Hogtying the Cowgirl

Ride ‘em Hard 3

Hogtying the Cowgirl Angel Garner is a young, spoiled cowgirl used to getting her own way. When Clay Roberts wins the stallion she covets at an auction, she's determined to make him sell the horse back. The only problem is the cowboy has no plans of humoring her. Landon Wilder has had a crush on his friend's sister since before he can remember. He tries to help her get back her horse, but soon learns a trick or two from the man she claims to hate. Their sexual games soon inspire real emotion, complicating their ménage a trois. For them to have a lasting future together, it'll take two determined cowboys to properly break the stubborn, blonde filly. Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys Length: 43,606 words

HOGTYING THE COWGIRL Ride ‘em Hard 3

Stacey Espino

MENAGE AMOUR

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 Amour

HOGTYING THE COWGIRL Copyright © 2011 by Stacey Espino E-book ISBN: 1-61926-114-6 First E-book Publication: November 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 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 Hogtying the Cowgirl by Stacey Espino 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 Stacey Espino’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Espino’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION This book is dedicated to two of my loyal readers who won my Name the Cowboy Contest. Thank you to Laura-Mae Bowles for choosing Clay, and Chele Blades for choosing Landon.

HOGTYING THE COWGIRL Ride ’em Hard 3 STACEY ESPINO Copyright © 2011

Chapter One Grant and Matthew had been branding cattle for the better part of the morning. She’d been demanding they take her into town for days, but they all but ignored her. Life on the farm was different since Chase got married and moved south to his own ranch. He usually humored her, gave her anything she asked for. Her other two brothers were much less obliging. Clouds were rolling in from the east, making the cattle antsy. The earth trembled as the animals passed through one holding paddock to the next. “Grant!” she called out from the top rung of the wooden fence. He tilted the rim of his Stetson up to look in her direction but shook his head and continued branding the calf under his arm. “Matthew!” At least her other brother answered her, but he only pissed her off. “Go back in the house and help Ma! You’re like a splinter, Angel.” Fine. If they wouldn’t help her, she’d head into town herself. She’d saved for over a year, but was still far off from having enough to buy the stallion she wanted. When Chase left home, he gave her the last two thousand she needed. The horse she wanted would be on auction this week and may already be sold. She’d seen him at the Cooper ranch, drooled over him, and dreamed about breaking the

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beast. He was a look-alike to her prized horse she received on her sixteenth birthday. Everyone had wanted him, but they were like two peas in a pod—until she had to give him up. The mare she had now was a good horse but aging and not as energetic as she used to be. The stallion she coveted was wild and untamed, young and spirited. Angel backed one of the pickup trucks in front of the four-stall horse trailer. She slipped out of the driver’s seat and hitched up, making short work of the hardware and wiring. Nobody would hear her with the clamor of hooves disguising her getaway. Her brothers would kill her if they knew she’d taken the new trailer. She hit the dirt road, billows of dust rising up around the truck. The trailer banged and leapt, pulling the truck to the side as she sped around curves in her path. She unrolled the window when she got into town, savoring the warm breeze fluttering her hair. It felt good getting away from the ranch, and seeing people other than her dumb brothers. The parking lot to the auction house was packed. Certainly no room for the truck and trailer. She had to drive two blocks up the road and park along a side street lined with mature oaks. As she walked back to the livestock building, cowboys hooted and hollered at her. A group of four or five was leaning against the tailgate of an old truck, giving her the once-over. When she was with her brothers, men never gave her a lick of trouble. She gave these winners the middle finger and added a little extra wiggle in her step as she walked away. With three older brothers, she was used to witnessing the antics of oversexed cowboys. She pushed open the double main doors. The scent of hay and manure was strong, a smell she’d grown up with. With the dim interior lighting it took her eyes a minute to adjust. She saw some familiar faces and many she’d never seen before. When she’d come to auction with her father or brothers, she just tagged along, looked at the horses, and never really paid attention to the surroundings. Now that she was here alone, she wasn’t sure where to go or what to do. She palmed her front pocket where she’d stashed her roll of cash in a

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small coin purse—five thousand and five hundred dollars. Even though Chase had given her the last two thousand, she’d earned the rest on her own. She sold eggs and veggies for her mother on the roadside stand near town nearly every weekend, fixed neighbors’ vehicles and farm equipment, and even babysat a few dogs while the owners went on vacation. She couldn’t get a real job. As her parents said, her real job was working the family ranch, and there really was a ton to do each and every day. Rather than pay hired hands, she did the same work for free. “Can I help you, sweet thing?” A middle-aged cowboy moved in for the kill. She wasn’t born yesterday, but she did need directions. “Do you know where the horse auctions are being held?” “I’ll be happy to show you.” He held out his elbow for her. “Would you be so kind to point in the general direction? My brothers don’t take kindly to me speaking with strange men.” He smiled, unconvinced. “I’m sure they wouldn’t mind me helping you, now, little miss. Who’re your brothers? Maybe I know them.” “That’s right, everyone knows the Garner brothers.” “You’re not Chase’s little sister?” He actually took a step back as if she’d grown another head. “Chase Garner’s?” “Yes, sir. Now which direction did you say the horses were at?” For once she was happy to mention her brothers. She followed the path he’d pointed out. After walking past a riding ring and then another long aisle of single stalls, she heard the auctioneer’s voice. She never could keep up with the gibberish the old man muttered, like her father or brothers could. There was a thick crowd gathered, and she couldn’t even see the animal on auction. Angel fought for space, shoving her way through the throng of people, mostly cowboys reeking of body odor and horse shit. The ocean of flannel nearly blinded her, making her dizzy. When she emerged on the periphery of the event, she gasped for breath,

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brushing her hair behind her ears. The current auction was for a pair of mustangs. They were beauties, but then again, Angel had a passion for horses. Still, they weren’t what she came for. She listened to the bids coming from all around the crowd and tried her best to study the auctioneer’s voice, decipher whatever secret code he seemed to use. Angel wanted to ask someone if her stallion was still available, but the noise was deafening, and the crowd focused on the current bids. “Sold for seven thousand dollars!” Seven thousand for two mustangs? She had way more than enough for one horse, which made her confident she’d have more than enough to buy her horse, with money to spare. With whatever she had left, she’d buy some new tack. After three more auctions, her horse was led into the clearing. He was spirited, testing the handler at every turn. God, she’d love to break him, teach him to love and trust her. Watching him was like a flashback into the past, both good and bad memories colliding. The decision she was forced to make still haunted her. She was so enraptured by the animal and her roving thoughts that she hadn’t realized the bidding had started. Her heart began to race. Everything happened so fast, their loud voices buzzing in her ears. Finally she dared to raise her hand, which drew all attention to her for those few seconds until the next bid was declared. She had to win, would win, even if she had to spend every last cent of her money. “Two thousand,” she called out. Beat that, suckers. She was shoved to the side, nearly losing balance. When she glanced to see who’d pushed her, she had to look up, up, up. There weren’t many men as tall and built as her brothers, but this cowboy actually had them beat. He wore a well-loved black Stetson, his face rough with stubble around the jawline. “Twenty-five hundred,” he said in a deep, smooth voice. He wasn’t hyped up and juvenile like some of the men frantically bidding and dealing. The cowboy was calm, nonchalant, and exuded an air of confidence.

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The fact he’d outbid her made him her enemy. She became determined, focused. Angel scowled at the side of the man’s face, and then returned her attention back to the black beauty, now attempting to rear up in the confined space. The handlers didn’t understand him, but she did. The stallion needed his space, needed to feel safe before he could trust—so much like her. She’d give him the respect he deserved. “Three thousand, two hundred,” she said after two other bids. She still had a couple thousand left, and this was just one horse. It had to end soon. Then, as if suddenly noticing her, the cowboy beside her looked down and winked before outbidding her. Bastard! Once they hit the four thousand mark, it was just her and the mystery man left bidding. She broke out in a sheen of sweat. The way he kept glancing at her with his wicked, dark eyes made her certain he was toying with her. Was he actually outbidding her to prove something? Some stupid cowboy pissing contest? She may be the only woman bidding, but she was no city girl. Folks around town respected her for her skills as a mechanic and horse handler. She had nothing to prove, just wanted to buy the horse her heart already deemed as her own. “Five thousand dollars,” he said, raising a hand. His arm brushed hers as he lowered it. Her heartbeat was deafening, rivaling the chaos around her. “Five thousand, five hundred,” she said, barely heard above the crowd. Her heart stopped. This was it. She had no more money left and was still in shock it had gone this far. When the cowboy raised the bid by five hundred dollars, her body slunk as if all her bones had dissolved. She swallowed hard, tears pricking the backs of her eyes as she watched them lead the stallion away. How had this happened? “Sorry, little lady.” The man actually patted her on the head and then disappeared into the crowd. He didn’t look much older than Chase, the patronizing sack of shit. Once she regained her bearings,

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she attempted to follow the man through the impossibly large crowd. She lost sight of him but hoped to find him when she cleared the mob. No sign of him or his black Stetson. He’d have to return to collect his prize, so she made a wide arch around the interior of the building to where they stored the auction animals. She slipped into the barred aisle and sought her horse. He was easy to find, restless in his stall, neighing and stomping. The lighting was minimal here. The handlers were up front near the crowd as they auctioned off the next animal. “Hey, big guy,” she cooed. He was all strength and muscle, his eyes full of knowledge. The stallion was her chance to undo the past and start fresh. He’d never replace the horse she lost, but she’d love him just as well. She reached into her pocket and pulled out two sugar cubes and held them out on a flat palm. He was hesitant, eyeing the treat and waiting for her to deceive him. Knowing he’d probably been abused, had all trust ripped from him, made her more desperate to own him. “Come on…” She tried to coax the great beast, but she wouldn’t push him. She stayed still, patient, and savored each time he’d inch closer. “That’s a boy…” A body pressed up behind her, and an arm came around from either side of her body. “You’re doing it all wrong, darlin’. The horse needs a firm hand, an owner who’s in control.” He reached out, placing his palm under hers, steadying her. It was the new owner. He clucked his tongue and the horse responded, stepping closer. “I beg to differ. He needs love and trust, both not easy to come by in this godforsaken world.” “Control doesn’t eliminate love and trust. In fact, it demands it.” She pulled her hand away, spooking the stallion. “That’s your opinion.” Angel ducked out of his embrace and stood her ground. “Who’s more skittish? You or the horse?” His eyes roamed down the length of her body, undressing her as so many men felt they had the right to do.

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“I’m Angel Garner. I don’t do skittish.” She was hoping he’d recognize her family name. She couldn’t even count the number of times she used it as a weapon to inspire fear into unwanted suitors. “Pretty name, darlin’, but you’re as timid as a prairie mouse under all that bravado. Maybe you need taming more than my new acquisition.” She grit her teeth, tempted to stomp her foot and toss out a few unladylike curses. “I’ll ignore that for now because I want to offer you cash to buy this stallion.” “But I just bought him, baby-doll. It’s a done deal. You should have outbid me if you’re so interested.” “I only had fifty five hundred. But I can barter my services.” He cocked an eyebrow. It took her a full minute before she realized his mind was in the gutter. “I’m a mechanic, a damn good one. Surely you have something that needs fixin’—cars, trucks, equipment?” After tilting his Stetson, he began to walk away. He called over his shoulder dismissively, “I’ll have to pass on your offer.” “Hey!” This wasn’t over, couldn’t be over. Not when she knew that horse was meant to be hers. Like he’d said, he’d be a controlling owner. A horrible owner compared to her. “Ma’am, you can’t be back here.” One of the staff members for the auction must have heard her yelling and came back to check what was going on. “Winning bidders only.” She tried to explain her plight to the man, but he was too busy to deal with her. When she turned back around the man was gone. “Sir, please. What’s the name of that man—the one who owns this stallion?” “Clay Roberts.” The family name didn’t ring a bell. He was either from out of town or new to the area. At least she had something to work with. Her aunt Wendy knew absolutely everyone in town, including their

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marital status, and any juicy gossip. She’d ask about this Clay Roberts, find out where he lived, and come up with either a plan or more money. This wasn’t over. She wouldn’t lose this horse.

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Chapter Two Clay settled his accounts with the registrar and went out back to prepare his trailer for the two new horses he’d acquired. A good riding gelding, and a stallion he had no business buying. It was an unprofessional buy on his part, but he’d been lured by the majesty of the beast, a symbol of nature’s power and beauty wrapped up into one. He should have stopped at three grand, but the little minx next to him kept outgunning him, spurring him to bid higher. He’d seen the malice in those ocean-blue eyes, an untamed nature similar to the horse he was bidding on. Her honey-blonde hair was kept natural, falling heavily down her back. No need for makeup. He’d like to ride her as much as the stallion, but she was too young, too innocent for the likes of him. Clay didn’t have time for women any more than he had for quiet reflection. Now he’d have to spend the extra time to green break the wild beast when his schedule was already taking over his life. Maybe it would do him good to take an hour or two off each day to spend with the horse, getting back to his roots, and skipping the office drama. He felt a flutter of excitement in his gut. Ever since his feed business had taken off, making him wealthy and in demand, he hadn’t been able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. After collecting the horses and loading them securely in his trailer, a familiar voice shattered the comforting silence. “Mr. Roberts, can I please have a word with you?” “Angel Garner, I presume.” He turned around, and there she stood, her hands proudly perched on each rounded hip. The girl was

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too fit and curvy to be holy. “I thought I made it clear I wasn’t interested in your services.” “What is it that you want, then? Every man wants something.” She peered to the side, trying to see the horses behind him. “You bought two? What’s so special about the stallion that you can’t sell him back to me?” “Same reason he’s special to you, I suppose.” He bent low and hoisted up the tailgate, sliding and locking the chains into place. Her face seemed to pale as the lock clicked shut. “Now, why don’t you head back in before the auctions end and bid on another animal? There are plenty of fine specimens still available.” “I don’t want another horse. I want that one.” This filly was used to getting her own way. Spoiled little cowgirl if he ever saw one. They seemed a common occurrence in a town where sons outweighed daughters three to one. But he had no plans on humoring Ms. Garner. She could just go and find another horse because the black stallion was now the property of Clayton Roberts, Inc. “Darlin’, the foundation of most cowboys’ lives is disappointment. It either destroys them or pushes them to be better men. I expect it’s the same for a cowgirl. If you’ve escaped this long without experiencing it, call this a favor.” Her full, pretty lips morphed into a tight line, her eyes narrowing into a vicious scowl, arms crossed stubbornly under her breasts. “You’re a dirty, rotten horse thief!” As much as he wanted to toss her over his shoulder and dump her in the nearest rain barrel, he kept his cool and boarded his truck. The air was increasing in humidity. The storm he’d seen coming would be here soon. His new ranch was just on the outskirts of town, and he wanted to settle the horses in their new barn before lightning struck and spooked them. He hadn’t had enough time to check the condition of all the perimeter fencing since moving into the old century home. Although the place needed a lot of TLC, it was close to town, where

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his new distribution center was being established. Little did the local farmers realize how much he’d be helping their economy by choosing their town over another as his center of operations. He dropped the ramp of the trailer with an echoing boom when he’d arrived home. After securing his new riding horse, he eased his prize out, slow and steady. “That’s it,” he coaxed. “Welcome to your new home.” As he led the stallion to the barn, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. That cute cowgirl had been desperate to buy the horse off him. But Clay didn’t get where he was in life by being weak and easy to walk over. When he wanted something, he worked hard and got it. Ms. Garner would have to learn that not everything came served on a silver platter. And, as he’d told her, disappointment was a natural part of life. The distant rumble from the sky sent a chill up his spine. He settled the horse, closed the bay doors to the barn, and headed to the house. In the span of a few minutes the air went from warm and stale to gusty and cool. He’d start up a fire to stave off the chill and keep the living room in light in case the power failed. The wall was lined with cardboard boxes. There was still so much to do since moving in the old house—unpacking, cleaning, and countless renovations. Then he had to sort things out at the office and warehouse in town, get to know the new employees, farmers, and distributors. He didn’t have time to stop and think, and the chaos had him feeling out of control. He arranged some of the logs in the fireplace and set the kindling ablaze. The scent and sound of the soon crackling fire instantly soothed him, pulled him out of his reality, and forced him to revel in the days of his youth. It always amazed him how a scent could take him back in time, spark memories of people and places long past. During his youth, he only had the worry of hard work, sweating and straining under the sun. Now he had to delegate, strategize, and had

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numerous people relying on him for their livelihood. He craved a release from the stress, but his kind of escape would have to wait. The young cowgirl had unwittingly started an avalanche of need within him. She unleashed his dormant dominant side with her sass and forked tongue. Just like the stallion, she’d be a challenge to break. He’d enjoy every step of her submission, savor the day she begged him to make her come. But it wasn’t meant to be. He had to uphold a solid reputation and leave his unsavory sexual appetite at the borderline of this small town. Clay kicked off his boots and unbuttoned his flannel shirt. As he crashed down in his worn leather recliner by the fire, he stared at the dancing flames. The house was too big. Too quiet. His sister kept telling him it was time to think about settling down with a good woman. He was thirty-two and not getting any younger. It made sense, but a happily ever after rarely fell in any man’s lap. He had no time to nurture a relationship and had never met a woman he’d choose to spend the rest of his life with. Forever was a long time, and when he committed to anything, he never walked away. **** Angel dreaded returning to the house. Hours had passed, and there was no way her brothers wouldn’t notice the trailer missing. She pulled into the yard, carefully backing up to leave the trailer in the same place she’d left it. If she was lucky, they were so busy with the branding they hadn’t even realized she’d left. A light peppering of rain blew in with the increasing wind. It wouldn’t be long now until the clouds let loose and drenched the land, trapping her indoors. She hated being cramped behind four walls, not able to leave or breathe. Angel liked to work with her hands, feel the sun warming her face, and see the barley fields all the way to the horizon.

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She slipped in through the side screen door, hoping not to be noticed. “Going somewhere?” Angel’s heart began to pound more frantically. Matthew stood in the center of the room, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “What?” “Didn’t we tell you you’re not allowed to take the trailer?” “You’re not my daddy, Matthew. Get off my case.” She attempted to walk past him, using her usual false bravado to keep from getting in trouble. He chuckled—a dark, unpleasant sound that gave her the chills. “If I remember correctly, our daddy was the one to make the rule. How many trucks have you scrapped in the last couple years?” He barred her escape. She tried to duck under his arm, but he only secured her by the shoulders and held her in place. Why did her brothers have to be so damn strong? When they were used to fighting each other or the Carsons’ on the next ranch over, she had no hope of overpowering Matthew. “Let me go!” “Chase isn’t here to rescue you, Angel. You can’t just do whatever the fuck you like and get away with it.” “I asked you and Grant to drive me into town, but you wouldn’t. What else was I supposed to do?” “For the love of God, you can’t always have your way, girl. We’ve been breaking our balls branding all day. We can’t just take a break to chauffeur you around whenever you holler.” She growled, angry that he was being so difficult. The truck was back in one piece. All she wanted to do was run up to her room and feel sorry for herself. She’d just lost the one thing she desired in life and wasn’t in the mood for a lecture. That infuriating Roberts man had stolen her horse. “Well maybe I should just leave. Obviously I’m an unwanted part of this family.” She pouted, hoping to appeal to his emotions. No matter how angry he was, she was still his little sister.

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“Angel…” He twisted her around, tucked her head under his shoulder, and ran his knuckles over her hair like he did when she was younger. “You best behave, or I’ll have to tell dad. Now run off and get cleaned up for supper.” She smiled to herself as she jogged up to the second level. If only Clay Roberts was as easy to mislead. She closed her door and crashed on her bed. There had to be a way to get the stallion back. If she couldn’t, the years of saving and working all those shitty jobs was for nothing. Her friends were few and far between. With such overprotective brothers her social life suffered, and a boyfriend was a luxury she’d never known. Why would she want another man in her life when she couldn’t escape them as it was? All her neighbors were cowboys. Half the time she felt like one of the guys herself, so hooking up with one of the men she’d grown up with would just feel wrong. Besides, there wasn’t a man alive she’d ever feel safe enough with to love. There was a knock on her door. “What?” She turned as Grant entered her room. He flopped down on the bed beside her, bunching up one of her pillows under his head. “You talked with Matthew?” “Unfortunately.” “You deserved it.” He could have gone on and on but stopped. He closed his eyes, his breathing heavy. Her brothers were always exhausted during a branding. The long hours and strenuous labor took its toll on a man. She understood the value of hard work. She stroked his hair and massaged his shoulders. The Lord knew she loved her family and those close to her. She’d do anything for them. She had, and she would again. But she wasn’t one to wear her emotion on her sleeve. The men she knew said she should have been born a man, and some days she agreed. Working with horse shit and engine grease didn’t make her feel very feminine. She was glad of it. The only thing good about being a woman was the ability to use her body as a sexual weapon. It was a small consolation for being the physically weaker sex.

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Angel devised a spur of the moment plan. “Grant, have you seen Landon lately?” She’d been close to Landon growing up because he was an only child and spent most of his free time visiting her brothers. In fact, all the cowboys in the region were like extended family. “He’s helping the Carsons with their branding.” Landon’s parent’s owned the small, local feel shop in town, so he often took jobs as a hired hand, and helped friends for free. She said nothing more to her brother, not wanting to rouse his suspicions. He didn’t question her, already close to falling asleep. She combed her hand through his hair until she was certain he wouldn’t wake up, and then she slipped from the mattress. After draping a light sheet over his body, she snuck out of the room and went downstairs for dinner.

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Chapter Three The Carson ranch came into view around the bend in the road. She hadn’t been back to their place since they moved their woman in. Apparently she’d been shunned because she’d told Samantha to back off. Angel had only been looking out for the Carson brothers, not realizing what they had with the woman was real love—however unorthodox. They couldn’t hate her forever, could they? Today she was only interested in finding Landon, not reliving old dramas. The rain storm had passed as quickly as it rolled into their town. The morning sky was a robin’s-egg blue, and the land still glistened with the memory of rain. Wyatt was the first cowboy she saw, cutting across the yard toward the barn. As soon as their eyes met, she cursed. It was time to face the music. He approached her when she hopped down from the driver’s seat. “If you’re here to make trouble, I suggest you get your little ass back in the truck and head out.” Wyatt was all business, always had been. She’d be a fool to fuck with him. “I’m just looking for Landon.” She adjusted her Stetson. “I’ve already apologized for the whole Samantha incident. Besides, you have her back. How long can you hold a grudge?” He had a coil of rope in his hand, which he flung over his shoulder before charging forward. Wyatt pinned her to the side of her truck, his eyes as lethal as a cobra’s. “If you fuck with my wife, I’ll make you pay, whether your brothers know or not.” She shrugged him away. “Relax. I thought she was using you. I was trying to help, not make trouble. Can we just leave the past in the past?”

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He pointed to the large barn. “He’s mucking out. Make it quick.” She didn’t waste any time in dashing to the barn. Angel called back over her shoulder, “I’ll make it up to the four of you. I promise.” The Carson farm was almost as familiar as her own. It hurt that the brothers she’d grown up with now saw her as a home wrecker. She’d only been looking out for them and still wasn’t one hundred percent sure their wife was with them for the right reasons. It was her nature to be suspicious. Trust had to be earned. The interior of the barn was dim, the hay dust thick. She heard the scrape of a shovel on the concrete floor in one of the far stalls. “Landon?” His dirty-blond head peeked over the top of a stall. With his height, he had no problem spotting her as she approached despite the six-foot-high partitions. “What are you doing here?” “No, what are you doing mucking out for the Carsons? They shouldn’t be giving you the shitty work when you offer to help out.” He shook his head, using the back of his forearm to wipe his brow. “It’s paid work.” He leaned the shovel against the wooden stall boards and used one curled finger to signal her closer. She stepped into his personal space as requested, and they shared a platonic kiss. “They know you’re here?” She dismissed his question. “What do you mean paid work? Why?” “Angel, my parents are going through a rough time. The feed store is suffering now that one of the big boys has moved into town. They can’t compete with a giant.” “I didn’t even know. I still go by every week to get my supplies. They never said anything to me.” Landon’s parents were like family. His mother often invited her over for dinner, saying she missed not having a daughter of her own. “They’re proud. You know how they are. God willing, things will settle out, but for now I need cold hard cash.”

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She felt bad for the Wilders and wished there was something she could do to help. Angel would hand over her fifty-five hundred in a heartbeat, even if it meant never getting her stallion, but she knew Landon would never take it. He was a proud cowboy, born and raised on the prairies, like her. “You should have called me.” “For what? I’m just doing what needs to be done, is all. Now, why’d you come down here? Ain’t you still on unfriendly terms with the Carsons?” “Not for too much longer, I hope. I came to find you, but I feel bad asking anything of you now.” She’d tell her mother and Aunt Wendy about his parents tonight. They’d stir up some action in the community to help out the older couple. He reached for his white T-shirt hanging over the stall divider. He mopped his slick chest and shoulders. “Angel, you’re pissing me off with the pity talk. Now what are you here for?” She took a breath. “I went to the auction yesterday morning to bid on that stallion I had my eye on. But some new money outbid me.” Angel reached out and touched his arm, not expecting it to feel as hard as iron. “Landon, I have to have that horse.” “If you were outbid, what do you suggest I do?” “My brothers have a lot of weight in the community. If one of them went to reason with him, he may just see the logic in selling the horse back to me.” “Uh-huh?” “Well, I can’t very well ask one of my brothers to do it. They’re already furious I took the trailer. There’s no way in hell they’ll help me.” She bit her lower lip. “That’s where you come in.” “I don’t think I’m gonna like this.” “Please, please, please. He’s new. He won’t know you from one of my dumb brothers. Come on, do me this favor and I’ll muck out the rest of the barn, no charge.” He was quiet for a while. When he finally smirked, she knew he was on board. “You best get to shoveling.”

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**** Clay attached a training lead to the stallion and led him to the ring next to his new barn. He should be learning the lay of the land and unpacking, but all he could think about, besides the little spitfire from yesterday, was the horse awaiting his instruction. He spent hours with the horse, using a combination of treats, praise, and skilled discipline. By the time he heard a pickup truck rumble up his private drive, he’d worked up a sweat, and the deep blue sky was now lit by the full strength of the sun. Time flew by when he enjoyed what he was doing. The truck doors slammed, one after the other. He wasn’t expecting anyone, and his personal address wasn’t listed at the distribution center. Then he saw the gleam of the sun on that familiar blonde hair. There weren’t too many women with hair that blonde, a mix of honey and gold. He chuckled to himself, interested to see what offer she had for him today. Maybe he should ask the little brat to muck out his barn. That should turn her off in a heartbeat. But she wasn’t alone. A tall, well-muscled cowboy came up alongside her, his face stoic. His size made Ms. Garner look like a child as she walked next to him. He’d wager the man was nearly as tall as he was, which wasn’t an easy task. “Mr. Roberts. I was hoping I could have a word with you.” She was wearing tight blue jeans, which hugged her generous hips. Her Tshirt molded over her full breasts and read “Cowgirls do it better.” He could imagine. His cock twitched under his belt. “Who’s your friend?” “This is my brother, Matthew Garner. He’d like to speak with you about the mix-up at the auction.” “Mix-up?” The little spitfire couldn’t control her temper. She scowled and clamped her jaw down tight. “You have my horse, Mr. Roberts. That

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stallion was supposed to go home with me yesterday. I’ve been saving for the day he went on auction, and then you just came out of nowhere and pulled the rug out from under me. That’s not the way we conduct ourselves around these parts.” He wasn’t giving up the horse. They’d already bonded in the span of a few hours. You couldn’t buy a connection like that. Nothing that Angel Garner or her brother offered him would be enough. “How’d you get this address anyway?” He walked away from his uninvited guests, closing the paddock and hanging up his training lead on the end of the fence. The heat was already becoming unbearable, and the day was young. He needed to get his outdoor work done before the weather demanded he work indoors out of the heat. “My brothers have their ways. Surely you’ve heard of them?” Should he have? “Like you’ve said, I’m new in town. I don’t know your brothers from Adam.” Clay took measured steps onto his wraparound porch. The house may have been old, but it certainly had its charm. He saw the potential the moment he’d come with the real estate agent to look at it. When he turned, Angel was elbowing her brother in the side. “Mr. Roberts. Would you consider selling the horse back to us? We’d give it an excellent home, and it’d mean the world to my little sister.” Clay laughed out loud. “Your little sister needs to learn she can’t have everything she wants in life. That stallion is mine, legal and binding, and he’ll remain so.” She looked back and forth from Matthew to him, almost frantically. The other man appeared at a loss for words for either of them. “Landon, do something!” she hollered when Clay opened the screen to the house. Ah, she was trying to pull the wool over his eyes. He should have guessed the strapping young man wasn’t her brother, but a lover. The way the cowboy acted wasn’t consistent with a brotherly love.

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“I thought your brother’s name was Matthew, darlin’. Either you need your head checked, or you’re trying to swindle me into selling my horse.” She pointed her finger at him. “You’re being unreasonable.” He shook his head, unbuttoning his shirt. His day was already disrupted, so he may as well shower and head into town to check on his operation. “No, I’m a very reasonable man. You’re just a little monster in need of a spanking.” Her boyfriend choked back a chuckle, which earned him a punch in the arm from an irate cowgirl. “Damn you both. I won’t be made a fool of.” She stormed back to the truck, revved the engine, and then barreled off the property, leaving her lover literally in the dust. They both stood there, not moving or speaking for the longest time. “Your girlfriend seems to be a bit off her rocker.” He didn’t expect the other man to refute him, not when he was standing miles from civilization with no ride. “She’s not my girlfriend. Angel’s just a friend, and right now, I’m not even sure about that.” Knowing they were just friends satisfied Clay in a way he hadn’t expected. It’s not like he was foolish enough to court a woman like Angel. He’d be better off stepping on a finishing nail than dealing with that devil of a cowgirl. Then why couldn’t he stop obsessing over her? She was an unrefined, no-apologies kind of girl. He’d like to bridle and brand the feisty little filly and ride the attitude right out of her. “Tell you what. If you can hang around for twenty minutes while I take a quick shower, I’ll drive you into town myself.” No sense making the man’s shame worse. Clay didn’t have to be told Angel Garner was one hundred percent responsible for the lies and surprise visit. It would be difficult for a flesh-and-blood man to refuse the blonde beauty, so he couldn’t blame Landon.

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“I suppose I don’t have much choice unless I want to spend half the day walking.” He tilted his hat in thanks and then came to sit on the porch steps. **** He was going to kill her when he saw her next. It was one thing to throw one of her usual tantrums, but to desert him way out here with no way to get home? He was doing her a favor, taking time off from a paying job to help her weasel some new guy out of his horse. If he had to take a side, he’d be beside the dark-haired cowboy. He seemed reasonable and even offered to drive him into town after being tongue-lashed by Angel. Some days he didn’t know why the fuck he put up with her, and then he remembered the sweet girl locked up behind skin as thick as old leather. She may be nice to look at, but below the surface was a turbulent mix of emotion so unsettled it could scare off even a fullgrown man. The truth was she’d been there for him when it counted, which was why he stuck around. With the Garner brothers being his good friends, it was automatically his job to keep a look out for Angel. Sometimes he may have took the job a little too much to heart. While others couldn’t stand her abrasive personality, he saw the softer side. When she was seventeen, she came to him in tears, insisting there wasn’t another person in the world she could confide in. Always a do-gooder, she stepped in to help the Carson brothers when one of the money-hungry industrialists tried to take over their farm after their momma died. The Carson brothers still had no clue the sacrifice Angel made by agreeing to hand over her prized stallion. Her father gave her a beating to remember for supposedly selling the valuable horse, and she yearned for that black stallion ever since. Knowing what he did, he kept her close, maybe coddled her too much. He’d helped to create a monster, as Clay had said. Maybe it was time to take that monster by the horns, rather than permitting it to

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wreak havoc on everyone in its path. She’d been hurt in the past, but after five years, it was time to move on.

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Chapter Four “So…” They drove in awkward silence over the uneven dirt roads leading into town. “How long you know Angel?” “All my life. We’re a small community, and most of us grew up together.” “She’s a hostile little thing. Cute as a button, but I still can’t see why you’d humor her.” Clay wondered what her story was or if she could even have one at her ripe, young age. It was usually folks up in years that harbored bitterness from bad life experiences. Or was Angel truly an inexcusable, spoiled brat? “As long as you keep on her good side, you’ll do okay.” “I’m a hopeless cause, then. She already hates me with the intensity of the sun.” They both laughed because it was true. “As long as you have that stallion, I expect she’ll continue to hate you, too.” It always came back to the horse, but he suspected Angel would never be truly happy. There was an unsettled air about her. He had the urge to reach out, claim her, and teach her some control through discipline—pleasure and pain. But he’d given up his old lifestyle to start fresh here in the heart of the prairies where his business would flourish. He had a sister to think about, a business, and a future. Then why was he ready to risk everything for one night with Angel? Halfway to town and a whirlwind of dust obscured the road up ahead. Angel’s truck raced by them and then fishtailed as it turned around without stopping. She’d actually come back to fetch her friend, even though he’d have been walking for half an hour if Clay hadn’t offered to drive him.

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“She hasn’t forgotten you after all,” said Clay, watching the crazy cowgirl in his rearview mirror. “Don’t stop. I’m really not in the mood for her right now.” Landon ran a hand through his hair before leaning to the side to watch the other truck coming up fast. “I think she may be crazy enough to rear-end me. Maybe I should cut you loose and save myself a trip to the body shop.” Angel began to honk her horn, over and over. “Don’t you dare. That woman is fit to be tied.” “Maybe you have the right idea. I think that headstrong girl needs to be cut down a few notches. I’m always game if you wanted to teach her a lesson.” It was happening. All his base desires were bubbling up to the forefront of his mind. He could already picture Angel bound and blindfolded, his face between her legs. If Landon wanted to get a little revenge in, double-teaming always made things more interesting. The honking continued as she swerved back and forth on the dirt road. “What kind of lesson?” Clay gave the other man a sideways glance. Did he have to spell it out to him? Only a blind man wouldn’t be attracted to the blonde bombshell, and taming that forked tongue of hers was a sinful temptation. The ultimate challenge for a now-closeted Dom. “She’s my friend. I couldn’t…” “She ain’t your sister, cowboy. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed all those fine curves. The only way she’ll lose that venom is with a good ol’-fashioned spanking. Something her parents should have done long ago.” He saw the man’s doubts morph into a wicked grin. “Pull off to the left at the next path. It’s the abandoned Tyler farm. No one will spot us up there.” They’d both committed to this party now, no turning back. Clay turned off the road, trying to maintain his speed to keep some distance between him and Angel. She followed them up the narrow, winding

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path between numerous mature trees. He pulled around to the back of the condemned house and parked in front of the old century barn. It was decrepit, not maintained for decades. There was nothing to see but unplowed fields and stacks of packing crates left to age under the harsh Alberta elements. “This is either a very, very bad idea, or the best yet,” said Landon. “But if she tells her brothers, they’ll skin me alive.” “When we’re through with her, she won’t tell a soul.” Clay cut the engine and rolled down the windows to let the afternoon breeze pass through. Within a minute, Angel’s truck door slammed shut, and she appeared at the driver’s side of the truck. Her eyes looked exceptionally blue with the sunlight hitting them just so. “Landon? What are you doing in his truck?” “If you’ve forgotten, Angel, you left me stranded at his place.” Clay opened his door, sweeping her back along with it. He slammed the metal back into place, holding her with his gaze. Just as he had a knack with feral animals, he also had the same effect on unruly women. She backed away until she hit the side of the truck. “You know what your brother and I were talking about? We were discussing how desperately you needed a proper spanking. I’m guessing your daddy let you run wild, but now we’re here to correct that.” She scoffed. “You’re crazy.” He watched her throat as she swallowed hard, her chest rising and falling in deep waves. Her bravado was cracking. It was a beautiful thing watching something so wild slowly fall under his control. He’d enjoy her. **** Angel nearly made it back to town when she realized what a bitch she’d been to Landon. He was missing half a day’s work because of her, and she’d stranded him with that jerk, Clay Roberts. As soon as she came to her senses, she made haste getting back to the ranch.

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When she saw Landon and Clay in the truck together, all she could think about was that dark-haired cowboy negatively influencing one of her best friends. Had Clay reamed him out for coming to trick him? Was he driving Landon to the police station for trespassing charges? A hundred foolish thoughts flitted through her head. But now she was trapped between the hood of the truck and Clay’s solid body. She glanced down to where his shirt tucked into his belt. The large silver buckle suddenly captured her attention. This wasn’t just some random guy who’d bought the horse she wanted. He was a hardcore cowboy with a fit body, dark good looks, and a rugged quality that made her realize she was indeed a woman. Beside him, she felt small and feminine. “Tell me I’m a horse thief again, darlin’,” he dared. And for some preposterous reason she wanted to challenge his dare. “Horse thief,” she whispered, looking up at him from beneath her lashes. Angel was in the worst possible situation, trapped beside a secluded barn where no one would find her, with a complete stranger. At least she had Landon. He’d protect her, which gave her a sense of bravery when dealing with Clay. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He bent over and hoisted her up over his shoulder. “Hey! Put me down!” She squirmed under his iron grasp. The man carried her as if she were a feather pillow. His strong hand gripping her inner thigh did crazy things to her body—anticipation, a deep throbbing in her cunt. Would he really spank her? Force her to do dirty things any decent girl would pale over? “I will, darlin’. Right over my knee.” He neared the barn, her body jostling as he walked. Clay kicked open the old bay door with his black cowboy boot and strode in. He sat on a wooden bleacherstyle bench and stretched her over his lap, facedown. She didn’t think he was actually serious. No men dared to mess with her when she had three of the most badass brothers in town. They were protective to a

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fault, but here she was over Clay Roberts’s knees with none of her brothers in sight. Angel fought him tooth and nail, attempting to get her footing so she could stand up. As much as she was determined to win this battle, she was also curious as to what he’d do if he got his way. “You’re crossing the line, cowboy!” He easily reached between their bodies and unbuttoned her Levi’s, and then began the long process of tugging the tight-fitting material down her hips. Her heart rate picked up. Where was Landon? Shouldn’t he be stopping this? “Have you ever had this fine ass red and throbbing?” He thought she was fine? She assumed by now that he hated her, like most strangers did. It was easier to scare off people rather than dealing with real emotion—which led to trust, and undoubtedly betrayal. “If you take my pants off…” He didn’t just take off her Levi’s but pulled her panties over the curve of her ass, too. Clay jerked the jeans down to her knees with force. Rather than anger her, a unique thrill spiraled through her body by being so exposed. She’d have scrape burns tomorrow, she was sure of it. “Beautiful,” he said. His rough hand rubbed soft circles over the globes of her ass as if he were making a wish on a crystal ball. She hoped for his sake he was wishing for a new set of balls because the second she was free he’d lose his. “You’re embarrassing me. Pull up my panties!” God, she hoped he didn’t listen to her. She knew he had to be getting an intimate view of her privates, which did unspeakable things to her libido. Clay ignored her, continuing to paint those menacing circles with his hand. The act warmed much more than her exposed flesh. In fact her whole body felt like a furnace—intense heat radiating in from all her extremities. Even her face felt flush. “I'm no greenhorn, darlin’. You can complain all you want, but there's no denying you want me to continue. I’m going to start by teaching you that it’s wrong to demand something that ain’t yours.

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And, yes, I’m talking about that fine stallion. I won the auction fair and square, little girl, so you have no business being resentful towards me.” His hand lifted away, leaving her exposed to the cool note in the air. Then the strike came without warning. Smack. The fleshy sound was solid and filled the interior of the aging barn. A few pigeons pecking at the entrance scattered in a flurry of flapping wings. “How dare you!” she shrieked. He repeated the motion. Smack, smack, smack. The vibration from each strike vibrated all the way to her clit, which also rubbed teasingly against Clay’s rough, denim-clad thigh. She was out of her element. Every time his hand came down, she lost a little bit of power. It felt good to give it up, to be under the cowboy’s control. All she had to do was enjoy. He was the one calling the shots. After several more blows, her flesh was tender and throbbing. But it was a twisted kind of pain, one that pulsed in beat with her pussy, increasing her needs. “That’s good. You know when to keep quiet.” She’d forgotten she stopped demanding for him to stop. Angel had shut up and focused on his ministrations, anxiously awaiting each time his hand would come down, mentally timing it. “You’ve had your fun humiliating me. Now let me up,” she said, trying to sound thoroughly disgusted when she felt anything but. Her body ached for more, so much more, but she’d never admit to it. She wasn’t a whore, didn’t enjoy being bossed around…or did she? There may have been a black mark on her past, but that wasn’t her fault. She’d been young, naïve, and desperate to help her friends. This was different. Angel was a woman now—strong, cold, and not to be messed with. “No. You’re not getting away that easily, my little angel. Not until I’ve clipped your wings, and made sure you’ll never disrespect me or Landon again.” His hand slid lower, down her ass and between her legs. When the tips of his fingers brushed her moist pussy lips, her entire body jolted. How could one touch be so electric?

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Landon squatted near her head. She’d almost forgotten about him. Did he condone Clay’s behavior? He’d always been a close friend, one of the few she turned to when she needed help. Surely he didn’t see her as a sexual object like the dark-haired cowboy obviously did. She braced a hand on Landon’s knee, trying to look up from the odd angle she was held in. He liked this, liked watching her getting spanked. The fact made her clit pulse, stronger, more demanding. “Aren’t you gonna help me?” She looked him in the eyes. The bluest eyes she’d ever known. Of course, she’d always felt that way. She used to compare the color to the early morning sky before the sun had fully risen. They’d spent many sunrises together working the ranch. But did she like those eyes, or love them? Was she deluding herself to think he was only a friend? Or was she denying the possibility because it was too complicated? Angel was so used to closing herself off—as a safety mechanism—that she wasn’t even certain of her own feelings anymore. “This is for your own good, Angel. The Lord knows your brothers have given you your own way for far too long. Chase is gone, but it seems Matthew and Grant are taking over, letting you get away with murder.” “Landon, so help me…” She was ready to scream. Maybe he had a tiny, little point. It infuriated her that they didn’t listen to her, didn’t do as she said. She wasn’t accustomed to compromising or giving in, not when she was the baby of the family and only female for generations. Angel was used to being the center of attention, but it got boring fast when everyone was willing to oblige her. She blamed some of her attitude and rebellion on the inner need for someone to be real with her. Like Clay and Landon were right now. When her body began to scream out in protest from being forced into the unnatural position over Clay’s knees, he helped her to her feet. She immediately reached down to pull up her panties, nearly tripping over the jeans coiled at her knees when she twisted around in

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search of Landon. When she zipped up, her ass ached from where he’d spanked her. “Run off now, little one,” said Clay. “You’ve been punished good enough.” Angel was seething. Heat crept up her collar, not because she was angry that he bent her over his knee but because he stopped so abruptly. She needed far more lessons in manners than a few spanks.

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Chapter Five Landon would be lying if he said he hadn’t envisioned Angel naked and under him. But she was off the menu. Not only were her brothers more overprotective than a mother hen, but Angel was his friend. Betraying their friendship wouldn’t go over well, especially with her abrasive attitude. She’d cuss him out and knock him a new one. He did like Clay’s style. There weren’t many men who fought back against Angel, refusing to humor her. Landon already knew she was fragile and sweet deep on the inside. They’d spent many long hours talking in her hayloft, exchanging their dreams, fears, and regrets. So if this stranger could teach her how to eliminate her tough outer shell, she’d be downright pleasant to be around. Then Landon just had to convince her that their relationship could move beyond friendship. “Well since the two of you are such great friends now, you can get a ride with him, Landon.” She stormed off to her truck, her blonde hair rippling behind her from the slight breeze. He wondered if she’d tell her brothers the moment she got home. If she did, he had no doubt there would be an unpleasant visit at his home tonight. Their place was right on the edge of town. They had no land of their own, only focusing on their feed store, which had been in the Wilder family for generations. Although Landon had big dreams of running his own cattle ranch like some of his closest friends, it was a little too big for a small player like him. The best he could do was help make his parents’ business thrive, but even that was becoming difficult lately due to the increased competition.

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“You realize you’ve just created a monster. If that woman wasn’t already ornery, she’ll be downright impossible now.” Landon rubbed the front of his jeans. His cock was still semierect from the visual of Angel’s sweet little ass. He’d hoped Clay was going to take things further, pull out the pig string and give her a lesson to remember. The few spanks she’d received only served to infuriate her, far from taming. She’d need to be hogtied and branded before her sweetness began to show through. “Just wait. She’ll be back.” “What do you mean?” Clay adjusted his black Stetson and began walking back to his truck. “A woman like Angel craves to be mastered—she just doesn’t realize it yet. But she will. And when she does, we’ll be ready for her.” They drove back to town. It was too late to return to the Carson ranch, so he’d just head on home and call it a day wasted. He watched the endless fields of wheat and open cattle prairie as they made their way to the sleepy little town. Landon would never tire of the sight, or give up on his dreams. Once a man gave up on hope, he was nothing but a work horse. Some days that’s exactly how he felt, especially when all his work was on other men’s land. The pickup truck rumbled up the gravel drive to the little bungalow. “Would you join us for dinner?” He may be Angel’s socalled enemy, but he’d driven him into town and only been polite. Landon’s parents had taught him that good manners went a long way and offering a meal to a stranger was God’s work. “I really should get into town to check on my new business dealings.” “It’s only a meal. A man’s got to eat. If you’re living alone in that big house, I’m sure you could do with a home-cooked meal.” Clay smiled and turned off the engine. “Sounds good.” ****

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Angel didn’t drive straight home, not in the mood she was in. Her brothers would sense something amiss and drill her until she told them what happened. It was the last thing she needed to come out in the open. Angel Garner had just been spanked like a naughty child, and dismissed as such. Clay hadn’t even become aroused, only doled out her punishment for harassing him, and then told her to get out of his sight. She felt stupid, used, and pent up like a horny bull. She drove west—past her ranch, past the Carsons’s, and through the town. Angel finally began to slow her truck when she neared her most favorite spot in the world. It was private property, owned by the Richmond family, but they never knew the wiser. She wasn’t there to make trouble, just get away from the world and think. It was where the Naser River cut across the land, changing elevations by means of a miniature waterfall. The sound of rushing water, insects in the tall grass, and the beautiful array of wildflowers put her soul at peace. Angel had found this little piece of paradise after dealing with that crooked, horse-thieving developer so many years ago. It was her refuge. Every slippery rock and blade of grass knew her secrets. Human beings weren’t so trustworthy. Angel lay down on her back and stared up at the vibrant mix of blue sky, white clouds, and green from the tree branches. If only she could just stay here forever, not move, not have to deal with anything in her life. But that was wishful thinking. She was still determined to get her stallion, and maybe a little eager to run into Clay Roberts again. There was a deep-seated need in her to gain his approval, which was so unlike her. Then there was her buddy, Landon. How would she ever face him again? He’d seen her bare bottom, watched her get humiliated over Clay’s lap. She’d never live this down. Her reputation as a cowgirl was solid, set in stone. Now she’d appear weak, and no better than a common buckle bunny—which she most certainly was not.

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She supposed she’d have to keep her distance from Landon now, keep things civil and professional. It was so much easier to close herself off rather than deal with undue emotion. She’d miss him, though. Despite his ganging up on her with Clay, he was one of her best friends. Who would she talk to now? She’d done a damn fine job at keeping friends away—not many put up with her after a while. After a couple hours of quiet reflection, she decided to head home. When she pulled into the lot, there was a buzz of activity. Her brothers were loading sacks of grain into three pickup trucks, and they had the forklift out to haul bundles of hay on the open wagon. She parked her truck out of the way and sauntered over to the ruckus. “What’s going on?” They’d had the sacks of grain stored for a month in the spare barn. The Wilder feed store could only handle so much when their province had a bumper crop this year. Grant had a big white-toothed smile. “We’ve sold the whole lot, Angel. The new distributor in town bought it all. After we’re done here, we’re heading to the Carsons to load up their overstock.” Wyatt, Cord, and Val were lugging oversized bags along with Grant in the near distance. “That’s good news,” she said. Her daddy wouldn’t have to pinch pennies now that they’d managed to sell the crops. She wondered what price they got. She also wondered how this would affect the Wilder Feed Store. But she couldn’t talk to Landon about it, not anymore. “Need any help?” “Yeah. Secure the livestock for the night. We won’t be back until well after sundown.” She had nothing better to do. Mounting her horse, feeling that thrill of untamed abandon as she raced through the open fields was exactly what she needed. As she walked past all those bare-chested, sweat-glistening cowboys, all she got were evil glares. It was bad enough that half the town hated her. If Clay or Landon spread rumors about what happened in that old barn, she’d never live it down.

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The first of the pickup trucks started up, spraying gravel as it barreled off the property, followed by an entourage of others. As soon as the cloud of smoke down the old country road diminished, all became quiet, serene. Angel saddled up her horse, still unable to get the stallion off her mind, and rode off into the fields. Most of the cattle were penned for the branding, but the horses and some stragglers needed rounding up. By the time she’d done her job, only half the sun remained on the horizon, putting the land to bed for the night. She was exhausted, which was good, because she needed to hit the sack and fall asleep, not replay everything that had happened earlier in the day. When the barn came in sight, a shadowed obstacle next to the house, she dismounted and walked her mare to cool her off. The symphony of crickets and muted neighs from her horse comforted her. There wasn’t anywhere else in the world she’d rather be than in the heart of Alberta, working on the open land. She may complain to her parents and brothers, but everything she could want was right here. The horse hooves echoed on the concrete interior of the barn as she walked the mare inside. “Little late to be riding,” said the unseen baritone. Her nerves fired off, but she managed not to yelp, biting her tongue instead. The barn was all shadows. With nobody on the ranch, the spotlights hadn’t been turned on. Only a soft pink glow illuminated the throughway, but even that would be gone within minutes. “Landon?” He emerged from a stall, tall and menacing, wiping dust off his jeans after sitting on a bale of hay for God knows how long. “I need to talk with you.” She had so many things she needed to say, too. Like asking how his parents were managing with the new super distribution center in town. And whether or not he thought less of her after the earlier events. “Why? I have nothing to say to you, Landon Wilder.”

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“But I do.” He spun her around, her horse returning to its stall on her own when Angel dropped the lead. “You can’t keep avoiding me, and that’s exactly what you’re doing.” “Do you want to spank me, too?” She glared at him, but he probably couldn’t make out the features of her face. “I should. I can’t believe you left me at that ranch after I agreed to help you.” He backed her up to the other side of the barn where her back hit the center of two stalls. “And you know what? I think you liked getting punished, liked that strange man touching your bare flesh.” “You’re a dirty pig. You’re all the same. I’ve yet to meet a cowboy with control over his cock.” But she knew Landon. He was an honorable cowboy, a friend, and now more. She didn’t want him to keep control, did she? He chuckled, and for some reason that smooth, deep sound tore through her body, making her aware of every cell for those few seconds. Her traitorous body wanted the tall, dirty-blond cowboy. “Oh, I’ve got control. If I didn’t, you’d be getting fucked right now against the side of the barn.” She gasped. Landon wanted her as much more than a friend. The new fact sent a wash of mixed emotions through her—anger, betrayal, excitement, and lust. She couldn’t even speak, unsure what to say or do. If he were any other cowboy, she’d have kneed him in the groin and raced back to the house. But this was Landon, her Landon. “Your mother needs to wash your mouth out with soap. Maybe I should tell her about you and your new best friend. I think his crudeness is rubbing off on you already.” “If you’re talking about Clay, he’s a big hit with my folks. He talked them up all through dinner. Did you know he used to travel the circuit?” She lost her breath for a moment. Angel wanted to stomp her feet and give Landon a violent shake. How dare he befriend her enemy? He was supposed to help her get her stallion back, not make Clay’s

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life better. First the stranger stole her horse, now he infiltrated her life deeper, trying to steal her best friend. She wouldn’t allow it. “I don’t give a shit what he did in his heyday. I hate him.” He tilted her chin up, his body so close. “No you don’t. I’ll tell you exactly who you hate, Angel. Yourself.”

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Chapter Six Most days he was certain he knew Angel better than she knew herself. Everything stemmed back to that one day five years ago. One of the developers that had tried to buy up everyone’s land dirt cheap back then had blackmailed her into giving up her stallion. She’d been a wide-eyed, seventeen-year-old cowgirl living a sheltered life with three older brothers and strict parents. He made a deal with her. One she took and claimed not to regret, but it changed her. She closed up, didn’t open up herself to anyone, and despite what she thought—she hated herself. Half the town thought she was an ungrateful brat for selling the valuable prized stallion her daddy had saved up for for years. But she’d rather be hated than tell the truth and emasculate the men she’d been helping. In time, she became the role people placed her in, turning cold and standoffish. He’d always love her. He’d been in love with the cowgirl for years, even offering to help out her brothers for free on their ranch just to get close to her. But when she’d confided in him about her pain and regrets, his mission to court her went out the window because she needed a friend more than a lover. Five years later, and she was very much a woman. One he couldn’t get off his mind no matter how hard he tried. She still lived in the shadow of the past, and his patience for her recovery was growing thin. It was time for her to live, to break out of her armor, and start fresh. “I love myself fine. Why wouldn’t I? I could have any man in this town if I wanted.” A brat until the end. “Then why are you alone, Angel? Why haven’t you hooked up with one of the gazillion men begging for your affections?”

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She huffed. “Because I’m not a whore.” He fiddled with the collar of her T-shirt, running his finger back and forth under between her skin and the cotton, barely holding on to his manners when she was so warm, so close, and so feisty. “But you’re not sugar and spice, either.” She didn’t swat his hand away so he took it as an invitation. “Good. I’d much rather be piss and vinegar.” Angel almost whispered the words, her bravado faltering. “I worried about you after you took off.” He trailed his finger up the side of her neck and traced her jawline. “But I figured you just needed to be alone for a while.” She swallowed, the sound audible in the twilight hush. He lowered his head and kissed her temple. It was the first time he’d been brave enough to do even that. He rubbed his cheek against hers, so smooth and feminine. “My brothers will be here soon,” she murmured, not stopping him. “I don’t care.” He took a deep breath at her neckline, his nose buried in her silky curtain of blonde hair. With only a few inches separating their bodies, he reached both hands down her back, and then cupped her ass, bringing her tight against him. His cock was harder than lead, straining against his zipper. She’d be able to feel it against her stomach, proof that he desired her for more than friendship. “Did Clay tell you to come out here?” “Nope, it’s all me. I’ve wanted you for longer than I can remember, Angel. Even first thing in the morning on the fields, late at night after a roundup, or when your temper spills over—you’re always beautiful to me.” She had a natural beauty unique to her—hair the color of wheat and honey, eyes as blue as the midday sun, and curves to make a man forget his own name. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “You’re my friend. I was afraid.” Now he was the one on the spot, feeling that tug of vulnerability. Would she accept him or reject him?

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“But cowboys aren’t afraid of anything.” He smirked and tweaked her nose. The playful gesture somehow ignited Angel’s desire, perhaps easing down her guards. They weren’t strangers to each other, and she had to know he’d never hurt her. She reached up on tiptoes and stole a kiss on his lips. Their first. Her advance crumbled his fragile self-control. He crushed his mouth to hers, heaving her up against the wooden planks so they were level, eye to eye. She wrapped her legs around his hips and arms around his neck. It all happened so fast, he didn’t have a chance to consider if it was the right thing to do, he just acted on impulse. “Landon, I’ve never—” She spoke against his lips, the three little words warming his heart. He knew she was a virgin. With three older brothers and a gossip for an aunt, there was no way she’d be anything but untouched. He reveled in the idea of being her first, of claiming the woman he’d secretly coveted for years. She may not be every man’s cup of tea, but her feisty temper and guarded vulnerability attracted him more than any sweet, obliging cowgirl ever could. “Trust me, Angel.” “That’s hard for me, you know that.” “Then I’ll teach you.” He laid a soft kiss over each of her closed eyes. “I’ll never hurt you.” She began to tug at his flannel, so he used both arms to strip it off, her body secured to his hips and the wall. Her hands began their exploration, squeezing his muscles, running her fingers along the ridges of his six-pack. He wished there was more light so he could see her big, blue eyes. Watch her expressions as he taught her everything she didn’t know. How far would she let him take this? He wanted to fuck her hard and fast against the side of the barn. “Unbuckle me,” he said, waiting for her reaction. She smoothed her hands down his chest and began to pull the leather from the buckle. His breathing was heavy now, and he was past the point of no return. Just going slow and easy for her first time would be a challenge when he was so rearing to go. “My brothers take

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women out to the barn but never see them again. Is that going to be me, Landon?” “You’re not a whore, Angel. You’re a cowgirl, so it’s only fitting I fuck you in the barn for your first time.” **** She always wondered if she’d be single forever, never being allowed to spread her wings, or not wanting to when she finally could. Relationships were scary, requiring a person to open up themselves, bare all. If she had to choose a man, it would be Landon. He knew her secrets, her family, her likes and dislikes—everything. She was just so used to being around cowboys twenty-four-seven that she grew used to ignoring those little flutters when a man took off his shirt or horsed around after a hard day’s work. Landon was one of her closest childhood friends but also one of the most tempting. His shaggy mop of dirty-blond hair was forever falling into those ocean-blue eyes. She couldn’t count the number of days she’d ogled him when he helped her brothers on the farm—his body hard, cut, and golden. But she’d grown proficient at displaying a blank slate of disinterest to hide her inner desires—and fears. Now she had him in her grasp, and he felt as good as he looked. She couldn’t seem to get enough, needing to feel every inch of his firm, masculine flesh. He even smelled like a man, a mix of the great outdoors and subtle musk from his cologne. “I need you, Angel.” The need was apparent in his voice and in the rigid cock pressing mercilessly against her crotch. She had no plans on denying him but worried of what he’d think of her when it was all said and done. “Then take me.” He growled, a low sound of a man on the brink of going savage. The rumble of trucks rolling up along the gravel drive, sliced through their amorous fog. “Don’t move,” he said, holding her still when she

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tried to get on her feet. If her brothers caught her like this, they’d kill Landon and then her, in that order. “But—” “Darlin’, you told me to take you, and I plan to. No negotiations. You ain’t leaving me with a hard-on like this all night.” “But—” “Hush now. They won’t be coming out to the barn at this hour, and they can see all the livestock are tended to.” A few minutes later truck doors slammed shut, raucous laughter filled the dark yard, and the main door to the house banged shut shortly after, leaving them in silence once again. The spotlights flicked on, casting shadows up the center of the barn. She could see Landon now—not the sweet cowboy she knew, but a man with a sinister edge, a dark desire she wasn’t sure she could handle. “Take your shirt off, Angel. I’ve been waiting to taste your beautiful tits since I reached puberty.” Angel loved receiving orders, just as she’d loved it when Clay had taken control and spanked her. She’d always assumed she’d need to have control and power in a relationship for it to work. Giving another human being the authority to rule her body was something she knew she couldn’t handle—until she put it to the test. Now she craved more, needed to hand over the reins so she could just breathe and enjoy for once. In the course of a day, she finally understood the lure of a BDSM lifestyle, like the Carsons had with their woman. It was exhilarating to allow a man to define her, to trust them not to hurt her, and to know they’d still love and respect her when the night was through. She hoped to God she wasn’t wrong about Landon. She tugged off her shirt, still surprised by the cowboy’s strength, holding her up as if she weighed ten pounds, not one hundred and thirty. “Now the bra.” Her clit had a pulse to rival her heart rate. She found she was grinding against his denim, seeking friction and attention to her neglected parts. Angel released the front clasp of her cotton bra, her

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full breasts spilling out, kissing the cooler evening air. Her nipples instantly pebbled, hypersensitive and achy. She thrust her chest out as Landon descended, his thick lips parted. Holding his head in place, she had to stifle a moan when his hot mouth sucked in her nipple and areola. He teased with his tongue and suckled her like an infant, alternating from one breast to the other. Her body quivered when the new stubble on his cheek scraped her soft skin. She loved the feel of a real man, a hardcore cowboy, losing himself in her body. “You have perfect tits, soft and sweet.” He rose up and licked the seam of her lips, demanding entrance. They kissed, their bodies pressed tight together, skin to skin. There was just enough light for her to savor every line and contour of Landon’s muscled frame, the dominance in his eyes, and their forbidden act. She lost herself to his taste, his thorough invasion. Angel never imagined kissing could be so sensual, so bonding. The kiss was love in a tangible form. He lowered her to her feet, and she could barely stand, her knees weak. “Take off your jeans, darlin’. Take it all off for me.” The mere idea of getting buck naked in her family barn with her brothers less than a minute away had adrenaline pumping through her veins. But she couldn’t say no, not with her body so pent up and ripe for the taking. She kicked off her boots and wriggled out of her Levi’s. She left her panties in place. Her breasts were already jiggling and on display for Landon, but to expose her pussy was more difficult. He didn’t scold her or repeat for her to take them off. Rather, he squatted down in front of her, his cowboy boots creaking when he crouched low. He planted his nose right where her clit would be and inhaled deep, holding the sides of her hips for balance. Then his tongue snuck out and licked her through the thin material. She gasped. Angel had lived a sheltered life, and these naughty acts, though titillating, were still a shock. “You’re all wet. Soaked right through.” He inched her undies down her hips, her pussy level with his face. He sucked air in between

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his teeth before giving her a little shove against the wooden boards. “Give me your leg.” Landon tossed one of her legs over his shoulder. She reached out and steadied herself on his head. “Landon, what’re doing to me?” “I’m gonna eat your pussy, Angel. Then I’m gonna fuck you.” His crude words didn’t shock her. She’d heard much worse just from living around cowboys every day. What shocked her was the words were directed at her. He was actually eager to put his face in her most intimate part, no abashment whatsoever. She, on the other hand, felt awkward and exposed. “My brothers—” “Hush.” He delved in, lapping his tongue along her moist folds all the way up to her clit. The contact sizzled, made her body hum and spark as if coming alive for the first time. She held her breath, only breathing in gasps like a fish out of water. The longer he suckled and licked, the more her insecurities fizzled away. She no longer cared if they were found, or what she looked like, or what would happen tomorrow when the lust had faded. There was only the here and now—Landon’s tongue in her cunt and the cool breeze caressing her bare breasts. It was exhilarating.

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Chapter Seven He pulled away from her pussy and licked his lips. She was everything he’d imagined and more. Landon had a wicked oral fixation, but with no steady girlfriend, he had to suppress his desires. He didn’t want his mouth on a loose woman who’d been with half his friends. But Angel was pure, clean, and delicious. He could stay between her legs all day, bringing her to peak after peak and never grow tired of it. Her blonde curls were neatly kept, her pussy lips swollen and throbbing. Today he wanted to experience everything. His cock was painfully pent up, so he had to break free. He wanted to indulge in her body, feel her hug his length as he claimed Angel as his. Landon had no intention of using her and leaving. She was his heart, their parents were close, and her brothers were some of his best friends. “It’s time. Come here.” She tentatively laid a hand on his shoulders. He hooked a hand around each thigh and hoisted her up against the planks. He managed to unzip his Wranglers and free his dick while keeping her locked in place. She was dripping wet, her eyes unfocused from being so close to the edge and not allowed to go over. He wanted her to come around his cock, to milk him, to feel their first union simultaneously. “Landon, I–I…” He ignored her, too focused on working his cock between her legs. While holding the root of his erection, he eased an inch inside her tight walls. She was scared, holding her breath and digging her nails into his shoulders. “Shhh, relax. I won’t hurt you. I’m going nice and easy, sweetheart.” He’d never been with a virgin before. They

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were a rare commodity around these parts. She was tight, similar to an asshole, not the loose pussies he’d known. He relished the tight grip her cunt had on him. Every movement felt magnified, intense enough that he had to hold back his own moans of pleasure. “You’re so big,” she murmured, burying her face against his neck. He could feel her warm breath, the light brush of her lips, and hear the soft grunts she made as he penetrated her. “That’s a nice thing to say to a man, darlin’. Let’s hope it’s the last time, too. I plan to keep you.” Once fully seated, he stalled, chomping at the bit. He needed to fuck her with all the wanton sexual energy stored up in his balls, but he had to play nice, make her experience a satisfying one. “We’re made for each other,” he managed to say. He slid three quarters out and returned into her heat. The slow progression was killing him, but it had the desired result. She began to shift from being stiff and clinging to his shoulders to loose and responsive. Angel began to meet him thrust for thrust as he built up his rhythm. “It feels good,” she said. “I thought it would hurt.” “I have many things I plan to show you.” He began to fuck her, not full strength, but strong and steady. His body was breaking out in a sheen of sweat, every muscle in his body taut and alive. That’s when the new truck door slammed shut. The crunching steps across the gravel were messing with his pace. He didn’t want to care about anyone except Angel right now, but the steps were closing in on the barn. Who would be visiting at this hour? Grant and Matthew were already in the house. “I didn’t see your truck.” The voice came unexpectedly. Landon mustn’t have focused on those last dozen or so steps, too caught up in the woman he had pinned in the barn. “That you, Clay?” “Clay?” Angel squealed, struggling against his hold. He stilled her, his cock still pulsing inside her cunt.

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“I came by to see if our little hellion got home all right. I can see you’re taking good care of her.” Clay chuckled, leaning against the open bay doors. “My friend dropped me off earlier,” he began, and then thought better. “But right now I’m a little busy.” “I don’t mind watching, unless she wants me to join in.” **** Angel came in a burst of color and light. She wanted to hold back, but she couldn’t when her orgasm was so explosive. She called out, yelling into the night like some common whore. As soon as she regained a semblance of control, she bit her lip and hid her face against Landon’s shoulder. Clay had seen her at her most vulnerable, when she’d peaked for another man. But the second he mentioned sharing her, the visual and possibilities made her cunt burn and throb faster and faster until there was no holding back. “Whoa, there, baby-doll,” said Clay, entering the barn. Landon held her in place, his hard dick still teasing her sensitive walls. “You’re so out of control, it must be painful. I can teach you how to stave off your climax, to draw out your pleasure long into the night.” He tucked her moist hair behind her ear. His rough fingers caressed her cheek for a moment. “All I want from you is my horse!” Yes, even in her predicament, she could still play the bitch. She realized Clay won the horse fair and square but just couldn’t let it go. She’d had plenty of practice over the past five years, especially with men she pegged as manipulators. And she sure as hell wouldn’t give Clay Roberts the satisfaction of winning this battle. No way could she give in first, even though the sight of him and sound of his voice made her wet all over again. There was just something about the new cowboy in town that piqued her curiosity and tempted her to obey him. She fought the foreign feeling with all her resolve, but that resolve was quickly slipping.

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When he reached between her and Landon, his big hand cupping her breast, she almost lost it, nearly begged him to take turns fucking her until she couldn’t walk right. Landon didn’t tell him to back off even though he’d made her believe he wanted her for more than just cheap thrills. Cowboys were, by right, possessive, jealous creatures. She’d learned that from her brothers, and those Carsons would sooner kill a man than let one touch Samantha. “You so sure about that?” asked Clay. “I think you’re curious about having the two of us share your body.” He palmed her breast, moving his flattened hand in torturous circles against her nipple. “Just imagine that, darlin’—two cowboys meeting your every need.” Clay smelled like an open fire. That familiar scent of burning hardwood comforted her. He nipped her bare shoulder, Landon thrusting up into her pussy just once. Before she could invite them to continue or refute the offer, loud voices came out of the house, heading their way. “Angel!” “Shit! It’s my dumb brothers. I told you this would happen, Landon. They’ll kill me and both of you!” she whispered harshly. Landon eased her down and tucked his rigid cock into his zipper with some difficulty. She struggled into her shirt. “Damn it, woman, you’ll have me with blue balls all night long.” “Go out the back, the two of you!” Angel wasn’t exaggerating about her brothers. Chase had been the worst, but Grant and Matthew weren’t much better. They expected their baby sister to live life as a pseudonun, never growing up or becoming a woman. She couldn’t stay their little angel forever. Until now she’d never thought seriously about a relationship, but she was still young and had too much mistrust locked up in her heart to start anything meaningful. Now she’d received a taste of what she’d been missing. She wanted more from Landon and Clay, although she’d never admit it. The two men stood their ground, not running off like lily-livered men. It impressed her, but to what end if they were dead come

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morning. “Angel Garner, what on God’s green earth you doing out in the barn at this hour? I thought you were tucked up in bed.” Grant shuffled into the dark interior of the barn, wearing just his Adidas shorts and the unlaced tan work boots he must have stuck on to come check on the barn. Matthew was behind him. “I–I heard something and came to check,” she said. Her heart beat triple time. She never was a good liar. That’s when Grant noticed the two other men. “There you are. I knew that was your truck, Clay. For a minute there I thought I was seeing and hearing things. What brings you by?” How did her brother know Clay Roberts? The man was a stranger to her. “I was just checking in on Angel. She was by my place earlier, looking at my stallion. Since she left in a snit, I thought it best to make sure she was getting along all right.” “Not the damn stallion again, Angel! Clay’s a busy man. He can’t be dealing with the likes of you when he’s trying to run a business.” Clay, on the other hand, was an excellent liar—or twister of the truth. She didn’t challenge him because any more information would get her into hot water. “What business exactly?” “Clay owns the new distribution center. You can thank him for buying out all our overstock grain, missy. Now get your ass off to bed.” Matthew smacked her ass to usher her on her way. She looked back over her shoulder at the four men conversing without her. What were they going to say once she was out of earshot? If they did any more lying, she wouldn’t know which story to keep straight when her brothers got back in the house. Angel decided her safest bet was to hit the hay and deal with the mess in the morning. Everything always looked better come sunrise. **** Clay Roberts, the man he’d befriended, the man who ate dinner with the parents, and the man he freely let watch him and Angel—was

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more Landon’s enemy than Angel’s, and he didn’t even realize it. The mysterious industrialist who rocked their town with the new distribution center was standing right in front of him with a deceivingly innocent façade. “You own the distribution center?” he asked, Angel forgotten for now. Clay smiled. “Yeah. I figured we could do more good in a small farming town than close to the big cities.” “Did you ever think about how you’d impact other small businesses?” He crossed his arms over his bare chest. Clay tried to brush him off, narrowing his eyes as if he talked gibberish. “Everyone we’ve dealt with has been thrilled. Our phones haven’t stopped ringing since we opened, with farmers wanting to sell us their crops. My sister can barely keep up with the demand at the office.” The man probably spoke the truth. All his friends—the Garners, the Carson, and even the Richmonds—had benefitted in some way from the new company moving in. His parents were suffering, losing what they’d worked for all their lives, and their parents before them. It broke his heart, especially when he didn’t even have a stable way to support them once their little feed store was crushed out of existence. If they had land, he’d invest in starting his own herd. God knew he could handle the hard work. But all he’d done was help out his parents, doing deliveries for the store, and he did odd jobs when times were tight. Now all hope was lost. The man he thought was a friend had just become his number one nemesis. Surely Clay knew the Wilder family name, knew of their feed store. Was he going to have a good laugh when he returned to his overpriced ranch tonight? He used up his family’s hospitality and then stabbed them in the back. Now Landon had even more in common with Angel. Clay had taken something precious from both of them, and there was no way to undo the damage he’d caused—well not for

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him at least. Maybe a small consolation would be getting Angel’s stallion back. “And how’d you get here, Landon? I don’t remember seeing you earlier,” asked Grant. As he tried to puzzle an answer in his mind, Clay spoke for him. “He came with me. I had dinner with his folks, and then I asked him to tag along while I checked in on the little firecracker.” “Hope she didn’t bust your balls too much. She’s used to getting her own way,” said Grant. “She’s not going without. There’re a dozen horses corralled behind the barn, but when she sets her sights on something she wants, nothing can stop her.” “Stubborn as all hell, I tell you. We’ll talk some sense in her so she’ll leave you in peace,” said Matthew. “Well, it’s getting late. Thanks for the drive, Clay. But I think I’ll walk home tonight.” He brushed past the other men, not in the mood to talk or listen for another second. All his well-laid plans were being shot down from every angle. Clay not only stole his parents’ livelihood, but also had his sights on the woman Landon loved. He only accepted Clay into the fold because he thought he was a friend, and they had a natural camaraderie that he now realized was all a sham.

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Chapter Eight She hadn’t seen or heard from Landon in over a week. Her brothers wouldn’t let her leave the property, claiming she’d make trouble with the new distribution owner. All they cared about was the bottom line, even if that same owner had salaciously outbid her for the stallion at auction. It had actually taken her days before she put two and two together and realized Clay Roberts was the thorn in Landon Wilder’s side. She wanted to call and comfort him, but he was always out or busy. Angel loved his parents and knew the hardships they were going through. Landon was a genius at hiding his emotions from her, but she knew something had been bothering him. He was finally able to put a face to the unseen menace taking over the feed distribution ring in their community. It wouldn’t have helped that he’d befriended that man, even allowed him to sit down for a meal with the very folks he was destroying. “Damn it, Landon!” She hung up the phone again after getting the answering machine, and then began pacing her bedroom. With her brothers watching her every move, there was no way she’d be able to slip away in one of the pickups. They probably hid all the keys anyway, knowing she was quite capable of sneaking off without permission. Then the solution clicked in her mind when she plotted ways of getting off the property. She’d ride off—horseback style. The Carson ranch was the closest, and even though they claimed to despise her, surely they’d drive her into town or get a message to Landon for her.

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She pulled her hair back into a functional ponytail and rushed out to the barn. Her brothers wouldn’t question her taking a horse out into the fields. She loved to ride, and they knew it. Only this time she had a new destination in mind. By truck, the journey to the Carson ranch was effortless. Angel soon learned that by horse—with a hardwood forest between their properties, a river, and uneven terrain—it wasn’t so easy. When the red barn came into view, she nearly sighed in relief. She walked the horse the remaining distance and spied Cord as she neared. He was mending a section of fence to one of the holding pens. When he heard her horse approach, he tilted up his Stetson and scowled. “You ride all the way out here?” She nodded. Her usual bravado was waning. All she could think about was Landon and her night in the barn with him and Clay. Normally she’d love to mess with Cord and his brothers, but not today. “You here to make trouble? If you’re bored, go bother someone else.” He hooked his pliers on his tool belt and stood straight. “I’m looking for Landon. You see him lately?” “Nope. But if you’re out for blood, I ain’t helping you find him, either.” She slipped off her horse, wishing she had saddled the older mare, rather than racing off bareback. Her crotch was already aching from last night, and now it was downright uncomfortable. “Stop hating on me!” She brushed off her jeans and then gathered up the horse’s reins. “I’m just worried about him is all. Did you know your new distribution center is going to put the Wilders out of business?” Cord’s brow lowered. “Suppose I never thought of that.” “Not many have, not even my own brothers. Everyone’s so happy about getting their overstock sold that they forgot all about the feed store that’s been supporting them for generations.” “There ain’t much to be done. No man’s going to throw away money when we all have families to support. But we should be doing

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something to help out the Wilders. They’re getting up in years, and I don’t imagine have much to fall back on, not even land, if they lose their store.” “Look, can you drive me into town? Landon won’t answer his phone, and my brothers have me trapped on the ranch like some caged, wild animal.” He raised one eyebrow, suggesting she was exactly that. Then he exhaled, staring up at the clear sky and no doubt thinking about the many things he had to accomplish before the sun set. “I’ll get Wyatt to take you into town. He’s nursing a broken wrist, so ain’t much used to me and Val until he’s mended.” “Thank you.” Being polite with Cord felt unnatural but good. It was high time she started acting like a woman rather than a child. She used to be so much closer with the Carsons, but they had drifted away since she almost ruined their relationship with Samantha. She waited outside while Cord went inside to fetch Wyatt. Angel secured the horse to a post and ran her palm over its face. “I’ll be back for you,” she whispered before kissing the mare. “Now you ask for favors?” Angel whirled around to face a disgruntled Wyatt Carson. His arm was in a cast and he looked like he’d just woken up. “It’s for Landon’s benefit, not mine. How’d you break your arm?” she asked. Since she hadn’t heard about the injury from her aunt Wendy or her brothers, it must be something new. Cordell laughed, draping an arm over Wyatt’s shoulders. “Never wrap the leather lead around your hand when you’re walking a skittish horse.” Wyatt shoved his brother away with his shoulder. “No…you don’t let the cattle stampede into the next holding pen without warning a man first. That damn horse nearly tore my arm off.” “I’ve apologized for that, so stop being such a pussy. You’ve got it easy now, lying on the couch with Samantha doting over you all day. Me and Val have to do all the hard work.”

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The two men squabbled while she waited. In the end, Wyatt reluctantly agreed to drop her off in town. He was the last one she wanted to be alone with in a confined space. The man was a hardcore cowboy, spoke his mind without considering the ramifications, and wouldn’t put up with her bullshit. As they drove down the back dirt roads, she fidgeted, the uncomfortable silence burning her ears. “So…how’s everything going on with the four of you?” Angel would love to pick his brain about the complexities of a ménage relationship, the role of BDSM during sex, and if Landon ever spoke of her when she wasn’t around. “Good.” “All that stuff I used to tease you about…you know about your lifestyle while traveling the circuit? Well, I wanted to apologize. It was stupid of me, and none of my business regardless.” “True.” She exhaled. “I mean, there’s nothing wrong any of that. Right?” “Girl, if you’re trying to hit on me, I’ll pull this truck over and dump you in the hay fields.” There was one good thing about the cowboys she knew. Once they committed, they were loyal to a fault. Not that Wyatt would ever see her as more than a little sister, anyway. “Don’t make me sick,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. Being civil wasn’t as easy as she’d hoped, not with Wyatt. “The only man I’m concerned about right now is Landon.” They neared the town. The Wilder home was just along the border where rural met civilization. “Okay. Out you go, Angel. Don’t be making trouble.” “What if he’s not home?” “That ain’t my problem. I have errands to run before heading back to my woman. I’m supposed to be resting, not chauffeuring spoiled little girls around town.” She growled and slipped out the truck, slamming the door behind her. “Thanks!” Angel had to jump out of the way as Wyatt turned the truck and barreled out of the long drive. She focused on the sound of

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each footfall crunching the gravel beneath her boots. What would she even say to Landon? Yes, she wanted to comfort him about the whole business fiasco, but what about their night in the barn. It had felt real to her, but he hadn’t called her all week. Was that a sign he wanted nothing more to do with her? Was she going to be welcomed, or seen as a clingy, unwanted female? That would never be her. If he dismissed her, she’d stay away—permanently. But in her heart she knew what they shared went beyond physical pleasure. She knew Landon too well. Angel stepped up on the wooden porch and knocked on the door. No answer. She imagined the Wilders would be at their feed shop, but where was Landon? She needed him. Being at his house made her feel surrounded by his presence—the old porch swing where they used to gaze up at the stars at night, the vintage tractor they started to restore together, but failed—she had so many good memories with him and didn’t want them all to be thrown away because they added sex into the mix. Now she had no ride, so decided to walk into town. It would take her about twenty minutes, but she had all the time in the world. She’d already shot herself in the foot. Soon, her brothers would notice her missing and they’d be on the hunt. If they found out that Wyatt and Cord helped her, they’d get into another one of their fights—all because of her. When she entered the normally sleepy town, it was all bustling with life. The new feed distribution center was surrounded by pickup trucks, cowboys loading and unloading, and a couple big rigs on the periphery. It would be a positive change in their community, if it hadn’t hurt the Wilders. She decided she may as well do a little good with her free time. Her brothers may have forbid her from pissing off the hotshot, Clay Roberts, but he was just a flesh-and-blood man, not a god. She could do as she damn well pleased and deal with the ramifications when she

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got home. Grant and Matthew would be mad at her for a while, but they always forgave her, especially when she turned on the charm. Angel squeezed through the crowd of cowboys noisily yammering on about feed pricing and other uninteresting nonsense. It reminded her think of the mob at the auction house, which only made her angrier. Clay had certainly done a number on her, but nobody messed with Angel’s friends. She pushed open the glass door, leaving the chaos in exchange for a relatively quiet reception area. There was a pretty woman sitting at the front desk, her wavy brown hair clipped back off her face, and eyes as black as Clay’s. “Can I help you?” she asked. “Clay Roberts around?” She wasn’t here to make friends, but raise hell. “I have a bone to pick with him.” The woman bit her lower lip. “He was here a few minutes ago clearing out the office for me. I’m not sure where he disappeared to now.” So that’s why all the farmers were outside, not in here bothering the secretary. Well, now it was Angel’s turn to make trouble. The poor woman would be an unfortunate casualty. “Do you realize this new company had put small business owners into bankruptcy? You should be ashamed to work for a man who steals women’s horses and puts old folk out into the street. I don’t even know where my friend, Landon, has disappeared to. For all I know he’s drunk himself to his grave.” “Miss, I really don’t know—” Angel felt like a madwoman but couldn’t stop. She’d had nobody to talk to since she last saw Landon, and it was all pouring out. She laid both hands on the edge of the desk and leaned forward. “Landon may not know it, but I might just love him. It’s stupid considering he’s made no declaration to me. I promised myself never to wear my heart on my sleeve, but here I am now a sorry fool.”

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The secretary’s eyes were wide, her mouth slightly open with no words to say. Angel felt like a jerk, but anyone working for Clay had to be her enemy, too. The little bells chiming off the glass door pulled her from her thoughts. “Thank God, Clay. Can you please get a lock for the front door? I have a ton of work to get done.” Angel twisted around. She froze for a moment, taking in the sight of him. Clay was finer than she remembered—black boots and hat, tight-fitting, faded blue jeans, and a white, short-sleeved button up. “You here bothering my staff now, Ms. Garner?” A menacing look crossed his eyes as he stepped toward her. He exuded confidence and control, both qualities she currently lacked. Clay hooked his hand around the edge of her jeans, tugging her forward. He stared down at her, securing her with just his dark gaze. “I—” “I don’t want to hear one peep from you, young lady. Now, my truck’s outside. I suggest you get in it before I lose my temper.” She glanced back at the secretary and then to Clay. Two to one. With no support and her emotions fragile, she bolted from the office. The same crowd impeded her retreat as she tried to find Clay’s truck. What did he want from her? Was he going to gloat? The only reason she humored him was the small chance he could know something about Landon’s whereabouts. The truck smelled of leather and man, a fine combination. She squirmed in her seat, feeling a sudden rush of energy as she waited for Clay. His door opened, and he climbed in, bringing the freshness of the outdoors and the scent of his cologne in with him. The seat creaked as he got comfortable, turning to face her with one knee slightly bend up. “What am I gonna do with you?” “I’m not your concern.”

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“You are my concern when you’re hell-bent on ruining my reputation, trying to run my business into the ground, and scaring the wits out of my secretary.” “So now I’m not allowed to enter your office? Is that what this is all about? Or are you just looking for excuses to spank me again?” Her breath caught in her throat as soon as she said her last sentence. Clay’s faced changed, too, going from smug to blank. Had she secretly been craving his punishment? His attention? She was losing sight of her goals thanks to her hormone-riddled body. What she needed to do was drive this man out of town, to boycott his feed store to help the Wilders. Clay said nothing at all, only turned around and started up the powerful engine. Everything about this cowboy was larger than life, and she couldn’t help but feel drawn to him when she should despise all he stood for. Her attraction made her feel as if she were betraying Landon. “Have you talked with Landon since…last week when he walked home?” “Can’t say I have.” They were driving out of town now. She glanced out her window, wondering where Clay was taking her. Home to get reprimanded by her brothers? Or to another secret location for more twisted punishment? “Well, he’s missing, and I’m worried about him. It’s not like him to just disappear.” “Did you ask his folks?” She shook her head. That’s right. He was home because several times when she’d call, his mom or dad would say he was too busy or out for the night. He was avoiding her, not everyone. Maybe this was a case of a man not wanting anything to do with a woman after having his way with her. If that were the case, she’d kill him. “I reckon you scare most men away. Lucky for you, I don’t scare easy.” Then he chuckled, that deep rich timbre that made her nipples pebble. “Maybe not so lucky.” “Landon’s just feeling down—because of you.”

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“I’d stop now if I were you, darlin’. I’ve done nothing but bring prosperity to this small town, and everyone but you seems to be grateful.” He turned to the right when they reached the fork in the road, which could only mean they were heading to Clay’s ranch. “You obviously need to be taught some manners. And I think the whole world would agree.” The truck dipped and jolted as they navigated the potted drive leading up to Clay’s ranch. For being a wealthy man, his place was in need of serious maintenance. He parked the truck and hopped out. “Come on, Angel.” She followed, taking in her surroundings as she went. “Why are we here? Have you decided to sell the stallion back to me?” “We’ll talk about horses later.” He stepped up onto the porch and disappeared in the house. “Come on,” he called back for her. She tentatively entered. He may be an icon in their town already, and seen her naked and being fucked, but he was still a relative stranger. He was waiting for her in the big country kitchen, similar to hers at home, but less lived-in. Her momma had their place all homey with plenty of country charm, and it always smelled like apple pie or beef stew. This place was in a disheveled state, cold and impersonal. There were boxes stacked in the hallway making it difficult to pass by. A box of Raisin Bran on the kitchen counter beside a washed bowl, spoon, and glass were the only evidence someone lived in the house. She even felt a little bit sorry for the cowboy. The home screamed loneliness, something she was accustomed to even when surrounded by family. While everyone saw a veneer and witnessed an act, the real her was locked up alone on the inside. That girl cried out for acceptance, for love, but didn’t dare ask for it. Putting real feelings out there would always lead to something negative, from her experience. The only one who’d seen a piece of her was Landon, and he was MIA. “This is a big house to be living all alone in,” she said as she strolled around. Angel did a mental tally of the work that needed to be

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done. The place needed a fresh coat of paint. The baseboards were partially restored, but the project must have been abandoned some time ago, leaving layers of old paint on most sections. When walking up to the house, she noted the stair rail needed securing and the roof tiles would need replacing within the next year or two. The harsh Alberta winters did a number on the old ranch houses every season. Angel knew all about working with her hands. As the only girl on a busy cattle ranch, she was put to work alongside the boys. She knew Landon was hurting for money. If she asked Clay to hire him to do odd jobs around his house, the arrangement could benefit everyone. But she knew Landon’s pride would never allow him to work for the man responsible for driving his parents’ business into the ground. Where Angel saw Clay as her enemy for outbidding her on the stallion, Landon had tenfold reasons to dislike him. “It was the only property available when I decided on this town to expand my operation.” “Is it too late to change your mind and move on out of here?” He leaned against the counter, a scowl marring his features. “Do you think it’s that easy? You don’t like me so I just uproot everything and move on to the next town?” Clay shook his head as if dealing with a foolish child. He was older than her, but not that much older that he could patronize her. “I’ve invested a small fortune on this project, and it seems just about everyone, including your beloved brothers, are supportive.” “Well, they don’t know you like I do.” Angel knew she was pushing his buttons, but for some reason it was different with Clay. She enjoyed trying to rile him, test his boundaries. He was too cool and collected for his own good. “You know I still haven’t discussed your rudeness with my secretary, and now you’re starting with me again.” He pushed away from the counter and sauntered over to her. She backed up against the refrigerator and held her breath. Clay was a big man, and when he

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lacked a smirk or nonchalant expression, he was intimidating. He’d be an excellent businessman, and apparently was—just a stern look from him was enough to make her lose her bravado. “I don’t know the lay of the land yet or where half my belongings are packed. But I do know where to find a length of pig string.” What was that supposed to mean? Did he plan to bring her out here, tie her up, and have his way with her body? If so, why didn’t the fact shock or repulse her? Why did her Levi’s begin to chafe around her genitals as if the friction was suddenly obscene?

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Chapter Nine It was time to teach the firecracker a lesson she’d never forget. And high time he had some release. He had to watch her have her cherry popped by the disappearing cowboy, close to joining in himself. Then they were interrupted, leaving him painfully pent up. His hand just didn’t cut it when he had a vision of Angel locked in his head. Just thinking of her luscious curves got him hard within seconds. It certainly didn’t make for an easy day of work. He stepped out of the room for a minute to retrieve the loop of pig string. As he casually walked back to the kitchen, he untangled the length and tested the strength with sharp tugs. Angel was watching his every move, probably doubting Clay was even capable of going through with his threats. Well, she didn’t know him very well. He’d done things that would shock her to the core, but all his partners had been willing. This cowgirl would fight him every step of the way, even if she wanted more. So he had to decipher her moods, her mannerisms, everything that could help him garner her true emotion, rather than whatever act she chose to use. When he was right in front of Angel, he reached in his back pocket and slipped out his folding utility knife. It was a family heirloom, the handle made of ivory with his family name carved and burned into the stone. His father had given it to him when he turned eighteen, but he’d never expected to lose his old man only a few short years later, along with his mother. Clay wondered if he’d ever have a son of his own to pass down his legacy and the fine tool he held. A car accident had left Clay and his one sister alone in the world, their parents snatched away by a teenage driver out street racing the

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back roads. He’d taken the new responsibility for his younger sister seriously, working like a dog to support his sibling both emotionally and financially. Winning along the rodeo circuit got them on their feet. Then he used some of his wins to start his own small business. It grew significantly over the next decade, until now, when he was opening his largest distribution center yet. Kayla preferred city life and already felt claustrophobic in the sleepy town. But God knew he’d never allow her to move far away. He wouldn’t feel right if his little sister was beyond arm’s length, too far for him to help her if she needed it in a hurry. “What do you plan on doing with that? Why am I even here?” “Give me your hands,” he said, holding out one of his own. “No.” He spun her around with ease and brought her arms behind her like a cop to a criminal. “There. Was that so bad, darlin’?” He secured her wrists behind her back with the twine and held her against the refrigerator. “You must be crazy.” There was no fear in her voice, only goading. She liked being bossed around, craved it. Angel was the classic submissive who wore her big-girl pants to looked all puffed up. She needed a firm hand to keep her in line, teach her manners and discipline. “Now we’re going to have a little fun while I teach you how to behave. If you’re a good girl, you’ll be rewarded. If you’re bad, you’ll get spanked just like last time.” Just recalling her beautiful, rounded ass over his knee was enough to make his dick swell even larger. “Let me go,” she said with little conviction. “Landon’s my boyfriend now.” He chuckled. “Is he? Then where is this young lad who’s so devoted to you, Angel. If I remember correctly, he’s avoiding you like the plague.”

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“Is not!” She wriggled her arms. He’d hit a soft spot in her armor plating. The little princess was afraid of rejection. “I’m older than your lover boy, baby-doll. I know how to treat a woman.” “By tying me up?” He directed her to walk in front of him as he held her secured arm. “Up the stairs,” he said, his voice carrying the dominance he intended. He couldn’t take any sass from Angel, or she’d never stop running her mouth. She needed some tough love and hard fucking. He prodded open his bedroom door with his boot and closed it once they were inside. The room was mostly bare like the rest of the house—a bunch of garbage bags filled with clothes, boxes, and general disarray. His bed was king-sized with a heavy patchwork quilt for the chilly nights. She looked so young with her flawless skin, flowing blonde hair, and lush lips. He had no business falling for a twenty-two-year-old woman, but it wasn’t always easy to control what his heart desired. Perhaps it was the nurturer in him, wanting to teach and protect her. Or the dominant streak in him craving to control her, make her his. Whatever it was, he was about to test all his theories. Clay approached her and unbuttoned her jeans and then drew down the zipper. She wore blue panties today. “You have strong hips,” he said as he tugged the denim down her lower body. She didn’t fight him but also didn’t say a word. “They’ll be good for holding on to when I fuck you.” He hid his smile, so she wouldn’t know he was trying to rile her. He gave her a little shove, and she toppled sideways onto the bed. After tugging off her boots and jeans, he eased her up into a sitting position. “If I cut you loose, will you behave while I get your shirt off?” “No, I’ll never behave for you.” “Good. That’s good, darlin’.” He had plans for Angel which included an old-fashioned hogtying if necessary. Clay drew out his knife and sliced through her binds. “Arms up.” She held her arms

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firmly to her sides like a stubborn child. He wrestled her for a minute, easily overpowering her. When he’d tugged the material off over her head, he used his palm to push her back onto the mattress. She was just wearing a little white sports bra and the blue bikini panties. The sight of her laying there, the vision of innocence was enough to make any young cowboy fall in love. Or a thirty-four-year-old one like him. **** Angel’s entire body tingled, butterfly wings fluttering in her womb. She loved Clay’s take-charge personality, his strength, his experience. He had a dominant vibe to him, and when he glared at her, the corners of his eyes crinkling, her pussy got even wetter. Now she was soaked through, probably enough to darken her panties. But she was too proud to admit to wanting him to keep going, to make her do things that would make other girls blush. Of course, resisting was half the fun. She loved fighting him so he’d fight back. It turned her on when he dominated, ordered, and took what he wanted whether she verbally agreed or not. If Angel didn’t want to be here, she had no doubt she’d get out in one piece. Her brothers had taught her some wicked self-defense moves, and despite Clay’s large size, she’d be able to break free long enough to get out of the house. But Angel didn’t want to go anywhere. She still remembered the hungry look in Clay’s eyes when he watched Landon fucking her, taking her virginity. When his rough hand held her breast, she could barely contain the wanton energy building up inside her. If her brothers hadn’t heard Clay’s truck pull up, she had no doubt that she’d have ridden both cowboys that night. She knew she was supposed to hate Clay and everything he stood for. Landon would probably feel betrayed that she slept with the enemy. But where was he now? Maybe Clay was right and he’d only sought her for the sex. It was difficult to believe with their history, but she also had no experience with the complexities of relationships.

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“You can pretend to hate me, baby-doll, but your wet, little pussy tells me differently.” He grabbed the edge of her panties and tugged them down her legs, leaving a burning streak behind. She gasped, feeling so exposed on his big bed with him looking down on her. Angel held her knees tightly together, anticipation making her clit throb. “Whatever.” “Still with the smart mouth?” In a flash, he rolled her to her stomach and then smacked her bare ass so hard she yelped. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She twisted back around and watched as he stripped off his shirt and loosened his belt. The clang of metal against metal was the most erotic sound she’d ever heard. “That’s a prize buckle,” she said. She remembered Landon mentioning something about Clay riding in the circuit. “That’s right. I’ve paid my dues. Life hasn’t always been easy, but it seems I’m being blessed as of late.” He pulled the leather belt clean out of the loops and wound it around his hand like a bronc rider getting ready for the gates to open. “I don’t regret any of my experiences, good or bad.” It was so hard to hate Clay, which was probably why she did. He had to be too good to be true. “Were you a good rider?” It eased her nerves to talk, but she knew she was only stalling the inevitable. “The best. But you’ll find that out soon enough.” He slapped the end of the belt into his other palm while staring at her intently. She swallowed hard. Her daddy had given her the belt only a couple times when she was younger, but her brothers knew it well. She could only remember the pain and humiliation, but now Clay was bringing it back in a whole new light. Her body shivered, anxious to feel the sharp crack of leather on her ass. She’d always handled pain well, not a delicate flower like some other country girls. And this kind of pain, like Clay’s spanks, managed to arouse her more than sweet words ever could.

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“Have you decided to sell me back my horse?” He ignored her. “Open your legs.” “What! I will not.” She pulled up her legs toward her chest, knees tightly together. “Open them, or you’ll feel my belt.” He stood tall, waiting. What did she want more? The crack of his belt or the thrill of exposing herself to him? Angel couldn’t decide which she wanted more, so chose to let him make the next move. She stuck up her chin in a display of defiance. He moved faster than she’d expected, heaving her up to the center of the bed and prying open her thighs with one bent up knee and his strong arms. “Take off the bra,” he said just before dipping his head between her legs. She remembered how thrilling it had been when Landon went down on her, and she was reliving the excitement. His firm, hot tongue lapped at her pussy, long, languid strokes, over and over. He stopped briefly to repeat, “Bra off.” This time she complied, afraid he’d stop what he was doing. She struggled to slip the bra over her head while he had her pelvis pinned to the mattress. He rewarded her compliance by suckling her clit in soft, rhythmic ways—an erotic lullaby that pulled her out of reality. The same heat she remembered from last week began to build up, curling her toes and burning her veins. As if he somehow sensed her impending orgasm, he pulled away, leaving her achy and needy. “Hey!” He winked at her like he did at the horse auction, which only ignited her anger. It was cruel to leave her on the cusp and then abandon her. “Remember what I told you? I’m going to teach you control. You’re like a green broke filly—you’re learning, but far from experienced.” “I don’t need to be taught, I need to be taken care of.” “Of course that’ll happen, too, but not yet.” He began to pull something out from his closet. A full-length mirror, like the one she had tacked to the back of her bedroom door at home. What was he up

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to? He set the mirror against the dresser, only a few feet from the bed. Then he got a tube of something from his nightstand and returned to her. He sat on the edge of the bed facing the mirror, his zipper undone and the band of his boxer briefs showing. The man had chiseled abs with a dark trail of hair leading from his navel and disappearing into his boxers. “Come here,” he said. She crawled toward him. When she saw her dangling breasts in the mirror, she immediately sat on her knees and cupped her breasts. He was grinning at her from the reflection, his dark, sexy eyes undoing her. “I don’t want to look at myself.” “You may act like a spoiled princess, but you’re insecure and inexperienced. I’m going to change all that.” He patted the section of mattress between his legs. “Come sit here.” She was curious. Angel slipped off the bed and sat where he’d told her, now directly in front of the mirror. She felt like a dirty little slut, the nest of blonde curls between her legs and full breasts on display. Clay was bare-chested but still in his blue jeans. “I don’t like this,” she said. She would much rather be on the bed with his head between her legs, or even his cock. “You will. I want to teach you something new.” He hooked a hand under each of her knees and pulled back, spreading her legs wide for the mirror. She struggled to close them, but he was determined and kept them apart. “Look at yourself. All pink and glistening. You’re beautiful. Your cunt is beautiful.” “I feel stupid,” she admitted. He hooked her feet on the outer sides of his thighs, so she was fully exposed on the edge of the mattress. “Hush.” His arms snaked around her, and he used two fingers to open her pussy lips. “Nice and tight. Perfect. But I’ll admit, there’s something special about being the man to take a woman’s virginity.” “You know I’m not. Not anymore.”

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“No, you still are, darlin’.” He trailed one finger lower. She could see his every movement in the mirror—where his finger touched, her own anatomy, and the reaction on his face. He stroked her anus with a featherlight touch, igniting a fire in her nerve endings. She tried to break free, but he cooed in her ear and continued to touch her tight little rosette. “Does that feel good? Don’t lie to me now.” It felt fucking amazing, but she didn’t want to admit it. She also didn’t want to outright lie when he asked her not to. She nodded. “I thought as much. Now you behave and stay put while I try something new with you.” He reached to his side and picked up the container. It was lubricant. He coated two fingers with the clear, sticky substance and returned his hands between her legs, watching his actions in the mirror. “Now, I know Landon didn’t fuck your ass last week. So it’s all mine.” He poked her little hole with one of the moist fingers and pushed in. She watched the tip of his finger disappear into her ass. It was oddly erotic, and she couldn’t look away. Clay’s cock was like an iron rod pressed to her lower back, confirming he loved the show taking place. He stretched her anus with a second finger, the lube oozing around his digits as he forced them inside her. When he was knuckle deep in her ass, the slight burn and pressure peaked. He kissed her neck and sucked her earlobe, not moving his fingers. The stimulation to her erogenous zone aided in easing the discomfort and stimulating new, untapped desires. The visual of her spread wide in such a forbidden display encouraged a trickle of her own juices to flow down from her pussy to Clay’s hand. “Wider, darlin’.” She’d always been very limber, so she did as he asked. When he had more space, he used the hand coming around from the opposite side of her body to toy with her clit. “Ain’t that the loveliest vision I’ve ever seen.” He rubbed deep circles with his one hand and then slow thrust in and out of her ass with his fingers. There was no pain left, but she was hypersensitive, close to exploding once again.

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“I like it,” she admitted, never wanting the sweet torture to end. “Good girl. This is only the beginning. I want you to see what I’m doing, see where I plan to put my cock.” He slipped his fingers out with a gentle motion and then held her by the hips. “Hold yourself up for a minute, sweet thing.” She supported her weight by the heels of her feet and hands as he unzipped his Wranglers. Her pussy was thrust up, giving her a clear view of everything. She was swollen and dark pink, juices flowing from every orifice. She could see him release his erection from the gap between them. He was huge, hung like a fucking horse and rock hard from arousal. He coated his cock with a ton of lube and then supported her weight with both his hands. “Surely you don’t plan on putting that thing in me.” “I plan to do exactly that. It may burn at first, but you’ll stretch. The body’s an amazing piece of work, Angel, especially yours. I can’t wait to see my cock sliding in your tight little ass.” She gasped for breath, knowing she was too tempted to try this new forbidden act, but scared to continue. The head of his cock was under her. If she lowered even an inch, the hot, hard length would impale her. He brushed his cockhead around her ass. She could see the veins bulging at the sides and the distinct acorn shape of the tip. “Go down on me, baby-doll. Ease down nice and slow.” Angel wanted to please him but wasn’t sure if she could do this task. He helped her, holding the base of his cock and directing her with his free hand. He groaned when the tip of his dick hit home. The guttural sound spurred her on. She lowered her weight but stalled when she was certain he wouldn’t fit. “You’re too big. You’ll kill me.” “You’re doing just fine. The first inch is the hardest. The other eight will slide in no problem.” He gave her a little jostle, her temporary loss of balance sending her further down his thick shaft. She gasped and then panted, afraid to move or speak. He chuckled. The sexy bastard was actually laughing at her discomfort.

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“What are you laughing about?” she scolded. “You’re adorable.” He wrapped an arm under her breasts, taking control of her body. With the other hand he tilted her head back on his shoulder and kissed her, really kissed her. She mewled against his lips, savoring the affection. All the while he was slowly filling her until his dick was buried to the hilt and she was sitting flush on his lap. “I think I could fall for a feisty cowgirl like you,” he murmured.

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Chapter Ten Clay loved the tight fit of Angel’s ass around his cock. The pressure alone was nearly enough to make him come. But he was trying to teach the cowgirl control, so he certainly had to maintain his own. After giving her a generous amount of time to adjust to his size, he began to lift her up and down over his stiff dick. They watched the length appear and disappear in the mirror together. His hands were around her tiny ribs, her full breasts jiggling each time he brought her down. “Open your legs wider. I want to see how your little ass stretches for me.” She obeyed without question, spreading her legs as far as they would go. The girl was as flexible as a gymnast. With her head resting on his shoulder he pumped in and out of her, now able to get the full view of his cock filling her ass. “If your boyfriend would come to his senses, I’d be able to show you how good it feels to be double-fucked.” He wasn’t able to get the idea out of his head since that night in the barn. There was nothing quite like filling a woman to the brink, all her holes stuffed so full of cock she could barely move. “Like you said, he probably just used me.” “Any man who would give up a fine young thing like you doesn’t have his head screwed on right. I imagine whatever’s keeping him away has little to do with you.” He’d seen the love in the other man’s eyes for Angel. She wasn’t the kind of woman a man could walk away from, certainly not after she gave him the gift of her innocence. “Maybe.” She sought his mouth, surprising him, her tongue flicking his lips. If that other cowboy didn’t step up, Clay would keep the filly for himself. It may be the most foolish thing he could do with

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a new business to run and barely enough time to think, but he’d make the time for her. “I can’t hold back any longer.” He’d gone slowly to ensure she had a painless introduction to anal sex, but it was time for him to get some much-needed relief. Clay flipped her around without withdrawing from her body so she was kneeling on the bed, supported by her hands. He held those luscious hips and began to fuck her ass, thrusting in and out, working up a faster rhythm. When he glanced to the side, he could see her breasts swaying, the beautiful lines of her body bent forward as he drove into her from behind. She clutched his comforter in both fists, making feral sounds, breathing rapidly. Clay’s body was covered in a sheen of sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. He’d forgotten about the man inside him, too busy with his roles as businessman, brother, rancher. But this was exactly what he needed— a good, hard fucking and a sweet little cowgirl in his life. “Oh God, it’s happening,” she cried. “I feel it coming.” “You’ve behaved. Let it go, sweet thing. Come for me.” His balls pulled up tight to his body, ripe with his seed. It had been ages since he spent inside a woman, and none could compare to Angel’s innocence and fire. She began to whine, either fighting her release or unable to leap over the edge without help. He reached around and pinched her bud as he continued to rock in and out of her. The second she released, he let go, spilling in her ass with a drawnout groan. He’d never come so hard or long. His perception of the present and future seemed to morph as he came inside Angel’s ass. An epiphany. When Clay set his mind to something, nothing would sway him. He wouldn’t let this cowgirl go. **** Landon planned to find Angel tonight and talk to her. Besides, he had something he knew she’d love. He hoped it would make up for his absence all week. It had been torture staying away from her, but

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he wouldn’t be made less of a man by Clay Roberts. He knew that wealthy cowboy wanted Angel for himself. Men just knew these things. And why would she choose Landon over him? One man had wiped the table with the other one financially, so to speak. Clay was probably laughing about how pathetic he was—no job, no business, no land, and no future. Landon almost had the girl, but he wouldn’t commit to Angel when he had nothing to offer. It wasn’t right, and even her folks would drive him off the property, certain he couldn’t provide for their only daughter. Clay could provide everything her heart desired, and her family was in love with him for saving the town from certain financial hardship. He knew he should have confronted Angel about his feelings. She could be misinterpreting his absence, thinking he didn’t want her. But he felt smaller than a speck of dust. His stress level was keeping him up at night. Landon worried about his parents, his future, providing for the girl he was in love with. He had so many questions but not enough answers, and he focused all the blame on Clay Roberts. For a brief moment in time he’d actually befriended the cowboy, saw him as a new friend. What a poor judgment of character that had been. He should have believed Angel when she said the guy was shifty. Angel wasn’t home when he tried calling, so he decided he’d drown his sorrows at Carter’s. He’d probably find Grant and some of the guys shooting pool. Right now he needed a distraction before he lost his mind. He pulled into the strip mall, driving to the end where the local pub awaited him. He’d been coming to Carter’s since before he could remember. For the past week he’d avoided the place in fear of his friends pitying him, offering him jobs they didn’t need help with, or the whispers behind his back. Landon slammed his truck door shut and ran a hand through his hair before heading in. The usual darkness gave him pause until his eyes adjusted. “Landon!”

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“Where’ve you been, stranger?” His tension immediately eased. He’d grown up with these men and should have known better than to hide from them in his times of sorrow. Sometimes friends really could help mend a broken man. But Angel had always been one of his closest confidants. He would have turned to her now, talked to her long into the night as they watched the stars together. But now he’d gone and ruined their relationship by shifting things from friends to lovers. He’d fucked up and there was nothing he could do to undo the past. Why hide and lie? They lived in a small town so everything was probably already crawling along the grapevine. “Been looking for work in Casterfield.” “You’re not moving out there are you?” asked Grant. He shrugged. Landon wasn’t sure what the fuck he was going to do. He’d heard about jobs in the tar sands, some of the men getting rich, but he only knew farming and wasn’t expecting to hear back about the job. His priority now was making sure his folks were secure and happy. They had some savings but not enough to last them a lifetime. Once that was settled he’d try his luck again at getting Angel Garner to be his woman. “If you’re looking for extra work—” He put up his hand, making his way to the bar. That’s all he had to do for the men to put the topic on the backburner. He was there to clear his mind, not problem solve or ask for handouts. “Angel’s been trying to call you all week. She thought you were dead in a ditch somewhere.” Grant waved his hand for Carter to bring Landon a Molson. They sat on the barstools, watching the first football game of the season. Where had the summer gone? Next month his friends would be harvesting. “I’ve been busy. I should have given her a call, though.” Carter set his chilled bottle in front of him, so he took a swig, anything to give him an excuse not to talk about Angel.

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Grant hollered at the television, along with a couple of the guys, before returning his attention to Landon. “So… There something going on with you and my sister that I don’t know about?” He nearly choked on his beer. “No. Why you ask?” The question seemed to interest some nosey onlookers. “You and Angel? Have you lost your mind, Landon? That girl will eat you alive. It’s not blood running through her veins, it’s venom.” Cord laughed along with half the bar. His blood heated. New, potent feelings rose to the surface. “Don’t you have a woman at home?” “Don’t avoid the topic,” said Ben Richmond. “What topic?” he snapped. He felt caged in, the walls closing in around him. Carter’s was the promise of relief after a long week, but all he got was questions he didn’t want to answer. He expected Grant or Matthew to defend their sister, but they’d had enough of her antics like everyone else. As much as Landon felt like throttling his friends for mocking Angel, she wasn’t his woman to defend. “You dating Angel?” asked Grant, more serious now. He nodded for the others to give them privacy. “That’s my little sister, so you best tell me.” “Damn it, Grant. You know how close we are. Why are we all of a sudden dating?” “Because she’s acting funny, asking about you more than that damn stallion. I think I may have heard her crying in her room the other night. Of course she won’t admit it, you know how Angel is.” “Look, I wouldn’t know anything about it.” He pulled out a five from his wallet and slapped it on the counter. “I’ve got somewhere to be. I’ll see ya around.” He headed straight for the exit, desperate to get into the open air and away from everyone. One of them called out just before the door closed behind him, “Don’t be a stranger.” ****

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Daylight was slipping away. They’d spent hours in bed, very little of that time actually sleeping. Clay held the creaky screen door open for her. “I’ll drive you home,” he said. She looked up, the clouds pulled across the sky in a wondrous work of art. The colors were just emerging, promising a fine day to work outdoors tomorrow. “You said we were going to talk horses,” she reminded. He leaned against the support post of the porch, a cute smirk on his face. He studied her as if he had all the time in the world. “You can have the stallion.” Angel scowled. “What do you mean? You can’t just give him to me.” “That’s what you wanted, isn’t it? Good Lord, woman, that’s what’s been bothering you since the first day I met you.” She couldn’t help but make the comparison of that bastard who’d tricked her into giving up her horse five years ago. Angel had been naïve, only wanting to help her friends. He’d promised to not pursue the purchase of her friends’ ranch if she gave him the prize he’d coveted, along with half the town. Her stomach turned just remembering that fateful day. But she’d do it again if it meant helping the Carson brothers or any other of her close friends. Now Clay had offered her something after she’d given him her body. Was this another payoff? She couldn’t even digest the idea. “You were adamant about keeping the horse until now. What’s changed?” Sex. That was the only difference. Old, buried emotions bubbled to the surface. He looked puzzled by her reluctance. Clay reached out and tilted her chin up. “You can have the horse, darlin’. He’s yours.” “I don’t want him. He doesn’t even look purebred.” She jerked her chin away. “Don’t try and pass your mistake off on me. I have no time for an ill-tempered stallion.”

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She attempted to walk down the steps, but he grabbed her arm in a too-tight grip. “What exactly is going on with you?” “Nothing! Just take me home or I’ll walk.” He seized her by the waist and lifted her to sit on the wooden banister of the porch, placing himself snuggly between her legs. She was effectively trapped, his strong arms draped around her hips. “Now, I know it ain’t natural for a woman to shift from love to hate in the blink of an eye. Something’s going on with you, and I suggest you tell me.” “Leave me be,” she pleaded, refusing to look him in the eyes. “You’re not going anywhere until you explain yourself. No lying. And I have all night.” The frog in her throat was choking her. She didn’t want to face her demons. Only Landon knew about her past, not even her brothers or parents. Clay was forcing her relive a history she wanted gone and buried. She was the queen bitch of the town, the spoiled brat who sold the prize her daddy struggled to save for and helped her train. What cowgirl in their right mind would give up something so special? Nobody knew the truth. “It was a long time ago. No sense bringing up the past.” “Darlin’, it’s bad enough I know next to nothing about you. I plan to change all that, but whatever’s bothering you is significant. Now let it out.” There was nothing to tell. She had just been overreacting. People died every day, had serious ailments, accidents, and horrible tragedies in their lives. Angel didn’t have the right to grieve over what had happened to her. “It was five years ago. A middle-aged industrialist asked me to give up my horse in exchange for my friends’ ranch. I allowed it, so there was no harm done.” She stopped before she couldn’t speak. It hurt her more than she realized. “He had no right to take advantage of a young cowgirl. You’d only have been a wide-eyed seventeen-year-old five years ago, darlin’.”

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“Oh, please! I knew what I was doing.” He pulled her into a bear hug. She resisted, but he held the side of her head to his chest. Angel struggled, grunting and angry, not wanting Clay or anyone near her. She wanted to escape to her secret place on the Richmond ranch but didn’t even have her own truck with her. Clay was so damn strong, holding her in his vise grip. “Shhh.” He continued to coo, and when she finally ran out of steam, he stroked her hair. His patience astounded her. Most people, including her own family, didn’t have the tolerance for her hysterics. Her breathing started to steady, the strong beat of Clay’s heart having a calming effect. It hurt to lose the horse, but even more to be hated by her friends, and to witness the shame in her parents’ eyes for something she didn’t do, but couldn’t tell. She whispered, “He gave me a secret to carry with me. Because of him I’m unable to trust others. I don’t know how to be unconditionally loved without thinking I have to pay for it. I’m in constant need of attention, but when I get it I push it away.” The tears flowed now. It was all out in the open. “That’s my girl.” He kissed her forehead. “Things are going to change now because you can trust me. I’m not going anywhere.” “I don’t want you feeling sorry for me, Clay.” She wiped her eyes with her finger. “You certainly know the way to a cowboy’s heart.” He helped her to her feet. “Now let’s go get your stallion.”

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Chapter Eleven Clay had been certain he left the horse to graze. He’d mended the smaller paddock to house the animal when he was away from home, but he was nowhere in sight. “I must have left him in his stall. I’ll tell you one thing, he’s spirited. He took pretty well to a training lead once he knew he could trust me.” “As long as you don’t break that trust, he’ll be loyal to you.” The cowgirl was speaking about herself as much as the horse. She’d already given him enough to stick around for the long haul. He’d give a relationship with Angel his best effort, show her that he could be trusted and would never intentionally hurt her. He opened the gate and walked through the breezeway of the barn. The horse was gone. Clay spun around, scratching his head. His gelding was eating hay Clay had set out in the afternoon, but he was alone. “Where is he?” she asked. “Gone.” He made another check of the paddock and barn and then checked the perimeter fencing to see if the horse could have escaped somehow. It was unlikely he’d roam far anyway with all the feed and fresh water he could want right on the ranch. “What on earth do you mean? He didn’t just let himself out. Did you pay for him at auction?” “Of course. You have to pay cash before they let you take your winnings.” Where could the horse have gone? If Angel wasn’t with him, she’d be his first suspect.

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“We’ll go report it to the sheriff. They don’t take kindly to horse thieves around these parts. We’re a small community, too. If anyone spots him or if the thief tries to sell him, we’ll know about it. Lord knows I just have to tell my aunt Wendy and you’ll have your horse back before you can file the police report.” Clay didn’t want to make trouble, especially without proof the horse was actually stolen. Maybe the stallion jumped the fence. He was wild enough to try. “Why don’t we try that first, then? We can ask around. Maybe we’ll see him in the fields when we drive out your way.” They drove through all the back roads, hoping to find the horse. No luck. When Clay finally decided to drive Angel home, he was sadder for her than he was for his own loss. She’d wanted that horse something fierce. It was his pleasure to give the stallion to her now that he considered her his woman. Everything he owned was at her disposal, including his body whenever she desired it. As they neared the Garner ranch, the spotlights were on and a few men moving about in the shadows. “My brothers are going to kill me. I snuck off without their permission this morning. My mare is still at the Carson ranch.” He didn’t bother asking her to explain. Right now he just needed to get her settled and ensure she wasn’t lectured to the extreme. Angel was a grown woman, not a child. She may be living under her family’s roof, but that could change soon enough. Once they got to know each other a little better, he’d be ready to commit for a lifetime. Clay had been with a lot of women and met a lot of different people on his travels. Angel was the type of girl he could settle down with and not grow bored or regret it. Maybe he would have an heir after all. ****

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Angel bit her lip hard enough to draw the taste of blood. Her brothers, the Carsons, and Landon were all standing around talking in the yard. One of the pickup trucks was still running, the headlights flooding the prairies beyond the darkness. Were they all outside because of her? She prayed it was for some other reason, maybe loading more grain, or making plans to share some labor. Clay parked the truck and hopped out, moving toward the men with his usual confident stride. She followed behind like a timid mouse. “I brought home your little sister.” “Angel Garner, where the hell have you been? You take the horse for a run and never come back, Wyatt says he dropped you off at Landon’s house, and Landon says he hasn’t seen you in a week.” Grant took a deep breath. “We thought something happened to you, girl. Look at the hour. We were planning a rescue party to head out and look for you.” “I’m not a little girl, Grant. I’m a grown woman, almost twentythree. Yes, I should have told you I’d be out, but you were both keeping me prisoner. You couldn’t expect me to stay home and stare at the walls forever. I’d rather be helping with the cattle than Ma in the kitchen, but you keep turning me away.” “No harm done,” said Clay. “She was with me, but she’s home now safe and sound.” She wasn’t ready to declare any new relationship to her family and friends. Angel didn’t know anything right now. She needed to be alone, to go to her room, close the door, and just put her mind to rest. Sleep would be a Godsend right now—deep, blissful sleep. “I meant to come by tonight, Angel. I called, but you had already left.” Landon looked exhausted, his bright-blue eyes nearly half-mast. She loved the life he usually had, not the defeated man he now appeared to be. Angel wasn’t sure if she should run to him and offer comfort or cuss him out for abandoning her. Did he even love her? Was she just a disposable good time?

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“Why were you out with Clay Roberts anyhow, Angel?” asked Matthew, his muscled arms crossed over his chest. They all wore Tshirts like her, but the wind was brisk with a bitter chill. Her skin was already gooseflesh, and she just wanted to get inside to the warm fire she knew would be blazing. Her momma would bring her hot chocolate and her cozy slippers and she could forget this day and go on living in blissful denial. Clay spoke for her, pulling her from her reverie. “She was helping me look for my stallion. He’s either jumped my fence or someone’s stolen him.” “Well, it’s too late to do much of anything tonight,” said Grant, tucking Angel under his wing. She loved her brothers, but they were too overbearing. While she reveled in their protective shield the past few years, it was time for her to step out on her own. Make a life for herself. “There’s nothing that can’t be sorted out in the light of day.” He led her into the house, but she continually looked over her should at Clay and Landon, wanting them both but knowing it was best to be apart tonight. **** Landon watched Grant and Matthew escort their sister back to the house and disappear in the warm glow of the interior. At least she was safe and sound. That’s all that mattered to him. He’d had a crazy day. First he’d stolen the Roberts’ stallion and stashed him at the abandoned Tyler farm. Then he tried to get drunk at Carter’s, only to fail miserably. By the time he got home, Matthew had parked in his driveway asking where Angel was. He had no clue she’d been looking for him at his place. He’d avoided her calls, but that was before he knew he had to face her. Angel had been so fragile over the years, he worried she may be capable of hurting herself or doing something rash. “I guess we better head back,” said Cord to his twin brother.

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Val agreed, stretching out his shoulders. “I should have known it was just Angel making trouble. She’s the biggest troublemaker this side of the province.” His tone had a distinct bitterness which Landon couldn’t remain quiet about, not today, not after he’d been to the bottom and back. “You should watch your manners when speaking of Angel.” “Do you not remember what she did to Samantha?” Val spoke more to Clay since he was a newcomer, rehashing the well-told tale. “She came right to our house and tried to drive our woman out. It was only by sheer luck and prayers that we got her back at all. Angel’s a menace.” Landon lost it. He shoved Val in the shoulder sending him back a foot. “You have no idea the sacrifices that girl made for you—her good friends. Did you never wonder why that property buyer just suddenly lost interest in your ranch after your momma died? Did you think it was a blessing that God saved your home from the foreclosure list?” “What are you talking about, Wilder?” “She paid dearly to get you out of hot water. And at just seventeen years old, a baby. Didn’t you ever wonder why that girl would sell her stallion for pennies? God and half the town knew how much she cherished him. The poor thing never asked for a thank-you, never complained for the hell she had to endure after giving up the horse to help out your sorry asses. But it destroyed her from the inside out, making her cold and defensive. She was made, not born.” Everyone silenced. “What he says is true. She told me about it today. Whatever she did for you fellows back then has been eating her up on the inside. I suspect it’s the reason she’s so ornery,” said Clay. Cord chuckled in a reflective way. “Maybe not the only reason.” The other men followed in laughter, except Landon. Angel had never confided in anyone about her secret, but for some reason she’d entrusted it to Clay. Why? Did she choose him, love him, plan a future with the businessman? “Thanks for telling us, but if Angel

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didn’t want us to know, I think it’s best we keep it that way. We’ll tell Wyatt, and hopefully we’ll be able to mend some bridges before the winter hits.” Cord and Val returned to their ranch down the road. The quiet once they were alone was deafening. Only the drone of the crickets gave him something to focus on. “I have your horse,” he finally admitted. “I thought as much.” Clay didn’t sound angry or surprised. He wanted him to get livid, violent, anything to qualify his hate for the man. “Angel told you about her secret.” It was a statement, one he hoped Clay would comment on so he didn’t have to pry. He nodded. “She’s a special girl.” Clay paused and then smirked. “She loves you, you know?” His hackles lowered. The thought of Angel wanting him despite his financial predicament warmed his heart. He needed her so bad, needed her as a friend when he had no one else in the world. She wouldn’t pity him or comfort him with pretty words. Angel always kept things real, and he appreciated that. Needed that. “I’m sorry about the horse. I’ll make it up to you. The Lord knows my head wasn't on straight when I took it.” He took a breath. “She cares about you a lot or she’d never have told you what she did. If she trusts you, I suspect you’re not the monster I’ve built you up to be.” Clay frowned. “Have I done something wrong?” “My folks own the feed store in town. Since you opened up shop, they’ve lost nearly all their business. They’re closing their doors at the end of the week.” “I promise you, I didn’t come here to bring heartache or trouble. I’ll do whatever I can to make things right. I’m not the bad guy, Landon. In fact, if we’re both smart, we’ll work together to make that girl inside the house happy. She needs both of us.” ****

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The following day, Angel was woken up by her mother. She burst in her room, warm from sleep, drew open the curtains, and flung the quilt off her body. “Ma! It’s cold,” she complained. “Since when do you sleep so late past sunrise?” “Since I went to bed so late.” Angel held the pillow over her face. “Well, get up and wash your face. You have a phone call downstairs.” She swept out of the room, leaving Angel wondering who’d be calling her. She trudged downstairs in her T-shirt, underwear, and workman socks, her blonde hair in disarray. “Hello?” she said after grabbing the phone off the kitchen counter. “Good morning, princess,” said Landon. “You. If it isn’t Mr. Houdini. Finally decided to return one of my dozen messages?” “Get yourself pretty. I’m taking you out to lunch.” “Why?” Had she ever been to a restaurant? Seemed like a foolish waste of money. The only time she could recall was when her parents took her and her brothers out when she turned eighteen. He exhaled his annoyance into the phone. “Because I’m courtin’ you. Now don’t make it more difficult for me.” “You have a lot of explaining to do.” “It’s been a hard week, Angel. You know that. It had nothing to do with you.” She couldn’t blame Landon now. He had to be going through hell with everything that had been going on in his life lately. It would be good to be alone with him to talk. She missed their talks. Then she thought about Clay. If Landon outright courted her, what did that mean for their budding relationship? She wanted them both—in different ways, for different reasons. Her simple life was becoming complicated. Maybe it was best when her brothers scared off all potential suitors. “Fine. But I’m not wearing a dress.”

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Chapter Twelve Landon wore a clean, crisp, button-up shirt and blue jeans. He smelled good. His shaggy, dirty-blond hair was partially gelled back. “Didn’t I tell you to dress pretty, Angel?” “You’re wearing jeans, so why can’t I?” They weren’t her riding jeans. And she had on a fancier white blouse and put some curls in her hair. It was much more than she usually did. She wasn’t one for femininity, not when she worked with cowboys day in day out. He mock scowled at her as he drove them into down. There weren’t many fancy places to go in their farming town, but Landon parked at the well-known steak house. Clay was leaning against the entrance, one leg bent up. Before they got out of the truck, she grabbed his shirt and tugged him closer. “What’s he doing here?” “He’s coming to lunch, too. Seems you’re getting courted by two cowboys. But I always knew it would take more than one man to tame you, Angel.” “What! You hate Clay.” “I may have been a tad harsh in judging him. We had a nice, long talk last night and worked out many of our differences.” He hopped out of the truck and walked around to help her down. She didn’t need help, but appreciated he was trying to be gallant. They walked toward the entrance, and Clay sported one of his naughty smirks. Was he thinking about their experimenting in front of the mirror? Her body warmed just remembering their forbidden encounter at his ranch.

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“Good to see you again,” he said as they joined him. “Seems we’ve found your stallion. When we’re done here, we’ll go pick him up.” He nodded to his truck at the far end of the parking lot with a small horse trailer hooked to the back. She couldn’t help but smile. Angel had dreamed of riding that dark beauty, and thanks to Clay’s initial training, she may get that chance sooner than she expected. They sat at a private table in the back corner of the restaurant. The lighting was minimal, even in the afternoon, a candle flickering on the center of the table. The smells aroused her hunger—fresh bread, savory sauces, and grilled steak. Both men were watching her expectantly as she took in her surroundings. Were they actually ready to share her? What would her brothers say to that? The Carsons lived in a ménage relationship, as did her oldest brother, Chase. But they always wanted her to follow the straight and narrow, and she doubted they’d be supportive if she gave her heart to both men—but she already had, hadn’t she? “Remember what I told you yesterday? About Landon joining us?” Was he talking about his reference to double-teaming her? She nodded, too surprised to speak. Landon reached for her hand across the table, anchoring her for the news he was about to share. “When we leave here, we’re picking up the stallion. Do you know where he’s being kept?” She shook her head again. “The old Taylor ranch. Remember that place?” Of course Angel remembered that place and the day she got her first bare-ass spanking. It was a turning point in her relationship with Landon and began her yearning for Clay and his dark sexuality. “We’re going to share you, darlin’. Just like I mentioned,” said Clay. Angel looked from side to side, ensuring they were out of earshot from the other diners. A waiter appeared from behind her, making her

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jump in her seat. Landon squeezed her hand and smiled before ordering them some drinks. Clay continued, “I’m going to lie down on that old bench and you’re going to sit on my cock. It’ll be hard, and you’ll feel every inch filling your tight little cunt.” “Then I’m going to climb on behind you, lube up my dick nice and slick, and then fuck your pretty ass.” Landon was just as teasing as Clay. She could feel the power of their lust in their small bubble of space. “We’ll fuck you together, make you ours.” “What would you like to eat, baby-doll?” asked Clay, as if they hadn’t just told her their explicit plans for her body. Had they talked about his together before picking her up? Her pussy was so wet and sensitive. She squirmed on the hardwood chair. She had fantasized about Landon joining them, filling her empty cunt while Clay rode her ass. Now it was going to be reality. “I’m not very hungry.” She wanted to be fucked by her two men. They could discuss the intricacies of their future, the Wilders’ store, and worry about eating later. Much later. Right now they’d planted a seed in her head that brought her body to life. She needed them to show her what if felt like to be double-teamed by two hardcore cowboys. “I’m hungry, Angel. Hungry for your pussy.” Landon licked his licks. She had to open her mouth to breath. Was it possible to orgasm from words alone? Clay asked the waiter for the bill and they all stood to leave. Her eyes drifted to Clay’s tight-fitting Wranglers. His erection traveled down his pant leg, the line of his rigid dick prominent. He was huge. Her desire to rub her hand up and down his jeans over that happy trail was distracting. They left Landon’s truck in the parking lot and boarded Clay’s quad cab with the trailer attached. Every bump in the road sent a wave of potent energy through her pussy. But she wouldn’t start begging now and ruin whatever they had planned for her. They were heading

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back to the deserted Taylor ranch, the place that reminded her of the sweet mix of pleasure and pain when Clay had spanked her ass without holding back. She was hoping they were taking her there as a symbol of what was to come. “Where did you find the stallion?” she asked, hoping to break the silence. “Landon found him and was kind enough to return him.” Angel wondered what kind of truce they had made between each other. Whatever it was, she hoped they were somehow able to help Landon’s parents. They pulled into the overgrown path shortly afterwards, the gravel and twigs crunching beneath the tires and trailer clanging behind them. Once they came to a halt, Clay cut the engine and shifted on the leather seat to face her. “We’re here. Any chance you want to turn back now?” “Are you suggesting I’m afraid? Cowgirls aren’t scared of anything.” And she was already committed to this sex party. She’d gone from an uptight virgin to a wanton nympho in a matter of a week. But she wouldn’t offer her body to just anyone. Never again. Clay and Landon were one of a kind, perfectly suited to her personality, and understanding of the past she found difficult to let go of. “I tend to believe that. Just wanted to be sure this was what you wanted, darlin’, because once we start there’s no turning back,” said Clay. Landon leaned over from the backseat. “Ah, come on, Clay. The girl has a right to change her mind. I won’t enjoy myself if I think she’s had a change of heart partway through.” There was a minute of silence. “We’ll give you a safe word. You pick one you like,” said Clay. She didn’t know what a safe word was, and the reaction on her face must have given away her naïveté.

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“When you use the safe word, at any time, we’ll stop. But once we stop we won’t start up again. We’ll bring you home and that’ll be the end of it. So you can cry and scream and cuss and fight, but without the word, we’ll continue. Do you understand?” Angel wanted to get started right away. This was the kind of sex that was perfect for her. She could have her fun and pretend to deny them, knowing they’d continue as long as she kept quiet. “Since we’re here to pick up my stallion, I’ll use that. Stallion.” As if the word confirmed their date in the barn, both men exited the vehicle. She followed after them like an anxious puppy. They were both such large men that their strides left her in the dust. She had to jog to meet up with them. She hadn’t had doubts about their offer until she entered the dim interior of the barn to find them both standing there waiting for her. Broad shoulders, muscled arms, strong thighs, and bulging cocks—their bodies were built for sex. Like her times with Clay, she craved to give up control, to be guided along the path of pleasure. There was still so much for her to learn, and she knew both these men were skilled and experienced. “Take off your clothes, Angel.” Her jaw dropped. She was going to argue with Clay, but what was the point? This was what she wanted. The idea of stripping for them—in the light of day with the late summer breeze flowing through the center of the barn—made her nerves flare in a twisted, naughty way. She pulled off her fancy shirt first, her hair fanning out over her back in a soft sweep. They hadn’t moved, just watching the show being played in front of them. “Bra too,” added Landon. She’d never have guessed, but her best friend and new lover were well suited together. Landon had a sexual side to him she had no idea even existed. Angel unclasped her bra, watching their hungry reactions. They reminded her of wolves waiting their turn at a bloody carcass, mouths watering and attention riveted. Without being asked, she unzipped her jeans and kicked them off along with her boots.

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“Panties,” said Clay. She had to build up her courage for that final step, the one leaving her completely exposed and vulnerable. After a deep, cleansing breath, she slipped them off, too. She was tempted to cover her privates with her hands, but somehow knew Clay would scold her for hiding herself from him. “Look at her, Clay. Have you ever seen anything so perfect?” “Not in my lifetime.” Clay motioned to Landon to pass him something. He dug through the saddle bag he’d flung over his shoulder when they walked to the barn. “What’s that?” she asked, trying to get a better look at the item in question. “It’s a little something to help prepare you. Now come on over here and lean over, hands on the bench.” She did as he asked. “No, no. Legs straight and a foot apart.” Angel shifted into the desire position, leaving her ass exposed to their inspection. She felt a cool, slippery substance being lathered on her asshole. Memories from the night before came back. Visions of Clay’s monster cock sliding in and out of her tight opening through the reflection in front of them. Was he going to fuck her ass right now, and in front of Landon? She wasn’t sure, but decided she loved Clay’s nasty, and craved more, needed more. The pressure came next as something was forced into her tight rosette. She instinctively clenched when she felt a foreign material, not Clay’s warm cock. “What’re you doing back there?” “It’s a butt plug, Angel. It’ll be our little helper today, limbering you up for Landon’s dick.” “Now where did you buy a thing like that? I surely know we don’t have a sex store in town that I know of.” “Hush now.” He ran his hand up and down the length of her spine, over the globes of her ass and back. The other continued to battle with her tight anal ring that was trying its damndest to keep the toy out. “Relax, baby-doll. Push out against the pressure. Remember how your

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cute little ass stretched for me? Imagine you’re opening up in the same way.” She tried her best, wanting to move on to the next step. One that promised stimulation and release. She gasped once the toy finally slid fully in, safely past the most difficult hurdle. Clay slapped her ass cheek hard. “Now stay put until I tell you to move.” She felt like an idiot leaning over the bench with her ass in the air, a toy protruding from her nether hole. But it also felt dirty, forbidden, and thrilling. “That’s the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen,” said Landon. “I’m dying to get a taste of her pussy. I can see her lips all swollen and glistening.” “I ain’t stopping you,” said Clay. “Just make sure she stays put. She don’t listen and she’ll be punished. We have to train our filly to suit our needs.” Landon crouched down behind her, a hand on each calf. Her body trembled, becoming weak in the knees. She could feel the moisture flowing from her body, coating her intimate parts. Any minute and her dew would drip down her thighs. That first swipe of his tongue made her forget the butt plug entirely. That one lick was all that was necessary to gain her utter devotion to the dark side. He lapped at her, fucked her with his tongue. All the while he made deep, masculine sounds in his chest reminding her of a man delighting in a feast fit for a king. “Don’t let her come,” warned Clay, pulling her out of her euphoria. Landon’s mouth slipped off her clit, leaving her bereft, desperate for more. She stood up and turned, searching for her lovers. Clay and Landon shared devilish smirks, as if they expected her to disobey and reveled in it. She’d done everything they’d asked so far. Her only crime was taking her hands off the bench. Would they punish her just for that?

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Chapter Thirteen Clay was in his element. All the desires he’d stifled since moving to his new town came back with a vengeance. Angel’s skin was flawless, her breasts sloping out into tempting peaks, her nipples the color of ripe peaches. He could stand back and admire her figure all day, but she’d just broken the rules. It was the excuse he needed to really start this party. Clay wanted to see Angel bound and begging, so wound up she was tempted to use her safe word—but not tempted enough. “Why’re you looking at me like that,” she said, still frozen in place. “No, you tell me, Angel.” “Because I didn’t stay where you told me to?” Landon grabbed a length of rope off a hook behind him. “I think she moved on purpose.” “I tend to agree.” Clay paced in an arch around her, not reaching, not touching, keeping her on the edge, wondering what was next. “She knows exactly what she wants. She’s just afraid to ask for it.” He nodded to the other man, who moved into action. Clay would make everything right with Landon when all was said and done. He wasn’t a monster, didn’t come here looking to destroy lives. He’d met the Wilders last week. They were good people, reminding him of his own parents before they were killed. The thought of being responsible for their family business going bankrupt soured his stomach. There had to be a way to make amends. His new operation was already thriving. He was sure there was a place for Landon and his parents in the great scheme of things.

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If he had to share the woman he coveted, it would be with Landon. He was a decent man, and they got along well. Never having a brother, he suspected Landon would fit that bill perfectly. They both understood Angel’s needs, the delicate way to handle her. Maybe it would take two men to give the little hothead enough attention and discipline. Landon secured her wrists together in front of her, using a hogtying knot. She never fought him, which surprised Clay. “Her ankles, too,” he said. “She needs to be hogtied.” The cowboy proceeded to scoop her up into his arms and lay her down on the bench. With her knees bent up, he bound her ankles. Not tight enough that she couldn’t open her legs slightly. It seemed Landon knew what he was doing, but then again, it seemed most cowboys knew how to hogtie a woman as well as a calf. “I don’t like this,” said Angel. He was surprised she’d kept quiet this long. Her chest rose and fell in heavy succession. “Are you ready to use your safe word?” he asked. “I don’t like being unable to protect myself.” She tested her binds, but found them secure. Clay knelt by her head and kissed her forehead, gently brushing away the stray blonde hairs from her face. “Do you think I’d hurt you?” “I don’t know you.” “Then I’ll have to teach you to trust me. What better way than giving up your power?” Clay was determined to win the cowgirl over. She’d confided in him, pulled down her greatest barrier. Surely she could trust him with her body. He’d taken things slow yesterday as he took her anal virginity. Clay may enjoy some pain with his pleasure, but only if his partner wanted it as much. Angel had enjoyed being spanked, but he wouldn’t push her into anything she was uncomfortable with. “Don’t you hurt me, Clay Roberts. You promised.” He knew she was referring to his promise never to hurt her, never to leave. It was a

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promise he planned on keeping. The young cowgirl needed to learn there were good men out there, men she could trust—love. “This cowboy keeps his promises.” Clay let his hand slip from her face down to her breasts. He took his time, memorizing every inch of her curves, enjoying the way her skin quivered under his touch. His woman was ticklish. Landon unbuckled his belt, eying Angel from the end of the bench. The younger man was just as pent up as he was, his cock straining behind the denim of his pants. As much as Clay would like to make this day last forever, Landon was too eager to get started. Clay bent over and tossed her bound body over his shoulder like a sack of grain. He spanked her ass, holding her in place while Landon spread out three layers of saddle blankets on the ground next to the bench. “Okay, Clay. Set her down on her knees.” He sat on the bench, his cock jutting out from his open zipper, chest bare. Clay cautiously set Angel down on the saddle blankets. She rested her tied hands on the small section of bench between Landon’s legs. He’d never watched a woman he cared about suck another man’s dick, but he’d never really cared about anyone the way he did Angel. This would be a test of his self-control. To watch without partaking, to share without seeking revenge. **** Angel stared at the virile cock in front of her. She knew what Landon expected of her, and she couldn’t deny she was curious and tempted to take him in her mouth. If she used her safe word to end things now, she’d never get to have both men at the same time. It obsessed her waking thoughts, and she knew it had to happen if she were ever to keep both men. Only a week ago she was ready to die an old spinster, but now she was determined to win the love of not one, but two cowboys. It was

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surreal but also the most natural thing in the world. The men got along as if they were meant to share her. “Come on, Angel. This is all for you, only you.” She could see the need on Landon’s handsome face. His blue eyes pleading her to soothe his aching cock. She wanted to give him pleasure as he’d given her, but it was more difficult than she expected. Angel took a tentative lick of the broad, darkened head. He groaned and dropped his head back against the stall boards. “I think he likes it, Angel.” Clay was right there beside her, watching, running his fingers comfortingly through her hair. It was titillating performing for a spectator. “Go on, it’s easy. Take as much of his cock in your mouth as you can.” She was a cowgirl, not supposed to be afraid of anything, certainly not her best friend’s beautiful dick. This was her choice, no coercion, only the unspoken promise of a relationship, of love. She needed to be accepted, loved, with no strings attached. Angel closed her mouth over his erection, not sure exactly what to do. Landon stayed still, holding the root of his shaft steady for her. He wasn’t gross, but silky against her tongue, warm, and thick. This was Landon’s body, an extension of him, so she should essentially love his cock. Angel’s scattered thoughts and rationalizing fizzled away once she worked up a rhythm. She became lost in the act, savoring Landon’s taste, musky scent, and most of all, the rugged, gravely sounds he made. In less than a minute she learned what he liked, which movements of her tongue or pressure of her sucking pleased him most. “That wicked tongue of yours is put to much better use on my cock, Angel.” He reached forward and held each side of her head. “But you best stop now or I won’t be able to hold on much longer.” She sat back on her heels and swiped her lips with her closed fists. “She’s behaving too well for us to keep her legs together any longer. I expected more of a fight from our wildcat, but it seems she’s learning what she likes real fast. It’s time we start what we intended

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to,” said Clay, pulling out a switchblade. He helped her to her feet and then bent over to slice through the rope between her ankles. She kept quiet, not asking why her wrists weren’t cut free as well. At least she could run and kick. Angel watched Clay remove his shirt. She wanted to touch the small patch of hair between his pecs and the trail leading into his Wranglers, but she couldn’t. In fact, her tongue was lively, desperate to lick all those sun-kissed muscles. Maybe they were safer with her hands bound. Her lust was climbing off the charts, her body hot and unsated. “Now, I’m taking out the toy. Brace yourself, darlin’.” Clay slipped the silicone phallus out of her ass and set it aside. She’d actually forgotten about the butt plug, too focused on Landon’s cock and the forbidden act. “Tell me you want this. Tell me you want both our dicks inside you at the same time.” Angel nodded, earning her a frown. “Say it.” “Yes.” She wanted them to take, not ask. It felt wrong to admit to wanting something so vulgar. “Spank her ass, will you, Landon?” Her so-called best friend didn’t hold back. He spanked her ass with a splayed hand so hard that she fell into Clay’s chest. Damn, he smelled good. “Tell me in detail what you want us to do, Angel,” Clay insisted. “I want—I want both of your cocks inside me, filling my pussy and my ass.” If felt erotic as all hell hearing herself say those naughty words aloud. If her brothers could hear her, they’d lock her away in the cold cellar until the cows came home on their own. But it was just her, Landon, and Clay in this private, rundown barn. Her horse was in the farthest stall, occasionally whinnying and pawing the floor. She felt just like that horse, a kindred spirit. They both needed to learn to trust, but once that love and security was established, they’d be loyal to a fault.

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Clay kissed her lips once and then stripped off his remaining clothes before lying back on the cool, wooden bleacher. His cock was huge, just as she’d remembered from yesterday. That same erection had entered her ass as she watched in the mirror. “Come sit on me, baby-doll. Straddle the bench and ride my cock. Show me just how naughty you can be.” Her pussy was so wet, so achy, just pressing her legs tight together made the pulse deepen, on the cusp of orgasm. She mounted her cowboy and lowered herself over his waiting erection. He guided her down, inch by inch, until she was sitting on his hips with his cock buried to the hilt. Clay filled her completely, quenching the burning need inside her walls. She sighed, contented she finally had him where she wanted him. Landon knelt on one knee beside the bench and cradled one breast into his hand before feeding it into his mouth. As he suckled her tit, she felt Clay’s dick throb inside her. He still hadn’t moved, a sign of Herculean control. But he held her hips in a too-tight grip, the sting of pain making her clit tingle. As he let go of her breast, he rose to his feet and kicked off his boots and jeans. “Ride him hard, Angel. Get yourself nice and wet. I’m coming to join you in a minute.” Angel took over since Clay wouldn’t act. She rose up and dropped down, using the strength in her thighs to power her movements. He was so long and thick, each down thrust caught her breath. It took her a while to work up a steady tempo, which began to remind her of riding her old mare. Skills in the saddle seemed to translate well to riding a cowboy—the shifting of her hips, use of her feet and legs to lift her off the saddle to push the horse forward. Now her lifelong training was being used to offer maximum pleasure to one of her men. His eyes rolled back in his head and his jaw tightened depending how hard she came down on him. More hands. Clay held her hips, but Landon’s hands snaked around her body to fondle her bouncing breasts. She could feel his

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cock rub against her ass as he moved in close behind her. He whispered in her ear, “Lean over. I’m coming in.” Landon kissed the side of her neck before easing her chest to chest with Clay. His lubed cock didn’t need as much preparing as Clay’s did the night before. It had been prepared by their toy, readying her for this moment. The sensation of him filling her wasn’t pain, but not pleasurable yet, either. She grunted as he fought for entrance. Her sensitive nerves and seldom used muscles awakening from the intrusion. Once she felt the two dicks collide, squeeze for space, she began to fully appreciate what they were offering. There wasn’t a single place in her body not lit up, sated, and throbbing. “You okay?” asked Clay, stroking leisurely up and down her backbone. She nodded rapidly. “I want to hear you. Does it hurt?” “Just…full.” She felt so full she was close to gagging. That tightness, the tentative balance between full and bursting, was an orgasmic line to walk on. When they began to work together, sliding out of her pussy and ass in a scissoring motion, her orgasm rolled in like a freight train. There was no stopping it. No holding it off for a while longer. Her pussy and ass clenched down on the cocks in a merciless hold. Angel cried out, screamed their names as her release went on and on and on. They worked her body the whole time, making her crazy and overstimulating her clit. If they continued, she knew she’d come again, and she wanted to. That moment before she’d peaked had been like getting a glimpse of heaven. Then the soul-ripping contractions tore through her body. Clay kissed her hard, his mouth claiming hers as both men fucked her body. The intimacy of kissing added another layer to their lovemaking. Landon fucked her ass and teased her nipples. Clay rocked in and out of her pussy, his pubic bone rubbing torturously on her hypersensitive clit.

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“After today, you’ll be ruined, darlin’. You’ll never feel full enough with just one of us,” Clay said against her lips. She supposed it was only fitting. They’d both made their mark on her in different ways, no less significant. It was appropriate that she’d need both men physically and emotionally. New pressure began to build as they pounded into her, working up a rough and steady pace. Her tits were jiggling as she supported her bound forearms on Clay’s chest, her ass raw, her pussy soaking. When she ignited the second time, her pulsing body pulled both men to orgasm. They grunted, squeezed, and fucked as they claimed her. Her body was deliciously sore, and sated so fully she could sleep for a week. Landon slipped out of her ass as she collapsed over Clay. Their bodies were sweaty, hot, and exhausted. Angel didn’t want to move or think, just lay still, listening to the steady beat of Clay’s heart. Did it beat differently now? Had she made a lasting impression on him? Only time would tell if their budding ménage would last.

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Chapter Fourteen Landon pulled into Clay Roberts’s driveway the next day. He’d asked him to stop by around one o’clock in the afternoon to talk business. Landon hoped to God this was the miracle he’d prayed for. Since their ménage relationship was quickly progressing, Clay had probably had a change of heart and wanted to ensure his parents’ store would stay in business. “Afternoon,” he called out after slamming his truck door shut. Clay was in the training pen with Angel’s new stallion. She wanted to leave it at Clay’s ranch until she could explain everything to her family. Angel said the horse would sense the hostility from all the questions, especially when her brothers found out about her two lovers. She’d always been such an animal lover. “You made it. Good.” He offered the horse a treat from his pocket and came over to lean against the opposite side of the fence. “I see you’ve been making a lot of progress with him. He’ll be a fine horse before you know it.” Landon watched the stallion dancing behind Clay, its black coat glistening under the sun. The horse had made progress, but it was still too wild to be saddled. Just the lightweight training saddle on him was making him nuts as he attempted to buck it off. “Baby steps.” Clay stepped up one fence rung and then bound over the fence to join him. He brushed his hands off on his jeans, adjusted his Stetson, and waved Landon to the front porch. They sat down on the stairs in the shadow of the overhang. He didn’t want to push the topic, but Clay was the one that asked him to stop by. “So what was it you wanted to speak with me about?”

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“Well, you probably have a pretty good idea how I feel for Angel. I’m not the type to love ’em and leave ’em. I’m too old for that game, and Angel’s not the kind of woman you give up once you have her. Seeing how she loves you and all, I wouldn’t feel right having any bad blood between us.” “So you’ll shut down your warehouse?” It was the only viable solution he could think of. His parents were doing just fine until Clay showed up. Once the new business moved out, their feed store would be in demand once again. His parents would be out of the red, and he’d be worthy to ask for Angel’s hand in marriage. Clay frowned. He picked up a piece of dried wood near his boot and then pulled out his pocket knife. “You can’t expect me to just close down my business, Landon. It’s not that simple. I have money invested, employees that depend on me, property and land I’ve had to purchase, and contracts signed with dozens of farmers.” He stood up, getting the drift of where this conversation was heading. “So what business do you want to talk with me about then?” “I wanted to offer you work—you and your folks.” Landon looked up at the sky, replaying the words over in his head before laughing out loud. “You want us to work for you? My parents have to go from owning their own successful small business to working for the man that cleaned them out?” “That’s not what I mean at all, and you know it. I’m trying to make peace so we can have a successful relationship with Angel.” “It all looks good from your perspective. What about mine? My daddy always taught me that nothing was more important to being a man than hard work and his word. You’re the big landowner with the million-dollar company. Who am I? The schmuck who works for you earning a laborer’s wage? Even I wouldn’t want me.” Clay continued to whittle the piece of wood, his movement more aggressive, larger chunks of shrapnel rocketing off into the distance. “She already wants you, wants the both of us. Why must you make things difficult?”

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“I just want her to respect me. I want to be able to go to her folks who I’ve known all my life and ask for her hand without them worrying I can’t provide.” “I’ll provide. She has both of us.” “You’re right, Clay. You can provide.” He dug his hands into his pockets feeling insignificant. “Look, I’ve gotta job I need to be at in half an hour, so I best be going.” He tilted his hat, not wanting the conversation to progress further, and then boarded his truck. **** Angel carried a sheet-metal bucket from the outdoor tap to the side of the barn where her mare was waiting. The water sploshed to the sides, wetting her boots as she struggled to carry it. “Need help with that?” Wyatt Carson appeared from the side of the barn and easily took the bucket from her. “I’m fine. I’m just about to give Betsy a wash down.” “Nice day for it.” He leaned against the wooden wall and watched her as she squatted down to soap up the mare’s legs. Angel wasn’t used to Wyatt or his brothers giving her the time of day. They hated her ever since she mouthed off to their girlfriend, now wife. “Since when are you nice to me, Wyatt?” “I’m always nice.” She frowned. He used to be all right to be around, and Cord and Val had been fun to grow up with. Angel was born loyal, raised by parents who enforced the cowboy way of loyalty and honor. When her friends needed help, she helped them, no questions asked. There was no need for them to know her sacrifice, because she never did it for a pat on the back. She did it out of love. The Carsons were like brothers to her. The fact her good deed had dragged her own life through the dirt afterward wasn’t their fault. She could live with pain and inner turmoil, and she had for five years. What hurt the most was the

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Carsons taking their friendship away from her. No second chance. It was in her nature to be suspicious where her friends were concerned. She’d honestly thought Samantha was a gold digger. The Lord knew how many came through their town each year hoping to land a rodeo champ or million-dollar rancher. She was looking out for them, and all she got was more heartache. “If you’re looking for Grant or Matthew, they’re inside watching the game. They woke up before sunrise to get their chores done just to make that stupid game. If you head in now, prepare to be ignored.” “I didn’t come to see them. I came to see you. We’ve been at each other’s throats for too long.” “There’s no need. I have no problem with you, Wyatt.” She poured some water on the mare’s back, ready to head around back for another bucket. He held her arm back when she started to leave. “Something going on with you and Landon?” “What do you mean? He’s my best friend. It’s no secret.” “I mean more than friends. He looked pretty upset when he left town yesterday afternoon.” Angel dropped her bucket, not even realizing under the hollow thud pulled her head around. “Left town? What are you talking about?” “He said something about a job in the oil sands.” She shook her head. “I just saw him two days ago. He would have said something to me.” Now she felt her face heat. Was she that unimportant that he wouldn’t even call if he was leaving? “I thought you knew. He just seemed so distraught when he left. Thought you may know something about it, considering you and him are best friends.” “I hope you’re not suggesting that I’m the one who scared him out of town. Am I that much of a fucking repellant? First my friends, then my family, now the man I love?” She’d said it, but Wyatt already knew—probably half the town, too. Right now she needed to get to

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the bottom of things, and had the sneaky suspicion Clay may be behind Landon’s sudden disappearance. Did he decide he no longer wanted to share? Angel set her mare to graze with the cattle and then asked Wyatt for a ride out to the Roberts ranch. He dropped her off at the main iron archway before the long, winding driveway. “You sure you don’t want me to bring you to the front door? It’s quite the hike.” “I’m sure.” She wanted to be alone when she dealt with Clay. The beat-up truck was sure to signal their arrival. If Wyatt came along, she’d have to bite her tongue when Clay came out to greet them. “And you don’t need a ride back?” “No. I’ll be fine. Now you should stop being so nice to me, Wyatt Carson. I’m certainly not used to it.” “Well, I’m the one who made the mistake of holding a grudge with you. But no more.” She offered him a smile, something she rarely did these days. It felt unnatural, but there were a lot of things about herself that needed changing. Wyatt offering her forgiveness was one step in healing, in repairing her reputation with her friends. Angel set up the long path to the house alone. The bright rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves of the great oaks lining the driveway. He had a little slice of heaven on this ranch. There were no livestock besides his two horses, but it would make an excellent cattle ranch if he ever had the mind to do such a thing. She was excited to see her stallion. Since she last saw Clay and Landon, she’d been kept busy on the ranch. Her brothers were watching her like hawks, as if they could sense something was amiss. When she didn’t see the cowboy outside, she knew he had to be in the house. His truck was parked outside, the engine still settling. She stopped at the split rail fence to watch the horse for a while. Time stood still out here in the country, only nature providing sounds that soothed her soul. The horse was a beauty. He noticed her standing there, which agitated him. The stallion flicked his head and stomped

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in challenge, but it only made her eager to get in there with him for some training. Later. She had to find out what happened to Landon before she worried about anything else. Did she just hear more than one voice? She crept up the porch, taking care on the creaky steps. The windows were wide open as would be expected during a hot summer day. “I don’t want to move in with you, Clay. How many times have I told you that I need my own space?” “That apartment you’re renting is a shithole, Kayla. I don’t like it. Let me pay for something better.” The woman sighed. “I love you, but you’re impossible sometimes.” She heard a distinct kissing sound and then heels on the hardwood. Motherfucker had a girlfriend on the side. Or was Angel the side dish? Her palms began to ache from her nails digging in deep. Then blistering-hot anger morphed into panic, her heart rate increasing, her face sweaty. Had they both used her in the barn like some cheap hussy? Did Clay feel anything for her or did he love all his women? She’d actually fell for his act, even confided in him. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Angel had to get out of there before they found her and made her feel even more pathetic. She looked around for a source of escape. With no ride, the untamed stallion looked more and more tempting. She’d made a terrible mistake with Clay. In the span of a couple weeks she’d managed to ruin a wonderful friendship and turn into a rich man’s whore. She had to get away. Just as she was climbing the fence, the screen door whined open, and they both stood there on the porch, watching her. They looked like they’d seen a ghost. Angel was blonde but not that blonde. After doing a double-take of the woman, she realized it was that dame from Clay’s distribution centre. He was fucking his secretary, how appropriate. Angel continued over the fence and cautiously approached the stallion. She was used to riding bareback, but his horse was untamed,

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so it would be a challenge. When she heard Clay call her, approaching the pen, she held her breath and took the leap. With a grip full of mane, she gave a sharp prod, hollering for him to go. Did he ever go. The wind was flying by her face within seconds, the perimeter fence closing in fast. “Angel!” She ignored Clay. “Come on, beauty. You can do this.” With her head lowered, she charged the fence, jamming her heels in the horse’s sides to encourage him. She closed her eyes when they reached the last few feet of space, and then they were airborne.

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Chapter Fifteen That woman was off her rocker. Angel quickly became a speck on the horizon as she galloped off full speed on the unbroken stallion. The horse wasn’t even saddled or bridled, only wearing the simple halter he’d managed to get on when they started their training. “She sure wanted to get out of here in a hurry,” said Kayla, a hand over her eyes as she watched them disappear. “I don’t know what came over her.” Clay was completely clueless. Regardless, he’d have to go out and get her. She was likely to get herself killed on that beast. He hadn’t even scouted his own land yet. It was probably riddled with gopher holes. Kayla smirked. “She probably thought I was your girlfriend. Unless you told her I was your sister after she came into the office.” No, he hadn’t mentioned anything to Angel about Kayla being his little sister. There was no need at the time. All he had wanted to do was get her home so he could play with her. “Then why in God’s name wouldn’t she ask me? Why’d she run off like crazed woman?” Kayla rolled her eyes. “You men are all the same, aren’t you? You wouldn’t know how to handle a woman if they came with instructions. The poor girl probably thinks she’s in love with you. You said she’s only twenty-two. All her emotions will be heightened, especially jealousy if she thinks you’re messing around on her.” “Jealous? Fuck, that’s not good. That girl is wicked as it is.” He had to find her before she got hurt or did something stupid. His only choice was his new gelding because his sister needed his pickup truck. “I’m going after her.”

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She touched his arm before he bolted off. “Clay, you really like this girl?” “I do.” As foolish as the cowgirl was, she was constantly on his mind. Kayla smiled. “Then you’re doing the right thing. Tell her how you feel. You’ve been alone since Mom and Dad died. I want to see you happy.” He loved his younger sister more than the world. It had been just him and her since that fateful day their parents were stolen from them. He was more a father than a brother most days—taking care of Kayla, supporting her, teaching her. Although he wanted her to move into the big ranch, under his protective wing, she refused to leave the heart of the town. She liked being independent, and he knew she hated working at the distribution center. Her first love was art, but she had no time now that Clay needed her in the office every waking hour. “Take the truck keys. They’re hanging in the foyer. If I’m not back in the office by closing, just drive my truck back for me, will ya?” “Sure thing.” As he hurried to the barn, already having stalled too long, he called back over his shoulder. “One of the Garner brothers will be in to settle his account later today. The Richmond boys, too.” “Yeah, yeah. I’m on it. Go!” He hastily saddled the gelding and walked him beyond the fence line. Where would Angel go? Clay mounted the horse and followed in the same direction as the stallion. **** Angel slowed the horse when she reached one of the small streams cutting across the land. She dare not get off the horse. He’d be gone before she could blink, and with no rope to tie him to a tree, she was better off on his back. Her own mare was the best-trained

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horse in the province. It took a lot of hours and love to get her there, but it was worth it to have a dependable horse. “It’s just you and me now,” she said to the horse. “I’ll take you home and teach you real good.” She shifted back when the horse leaned over to take a drink. Angel almost laughed at her situation. One day she was basking in the love of two men, and the next she was abandoned by one and cheated on by another. She’d given both of them her virginity, so she had nothing special to offer a man in the future. Not that she’d dare go through this again. She should have listened to her brothers and stayed home where she belonged. They were family, the only people she could count on to really love her. She decided to follow the stream to the small waterfall on the Richmond ranch. It was the place she went to for comfort when the world and its burdens were too heavy to bear. She’d reflect, collect her thoughts, and then head home. As soon as she arrived at her favorite spot, she slipped off the horse, looking for something to secure him with. That’s when the other horse came galloping up, spraying dirt and clumps of grass when it stopped abruptly right in front of her. She looked up to see Clay’s stoic face and the determined set of his dark eyes. She cursed when she realized the stallion had wandered off onto the Richmonds’ fields. “Do you realize that horse could have killed you?” Part of her was shocked he’d actually come straight after her rather than staying home to explain things to his girlfriend. Another part was secretly pleased. As much as she wanted nothing to do with him, ever again, there would always be a little piece of her desperate for acceptance and love. Right now she needed balls of steel to keep from falling for any sweet words and promises. She was a tough-asnails cowgirl and wouldn’t be suckered into being anyone’s other woman. “Don’t pretend to care about me, Clayton Roberts. And I’m quite capable riding bareback.”

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“Why wouldn’t I care about you? Did I do something wrong?” He slipped off his horse and approached her. She backed away, afraid of being pulled into an erotic web only to become entangled. This so-called relationship had to be cut off clean. “Where would I even begin? I came to your place to discuss Landon’s sudden disappearance, which I full suspect you’re to blame. Then I find out you have another woman on the side, obviously much more serious than me since you’re begging her to move in with you, but have never even committed to me.” “Never committed? All I think about is you, darlin’.” She growled and plodded through the stream in her boots in search of the stallion. Men and their deception. They should all be rounded up and gelded. “Angel, get back here!” He followed her and then secured her arms, not letting her get to the other bank. “We need to talk. This is stupid.” “Ha!” She spun in his arms, and she punched his chest as best she could with her forearms trapped between them. “You’re a no-good alley cat, Clay. Just wait until I tell my brothers how you used me.” He began to laugh, still holding her against him. She could feel the water seeping into her leather boots, but it was only an afterthought. The nerve of him to laugh. Insult to injury as her mother always quoted. Now she understood exactly what it meant. She attempted to kick him, not holding back. But he was too quick and tried to pick her up like a sack of potatoes. She wouldn’t have it. She struggled and fought until they both landed flat out in the stream, soaked to the skin. “Look what you’ve gone and done, you crazy woman. You’ll pay for this.” He straddled her body as she lay in the few inches of chilly water, rocks jabbing into her shoulders. Clay had a feral quality about him now, his dark hair tousled, his white shirt clinging deliciously to his muscles. He reached down and ripped open her shirt and then destroyed her bra to free her breasts. His adrenaline

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rush from falling in the stream must have given him increased strength, and the nerve to use it. “I’m going to spank you so hard your ass will be red for a week. And you’ll love every minute of it.” He palmed both her breasts, and despite her best efforts, she enjoyed the roughness and warmth of his big hands. “You have no right!” “Damn straight I do, baby-doll. You’re mine. And these tits are mine.” He squeezed her breasts for effect, sending an erotic current all the way to her clit. “Never doubt it.” She growled, splashing water as she tried to get out from under him. “Is that why you drove Landon away, because you don’t like to share?” “I know nothing about that. Last time we spoke he was pissed I wouldn’t shut down my business. It’s not possible, Angel, and he won’t listen to reason.” “It had to be you. And I have even mentioned the little slut at your ranch. Everything’s coming out in the open now. Too bad I have to find out myself because you’re not cowboy enough to be honest.” He stood up, his Wranglers soaked through. She couldn’t help but notice that thick cock straining behind the zipper. “You’re too much.” Clay dragged her out of the water onto the soft bank. He unfastened her jeans and tugged them off despite her protests. Once fully naked she made a break for it, but he caught her around the waist in his ironlike arms. “Time for your spanking.” He knelt down, one booted leg bent up to be used as a sawhorse for her to lie over. As soon as he brought her down over his leg, he smacked her ass, hard. The sound was wet and solid. She was freezing, close to shivering after being wet and centered under the shade of a great oak. His hand was warm and the spank started an inner fire which heated from the inside. “I’m not yours to spank,” she said, realizing how dumb she sounded. He shouldn’t be getting any pleasure from her when he had

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another woman. She wanted to hate his ministrations, but she was already lost—lost in love to the hardcore cowboy. “She’s my sister, Angel. Not my lover, not my girlfriend, my flesh-and-blood sister.” He spanked her several more times, making her pussy swell, while her mind tried to process what he’d said. “I’d never stray on you.” Spank! “I made a promise to be true to you and never leave you.” Spank! “I mean what I say.” Spank, spank, spank! “Let me up,” she cried. Her ass was throbbing, every cell in her body aroused, but more than anything she wanted to see his face, witness his sincerity or deception for herself. He released his leg, dropping down into a sit. She straddled one of his legs, the moist, coarse denim stimulating her pussy. He cupped her face and kissed her, but she broke apart before it deepened. “Kiss me, darlin’.” “Is it true? That girl from the office, the one at your house—she’s your sister?” “She lives in town above the hardware store. I’d rather her move into one of the empty rooms at the ranch, but she won’t hear of it.” “That’s good for you,” she said, revealing the full threat in her tone. “I don’t share my men with any woman.” He rolled them over until he dominated. “Is that so?” Clay began to tickle her sides until her scowl smoothed and the laughter began to bubble up. He wouldn’t let up. The tickle torture was much worse than the spanks. “Stop!” she managed to squeal. He was laughing nearly as hard as her, except her sides were aching. Clay brushed the hair off her forehead, the weight of his body suspended over hers. The following kiss was sweet, different than all the others. They’d crossed a barrier into a new realm of trust and affection, one she never expected to be able to lower. The whole world seemed to slow down, as if a droplet of water would take a year to reach the ground. It was her and Clay, and

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nothing else mattered. His kiss was soft and tender, possessive and thorough. “You’re shivering, sweetheart. I wanna get you home before you catch your death of cold.” He helped her to her feet and pulled her close, exhaling when he held her as if her presence soothed him as much as his did her. “I’ll boil up some milk and get you in a warm bath.” It felt refreshing to be taking care of. She painstakingly got her wet jeans on over her sore ass, and tied her shirt at the front once she’d gotten it on, since Clay tore all the buttons off. They rode together on the gelding until she spotted the stallion grazing in the distance. She insisted they nab him while they could. Despite Clay’s protest, he assisted her by holding the horse steady while she mounted him. “I’ll beat you back to your ranch,” she said before jabbing her heels in quick. Her stallion could outrun Clay’s gelding any day of the week. The wind made her shiver more as she crossed the prairies. It would be dinnertime soon, but she could wait until Clay bathed and took care of her. In fact, she couldn’t wait. Angel sensed the horse’s brief hesitation before it tripped and threw her. She’d been riding so fast, not realizing how foolish it was to race bareback on unknown fields. She knew better than that. Her brothers forever scolded her for riding her old mare without a saddle on their familiar property. She had so many thoughts as she flew through the air. Seconds seemed like hours. Would the horse be all right? Would Clay blame himself if she died? Would she see her brother Chase’s child born? Then she hit the ground, stealing her air. Instantly, she knew at least one bone was broken. The impact nearly knocked her out, leaving her bruised and dizzy. Before she even came to a full stop, Clay was over her, trying to get her attention. “Angel, baby, speak to me!”

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Chapter Sixteen She was partially on her side, her tiny body covered in dirt. When Clay tried to roll her to her back, she moaned, the sound startling him. He’d never heard such a vulnerable cry in his life, and it was coming from his woman. “Am I alive?” “Of course you’re alive. What would I do without you?” “Are you mad at me?” He couldn’t help but smile even in the perilous situation. She was sweet innocence, and he wanted to take away all her pain. “I will be but not right now. I have to get you to the ranch, but it’s still another mile out.” “Landon. He always helps me.” Her eyes were glazed over, slightly rolling out of focus. “Darlin’, Landon’s gone. Remember? I have no choice but to call your brothers.” The Lord knew he didn’t want to call the Garners and tell them to help him scoop their baby sister off the fields. He knew how they’d feel getting that phone call because he had the same fears about Kayla. “No…” She drifted off to sleep, and if his memory served him well, accident victims should never be allowed to fall asleep in fear of never waking again. They said such things when he traveled the circuit. Cowboys were forever passing out in the ring, and the number-one priority was getting them back into consciousness. He was no doctor, but he wouldn’t lose Angel. Clay felt desperate and alone. With no cell phone on him, no vehicle, and only two horses, he worried about how he’d get help for Angel. He couldn’t very well

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leave her out here alone. She’d be scared, alone, in pain—or worse— fall asleep with no one to rouse her. “Wake up, Angel!” He gave her shoulder a mild jostle, scared any one of her bones could be bruised or broken. Then he tapped her face with his palm until she peeked up at him. “I don’t feel so good.” Right now he’d give anything to get his feisty, albeit mouthy, cowgirl back. He didn’t like seeing her broken, lacking her usual fire. If he could take her place, he would. He was strong, not afraid of an injury. “This may hurt, sweetheart, but I have little choice.” His ranch was about a mile out. He could see the silhouette of the house and barn in the distance. “I’ll be carrying you the rest of the way.” She gasped when he scooped her up, but he could tell she held back a hell of a lot more pain. Her pride or foolishness would aid her in being strong until he could get her home. His own comfort wasn’t even a passing thought. His arms and legs could burn, but he’d carry her the distance as smoothly as possible. The tireless walk finally came to an end. As soon as he got to his ranch he was ready to collapse. He trudged up the three steps to the porch, wrestled to open the door, and then kicked it open. Kayla had taken his truck so he couldn’t even rush Angel to the county hospital. He carefully laid her on the sofa and then pulled off her boots. “I need to get your wet clothes off and check for injuries, okay, baby-doll?” She nodded slowly, her face grimacing with pain. “First I’m calling your brothers. Lay still and don’t move.” He went to the phone in the kitchen and called Kayla. She had all the ranchers’ phone numbers on file at the office. “Roberts Distribution.” “Kayla, darlin’, it’s me. There’s been an accident.” “Oh my God, what happened, Clay? Are you okay?” He didn’t have time to explain. “I’m fine, but I need the Garners’ phone number. Can you get me that?”

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“I can, but Grant and Matthew are standing right here. Did you want to talk with one of them?” This was good news. They’d be able to get to his ranch quickly from the office. “Pass me Grant.” A moment later, a masculine voice came on. “This Clayton?” “Grant, I have bad news but I need you to stay calm.” “This have something to do with our contract? Has our little sister been causing trouble for you again?” He took a deep breath, exhaled, and then continued. “You need to come to my ranch right away. Angel’s hurt bad.” “Angel? What the fuck happened to her?” “She took a spill off her stallion.” He paused before continuing. “She was moving in a full gallop.” He barely made out another curse when the phone went dead. They’d be at his ranch in a fraction of the time it’d take any normal man. Clay returned to the sofa. Angel looked like a sleeping beauty, her long blonde hair spilling over the side of his brown tweed sofa. But he had to keep her awake. He began to strip her of her clothes which roused her. “No, Clay. I’m so cold.” Angel’s skin was clammy and ashen. He grabbed the crocheted blanket off the chair by the fire and covered her body, tucking it in at the sides to keep in her warmth. “Your brothers are coming, darlin’. You hold on tight for me.” As he waited, he kept himself busy starting a fire to stave off the chill in the air. He crouched down, watching the flames leap and grow. He’d lived a full life. Angel was just starting out, a lovely young cowgirl full of potential. He said a small prayer. If God had to take someone tonight, he asked it be him, not his earthbound Angel. **** Landon was in the supply room when he heard his name called. “Your mom,” yelled one of the crew. He’d only been gone a few days

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and already she must be missing him. Even at his age, he’d never been away from home. There didn’t seem a point when he had no woman of his own, and money was tight for everyone. The truth was he’d give anything to be back on the prairies working the land, caring for livestock, and seeing his family and friends on a daily basis—and Angel. She consumed his thoughts, even at work when he needed to keep his wits. But it wasn’t meant to be for them. Clay could provide for her, give her the life she deserved. Landon would only be a disappointment and embarrassment. He reached the main office. The news he received shattered the barely formed barrier over his heart. Angel was thrown from that fucking stallion. He’d always warned her not to mess with untamed horses, but she never listened. Why had he just left without saying a word, a good-bye? She didn’t even have a way to contact him, which was why his mother had to call him to tell him the news. He had an epiphany as he stood there in the sterile office with the phone receiver still in his hand long after his conversation was finished. He’d been selfish. Selfish and prideful, both qualities he was raised to avoid. It was time for him to be a man and do what was right. He’d take Clay’s offer and work for him. If it meant living with Angel in the town he grew up in, then so be it. **** Angel was prodded back to consciousness when all she wanted to do was have a good night’s sleep. Her body was exhausted physically and mentally. When she cracked open her eyes, she saw the familiar face of her momma, and peace instantly settled through her. “Good Lord, Angel. You gave me quite the scare.” She stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. “Matthew Garner, you get yourself on the phone this instant and tell Doctor Hunt to get himself down here

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immediately. This child has a broken wrist that needs tending. Grant, put some water to boil and fetch me some bay leaves.” Angel knew she was in good hands with her mother. Town folk often came to her for mending, uncomfortable with the hospital scene. She’d always said there wasn’t much you could do at a doctor’s office that you couldn’t take care of at home. She saw Clay standing in the distance, watching her. Angel reached out her good hand, beckoning him closer. “Clay…” He sat down on the wooden coffee table near the sofa and leaned over his knees, accessing her. “How you feeling?” “Like I was run over by a stampeding herd.” She chuckled but stopped herself when her ribs hurt. “Ah, ah. None of that now. You need rest and plenty of it.” Her mother turned her attention to Clay. “How on earth you let a young girl ride that crazed animal, I’ll never know.” “Actually, it’s hers. And I had no say in the matter. Angel tends to do as she pleases.” “How’d you afford a purebred like that, Angel? Did you use all the money Chase gave you already? You were supposed to be saving that for your future, not some no-good horse.” Angel wanted to come clean. Her mind needed mending just as her body did, and the only cure was coming clean to her family about Clay. “Clay gave him to me. No charge.” Her mother scowled, and she could practically hear her thoughts. “What she have to do for that?” asked Matthew, arms crossed over his chest as he returned to the room. “Shut up, Matt. He gave it to me because—” How could she phrase this? “I love him. And he loves me.” “Since when?” Matthew didn’t appear convinced. She had hid everything from them fairly well, and the relationship was a budding one. Her brothers probably never expected this day to happen. She was a tomboy, forever slamming any advances from men. The shift in her focus surprised even her.

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She attempted to sit up a bit, but all her muscles were sore from the shock. Her mother was quick to press her back down on the cushions. Clay manned up, speaking for her when she was at a loss for words. “We meant to tell you, but just not yet, not until we made more concrete plans. I realize Angel’s younger than me, but I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make her happy and provide for her.” He looked so handsome in his vulnerable state, so uncharacteristic for him, his broad shoulders hunched over as he leaned over his knees. Her mother had a way of inspiring fear into even the roughest, toughest cowboys. But with a husband and three sons, she had to be hard hitting. Angel didn’t care about age or status or even following the norm. Love was love and that’s all that mattered to her. Her heart still ached for Landon. She was sure he cared about her. If he’d taken off because he didn’t have land and a business like Clay, she’d throttle him. He should know she wasn’t impressed by silver buckles and shiny new Fords. Her brothers moaned and complained to each other, grumbling about their baby sister and her foolish choices. She ignored them until her mother finally kicked them out of the house, along with Clay, so she could tend Angel’s wounds with her homemade herbal remedy for swelling and bruising. “They’re gone now. I expect you to speak the truth, young lady. Do you love him?” “I do,” she said. It had been less than two weeks, but she just knew. It was a gut feeling, a sense of completion, when she had Landon and Clay together. Clay made her feel special, whole. He understood her past and cared about her future. What more could she ask for? Even the sex was hotter than hot. Her mother covered her back up when she’d finished treating her. All she needed now was a cast for her broken wrist. She had it propped up on a pillow and dare not move it a millimeter due to the

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pain. “Angel Garner. We’ve babied you long enough. Some days I forget you’re about to turn twenty-three. I’ll forever see you as a tenyear-old trying to keep up with your brothers. I want you to be happy. If you think this man can give you everything you deserve out of life, then don’t let him go.” Then she added, “But if he ever touches you in anger or raises his voice in a threatening manner…Well, you best not forget your brothers are just a phone call away.”

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Chapter Seventeen Five days after the accident, and Angel was resting on the same sofa. It was twilight, the living room flooded with warm reds and oranges. She’d gone home for a couple days but returned to the Roberts ranch as soon as she felt well enough. The only lasting damage was her fractured wrist, which was secured in a small, white plaster cast. Clay had just helped her shower, washing her hair, lathering her body. She could see the lust in his eyes and the bulge at his crotch, but he never crossed the line from caregiver to sexual aggressor. Angel was starting to wonder how long he planned to wait. Her pussy was feeling the burn, getting needier and needier by the day. Clay was lounging back in his chair by the fire, his feet up on the coffee table, wearing just his jeans. It should be outlawed for him to go shirtless if he had no intentions of pleasing her. He was too damn good to look at. Now that her injuries were healing, her main focus was her ever-rising libido. There was a loud knock at the door. Clay brought his legs down and frowned. “Who’d be paying a visit at his hour?” He went to open the door. From her spot on the sofa she was able to see the visitor. It was Landon. Her heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to stay neutral. He’d only disappoint her again. After all this time he just showed up? She could have been dead from her fall for all he knew. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t the elusive Landon Wilder. I don’t know if I should let you in or knock your lights out for breaking Angel’s heart.” Clay had his arms crossed, blocking the doorway with his body.

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“Let me see her, will ya? I’ve been driving all day to get here.” Clay stepped aside and then closed the door when Landon entered. He rushed over to Angel and dropped to his knees by the head of the sofa. “Why you here, Landon?” “I swear to God I came as fast as I can. They wouldn’t let me leave the job site until I finished by week. I tried. Damn it, I tried.” He lowered his head. “All I’ve been thinking about is you, Angel. You consume my thoughts. I was a fool to run off like I did.” “I thought maybe you had a change of heart.” “Are you kidding? You’re my girl. Finding out you got hurt was a wake-up call for me. I won’t make the same mistake again if you take me back.” He pulled her good hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Please, baby.” Landon looked tired, defeated. His shaggy blond hair was more unkempt than usual, more than a day’s worth of stubble on his face, and the blue ocean in his eyes washed out. Had he let himself go due to her? Was this really all a horrible misunderstanding between lovers? There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted him back. She’d been secretly pining for him but wouldn’t show it in front of Clay. But she sure as heck wouldn’t make it easy for him. “Why should I bare my heart to you just to have it trampled on again? If you can’t make peace with Clay, it’ll be a vicious cycle that replays itself.” She turned to Clay. “I hope the two of you can find a way to make things work with the business, because I won’t live like cats and dogs.” Clay winked at her. “Don’t you worry yourself about anything but getting better. We’ll talk about this like men and get it all cleared away.” Landon smelled like the fresh outdoors, his plaid jacket was still cool, not yet warmed by the fire. Having both her men in the same room made her needs bubble to the surface. She’d already been battling her desperation for Clay to give in and fuck her, but now that Landon had arrived, she needed some relief.

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“If you both care about me so much, you should consider my needs.” “What needs, baby-doll. Name it and it’s yours,” said Clay. She bit her lower lip, letting it slowly slide out of her bite. “My body’s all hot and tingly. You can’t expect me to have two gorgeous cowboys in the room and not get aroused.” Landon smirked. “You think I’m gorgeous?” She swatted him. He’d always be her best friend, but now she’d have the best of both worlds. “Clay’s been torturing me, walking around half naked, doing push-ups by the fire while all I can do is watch.” Clay found amusement in her words now, too. He sat on the coffee table close to the sofa. “I was afraid to hurt you. That wasn’t a little fall.” He leaned forward and ran the pad of this thumb over her moist lips. “Tell me what you want.” Angel closed her eyes and savored his touch. “I want you both to make love to me, to stop treating me like an invalid.” “You’ve got a broken wrist,” said Landon. “We could hurt you.” She would not lose this battle. Their reluctance to hop in the sack with her only made her pussy pulse stronger. Big, strong cowboys with raging libidos refusing her because they loved her more than satisfying their urges? It was unheard of. But she wanted them all the more because of it. “Don’t you dare refuse me, Landon. You’ve been gone for over a week without a word.” “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt if I ate your pussy. You could just lay still with your legs open.” Her folds were soaked, her skin crawling with need. “Yes,” she managed to say. It was a start, and she knew they wouldn’t deny her once things began heating up. “I just washed her myself,” said Clay. “Her little pussy is sparkling clean.”

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“No matter, I’d eat her anyways.” Landon got to his feet and shrugged off his padded jacket and then pulled the quilt off her body. She was only wearing her panties and one of Clay’s old T-shirts. “Good Lord, look at the size of that bruise!” Her hip and upper leg were nearly black, but it honestly looked worse than it felt. She’d taken the brunt of the fall on her side, but it was her wrist that broke. “I’m fine.” Angel parted her legs to pull his attention to her swollen cunt. Her panties were nearly soaked through from arousal. Landon carefully slipped her panties down her legs and pushed her T-shirt up past her breasts. He growled as his eyes roamed over her nudity. She turned to look at Clay. He was already unbuckling his belt, watching intently. “What happens if her blood pressure rises too high?” asked Landon as he caressed her inner thighs. Clay shrugged. “Guess we’ll find out.” “It’s a mild fracture in my wrist. It has nothing to do with my pussy.” She reached between her legs and touched her clit. Just the contact made her gasp. What would Landon’s warm tongue feel like? She was afire with anticipation. “Give her a lick and see what happens.” Clay massaged behind his neck, all those toned muscles moving and shifting deliciously. Landon didn’t disagree. He spread her thighs tenderly and lowered his blond head between her legs. He did just as Clay suggested—one long, firm swipe of his flattened touch up the length of her folds. “How’s that?” he asked. “More.” She’d gotten a taste and was desperate to come, to feel that blinding rush of power explode from within her. Angel was too damn pent up, and it was getting uncomfortable. “Yes, ma’am.” Landon stripped off his shirt and settled in comfortably. His skin against hers sizzled. She felt his hot breath first. When his mouth lowered over her clit, so warm and moist, she felt a calming effect flood her veins. She sunk into the sofa cushions and

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closed her eyes. This was heaven, and exactly what she’d been missing. He was so skilled with his tongue, using just the right amount of speed and pressure to bring her quickly to a peak without making her feel too overwhelmed. She savored his suckling, the way his tongue delved in her cunt, and teeth gently nipped her labia. With all her needs put on hold, she came to a precipice within minutes, the rush of energy travelling at lightning speed through her body until all that heat collected in her pussy. “Landon! Oh my God,” she chanted. It was there on the cusp. She wanted to jump over the edge as much as she wanted to savor the ecstasy of that preorgasmic zone. He didn’t give her a choice. Landon picked up the speed, and it only took a few more tugs from his lips to pull her orgasm free. She called out, a deep throaty sound. He continued to clamp his mouth over her as she rode out her contractions. Her hips were off the sofa, his arms curled around her thighs. When the rush settled, she grabbed a lock of Landon’s hair and pulled up. “No more,” she panted. “You’re still alive,” said Clay. “Now we know you won’t break.” His words were a mix of warning and teasing. What plans was he hatching behind those dark, wicked eyes? “My dick’s never been harder. I’m likely to break her,” said Landon, sitting on the sofa with one of her legs bent up, the other over his lap. “She’s tough. Look at the fall those hips endured. Angel can certainly take a hard fucking.” Clay passed Landon some items out of her sight. Landon was smiling, as if he and Clay shared some secret between them. He played with her pussy, trailing his finger along her slit. “Pretty and pink.” He licked the moisture from his finger and then penetrated her cunt with the same one. Even the small intrusion made her sigh and rock her hips. She really needed to be filled before she was fully sated.

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Then she heard that familiar sound of lube being applied to something. When she tried to hoist her upper body up to see, Clay pressed her back down. “Darlin’, it’s been a while since we’ve both had you. You have to be prepared again.” “You’re gonna stick something in my ass, aren’t you?” Landon held up the lubed phallus. It wasn’t a butt plug this time, but a full-sized red silicone cock. “It’s not too hard, so it should glide right in once we pass that tight little entrance of yours.” She was a bit apprehensive of having that fake cock shoved up her ass, but she was so horny that she couldn’t say no. Clay knelt near her head and cupped her breast before sucking her nipple and areola into his mouth. As soon as she exhaled from the rush of pleasure, Landon made his move. She felt the burning pressure as he forced the semifirm head of the toy into her nether hole. Angel knew not to clench down. She focused on Clay’s mouth on her tit, the coarseness of his cheek against her delicate, pale skin. They smelled, sounded, and felt like men without her needing to open her eyes. She savored their domination of her body as she lay back taking it all in. “Come watch this,” said Landon once he’d passed that unforgiving anal ring. He stopped for her to adjust, but today she didn’t need much doting over, just sex. Clay rose to his feet and stood behind the other cowboy. Together they watched the red length disappear inside her ass. She felt it filling her up, going deep. “Beautiful sight,” said Clay. “Pull it out halfway, then push it back in.” Landon did as he said. The friction sent her nerves racing. “Again.” She gripped the edge of the cushion, her nails digging deep. He fucked her with the dildo, over and over. Her pussy juices were trailing down to further coat the invading member. She didn’t want to come again, not until Clay and Landon shared her body. This cold, lifeless toy could never compare to their hot, hard dicks. “Do you like that, darlin’?” asked Clay. She shook her head, her mind already drifting into the realm where sex was the meaning of life. The flames in the fire leaped and

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danced, crackling, adding to the intimacy of the night. She shifted her gaze from the fire to Clay’s face. The red reflected in his dark eyes, a devil ready to ravage her body. She wanted to be taken, to be fucked and claimed by her men. “I want the real thing.” “You sure? That would jostle your body an awful lot, Angel.” “Landon, I wouldn’t ask for it if I couldn’t take it. Now, both of you, lose your pants.” They both hurried to kick off their jeans as she lay unattended with the dildo partially in her ass. When she saw the real deal, the set of hard, erect cocks, a wave of desire washed over her. Their bodies were tall, strong, and all male. She wanted them in her, on her, surrounding her with all those muscles. “We’ll do this a little different tonight. It’ll be easier for you.” Landon sat on the sofa, his erection bobbing for a moment after he sat. Clay slipped the toy out of her, tossing it on the floor. Then he carefully helped her to her feet, cautious of her broken wrist. “Now, you’re going to sit back on Landon’s lap, and he’ll guide his cock right into your ass. It’s already stretched and ready, so nothing to fret about.” It sounded so naughty to sit on Landon’s cock, but she did without question. He was hard, a rigid length of solid manhood buried to the hilt in her anus. She wiggled about, craving more stimulation. The dusting of hair on his thighs tickled her. “Angel, stop that squirming. You’ll make me come before Clay joins us.” She couldn’t help but giggle. Landon cocked an eyebrow. “How about you put that mouth to good use, baby-doll.” He held out his dark cock. “Suck me for a spell. It’ll give him a chance to ride you.” Angel leaned forward and wrapped her lips around his broad head. She supported herself on his thigh with her good hand and sucked his beautiful cock. Landon’s hands secured on her hips, avoiding her bigger bruises. He fucked her in short, fast jerks, lifting her and dropping her over his erection. It did wild things to her clit as she bounced up and down under his guidance.

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“That’s more than enough. I want to spill inside your hot little cunt.” Clay dropped off them, supporting himself on the back of the sofa. Angel leaned against Clay’s chest, his cock bending inside her. The second penis fought for entrance. She was already filled in the ass, and the new position made things even tighter. “Fuck me,” she encouraged. Just like coaxing a horse to move, her cowboy responded by thrusting his hips hard enough to forge his way into her pussy. The ache was instantly sated, but new desires emerged, demanding a new release. The double stimulation didn’t stop there. Landon toyed with her nipples, massaging them in torturous circles as Clay thrust into her pussy with the stamina of a horny bull. She loved the fullness, the bonding, and the kinkiness of having both cowboys enter her at once. Nothing could compare. “Sorry, darlin’. I can’t hold back much longer. Be a good girl and come for me. I want to feel you milking my cock with your tight little cunt.” Angel was close but not sure just how long it would take her to comply…until he began demanding. “Come for me, Angel! Come!” His voice was gravelly and commanding, a man on the edge. Her body responded, firing off faulty signals until it finally passed the point of no return. “Oh my God,” she called out. It was so perfect, her ass and pussy so comfortably snug, clamped down and throbbed. She could feel the outline of those two cocks as she pulsed around them, bringing them to their own release. She’d survived her first postaccident fuck. Now it was time to consider the reality of their situation. As much as she savored the erotic escape, their relationship wasn’t just based on sex. She loved her men and wanted to be sure their future was secure. Angel wouldn’t be able to handle Landon running off again because he had a spat with Clay. Their love had to be unconditional and irrevocable.

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Chapter Eighteen Kayla leaned against the main desk in the office. “So what do you plan to do?” “I don’t know. It seems every choice makes me look like an asshole. I don’t want to be Landon’s boss. It doesn’t feel right with both of us sharing Angel.” “He’s the not the type to take handouts. In fact, all the cowboys in this town seem hell-bent on keeping some silent code of honor. I overpaid Grant Garner by fifty dollars, and he drove all the way out here and insisted I take it back.” Clay had to find an answer. The clock was ticking, pressuring him to come up with something brilliant before the expected fights started creeping up in the house. Relationship dynamics were thrown out the window with two dominant men under the same roof. They both needed a sense of power for things to work out long term. Clay was a reasonable man. He’d been at the shitty end of the payroll, even though he was now at the top of his game. Business now took a backburner since he’d found a woman to devote his life to. But the demands would continue to haunt him, especially since his sister didn’t even want to work for him long term. Finding honest, reliable help was not an easy task. “I think I have an idea,” he said, his mind suddenly flooding with possibilities. “What?” “I’ve gotta go. I’ll tell you later. Promise.” He bound out of the office and hopped in his pickup truck with new optimism. It was so perfect he couldn’t believe he hadn’t thought of it before.

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**** Landon was busy at work, mending the perimeter fence. There was so much to do on the Roberts ranch that he’d be kept busy for a lifetime. But she knew Landon hated idle hands, forever pushing himself from sunup until sundown. The work ethic had been raised into them from when they were knee high. Despite his complaints, he didn’t deny her the right to ride her mare. The stallion was off-limits until thoroughly trained, and her cast was off. She trotted around the paddock, watching Landon and enjoying being outdoors in the fresh country air she loved. When Clay’s truck pulled up, her heart leapt. He wasn’t supposed to be home until later. She slip off her horse and ran to meet him. “Darlin’, you’re supposed to be taking it easy.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Stop babying me. I’m perfectly fine.” Angel kissed his chin and then his thick lips. He smiled down at her. “How is it that just a kiss from you can make my dick hard?” She shrugged and tugged him along behind her. “Landon’s been mending the fence all morning. Looks good, doesn’t it?” “Very. That’s a smart move, too.” Landon stood up and slipped his pliers into his tool belt. He wiped the sweat from his brow and waited for whatever Clay was going to say next. “I’ve been thinking. This is a vast property. It’s seems a shame to have it all go unused. You know about farming. Would this be a good setup for raising cattle?” Landon’s interest was piqued. He cupped a hand over his eyes and scanned the horizon. “The last owner had cattle. It’s the perfect location. You have the barns, the land, the fencing—everything to get started.”

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“Shame. I only know about riding broncs and hogtying calves. Raising cattle is not my forte. Now, if you’d be willing to partner up with me, I don’t see why we couldn’t get a herd started as soon as possible. I have connections through the business, too.” Angel felt emotions rise up inside her, making her eyes mist. Clay was such an honorable cowboy, giving Landon his dignity and also establishing a future for them all. She was pretty sure her best friend knew what Clay was up to, but appreciated the gesture none the less. “Tell him, Angel. What’s been my dream since before I can remember?” “Having your own place, raising your own cattle.” She could barely say the words. She loved Landon so much, and to see him get his dream after so much hard work and rough times made her heart ache. “Then it’s settled!” Clay clapped his hands once in a joyous celebration, and then shook hands across the fence with Landon. “Once things get established, I’ll be able to help out my folks.” He never complained to Clay about his parents’ business folding anymore. But she knew there was a hint of resentment there, even though he understood the logic in Clay’s actions. “That’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about. Your parents are good people, honest and hardworking. I swear they know the people around here and the business twice as well as I ever could at my age. I was planning to run things on my own with the help of my sister, Kayla. But, as you know, things rarely go according to plan. I never took into account that my sister would hate working as my store manager, and I certainly never expected to fall in love. At my age I was ready to call it quits, but now I want to spend my free time at home, not the office.” “So what’re you saying?” “I propose your parents help run the new distribution center with me. They can run the town center just as they did before. That way I can spend more time at home with our woman and new cattle

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business. They won’t have to worry about finances. I’ll pay them a monthly wage that’ll no doubt be more than they cleared before I came into town.” “My parents mean the world to me, Clay. You know that. Don’t be offering something that you aren’t sure about.” Clay stretched his arms above his head lazily. “I have no parents of my own. I suppose yours will be the closest thing I have now.” Angel loved the new plan. She’d have Clay home more often and wouldn’t have to worry about Landon feeling like he wasn’t needed. Running a cattle ranch was no easy task. She should know for all the work she did with her brothers at home. The work was never done. Clay lifted her up on the wooden fence between him and Landon. They all kept in reflective silence, but there was no tension. “Can I ride my stallion?” she asked Clay, breaking the hush. “Are you mad, woman? You’re not going near him. Did you tell her she could ride that horse?” “Course not! She’s playing us off each other. When one doesn’t give her what she wants, she sidles up to the other.” Clay palmed her breasts, testing their weight behind the tight, white tank top she wore. “She definitely needs to be punished. Hogtied, no doubt.” “But my injury.” Landon kissed her bare arm from behind. “You said yourself you’re perfectly fine. You can’t have it both ways, Angel.” She’d deny them until they took what they wanted. Angel loved it when her men dominated her as a team—working together to love her, please her, fuck her. Although she’d been through a rough streak the past several years, it was time for her to take back her life. She’d still be herself, of course, just without the toughened skin. But if anyone tried to mess with her men, or question their ménage relationship, they’d learn in a hurry that even an angel could raise a little hellfire.

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THE END WWW.STACEYESPINO.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stacey Espino resides in beautiful Ontario, Canada where she is busy raising her five school-aged children. She loves being a Canadian but could do without the brutal winters. She enjoys writing erotic romance that will have you squirming in your seat. From hardcore cowboys to alpha shifters, she has you covered! Stacey also writes alternative M/M romance as Winona Wilder.

Also by Stacey Espino Ménage Amour: Ride ‘em Hard 1: Hardcore Cowboys Ménage Amour: Ride ‘em Hard 2: Corralling the City Girl

For all other titles, please visit www.bookstrand.com/stacey-espino For titles by Stacey Espino writing as Winona Wilder, please visit www.bookstrand.com/winona-wilder

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