushing Clint aside. He fell sideways onto the mattress. She saw a silly smile on his face before Riley took over. He filled her the same, and yet different. His cock rubbed against that special spot inside her slit. Clint shifted and put his fingers on her clit. She hissed when he found the right spot. Riley snarled behind her, his cock working like a piston, in and out of her pussy. She arched her back, offering herself, aiming her pussy for Riley to stroke

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her right. “You ready, pet?” Clint whispered. She nodded, almost there. Her whole body trembled. Would she feel as good as with Jed? Clint touched a finger against her bottom. She lifted it, silently begging for more. He laughed and twisted it in while working magic with his fingers on her clit. A final pinch and— “Oh, yes!” Her orgasm took over in spasms. Riley roared and exploded. His curved cock pressed on her spot as he pounded into her, until his rhythm broke after release. Clint kissed her back cheek and fell on the bed. Riley leaned on her back, panting, as Clint had a few minutes earlier. He hugged and pulled them sideways, still connected. She closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing, waiting for the buzzing in her head to stop. Footsteps thudded on the stairs. Jed’s head appeared. He gave her a wicked smile and came over to the bed. He shucked his pants and climbed in with the rest of them. It took a few minutes to sort things out. She snuggled her chest on Jed while Riley’s front warmed her back. Clint lay across the bottom of the bed, watching them and massaging her feet. “I never realized feet were so arousing until I saw your toes curl when you came with Riley,” said Clint. “Everything about Victoria is arousing,” replied Riley. She didn’t reply. She was married, which took away the scandal of the last few days. But the men sharing her bed didn’t know the truth about her. The only person who knew, and would come out West, was Mr. Smythe. He’d promised not to tell, but she no longer believed what he said. If he was angry at her husband and his partners, would his promises of secrecy turn into threats of exposure? How would Jed react to learning the truth about her?

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Chapter Ten “You should have listened to me, wife. I said you’d have fun at the picnic.” Jed nudged her with his elbow. Victoria smiled at her husband of just over a week. She’d never been welcome at a social gathering so wasn’t sure how to behave. She’d dreaded meeting the people of Tanner’s Ford, but Jed told them she was shy and unused to crowds. There were fewer than eighty people at the picnic, but in this empty land twenty was a crowd. For the first hour she held back, sure someone would throw insults and condemn her, for attending, for sharing a home with three men, or for being her mother’s daughter. “Everyone was so nice,” she said. It wasn’t true, but she wouldn’t complain. “Except Mrs. Emslow and Lumley, the hotel clerk,” said Jed, “but they’re rude to everyone.” He smiled at her, taking the sting of their rejection away. Though it was far milder than she was used to, it reminded her of bad times. “You make some friends? I saw you laughing with Beth and Jessie by the punch bowl.” He gave her a mock fierce look. “You weren’t laughing at me, were you?” She laughed back. “Yes, I made friends, and no, we weren’t laughing at you. Jessie was telling me about disguising herself as a very rude boy and working on the Double Diamond ranch. Ace was so uncomfortable around her because he thought she was a boy, yet was attracted to her. He didn’t know what to do.” “Man must have been blind not to see it. She’s a good- looking woman.”

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“Did you know?” Jed shrugged. “Never looked. But I’d know right off the bat if a woman tried to put herself off as a boy.” He leered and slid his eyes over her. “Even a blind man would know you weren’t a boy.” He adjusted himself, wincing. “And after the way those bachelors looked at you all day, I’ll be proving you’re my woman as soon as we get home.” “That a promise?” She unbuttoned her top three buttons and flapped the material to cool herself. Flirting was new to her, and fun. “That’s a double promise,” called Clint from his horse on the other side of the wagon. “Triple!” yelled Riley from behind. “Why don’t you boys head home and get things ready? We have to take the road with this wagon, but you can go cross-country.” “Don’t try to look so innocent,” replied Clint. “You just want some time alone with Victoria.” “Damn right! I had to watch for hours while too many men tried to get her attention.” He rotated his shoulders as if to release the strain. “I trust the Flying X and Circle C, but that man Walt hired has an acquiring eye.” “Zach,” said Clint, putting a name to him. “Said he’s from Texas, but he doesn’t even twang as much as Riley.” “Whoa, there,” said Riley, breaking in. “I don’t twang anymore.” Victoria pressed her lips together and looked down. When Riley got lusty, his voice began to sound like warm syrup flowing over her. He used phrases she’d never heard before but which made her feel hot and sensual. He explained he spent the first half of his life in the South learning how to be a wastrel and doing a good job of it. Walt Chamberlain was a dear man who Beth said pretended to be a curmudgeon but had a very kind heart. His hired hand Zach was as tall as Clint, and women would likely find him handsome, but she thought he was arrogant. He said he and his partners, the ones bringing Walt’s cattle up from Texas, would be finding a wife by

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winter. When she told him that others had waited years to find one, he laughed. He said he wasn’t the type to wait for what he wanted. He went out and got it. He made it very plain that he would have gone after her if she hadn’t already been married. “I don’t care who he is,” Jed said with a growl. “I don’t want him staring at my wife.” “He wasn’t staring, he was admiring,” replied Clint with a wink. “Victoria’s such a lovely woman that it makes a man proud to know others are jealous.” Jed snorted. “It might make you proud, but it makes me want to prove that I’m the one she’ll spend the rest of her life with.” He turned to her. His eyes told her his plans for the evening. They’d have to rush through their chores again, but it would be worth it. “Let’s get home, Ry,” said Clint. “I’ve got special plans for a certain woman tonight,” he added in a deep, sexy growl. He gave her the hottest look she’d seen from him yet. Her body responded, flooding her with warmth. “Sooner we get home, the faster we can have fun,” said Riley. He nudged his horse and headed west, closely followed by Clint. The wagon couldn’t cross the Sinclair Gulch Creek separating their ranches, so she and Jed would take far longer getting home. “I hope you didn’t mind that we left earlier than the others,” said Victoria. “I’m not used to so many people. It was wonderful, but a bit overwhelming.” She couldn’t tell him that her fear of discovery grew with each moment she spent there. At first it was wonderful, meeting the other wives and being so well accepted as Mrs. Adams. They asked her about the latest fashions. Though she never wore them herself, she took care of the many dresses her mother and sister flounced and primped in. No one commented on how cheap her dress was in comparison to what she described. The other women were delighted to hear whatever she could tell them, as no one else had arrived from

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the East since the fall. She laughed and listened to some of their stories, ate wonderful food, shared recipes, and enjoyed herself more than she could have imagined. But then the newspaperman, Buford Hames, arrived. He took a few photographs, including one of the four of them, for their wedding. She tried to refuse but could give Jed no reason for it. Hames circulated through the group, chatting with everyone and writing notes in the small book he carried in his vest pocket. She tried to put him off, but that seemed to get him more interested. He kept asking where she came from, who her family was, and why she’d come out West. He smiled widely and was very polite, but she didn’t like the way he looked at her. Hames looked at her as if she were a puzzle he had to solve. It frightened her, so she asked Jed to take her home even though it was only late afternoon. Jed was quiet, staring between the horse’s ears, so she let the tension drain away. It was over, and she’d passed the test. She was accepted, and respected, as a valued member of Tanner’s Ford society. She had a home of her own, even though it was far smaller than the one she’d grown up in. But no one would throw her into the street when she got old and lost what little beauty she might have. It wasn’t much, but far more than she had before. And her life would get even better. Smiling to herself, she held on to the seat as Jed maneuvered the wagon from the rutted trail on Walt’s ranch, to the far smoother road. She shifted her bottom closer to Jed. Happiness bubbled through her. “Thank you,” she said. She snuck her arm around his. “For what?” Jed gave her a quizzical look. “For treating me so well. For everything you’ve done to make me feel the J Bar C is my home. And for being the wonderful husband you are.” For once, she let her feelings show. She smiled from the bottom of her heart, wanting him to realize how much he meant to her. “I feel so proud to be your wife. You make me so happy.” His eyes widened. He flushed and turned away.

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His rejection felt like a slap to the face. The joy from the best day of her life dropped from her like a frozen arrow to her soul. She pulled her arm back and slid away from him. She dropped her eyes to her lap and clasped her hands, intertwining her fingers. The horse kept plodding in the uncomfortable silence. Finally, she could take it no longer. “I apologize for whatever I said that made you angry.” She drew in a deep, shuddering breath. “If you’ll tell me what it was, I won’t do it again.” Jed snarled something, tossed the reins aside, and hauled her into his lap. He pressed her face to his chest, so she couldn’t see his expression. His heart raced under her ear, and the arms holding her tight trembled. “Aw, sweetheart, I’m not angry. It’s just…” He squeezed her tight so that she could barely breathe, but she said nothing. “I’m not a man to be proud of.” His words were so quiet she could barely hear him. “Why not? You created this ranch, built a home, helped so many others—” “Clint and Riley did a lot of it,” he muttered. “Yes, because you’re partners. But that doesn’t take away what you’ve done.” He released her to pick up the reins, as the horse had almost come to a stop. A light snap and the wagon began rumbling forward again. “Victoria, don’t make me out to be better than I am.” “You, Riley, and Clint are the best men I’ve met in my life.” He snorted a laugh. “The sheriff and judge seem like good men,” she continued, “and their wives are so friendly. The same with the other ranchers, not that I saw much of them. But none of them treat me the way you do.” “How’s that?” He flicked a glance at her. She inhaled his comforting scent. “When I’m with you, I feel accepted, that you like me. Even when we’re arguing, I feel safe. I

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don’t have to tiptoe around, worried that something I say would upset you.” She cleared her throat. “At least, not until now.” He transferred the reins to his left hand. He put his arm around her and pulled her against him. She sighed into his embrace. “I’m the one who’s wrong, sweetheart. What you said”—he shook his head—“it scared the hell out of me. I’ve never had anyone look up to me for anything.” He finally looked down. His frown creased his forehead. “I don’t know if I can…aw, hell!” His lips crushed hers. She reached her arm around him and kissed him back, just as hard. He broke away and rested his chin on her head. “I don’t have the words, Victoria. The only way I can show you what I think, is with my body.” His tortured voice convinced her of his truth. She could speak more easily, but still found it difficult to say what she thought. She cared for him more than anyone else, ever. Clint and Riley were very special to her, but neither of them was her husband. Considering how she was raised, she expected them to want to use her body, but they made sure she was pleasured first, and often second as well. If Jed and his cousins spoke through their bodies, they cared for her a lot. The first thing they’d do when they came home, after chores were done and they washed up, was to give her a big smile and bigger hug. If she wasn’t too busy and they could get away with it, a long kiss would follow. While they told her stories of their day, she would finish supper. They had to top each other’s stories, but she realized the insults were how they showed their caring. All three touched her as often as they could. A gentle caress on her bottom when they passed, a quick kiss on her forehead or even shoulder if she was chopping or rolling pastry. A touch said, “I care.” It was nothing like the way her mother and sister were touched by their patrons, with a sense of ownership. She sagged against Jed, suddenly understanding. She should watch what they did, rather than waiting to hear their words. She reached up to kiss him to say she understood. His kiss was

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gentle, his smile tender until it widened into an interested leer. “You know what I want to do with you, Mrs. Adams?” “Have your way with me and make me too limp to talk?” She purposefully used the phrase she’d innocently given him within moments of their first meeting. He burst out laughing. “Why don’t you get naked? We’ll save time when we get home.” Her relief brought out the imp in her. There was no one else on the road, so she decided to get Jed so hot that he couldn’t stand it. Doing so would be brazen, but after today her place in the local society was set as the J Bar C wife. “Good idea.” She climbed back onto the seat and reached for her shirt. She tilted her head at him and gave a sly smile. “I think I’ll start with you.” She ran her right hand over the cock straining to escape his pants. He jerked. She undid his buttons and released it to stand in the sun, thick and hard. He laughed, far more relaxed than before. “You seducing me, wife?” “Why would I need to when you’re always so eager?” She shifted to the far end of the wagon seat to make it more difficult for him to touch her. She played with her fourth button, the one which would reveal her cleavage, as he watched. The vein in his neck throbbed. A drop appeared from the small eye of his cock. She stared at it and licked her lips, knowing he’d realize what she meant. She opened the fourth and fifth buttons and waved the fabric to cool herself. Of course, it revealed the curve of her breast. He groaned. “I’ve a mind to stop this wagon over, strip you down, and make you scream.” Beth had snickered as she told Victoria about the morning after her quick wedding. Trace had stripped her to her boots and they’d had wild sex in the meadow. Trace told her one of his brothers was likely watching with a spyglass, and she’d purposefully played to the unseen audience.

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The thought of being so brazen excited Victoria, but she wasn’t ready for something that wild. Not quite yet. She tugged her blouse from her waistband. A cool breeze drifted in. As Jed eagerly watched, she unbuttoned her blouse. He grinned when she dropped it behind her, until he saw she was still covered with her new, pretty camisole. She waited as Jed turned the wagon off the road and onto the track leading home. Once the wagon settled into the ruts she lifted the hem of her skirt to her knees. She dragged her petticoats with it, revealing the new, softer stockings they’d presented her with that morning. She took her time admiring them, turning her legs and her body so that the skirt slipped up to her thighs. “Take ’em off,” Jed ordered, staring hungrily at her. “I want to see all of those new stockings.” “You’ve seen them before,” she said in wide-eyed innocence. “After all, you bought them.” “They were flat before. I want to see them round.” She undid her skirt button but not her petticoat. She slipped her skirt off and draped it over the seat with her blouse. Slowly, inch by inch, she lifted her petticoat. When she got just above her knees, she turned and knelt on the seat. “You going to…” His eyes deepened from chocolate to near black. “Only if you get those pants out of the way,” she replied. He grinned like little James Elliott with a piece of taffy and shucked out of his coat. He slid his pants to his ankles and held his arms out. His cock wept, and her pussy gushed. He helped her set her knees either side of his hips. She teased both of them as she slowly settled on his cock. They both groaned as her tissues expanded around him. The rocking of the wagon on the rough track ground their bodies together. All she had to do was lift herself up and down as she wished. The sun warmed her bare skin, but not as hot as the cock between her legs. “Show me your breasts,” he ordered.

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A moment later her camisole landed on her skirt. She unbuttoned his shirt and added it to the pile. Her breasts bobbed against his chest. The soft curls around his tiny nipples tantalized her much larger ones. “Hold on, this is the steep part.” Jed braced his feet. The uphill tilt forced her closer to his body. The wagon jerked with each step of the horse. It rubbed her clit against Jed’s pubic bone. She wriggled a bit to make it even better. “Oh, my!” The tension curled around her, starting in her pussy. She looked over her shoulder as they pulled into the yard. “Well, hell! You didn’t waste any time.” Riley ran forward and held his arms up when the wagon stopped. “Let me lift you down, darlin’. I’ve got one better than that all ready for you.” “Don’t you do anything but hold her,” ordered Jed with a glower. “You and Clint put the wagon away.” Clint strolled up. He winked at Victoria. “I don’t know about that. Jed won’t be doing any running after us with his pants around his ankles, Ry.” Victoria stood, Jed steadying her. “I’ll wait on the wagon for you,” she said. Jed kicked off his boots, shoved his pants down and climbed off. He shoved Riley out of the way and held up his arms for her. “You coming down, wife?” “Yes, husband,” she replied. She found herself acting like a coquette, fluttering her eyelashes. Her mother had done the same, but used it as a screen for her real feelings. Victoria knew Jed took it as lighthearted playing. She leaned forward and put her hands on his shoulders. He lifted her by the waist and set her down. Her toes had barely landed when he caught her up and began carrying her toward the cabin. She looked back. Riley pouted, but Clint laughed. “We’ll be busy for a bit,” Victoria called out to them, waving. “Do come in when you can.” “No rush,” said Clint. “I plan to take my time.” He tipped his hat, winked, and turned away. He slapped Riley on the back to get him

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going. Jed brought her inside and used his foot to close the door. “Let me show you what I think of you, Mrs. Adams.” Jed set her on the floor but didn’t release her. He stepped back just far enough to look down. “I like what you’re wearing.” “Stockings and boots?” He nodded. “Be even better if you take your hair down.” She straightened her back and lifted her arms to remove her pins. She knew how it made her breasts rise. As expected, his eyes immediately dropped. He licked his lips and swallowed hard. She was sure he wasn’t aware of anything else but her. She had a power over him, one she hadn’t realized existed until their wedding. One by one, she pulled out the pins holding her hair up. His cock, his expressions, everything said how much he wanted her. More important was that she wanted him as well. She hadn’t tidied the kitchen enough before they left. The table was dusted with flour, though it was clear of dishes. She backed away and shook her head. Her hair fell down. She turned and, making sure her hips swayed, strolled to the table. She placed her hands on it and looked over her shoulder, smiling in invitation. He stalked forward, his cock bobbing with each step. She arched her back and held on, sure he would fill her pussy. He set his hands on her waist, and she braced herself. Gentle kisses flowed down her arm. He brushed her hair to one side, making it tickle her bottom. His cock pressed against her lower back, so she knew he wanted her. “Lie on your back so I can see you, sweetheart,” he murmured. She shuffled in place, turning to face him. “That’s better.” He smiled into her eyes. How could she have doubted him? A man who looked at a woman like that had to care for her. He lifted her and set her bottom on the table. She put her arms behind her, arching her back to thrust her breasts toward him. He chuckled and took the hint, lifting one in each hand. He bent over and lifted each to his mouth. His callused hands

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chafed her skin just enough to set it afire. His thumbs rasped against her nipples, making the bud even harder. A jolt shot between her legs. She spread them for him. He chuckled. “You hear what I’m saying to you, Victoria?” He nuzzled her breasts, caressing them and rubbing them over his face. “I want you.” She reached for his cock. She stroked it for a moment, until his breath hitched. She pulled him forward, guiding him between her pussy lips. She leaned back and let her hands slide on the table until she lay on her back. The cool table felt good on her hot skin. Jed leaned over her, hands on her hips, and slowly pulsed his cock in and out a couple of inches. “I want fast and hard, not teasing,” she demanded. He raised an eyebrow. “You trying to tell me what to do?” “Yes.” She gripped him with her pussy and reached for him. He slowly shook his head, grinning, and kept to the tantalizing, irritating, slow pulse. He only reached part way inside her, nowhere near that spot she craved. She needed to drive him wild. She lifted her breasts in her hands and brought one toward her mouth. She stuck out her tongue, flicking it toward her nipple. His nostrils flared, he grimaced, and his breathing sped up, but he didn’t change his frustrating pulses. The table was the exact height to bring his cock right to her pussy. She wrapped her feet behind his backside, locked her ankles and pulled him in. “You want it hard and fast?” He growled the words, his eyes wide and face contorted. “Yes. Give it to me!” she ordered, and pulled once more. He roared and slammed into her. The slow buildup, from seeing all the looks at the picnic, to riding him in the wagon, and then his teasing, had her fuse ready to blow. The way he stared at her, as if nothing existed while his cock pleasured her, told her everything she needed to know. He reached for her clit. She arched, tightening her

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hold on him. His thumb vibrated against her clit. She gasped as her orgasm hit, fast and hard. He followed right after, pumping his seed into her without breaking eye contact. Those eyes shone darkly, saying everything he couldn’t voice. She felt so cherished, so wanted. He wanted to please her and did such a wonderful job. She blinked back happy tears. When he slowed, he went back to leisurely, irritating pulses. Drops of sweat glistened at his temples and chest. His smile was wicked, a declaration that he knew what she wanted and how to give it to her. It was good, but not enough. She demanded fast and hard, but it happened too quick. The door opened, bringing in a welcome breeze as well as two naked men. They tossed their clothes and stalked toward her. “The old man’s finished,” said Riley. “He can wash the dishes while we entertain the lady.” Clint scooped warm water out of the stove reservoir and poured it into a basin. He set it on the table with a flannel. Jed drew the damp cloth over her breasts, down her belly, and up his own. She unlocked her ankles, and he backed away. Riley and Clint watched as Jed cared for her, then himself. “You hungry, ma’am?” asked Riley. “Not for food,” she replied. “Good, because we’ll be upstairs awhile.”

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Chapter Eleven Riley followed Clint, who was carrying Victoria, up the stairs. She’d insisted on walking to the privy by herself, since she still wore boots. All three of them enjoyed the view as she sauntered over to the small building. Their cocks pointed to her like compass arrows would to the magnetic north. She drew their eyes like a magnet, as well. Riley, knowing Clint’s plans, understood his sigh as her ass swayed away from them. Being a breast man, Riley sighed just as hard as she returned. Her shy smile didn’t match the proud way she held herself. They left Jed to tidy things downstairs. He’d join them later. Much later, if their wishes came true. Jed was Victoria’s husband, but he and Clint were going to prove they were her best men. Riley and Clint had set things up while Jed and Victoria rode home in the wagon. A table waited near the bed with everything they needed. It held a basin of water, soap, a couple of flannels, and the most important ingredient for this type of pleasure, a cup of lard. Clint set Victoria in the middle of the room and knelt behind to take care of her stockings. Riley knelt in front. They started with her left leg. Each of them kissed and caressed every inch of soft flesh exposed. Her skin was so smooth on his chapped lips. She rested her hands on his head for balance. When they kissed their way to her ankle they removed her boot. They got rid of the other boot before pulling off her stocking. They kissed their way back up her naked leg, all the way to the top. Riley inhaled her scent, torturing himself with having to wait. The right stocking came off much quicker, and then she was naked.

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Riley nosed her soft curls while Clint spread her cheeks and kissed as deep as he could between them. What was it about this woman that made his tongue hang out like a hound dog in Georgia’s August heat? She was bountiful, of course, but there was so much more to her. She laughed when she beat him at strip checkers. She’d lose a couple of pieces, take off a few pieces of clothing, and his attention was all shot to hell. She could cook as well as Aunt Chrissie and kept their home sparkling. But it was the way she smiled when he rode in, all tired and hungry, that made his heart hurt. He could imagine riding home in the dark, out of a snowstorm, toward a light in the window. He’d unsaddle and take care of his horse, knowing she had a hot supper waiting and warm arms to hug him. Everything before she came seemed hollow. He couldn’t imagine life without her. But it could happen, once Smythe returned. They’d learned a lot about the man since agreeing to that contract he’d broken. He always got revenge, and he’d want it now. They not only took their cattle back from him, they married the woman he brought out as his housekeeper. For all they knew, Smythe had planned to marry Victoria once he got to Tanner’s Ford. Worrying about that was for later. Right now he had Victoria’s wonderful body in front of him, and he was going to make sure she enjoyed his touch. If Smythe did something to break them apart, she would at least have wonderful memories of tonight. Clint ducked his head toward Victoria’s pussy. She spread her legs farther apart and bent slightly toward Riley. Clint was so busy kissing her ass and pussy that Riley went for her breasts. He caressed one in each hand. “One day I’m going to suckle you, right beside our child,” he promised her. He showed her what he meant, taking a large nipple into his mouth. He pressed the firm nub against the roof of his mouth. He

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rolled her nipple forward and back with his tongue. Clint shifted. She gasped and leaned down, pressing her breast in his face. She seemed unbalanced, so he stood, holding her by the breasts. Clint dove back in, licking her pussy like a starving man. When Clint came up for air, it was Riley’s turn to carry Victoria. He picked her up carefully, making sure his hands didn’t slip on her wet thighs. He laid her on the bed. She rolled onto her stomach and stretched. She was full of curves, all pink and glistening on the white sheet. Clint wiped his face with a flannel and sat on the end of the bed. “What are going to do with me?” She rolled onto her back, arms and legs spread-eagled in welcome. Riley’s hand dropped to his cock. He spread the drop at the end over his glans, imagining it was her tongue. She stared at him and licked her lips. “You want this?” he asked, pointing his cock at her. Her nostrils flared. She nodded. “Lie on your back, Ry,” said Clint. “I think the lady is tall enough that you can lick her sweet puss while she sucks your cock.” “What are you going to be doing, Clint?” Victoria got up on her knees to make space for Riley. She fingered her pussy, where his mouth would soon be, and smiled. “I’m going to stretch your ass,” said Clint. His eyes flared, and his cock bounced. Victoria blanched for a moment. She swallowed. “Are you going to put your cock in?” “Only if you want me to, honey. We can have lots of fun just stretching you out. Anytime you want, I’ll stop. We’ve got years and years left to try it.” Her white teeth nibbled her bottom lip. Riley imagined her doing that to his cock. It jumped in agreement. She nodded at Clint. His shoulders slumped for a moment in relief. She turned to Riley and crooked her finger at him. A rush of need swelled his balls, already

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near bursting. He scrambled onto the bed, rested his feet against the headboard, and spread his legs. He reached for her, unable to stop the wild grin of eagerness. She moved to the bottom of the bed. He tilted his head back to watch. Long, golden-brown hair fell around her. She went onto her hands and knees. Two full globes hung from her chest, each dotted with a tight nipple. They swayed as she moved. He couldn’t wait for one to drop into his mouth. She stalked toward him like a lion, eager and hungry. She kissed his upside-down lips when her face reached his. He kept his arms on the mattress, giving her total control. She placed her hands on either side of his shoulders and kissed a line down his chest. Her breasts trailed along behind her mouth. They dragged over his face, falling either side of his nose. Her hair tickled him, making a curtain around her head. Then she dangled her hair over his cock. Silky, yet almost rough when she took a handful and lightly slapped him with it. Impatient, he reached for her knees and pulled them beside his ears. Swollen pink flesh dangled over his tongue. He lifted his head and licked between her inner lips. He lapped up her hot, fragrant fluid. Then she scratched her teeth over his cock, and he almost swallowed his tongue. **** Clint watched Victoria crawl over Riley and held himself back by force of will. She faced the headboard, her knees wide apart to go around Riley’s shoulders. His partner used his lips on hers, filling the room with wet, arousing sounds. Her ass pointed right at him. She bent down to suck Riley’s cock into her mouth, and her cheeks spread wide. Clint marveled at the sight. He’d wanted to slide his cock past her full cheeks since he lifted her down from that wagon in town. He liked a sassy woman, and she had plenty of that. She also had a fine, smooth ass.

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She clenched her pussy as Riley worked it. Sometimes she’d lean forward, arching her back to bring her puss closer to Riley’s mouth. It made her ass stick up, which spread her cheeks and showed that brown ring he couldn’t wait to enjoy. He knew he grinned like a fool when he picked up the cup of lard and followed her onto the bed. He set his thighs right behind hers, rested his cock on top of her butt, and leaned forward. She lifted her chest high enough for him to play with her breasts. They were swollen and firm, which meant she was ready to play his games. None of them could figure out how this wild, wicked, wonderful woman came into their lives, but she was not leaving. He rested a hand on each cheek and rotated them. He pulled them apart, revealing her asshole. He kissed each cheek once and then touched her lightbrown ring with his tongue. He probed, just a bit, and then took a dab of lard on his smallest finger. It went in nice and easy, so he did the same with his long middle finger. She tightened around him, or maybe it was Riley’s tongue she was trying to catch. He added his first finger, gently pulsing both as he kissed her back and fondled her nipples. Five minutes later, he had three fingers in her ass and she was eager for more. This is it! He wiped his hand off and larded up his cock. His whole body shook as he pressed back her cheeks. “You ready, honey?” Instead of Victoria answering, Riley groaned. She dropped her belly to take Riley deep, and presented her ass to him. He placed his cock on her open pink ring and trusted Riley to keep her mind on other things. Holding his breath, and his cock, he pressed forward. “Push me out,” he whispered. “It’ll help.” She bore down, which made the pink ring relax. He easily slid in another inch. How could anything feel so damn good? He waited there, kissing and murmuring how wonderful she was. It was true. She trusted that he wouldn’t hurt her, that he’d bring pleasure. “No more,” pleaded Riley. He pressed on Victoria’s shoulders to

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lift her face from his cock. “I’ll come if you touch me like that again.” “I thought that was the plan,” she replied, panting. Clint heard the laugh in her voice. “Not yet,” said Riley. “We’ve got more planned.” “How’s it feel, honey?” Clint hissed when she tightened around his cock. When she released him, he went in another inch. Riley must have done something she liked as she tilted her hips to bring her pussy down. It pushed her ass toward him, and he sank in another inch. “Oh, Ry,” she moaned, “don’t stop doing that.” Clint felt her tremors around his cock. He couldn’t come, not yet. Not even if she had an orgasm around him. He pressed his cock forward. Every inch felt hotter, more intense. Fighting the need to come, he managed to get all the way to the hilt. Riley shuffled his body back. His lips were now under her belly. “Why did you stop!” she complained. “For one,” said Riley, laughing, “I didn’t want to lick Clint’s hairy balls. They were hanging by my chin.” “There’s nothing wrong with my balls. Right, Victoria?” Clint eased back a couple of inches, and then forward. His balls tapped against her pussy. “It feels good,” she said, “but Riley’s mouth was better. You boys planning anything else? My clit needs some action.” Clint bent forward, reached around, and found her breasts. He rested his forehead on her back and enjoyed the feel of her silky skin. Her ass held his cock so tight he was ready to explode, and her breasts overflowed his hands. Yet she sassed him and demanded more. “Give Ry a moment to turn around,” he said, “and you’ll have more cock than you’ll know what to do with.” Riley took the hint and wiggled out. He wiped his face and lay on the bed, again on his back, but with his feet going in the same direction as Clint and Victoria. Clint rose on his knees and pushed them together. “Settle back on me and make room between our legs for Riley,”

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said Clint. Riley kissed her. “You know what what’s happening darlin’? I’m going to fill you sweet puss with my cock, while Clint’s in your ass.” She inhaled a gasp, but since she also clamped down on Clint’s cock, he figured she wasn’t too worried. “We’ll take turns,” said Clint. “One sliding in while the other slides out. But only if you want.” Victoria, bless her, stretched her knees apart and beckoned to Riley. From the eager look on his partner’s face, Clint figured her smile must be pretty wide. It took a few minutes of wrangling, but Riley’s cock was soon resting in front of Victoria’s belly. “How’re we gonna do this?” Riley kissed her breasts while he waited for Clint’s answer. “I think I have to pull out while our lady settles on you,” said Clint. He leaned back. Her tight asshole squeezed along his whole length as he pulled out. Riley shuffled forward. Victoria lifted up on her knees, and with Clint holding her waist and Riley her breasts, she sank down. Clint waited as she pumped Riley with her pussy a few times. When she bent forward to scrape her clit on Ry’s pubic bone, Clint pressed his cock into her again, but only an inch. “You control us, honey,” Clint whispered. “Show us what you want.” “More,” she answered. She reached behind and held Clint’s hips. He gritted his teeth as she pulled him forward, impaling herself. He could feel Riley’s cock, barely inside her pussy, as he slid past. She went slow and steady while he fought to hold still. She set her hands on Riley’s chest, leaning forward and changing his angle. He rested his hands on her ass cheeks, needing to hold her. The trust she had in them filled his heart. She was eager to be with them, relaxed and joyful, demanding more. This was what a marriage was supposed to be like. People giving and taking, pleasuring and being pleasured, as partners.

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She dropped her chest and ground herself against Riley, taking him in. Clint pulled back, not wanting to hurt her. They set up an easy rhythm of in and out, back and forth. Clint didn’t know how Riley was doing, but he was ready to explode. “How you doing, honey?” he asked, his voice as tight as the grip she had on his cock. “I don’t know how long I can last. You feel so good.” “Pinch my nipples, Ry,” she ordered. “I need more.” She rose, giving Riley easy access. He eagerly reached for her breasts. Clint reached around and found her clit with his clean hand. He played with it as he pulsed forward and back, faster than before. Victoria spread her knees and sank onto Ry’s cock. “Oh, Clint, it feels so good. Don’t stop.” Clint wasn’t about to disobey an order like that. His cock rubbed against Riley’s, making her tight ass feel almost ribbed. He worked her clit, keeping the other hand on her hip to feel for the little movements which showed him how fast and deep she wanted him. He sped up. She arched her back and shook her head so her hair fell around them. He sped up until he was going as fast as if he was in her pussy. Every time he went deep and his balls tickled her, her breasts jiggled. Damn, she was magnificent! Eager, enthusiastic, and rarin’ for more. “Oh, yes!” She arched, holding her breath. After a moment her pussy clenched him so hard that white light exploded. He roared and filled her tight ass with his seed. It erupted as if he hadn’t been near a woman in years. He was barely aware of her sitting up. Riley took her hips and slammed her forward and back while Clint knelt behind, his cock still hard. Riley shouted over Victoria’s second scream. When Ry flopped back, gasping, she sank forward to rest her head on his chest. Clint leaned over, his chest touching her back. They

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stayed there, panting, until Clint’s bones stiffened enough that they could support him. “I think I died and went to heaven,” moaned Riley. “Mm, that was wonderful,” Victoria answered. Clint pulled out and wrapped a flannel around his cock. He used warm water on Victoria and then flopped on his back beside Riley. He raised himself up to kiss Victoria and collapsed again. “I can’t think of anything that would be better than today,” said Riley. “I can,” said Clint. Two sets of eyes looked at him. He caressed Victoria’s cheek with his finger. “When this beautiful woman gives us a baby.” Clint knew he loved this woman with a passion that would never die. He hoped she saw it in his eyes, because he couldn’t say it out loud, not yet. Jed had to be the first of them to speak to Victoria of love. The man didn’t believe he was worthy of being loved. Worse, deep down he believed if someone did want him, they would hurt him, just like his mother. Until Jed realized he could love and be loved without pain, Clint and Riley had to keep quiet.

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Chapter Twelve “If I wasn’t a peaceable woman, I’d have a mind to hurt those horrid men.” Owen Barstow turned his face away to hide the smile he knew would cause his wife to squawk even more. Ever since he got his marching orders about Victoria Adams, Mary’d been acting as if it was his idea. Though he was a new husband, he wasn’t a featherhead. He’d keep his mouth shut until her fire cooled to embers. Then he could heat her up his own way. She drove the buggy well, but then she did darn near everything well. He still couldn’t figure out why she said she was lucky to have married him. Far as he was concerned, it was the other way around. Most of the time, anyhow. Not today. “You should tell that pompous Judge Stinky that he shouldn’t stick his nose in Tanner’s Ford business.” “His name’s Judge Stickley, and you know it.” He coughed to hide the laugh he’d choked back. Now that Mary put the idea in his head, he was going to have a heck of a time using the man’s correct name. “Well, I think this whole thing stinks!” “I agree. But this shiny badge on my vest says I’m a lawman. That means I have to follow the law, even when I don’t like it.” She grumbled for a few minutes, but he could tell something was going to blow. Sure enough, she huffed and glared at him. “What if she’s with child! You can’t tell a woman after sharing her husband’s bed for nigh over two weeks, that her marriage never happened!”

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“That sticks in my craw as well, but there’s no use crossing that bridge until we get to it.” “Typical man,” she muttered. “Charge ahead, not thinking of how it will affect their women and children.” “Mary, I asked you to come with me this morning to help Victoria. I can’t have you saying what I’m doing is wrong. Are you going with me to the J Bar C? Or do I take you to visit Beth?” She pouted for a moment. “Where’s their turnoff?” “The first road on the right after the next bridge.” He pointed to the road at their left. “This goes to the J Bar C. What’s your decision?” “I’ll go with you. But now that I know how quick it is to get here by buggy, I can visit my friends anytime I want.” He harrumphed. “I didn’t think of that.” She shot him a triumphant look. “That’s what I said. Men don’t think ahead.” She slowed the buggy to make the turn. Her laugh rang out when she completed it successfully. “I’m going to have such fun!” She lightly slapped the reins, and the horse obediently stepped up the pace. Owen followed behind, enjoying his wife’s delight. Though she threatened to take a buggy and head out anytime she wanted, he knew she’d plan everything and get his approval beforehand. She’d been a widow long enough to take care of herself, but she also trusted his judgment when it came to danger. Just as he trusted hers about women and families. That was why he brought her to help him face Victoria and her men. He let her drive in front of him until they got close to the yard. He wasn’t sure if she’d be able to stop the horse, so stayed close. But, like almost everything else, she did it well. “Hello the house!” Mary called out loudly as soon as she pulled up. “Mary!” Victoria hurried out the door, wiping her hands on her apron.

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Owen noticed her wide smile and sparkling eyes. A curtain framed the small window facing the yard. He expected there were other changes inside. He’d already seen a change in Jed. He was at the mercantile the other day, ordering the largest tub Patsy O’Connor could find. Not only did he smile, he’d laughed at something Patsy said. He dismounted, hardening his features. How long did he let the women natter happily before he broke the news? Mary waved and went in the house with Victoria. “This a social call, Sheriff, or business? I was just heading out.” Owen straightened his shoulders, put on his lawman face, and turned to Jed. He nodded howdy. Jed’s welcoming manner faded. He wrapped the reins around a pole and walked over. “Business,” said Owen. “Anything to do with Smythe and our cattle?” Riley wandered out of the barn. “I expect Rivers or Jennet has wired him about it by now.” He laughed. “I wish I’d seen his face when he found out he’d lost the whole kit and caboodle.” Owen waited. “Smythe wants revenge,” said Jed. His hard face reflected the flat tone of his statement. He tried to appear unaffected, but Owen saw the tic by his eye, his fast breathing, and the fists he flexed to keep uncurled. “But the whole town council voted for it.” Riley’s raised voice, unlike Jed, showed his anger. Owen nodded. “That’s why Smythe can’t touch you about the cattle. So he found another way to get at you.” He held up his hands before the men could explode. “It’s easily fixable.” Jed looked down. He slowly curled his right hand into a fist. He turned it, as if preparing to hit, and then opened his fingers again. “He went after Victoria.” Owen nodded. “He even thinks of touching her, he’s a dead man,” said Riley.

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“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that,” said Owen. Though he’d had hints that Riley had a lot more sand than he let show, Owen hadn’t realized his eyes could hold the cold stare of a killer. He expected, and found it, in Jed’s. “It’s nothing like that,” said Owen. “As I said, it’s easily fixable.” “Spit it out before I have to hit something. Because you’re nice and close,” said Jed. “I don’t like this any more than you do, but I’ve been ordered to tell you Judge Thatcher retired from the bench when he moved here to marry Lily. According to the new judge, he lost the right to perform weddings when he left Helena.” “What the hell does that mean?” demanded Riley. “The marriage wasn’t legal,” said Owen. “Ben Elliott and Judge Thatcher are already working on the situation. Thatcher says Jennet and his wife stay with Judge Stickley when they visit Helena. The day after your marriage, the Jennets left for a visit to Helena. Stickley was overheard saying to Jennet that a funeral was the only ceremony he’d perform for Jed Adams. They were in the Nugget Saloon, which is owned by Smythe, when he said it. And since the whole Tanner’s Ford council heard Jennet badmouthing you and Thatcher, there’s evidence of conflict of interest.” Riley looked from Jed to Owen and back. “Where does that leave us?” Owen took a deep breath and braced himself. “According to Stickley, your marriage to Victoria Edison never existed.” **** “Her name is Mrs. Adams,” growled Jed. “And it’s gonna stay that way.” Jed tamped down the bile that burned his throat. Everything they shared with Victoria was real. Every kiss, every smile, every laugh.

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No one could wipe that out with the stroke of a pen! “Stickley’s slicker than a fresh-oiled gun barrel,” said the sheriff, “but he’ll get his comeuppance. Thatcher’s going over his past like a banker scrabbling in the sofa looking for pennies.” “Jed!” His feet were moving toward Victoria, who’d burst out of the cabin, before he even blinked. He slowed just before she slammed into him. He grabbed and held her warm body tight. Finally, he could breathe again. He rocked her, loving that she came to him for comfort and protection. “Jed,” she said, her voice squeaking, “they said—” “It’s a lie, a trick by Smythe, Jennet, and Rivers. Don’t worry about it.” She pushed him away to look at his face. Tears trembled in the corners of her eyes. “No, Jed. It’s the law. The paper we signed is worth nothing. We’re not married!” “Nothing’s changed between us. Nothing!” He tried to pull her closer. She shook her head and took a step back. He didn’t let her go. “We’re married, Victoria. In a couple of weeks this will all be straightened out. Years from now we’ll laugh about it with our grandchildren.” Her chin trembled. She silently shook her head. Didn’t she understand he couldn’t live without her? They could keep on living, just like before, while the lawmen figured things out. “Smythe hates being bested,” he told her. We got our cattle back, so he’s using smoke and mirrors to get revenge.” He gently kissed her soft cheek. “It’s okay, Victoria. Everything’s fine. You and Mary have a good visit.” He lowered his voice and spoke in her ear. “Later on, I’ll prove how much we’re married. Just you and me this time.” She shook her head, though a flush covered her face. A flush that he knew started between her soft thighs. “I can’t live with you if we’re not married, Jed. It wouldn’t be

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right. Everyone will think…” She pressed her lips together and dropped her eyes to the ground. After what they’d shared, she’d refuse to live with him, just because of what other would think? She would push him away as if what they had was nothing? Or was he only now seeing the woman she really was, and not what he wanted so much? An icy hand clenched his heart, which pumped cold rivers through his body. He had to know. “Will think what, Victoria?” He whispered the words. “Think hard before you say it.” Was she like his mother, hiding reality to show an illusion of perfection to an admiring world? What would Victoria give up for the approval of strangers? Would she destroy what they shared, because of public opinion? Uncle Pat and Aunt Chrissie raised him to believe in himself. He didn’t remember much from before they took him in, when he was about six. When he saw his parents the next time, a few years later, he watched them carefully. They got out of the wagon all smiles and perfection. But once inside, their faces turned cruel. He heard his mother swear to Uncle Pat, her own brother, that she never raised her hand to a child again. But all during that visit, Jed saw her viciously pinch them when she thought no one was watching. He watched her, noticing how her words didn’t match her facial expressions. Oh, she smiled, but the corners of her eyes didn’t crinkle like Aunt Chrissie. Her laugh sounded forced, even practiced. She didn’t look at him often, but when she did, her eyes condemned him. He hadn’t thought of his mother in years. A memory surfaced, and his gut twisted. She caught him alone and grabbed his arm so tight it hurt. Her face screwed up, and she spat horrifying words at him. That he was the spawn of the devil, the fires of hell were burning for him, and he would scream in pain with Lucifer for eternity. Then Uncle Pat rushed into the room. He had on the maddest face Jed had ever seen. His mother picked up her skirts and rushed from the room. Uncle Pat knelt and pulled Jed into his arms and said his

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mother was a sick woman. That she would lie about anything to get what she wanted. That Jed was a good boy, and God loved him. Then he looked into Jed’s eyes and said, “That witch, and the man she married, are not your parents anymore. Aunt Chrissie and I love you, with all our hearts. We want you to be our son, just like Clint.” They never talked about back then, but he remembered Clint telling him about the nightmares. He didn’t like thunderstorms, because they brought them on. He never remembered a damn thing, so couldn’t tell why. He knew Victoria was his wife. His whole life had changed because of her. Instead of working for someday, he was building a life for his family. Victoria, Riley, Clint, and their children. He wanted to build a wide porch so one day they could sit out and watch their grandchildren play. He’d watch Victoria rock grandbabies and tell them stories. Stories that they hadn’t yet had a chance to live. A piece of paper wouldn’t change anything. Not to him. But if Victoria cared more about what others thought of her, rather than what they shared, she wouldn’t let him be her husband. Victoria couldn’t look him in the eyes, yet her fingers clutched his shirt. “They’ll say we’ve been living in sin,” she whispered. “They’ll say I’m a…a loose woman. Then they’ll—” “What? No!” Riley pushed his way between them. Jed let her go. “Don’t even think that.” “They’ll what?” asked Jed. “Look down on you when you know you’re better than they are?” Victoria pulled away from Riley. She tilted her head at Jed and frowned. “I don’t say I’m better, but I believe I’m as good as other people. I won’t have them treating me like a”—she searched for words—“a loose woman. Pulling their skirts away so my disgrace won’t rub off and tarnish their reputation.” She finally met Jed’s eyes. “I want to be a woman people look up to, Jed. I want to be someone important.”

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Her words hit him between the eyes, blinding him to everything else. He felt his lip curl. There it was. Having influence with others was worth more to her than being in his arms. He stifled the surge of regret and let in bitter memories of his mother’s rejection. “You’re just like her.” He forced the words out. “Oh, Christ,” muttered Riley. “Whoa, folks,” said Barstow. “Let’s not say things that don’t need to be said.” “It’s too late,” said Jed with a harsh laugh. “I’ve said all I need to.” Victoria cried out, and Mary put her arm around her. No, not Victoria. She was Miss Edison to him now. No matter that he knew every inch of her body, inside and out. How her breath caught when he—No! “I’ll go pack my things,” said Miss Edison. She turned toward the house. “What for?” Riley tugged her arm to stop her. “Aren’t you staying here, with us, until we get this all worked out? You’re Jed’s wife!” “The judge in Helena, the seat of the Montana Territory government, said my marriage was annulled. According to law, I was never married.” “None of us who signed that paper care,” scoffed Riley. “I do, and so will a lot of others. I won’t be spit on for the rest of my life.” She pulled her elbow out of Riley’s grip and walked away, back stiff and head high. Mary shot her husband a look Jed didn’t understand, and followed. “What’s stopping Jed from marrying Victoria again?” asked Riley, watching the women. Jed wanted to hear the answer, not that it mattered anymore. He knew what type of woman Victoria, Miss Edison, was. It was good that their marriage was dissolved. He didn’t want to spend one more hour with a witch like his mother. “Nothin’,” said Barstow. “They can do it again, but this time it has

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to be in front of a gospel sharp with a Bible.” A faint memory hit Jed. A voice roared, lights flashed, and a rod struck his back. Pain exploded. He hunched, unable to stop the automatic flinch. Was it real? No matter, he had to escape! Ignoring the shouts around him, he ran to his horse, pulled the reins free, and threw himself into the saddle. He kneed the horse. Startled, it shot away, into the wind.

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Chapter Thirteen Life was good. Though he was bruised, battered, and exhausted, Clint whistled as he rode home. They’d gained at least thirty cow-calf pairs in the gather. As suspected, the mayor hadn’t been too worried about cattle wandering onto his land. But now all of them, old and new, had a J–C brand and were settling down. Victoria was settling down as well. She’d fretted all the way to the spring picnic last week. Whether her pies would be good enough, if they thought her dress was right. Beth and Jessie Elliott pulled her away, and next thing he knew, all three were looking at him and laughing. He didn’t know why, but he blushed. That set them off again. Women! Victoria later accused him of running away, but he’d gone to help the men get the tables ready for all the food that was arriving. Walt Chamberlain’s Running W ranch had nothing much on it other than a small cabin Walt spent summers in. By the beginning of August it should be filled with tired longhorns. Walt and his new hand, Zach, would have no time to flirt with the women. Zach had tried to horn in on the dancing with Victoria at the picnic, but Jed soon set him straight. He went off with the other bachelors to grumble. Because all they had was a flat green field, everyone brought barrels and boards, as well as food and fixings. There was so much food, he was sure there’d be heaps left over. But it all went. Even Daniel and Billy, with their hollow legs, finally insisted they couldn’t eat another bite.

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Victoria brought meat pies, strawberry-and-rhubarb pies, cornbread, and even fudge. Because of all the bachelors Jed didn’t let Victoria more than a couple of feet from him unless she was in a crowd of women. Everyone was there, except the woman they’d found at the mayor’s fancy cabin. Someone had cut the tip of her tongue off so she couldn’t talk. Rosa said she’d refused to come, even though they promised to protect her. She couldn’t tell them a damn thing, of course, and she couldn’t read or write. Rivers insisted her tongue was cut when he hired her, but Doc said some of her bruises were recent. Maybe she was clumsy, but Clint doubted it. Mayor Orville Rivers had not been seen in Tanner’s Ford since he found out about the new Mrs. Jed Adams. Ben Elliott said he glimpsed Rivers in Bannack City. He was heading into the Nugget Saloon, owned by Smythe. Clint washed up in the barn, taking off his shirt to clean as much as possible. He had far more important things to think about. It was late, but their wife would be holding supper for him. Finally, their life was on track. He’d always had it easier than Jed, of course, and even Riley, because he had wonderful parents. Jed was smiling now he had a wife that suited them all. She’d fill some of the empty corners of his cousin’s soul, and smooth out some of Riley’s rough edges. As for him, all he needed was Victoria’s love. He figured she was well on the way to accepting his. Grinning like a fool, he opened the door and walked in. He shut it behind him, turned, and stopped. His cousin glared at him from the stove. Riley lifted the pan of biscuits. One fell on the floor. It landed with a thud as loud as Clint’s heart. “Is Victoria sleeping?” “Doubt it,” said Riley. He picked up the biscuit, brushed it off, and put it back in the pan. “Is she sick?” “Don’t think so.” “Then where is she?”

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Riley picked up the pan of biscuits and heaved them. Clint whirled, turning his back. One of the missiles hit him in the head. “Ow!” He turned back. “What was that all about?” “She’s not Jed’s wife!” Riley hurled the words at Clint as fast as he’d sent the small, burned rocks of dough. He’d never seen his cousin so wild. Not since his parents dropped him off at Grandpa Fortune’s farm and washed their hands of him. Riley was twelve at the time and, according to Grandpa, the laziest boy he’d ever seen. Clint and Jed had thumped him into shape. But he was all bent again. Clint held up his hands. “Whoa there, Ry. Jed married her all proper. Judge Thatcher said the words, we signed the paper, and the sheriff witnessed our names.” Riley kicked the pan. It clanged across the floor. He cursed and hopped on his other foot. Because Victoria kept the floor so clean, they didn’t wear their boots in the cabin anymore. “Judge Thatcher ain’t no judge!” “Since when?” “Since he retired and moved here.” “I thought judges keep their titles, like in the army.” Riley sagged onto the bench. He leaned forward, set his elbows on his knees, and dropped his head. “Title doesn’t matter. Rivers wrote to the new judge in Helena, named Stickley. Told him about the wedding contract. Stickley ruled that anything Thatcher signed since he left Helena isn’t legal.” Riley looked up. “Guess what? He’s a very good friend of Rivers, Jennet, and Smythe. And he’s made it very clear he’s not going to be performing any ceremonies for us, except a funeral.” “Miss Lily’s marrying Judge Thatcher in a bit,” said Clint. “Maybe he’s got a line on a real judge from somewhere else. I doubt they’d mind sharing the day. Everyone’ll be coming to town for the celebration anyway.” Clint didn’t like the way Riley shook his head. “If Jed and Victoria want to marry again, they have to use a

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preacher with a Bible. Thatcher’s got one coming for his wedding, but you know Jed.” The exhaustion that Clint had kept at bay, thinking of Victoria, hit him like a buffalo at full speed. He dropped beside Riley. “Too well. He won’t have a damn thing to do with anyone carrying a Bible. Not after the way his father…” Clint wiped his hands over his face, but it didn’t wipe away the pain. He blew out his lungs and looked for something positive. “What’s Victoria think about all this?” Riley grimaced. “Said she didn’t want her reputation tarnished by what people thought. Then Jed said she was ‘just like her.’ No one but me knew what that was about. I told her we didn’t care about a piece of paper.” “But she does? Even after everyone congratulated her on her wedding at the picnic, and know we’re about as married as four people can be, she’s worried about what some strangers think?” “Yep. She said something strange, about being spit on. I think the lady has a few skeletons in her closet.” “So does Jed,” said Clint. “Any good news?” “After Jed stormed off, she told Barstow she’d be happy to become Mrs. Adams again, as long as they had a respected pastor with a Bible to swear on.” “Well, that’s not likely to happen.” Clint looked around the room. Crisp curtains, fresh flowers in a jar on the table, bread in the pie safe. How long would it take before evidence of Victoria faded along with her scent? “Where is she?” “Sheriff and his wife took her to Smythe’s place so she can finish setting his house up. She wants to finish up her contract with Smythe and then move out.” “Where to?” “Anywhere but here, I guess.” Clint groaned. “That must’ve burned Jed’s ass like moonshine on a three-day-old ulcer.”

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“Yep. He lit out so fast he could be heading to Texas for all I know.” “Why Texas?” “To get more cattle? Hell, I don’t know what he’s thinking. If he is.” All the energy seemed to seep out of the usually happy man. “She cried when she left, Clint.” “Victoria? Cry?” “Not out loud.” Riley tapped over his heart with two fingers. “In here. She barely sniffed, but tears flowed down her face. I think she really likes us.” “Yeah, well, I more than like her.” Clint wondered about slamming his fist against the wall. But pain wouldn’t solve their problem. “How’re we going to get Jed in front of a Bible-thumping preacher? It has to be someone that even Jennet and Smythe will believe is a true man of the cloth.” “You’ve known him longer than me. What do you think?” “He’s got to have a reason to do the very thing he swore he’d never do.” “Was his father that bad?” “No one ever told you?” “Not the whole story. I know he beat Jed pretty good, but so do a lot of fathers.” Clint ran his hand over the day’s stubble. No use shaving if he wasn’t going to be kissing anyone. “I was barely four when my father brought Jed home. I don’t remember too much, but I’ve heard my parents talking over the years. Remember how my father used to take us behind the barn and use a switch on us?” “I think my ass is still smarting from the first time he did it,” said Riley. He shifted on the bench. “I didn’t want to sit down for a week.” “You know why he did it?” “I insulted Aunt Chrissie. Never did that again.” Clint used a finger to draw a pattern in the flour spilled on the

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table. Was Victoria making bread when she was interrupted? “Yeah, but that wasn’t it. Father had to knock off a few of your sharp corners so you’d fit in the family without ripping everyone apart.” He tilted his head to Riley. “You were twelve years old. I was eleven and Jed had just turned fourteen. You wore store-bought clothes. Even though it was warm, you had shoes. Not even boots, but shiny black leather shoes. You turned up your nose at a meal my mother had spent hours working on.” Clint butted Riley with a shoulder. “You remember when you thought you were the most important person in the whole damn world, and everyone should bow at your feet?” Riley butted him back, harder. “I learned otherwise pretty damn fast. Working all day and going without dessert, while you and Jed shoveled it in your mouth. Trying to sleep in the same bed as you two stinkers after having one all to myself.” He shrugged. “I acted bad because I wanted my parents to notice me. They were always away, doing fun things. They bought everything for me, but all I really wanted was for someone to say I was important. They lectured me for days about how strict Grandpa Fortune was, and to be polite to Uncle Pat and Aunt Chrissie because they were taking me in out of Christian charity.” “It wasn’t charity. My mother and father took you in because they loved children but couldn’t have any more after me,” corrected Clint. “Yours were too wrapped up in each other to notice you, and then got angry when you turned out the same way.” “Didn’t last long. Every time I did something bad, Uncle Pat or Grandpa Fortune would use a switch on my behind.” “They ever made you bleed?” Riley shook his head. “’Course not. It stung, but that was all. I deserved it.” “Did they beat you with a stick, again and again, until your bones almost broke? All the time telling you that they were doing this because God loved you? That God told them to beat the devil out of

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you so you could be pure, and only then would you be worthy of their love?” “Hell, no!” Riley gaped at Clint. “Is that what they did to Jed?” Clint nodded. “Jed’s father was pure evil. I think the fact he spouted the Bible as an excuse for all the things he did, made it worse than if he’d just beat Jed for talking back.” “Why would a woman let her husband do that to a child?” “Jed’s the reason they married.” Riley coughed a sarcastic laugh. “Yeah, that sanctimonious preacher seduced his mother,” said Clint. “Pa told Mother all about it. He said when his sister got pregnant, the preacher insisted it was her fault, that she temped him like Jezebel. They married, of course. Mother thinks he tried to beat the baby out of her, but it didn’t work. When Jed was born, the preacher said that because he was conceived in sin, he was the devil’s child.” “His father blamed Jed, when he was the one who sinned?” Clint couldn’t sit still and talk about this. The coffeepot was low so he added some water to it. “His father baptized him Jared Lucifer. As in ‘descendant of the devil’. My father had it struck from the records and replaced with Jedidiah Lavi, ‘beloved lion of God.’” He looked up at Riley. “This all came from my mother, before we left home. She said someone had to know, in case Jed ever needed to learn about his past.” “He doesn’t know?” Clint shook his head. “He still has nightmares sometimes, when he’s alone. Thunderstorms brings them on. He wakes up terrified, covered in sweat, but says he can’t remember what happened. It takes him days to get over it.” “I remember his mother making sure her hair and dress and everything was perfect before going out,” said Riley. “She would scream at me for making one of his sisters smile, yet look so innocent in public.”

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“She was so worried about what others thought that she’d do anything to keep her position as a pious, devoted, dutiful wife. Even let her husband beat Jed to death.” Riley looked at Clint and grimaced. “Jed meant Victoria’s just like his mother, who rejected him because she cares more about what others think. So Jed thinks Victoria’s the same type of woman.” Clint nodded. “We have to find out all about their skeletons, haul them into the light, and help bury them.” Riley looked around the cabin. “Already, it feels empty. I miss her.” He knocked on the table and stood up. “Since I’m so good with the ladies, I’ll go after Victoria.” “I think I know where Jed might have gone.” Clint looked out the door. Clouds were moving in. “We’re bound to get a thunderstorm in the next day or two. If Jed’s out there alone and there’s thunder and lightning, I might be able to break through to him.”

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Chapter Fourteen “There! That’s the last of them.” Miss Victoria Edison set the sadiron on the stove. All the linens were now washed, ironed, and folded. The windows were washed, floors scrubbed, furniture waxed, pantry filled, and everything else that should be done to complete her contract. If only she were doing it in her own home, on the J Bar C, as Mrs. Jed Adams. Instead she was setting up Mr. Smythe’s home, in town. She didn’t know what she was. Not a maid, since she was no longer a virgin. Not a wife or widow, and certainly not a mistress. A spurned woman? No, she was the one who refused to stay. What does one call oneself when, after two weeks of wedded bliss, one is told no marriage had taken place? Benjamin Elliott had already sent a telegram on her behalf to the men who appointed the new judge. Even if Judge Thatcher’s powers weren’t returned, they might rule she was still considered married. The argument would be stronger if she was with child. In that case, the marriage could stand until she gave birth, to give the child legitimacy. Immediately after the birth, she could get divorced. It was better if there was no child. Then, if Jed still wanted to marry her, he would do it for the right reasons. For themselves, not because there was a baby. She knew he’d do anything he could to save a baby the shame of illegitimacy. So would she. She carefully draped the crisp tablecloth over a dowel in the linen closet. She made sure there were no wrinkles. Then she slammed the door shut so hard it bounced open again. How dare a man wave his hand and declare the signed contract

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invalid? A judge was a judge, there was nothing wrong with the contract, and she was still married! “Damn!” She slapped her hands over her mouth. Nothing happened. The sky didn’t open up and smite her with a lightning bolt. No bony hand reached up from hell to drag her down. Victoria giggled nervously. She was alone, but someone could walk past and hear her. “Damn,” she whispered. It wasn’t good enough. “Damn, damn, damn!” She laughed at the silliness of it all. The word didn’t have any power. It was the meaning behind the word that counted. She didn’t want to damn anyone. Well, perhaps the trio who plagued her, Smythe, Jennet, and Rivers. Plus Judge Stickley, or Stinky, as Mary called him. There was another word which was given far too much power. Love. She loved it when Jed, and Clint, and Riley touched her. But that could be called mere lust. Lust was good. So good, that she already regretted her hasty decision to leave with the sheriff and his wife. But all she could think of was ending up unmarried and unwanted by good men, and pursued by the avaricious users who preyed on the women with few choices. She would not be seduced by promises and then shamed and humiliated. If the sheriff had given her time to think things over and talk with her men, she would have done things differently. At least, she hoped she would have. Love wasn’t mentioned in the words she spoke to Judge Thatcher. It was a civil contract, one they’d signed in good faith. If she married Jed again, she would have to promise to love him forever, though she wasn’t sure what love was. Some of the women she’d met on the train said a part of love was a willingness to put oneself in danger to save another. She would do it for her child, of course. And likely other children who needed

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rescuing. But when did a man need a woman to protect him? Her feet took her back to the kitchen. She wanted a cup of tea. Though her feelings for Jed were raw and confused, she missed his welcoming look when he came home each evening. It was almost as if he wondered if she would be there and finding her waiting made his life complete. Clint’s quiet, calm presence filled her with a sense of confidence and warmth. One smile and her petty worries seemed to evaporate. He was steady and true, with depths that she was only beginning to understand. Riley would bounce into the room with a wide smile and head straight for her. He wanted a kiss and a cuddle right off like an eager puppy, especially if Jed was already holding her. At first she thought Riley was out for fun and little else. In their last few days, however, she’d seen a different side of him. It only came out when the other two were away. And now her only company was bulky furniture covered in sheets. But she was almost finished and would move out tomorrow. Sophie could use help in the hotel kitchen, and Lily was looking for a live- in woman to do cooking and housekeeping. So said Nora Dawes, who’d rushed over yesterday, right after Sheriff Barstow dropped her off. Nora was full of news and helped Victoria dust and make the beds. She was thrilled that Rosa and Doc Henley were to be married at the same time as Lily and Judge Thatcher. Nora whispered that Miss Lily had run one of the finest sporting establishments west of the Missouri River. Victoria was shocked that Lily was an inmate and madam of a whorehouse for over twenty- five years, yet was marrying a judge. Rosa was kept prisoner for six years by Comancheros, one of those half-Mexican, half-Indian gangs which terrorized the South. Yet she’d put her past behind her and agreed to marry the town doctor. With Lily and Rosa as examples, why was she cowering in fear of condemnation by small- minded citizens?

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Once Mr. Smythe paid her for the wages he owed, she would be free of him. Then she could decide what to do next. Perhaps she would visit Jed and talk things out. Her nipples and clit sprang to attention. No, if she met Jed right now they wouldn’t be doing much talking. Not until a few other things were taken care of. She groaned. She wanted them to spend an hour kissing her pussy, her breasts, her feet, her mouth, and everything in between. She used the excuse of checking to see if the bedsheets were dry to go outside and cool off. She’d hung them over shrubs and bushes in the sunny rear yard. She felt the seams. Though clouds were heading in, the sheets needed a while longer. When she came in, a man stood in the wide hall by the stairs. He looked around, eyeing everything. He was tall, perhaps Jed’s height, but portly. He parted his slicked-down brown hair in the center. His moustache was rather slim for Western fashion. Mr. Frederick Smythe had arrived. No doubt many women would find him attractive, but she knew he was vile. “You didn’t meet me at the door,” he complained. “I beg your pardon. I was hanging sheets on the bushes to dry. I didn’t expect the stage until later.” “Stage? I hired a carriage, of course.” Now that she’d heard the soft, amusing tones of English aristocracy, thanks to the Double Diamond men, Smythe’s trade-class accent grated. But if he could afford a private carriage, he could pay her what he owed. “Everything’s ready. I’ll soon be out of your way.” “You’re not going anywhere.” He inspected her as if she were a bug he’d like to squash under his heel. “I’ve finished my contract. As soon as you pay me, I’ll let Mrs. Smythe take over.” She looked at the two trunks set by the door. “Did your wife not accompany you on this trip?” “I’m not married.” He brushed his moustache with his finger.

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“Neither are you, so I hear.” She clenched her teeth. She had to keep her mouth shut until she was paid. Then, she could walk away. “You said you would bring a wife.” “I haven’t found an acceptable one.” She blinked at him for a few seconds. Then she shook her head. “That’s unfortunate. I’ve finished everything, and I’m moving out.” “I have need of you.” The predatory look matched his insinuating tone. She would not be showing him upstairs, nor would she be alone with him, in a room, or this house. “If you wish to negotiate a new contract, Mr. Smythe, we can discuss it tomorrow. After I’m fully paid for completing this one.” She straightened her spine to her full height. It made them almost eye to eye. By the way he tilted back his head to look down his nose at her, he did not like it at all. “Very well.” He reached into his suit pocket and brought out a paper. He didn’t offer it to her, or even show her what was written on it. “This is a bank draft. Unfortunately, Mr. Jennet is visiting friends in Helena. Once he returns I will have him cash out enough to pay you.” “Then we have nothing to discuss until he returns.” White patches appeared on his flushed face. “Do you not believe I have the funds?” She didn’t want to poke the warthog with a stick—he was no tiger—but this was business. “I’ve recently discovered that a piece of paper may not be worth the ink it is written on.” She also learned his word was worth nothing, but saying so to his face would not get gold in her pocket. He curled his lip, but reached in his pants pocket and pulled out a red velvet bag. He shook it for a moment, letting the coins clink together. He hesitated, then pulled the drawstring. He counted out

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sufficient coins, then put the bag safely back in his pocket. He held his hand out, his fingers curling down to easily drop the contents. When she stepped forward he released the coins, as she expected. She caught them in her apron, surprising him. In return for his rudeness, she checked each one carefully. She placed them in the pockets of her apron. She would have him pay her very well. Weekly, in advance. With the good weather, she had left all the main floor windows open. The jail was next door, the mercantile on the other side. If she screamed, someone would hear. She would not clean upstairs unless she knew he was gone for a while. “If you wish me to work here, you’ll have to pay for my room at the hotel. I’ll eat here, cooking for you.” “Why the hotel, when there’s a perfectly good pallet off the kitchen?” “As you say, I am an unmarried woman. I will not put myself, or my reputation, at risk.” “Your reputation? My dear, I know all about your mother and sister.” He threw back his head and brayed like a donkey.

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Chapter Fifteen Riley snickered to himself as he listened to Smythe’s laugh. Of course the man would sound like an ass. He was one, through and through. When Riley saw Smythe arrive in the private carriage, he’d snuck around back. He watched Victoria check her sheets, and he now stood by the open kitchen window. She’d left the doors and windows open, so he could hear the two of them quite well, even though they were at the front of the house. “Your reputation is the same as your mother and sister, Miss Edison. No, it’s worse. At least they’re honest about what they’re selling.” “I’m going to kill him,” promised Riley to himself. “I’m not sure what that’s about, but I’m going to slice him so the devil can easily roast him in hell.” “I am an honorable woman!” “Honorable? You were living with three men.” “I married Jed Adams. His cousins share the ranch, so of course they lived with us.” “You were living in sin.” If Jed, or even Clint, had heard that, he’d be smashing Smythe’s face already. One thing Riley’s indolent life had taught was patience when setting a trap. He peered around the window frame. Smythe faced him, while Victoria had her back to him. Smythe arched his eyebrows. “And quite enjoying it, from what I hear.” She rushed forward, raising her hand to slap Smythe’s face. He grabbed her arm. “Don’t you dare strike me, girl, or you will receive far worse.”

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Riley watched, blood thundering in his ears, as Smythe squeezed. Riley’s nails dug into the fresh paint of the window frame in frustration. Victoria’s face turned white, but she did not cry or look away. She yanked her hand away when he released her. She did not cradle it or show any sign of pain, as most women would. “You’re stronger than your mother,” Smythe said as if discussing the weather. “She cries and begs me to stop.” Riley could only see Victoria’s back, but even from this distance, he saw her tremble. “She was most accommodating once I explained her choices.” The tip of Smythe’s tongue darted out for a second, like a snake about to strike. “Her skin bruises well, showing my marks for some time. Perhaps yours does as well.” He smoothed his moustache. “She cries so prettily. I wonder what it would take for you to cry.” “I wouldn’t give you the satisfaction!” As if he’d been playing with her, Smythe pulled himself to his full height. He yanked down his vest. His hand touched his gold pocket watch as if reassuring himself it was still there. “If you will move aside, I will leave.” She raised her head in return. He puffed up like an old horse fighting a belly strap and shook his head. “I did everything in my contract, Mr. Smythe. We are finished.” He shook his head in a slow, insulting rebuke. “We have barely begun, Miss Edison. You see, I want you.” “Me?” She took a step back. “Why?” “Because those bloody ranchers want you!” He flung his arm out in emphasis. Riley saw how Victoria flinched. “They took my cattle.” Smythe cleared his throat and pulled down his vest. “So I will take you.” Riley prepared to burst through the window if Smythe took one step toward her. She knotted her hands behind her back, but held her spine straight. She slowly shook her head.

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“You won’t use me for revenge. One scream, and the sheriff will come running.” “I won’t touch you until we’re married. Then no one will dare stop me from chastising my wife.” “I will never marry you!” “You will marry me, my dear, and you will pretend to enjoy it.” Marry? Smythe? Over Riley’s dead body, and that of his cousins. Hell, the whole valley and most of the town would help. “You can’t make me do anything, Mr. Smythe.” “Just like your mother, telling me what I can and can’t do.” His eyes gleamed. “She learned, and so will you.” “Never!” Smythe joined his hands in front of his belly. He showed her a politician’s practiced smile. She would never have known the dangerous tyrant of a few moments ago even existed. “Think on this, Victoria. You could be the wife of a wealthy, important man. You’ll have clothing, jewels, furs, and servants. A house here, in Helena, and a couple more in the East. You’ll entertain politicians, lawmakers, and anyone else I invite.” “I said, I will never marry you.” “Not even to protect your good name? Because if you refuse, I’ll give Mr. Hames an exclusive interview about you. It might even make the front page of the Helena Observer. Everyone will know your mother was a whore, though a very expensive one.” Riley cursed silently. Her mother must have been a rich man’s toy. That was why Victoria had been spit on. No wonder she cared so much about what others thought. “Did you ever know your father’s name, other than Victor?” Smythe waited, but Victoria didn’t speak. “Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter, as he’s dead. Pity about that. He lost everything due to gambling debts and shot himself in shame.” He ran his fingers over his gold pocket watch. Victoria must have recognized it, as her breath hitched.

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“Your sister is doing very well for herself. Unfortunately, her patron is having financial troubles. But she’s getting multiple offers for a new one. After all, she’s small, blonde, and an energetic seventeen.” He frowned and looked at Victoria from head to foot. “Frankly, I’d prefer to have her in my bed.” He brightened. “Perhaps your mother taught you the same skills as your sister?” Victoria choked out a few words, but Riley couldn’t understand them. “You have a choice, Miss Edison. A well- respected position in society as my wife, or be exposed as a whore.” “Don’t bother calling Mr. Hames. I’ll do it myself.” She growled the words through her stiff jaw. “I would rather be seen as the daughter of a whore, than live as your wife.” “Tut-tut-tut.” Smythe shook his head. “Not at all what I wanted to hear. We’ll up the ante, shall we? I shall expose the story about this valley’s preference for sharing women. They’ve managed to keep it fairly quiet, but no more. The governor’s wife is even more particular than Mrs. Jennet. I expect she’ll tell the governor to do something to clean out this nest of vipers. The ways of this valley are not suited to the high standards of the new Montana Territory.” “You are far more vile than anyone in this valley.” He watched her like a buzzard deciding where to land on a juicy corpse. “The vigilantes will certainly drop by. If they can’t get to the ranches, they might hang the men of the town for allowing it to happen. Perhaps even the hotel owner, Mrs. McLeod.” “You’d destroy an entire town?” “Not me, the vigilantes.” He blinked at her, wide-eyed, in complete innocence. “Perhaps targeting business owners would be a tad obvious. Mayhaps a few Elliotts and MacDougals might disappear.” He tapped his finger against his chin in thought. “An acquaintance of mine was interested in Jessie at one point, though she’s no longer innocent.” His eyes suddenly lit up. “That damned Trace Elliott adopted a pair of miner sisters. One’s too old to get a top

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price, but the younger one has those lovely golden-red curls.” Riley’s muscles trembled as he held back the rage that nearly overwhelmed him. Bridie Redmond was barely fifteen, a laughing, joyful child reaching womanhood. Doc said Molly Sinclair had once been like that. A year since her kidnapping, Molly could now smile again, but would never regain her innocence. Bridie’s sister, Meggie, was seventeen. She’d proven she had all the skills to run a home. Trace made it well known she wouldn’t be marrying before she was eighteen and that any man interested would talk to him first. “Yes, a child like that would be worth a pretty penny in the right market,” continued Smythe. “Not Bannack City this time. Virginia City, or perhaps Helena. Too far for rescue attempts and a much richer clientele.” Victoria gasped. “You’re talking about selling a child into white slavery!” Smythe raised an eyebrow and looked calmly down at her. “I am a businessman, Miss Edison, I buy and sell goods for a profit. I’m not fond of bedding children. I prefer a woman with a more ample figure.” He ran his eyes up and down her body. “You are a monster!” She crossed her arms and lifted her chin, refusing to back away. Riley silently encouraged her. Smythe shrugged it off. Riley would be talking to the sheriff first thing, and then Trace. After what he just heard, he wouldn’t put it past Smythe to have the Sinclair family killed so he could take their ranch, which he’d lost to Ace in a card game. After her family was killed, someone had locked Molly up and used her as a private toy. “No one crosses me and gets away with it,” said Smythe to Victoria. “My cattle were stolen from me, and I will get vengeance against the J Bar C for it!” “They weren’t stolen, they were returned to their rightful owners,” declared Victoria. “You took their cattle and didn’t pay, so the town council ruled you no longer had a right to them. The Elliotts and other

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valley ranchers then rounded up the cattle. They had nothing to do with you.” “Oh, they have everything to do with me.” Smythe’s voice rose. “That bloody Elliott lawyer whispered lies around Helena. He destroyed something I’ve been working on for a year!” His mouth pulled down like a bulldog. “They’ll pay for that.” His voice turned slick as a politician’s promise. “Unless you agree to become my wife. That would keep your friends safe. Otherwise, those girls will disappear. Who knows how many years they’ll work before they die.” He smirked. “Perhaps they’ll eventually kill themselves from the shame. Such a pity.” Victoria’s ribs worked like a blacksmith’s bellows, and she swayed slightly. Riley hated that she had to hear about these perversions. To force himself to keep still and not interrupt, Riley planned the many ways he would destroy Smythe. He wouldn’t burn the house as it might spread to the mercantile, jail, or sheriff’s cabin. But he could haul Smythe’s personal things to the river and have a bonfire. The man was terrified of horses, so they could rope him, hang him between two half-wild mustangs so his toes dragged, and chase them through the brush. “You will marry me, or I shall I destroy your friends.” She didn’t move an inch as she stared him down. Finally, she spoke. Riley had to almost stick his head in the window to hear her quiet words. “How will I know you won’t harm them anyway?” He laughed. “That’s the wonderful thing, my dear. You won’t. Unless you follow every one of my orders, I will destroy your life, and that of your friends. Only, they won’t be your friends when I’m finished.” Her hands twitched at her sides. “What orders?” “As my wife you will wear what I tell you, behave as I wish, use your body to gain information, and—”

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Her gasp interrupted him. He raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. “When I need information, I expect my wife to get it for me. No matter how.” “You want to turn me into a whore, just for revenge.” She spat the words. “My dear girl,” he drawled, “you already are a whore. It’s just that no one here knows it. Yet.” Victoria was the finest woman Riley had met, other than his Aunt Chrissie. It tortured him to have Smythe say those words to her. He wanted to chain Smythe above a bonfire. He’d let the flames climb up the body, heating the metal. By the time Smythe’s gag burned off, the man wouldn’t be able to scream anymore. Smythe gave Victoria a tight smile. “I’ll give you until tomorrow evening to decide.” He nodded genially. “I’ll be dining with Mr. Hames. He’s writing an exclusive interview on me. I will see you in the morning.” Smythe closed the door behind him, leaving Victoria alone. She stood still, as if waiting for him to return to see if she’d collapsed. The minutes passed. Riley heard Smythe’s voice on the boardwalk, calling to someone across the street. Only then did she lean her head against the wall. She shuddered. If Smythe’s words curdled Riley’s blood like bitter acid, what did they do to Victoria? Would she agree with Smythe’s scheme? She said she’d tell her story to Hames so Smythe couldn’t blackmail her into marriage. But she was badly affected by the thought of a young girl being hurt if she refused Smythe. Though he wanted to rush in and take her away to safety, she needed to make this decision herself. To rise above the shame she felt in her heart, she had to come to terms with her past and make a stand. If she chose a life with them over Smythe, no matter what others thought, she would gain a confidence that could only come from within. In return, they would learn how she truly felt about them.

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Therefore, she couldn’t know he’d heard anything. At least, not until she stated her decision. He snuck away, back to the mercantile, so he could arrive as if nothing had happened. Smythe was either far more powerful than anyone knew or very stupid if he thought he could attack the precious children of one of the most powerful families in the area. Anyone who touched Bridie would have Trace and his five brothers, three brothers- in- law, three MacDougals, and most of the town raging after them. It was only a year ago that Ross MacDougal lost his chance for vengeance against the men accused of attacking and murdering his young cousin many years earlier. Ross was furious when the two men were shot in their jail cell before a trial could start. He insisted they were killed because they could identify the gang leader, the only one unaccounted for. Ross might enjoy the opportunity to “encourage” Smythe to provide information that might stop other young girls from the same fate. His skill with knives was legendary, and he hadn’t been known as the MacDougal Devil for nothing. Whistling loudly, hands in his pockets, Riley sauntered around to the kitchen door and knocked. “Anybody home? I stopped by to say howdy.” It took a few minutes, but she bustled into the room as if nothing had happened. Riley saw, and pretended to ignore, her red too-bright eyes and mottled skin. “Riley! What are you doing here?” She smiled and looked behind him eagerly. “Is Jed with you?” “Naw, he and Clint are working on something. I came to see how you were doing.” “Oh.” She sagged for a moment, and then rallied with a fixed smile. He looked over his shoulder into the yard. The clouds were darker than the last time he looked. “Want help folding those sheets? Looks like we’ll be getting some rain.”

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She looked out the door, flicking her eyes around. “The sheets can wait. But you can’t be seen here. Mr. Smythe is a very jealous man. If he sees you, he’ll…” “He’ll what? I’m just being neighborly.” He leaned back on his heels and tilted his head. “Or are you saying you don’t want to be seen with me ’cause we’ve got little more than scrawny cattle and a cabin, and Smythe’s got all this?” He gestured at the two-story house. She shook her head rapidly. “I don’t care about that.” “Since when?” She dropped her head, massaging the arm that Smythe had squeezed. “Since I realized money and power isn’t worth anything compared to caring and respect.” She met his eyes, silently pleading. “I want to marry Jed again, if he’ll agree. Nora Dawes told me Judge Thatcher’s going to share his parson and ceremony with Doc Henley in a few weeks. Since he was the one who wrongly married me, he shouldn’t mind Jed and I joining his ceremony.” Riley cursed under his breath. “We all want you back, but Jed won’t promise anything on a Bible.” “But…why not?” Riley twitched as he thought how to answer the question. “Aunt Chrissie raised us to believe in a just God, and to have faith. Jed believes in God but only has faith in himself. He’s seen the Bible used as an excuse to lie, cheat, and worse.” “The Good Book’s not at fault. It’s the person using it for their own evil purposes.” “I’ll tell Jed you said that.” He gave her a quick smile. “Not sure it’ll help.” Her chin trembled. She bit her lip and nodded. “Then, I guess this is good-bye.” After what he’d heard between Smythe and Victoria, Riley found it hard to play dumb. He pretended to be confused at her words. “Why? Where are you going?” “Nowhere for now. But I’m sure my new husband won’t allow me

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to talk with men he dislikes.” “New husband? What about us?” Victoria looked over his head, at the clouds. “If Jed won’t marry me, I’ll have to take another offer. It’s safer that way, for everyone.” She said it lightly, as if it was a joke. “I’d hoped Jed would marry me. Since you say he won’t, I cannot turn down Mr. Smythe’s offer.” “Cannot, or will not?” She pressed her lips together, hard, and blinked rapidly. “It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry. Tell Jed and Clint that for me.” “I’m sorry, too. More than you know.” Red and white patches mottled her face. She turned away with a gasp. As she closed the door, he thought he heard her whisper, “I love you,” but figured it was only wishful thinking and the wind. He stared at the closed door as her footsteps faded. He would not let Victoria be a martyr to protect her new friends, no matter how much they meant to her. She must be terrified from everything Smythe said. If she was in her right mind, she’d know marrying the bastard wouldn’t solve anything. For now, she couldn’t see another way out. He wanted to promise her that Jed would come around, but it wasn’t true. Clint would try, but Jed’s fear might be buried too deep for him to change. Unless Clint could draw it out of him, Jed would refuse to have anything to do with a preacher. Smythe didn’t want Victoria. All he wanted was revenge. No, Riley corrected himself, Smythe made it obvious he wanted Victoria sexually as well. He bet the man would get a perverse pleasure by hurting her, using shame and humiliation to destroy the memories of the loving she shared with them. That was not going to happen! If Jed couldn’t stare a preacher in the face and say “I do,” then he or Clint would marry her. It was best if she became Jed’s wife again. But if push came to shove, he’d haul his ass in front of anyone, and do anything, to keep her from ending up in Smythe’s claws. Even if it meant killing the bastard with his own hands. On the other hand,

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considering what the man had said about Bridie, Riley would have lots of help against Smythe. He headed to the river to think. Billy O’Keefe stashed a fishing pole that he didn’t mind others borrowing. He could catch his supper and figure out what to do next. Clint was off chasing Jed and hopefully helping him clean out his memory closet. He now knew about Victoria’s skeletons. He couldn’t let her know that, but the knowledge should help him to get her to speak of them. Being a typical woman, she probably wanted him to tell a few secrets as well. His skeletons were small, but for Victoria, he might just have to rattle them loose. Smythe would be back to spend the night. That meant Riley would have to stay in Victoria’s bedroom to protect her. He’d sleep on the floor, of course. Unless she wanted company. Riley’s cock rose at the thought of holding Victoria. She’d slept alone last night. Did she miss their loving? Maybe he’d show her what she’d be missing if she gave in to Smythe. That might relax her enough to get her talking. And then he’d have to comfort her some more…

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Chapter Sixteen Clint saw the glow of the campfire right where he expected it. He’d given Jed a whole day to think, but it looked to storm tonight, and he didn’t want the man to be alone. They all knew every inch of their land, so it wasn’t hard to figure out where Jed would hole up. The box canyon would keep his horse from bolting during a storm. Under the wide rock ledge was a hollow, almost like a cave. It would shelter a man from the rain. Or two, in this case. “Couple of rabbits enough to get me a place by the fire?” Clint didn’t yell too loud, knowing Jed would be nearby. A sliver of wind found its way under his collar. Thunder rolled in the distance, louder this time. Rain would arrive soon. He wanted the preliminaries to be over before the storm hit. Both the weather and the one between them. “You’re a fool to ride out before a storm.” The voice came from behind Clint. Likewise the barrel poking into his neck. “You gonna shoot me this time? That pistol might be a tad less ancient.” When they were about twelve and fifteen they had a knock-’emdown fight that went to knives and guns. They each had the other in their sights, and neither wanted to back down. His father came roaring in, snapping his bullwhip over their heads. He yelled that both guns were so old and worn down they had hair triggers. After they carefully put down them down, he asked how could they do something that would make him have to tell his wife one, or even both, of their sons were dead?

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Clint figured that’s when Jed finally realized he had parents that loved him. Loved him enough to take a switch to his backside because they were so scared they might lose him. Neither of them had been able to sit down for a while. Riley had a great time eating both their desserts, making up for what he’d missed when he arrived the previous year. “Did you skin those rabbits?” “All ready for roasting. Brought some salt, garlic bulbs, and some potatoes.” The gun barrel disappeared, and Clint heard it being slid into a holster. “Since it’s your fire, I guess I’ll be the cook.” A flash of light was followed by rumbles that crossed the wide sky from one side to the other. “Best get that cooked before we get wet doing it.” Jed walked past, leading the way into camp. An hour later their bellies were full, they had lots of wood ready for the fire, and their bedrolls were tucked under the overhang. The fire glowed, keeping back the night. Clint wasn’t one to stir a sinkhole of snakes, so he waited for Jed to ask what the hell he was doing there. He finally brought out some liquid persuasion from his saddlebags. They passed the bottle back and forth a couple of times before Clint capped it and set it on the rock to the side. “You being stingy tonight?” “Nah,” replied Clint, ignoring Jed’s grouchy tone. “Was thinking of that greenhorn who set his bottle uphill of the campfire. When it was knocked over and the whiskey ran down, it caught and kept on going. The men downhill had liquid fire flowing right into their bedrolls.” “Gives new meaning to the word ‘firewater.’” Clint chuckled. “Remember the time—” “I told you, it was Riley, not me!” “Maybe, but we all had to work a whole month to buy Father another jug of whiskey.” “Yeah, but those blue flames flowing across the pond in the dark

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sure looked fine.” The Bible-thumper was out by the pond on one of his rare visits. When the blue fire came toward him and a creepy voice shrieked about the fires of hell crossing water to haul him down, Jed’s father had screamed and run like a greased pig in a Fourth of July race. They were quiet for a while. Jed reached out his hand, and Clint put the bottle in it, no questions asked. Jed kept a tight hold on it while Clint waited. And waited. “Got a letter a while back.” Finally! Patsy Tanner at the mercantile, which is where the mail went, quietly mentioned a while back that she gave Jed a letter addressed to him. She wasn’t stickybeaking, just being concerned as she was for every decent person in the area. Jed had been tetchy for a while after, but said nothing. “Turns out that loudmouth Bible-thumper is dead. Expect his wife won’t be far behind.” “Hard death, or easy?” Jed took another swig. “Hard. Gutshot at his camp and left to die. When they found him they learned he had the pox. Some doc had cauterized the chancres a while earlier. That would’ve been almost as painful as the headaches. They figured he wouldn’t have lived long anyway.” “Syphilis?” Jed nodded. “They know who shot him?” “Yep. The woman he gave it to.” Jed saluted with the bottle. “They hauled my dear mother to jail. Though it wasn’t his gut she shot. It was lower.” Clint couldn’t help bringing his knees closer together. Jed laughed, but it was more like a wild animal than a man. Between what happened with Victoria and this thunderstorm, they’d be having a bumpy night. Jed took a long swig. He held out the bottle again. There was

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maybe an inch in the bottom. Clint took it. “I’m free, Clint. Finally, they can’t hurt me anymore.” Jed leaned back on his hands. “For all the good it’ll do me.” “That monkey’s been riding your back for a long time. ’Bout time you shook him loose.” Clint tilted the bottle back but pressed his tongue so nothing came into his mouth. He needed a clear head to get through this. “You remember them hurting you, Jed?” He rolled his shoulders. “Nope, until just before I lit out.” “What happened?” Jed picked up a dried branch they’d brought for the fire. He broke off a piece about a foot long. He peeled the bark with his fingernails, tossing the bits into the fire. “Someone yelled. A deep voice. A light flashed, like the full moon rippling a pond, only more. Then something smashed into my back. I’ve never felt pain like that before. I had to get away, like I’d die if I didn’t.” Clint pushed back his hat and rubbed his forehead, right above his eyes. “You’re wrong. You’ve felt that pain before. Lots of times.” Jed frowned and shook his head. “Can’t have. I’d remember something like that.” “Only if you want to. And then, only in nightmares.” Jed’s face, screwed up in wrinkles, looked grotesque with the fire lighting it from below. Clint held his breath as Jed stared at him. Finally, Jed blinked. He looked away, into the light rain that Clint suddenly noticed. “That what the nightmares are about?” “Don’t know. I’ve only heard them. You’ve lived them.” “You know what they did to me.” It was a statement, so Clint didn’t answer. A light flashed, and thunder cracked right over their heads. Jed scrabbled back into the cave like an animal. Rumbles faded as Clint’s eyesight got over the sudden blindness. “Shit.” Jed’s wavering voice came out of the deep part of the

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cave. “I hate thunderstorms. They make so much noise you can’t hear yourself even if you scream.” The light that blinded Clint came from inside this time. Jed was right. If you live in a tent, everyone can hear what you say. But when you beat a child during a thunderstorm, with the rain pounding down and frightened children crying, no one can hear. And no one would know the upstanding preacher and his perfect wife beat their oldest child? “Nobody heard you, Jed.” Clint made his voice just loud enough to be heard. “You were only a child. These were your parents. You knew it was wrong, and you tried to get help, but nobody heard.” “What shit are you talking about?” Jed’s harsh words blasted out. “They screamed that you were the son of Satan, the devil’s child. That you were born from sin and Lucifer would drag you down into hell to roast for eternity. The whole time, your father beat you with his shepherd’s staff. His mark of faith.” “No.” Clint barely heard Jed’s whisper of denial. “They always put up a tent when they visited Grandpa Fortune, never wanting to share the cabin with the others. This night, with the storm threatening, they let my mother and father take the little ones inside. But the storm got worse, and my father came out to get you. He heard you screaming and figured you were terrified. But he heard your father’s words. He heard something thud. And then he heard you scream like to die.” Jed whipped his head back and forth in denial. The whites of his dark eyes reflected the fire. “Father ripped that tent open. Your mother held a lantern high, waving it back and forth. You were curled in a ball, your father holding that staff above his head, about to smash you again. My father grabbed it and broke it over your father’s shoulders. He carried you from the tent and brought you home. I was only four, and asleep with your younger brothers. Father and Mother moved them down by the kitchen fire and brought you in. I woke up when I heard you

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whimpering in pain. At first I thought you were a puppy.” Beside Clint Jed moaned, but he couldn’t stop talking. “That’s the only time I ever saw my daddy cry. Tears rolled down his face, Momma’s too. They washed the blood off you, bandaged you up, and slid you into bed next to me. I remember looking up at Momma. She whispered that even though you were older, I had to be the big boy now, because you needed a brother to protect you.” Clint wiped his eyes. He stared at the fire, blurry from the tears that wouldn’t stop leaking. He rubbed his knuckles between his ribs to relieve his tight chest. His throat hurt, and he tried to swallow the bile that threatened to come up. “And that, my brother, is why you hate thunderstorms.” Another crack erupted as lightning flashed right over them. Clint jumped. His head banged against the rock ledge above. He yelled out in pain. He couldn’t tell if he saw stars or the reverse of the lightning flash on the inside of his eyeballs. As if on cue, the skies opened. If there was more thunder, Clint didn’t hear it over the pounding rain. After a few minutes the intense outburst moved on, leaving a steady rain. “Damn! That hurts.” Clint took off his hat and rubbed the sore spot. Jed nudged his shoulder and held out the bottle. Clint nodded his thanks, unscrewed the top, and took a glug. Jed yanked it from him in mid swallow and finished it off as Clint choked the stinging liquor down his raw throat. They sat there shoulder to shoulder, two brothers together, as the storm moved on. Clint wouldn’t move for fear of shutting Jed down from his memories. It was bad enough telling the story. Remembering living it would be far worse. But the skeleton was out of the closet. It was up to Jed whether he shoved it back in, or blew it up and moved forward. “Hope some of those chancres were on his cock and balls.” Jed cleared his throat and shuffled his seat. “That would have been justice.”

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“Bet the Doc heated up a poker red hot and made him drop his pants,” said Clint. He looked at Jed out of the corner of his eyes and took a chance on a grin. “Made him hold his own cock out for a sizzle. Burn that sin right out of his skin.” Jed shoved his shoulder against Clint. “That why I hate preachers, too?” “Don’t ask me. You’re the one with the nightmares.” Clint shoved back. “I never could stand even that son of a bitch’s voice, always complaining. Hated the look of him, all beady-eyed and whiskers twitching, like a rat trying to ferret out some stinky cheese.” “What about the other one?” “Jeez! That woman was a nightmare all by herself,” said Clint, hamming it up a bit to keep it light because he was talking about Jed’s mother. “She’d pinch my ear if I looked at her sideways. Got so bad I asked Momma if I could wear my ear- flap hat whenever the witch came by. Momma said she’d make me a special one, all red and black with pointy horns on top.” Jed swatted Clint in the back of the head. “Aunt Chrissie never did no such thing!” “Ow! I just banged my head and now you’re whapping me on it!” “Don’t be a crybaby.” Jed gave a huge pout, sticking out his lips like Riley did when he first arrived on Grandpa Fortune’s farm. “I need a piss,” said Clint. He shuffled out from under the overhang and stood. “For God’s sake, don’t put out the fire this time.” “You mean when we all got likkered up on that white lightning you bought from the traveling wagon?” Clint laughed in memory. They knew to cut it with water so they didn’t go blind, but went too far. They drank so much water they kept pissing, so they made a contest to see who could pee the most. Clint won, but he almost put out the fire doing it. It was a proud accomplishment for a thirteen-year-old boy. Ten years older, he let loose into the rain, sighed in relief, and buttoned up. Jed took over,

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making his stream go farther before it touched ground, showing off. They added wood to the fire and sat once more. “I had a bigger cock than you even back then,” boasted Clint after a moment. “Wrong, boyo. My cock’s not only bigger, I know what to do with it.” With Victoria. Her name silently settled over them, bringing them back to the present. They both stared into the fire for a while. Jed groaned and wiped his face. “You think she’ll take me back?” “You plan to marry her in front of a preacher this time?” Jed hugged his knees and dropped his head on them. When he looked up the fire picked up the sheen in his eyes. The rain had slowed to a gentle patter. “I will do anything and everything to keep that ornery, cantankerous, beautiful, sexy woman in my life.” Clint nodded at Jed’s hoarse promise. “Good. Because if you were too stupid to marry her the way she wants, I was going to do it.” Jed drew back his head and snorted. “You?” “Better me than Riley!” Jed laughed. Clint, relieved to hear his brother and best friend finally free, joined in. “You know where Riley is tonight?” asked Jed. “If he’s following my orders, he’s sleeping with Victoria. On her floor!” Clint put up his hands to slow the fist that Jed held up. The other hand had grabbed his collar. “I told him to make sure she was safe.” “Why wouldn’t she be?” Jed, eyes narrow, growled the words. Clint yanked back. Jed released him. He resettled his coat on his shoulders, taking his time as Jed fumed. “If Smythe’s in town, I don’t know what he’d do.” Jed stared at him, jaw clenching. “If Smythe’s in town, what the hell are we doing here?”

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“I told Riley to find out what skeletons Victoria has in her closet. Now that we’ve cleaned yours out, we can go help him.” Clint sat back and enjoyed being dry while Jed took care of the bedrolls. Then he brought the horses in, wiped them off and saddled them up. “Why the hell aren’t you helping?” blasted Jed when he noticed Clint hadn’t moved. “Figured you had a few kinks to shake out. If you’re ready to ride, I’ll take care of the fire.” Jed grunted. Clint took that as a yes and got to work. Twenty minutes later they approached their house. Since they had their cattle back, they had to check the herd as well as do evening chores. It was halfway through the night when they continued on to town. A few stars and a sliver of moon lit their way. Just before they rode into Tanner’s Ford, Jed turned to Clint. “I am going to whip your ass.” “You can try, brother,” taunted Clint. “But I’m four inches taller and my fist can reach a lot farther.” “It never stopped me before. Race you!” Clint laughed and kicked his horse into a gallop. Jed was going to be fine.

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Chapter Seventeen Riley snuck in through Victoria’s open window while she was in the privy. Smythe was still at Mrs. Emslow’s boardinghouse. From the noise Riley heard as he walked past, both men were well into their cups. Maybe Smythe would be too drunk to stagger home, especially since he’d never slept in the house before. A thin pallet was laid on the floor near the wall. Victoria was using an empty crate to store her few things and to keep the candle safely off the floor. He hunkered down on the far side of the door, took off his boots, and waited in the dark. She came in a few minutes later, her skirts skimming the floors since she’d removed her boots. She set her candle on the crate, shut the window, and then drew the curtain. Riley cleared his throat. She gasped and flattened against the wall. “It’s just me, Riley,” he whispered. She slumped for a moment before turning furious. “What are you doing here? I told you to go. If Mr. Smythe comes in—” “That‘s why I’m here, Victoria. To stop him from coming in.” He looked up at her, speaking calmly and quietly. What he wanted to do was haul her into his arms, tell her she was safe, and kiss her. “I’m going to sleep on the floor by your door. Smythe’s so drunk he couldn’t hit the floor with his hat. I heard him getting drunk with that newspaperman at Mrs. Emslow’s. He could stay there with Hames, or come back here. If he does, and tries to hurt you, I’ll stop him.” “Oh.” Her shoulders slumped. “Thank you. I was worried…” He rolled to his feet and folded her into his arms. She was warm, trembling, and smelled so good he inhaled as deep as he could. She

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clung to him just as hard. “I’ve missed you so much,” he sighed into her hair. They stood there for a moment, slightly rocking. He kissed her head, inhaling the rose scent of her soap. He nibbled the side of her neck. She dropped her head to the side and sighed. He continued small kisses around to her throat. She had a few buttons undone, so he worked his way across her damp skin. Her collarbone required a bit of work, since he’d not made acquaintance with it for days. When his lips touched the smooth skin above her breasts, he was glad he’d taken the time to shave. Her breath hitched, that slight feminine sound that meant only one thing. He turned her just enough for his hand to reach her breast. Her nipple pressed into his palm, fighting to escape the layers of cotton. He grasped it between his thumb and fingers. She arched into him. “I want you, Victoria.” Riley kept his hand busy on her breast as he spoke. “I want to slowly undress you and touch you everywhere with my tongue and fingers.” He dropped his other hand to her bottom. He caressed her cheek through her skirts. “I want to spread your legs and kiss your clit. To suck and lick and finger you. I’ll bring you almost there, and then start over. Each time will bring you higher. I want to pleasure you, again and again, until you beg me to give you release.” He kissed her, deep and probing, his tongue showing her what he wanted his cock to do. She took charge, sliding her tongue around his in a wild dance. He was almost out of air when she pulled back, gasping. “Please,” she whispered. He rested his forehead on hers, shuddering in need. A need to give her everything he could, to show her how much he loved her, how much he wanted to be with her for the rest of their lives. This was about Victoria’s pleasure, not his. But giving her pleasure brought more in return than he could ever imagine. Riley slowly undressed her with shaking fingers until she stood

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before him, trembling in her shift. Her hands never left him, touching his head when he knelt to remove her stockings. These ones were soft, a gift to replace the horrid ones she’d arrived in. He inhaled her scent, letting it fill his body. Every moment, every action, could be for the last time. How could he store everything in his memories? She fiddled at her hip, and her petticoat dropped to the floor. He moaned and kissed her soft curls. He rested his forehead on her belly, holding her around the waist, and inhaled. God, she smelled so good. Her soft, warm skin under his hands felt like satin. How could he live without this? He looked up to smile at her. She’d unbuttoned her top, and as he watched, she shrugged it off her shoulders and smiled proudly in return. Her full, swollen breasts glowed in the candlelight. Her nipples made long shadows across her breasts. He nosed between her legs. She moved her feet farther apart, releasing a wave of scent. She tilted her pelvis in a silent plea. He sent his tongue between her lips. She was wet, swollen, wanting. He couldn’t go slow! If Smythe returned, he would destroy the moment. He stood, careful not to scrape her delicate skin with his belt buckle. “I wanted to go slow, but I can’t,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. Her hands attacked his clothes, her quick fingers stripping him. She only slowed when she knelt and carefully removed his cock from his pants. She kissed him there, licking off the drops in a way that almost made him come right there. But he wanted to be inside her. They sank onto the pallet, Victoria underneath. She spread her legs for him, but though he wanted to thrust into her, claiming her as his, she needed more from him first. He knelt and caught her pussy lips between his own. She tasted so sweet, more like scented honey than the caramel of her hair. She hissed when his tongue found her clit. He smiled proudly to himself and investigated it thoroughly. Had it changed at all since the last time? He had to make sure. He didn’t ignore the rest of her pussy, of course. Just when her gasps approached a certain level, he’d lick

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her slit, swallowing her juices like a cat would a bowl of cream. She was so wet his smallest finger easily breached her ass a half inch. That made her gasp. She lifted her bottom off the floor and spread her knees. He couldn’t see well with just one candle, but nothing had ever looked so beautiful as her shining thighs and what was between them. No, her face was more beautiful, with glowing eyes, swollen lips, and her mouth open, panting his name, pleading for his cock. He’d tried to ignore that cock, throbbing between his thighs as he bent over to pleasure her. His balls hurt with the need to sink into her and explode together. “Now, Riley. Please!” She opened her arms to him, begging him to come to her. He couldn’t deny this woman anything. Certainly not pleasure. He set his arms on the floor, bracketing her ribs and her bountiful breasts. He kissed each one, sucking her nipples, pressing them against the roof of his mouth. She reached down and grabbed him. His cock jerked in reply. She pulled him toward her, opening her legs and guiding him in. He loved that she knew what pleasure he could give her, and demanded it. The first few inches always brought exquisite agony. Fighting the need to surge to the hilt and take her hard, he slid inside her, his cock spreading her swollen tissues. Every time he entered her, it was as if it was the first time. How could anyone remember this exquisite pleasure? Every part of him touched her, a caress so intimate and joyous that his brain almost exploded just from that first contact. “Oh, yes,” she moaned. She grabbed his ass in both hands and pulled him deep. He filled her to the hilt, and then drew back, just as slowly. He dragged his flesh against hers, angling his cock to rub that rough spot high inside her belly. She shuddered when he hit it. Yes! He drove forward again, still up on his hands. This time he ground his pelvis

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into her clit. She shuddered and groaned. Again, and again, he filled her, slowly torturing them both. She shifted her legs, pulling them together. He had to move his feet to the outside of her hips. His knees touched the floor, and—whoa!—she squeezed his balls with her thighs. “What was that?” he gasped. His swollen balls ached with a fiery need to go like dynamite. She laughed up at him and pulled his ass cheeks apart to drive him into her again. He leaned forward to nip at her breast, which ground him against her clit even more. He was still in control, barely. Then she pressed her finger into his ass, hit something, and keerist! He looked down at her swollen lips and glazed eyes as he pounded into her with long fast strokes that he had no control over. She arched her back, coming hard. Her pussy clenched him so hard he could barely fit into her. Her breasts jiggled every time he hit bottom, a sight that burned itself into his brain. Riley shuddered, suddenly realizing that he had to lie down before his arms collapsed and he fell on her. Panting as if he’d run all the way from the ranch, he went to his elbows, his sweaty chest slick against her. His heart pounded so hard his brain squeaked. His cheeks almost ripped, he was smiling so wide. So was Victoria, glorious under him. He got enough control to roll over. It took them off the pallet and onto the chilly floor, but it was welcome against his searing back. Now her breasts pillowed on his chest. He hadn’t paid enough attention to them this time. Next time, he’d… What if there was no next time? “You are not marrying that scum-sucking—” He broke off before he used words that a lady should never hear. Tears filled Victoria’s eyes. She pressed her lips closed, but they twitched and moved like she fought to keep from crying. “Ah, shoot. Don’t cry,” he murmured. “It’s just that I love you too

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much to see you hurt.” A hot tear hit his chest. Another followed. “You love me?” He lifted his head to gently kiss her lips. “I’ve never, ever, felt like this with anyone. I feel like I would die if you weren’t there to hold me at night.” He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She hadn’t yet taken it down for the night, but he must have moved her dang near a foot across the pallet by thrusting into her. It messed up her hair, but it felt so right. Another drop hit. She tried to force a smile, but it wobbled pretty bad. “What about the day?” The coiled tension inside him released. If she could joke, it might be okay. “I want hugs during the day, too.” He waggled his eyebrows up at her. “I want a few other things during the day as well.” “Such as?” He pushed his still- hard cock up into her pussy. “This.” He rested his hand on her ass with one finger right over her hole. “And this.” He snuck his fingers between their bodies and trailed along her breast. She inhaled a hiss. “And certainly a whole lot of these.” She pushed herself until she rode his cock, her back straight. Her beautiful, wonderful, gorgeous breasts stood out proudly. He reached for them, but she smacked his hands away. Smiling like an alluring siren, she reached into her hair and pulled out her pins. She shook her head, and golden-caramel strands tumbled down. Glorious. He could easily spend the rest of his life looking at her. If Smythe broke down the door and shot him, he’d die the happiest man in the world. But then the bastard would hurt Victoria, and that wasn’t going to happen. She faltered, her smile fading. “You don’t like me doing this?”

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“I absolutely love it.” Riley set his hands on her hips, hoping she’d ride him. His cock was ready and raring to go again. “But, you looked so grim for a moment.” “I was thinking how empty my life would be without you. Jed and Clint would be just as bad off as me.” When she dropped her head, her hair covered her face. She spoke through the curtain. “I don’t think I could live without you, either.” “Then marry us. Jed, me, Clint. Whoever you want.” She sank onto his chest. “You don’t understand. Smythe will hurt a lot of people if I don’t marry him.” He rested his arms over her back to soothe her. “What is that bastard hanging over your head?” He kissed the top of her head, all that he could reach. “If you get it out, he won’t be able to hurt you.” She turned her head to look at him. Her chin dug into his breastbone, but he barely noticed. “I said I’d go to that newspaperman, Hames, and tell him everything. But he said he would tell the governor about the valley. He called it a ‘nest of vipers,’ and said the governor wouldn’t tolerate it. That he’d send the vigilante gang after you, as well as the Elliotts and MacDougals.” He slowly rubbed her back in circles. “You want to tell me what the ‘everything’ that Hames wants to know?” She pressed her cheek against him again. He sighed and held her close. “I’ve got a secret to tell you,” he said. “It’s about my misspent youth.” “You don’t have to tell me—” “Victoria, I want you to be our wife. I don’t want old secrets to come between us. I was one of the nastiest, arrogant, stuck-up, lazy young thugs you could imagine.” “You?” She looked at him and laughed.

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“Me. You can thank Jed and Clint for thumping me into shape. Along with Uncle Pat and Grandpa Fortune. They could swing a switch like nobody’s business.” He winced and then winked at her. “Aunt Chrissie used a wooden spoon sometimes. But don’t tell Clint. He doesn’t know I sassed his momma a few too many times.” “That’s it? Your big secret?” “I was so bad my parents gave up on me. We lived in a city in the South until the War of Northern Aggression. They got out with lots of money. I tried to fit in by being worse than the other boys. My parents finally drove me to Grandpa Fortune’s farm, complaining about me the whole time, and dropped me off. Uncle Pat says my mother, his sister, never really got along with Grandpa. She thought she was special, but she wasn’t nasty like Jed’s momma.” He winced. “Sorry, I can’t be telling Jed’s story.” “When did your parents return?” He forced a chuckle. “That’s just it. They never did. They went off on a trip somewhere in South America and never came back. We don’t know if they’re dead or still living the high life.” “What about your brothers and sisters?” “Never had any. I think my mother had to produce a son. After that my father stuck to mistresses.” Too late, he remembered what Victoria told Smythe. She sobered and quietly placed her head on his chest again. He sighed and held her tight. “Did I say something wrong?”

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Chapter Eighteen Victoria knew she was a fool to think for even one moment that Smythe wouldn’t hurt her, use her against her friends, and then throw her away. It was the same thing her father did to her mother. She had to tell Riley because everyone would soon know. When she refused to marry Smythe, he’d tell that eager newspaperman all about her. Knowing his type, he’d make up lies far worse than reality. Perhaps people now knew her well enough that they wouldn’t judge her too harshly. When she arrived in Tanner’s Ford, she didn’t know that one of the respected women used to be a madam. That Sarah Unsworth, who would soon be working as a cook at the hotel across the street, had been sold by her fiancé to a brothel, where she was forced to work for a couple of weeks. And young Molly Sinclair was taken at age fifteen and held until her sixteenth birthday, when she was used, passed on to a beast, then sold to the same brothel. Yet these women held their heads high and were respected by most people. Could she stay and be respected, in spite of Smythe’s lies? She couldn’t face it before, but she’d been all alone. She had friends now. And maybe she’d have a trio of husbands as well. She took a deep breath. “My mother grew up the third daughter in a household which had enough of the necessities, but nothing for what her father thought of as frivolous extras. My mother had one good dress. She was wearing it when she met my father. He seduced her with promises, and set her up in her own home. She had all the pretty dresses, jewels, and

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servants that she wanted. She was seventeen, and loved the attention. She’s still lovely, petite with blonde curls, as is my younger sister. Unfortunately, I take after my father.” “Are you calling me a liar? And Jed and Clint as well?” His words, and the hint of anger, confused her. “Of course not.” “Victoria, you are beautiful. Inside and out, and I don’t mean that lovely pussy that purrs for me. You’re going to have to start believing in yourself the way we believe in you.” She had to look at him. He kissed her nose and smiled. A real smile, one that started with relaxed lips and ended with crinkles around shining eyes. “We love that you’re not so tiny we might break you when all three of us are loving you. When I’m kneeling behind you, holding those nice wide hips, staring at your plump ass cheeks…damn! I hope you want another round because that’s what I want to do before we sleep.” He leered as if he hadn’t touched her in months. His cock, which had rested beside her hip, surged into life. It nudged her, and her pussy responded. “I’m ornery.” She watched to see if he lied and said she wasn’t. “Damn right, you are! And we wouldn’t have you any other way. A quiet little mousy wife would never survive out here.” He winked. “Now, how else do you take after your father? I guess he’s pretty smart, because you are. I think we have to teach you chess. We might be able to win you for a while before you get better than us. Then you’ll have to play with Doc. Now that the old sheriff, Frank Chambers, is gone, Doc’s missing a partner.” “I haven’t seen my father since he realized how pretty my younger sister was. My mother banished me from his sight.” The next part was hard to admit. “I don’t even know his name. He got married, and walked away from us without a second glance. Because she’d convinced him to sign the house over, we weren’t thrown into the street. Mother found another lover, and never spoke of him again.”

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“Growing up in the home of a mistress would explain how you were innocent, yet knowing. We wondered about that.” Riley’s voice sounded interested more than condemning. “Did you…I mean, you were very much a virgin when you married Jed, but did anyone try to hurt you? Your mother protected you, right?” “My mother? Protect me when she could make money from me?” Victoria laughed, high and shrill. “I had to protect myself. That’s why I wore so many layers of clothes and covered my hair with ugly bonnets. I learned to disappear, and move quickly when I couldn’t. The only reason my mother allowed me to live there was because I ran her household, at no cost to her.” “That’s why you’re such a good housekeeper and cook.” “If I wasn’t, I knew I’d be tossed out like the trash. That’s how people treated me. My mother wasn’t married, and I had the same last name. I was, am, a bastard. Everyone knew it. No decent man would marry a woman like that.” “They spit on you.” “I didn’t think you heard that,” she said into his chest. “Why did you leave? I mean, why then?” “My mother auctioned off my sister’s virginity when she was fifteen.” She lifted her head at his gasp. “Oh, Cecilia wanted it. She’s the same as my mother, loving adoration and presents and not caring for the strings attached. Cecilia got a quarter of the purchase price, and my mother got half.” “And the other quarter?” “I hoped you wouldn’t ask that,” she whispered. “Don’t tell me. Your father.” She rubbed her face on his chest to say “yes.” He smelled wonderful, clean and crisp, with the slight tang from a hot day’s hard work. “How is Smythe involved?” “My sister found a patron who put her in a lovely new house. My

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mother, being old, couldn’t find a man with so much competition. She had to sell her house. Cecilia allowed her to move in with the understanding she would accommodate the gentlemen friends Cecilia’s patron brought home. Mr. Smythe was one of them.” “Did you take over as housekeeper there as well?” “Only until my sister could find one to her liking. She said I was too ugly to be seen. If Smythe hadn’t suggested I bring his furniture and personal things here, set up his home, and perhaps be his housekeeper, I would have been turned out.” Riley cursed in a language Victoria didn’t understand. At least, she thought they were curses. The way he said them was vicious enough. “Why didn’t you take the Bride Train by yourself?” Because she was a coward. Though she felt Riley’s strong arms around her, his heart beating against her own, she knew how evil men were. When she left her mother’s house, she was jeered, pinched, and touched, but the locals knew they couldn’t do more. She was relatively safe with her mother, but that all changed when they moved. You’re thinking so hard, my head’s hurting.” Riley tilted her chin up so she had to look at him. “Tell me.” “It’s hard.” He pressed her head back against his chest. “I won’t interrupt,” he promised. “It wasn’t too bad while I lived with my mother, but Cecilia’s patron liked to bring friends home, ones who wished to be well entertained. That’s why he kept my mother around. When I heard their drunken voices, I’d creep down the back stairs to the cellar. I spent many nights in a hidey-hole where no one would even think of looking for me.” He began to speak, and then stopped. His heart, under her ear, sped up. “He didn’t hit me, but Cecilia sometimes had bruises or walked

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stiffly. A few days later, the next time he came, he’d bring jewels, or an expensive bauble. She’d perk up and they’d disappear for a few hours.” Victoria would disappear as well. Because he owned the house, he figured he could take Cecilia wherever was convenient. She’d have to clean up the mess if he swept the crystal and china off the diningroom table in order to lay her sister on it to ease his cock. He didn’t care if red wine and roast beef landed on the hand-woven silk carpets. Once she was cleaning the morning room when he swept a giggling Cecilia in. If Victoria remembered correctly, he’d brought a diamondand-sapphire necklace in compensation for the bruises around her neck. She crouched behind a corner screen, unable to leave until they finished. She’d learned that either her sister was easily pleasured or she knew how to pretend. Victoria figured it was the latter, by the way Cecilia cursed him later for releasing himself on her new gown. “You’re thinking, not talking,” he joked. “Why didn’t you leave?” “I didn’t have to when I was with my mother. I didn’t like Cecilia’s patron, at all. Unfortunately, that made him want me all the more. He wouldn’t touch me in Cecilia’s house, but he said if I took one step outside, his men would take me.” Riley’s heartbeat thundered in her ear. “Tell me all of it, Victoria. No matter how angry I get, it won’t be at you.” “He boasted about it, said I was a challenge. He also boasted that he’d enjoy breaking my spirit and making me more amenable to his friends.” “You were held prisoner.” He sighed. “And Smythe knows all this?” “Yes. For some reason, Smythe wanted to make Cecilia’s patron angry, or perhaps he just likes hurting people. Anyway, he visited my mother when Cecilia was on a weekend trip to a country house with her patron. He offered the contract, a way to escape. Of course, I said

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yes. The train left the next day. You know the rest.” She waited for Riley’s reaction. He said he loved her, and she believed him. For now. Men changed their business partners, and lovers, all the time. At least he still held her in his arms, the same way he had before she started talking. It felt so good to stop hiding who she was. Nothing could change the family she was born into. It was up to her to choose the best one to grow old with. “Smythe knows who your father was.” His words chilled her. She pushed herself up to meet his eyes. “You said that as if you know.” “I apologize, but I was so worried for you. I heard you talking with Smythe.” She blinked, her body and mind frozen. “You made me speak of those horrible things, and you knew all along?” His expression confirmed it. She struggled to get away. She knew he was far too powerful, but she didn’t care. She flailed at him, hands, feet, elbows, and knees. “You had to say those things to be free of them,” he said. “Don’t you feel better now?” She got one hand loose and smacked his chest. “That doesn’t matter.” “The way Smythe fondled his pocket watch, it means a lot to him.” “My mother had it made for my father. If Smythe has that watch, it means he killed my father.” “We shall add that to his list of crimes.” Riley rolled over, taking her with him and pinning her under him. He settled between her legs, his cock hard on her belly. Her breasts and pussy lips filled, all worry forgotten. Her brain kept thinking, however. He drew his fingers along the side of her breast. She quivered, and

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he leered. “You’re trying to distract me.” He took her nipple into his mouth and rolled it over his tongue. She pressed her lips together to hold back a moan. He saw and moved his hand down, shifting to allow his fingers between her legs. He inserted the longest in her slit and felt for the rough patch inside that felt so good. All the time he stared at her, nostrils flaring, daring her to complain. “Is it working yet?” he drawled. She couldn’t think of anything but his touch, but refused to let him know that. “No,” she said in as bored a tone as she could manage. “I was just thinking that the corners of this room need sweeping.” His eyes widened, and he growled. What would he do to her? She shrieked when he flipped her over and lifted her to her knees. He knelt behind and pressed his cock inside her. She brought her knees together to make it tighter. He growled and hit bottom. His balls dangled against her thighs, the fuzzy hair tickling her. His hands massaged her breasts. “Still bored?” “Yes,” she panted. “Perhaps I should scrub the floor while I’m on my knees. At least I’d get some benefit from this.” He roared, pulled back, and filled her deep. She put her forehead on the pallet and arched her back to get the right angle. She used the fingers of her right hand to play with her engorged clit. Had he lost control because of her goading? Would he make sure she came first? She twitched her fingers either side of her clit. It wasn’t as good as a tongue, but she had only one man with her at the moment. One that grunted every time his balls slapped her thighs. She held herself still, clenching her pussy muscles, as he shafted her, filling her with his need, and perhaps, one day, his love. “Mine!” he growled. She felt a slippery finger press into her bottom. She tightened,

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catching it along with his cock. Her clit tingled, eager for more. He spiraled his finger in her bottom, pinched her nipple, and yes! It triggered her clit, and pussy, and, oh yes! Five minutes later, lying on her side with Riley still inside her, her head still spun. “Jed and Clint are going to be so jealous when they get here,” said Riley between soft kisses on her shoulder. “I said I’d sleep on your floor to guard you. But, since we’re both on the floor, I wasn’t telling a fib.” He reached for the blanket she’d used the previous night. He settled it around them. “Better get some sleep. We’ll be interrupted if Smythe staggers home, and again when Jed and Clint stop by.” He sighed. “Dang. If you’re not in your nightgown, with me fully dressed sleeping in front of the door, they might get too interested in you to tell Smythe off.” He pulled away and padded to the kitchen to dampen a flannel with warm water for her. A few moments later, washed, dressed, and tucked into bed, she drifted off in his arms to the sounds of his soft snores.

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Chapter Nineteen “When I learned from Riley about Smythe’s plans, I was ready to cut off the man’s balls with a rusty blade, pickle them, and hand them back as a souvenir,” said Jed. “Since you came all this way just after sunup, I expect you’re wanting help?” Beth Elliott placed another pile of flapjacks on the plate in the middle of the table. She pointed at them. “We were just finishing. More coffee?” Jed didn’t need more encouragement. “Thank you for this. My belly’s a little too close to my backbone for comfort.” He stacked three on his plate, leaving the other three for Clint. He poured table syrup on them and dug in. A small boy crouched at Trace’s feet, playing with blocks. Every now and then he’d bang one on his father’s boot, look up, and grin. A small shriek erupted from over by the stove. Jed chomped on his tongue. Since he was in the presence of a lady, he held back the curse. Simon laughed and carefully lifted a very small baby from a cradle by the stove. He pressed it against his chest and made soothing noises. “Is that your daughter?” Clint asked. “Yes, this is Lily. She’s almost a month old.” Simon smiled proudly and brought the tiny bundle over. He leaned her down to show them, holding her blonde head in his palm. Her body lay on his arm. Her toes didn’t even reach his elbow. He gently laid his other hand on her chest to hold her there. She yawned and blinked blue eyes at Jed. Not sure what to do, Jed held out his smallest finger to touch the

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baby’s hand. She wrapped tiny fingers around him and held on. He looked closer. Each finger, maybe as long as a matchstick, had a perfect nail on the end, so small he could barely see them. “Simon’s going to be carrying a big stick around in about thirteen years,” said Beth, smiling at Jed. “Any male who comes near Lily better have her best interests at heart.” “Won’t just be Sy,” added Jack. He was Simon’s slightly younger twin. “She’s got an older brother, three older male cousins, and nine uncles to protect her.” The baby released Jed’s finger and squawked. She screwed up her face, which started to turn red. “Oops, Lily wants her momma.” Simon swooped the baby over to Beth, who laughed and took her into the back room. James, a block in each hand, followed. Trace caught him and lifted him, jiggling him as a distraction as he brought him back to the table with the men. He broke off a piece of flapjack and handed it to the boy, who inspected it carefully before eating. Jed finished his last bite of breakfast. Noticing the other plates by the sink, he carried his and Clint’s over and looked out the window. “Are Bridie and Meggie likely to come in? There’s something we need to talk about.” “They’re with Amelia, helping take care of Keir and Gavin,” said Jack. “Auntie and Sunbird are visiting their family. The girls love babies, so go visit the MacDougals whenever they can.” “Good. This is about them.” The three Elliott men caught each other’s eyes. They sat straighter, and the relaxed atmosphere faded like mist. Ten minutes later, when Jed and Clint had answered all their questions, they were all on their feet, twitching. “Ross is going to skin him alive unless we kill him first,” said Jack eagerly. “Whoa!” Jed held up his hands. “We just want Smythe to think that,” said Jed. “Riley and Victoria heard him say girls and women

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are something to be sold to the highest bidder to put gold in his pocket. That isn’t proof of anything.” “He threatened my daughters. I don’t need proof to leave him in a canyon for the cats and bears to find.” Trace’s ruined voice made the quiet words seem even more menacing. “That would bring worse down on everyone,” said Clint. “We want to force him to leave Tanner’s Ford permanently, without destroying Victoria or the valley’s way of life. Sophie McLeod and Miss Lily have already talked to the Pinkertons about him. They’ve got other clients interested in a few things happening out here. If he’s dead, he won’t lead the investigators to the bigger fish.” “We want the buyers, who use and destroy these girls,” said Simon. He leaned a shoulder against the wall and looked out the window. “Well, look who’s riding up.” He caught Jed, and then Clint, with a direct look. “Don’t say anything to Ross. We’ll tell him when it’s safe. We’d better meet him outside. He’s not so good in small spaces when he’s angry.” Jed followed the others into the yard, though the Elliotts’ kitchen was bigger than the one on the J Bar C. Perhaps Simon meant that five large men, six with Ross, would make the room feel smaller. “My ravens said you had visitors and maybe I should stop by,” said Ross. “Looks serious.” One quick look and Jed felt like he’d been sized up and a decision made, all within seconds. Ross was raised as a Bannock warrior. He wore his long, black hair tied back with a leather thong. It fell straight to his waist. His skin was almost the color of a well- thumbed penny. That, his slender muscles, and hatchet nose were far different from his older half brother. Gillis was big and broad, red and hairy, and loud. Jed had heard that Ross could move like the ravens that were always near him. Silent when needed, fast, and deadly. Jed also heard about his legendary skill with knives. “Need you to unburden yourself before we talk,” said Trace to Ross. “How many you carrying?”

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“News that bad?” Trace nodded. He held out his hand, palm up. Ross laughed. The pair of ravens perched on the barn roof made a “quork” sound as if in agreement. “You think they’ll all fit in your hand?” Trace smirked. “After you throw the others, I’ll hold the extra hidden one I know you carry.” “You trust these men?” Trace nodded. “Jed and Clint came here with a problem, and a solution. Not one we might like, but one we can live with. They’re part of our valley. Who knows, maybe one of their daughters will marry James, or one of your sons.” Ross looked at Clint for a moment, and then Jed. When the black eyes met Jed’s, it felt like his soul shivered. He almost stepped back, the force was so great. “You just peeled a nightmare off your back,” said Ross. “A man isn’t judged by those who create his body, but by how he molds himself in spite of them.” A shiver ran down Jed’s spine. Ross’s eyes suddenly went from flat black to warm ebony. “Follow the father of your heart and your children will do well.” Ross suddenly whirled to face the barn. His hands moved, and silver blades flew from under the back of his leather vest, behind his collar, inside his sleeves, and boots. When he stopped, nine knives quivered in the barn wall. The pattern had two eyes, a nose, four teeth, and two ears. Trace lifted an eyebrow. “Beth can draw faces a hell of a lot better with a pencil.” He snapped his fingers and held out his palm. Ross unbuckled his belt and removed part of it. The last knife was only three inches long. “Montana toothpick,” explained Ross. “So, what’s this all about?” “Do I have to hold you back, or are you going to listen?” Ross set his moccasin-clad feet shoulder-width apart, shook out

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his body, and nodded. “I’m listening.” His whole body tensed, ready for anything. Trace handed the “toothpick” to Simon. He walked right in front of Ross, staring eye to eye. He was two inches taller and broader, but he carried himself as if everyone would obey him. “Smythe threatened to take Bridie and sell her to bastards like those that hurt Molly.” The only reaction Jed saw was a slight widening of Ross’s eyes. No, the pulse in his throat thundered as well. He and Trace stared at each other for what seemed like minutes before Ross exhaled. He sauntered over to the barn. Jed and Clint turned their backs and carefully checked out the house. Where a man kept his knives was a private thing. Ross had moved too quickly for them to follow, but putting a knife back could take more time than throwing it. When Jed looked back, Ross was reassembling his belt buckle. “I take it we’re not going to kill him. Yet.” Trace shook his head. “There’s more involved. If he’s dead, he can’t lead us anywhere.” “He thinks he’s a big fish, but he’s just bait,” said Ross. “Rumors are that he has powerful contacts back East, but they work through him. He hasn’t got their power or influence, but wants it.” He shook his muscles out and looked at Jed. “What’s your stake in this?” “He threatened Victoria. Unless she marries him, he’ll hurt Bridie and Meggie, and get the governor to destroy how we run our lives,” said Jed. He was not going to tell anyone about Victoria’s past. It didn’t matter to him, but if she wanted anyone to know, she would be the one to do so. “We think he’s running close to the line financially,” said Clint. “The only way to threaten him is to destroy his future plans. We have to make him believe he could be ruined if his business partners know that others know.” “It’s not that the partners may find out,” said Simon. “They may be the ones buying the girls. Smythe has to believe these men will

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think they’ll lose even bigger deals because of their association with him.” “Our plan, such as it is,” explained Jed, “is made of threats, bluster, and bluffing.” “I’ll take care of the threats,” said Ross. “Been a while since I had a bit of fun.” “You’ve got two brothers, a mother and aunt, and Daniel to help you and Amelia with two tiny little babies, and you’re so busy you’re stuck at home?” Jack scoffed openly at Ross being homebound. Ross’s eyes glittered at the insult. “I’ll remind you of that comment when Beth has your first child,” he said softly to Jack. “Smythe won’t abandon that house after putting so much money into it,” said Simon. “Who would want to buy it?” “Mrs. Johnson wants to be with her grandchildren,” said Clint. “She might want to live in her own home rather than renting a room with Nora Dawes.” “That woman acts like a mother to Ranger, Patrick, and Ben,” said Trace, “as well as a grandmother to Emma and Johnny.” Jed, raised with only Clint, with Riley joining later, felt a stab of envy. He wanted Victoria to have a big family with them, so their children would always have someone. He remembered Trace’s comment to Ross, that they might one day be related through children not yet born. In so many ways, the families in the valley were becoming one. As far as he was concerned, it could only get better. But first he had to eliminate Smythe from Victoria’s thoughts, marry the woman, and work on all of them starting a baby with her. “What if we meet at the jail after dinner?” Trace waited for Jed’s and Clint’s nods. “We’ll talk with Sheriff Barstow, and then have what Gillis likes to call ‘a wee chat’ with Mr. Frederick Smythe.” They all looked up when Beth and James came out of the house. James pulled out of her hand and ran toward them, bare feet slapping on the dirt. Trace knelt down and held out his arms. James ran full tilt into him. Trace turned and whirled him around while he laughed. He

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ended up with his legs around Trace’s neck, clutching his father’s hair in his fists, delightedly looking down on them. “Something tells me I won’t like whatever it is you talked about,” said Beth. “Why would you say that?” Simon kissed her on the forehead, but only because Beth moved at the last moment. “Because I see new holes in the barn wall.” “We’re going to read the riot act to Smythe after dinner,” said Trace. “Anything you care to tell me about?” “We’ll talk about it tonight,” he replied. Beth grumbled but waved at James, nodded politely at Jed and Clint, and returned to the house. “How much are you going to tell her,” asked Jed. “Everything, of course,” said Trace. “Woman’s too smart,” groused Jack. “She figures everything out and then gets mad at us for not telling her. It ain’t worth the aggravation to have her mad.” “What Jack means is that a happy wife means a happy home,” said Simon. “An angry wife means it hurts like hell to ride a horse,” said Jack. He adjusted his belt buckle to show what he meant. “And she quits making desserts. Gets uppity.” “You planning to marry the lady, again?” asked Ross. “Soon as Jed can find a preacher,” replied Clint. “Which means after next week, when Judge Thatcher and Lily, and Doc and Rosa, get married. That is, if they let us horn in on the ceremony.” Jed realized the key to knowing Ross was his eyes. They almost danced when he looked over. “If you boys are going to be hornymooning, you should have a look at Amelia’s pillow book.” “It’s got drawings of every which way possible up to three men and a woman can have fun,” said Jack. He rubbed his hands and almost crowed like a rooster. Jed blinked. He stood still, but if felt like lightning blasted through

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every part of his body. A how-to book of sexual positions? “Let me give you some advice,” said Trace. He handed James over to Jack, who started a tickle fight with him. “Your wife is right. You are wrong, even when you’re right, so you might as well apologize right off. And she’ll be a lot more amenable to losing sleep if some of her chores are done for her, especially before bed.” “Buy the biggest bathtub you can find,” said Jack. “Rub her feet, her back, even her whole body. Sometimes it will put her to sleep, but when she wakes, she’ll be grateful,” said Simon. “And make sure she has time with women friends. They’ll talk about us, and when you walk past they may look at each other and suddenly start laughing, but she needs more than just men and children.” Trace checked the angle of the sun. He held out his hand and shook hands with Jed. “We’ll see you in town. All that talk reminds me I haven’t kissed my wife properly today.” He waved at Clint and strode into the house. Feminine shrieks and deep chuckles erupted from the kitchen. “Dang,” complained Jack, looking toward the house. “I was going to do that.” “Why don’t I bring James to see his cousin Hope?” Ross held out his arms to the boy, who ran toward him, whooping. “Gotta go, I’ve got husbandly things to do,” said Jack. He hurried after Trace. Simon sighed like an old maid watching a courting couple. “Looks like dinner might be late.” He handed James up to Ross, who waved and rode away. The ravens circled the yard once and raced after them. They swooped down and around the pair on the horse, making James laugh. The ravens sounded like they laughed as well. Instead of eagerly heading for the house, Simon bid Jed and Clint farewell. “Beth and I slept with Lily again last night, or tried to,” said Simon in explanation. “Lily’s still feeding every two hours or so. I’ll let Trace and Jack have some fun time with Beth. I got to cuddle her

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all night, and sometimes, that’s even better.” Jed and Clint walked their horses down the wide track to the road before speaking. “You think Victoria will make me wait until the wedding?” Jed frowned at Clint. “Thinking about that book has got me harder than before the first time with her.” “She didn’t turn down Riley last night.” “That’s right.” Jed nudged his horse into a trot. “It’s Riley’s turn to watch our cattle tonight, don’t you think?” “Definitely,” said Clint, laughing. “You need time alone to ask her to marry you again.” “That’s what I was thinking,” replied Jed. “Let’s head to town so we can talk with the judge about borrowing his preacher.” “Race you!”

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Chapter Twenty “Are you sure Mrs. McLeod won’t mind?” Victoria shifted her carpetbag to her other hand. She stood in front of the Tanner’s Ford Hotel kitchen door. The transom window above her head was open, releasing scents that reminded her of the few weeks she’d spent on the J Bar C. The best home she’d ever had, not that she had much to judge by. Riley sighed and rolled his eyes. “Victoria, you have to get out of Smythe’s house before Jed and the others arrive. Sophie will be happy to see you, I promise.” He opened the door and stepped in. “Sophie, I brought you a visitor with news.” Riley put his hand on her back and urged her through the doorway. Though she’d met the older woman at the picnic ten days ago, they hadn’t had much time to talk. “Mrs. Adams, how lovely to see you again.” Victoria blinked to hold back tears that welled at someone acknowledging she was still married. When Riley told her that the men would get rid of Smythe, sending him from the town forever, she cried in his arms. She blamed it on the worry from the last few days, especially yesterday’s unexpected meeting with Smythe. She was so tired and wanted to go home to the J Bar C. But only if Jed would marry her again, properly this time. She wanted him to promise to love, honor, and cherish her. She wasn’t sure about responding with love, honor, and obey. Sophie shooed Riley out the door, set her in an armchair, and started a pot of tea. Victoria looked around the large kitchen. A stove that must be almost ten feet long sat against the outer wall. She sat in

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front of a long table, the sort she would use for rolling out pies, chopping meat and vegetables, and all the other homey things she’d loved doing for those two short weeks. It was so different to work in a kitchen she thought of as her own, rather than the places rented by her mother or sister. “I don’t want to be a bother,” said Victoria. Sophie waved away her comment. She went to the two-door oven and took three pies from each side. Victoria smelled cinnamon and cloves, so guessed the pies were made of dried apple. They had a crumbly topping instead of a crust, like she would put on a cobbler. She tucked the idea away. Using rolled oats would reduce the amount of flour required, and would be more filling. Keeping three hardworking men full took most of her time. Or, it had. “There, now I can sit and put my feet up. Sophie brought two mugs to the table. “I have pretty cups in my room, but not in the kitchen,” she said. “This is wonderful,” replied Victoria. “I know I’m imposing—” “Not at all. I want to hear about everything. Did Riley tell you that we’ve got the Pinkertons investigating Smythe, as well as Rivers and Jennet?” Victoria choked on her tea. It took a moment before she could talk. “No, but he said to tell you everything.” Sophie tilted her head and frowned. “I think they’re upstairs packing.” “The Pinkertons are here?” “Yes, they escorted Mrs. Johnston here, using her as a cover. Do you think they’ll be interested in what you’ve got to say?” Victoria’s ears burned. “They may not trust what I say. My family is not…” Sophie pressed her warm hand on Victoria’s. “Honey, we know you can’t judge a person by their family. Why do you think so many of us left home and came West? To escape them.”

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Victoria took a deep breath. “Mr. Smythe as much as told me he knows who took Molly Sinclair—” Sophie shoved back her chair with a screech. “Don’t say another word! I’ll be right back.” It was easier to tell strangers her story than Riley. Of course, these were Pinkerton agents. They didn’t judge her at all, keeping their questions to what she could tell them of Smythe, anyone he mentioned, or plans he might have. A couple of times things she said made them nod at each other as if they already knew and she had confirmed it. Sophie worked as they talked, adding quiet comments when she could clarify or explain. Victoria learned about a number of things that had happened to people in Tanner’s Ford and the valley. Not gossip, but facts that suggested Smythe wasn’t the only businessman with few morals or scruples. Victoria closed her eyes and slumped in her chair when the agents left, weary to her bones. How could she have even considered joining herself to a vicious, lying, cheating bully? She must have been so muddled from the thought of losing the wonderful life she’d lived for two weeks. Now, she could see that the valley men would never allow anyone to hurt their children. “I think you need to put your feet up for a few minutes.” Victoria blinked up at Sophie. “I don’t know why I’m so tired.” “I expect it has a lot to do with what’s been going on for the last few weeks. It takes a toll on a woman.” Sophie smiled. “Of course, if Riley kept you awake all hours, I expect you could do with a nap.” Victoria flushed, but Sophie’s smile was kind, perhaps even envious. She stood up, then had to hold the back of the chair as she was a bit dizzy. She let Sophie guide her through a door that led to a short hall, and then to a sitting room. Through a door she could see a bed with a bright quilt on it. “I can’t lie on your bed,” she protested. “Why not? I won’t be using it until tonight.”

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“But the men are going to talk with Smythe. I want to know—” “I’ll come get you the minute I know anything.” Acquiescing, Victoria removed her boots and lay on the bed. After two nights on a hard pallet, even with Riley’s company, it felt wonderful to sink down. She barely heard the door close before sleep took her. **** Jed watched Riley saunter across the street from the hotel to the jail. He and Clint had met Trace and Ross on the road to town shortly after sunup. Though the morning was cool, the only clothing Ross wore other than boots, pants, and hat was a leather-fringed vest. He’d tied back his long black hair with a narrow strip of leather. It was hard to think of this hardened warrior laughing and playing with his twin sons. This time, they’d cleared their plan with Judge Thatcher and Sheriff Barstow, receiving their unofficial approval. Since they had no proof of Smythe’s guilt, the law couldn’t get involved. Half their plan was threat and bluster. The rest depended on bluff. Both the judge and sheriff stressed that they couldn’t harm the well-known businessman, no matter how much they wanted to. They also couldn’t talk about his interest in girls and women, since the Pinkertons were already on the case and they didn’t want to make him wary. “Victoria’s all settled with Sophie,” said Riley. Jed could tell by Riley’s relaxed grin that his cousin had done more than sleep beside Victoria last night. Though he was eager to do the same, he told himself Riley had primed her pump so she’d be eager for more. After this business was over he’d take her home and show her how much he missed her. “I’m ready to marry Victoria again in front of a preacher, pastor, priest, or whoever she wants, no matter what book I have to swear on,” he said.

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“About time,” muttered Clint. “Smythe staggered home pretty late,” said Riley to the group. “He hadn’t moved when we left for the hotel. I expect he’s still snoring.” Sure enough, the five men followed loud snores up the stairs and into Smythe’s bedroom. The man, still in his clothes and boots, had collapsed on the bed. The stench of his alcohol- fueled breath filled the room. Since it was his wife Smythe threatened, Jed got the honors. He moved to the right side of the bed. Trace leaned a shoulder against the wall near the window. Ross paced in front of the door. He moved like a tiger, quiet and deadly. His hands were empty, but he flexed his fingers as if eager to pull a couple of knives. Jed pulled his eating knife from his belt and rested the sharp blade near Smythe’s neck. He nodded at Clint, across from him. Riley stood at the foot, grinning as usual. “Smythe!” Clint yelled into the man’s ear. “Wha?” Jed let him flounder and gasp for a few seconds before pressing the knife into his skin. “You move, you die,” he said quietly. “Got it?” Smythe obeyed. Only his eyes moved. They widened as they found Ross trimming his fingernails with a pig-sticker long and thin enough to pass between ribs and out again. He gulped when Ross bared his teeth in a feral smile. Jed pulled Smythe up in the bed so his shoulders leaned against the headboard. “Jed is very unhappy that you threatened his wife,” said Clint. He spoke lightly, as if catching up on old news with a friend. Smythe pulled himself together. “She’s not married, you bloody fool. At least, not yet.” He sneered up at Jed. “She can hardly wait for me to bed her.” “Don’t,” ordered Trace, his warning aimed at Jed. His words barely held Jed back from carving into Smythe’s neck. “Don’t insult my wife if you want to live through this.” He tightened his grip, making the knife slip. Smythe yelped. “Oops,” said Jed. A

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small trickle of blood appeared under the blade. “Guess you cut yourself shaving.” Smythe gritted his teeth but didn’t reply. “Leaving town would be good for your health,” said Clint. “Don’t you threaten me, cow man.” Smythe’s glare showed his contempt. “I have influential friends. Your valley is an immoral cesspool. It should be cleared out and opened to moral citizens. The governor—” “Is a politician,” interrupted Clint. “He listens to men in power.” The implication was that they had it and Smythe did not. Smythe chewed on the thought for a moment. Jed could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he figured a way out. He backed off his knife to encourage him to talk. “You’ve already got the reputation of a chiseler around here,” said Jed. “You tried to cook something up with the banker and mayor.” Smythe flicked his eyes at the men threatening him. “Nothing wrong with sharing a few business interests with the leading men in town. Rivers and Jennet were interested in investing in railroad property.” He turned to Trace. “They thought you might find it to your advantage, as well. But you refused to meet with us.” Trace took the matchstick he was chewing out of his mouth to answer. “I figured your plans were more to do with taking advantage of me. Since I heard you lost a bundle, I guess I was right.” Smythe shrugged. “The greater the reward, the greater the risk.” Ross snarled a word none of them understood. He glided toward Smythe, who reared back, eyes wide. Trace and Riley grabbed Ross’s arms, making a big show of holding him from attacking. After he stood still for a moment they released him. Smythe looked around, smug as a packrat in an abandoned cabin. “You can’t prove anything.” Ross smiled, showing all his teeth. “I bet he’s a screamer,” he murmured, quiet but intense. “Give me ten minutes with my filleting knife and I’ll get a few answers.”

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“Nah, too many people out and about,” said Trace. He sighed as if wishing it was otherwise. After a moment Ross nodded. He leaned a shoulder against the wall and slid out a knife. He idly tossed it in his right hand, hilt to blade to hilt, as he watched Smythe sweat. “You’re so crooked I bet you could swallow nails and spit out corkscrews,” said Riley. “We know you’ve got your fingers in a lot of filthy pies.” “You have nothing that would stand up in court.” Smythe kept his eyes on Ross’s knife. “Vigilantes don’t need a court,” said Clint. “They’d never touch me,” replied Smythe. “You a gambling man?” asked Trace. A touch of color came into Smythe’s white face. “I’ve been known to toss a few dice.” He tugged on the bottom of his vest as if straightening his clothes would protect him from the five armed men surrounding his bed. Jed nodded agreeably. “You play dice out in the open. But what about business deals? They happen behind closed doors, and a man’s reputation counts for a lot.” Smythe flicked at his pants with the tips of his fingers as if sweeping off dirt. “I’ve just moved into my home and have a great deal to do,” he said, ignoring Jed’s implied threat. “If you have a point, I suggest you get to it.” Jed didn’t move but every muscle in his body tightened with tension. “You want to make deals with men of power and authority. For that, you need them to think you’ll keep his word. But you refused to pay what you owed us.” “We had an agreement for a slow payment for cattle,” huffed Smythe. “I said I’d pay you in the fall.” He spread his hands. Diamonds set in gold flashed in the morning light. “Unfortunately, I had to return East for a family emergency and then the roads closed early due to snow. I was not going to trust so much gold to a lackey.” He looked Jed in the eyebrows and sniffed down his nose, implying

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Jed was little more than servant class himself. “Those boxes Victoria protected so well, contain your payment.” Jed’s snort of amusement was followed by noises of disagreement from the others. “I think a few key men would be interested in another point of view,” said Clint. “We’ve already learned about a certain railway deal. Heard you got set back a mite.” Smythe’s mouth turned down. He glared at Trace. “I know it was you valley men who fouled that deal.” “And we’ll foul a lot more, unless you agree to a few things,” said Jed calmly “Don’t think you can threaten me!” Ross turned his knife so the blade flashed silver in Smythe’s eyes. “I don’t make threats,” he quietly declared. “I carry out decisions. We might decide you’d be more use feeding the fish at the bottom of the river.” Smythe pulled at his tight collar. He grimaced. “I’m listening.” “You will destroy all evidence of my wife’s past,” said Jed. “You will speak of my wife, Victoria Adams, and those from Tanner’s Ford, with honor and respect. And you will never travel west of the roads or rail lines linking Bannack and Deer Lodge cities.” “That’s preposterous! I just had this house built.” Ross pointed his blade at Smythe like a finger. “Sell it.” Smythe’s eyes bulged. His mouth flapped, but nothing understandable came out. Jed and the others backed off a bit. Smythe pulled on his vest and cleared his throat. “Do you know how much it cost to build this, and bring all the furniture to fill it?” His eyes moved from one roughly dressed man to the other. “Who would have the gold to pay me for what I spent?” “Mrs. Johnston,” said Clint. “She wants to stay in Tanner’s Ford with her grandchildren but wants a good-size house for all her furniture.” “There you are,” said Jed. He smacked the wall above Smythe’s

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head, making him jump. “Pack your things, make an offer to Mrs. Johnston, and be on tomorrow’s stage to Bannack City.” “The stage?” He curled his lip as if a longhorn had lifted its tail on his bed. “I am a gentleman! I travel only in hired carriages.” “Make do,” growled Jed. “You’ll not look at, speak to, or mention my wife again, to anyone, or I’ll track you down and string you up. Understand?” Smythe pressed his lips together. “If I do this, you won’t say or do anything against me or my affairs.” Jed nodded. Smythe waited until Trace and Ross nodded as well. “I wouldn’t want to be seen in this backwater anyway,” said Smythe. He gave a loud harrumph and smoothed back his hair. He waved at them as if dismissing servants. “Close the door on your way out.” Ross whirled and pointed his arm at Smythe. Jed heard a loud thud, and a large knife appeared, quivering on the headboard an inch above Smythe’s head. The whites of his eyes were closer to yellow, with red lines wiggling over them. “Whoops,” said Ross. He sauntered over and reached for the knife. Smythe shrank down on the bed. The knife was so deep Ross had to work it back a couple of times to get it loose. Ross sniffed, grimaced, and backed away. Jed patted Smythe’s white face. “Better change the sheets as well as your pants.” They tromped down the stairs, holding back their chuckles, and returned to the jail. “Plan work?” asked Barstow. He balanced on two legs of the chair, sipping coffee. Jed nodded. “He’ll be gone on tomorrow’s stage.” “I talked to the Widow Johnston. She wants the place. Said she has the money, and a lot of furniture to fill all the rooms.” Riley snickered. “I saw her and Walt making eyes at each other. I expect he’ll be in town a fair bit now, instead of working with that

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Zach he hired up from Texas.” “You wouldn’t know it to look at him, but Walt’s got a good bit of gold put away himself,” said Trace. “He grubstaked many a man, and they paid him back with interest.” “When Walt’s all duded up in his courting clothes, he doesn’t look near as old as he pretends,” added Ross. “Why shouldn’t he find himself a lady friend?” Clint shrugged. “If Rosa and Doc, and Thatcher and Lily can marry, why not those two?” “Those boys on the Circle C and Sweetwater ranches will soon be the only bachelors left in the valley,” said Riley. He laughed. “Until the men Walt hired to bring his longhorns from Texas arrive. That will stir things up a bit.” “They’re just hired hands,” said Clint. “What woman would choose to marry one of them when she could marry the owners of a ranch?” Jed looked toward the hotel and Victoria. He set his hands on his hips and sighed. “Who knows? What man can figure out what a woman will do, or her reasons why?” **** Lips drifted against her cheek. She inhaled, still drowsy. “Jed?” His low chuckle made her smile. “You can tell us apart without opening your eyes?” She heard the clunk of a boot hitting the floor, and then another. The mattress dipped as he lay beside her. She rolled onto his chest, cuddled up to his right side, and sighed. “We shouldn’t lie on Sophie’s bed,” she murmured. Jed pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. “All we’re going to do is talk.” Talk? Smythe! She struggled to sit up. “Lie down, or I won’t tell you anything.”

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She pouted up at him. He winked and closed his eyes. After a moment, she relaxed against him. “Smythe is leaving tomorrow morning, for health reasons.” “He didn’t look sick.” “He’s not. But unless he leaves and never comes back, Ross said he might end up wounded, in a way that involved a lot of pain and permanent loss of body parts. I believe he held his biggest knife between Smythe’s legs at the time. Rather high up his thigh.” Victoria bit her lip to hold back a laugh. “Did he say anything?” “Riley said the man’s like a barnyard. He brays like a donkey when he laughs, squeals like a pig when threatened, and has the brains of a rooster all the time.” “Because he struts around telling the world how big he is, when he’s only good for the stewpot?” Jed pulled his head away so he could look her in the eyes. “Dang! I wished I’d thought of adding that.” His arm, which had curled around her shoulders, slid down her body to cup her behind. She reached down, grabbed it, and brought it back around her shoulders to lie on his chest. “What else?” She wanted to know how else they’d threatened Smythe. “That’s all that matters. Smythe is gone, your secrets are safe, and so are Bridie and Meggie.” “Aren’t you going to tell me anything else?” “Can’t think of anything to tell. But I’ve got something to ask.” His whole body stiffened, including the arm that pressed her into his chest. She fought to escape, managing to sit up and look down on him. “What is it, Jed?” He opened his mouth, then shut it. He wiped his hand over his face and then scrunched his eyes shut. Then he opened them. Chocolate-brown eyes pleaded with her. “Is something wrong?”

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“Not unless you say no,” he rasped “To what?” “To marrying me again.” He’d thrown the words at her, saying them so fast she had to think to figure out what he’d said. He stared up at her, his jaw clenched and eyes now hooded in uncertainty. The hand that rested on her knee trembled. She held back the happiness that bubbled inside, ready to explode. Would he demand another civil wedding so he wouldn’t have to say he loved her? “Why?” He blinked, stunned. “Why do I want to marry you?” She nodded. Now she was the one who trembled. “There’s this other woman,” he said. Her heart almost stopped. “What!” She tried to leap out of the bed, but he gripped her. He held up his hands. “She’s my Aunt Chrissie, Clint’s mother. I never even came close to loving anyone else.” The words gushed out of him, and then he stopped. He smiled up at her, his lips pressed tightly together. “Until you,” he whispered. “We talked to Judge Thatcher. He said Lily and Rosa would be happy to share their wedding day with you, on Friday.” “Oh, Jed!” She flopped down on him, tucking her head under his chin and hugging his shoulders. He hesitantly placed his hands on her back. Then she realized what else he’d said. She pushed on his chest to look at him. “It’s only Sunday. Friday isn’t for five more days!” He winced. “I know. The preacher can’t get here until then.” “But I want to go home right now!” “Home, meaning the J Bar C?” She drew a finger down Jed’s shirt, from his collar to his belt. When she got to his belt, she traced the buckle. He inhaled a gasp.

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“Was that a yes?” His voice squeaked. “I want to wait until I’m home to answer that,” she murmured. Her finger traced the hard ridge of his cock. “I need to see if this fellow still works.”

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Chapter Twenty-One “Aren’t you going to put everything away?” Jed leered at the woman who would soon be his wife, again. She’d taunted him the whole time he took care of his horse. She rubbed her nipples, unbuttoned her shirt to the dark, mysterious place between her breasts. By the time his horse joined the others, he was harder than he’d believed possible. “That’s for Clint and Riley to do. I’ve got more important things on my mind.” “Such as what?” She backed up, matching him step by step as he slowly stalked her to the house. “Such as proving all my parts are in good working order.” He unbuttoned his shirt. She turned and hurried inside. He followed, stopping right inside the door. He tossed his shirt aside and stared at her. She stood, arms behind her and eyes wide, watching him. Her glorious chest heaved with every breath. He knelt and removed his boots without breaking her gaze. His pants followed. When he was naked, she broke her gaze, sliding it down his body to rest on his cock. She licked her lips as if remembering his taste. He looked down. A drop trembled. He caught it on his finger before it could fall. Holding it out, he stepped toward her. She opened her mouth and sucked his finger in. His cock jumped as if her lips were clamped just as hard on it. He kissed her cheek, barely touching her skin. The first time he’d been too quick, too eager. He was just as wanting now, but wanted to prove that he could take it slow. After all, she hadn’t said yes to him

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yet. He knew she would, but just in case, he wanted to build up the tension until she was screaming for him. He touched his lips and fingers to her skin, claiming a trail around her neck to her throat. There were only a few buttons left. He took his time with them, slowly exposing a larger slice of skin with each one. He had to kiss and caress each new inch, of course. He finally dropped her shirt and started on her shift. One layer of thin cotton between his mouth and fingers, and her skin. Moving even slower than with her shirt, he undid the first button. She snarled something and reached to pull it off. He caught her hands. He put her wrists together and held them with his left hand, behind her back. “You realize it’s going to take me even longer using one hand?” Jed suckled her nipple, making it so wet he could see it through the white cotton. It stood up, proud and happy to see him. Victoria, however, wasn’t happy. She was aroused, and needy, and wanting his cock inside her, if he believed what she kept telling him. He took his time, until finally her breasts were exposed. He had to let go of her hands so he could hold them. He slid his hands down to her waist and turned her so she faced away. He lifted her breasts, one in each palm, and weighed them. Were they bigger, or did he just not remember what a lucky man he was to have all this bounty? He caressed her nipples with his thumbs. She arched. “Oh, yes!” He explored the back of her neck with his lips, dragging them across her skin. He loved it when her skin shivered at his touch. Her responses proved she was his woman. His to love and share with his cousins. Between them, to grow a family. He nipped the tendon in her neck and then kissed it gently. Her hair beckoned him. She kept it tightly controlled in public, wrapped and twisted and piled on her head. The fact that others couldn’t see it down made taking it down even more arousing. One by one, he slid her pins out. He did it like a puzzle, trying to

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see how long he could make it last. At first only wisps and tendrils fluttered past her ears. He nibbled her right earlobe, sucking the small piece of flesh into his mouth and holding it with his teeth for a moment. Wondering what it felt like, he bent his head, offering his ear to her. She nipped him, hard. The sharp pain made him feel fully alive. He groaned. “I should do that when you’re lying on me, just as your cock explodes,” she murmured. A jolt of lust shot to his balls at the thought. He gritted his teeth and fought to hold on. “I’m trying to make this last,” he moaned. “Thinking of you doing that doesn’t help.” Victoria laughed and shook her head. He groaned even louder as her hair slipped over her shoulders and down. “You are making this so hard.” She reached behind her and brushed her hand against his cock. “You’re right!” He had to speed this up. He opened her skirt button and pushed it down. Her petticoats followed. They caught on his cock for a moment, but he untangled himself and let them fall. Now he would make her squirm. When he drew his palm over her belly, just barely touching, she quivered. Her skin rippled, and her breath hitched. He teased her, drawing in small circles, letting his little finger almost touch her clit. He rested his eager cock on the hollow of her lower back and lifted her breasts again. She reached behind her back and did the same to his balls. He waited, wanting to know what she would do. She scraped her fingernails over them, and he damn near hit the ceiling. Jed dropped his hands to her waist, lifted her, and carried her toward the stairs at the back of the cabin. “Put me down. I can walk.” “Hush. I want to carry you.” She squirmed so much he had to put her down or drop her. As soon as she gained her feet, she scrambled for the stairs. When she got

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to them she bent over and climbed them, placing her palms down, as well as her feet. He followed, loving the sweet, tantalizing view of her ass and pussy. One cheek of her ripe peach of an ass moved, and then the other, as she slowly climbed the stairs. When she got to the top, she stood and tried to run. He caught her around the waist before she made it to the bed. “I want you in me,” she demanded. “Now!” “You’ll have to wait until I’m ready.” “I felt your cock. You’re ready enough!” His cock could wait. He wanted to taste her again. He laid her across the bed on her back and pulled her toward him. She bent her knees to hold her heels on the edge of the mattress. He knelt on the floor, clamped his hands on her thighs, and pressed her knees apart to open her up. “What a beautiful sight,” he murmured. He inspected her with wonder. Women were so beautifully different. Soft and luscious, with interesting curves and hollows to lick, and suck, and insert fingers and tongues and cocks into. He kissed the thighs pillowing his head. Plump and white, just like her breasts. No, not just like. Her thighs had a touch of whisker burn courtesy of Riley. It didn’t stop him nosing his way, sniffing and kissing her pussy. He glanced up. She watched him with eager eyes. Her nostrils flared, and her breasts rose and fell as she panted. He was no different, unable to take a deep breath. Swollen red lips pouted at him below golden-brown curls. He used the fingers of both hands find the tiny bud hidden within her nest. “There she is.” He touched the crest of her clit with his tongue. Victoria jerked. He inhaled and then tasted her, sliding his tongue between her inner and outer lips. She grabbed his hair in both hands, trying to guide him back to her clit. The slight pain as she pulled made his balls ache even more.

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He had to think of a winter blizzard for a moment to stop his release. He teased her then, using only the tip of his tongue in butterfly- light touches. He flicked his way back to that tight ring of muscle that fascinated him. He placed his palms on her cheeks and pushed up. She rolled, raising her legs and exposing more of her bottom. He moved his palms out, revealing her asshole. He held her there, nosing her ring and tonguing her pussy. Wanting to surprise her, he gathered up her juices with his little finger. He pulled his head back and pressed his finger through her ring. She tightened hard around and arched her back. He twisted his finger as she embraced it tightly. She released his hair to flatten her hands against the sheets as she gasped. Damn, she responded so much to his touch, every part of her body wanting him. His aching balls throbbed along with every beat of his heart. She smiled up at him and licked her lips, her body open and eager. He couldn’t take it anymore. Growling in need, he stood and placed his cock at the entrance to her pussy. She reached for him. Just to be a nuisance, he ran the head of his cock back and forth over and around her lips. The rasp of a stray curl contrasted with her smooth, silky lips. He almost entered her, and then went past to rub her clit. She trembled. So did he. But it would be even better when he entered her. Her pussy contracted as if reaching for him. He fed it an inch, just his large purple head, tantalizing both of them. There was something about putting his hard cock in her eager pussy that made him feel like he ruled the world. Was it her trust that he would treat her with care and pleasure, meeting her need that burned as hot as his? Or was it the act of a predator, proving that he conquered her flesh, impaling her with himself? Her tight walls pressed against him as he tenderly forced himself another few inches. He moaned in memory and anticipation. Would he be able to last until she was ready?

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He found her clit with his knuckles and squeezed it between them. She grabbed his ass and yanked, making him surge deep into her. She groaned along with him, both panting for a moment. He bent forward and played with her breasts. She pinched his small nipples. The nip of pain swiftly turned to pleasure. He gave her long, hard strokes, slowly stretching her, and then retreating. She clenched him inside, and he sped up. Needing to hold her hips, he released her breasts and clit. She took over, her hands busy doing what she needed. He tried to pay attention, staring as her busy fingers danced over her clit. He angled up, trying to find a place he found she enjoyed. Once, twice—she gasped and clenched him hard. He stared at her, giving her what she needed, showing her that she belonged to him, that he would protect her, and love her, and everything else. His balls clenched, the signal shot to his cock, and he erupted. “Mine!” “Yes!”

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Chapter Twenty-Two Victoria drifted, secure and content now that she was home. She didn’t believe Smythe would leave them alone, but she would be safe. Talking with Sophie and the Pinkertons had shown her that many people left pasts behind them when they came West. Riley’s parents had abandoned him, though at a loving relative’s home. She didn’t know Jed’s story, but he certainly didn’t grow up undamaged either. Clint might be the only one of them having grown up in the kind of home she wanted for her children. She wanted many of them. If she continued enjoying her husbands, she was likely to have one every few years. James Elliott, Beth’s son, was fifteen months older than his sister. That was a bit close, as she’d prefer eighteen to twenty-four. But, as long as they were healthy, she’d enjoy them. Perhaps she could speak with Beth at the wedding, to ask about babies. She’d never had much to do with them. Her mother taught her more about how not to conceive, or get rid of a baby, than in birthing or raising one. A thought hit, and her heart pounded. Her mother, obviously, had regular sex for years, with different men. Had she wanted children, or were she and Cecilia problems that her mother couldn’t make go away? No. Her mother had loved her father at the time. She would love all her babies, no matter what. She rolled to her feet and then sat abruptly back onto the bed. Her head swam, and she clutched the sheets as the dizziness passed. It must be lack of food. That cup of tea with Sophie was all she’d had since morning. She’d been so worried about Smythe that her stomach was upset. She was

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only able to eat a piece of dry toast. Now that she thought of food, she was starving. “Did she say yes?” That was Riley’s eager voice. “Of course. Mind you, she waited for the appropriate moment to scream it out.” Victoria rolled her eyes at his male pride. But perhaps her refusing to stay on the ranch with them had hurt him deeply. She’d been so upset and muddled at the time that she couldn’t remember her reason for leaving, if she even had one. “Scream? As in…” Clint, always calm. “Right after I said she was mine, she said yes.” “Did you knock her out again?” Riley moaned in complaint. “Damn. I was hoping for a big welcoming kiss.” “She was so tired that Sophie had her lying down,” replied Jed. “No wonder she’s still asleep. So don’t you complain, Riley Jansen, because you’re the one who kept her up for hours last night.” “Victoria tell you that?” “She didn’t have to. I found a touch of whisker burn in places that proved you didn’t just peck her on the cheek and say good night.” “Sophie figured Victoria would be too tired to cook tonight, so she sent us this bucket of stew,” said Clint. “I could make biscuits,” said Riley. “Victoria’s getting to like them.” “I’d rather have the ones Victoria makes,” said Clint. She smiled to herself. She would also prefer the ones she made. She stood up carefully, but the dizziness had passed. She looked around for her clothes. Oh, oh. Jed had undressed her downstairs and carried her up. She’d packed her few things away. She would have to walk downstairs naked unless someone would bring her clothes to her. She walked to the hole in the floor where the stairs descended. “I’ll cook if someone will bring me my clothes.”

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Silence. “We’d rather you come get them yourself.” She could hear the smile in Riley’s voice. “If I have to come get them, I’m not cooking. Not today, and not tomorrow.” “I’ll bring them.” She pressed her lips together but couldn’t hold back a smile at Clint using his “I’m the one in charge” voice. She knew why. He was the only one who hadn’t spent time alone with her since she left the ranch days ago. Three days without sex and he would be very eager. Though she’d just woken from fun with Jed, the thought of Clint made her sit back on the bed. She loved it when he took her from behind. He’d think he’d have a chance to see her, maybe kiss her lips and a nipple or two. But he wouldn’t presume more. Clint was the calm, sturdy one of the trio. It made her want to stir him up so he’d lose control. She heard footsteps on the steps, so she rolled onto her hands and knees. She aimed her pussy at the steps so he’d see her as soon as his head appeared. She turned her head to the left and watched for him. His eyes found her immediately. He stopped and made a deep, guttural sound. She expected him to rush up the stairs, but instead he stalked her like a cat. He stared at her as he set her clothes on a trunk. He took off his shirt and let it slide off his shoulders. She squeezed her muscles, anticipating what he’d feel like. Her swollen breasts ached for his hands. He stopped about ten feet away and looked at her. He took his time, as if memorizing her again. She moved her knees apart and lifted her bottom like a mare in heat, eager for a stallion to mount her. His nostrils flared. His mouth opened in a snarl. He reached her in three steps. But he stopped just behind her. She wiggled her bottom, telling him what she wanted. He slowly, very slowly, unbuttoned his pants. She watched, clenching her pussy in need, as he lifted out his cock. The head was swollen and wet. She licked her lips and stared at it.

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“You put your ass in the air like that because you want my cock, Victoria?” She nodded, smiling in invitation. Clint rubbed the tip of his cock around her pussy, teasing her at the entrance. She knew he wanted her, but for some manly reason he’d make her wait. He had to prove he pleasured her because he wanted to, not because she demanded it. He teased her, sliding a finger through her lips and around her clit. Still hot and wet from her time with Jed, she was eager for more. He knew it, and chuckled when she tried to push back onto his cock. He pressed his finger in her bottom. She gasped and choked. It was a lot bigger than the one Jed used. He held it there while he slid his cock into her pussy, stretching and filling her. He went all the way in, knowing Jed had already warmed her up. His long cock nudged that spot, and she quivered. He reached forward and fondled her right breast. “You want more of that?” She tightened her muscles around him in answer. He groaned and pulled back, setting a rhythm that stroked that spot with each thrust. He kept his finger busy, imitating the same movement, but barely past her ring. There was so much feeling in that one small spot that almost everything else disappeared. “Harder,” she begged. “Faster.” Clint grabbed her right thigh with his hand and sped up. He went deep and pulled almost out, slamming against her hard and fast. His finger thrust in and out. She reached between her legs and found her clit. She caught it between her fingers and fluttered it. She was almost—yes! Her pussy spasmed around him. She slammed back, meeting his thrusts just as hard. He kept on going, again and again. Another orgasm burst, fast on top of the other. “Oh, yes!” He growled, pumped once more, and then erupted wildly,

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twitching and shaking. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his head beside hers on the mattress. They both fought to breathe. Sparkles floated past her closed eyes. Her brain hissed like light rain on a pond. Her pussy throbbed, stroking the cock still deep inside her. “If that didn’t make us a baby,” said Clint, “I don’t know what will.”

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Chapter Twenty-Three “Tell me again why I have to go with you.” Victoria couldn’t help pouting as she sat beside Trace in the Elliott wagon the next morning. Ross rode alongside. They arrived right after breakfast, insisting she come with them. Beth insisted it wasn’t right for a bride to live with her future husbands in the days before her wedding. “When Beth gets that look in her eye,” said Trace in his gravelly voice, “we just say, ‘yes, ma’am,’ and do what she says. It’s better for everyone.” Ross kneed his horse closer. “When you were a little girl, did you dream about your wedding? How you’d wear a fancy dress and walk down the aisle of a church with everyone smiling at you?” A bitter laugh escaped before she could hold it back. She didn’t have time for dreams, especially impossible ones. “I take it that means no,” continued Ross. “Though I hear most girls do that.” “I might as well get this out right now,” she said bitterly. “I’m the daughter of a mistress and her patron, a man whose name I don’t even know. I learned quite young that men would want me, but no one would ever marry me.” Ross got a thoughtful look. Trace’s only reaction was a lifted eyebrow. Expecting shock and rejection, she tried to enjoy the beautiful spring morning. Snow still topped the mountains, and wildflowers bloomed up and down the hills. She spotted the crisp white, tan, and black of an antelope. They were so pretty, and she loved seeing them bound on the rocky hills.

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“After you get hitched on Friday, the only name that’ll matter is Victoria, Mrs. Jed Adams,” said Trace quietly. “Nobody needs to know anything more, unless you want to tell ’em.” She held her head high and looked into his eyes. They were almost black. Smile wrinkles creased the outside corners. “I hear things’re different out East,” he continued. “But this is a territory. We judge you by what you do, not who you used to be.” He nodded as if the discussion was closed. “Beth wants to give you a decent wedding, and I’d appreciate it if you let her. She didn’t get much of one with me. The gals managed to get Jessie into a dress for her wedding, but it was touch and go for a bit. If you can act even a bit excited, you’ll make Beth happy.” “And one thing a smart husband learns right off,” added Ross, “is to keep his wife happy. That’s why you’ll let Amelia help you choose a dress for your special day.” “But—” “She brought boxes and boxes of the things with her, and they take up a lot of room in the bunkhouse,” complained Ross. “Amelia sells them, but there’s not a lot of women your size. Since I hear you didn’t bring much with you, please take as many as fit.” She couldn’t believe the large, dark-skinned warrior, a known killer, was pleading with her to let herself be dressed by his wife. It was true about Victoria’s size. Beth and Florence were tall and a bit rounded. Amelia and Jessie were petite. The only other single woman of marriageable age, Sarah Unsworth, was far too thin and six inches shorter. Mary Barstow, the sheriff’s wife, had an even more rounded figure, but she was shorter as well. Lily already had her wedding dress, and so did Rosa, since they’d been planning for a while. She had three ugly work dresses. “You want me to act all girlish and excited about this wedding?” Ross nodded, and Trace grunted. “But I’ve never been that way in my life, nor did I want to.” Cecilia acted that way with men. It turned Victoria’s stomach to see

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how her sister and even mother would act one way with the men, and then turn into bitter witches. “Maybe it’s time you tried it,” said Trace. “Most of the women here haven’t had the best time of it. Helping someone else enjoy a bit of pleasure makes them feel better.” “Who knows,” added Ross. “You might find a part of yourself that you never knew was in you. Wouldn’t that be nice for your men, to see you laughing like a girl?” Laugh? She couldn’t remember doing so before arriving at the J Bar C. She blinked back tears and rolled her lips over her teeth and pressed them together to stop a cry escaping. She never laughed, or cried. The excitement of the upcoming weddings must really be affecting her. Either that, or the kindness of the two men. “No tears,” declared Trace. Ross grunted his agreement. “It’s just that no one’s ever been this nice to me before. I mean, Jed, Clint, and Riley are very good to me, but you don’t even know me.” “You stood up to Smythe, ready to sacrifice yourself to save our families. That’s more than enough for me,” said Ross. “You’ll be part of the valley family come Friday,” said Trace. He smiled, transforming his face from gruff to welcoming. “Who knows. Someday you might have a daughter who’ll end up marrying my son James, or one of Ross’s twins. We’d really be family then, as we’d be sharing grandkids.” The thought stunned her. She’d thought of having a tiny baby, one who needed her. A grown child, ready to marry, was far beyond her. She was just realizing that she would be having a wedding beyond anything she could have dreamed of. It was far too soon to think of grandchildren! Ross chuckled. “I think it’s best if the lady thinks about her wedding first, Trace. The thought of my three- month-old hellions surviving long enough to learn to read is more than I can handle right now.” He whistled. The flapping of huge wings blew air at Victoria as

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the two ravens riding at the back of the wagon rose into the sky. “I’ll tell Amelia you’ll be over with Beth later to try on dresses.” “Bridie and Meggie will love a chance to help,” said Trace. “They’re already planning every part of their wedding except the groom. I have the final say about who marries my girls.” His grin was feral and wild. Victoria could see Jed being the same if they had a daughter one day. “I pity the men who want to court Hope,” said Ross with a laugh. “I can see Gillis standing behind them the whole time, claymore in hand.” He waved and rode on. Trace turned the wagon up a well- used road. “Since the girls are with Amelia, you’ll have a bed to yourself.” He broke into an amused smile. “Enjoy the next few nights. It’ll be a week of Sundays before you’ll be sleeping alone again.” Victoria was still blushing when they arrived in front of the largest home she’d seen since Virginia City. A verandah ran across the entire front of the home, which faced south. Its roof was the floor for the balcony above. Four steps led up to the verandah. The door at the top of the steps was open. Beth came out, a small baby over her shoulder. Her smile was so welcoming and eager that Victoria couldn’t have denied the woman anything. She was the first of the valley women to marry and already had two children, by two different fathers. “Oh, I’m so glad you could come for a visit,” Beth said. Trace helped Victoria down. Her feet were a bit unsteady after the jolting ride, so Trace insisted on helping her up the steps. He took the baby from Beth and held it out to Victoria. “Sit in the rocker and hold Lily for a moment so I can kiss my wife. Please.” “I don’t know how,” said Victoria. She sat, and Trace showed her how to press Lily against her shoulder. The little one didn’t even stir. Victoria inhaled the wonderful smell of sweet, clean baby. This time she could understand

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her tears. She hesitantly relaxed against the back of the rocker and made it move. She held her breath as Lily made sucking motions with her mouth. After a moment, the baby settled again. She closed her eyes, blushing at the sounds Beth and Trace made, and rocked a baby for the first time. She was going to be married in a lovely ceremony, wearing a new dress, surrounded by new friends. In a year or so, she might be rocking her own baby on her own verandah. Perhaps the men could put a roof over the south side of the house. She’d face the mountains rather than the road, but that would be glorious. “Keep on rocking,” said Beth breathlessly after Trace walked away. He left the wagon behind. Victoria opened her eyes. Beth’s blonde hair was loose, a few strands dropping over one eye. Whoever had buttoned her dress back up had missed one or two. She flushed and returned her attention to the small bundle lying on her chest. “Drat that man,” said Beth, though she laughed as she said it. “He did up my buttons wrong on purpose.” The baby suddenly squawked. Victoria stopped moving, thinking she’d done something wrong. Beth sat in the rocker next to Victoria and, instead of doing herself up, opened her dress again. “Hand the little piggy over to me. She wants to eat. Again!” Victoria carefully passed over the precious bundle. Lily immediately began rooting at Beth’s breast. Victoria watched, fascinated, as Lily latched on and began to eagerly suckle. “Not too familiar with babies?” Victoria pulled her eyes away from the baby patting her mother’s breast. “I’m sorry for being so rude. I’ve never seen a baby nurse before.” “Bet you’ve watched a man or three do it, though.” Victoria’s blush deepened, making Beth laugh. “Did Trace tell you that we want to make your wedding special?” Beth waited for Victoria’s nod. “I didn’t tell him this because he’s a

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man, but it’s also to make it special for Jed, Clint, and Riley. If a woman goes from a man’s bed to a wedding ceremony, and then right back to that bed, men don’t realize how important it is to a woman.” “I never really thought about that.” Victoria shrugged. “I was just so happy to be getting married properly.” “Who do you want to give you away?” Victoria shook her head. “I never thought about that either. In fact, I’ve never been to a wedding, and know very little about them.” She leaned toward Beth and did what Trace asked her to do. “Why don’t you tell me what you think I should do?” She could always turn down a suggestion if it was too wild. Beth’s delighted smile was worth putting up with a few inconveniences. “Lily and Rosa are refusing to have someone give them away because they’ve lived alone so long. Walt Chamberlain will escort them down the aisle but he’s only got two arms. I thought you could ask someone else.” “Do you think your husband would do it for me? Trace, I mean. Jed and his cousins respect him a lot.” “He would never let on, but he’ll be very pleased.” Beth nodded. “Since you’ll be coming from his home, it fits well. Daniel Thompson MacDougal is going to carry the rings. He’s eleven. Bridie and Meggie will be helping Sophie McLeod and Sarah Unsworth with the food. Auntie and Sunbird should be home tomorrow, so the girls will be coming back. They’re so helpful, and I’ve missed their chatter.” Beth lifted Lily to her shoulder and patted her back. A large burp erupted. “Goodness!” Victoria drew back in surprise, making Beth laugh. “I never knew tiny babies could do that. How will I be able to take care of one if I know nothing about it?” “We’ll make sure you have lots of practice before you have one of your own. Jessie and Florence are the same. Neither of them had anything to do with babies.” She patted Lily again. “That’s a great reason for us women to get together without our husbands getting too

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close to our fun. And speaking of fun, Lily is six weeks old. That means I can start having fun again.” Beth winked suggestively, helping Victoria realize what she meant. Of course a woman would need time to heal after having a baby. With the two teenage girls away, her own visit was at a terrible time. “I’m sorry, I’m interrupting your—” “No, you’re not.” Beth waved her concerns away. “You’ve already had one wedding, so we expect you can’t be shocked. If we get too hot for you, your bedroom is off the kitchen. Feel free to go in and close the door. Since the girls are due back tomorrow, I hope you’re a heavy sleeper.” Victoria thought of the things she’d enjoyed in the privacy of their own home. Her ears burned. “Actually,” she said, “I’ve been very tired lately. I expect I’ll be heading to sleep right after supper and won’t come out until morning.” “Whether that’s true or not, we’ll appreciate it. Once that door’s closed the men will forget you exist. And I don’t embarrass very easily.” Beth moved Lily to nurse on the other breast. “Trace will be back in about ten minutes, conveniently after I’ve changed Simon’s daughter. Then we’ll go to Amelia’s. He’ll bring a horse so he can come back before us. One of the MacDougal men will make sure we get back fine.” She rolled her eyes. “I usually drive myself, but something spooked them the other day. Clint and Jed rode in here pretending to be calm but itching like they had red ants in their pockets. Trace and Ross refused to say what it was about, but headed to town after lunch. They said we have to be extra careful until the wedding.” She burped Lily again. “You know anything about that?” “Smythe tried to blackmail me into marrying him by threatening the women of the valley.” Victoria didn’t want Beth to know who was threatened. It was best to keep it general, rather than scare the girls. “I

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understand Ross and Trace used threats to convince him to leave.” “Oh,” said Beth, nodding in understanding. “That would explain why Ross threw all his knives at the barn. Trace must have made him remove them before saying what it was about.” “I hadn’t had a chance to speak with him until today,” said Victoria. “He seems kind, but I can see that he could easily turn deadly if his family were threatened. So could Jed, though Clint would think things through first. Riley might fly off the handle and bull his way in.” Beth stood up with Lily. “If you’d like to freshen up, help yourself to the kitchen. The privy’s out behind. And you’re right about Ross. Did he introduce you to his ravens?” Victoria nodded. “That means you’re considered family. Ross will protect you, as long as it doesn’t put his own family in danger. Nevin can be just as deadly, but few people see that side of him. He learned to appear to be jolly, while Ross had to be feared in order to be safe. I love them both as brothers, as I do Gillis.” She laughed, jiggling Lily. “I just can’t see sweet, tiny Amelia handling three such large, deadly men, but she has them wrapped around her little finger.” “Ross said something about a smart husband keeps his wife happy.” “He’s right,” said Beth. She winked. “Maybe he’ll tell your husbands the same thing.”

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Chapter Twenty-Four Jed Adams kissed his new bride for the second time. It was the first for this wedding, but how many men get to marry a beautiful woman twice within a few weeks? Victoria had one bed waiting for her, two weddings to celebrate, and three husbands to share herself with. He’d barely gotten started on the kiss when Clint elbowed him out of the way. He stepped back, gracious in defeat. At least he was gracious in public. As soon as they got her alone, they had major plans. They’d gone without Victoria for four days. More than once his cousins stopped him from riding over to the Rocking E and hauling Victoria home. The first time he was stopped on the road by Luke Frost of the Circle C. Luke said he was jealous that, once again, someone else had scooped up a bride from under his nose. He had forcefully explained to Jed what would happen if he, or his partners, found any of the J Bar C men trying to get to Victoria before their wedding. The second time he’d snuck across the Double Diamond at night. This time it was a woman who found him. Jessie chased him home, whooping and snapping her bull whip after him. Worse than being sent home by Luke with a hard cock between his legs was having a woman do it! After that he put his frustrations into work, like Clint and Riley had done from the start. Trace had stopped by and suggested they build a covered sunny place to rock a baby, since he saw how much Victoria enjoyed rocking Lily. That got them building a cradle. Jed ordered a rocking chair from Patsy Tanner at the mercantile. The big

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tub he’d ordered after their first wedding had arrived, so he brought that home. Riley got the idea to put the tub on the new porch and bathe Victoria outside. That way if they splashed climbing in with her, there wouldn’t be a mess to clean up. “Do you like Victoria’s wedding gown?” Beth Elliott smirked at Jed. She was only two inches shorter and was not known for holding her opinion to herself. Jed glanced again at the dress which had almost stopped his heart. It was somewhere between blue and green, silky and shining. The neck was tight but it was cut out, exposing her upper chest and thrusting breasts. She must be wearing a corset underneath, because her breasts didn’t jiggle the way he enjoyed so much, and her waist was smaller. Her hips flared out and, though others might wonder if she wore a bustle to make the back of her dress stick out, he knew under her dress was nothing but woman. His woman. “Did you help pick it out?” She nodded. “I thought the three of you would enjoy undoing all those buttons. I think we counted a hundred and twenty, all down the back. Of course, Victoria wants the gown kept in perfect condition, so don’t even think of biting one off.” “Biting? I’d use a knife or just yank it.” A faint flush lit Beth’s cheeks. “Perhaps your teeth aren’t as sharp as others.” She waved and went off to greet, or needle, other guests. Jed would have to think on that one. Maybe use one of Victoria’s old dresses. Catch her in it with nothing underneath and…He pulled his coat down to make sure it covered his obvious erection. Damn, how long did he have to stay and pretend to be patient? The hotel dining room was crowded with guests. Everyone was invited, of course. The Jennets were still in Helena, which made everyone happy, and Mayor Rivers was conveniently absent. Everyone else, from babies to old Mrs. Johnston, enjoyed themselves. Judge and Lily Thatcher were the most relaxed, but they’d been living openly together for weeks. Doc and Rosa were the most

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nervous, and for good reason. Doc thought it was a miracle that Rosa felt strong enough to marry him. They had a long way to go, but just having Rosa sleep in the same bed, with a row of pillows down the middle, was more than Doc had thought possible. Rosa still had scars, inside and out, from when she was held by the Commancheros. Helping Molly Sinclair and Sarah Unsworth heal from their ordeals had also helped her. That left Victoria, officially “till death do us part,” Mrs. Jed Adams. She wasn’t nervous, or relaxed. From the way she returned Riley’s kiss, her thighs must be already slick. They’d made a plan for the evening. All three would be equally involved, right from the start. The only problem was that they had this damn party to get through first. He looked for her, finding her surrounded with admirers. Because her smile was so wide and Clint was behind her, he let it go. “Relax, you’ll have her to yourselves for the next fifty years or more. We’ll be lucky to get twenty-five.” Judge Thatcher handed Jed a glass with a finger’s worth of liquid in it. He drank it down without thinking. It burned all the way to his stomach and then threatened to burn its way back up again. “Dammit, man, you’re not going to waste good whiskey.” Jed held up his finger. He could keep it down fine, but talking, or even breathing, was another matter for the moment. “Where’d you get that?” he finally managed to squeak out. “Private stock. If you promise to sip the next, you can have more.” Jed nodded and held out his glass. He wasn’t going to be bested by a man more than twice his age. Thatcher put a finger in it and held up his own glass in a toast. “To your second, and last, wedding.” “And to your first, and last,” replied Jed. This time he savored the whiskey. It was very smooth, unlike the rotgut served in most saloons. “It looks like your first wedding will be declared valid, so you’ve been legally married for almost a month,” said the judge. “But seeing

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how wide Victoria’s been smiling all day, I’m glad it worked out this way. I get the impression she could use some pampering.” “You don’t have to hint, Judge. We’ve had all the married men from the valley dropping by, doing the same thing. Barstow’s a recent husband, so he kept his thoughts to himself, but even John Tanner told us a few things.” “You listen to any of it?” “If I keep my wife happy, she’ll keep the rest of us that way. Now, if you don’t mind, I see that my wife is finally free of other husbands eager for a kiss. I’d better join her before she starts a riot with that dress.” “You are a lucky man,” said the judge, raising his glass. “Almost as lucky as I.” “Saw me coming, did you,” said Lily with a sly smile. “I always know when you’re around, my dear.” She winked at Jed and hauled her husband down to her by the ears. Jed, shaking his head at the open display by older people, went to find Victoria. If he wanted her to be equally demanding when she was a grandmother, he had to start this marriage off right. **** Victoria laughed at Luke Frost as he mournfully told her of the agonies of forever searching for a wife and finding them, alas, too late. She noticed he kept a close eye on Sarah Unsworth, however. Sarah was likely the same age as herself and seemed bright and cheerful. According to Sophie, however, Sarah had decided she would never marry and put herself under the control of a man. Considering her fiancé had sold her to a brothel, Victoria could understand her concerns. Ben Elliott had delivered a letter to her that morning from Jed, Clint, and Riley. It was a deed to one quarter of the J Bar C ranch. She’d burst into tears, which stunned Ben. Beth had quickly hustled

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out of the room and hugged her. Ben thought she was angry, but Beth understood. The only gifts Victoria had received before she came to Tanner’s Ford came with a price. Her mother and sister received gifts for selling their bodies and pretending to be whatever their patron wanted. Cecilia received jewels in return for beatings. Beth’s father had seen her as a tool to be used for his own purposes and nothing more. To Beth, receiving a quarter of the Rocking E meant she would always have a home. Victoria knew everything legally belonged to her husband upon marriage. She’d left the bag of gold from Smythe on the kitchen table when she left with Trace and Ross. She knew that when she returned, it would no longer belong to her. Yet her men had given her a part of their life. What was most important to Victoria was that it was deeded to “Miss Victoria Edison or Victoria, Mrs. Jed Adams.” Whether she married Jed or not, she would own one quarter of everything the three men had spent years developing. They trusted her. And that was priceless. She looked around for Jed, finding him walking toward her. Behind him, Lily and the judge indulged in a deep kiss, oblivious and uncaring as to whether anyone noticed. Bridie giggled and pointed, but Meggie smiled, perhaps thinking of her own wedding in the next few years. Jed reached her, picked her up around the waist, and twirled her around. She grabbed her hat so it wouldn’t fall off. Her stomach swirled. “Jed! Please put me down!” He immediately set her feet on the floor and held her close. “Are you sick? You suddenly turned white.” He held her away from him and looked down at her. “Is that dress too tight? Because if you’d like to change into something else, we can go upstairs.” Now that she was still she felt better. She tried to hide the laugh that bubbled up, but couldn’t. “Are you that eager to see me take off

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this lovely dress?” His eyes burned into hers. He trailed the pads of his fingers across the open expanse of her chest. “You have no idea how much I want to take this dress off you. It’s been—” “Four days. Yes, I know. It’s been just as hard for me.” He rubbed his hips against her belly. “No, it hasn’t. Cocks get hard. Pussies get soft, and wet.” He nuzzled her cleavage, inhaling. “You smell like roses.” “Have you seen the bathing room at the Rocking E? Trace ordered bathing tubs from back East that are five feet long! There’s even holes in the bottom to drain the water out. I soaked in one for an hour today and washed my hair. It was heavenly!” Jed kissed her forehead. “You might want to buy one with that gold you earned from Smythe. It’s yours, for whatever you want.” “I don’t want it in our home. I feel like it’s contaminated, as if he got it for doing terrible things.” “Then spend it. We could all share a bathing tub. Perhaps you want a buggy to get around on your own. Or save it for our children.” He looked deep into her eyes. “Or grandchildren.” “Are you hungry, Jed?” He blinked at the change in subject. Then his eyes got all hot and steamy. Her body responded, knowing that look. “Only for you, my sweet.” “Would you mind if we skipped supper? I know that a lot of work has gone into it, but…” “But you want to go home.” She nodded. “Let me find Beth or Sophie.” He left her with Mrs. Johnston, who was telling everyone what a wonderful job Paddy O’Keefe and his son, Billy, were doing with her new house. She needed a bedroom suite on the main floor, so was having them convert an extra parlor in the sunny back of the house. Victoria looked for Jed, but it was Clint who found her. He kissed

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her temple and placed her hand on his arm. Without saying a word, he escorted her from the room. They went through the kitchen and out the side door. He led her to a wagon full of boxes and trunks and things she didn’t recognize. “What is this?” “Wedding presents.” Clint shrugged. “I’m as surprised as you. But they said we can’t take anything back, and to enjoy them.” “But”—she turned to the party she’d snuck out of—“I have to go back and thank everyone.” “Nonsense,” said Sophie from behind. “You go home and let the rest of us have a good party. It’s always more fun after the bride and grooms have left, anyway.” Victoria blinked back those silly tears. They spilled over. She pulled a hanky from her sleeve and dabbed her eyes. “You’re coming to the Fourth of July picnic at Walt Chamberlain’s, aren’t you?” “Of course. Everyone always goes to that,” replied Jed from behind her. He leaned his front against her back, a steady force in a world changing far too fast for her. “Then you’ll be able to thank anyone you haven’t seen before then.” She squeezed Victoria’s hand. “Home you go. There’s lots of food in that hamper, so you won’t have to cook for a few days.” Victoria laughed past her tears. “You haven’t seen the way my husbands eat.” Sophie laughed back. “Yes, I have. Starting tomorrow, the hotel dining room is open to the general public. It will be full of miners who haven’t seen a woman, or eaten a decent meal, since the snow closed the passes. I know how much men eat.” Jed and Clint fought over who would lift her up. Jed won, but only because Clint would lift her down. She sat on a soft cushion beside Jed. Clint got on the other side. Riley ran up at the last minute. He had red smears over his mouth and a fruit tart in each hand. His cousins confiscated the tarts, eating them as they rode out of town. Riley sat in

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the back with his feet hanging over the edge. He said he’d make sure nothing fell out of the wagon. “You look like you didn’t sleep well last night,” said Jed. “I haven’t slept well since Sheriff Barstow told me we weren’t really married.” Jed and Clint shared a look over her head. Clint climbed into the back of the wagon and, with Riley’s help, shifted boxes. They spread a folded quilt. “I can’t lie down in my new dress,” she said. “I expect you can barely breathe in it also,” said Riley. “Why don’t we help you take it off?” “But, people will see!” “Mrs. Adams, everyone is at a certain triple wedding. No one will see except us,” said Clint. “And we can’t wait to see.” Riley knelt behind her and started undoing the buttons at her neck. “Dang, help me, Clint. There’s hundreds!” “One hundred and twenty,” growled Jed. “Beth was very proud of that.” They’d passed the edge of town before the buttons were all undone and the dress carefully removed. For a set of bachelors, Clint and Riley knew a lot about removing corsets. She lay down in her camisole and one petticoat, boots and stockings off. They covered her with a light sheet. With one man on either side, “to make sure she didn’t roll,” Victoria, officially Mrs. Jed Adams forever, fell asleep to the rumble of a wagon.

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Chapter Twenty-Five “Did she even wake up?” Clint kept his voice down in case Victoria could hear, but Jed shook his head as he descended the last few stairs after carrying Victoria up. “I know we’re all eager, but she needs sleep,” said Jed. He walked bowlegged, but all of them were in the same shape. Not only had they gone without her since Monday morning, Ross had stopped by on Wednesday with Amelia’s picture book, Sinful Pleasures. Jed put it on the side table where it was safe. Clint was sure the other two thought about it all day while they worked. As soon as supper was cleaned up, they went over it together, page by page. The first few drawings were fairly innocent, a man in a suit kissing a woman wearing only stockings, high shoes, and a hat. By the time they reached the two-men-and-a-woman part, all three of them were in pain. They couldn’t wait to try the position with Victoria riding one man with another entering her ass. But having her lie on her stomach, pillows under her chest and sucking one man while the other entered her from behind, had Clint groaning. He was sure if she kept knees close together her ass cheeks were deep enough for him to come just by rubbing between them. Riley wanted to lie on his back with Victoria’s knees either side of his ears and her pussy in his face while she sucked his cock. Either Clint or Jed would then enter her from behind. But not until the woman woke up! “Get the wagon unloaded, grab some dinner, and then see how she is.”

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Clint didn’t wait for an answer. He walked, wincing in pain as his cock rubbed against his tight going-to-church pants, out to the wagon. Making sure he didn’t hit the side of the wagon, he lifted the basket of food Sophie had prepared as a wedding gift. She told him to be careful moving it, so he set it on the table. Riley carried in a new castiron pot and a blue enamel coffeepot. Jed brought a flat crate that he set on the table. He pulled out tins and boxes. “We’ve got Arbuckle’s coffee, condensed milk, marshmallow creme, dried currants, Folger’s allspice, Our Choice ginger, Royal baking powder, salt, sugar, molasses, Banner Blue corn syrup, oh, ho!” Jed held up a small silver bucket. “Swift’s pure lard. That’s going upstairs.” Clint groaned at the reminder of their plans for Victoria. Blood had just started to ease from his cock. Someone had checked out their kitchen or asked her what she needed. Since she was so stunned at the presents that she burst into tears, he expected one of their many visitors over the last few days had reported to someone. “This box has linens underneath some pie plates, potato masher, rolling pin, washboard, soap.” Jed looked around the tidy room. “Where are we going to put everything?” “We’re not,” replied Clint. “We leave everything out so Victoria can inspect it, read the notes from whoever sent it, and put it where she wants. If she’s the one who’s going to be cooking, cleaning, and washing, then she decides where it goes. Remember how the women back home made a big deal out of unwrapping gifts?” “Grandma would take forever to pull a ribbon, open a tea towel, and find a pair of mittens,” said Riley, grousing. “And everyone had to wait until she admired them, tried them on, and then wrapped them up again.” Riley frowned. “I remember my Christmas gift was always picked last. It drove me crazy, having to wait.” Jed met Clint’s eye. They both snickered. “You’re just figuring that out now?” Clint pointed to the ceiling. “Remember who’s upstairs so watch your language.”

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Jed looked at the pile of gifts and shook his head. “When Sleeping Beauty wakes up, I’ll put some shelves over the windows like at the Rocking E. They hung hooks underneath to put cups where they’re easy to get. And some shelves under the stairs.” “I’m going to grind up some fresh coffee in our new pot while you two put the wagon away. A cup of coffee and something from Sophie’s basket will wake Victoria up with a smile.” Clint admired the bright-blue coffeepot as he carried it to the stove. They’d keep the rusty one for camping out. He fixed the pot and stoked the stove. Jed and Riley took off their good clothes before they went to the barn. They threw on rough pants and stuffed their feet into work boots instead of the polished black boots they’d worn to the wedding, leaving their chests bare. When they were gone, Clint headed for the stairs. Both Doc and Beth had spoken to him at the wedding party. He wasn’t sure Victoria realized that being dizzy, tired, and having an upset stomach could mean something other than prewedding jitters. Jed had covered her, but she’d rolled. She lay on her back, her hair spread across the pillows. Her breasts pressed against her embroidered camisole. He hadn’t seen it before. Pale-pink embroidery over thin white fabric. Like her dress, it had too many buttons. One of her legs was straight while the other bent at the knee. Her petticoat, edged in lace, had scrunched up and exposed her dimpled knee. He stood at the top of the stairs, just watching her breathe. After a few moments her eyes fluttered open. She closed them again and stretched, rolling her fists into her chest and pointing her toes. She sighed, rolled over onto her stomach and did it again. This time she pressed her arms and legs far apart. Her petticoat was now high on her thighs. She pulled one knee up, creating a dark shadow where the white fabric draped over her bottom. Could he see under it? He cleared his throat so he could swallow. Her eyes flicked open. She stiffened for a moment and then smiled tentatively. She pushed her petticoat to cover her thighs. How long

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would it take before she no longer felt threatened when she woke with a man in the room? At least she didn’t flinch when he raised his arm, as Ace said Jessie used to. “I didn’t want to wake you,” he said. His voice caught, so he cleared his throat again. “Do you want something to eat before I tell Jed and Riley you’re awake?” She shook her head. “If you want to freshen up, now’s a good time to do it,” he croaked. This was not a time to talk with her, even if his brain could get past the need to strip off his clothes and jump into bed with her. He forced himself to turn around and go down the stairs. He understood why Jed had to look at her when he passed her sleeping in the tub that first night. He found the others in the barn, tidying up things that were already neat. “She’s awake,” he said. Jed and Riley met each other’s glances. Both glared at him. “I thought we were going up together.” “I just wanted to talk.” He barked a laugh. “She’d just woken and her hair draped all over her. Her petticoat was pulled up and—” Clint cursed. It took his feet a few seconds longer than the others to get going, so he was the last one into the house. He followed a trail of mud as they didn’t take off their boots. His weren’t dirty. His foot had just touched the second step when Riley stopped so fast that Jed plowed right into him. Clint managed to stop from hitting Jed, but Riley got knocked to the floor. Clint peered over the floor toward the bed. Victoria lay still, covered by the sheet and quilt. Her eyes were wide, but not in arousal. “Something wrong, darlin’?” Riley kept his voice low. “I…” Clint grabbed Jed’s belt and yanked on Riley’s pant leg. “You two trample in here like a herd of buffaloes, race up the stairs, and you wonder why Victoria’s frightened? You didn’t even stop to take your boots off. Look at the trail of mud you left!”

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“Some fried chicken should make you feel better,” said Riley. “Or coffee and pie?” Victoria shook her head, fast. She looked almost as white as the new pillowcase. “What about bread and jelly with a cup of mint tea?” asked Clint. Veronica nodded at his suggestion. Her smile was small, but it was better than before. Jed and Riley followed him down the stairs. “Why wouldn’t she want more than bread and jelly?” asked Riley quietly. “She’s been acting strange since the sheriff said the first wedding was no good. I don’t want to bother Doc, but do you think she’s sick?” “I already talked to Doc about it,” said Clint. He opened the breadbox, found a knife, and began slicing. Two thin slices, not at all like he usually cut. His mother liked to eat thin bread and jam slices with lots of tea when her stomach was upset. “Beth spoke to me as well.” “And?” Jed handed Clint the grape jelly. “They said she’s been through a lot lately, so it’s no wonder she’s upset. We should take it easy with her, and give her whatever she wants for the next few weeks.” “Take it easy for a few weeks?” Jed looked upstairs and dropped his voice to a deep whisper. “But it’s our honeymoon!” “They didn’t say no sex, Jed,” replied Clint. “They said to be slow and smooth with her.” “I don’t know if I can go slow,” grumbled Riley. Clint smacked him in the back of the head. “Ow! What was that for?” He slugged Clint in the chest. “Will you listen, for once!” “I’m listening.” Riley rubbed his head. Usually he was too fast for Clint to catch. “We’re to give her whatever she wants.” Clint raised his eyebrows and gave them a speaking look. “Oh,” said Jed, nodding. “So if she wants it fast and hard—”

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“Right.” Riley perked up. He and Jed took off their boots and wiped up the floor while Clint spread jelly and cut the bread into triangles. He found a flowered plate and put the bread on it, tucking the small note in his shirt pocket. In his other hand he carried a mug of mint tea with a saucer over it to keep it warm while it steeped. Riley carried the rest of the basket of chicken legs upstairs, and Jed followed with some small folded-over fruit pies. It would fill in the main part of their hungry bellies. After they soothed their new wife, they could eat their fill in the kitchen. From the way Victoria had been lately, she’d likely fall asleep after. He hadn’t slept much the last few nights either, and wouldn’t mind at all just sleeping beside her. She was sitting up in bed, covers up to her chin, when they returned. She accepted the plate and mug with a quiet word. They stood by the bed to eat, since she still seemed a bit skittish. She’d eaten one half of her bread and jelly in the time it took them to eat two fried chicken legs. “You sure you don’t want any of this?” Riley held the basket up. She shook her head. “Leave a couple for her to eat later,” said Jed. Riley ate a couple of the little pies instead. “This is a pretty plate,” she said, once she’d finished. “It’s a present from”—Clint reached into his pocket and pulled out the note—“Miss Lily. She says ‘I hope you feel pampered when you use this plate.’” He smiled at her. “You feeling pampered yet?” She looked down. A faint flush covered her cheeks, which was better than the fainting white. She nodded. “I don’t know why I suddenly feel shy. I mean, we’ve done…this before.” Clint knelt beside the bed to take her plate and cup. He was six foot four and dressed for a wedding, all in fancy black. She was eight inches shorter and lay in bed in her underthings. They were fancy, too, but thin. He could almost see through them. Yee-haw, as Riley

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would say. “Any chance I could find a small corner of that bed to curl up on?” He murmured the words, adding a winsome look that Grandpa’s hound used a lot. “I didn’t get much sleep last night and I’d like to just, maybe, hold your foot or something.” Tiny wrinkles appeared around her eyes. An equally tiny smile curved up both ends of her lips. “You want to hold my foot?” She raised her eyebrows, wrinkling her forehead as well. “Well, I was kinda hoping you wouldn’t mind me holding your ‘or something,’ but your foot is better than nothing. And, honey, lately we’ve had one heck of a lot of nothing.” Her eyes widened. He watched her pink tongue poke just past her lips, flick up and down, and then pull back in. God, he wanted to suck that tongue into his mouth! She looked past him. He checked over his shoulder. They must have had the same idea. “You two look sorrier than Grandpa’s egg-sucking hound dog,” he said. “Is it working?” Riley flashed white teeth in a quick smile. Clint looked back at Victoria. “Is it?” he asked quietly. “I can get them out of here if you want. I’ll even go, too.” He waited a beat. “Unless you want us to stay.” She blinked and worried her lip. “We’ll behave, won’t we, boys?” He turned his head. “Nod at our lovely wife and say, ‘Yes, Victoria ma’am. We’ll be on our best behavior.’ Then smile like you mean it.” “I’m always on my best behavior around my wife,” said Jed. He strolled to the foot of the bed, making no sound due to his bare feet. He lifted the quilt to reveal her dainty foot. He knelt and gently kissed her ankle, then caressed it with his fingers. “The first time we met, when Clint lifted you down from that delivery wagon, I saw this neatly trimmed ankle. I thought to myself,

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trim ankles might mean slender legs.” Jed lifted the quilt another few inches, revealing her calf. “And I was right. It was easy to see your womanly figure, but your cantankerous attitude had me steaming hot.” Clint watched the pulse in her neck. It throbbed faster. She pushed the quilt off her chest. It fell to her waist, but a flap stuck up. He didn’t move though his cock sang hallelujah! The others wouldn’t see, but hard nipples erupted behind the quilt. “And what do you think about my attitude now?” She might have tried to be demanding, but the breathy quality of her voice suggested something else. Clint held still and let Jed, her husband by law, ease her fears. Jed’s look was intense. “I think you’re going to be a mite cantankerous until after you’re in your grave, which I hope is at least sixty years from now. And I’m going to enjoy being just as ornery back.” The smile she gave him was fleeting, but had a definite flirt to it. “Right from the start, I knew you were domineering,” she said. “If you mean that I give the orders around here, you’re right. And that’s not going to change.” Jed gave her the look that Clint thought of as the first level of warning from the range boss. He had a couple of them. The last, one he and Riley knew not to cross, meant things were going to hell in a handbasket and they’d better race to do whatever Jed ordered. Once that yell got them out of a deep channel just before a wall of water from a broken bank rushed through. Clint respected Jed’s sense of knowing when it came to work. But did he have the words to make Victoria want to do what was needed? “If you recall a certain ceremony a few hours ago, we both promised to love, honor, and cherish each other,” said Victoria sweetly. “There was no ‘obey’ involved.” Clint noticed it right off. He should have realized neither Lily nor Rosa would promise to obey anyone. There was only one set of vows

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for all three couples. He also noticed the sparkle in Victoria’s eye when she repeated the phrase, loudly. Jed was likely so amazed that the wedding was finally happening that he didn’t notice much other than how beautiful Victoria was. That dress had made Clint’s mouth drop, and he was only the best man. Instead of replying, Jed pressed his tongue in the space between Victoria’s big toe and the next. He probed, watching her the whole time, as if it was her pussy. Clint bit back a curse. Her toes drove him wild. He loved it when she stretched them out, but when she curled them as she came it almost made his eyes roll back in his head. Victoria’s tiny gasp, little more than a puff of air, drew his attention to her face. It was flushed, right to her forehead. He peeked over and, oh yeah, the rosy mark led all the way down between her breasts. She shifted, and the quilt flap dropped. Only now did he notice that the embroidery on her almost transparent camisole had flowers circling her nipples. Because her dress was cut so low, her camisole barely covered those nipples. Between her breasts he saw tiny drops of sweat. Every time she inhaled, her breasts threatened to pop out. She might have woken unsure, but Jed’s seduction of her foot was rapidly changing her mind. Maybe Jed knew his limitations. If words wouldn’t work on a cantankerous female, he’d use touch. “If I wanted an easy-to-please woman, I wouldn’t have married you.” “We didn’t know each other when we married the first time.” Clint looked back at Jed and had to hold his chuckle in. The man had snuck up the bed and now caressed her calf. He laid a line of light kisses up her leg, pulling himself along on his elbows as he did it. Sneaky, and something to remember for the future. Riley bumped his shoulder in silent agreement. He’d moved closer to watch Jed change their woman’s mind about what was going to happen that afternoon. He had his pants buttons undone, and the single eye of his cock poked out. Clint, still in his tight, fancy clothes, quietly unbuttoned to do the same. He exhaled in relief when he had

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his cock aimed straight up instead of painfully cramped. “And then I learned about your body, inside and out. You said you were mine, and then you proved it.” Jed paused, resting on his elbows to look at her. “But I didn’t know who you really are. In here.” He touched his chest over his heart. “That’s going to take a long time to figure out, Mrs. Adams.” “When did I prove it?” “After I brought you back from Sophie’s.” Once more, Jed’s elbows dug in and lifted him up the bed. His head was now at her upper thigh, on the far side of her from Clint and Riley. Yes, Jed knew exactly what he was doing. He slid his hand under her petticoat. Victoria gasped and stiffened. She shifted, moving her foot closer to Clint. That meant she opened herself up to Jed’s fingers. “Don’t you remember? I made you come so hard you screamed.” His arm moved. She closed her eyes and writhed on the bed. “What are you doing?” she gasped. “Telling you to come for me again,” he replied. Jed’s muscles shook with tension. Clint curled his index finger forward. He held it up to Jed, silently questioning if that was what he was doing. Jed nodded. “What’s he doing?” Riley whispered the words so lightly in Clint’s ear that it tickled. Clint showed him the movement. “There’s a spot up inside her, under her belly. If you do this with your longest finger, you can hit a spot that drives her wild.” Victoria suddenly gasped, jammed her head into the mattress, and arched her back. She hung there for a moment, and then collapsed. A slow smile appeared. Jed pounced like a cat. He unbuttoned her petticoat, lifted her to pull it off, and tossed it away. He spread her legs and dropped his head between them. “What the…!” He gaped at Victoria. “What did you do?”

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Clint leaned over to see. His mouth went dry. Her pussy was naked! Victoria had trimmed her curls so close he could see her swollen pink folds glistening from the climax Jed had just given her. Clint fisted his hands, holding his body rigid. “Damn!” moaned Riley. He leaned too close, and Clint pulled him back. This was Jed’s seduction, not theirs. “Beth said you might like it.” She looked and sounded hesitant. “A wedding present. I couldn’t buy you anything, and—” “Oh, baby, that’s the best present in the world,” said Jed, groaning. He knelt on either side of her legs and bent down for a closer look. “Look, boys, there’s her clit, sitting up and begging.” He swirled his tongue around it. Since Jed had invited them, Clint knelt down beside the bed. Riley dropped beside him. “That’s the prettiest puss I’ve ever seen,” whispered Clint, easing closer. He winked at Victoria, who smiled back. She held out her hand to him. He caught it and brought her fingers to his mouth. He sucked on one of them. She might suck on his cock the same way in the next week or two, if he was lucky. “You’ve got your good clothes on,” she said to Clint. She rolled her shoulders, making the thin fabric pull at her buttons. “If I take mine off,” he softly replied, “can I undo some of those buttons of yours?” She nodded, giving him a welcoming smile that must have come out of the Garden of Eden. He threw off his coat and then slowed, noticing she watched him. Her attention wasn’t all on him, since Jed was investigating all her folds and creases. He flicked his shirt buttons open, starting at the top, letting her see his chest appear. He already had most of his pants buttons undone, so it was easy to do the rest and let his cock out. Her nostrils flared, and she reached out for him. He swaggered forward, his cock bouncing. She grasped him, causing a shudder. Her soft hand tugged him forward. He raised his

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eyebrows, questioning if she meant it. She opened her mouth and curled her tongue, just like Jed had curled his finger. Oh, God, yes! Clint let her pull him closer, until his knees were spread either side of her shoulders. He gripped the headboard, sinking down as she tugged, rising as she pushed. It left him vulnerable, his tight balls bumping against her chin. She grasped them and squeezed. They’d been hard for days without release. She was playing with fire. “Honey,” he gasped, “I’m gonna come in your mouth if you keep doing that. If you want me to back off, I’ll—” She inserted her finger in his ass and curled it down. He stiffened, every muscle in his body on high alert. No wonder she liked his finger in her ass. It felt so…She hit something, and his fingers curled into the headboard. She stroked it and… “Oh, God!” He exploded and, for a time, knew nothing except white heat. Then he realized where he was and fought not to push his cock too far. Her fist at his base helped. He groaned, sure the biggest orgasm of his life was over, but then she flicked that damn finger in his ass, and his balls shot another line of fire out his cock. He was dying. Dying of too much pleasure and not enough air. He collapsed, arms leaning on the headboard, gasping to breathe. He looked at Victoria. Though her face was upside down to him, he could tell she smiled like a cat who swallowed the cream. He barked a laugh. Yeah, his cream. Victoria nipped the end of his cock. He jumped, setting his feet on the mattress, and looked between his legs. Jed idly nosed her nearnaked pussy. He still had his pants on, though ever-eager Riley was stripped. He held his cock, ready for whatever action Victoria wanted. “If those are your presents to Jed and Clint,” said Riley eagerly, “I can’t wait to see what you’ve got for me!”

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Chapter Twenty-Six Victoria couldn’t wait to tell Beth what a success the surprise had been. Clint, the easygoing one usually in control, still stared at her, stunned. Luckily for her concentration, Jed hadn’t done that finger thing with her while she worked on Clint’s cock. She licked her lips, tasting him again. Though she was eager for them after the ceremony, her nap had left her confused. When she woke and found all three of them lined up on the stairs, her memory flashed back to her sister’s house. A couple of nights she’d had to hide in the cellar because of the men waiting in line on the stairs to use her mother and sister. They were well in their cups, and if they’d found her, they would have taken her, one after the other. But Jed’s slow seduction eased her away from the past. Those men out East didn’t care who they put their cocks in, as long as they got pleasure. Patient Jed, steady Clint, and even overeager Riley showed how much they cared for her almost every moment. They were patient with her silly nerves, which must be why she was feeling so strange. How could she not love them? When she said her vows, she looked at Jed, then found Clint and Riley to include them. Love, honor, and cherish. When they shared pleasure, they honored each other’s bodies. They would cherish the memories they would collect as time went on. Their loving would, someday soon, she hoped, bring children. But whether that happened or not, their love would keep them whole. She looked down and met Jed’s dark eyes. She smiled, and he winked. She gasped in delight when he then sucked and flicked her

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clit. “Since Clint’s out of action for a bit, should I start working on all those buttons?” Riley waggled his eyebrows hopefully at her. “It must be terrible uncomfortable to have your breasts all tight like that.” Once he could breathe again, which she was proud to say took some time, Clint lay down beside her. His head touched her shoulder. The fingers of one hand stroked her hip, as if he couldn’t not touch her. “I’m not out of action,” he said. “Just taking a much- needed rest.” Riley came around the bed and sat on the other side of her. His thick cock rose from its blond nest. His nimble fingers started at the top button and quickly worked down. “I’m ready any time you want to clip my shorthairs,” he said. In case she didn’t understand what he meant, he tugged at the curls at the base of his cock. “I never thought what it would be like to have all that hair gone. Can you feel more?” “Oh, yes,” she said. She arched, inhaling between her teeth in a hiss. It seemed Jed touched a special spot whenever her attention wandered to another man. “I’ve got embroidery scissors. I could trim you nice and short.” His fingers slowed. “You want to put those pointy things near my balls?” She blinked innocently up at him. “Would you prefer me to use a straight razor?” “Hell, no!” He backed away, his cock less stiff than a moment ago. He tilted his head and frowned at her. After a moment he narrowed his eyes. “You said that on purpose.” He patted his cock as if reassuring it. “Any cutting that happens will be done by me.” He sat down, this time angling his cock away, and opened her last buttons. She inhaled a huge breath in relief. She used her arms to push her breasts up, rather than have them flatten to the sides. Three pairs of eyes stared. Three mouths dropped. “Now that is the best present a man could have.” Riley gulped,

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staring. “You want to put your cock between them? I bet if you got something slippery, you could slide right in.” “My Lord,” sighed Riley, staring at her chest. He blinked. “Lard.” He leaped off the bed, almost falling in his eagerness to get to the stairs. But he didn’t go down. Instead, he reached up and took a tin from a shelf she hadn’t noticed. He held it up like a trophy. He stalked toward her, no longer the fool. Every slow step had a purpose, warning her that he meant business. She felt a surge of heat. Jed groaned and lapped at her pussy. When she glanced his way, he laughed at her with his eyes. Neither of them would let Riley know he wouldn’t be the first. “This works out well,” mused Clint. He kissed her arm. “Jed loves your pussy, I love your ass, and it looks like Riley is a breast man.” “Oh, darlin’, that I am.” Riley opened the tin and scooped some of the white semisolid lard in his fingers. “Better take off your pretty camisole before we get all sticky,” said Clint. She sat up, and he helped her out of it. “If Riley lies down, you’ll be the one in control,” said Jed. “You can dangle your breasts however you like.” “Oh, yeah,” breathed Riley. “I want those nipples in my face.” He lay on his back, far enough down the bed so she could lean forward and not hit the headboard. He held out his arms for her. She crawled up the bottom of the bed on hands and knees, as Beth suggested. His eyes opened wide. She took her time, dragging her nipples up his legs. They were very sensitive, perhaps because she’d gone without anyone touching them for days. Victoria shook her head so his cock got tangled in her hair. He groaned and reached for it, rubbing the clean, silky strands over his belly, cock, and thighs. She put his hand on the bed, pushing down so he knew he wasn’t to lift it. He pouted, but complied. She gathered her hair in her fist and slapped his cock lightly. Eyes

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wide, he arched, trying to push his hips up. She held him down with her weight on his thighs. She shuffled her knees back again, until his cock was right under her chest. “Do you want to touch my breasts, Riley?” He nodded quickly but didn’t lift the hand she’d pushed down. The other one held the lard, which had softened in his hot palm. “Spread some between my breasts, so I’m all slick and smooth.” She said the words slowly, exaggerating her tongue movements. Beth swore talking dirty like this would make them go wild. It seems she was right about this, as well. Riley moaned as he caressed her. His hands, hot and slippery, increased the ache in her pussy. She was doing this for Riley, but already missed Jed’s tongue. Riley pressed her breasts together as she bent forward and caught his cock between them. She had to arch her back and stick her bottom in the air to do it, but she moved her knees wider apart to tempt Jed. Would he think to take her offer? She pressed her palms on Riley’s chest and rocked, letting him control how her breasts pressed against his cock. It felt wonderful to be in control, and yet not. “Oh, damn, I’m not gonna last long,” he choked. His, strong, blunt cock forced its way between her sensitive breasts every time she leaned forward. Riley pulled her down so that the rest of her breasts slid over his chest. Every part of her breasts was stimulated, especially her nipples, which slid over Riley’s cock. The mattress shifted, and a pair of hands rested on her hips. Teeth scraped over her left cheek, ending in a nip. Her pussy clenched in hope. Jed growled and spread her cheeks wide. His tongue flicked over her asshole. She shivered. He moved down, over her perineum to her pussy. He curled his finger in her, as he had earlier. She grabbed it with her pussy muscles. He chuckled. He spread her thighs so his tongue reached her clit. Riley, unaware of what Jed was doing, urged her to move faster on his cock. He panted and moaned. She met Riley’s speed, though it

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meant Jed’s tongue was lost. Then she felt his cock surge into her pussy. Once in, he held still, letting her impale herself against him at Riley’s rhythm. The long buildup, from Jed first slipping his tongue between her toes as if it were her pussy until now, had her gasping and twitching in need. Riley shouted as his cum spurted to coat her breasts. After a moment his body relaxed under her. He gave her a lazy smile. He caressed her, rubbing himself over her breasts. He paid attention to her nipples, pinching them lightly. Jed took over, pulling her back by the hips as he surged into her. It had been days since she had a cock in her. He stretched her, pumping deep. Riley cooperated, grazing her breasts and nipples with his hands as she dangled above him. She clenched Jed hard, wanting more. He leaned over and slid his hand over her breast. And then she felt him penetrate her bottom. She shuddered. He drilled a big finger in her, pulsing along with his cock. Then he twisted his finger just as Riley pinched her nipples. She bore down hard, grabbing Jed’s cock with her pussy, demanding service. He slammed into her from behind, aiming for that spot deep inside, the one that made her orgasms explode. Riley supported her front, letting her breasts slide over his hands. Jed roared, and everything before was like nothing. He took her like a wild stallion would a mare he’d stolen from another. Hard, demanding, powerful. She heard a distant scream as once again her pussy contracted like a vise around a hot iron rod. Her muscles froze. She held her breath, feeling nothing but a pleasure like white-hot lightning. And then she collapsed, flopping onto Riley’s chest, sobbing and gasping. Jed laid his head on her back, still holding her tight, his cock deep inside her. After a moment Clint pulled the hair off her face, pushing it to the side. She could barely open her eyes. He kissed her, gently and lovingly.

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“Sh,” he murmured. “Sleep, my love.” She closed her eyes and thought of nothing. It was easy, as her head buzzed once more. Jed pulled out, but she couldn’t move. A warm cloth cleansed her, and he lifted her, laying her on her back. She watched him clean her breasts. He didn’t smile, but he looked more at peace than she’d seen him before. He handed the cloth to Riley and lay down beside her. He pulled her over so she half lay on him, her head on his shoulder. Clint cuddled up to her side. Riley lay at their feet, head propped up on his elbow. Jed stroked her back, his heart still thumping as fast as her own. “You’ve given us so much,” he quietly stated. “Not just the loving, which is wonderful.” He kissed her forehead. “But everything else. I don’t know why you would want me, much less all three of us. But I’ll do anything for you.” She looked up at him. She saw pain in his dark eyes, as well as acceptance. “All you have to do,” she said, “is love me.” He rolled over, taking her with him, and kissed her as if a fever had hit him and he had to do this or die. After the first demanding exploration, he drew back. He smiled at her, with his eyes, his mouth, and his relaxed body. “I will never stop loving you.” He toyed with her hair. “You are my life.” His hand drifted to her belly and rested there. “And together we will bring more life to our world.” He caught Clint’s and Riley’s eyes. “What about you two?” “Dammit, Jed,” groused Riley. “Don’t you know I’ve loved Victoria since she told you off that first day?” He winked at her. “And no matter what the grouch you married said, you’re no shrew.” “Shrew?” She lifted her head and glared at Jed. “You called me a shrew?” She wasn’t really angry at him. After all, she’d called him worse in her head those first few days. “Sheriff Barstow told us about a Shakespeare play called The

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Taming Of The Shrew,” added Riley, no doubt pretending to be helpful but enjoying digging at Jed. “We’re the ones who got tamed,” said Clint, the peacemaker. Jed lifted himself on his hands. He nudged her legs apart and settled his thighs between hers. His cock was hard again. He used one hand to guide himself into her and then lifted up again. Her tissues, still tingling from the last, massive explosion, throbbed. “You think I’m the one that got tamed, wife?” She trembled at the fierce, determined face that pinned her. When she didn’t answer, he got to his knees and lifted her legs. He adjusted her until her knees were touching her breasts and he was deep inside her. He rocked, nudging her special spot. Immediately, she was eager for more. His determination to master her thrilled her. She knew he would never hurt her, but he was strong enough to protect her and their children from anything. That power, of protection, was what she saw in his face. What she felt in his insistent thrusts. “Who’s in charge here, Mrs. Adams?” Not only did the end of his cock strike deep in her, he scraped her clit each time he rolled forward to impale her. “You are,” she said between thrusts. “Damn right.” He grunted each time he hit bottom. “I’m the ramrod of this ranch.” “Then ram that rod!” He sped up at her challenge. She tried to grip him, to take control, but she couldn’t in this position. “You… want… me?” “Yes! Harder!” He rose to his knees, grabbed her ankles and lifted, spreading her wide. It lifted her bottom from the bed and took away what little control she had. It also exposed her breasts. A moment later, hands descended on each breast. A mouth took over each nipple. Jed’s thighs slapped against her bottom as his cock pounded into

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her. She grabbed for his thighs, pulling him into her. Fingers slithered between their bellies to her clit. Three men demanded she have pleasure. Jed howled his domination as he erupted. Her overstimulated pussy and clit took everything he had, giving her a sweet, long, loving orgasm. Jed collapsed and rolled so she lay on top of him. He wrapped his arms around her, still connected, still throbbing. Someone covered them with a quilt. She fell asleep to the thud of his heart.

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Chapter Twenty-Seven “Look at that!” said Jed. He reined in, stopping about a hundred feet from the cabin. “What?” Riley frowned and looked around. “There’s nothing to see but home.” After the wedding, and spending the afternoon in bed with Victoria, they were late coming back from checking the cattle. The deep purple of dusk was already settling over the mountains. “The light?” asked Clint. Jed nodded. A smile played at his lips. “She’s waiting for us.” “Is that what you’re getting at?” Riley took his hat off and wiped his forehead before covering up his dusty hair again. “Victoria always puts a lamp in the window for us.” “That’s what Jed means. She’s in there, waiting for us to come home to her.” “Now I know why Uncle Pat would sigh and smile when we rode up in the dark. He felt like this,” said Jed. “Like what?” “Like everything’s right in the world.” Riley snorted and nudged his horse forward. “You two can stay out here, but I’m going home.” Jed and Clint stayed where they were, just being. The day birds finished their evening chorus, and the spring peepers took over the night. Riley came out of the barn, whistling, and headed for the house. A stream of light shone onto the yard, he went in, and then the door shut. “She loves us,” said Clint when the frogs, disturbed by Riley,

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started up again. “Maybe even as much as we love her.” Everyone said men weren’t supposed to cry, but Uncle Pat said sometimes a man’s eyes leaked anyway. Not in pain or frustration but because his heart was so full that it filled his chest, making it hard to breathe, choked his throat so he couldn’t swallow, and flowed out his eyes. Jed’s heart was so full that he had to sniff it back. He took a quick peek at Clint so see if he’d noticed. A silver line ran from each eye and over his cheeks. “I don’t know what we did to deserve that woman, but I’m going to spend the rest of my life cherishing her.” Clint sniffed. He wiped his face with his sleeve. “Amen to that,” replied Jed. The words flowed out of his mouth before his ears realized he’d said them. Clint leaned over and slapped him on the back. “Sounds like that skeleton is smashed to pieces.” His smile faded. “Judge Thatcher figures that newspaperman Hames will write something nasty about Victoria. Some people are going to judge her badly when they find out she doesn’t even know her father’s name.” Jed grimaced. “Sophie McLeod told me the same thing. Scandal and gossip sells more newspapers than truth. All we can do is treat Victoria like the lady she is. Decent folks won’t care. The rest are like Smythe, Jennet, and Mayor Rivers.” His horse tried to get at the grass, and he tugged the reins to tell it no. “If I was a religious man, I’d say that the devil would catch up to them some day. Since I’m not, I’ll put my money on the Pinkertons.” “Lily, Judge Thatcher, Sophie, the Elliotts, and the MacDougals already have, so they told me not to bother.” Jed, thinking of Victoria, caught only the end of the sentence. “Not to bother doing what?” “Giving gold to the Pinkertons. If we find out anything useful, we’re to pass it on. And if they need help to nail any of them down, they’ll let us know.”

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Jed tightened his knees slightly, and his horse, eager for food, started home. Clint followed a few steps behind. Neither spoke while they unsaddled, brushed, and released the horses, and put their tack away. They’d just left the barn when a feminine laugh floated from the house. “Wonder what Riley’s up to now?” said Clint. Jed opened the door and stepped through. Instead of what he expected, Riley kissing or touching Victoria, he found her sitting in her new rocking chair. Riley, back to the room, chopped onions. His feet were bare. Clint took off his boots, walked across the floor in his sock feet, and kissed Victoria’s cheek. “Why are your ears red, Ry?” He checked the wood box by the stove, then the water reservoir. Riley, head down, kept on chopping. Jed leaned a hand against the wall to shuck his boots. He straightened and looked around the room, taking it all in. His wife, rocking by the fire, her attention on something she was doing with her hands. One cousin helping with supper while the other made sure they had enough wood and water for the night. Their first night of a lifetime of true marriage, filled with love. He knelt beside Victoria and gently kissed the cheek she leaned toward him. “What’re you working on?” Her eyes smiled at him. “I was working by the sink when Riley came in. He put his hands on my waist, kissed my neck, and asked me to take care of his needs. I saw his big toe stuck out of his sock. Since he doesn’t have another pair, I said he could take over for me while I took care of him. So he’s chopping onions and I’m darning his socks. It’s not the need he was hoping I’d fix.” Jed looked at his right foot. His big toe stuck out, white against the gray socks. The left foot was wearing thin as well. “I had this hole the first day you got here,” he said, “and it’s been getting bigger since. What can I do so you can fix it?”

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She looked at his feet, and then Clint’s. “My toes are fine, it’s the heels that are worn out,” said Clint. “Don’t you have any socks without holes?” All three shook their heads. She set Riley’s socks and her darning egg and needle on the floor beside her. “In that case, we’d better go to town soon and get a few new pairs. I can use the wool from these ruined ones to mend the good ones when they need it.” Jed helped her to her feet. He leaned over and hugged her. “It’s my first night home, and I’m going to take the opportunity to hug my wife.” He held her warm body to his. Though his cock stirred, he didn’t want sex. At least, not right now. He wanted her comfort, her caring, her love. A shuddering sigh escaped, and he set her back. Jed kissed her forehead. “We can get through the weekend without new socks, if you’d like to come with us to town on Monday. Sarah Unsworth’s bakery is opening.” “Not that you’re not a great baker,” said Clint, jumping in. “But Rivers and Jennet will try to shut her down because she’s not married. She could use some support.” “Of course I’d love to go,” said Victoria. “I can wear one of my new gowns.” “It better not be as low cut as your wedding dress,” said Jed, growling. “There’ll be miners, and muleskinners, and all kinds of men. I don’t want them ogling you.” He brushed his fingers against her breasts as he lifted his hands away. The thin material couldn’t hide the two bumps that immediately rose. “There’s only three men allowed to ogle you, Mrs. Adams. And I’m number one.” Would he ever get tired of the way she responded to his touch? Would there ever be a time that one glance, the sound of her laugh, or even thinking of her didn’t get him hard?

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**** Victoria listened to the boasts, threats, dares, and laughs that passed between the three men sharing her table. Or did she share their table? It no longer mattered. They were a family. She dipped her biscuit in honey, trying to hide a smile. When she’d stayed with Beth before her second wedding, the three Elliott men behaved the same way. One day, all six Elliotts and three MacDougals were together. Beth said good men never really grew up, and that was part of their charm. Any of them would kill without hesitation if they or their children were at risk. Yet they got into play fights like boys showing off for girls. Sure enough, it started with Jack pushing Patrick into the mud. He managed to keep his feet and shoved back. Jack bumped into Ranger, who toppled onto Gillis. The next thing Victoria knew, they were all roaring and shouting, punching and throwing each other in the mud. Daniel, the oldest boy, and Johnny stayed out of the way until the end, when they were carefully dumped in the mud and wrestled with so that they felt they belonged. Beth, Amelia, and Florence assured her that they did this all the time, and not to worry. The women and younger children stayed inside the house, laughing between each other. When it was all over, they stomped outside and fiercely told their husbands that they’d have to wash up in the creek before any food would come their way. From the roars that drifted to the house, the mud fight quickly turned into a water fight. Victoria had helped put food out on trestle tables the men had set up earlier. She’d gasped when nine soaking-wet warriors wearing nothing but their pants staggered into the yard. Each had scrapes, bruises, or cuts. And every one was laughing. “Isn’t that right, Victoria?” She looked up, pulled from the memory. Three pairs of eyes bored

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into her. “Pardon me, I didn’t hear you.” They looked at each other, and then back to her. “What were you thinking about?” asked Clint. “You had that smile you get when you see us half- undressed.” Her ears burned. Did she dare tell them? She didn’t want secrets, and from the interested look in their eyes, they might have been talking about her. “I was thinking of something that happened when I was at Beth’s.” They waited for more. “Florence and Amelia came to visit. With their husbands and children.” Jed cleared his throat. “All of them?” She nodded. Jed, Clint, and Riley shared a look, and then sat up straight. Her heart sped up as they changed expression from joking to serious. “Did they end up in the creek, stripped down to their pants?” asked Clint. She nodded. She couldn’t cross her arms to hide her nipples because it might draw attention to them. Instead, she reached for another biscuit and set both elbows on the table like a shield as she dipped it in honey. She lifted it to her mouth. Before she could bite into it, she lifted her eyes. They stared at her, eyes smoldering. “What?” she said, barely breathing the word. Honey slipped off the biscuit onto her hand. She quickly caught it with her tongue. She licked her wrist, lapping at the sweetness. They stood, shoving the benches back and scraping the floor. She flinched at the noise. All three pulled their shirts over their heads and tossed them aside. “Honey,” said Jed. “Yes?” It was his special name for her. “We’re going to dribble some of it on you,” he said slowly. His eyes devoured her. “And then we’re going to lick it off,” said Clint.

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“Very, very, slowly,” said Riley. Jed stalked around the table. He stood behind her chair, leaned over, and lifted it back from the table. “And then we’re going to bathe you,” he whispered. He held out his hand, helping her to stand. “It might take all night,” said Clint. He pulled her chair from the table and moved it aside. “But that’s only the beginning.” She looked up at Jed, then over at Clint and Riley. They stared at her as if she was their entire world. “There’s more?” All three nodded. “You’d better get used to it now,” said Riley. His smile was as wide as usual, but it seemed to have more depth. “Used to what?” This time she whispered. “We’re going to love you,” said Jed. “For the rest of our lives.”

THE END WWW.REECEBOOKS.NET

AUTHOR’S NOTE The fictional town of Tanner’s Ford is located in a valley running from northwest downhill to southeast, with the town to the east. North of the river, west to east: The Bitterroot Ranch (using the RB brand) is run by Ranger Elliott, his twin Ben, and younger brother, Patrick. Florence is Ben’s wife (A Convenient Husband, Bride Train 4). The Rocking E is one of the two original ranches, established in the late 1840s. Trace Elliott married Beth and shares the ranch with his younger twin brothers, Simon and Jack (Barefoot Bride for Three, Bride Train 1). The Circle C ranch is owned by a trio of battered veterans, Luke Frost, Gabe Downey, and Oscar (Oz) Cutler. The last ranch on the north with the Flying X brand is owned by three Southern bachelors, Cole Taylor, Byron Ashcroft, and Don Stevens. South of the river, west to east: The MD Connected was the second original ranch, also established in the late 1840s. Gillis MacDougal is the ramrod and shares the ranch with his two half-brothers, Ross and Nevin. Amelia married Ross in A Contract Bride’s Triple Surprise, Bride Train 2. Kenrick (Ace) Langford, Charles (Sin) Statham, and Henry Bennett are English aristocrats. Jessie Elliott married Ace after her brothers found her in bed with him, in Compromised Cowgirl, Bride Train 3. Bachelor cousins Jed Adams, Riley Jansen, and Clint Fortune own the J Bar C (J–C). They run into Victoria Edison in 1 Bed, 2 Weddings, 3 Husbands, Bride Train 5. Walt Chamberlain owns the Running W ranch but only purchased cattle in 1872. He’s hired three men, originally from the area, to drive the Texas longhorns to Tanner’s Ford. To the east of town, on the road to Bannack City, is a ranch owned by Mayor Orville Rivers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I’m of medium height, medium build, and I sit in front of a computer most days. To be honest, I’m rather boring. It’s usually the characters in my head who have adventures. But my writing gives me an excuse to do interesting things as research. To better understand what happens on a cattle ranch, I spent June of 2011 visiting a series of Montana fifth-generation ranches. During this working-ranch vacation, I helped gather cattle on horseback for brandings, sorted sheep for market, pushed cattle to new pastures while riding an ATV, and had numerous adventures. I fell in love with Montana’s wide blue skies and wonderful people. I came home with suitcases full of research books, a camera full of photos for my webpage, and ideas to bring to life through my Bride Train characters. Now that I’m home, I surround myself with (pictures of) hunky cowboys as I craft the lives and adventures of Tanner’s Ford heroes and Bride Train heroines. I hope you enjoyed reading about Victoria and her J Bar C men.

Also by Reece Butler Ménage Amour: Cowboy Sandwich Ménage Amour: Sequel to Cowboy Sandwich: Cowboy Double-Decker Ménage Everlasting: Bride Train 1: Barefoot Bride for Three Ménage Everlasting: Bride Train 2: A Contract Bride’s Triple Surprise Ménage Everlasting: Bride Train 3: Compromised Cowgirl Ménage Everlasting: Bride Train 4: A Convenient Husband

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