by Reece Butler
It was time to go to work at the hotel. She closed and barred the front doors, her mind buzzing. And what about Oz? His tightly braided lariats and whips were highly valued. Such work required excellent finger dexterity, which was almost as good as a busy tongue. The swashbuckling flirt with curly red hair had made it clear he was not interested in marriage.
He might be the perfect choice to ease her throbbing pussy.
Chapter Three
“Nothing and no one will stop me from opening my bakery!”
“Sarah, I agree with you,” replied Sophie. “But the Jennets will do everything they can to shut you down.”
“I bought that empty building for a good bit of gold. I spent more getting a stove almost as good as yours. Ben said Jennet was happy a bakery was going in beside his bank.”
“You may have paid for the building, but you don’t own it. By law, Ben does.”
“Just because he signed the papers,” grumbled Sarah.
“You don’t have a father, brother, or adult male child to sign legal documents for you. The only reason I have this hotel is because my husband prepared a paper leaving it to me on his death. Even then, Jennet and Rivers did everything they could to force me to sell.”
“Luke said the only paper a woman could sign was a marriage register. As if I’d marry the egotistic, conceited…” She stopped before her mouth took over and added “arousing” to her list.
“The town council is led by men who believe a woman’s purpose in life is to serve their father, their husband, and then sons,” said Sophie. “You will lose the right to operate your bakery unless you marry.”
“But it won’t compete with you, or with the mercantile. My bakery will bring in business, which will help the other businesses. Why would having a husband change anything?” She spoke calmly although her stomach churned.
“Logic has nothing to do with this, Sarah. Men are threatened by the thought of an unmarried woman doing well. Wives are jealous that you have control of your life as a single woman, while they have to cater to their husband’s whims.”
Sarah could hold her temper no longer. She raised her voice, throwing her arms out as she stomped around the large kitchen. “You have your hotel, Nora Dawes has her millinery shop, even Mrs. Emslow has her boardinghouse! So why can’t I have a bakery?”
“We are widows. You’ve never been married. They think you’ll either entice men to stray, or will be encouraged to do so.”
Sarah slumped against the counter, shrinking into herself. “I don’t know what to do.”
“You can marry. That will satisfy the town council and—”
“Marry?” Furious terror erupted from deep inside, where the black hole of betrayal, shame, and despair lurked. “I bought the bakery to give me an income so I can be independent! The last thing I want is another man saying he loves me and will care for me, and then he…” She pressed her lips together, blinking furiously.
“And then he hurts you.” Sophie sighed, deep and long. “Whatever happened must have been horrid, but it was two weeks of your life. Don’t destroy the chance of happiness because of one selfish bully. Sheriff Chambers said most of Tierson’s victims killed themselves in shame after they were released. You’re stronger than that, and you have many people wanting to help you put it behind you.”
“I have put it behind me,” grumbled Sarah. “I bought a sturdy, unused building and turned it into a bakery. On Monday I will open my business and do very well. I will live there with Oliver, and visit with my friends, for the rest of my life.”
Sophie rolled her eyes. “A cat can’t fill the place of a husband.”
“Oliver doesn’t give me orders, beat me, or take everything that was mine before marriage, including my body.” Sarah closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly let it out. It was one of the things Rosa and Miss Lily had taught her to help her survive those first few days of terrifying freedom.
“Luke would never beat you,” said Sophie. “He prides himself on being a gentleman. Even if you pushed him past his limits, he would go icy calm instead of wild.”
“Perhaps, but it doesn’t matter.” Sarah forced a smile. “Oliver’s warm fur and purring are very comforting in the night.”
Sophie stood up. “Maybe someday you’ll learn just how comforting, and enjoyable, it is to have a loving man hold you on cold nights.” She broke into a saucy smile. “As for tickles, warmth, and purring, Amelia would be the one to know. Between Gillis’s beard and hair, he’s got the closest thing to fur. Even better, ask Beth how wonderful she finds sharing Trace, Simon, and Jack. I think she’s the one that ends up purring.”
Heat rose from Sarah’s chest to her face, making her ear tips burn. What would it be like to have one mouth on each breast and a tongue in her pussy? A tongue searching for her clit, or perhaps for a hidden cherry pit? She gulped.
She knew how wonderful a man’s touch could be. But that knowledge was her deep secret, one she could never share. No one could know she’d not been raped in that brothel. It was, in some ways, worse. The first man promised to free her if she cooperated. For three nights she learned to delight in a man’s touch on her body and to crave the release of orgasm.
And then he left, without her.
The next man beat her, branded her with his mark, and threatened to return to do worse if she didn’t cooperate. She decided she could fight and be repeatedly raped and beaten, or hold herself apart and give them what they wanted. She pretended to enjoy what they did, while saving herself for a better life.
She had that better life now, and would never again be betrayed by a man. That meant she must remain single, in control of her life and her destiny.
“Time for work,” said Sophie. “I hope you realize those hungry bachelors in the dining room will give you a dozen marriage proposals every week. After all, there’s three hundred men for every single woman in Montana Territory. You’re beautiful, so you’ll draw men like nectar draws bees.”
Being beautiful was what caused her uncle to send her on the Bride Train. It was what made Tierson want her, and then sell her. She leaned forward and let her heavy head thud onto the table. She groaned, more at what her friend said than the slight pain.
“Somehow I’ve got to make them know I’m not interested in a husband.” Sarah hauled herself to her feet again. She picked up a knife and began cutting the cooling pies into quarters. “I refuse to be like my mother, the property of a man, bound to him by law, and tossed aside for a mistress when he gets bored.”
Sophie tapped her chin and frowned. “We need to find a way to let the men think you already have a husband in mind. Someone to pretend to be sparking you, but who has no interest in marriage.” Her face cleared and she smiled. “What about Oscar Cutler, Luke’s other partner? I saw him standing in line with Jack Elliott. If he declares that you belong to him, that should stop the others.” She squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. “And let me know if anyone bothers you. I’d rather not kick out some of my best customers, but I will if they give you trouble.”
“Thanks, but I’m not afraid to fight back if a man touches me.” Sarah laughed. “Since I can’t attack Luke, I wouldn’t mind hitting another irritating man.”
Chapter Four
“After yesterday’s weddings, Luke’s even more determined to marry Sarah,” said Oz to Jack Elliott.
The two of them relaxed in their seats as they scanned the crowded dining room, looking for trouble. Because of his damn eye patch Oz had to turn his head to see past the right side of his nose. Wearing it made him twitchy for that reason, but he had to cover the ugly scars cutting through his right eyebrow and nicking his cheek.
“Does Luke think she’ll be so grateful he rescued her, that she’ll just fall into his arms?”
“You know Luke,” replied Oz. “Once he sets his mind on something he only sees what he wants to. The idiot figures Sarah will realize what a prize he is and agree to a wedding.”
Jack threw back his head
and laughed. The noise brought sharp looks from the unkempt miners fidgeting at the tables around them.
“It’s easy for you to laugh,” grumbled Oz once Jack finally shut up. “You’ve been sharing Beth with your brothers for two years. Nobody else in this room comes home to a welcoming woman.”
“If Luke wants Sarah so bad, why isn’t he here today, instead of you?”
“Gabe said Luke already had a run-in with Sarah this morning.” Oz smiled and leaned back in his chair. “So I get to make sure she’s safe during dinner. I’m hoping to have a word with her after. She was too busy yesterday.”
“Never seen three couples get hitched at once like that. It was kind of Judge Thatcher and Lily, and Doc and Rosa, to let Victoria and Jed borrow their preacher.”
Oz rubbed his stomach in agreement. “You think after all that food I wouldn’t be hungry. But something sure smells good.”
Jack nodded absently. He looked around the room, dropping his joking manner. “I didn’t just happen to stop by today. We’re all worried about Sarah facing a room full of strangers after everything that’s happened to her. Beth wanted to make sure she had at least one familiar face in the room.”
“Sarah was strong enough to laugh and dance at Christmas, and smile while she worked yesterday,” said Oz quietly. “I figure she can face down this crowd.” He gestured across the room with his chin. “We’ll take care of anyone who doesn’t mind his manners.”
A slight nod and the bargain was struck. Oz had spent long winter nights remembering dancing with Sarah, discovering a slender body under her modest clothes. By the way her eyes brightened and her cheeks pinked up that night, her experiences hadn’t destroyed her interest in men. That little catch in her voice when his hand “accidentally” brushed her nipple suggested she wanted more. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Jack noticed his grimace of pain and snickered. Oz wanted to take the smug look off Jack’s face by grinding it into the dirt.
Jack had what they wanted. As the last of his line, Luke was desperate for sons. Those dances with Sarah made Oz think she was the one for them. But they couldn’t convince the woman about anything unless they could talk with her. She was snowed in all winter, and too busy to talk yesterday. But once her bakery was open, they’d have a chance. Maybe he’d even get to talk with her today.
Oz looked up when someone came out of the kitchen, but it was only Nettie Crabbe with a tray of loaded plates. Eager for attention, she smiled and swung her hips. She got a few whistles but most men were so hungry they just wanted food. Once their stomachs were full they’d look for something more. Oz’s pulse picked up when a tiny woman in a dark dress and kerchief appeared with her own tray. He caught her eye, but she quickly turned away.
“Sarah blushed when she looked at you,” said Jack. He nudged Oz with his foot and smirked, his usual expression. “Care to tell me why?”
“Nope.”
Sarah swayed her hips, but not in the exaggerated way Nettie used. No, Sarah had a natural movement that was all woman. She wore a loose, ugly dress but had tied her apron snug enough to show the much-needed weight she’d gained since Christmas. Her hair had grown out some, as well. She emptied her tray and, at the last moment, turned her head toward Oz. Her eyes widened when she saw him still watching. She hurried into the kitchen.
“Hmm,” said Jack. “I’d say the woman was interested.”
Oz shrugged off the comment. He sat up as Nettie came toward them. She set down plates of stew, each with two biscuits on it. They nodded their thanks and dove in, ignoring her.
“Mmm, this is damn good,” said Oz.
After the first quick spoonfuls, he took his time, enjoying putting something decent in his mouth for a change. None of them liked to cook, and it showed. Sarah’s ability in the kitchen would be an added bonus. If, that is, they could convince her to marry into the Circle C.
He watched whenever she came into the room, but she wouldn’t look their way. The good news was that she kept her head up rather than scurrying in fear. Finally the two women brought out dessert. They put a quarter piece of pie on each plate, moving around the table to serve.
Sarah had emptied her tray and was almost at the kitchen when a grinning miner grabbed her skirt. Oz tensed, but she rapped the man hard on the knuckles with her serving tool. He yelped and released her. She raised her head high and hurried to the kitchen.
“She hit me!” The deep roar of outrage rang over the background rumble.
The furious man shoved his chair back and stood up. Oz was on his feet in a flash, Jack right behind. They each grabbed one arm to calm the man. Instead, he fought back.
“You’re banned from my hotel!” yelled Sophie over the crowd’s roar.
Oz and Jack hustled the squawking man outside. When he still didn’t stop fighting, they tossed him, still yelling, face-first into the mud. Oz laughed, feeling a bit more settled. If he couldn’t have sex, a good fight was second best, though this little dustup did nothing to soften his cock. They brushed off their hands and returned to the dining room.
“I like a woman who stands up for herself, even if she is a tiny bit of a thing,” said Oz as they settled into their chairs.
They finished their pie and coffee. Would Sarah come out of the kitchen to show she was well, or would she hide? He knew she had good reason to be fearful of men, but the fellow touching her wouldn’t. At least, he hoped the word hadn’t spread. Decent women were protected, but it didn’t necessarily hold for those who had been used, even if it was against their will.
“I think she’s almost as short as Jessie.” Jack smirked. “And you know my sister has more fire and fury than most men.”
“Unless one of her husbands gives her a look.”
Jack laughed. “That might calm her down in public, but I’m pretty sure who runs the Double Diamond, and it isn’t anyone over five foot one.”
“Just like Beth runs the Rocking E?”
Oz meant it as a joke but Jack looked away. He finally nodded.
“Beth is the heart of our home. Without her, we’re just three lonely brothers trying to make a living.” Jack winced. “Sorry, old man. I know that’s what you want as well.”
“I’ll never marry. I’d make a bad husband and worse father. Luke’s the one who wants sons to carry on his name. I refuse to pass down my father’s name, or anything else about him.”
When Oz decided to fight slavery, his pa said he was dead to them, and if he ever showed his face again, he’d make sure. Considering how often he got the hell beaten out of him, he was glad to go. He liked children, and would cherish a woman, but he was too afraid he’d be like his father. His mother never stood up to the brute, even to protect her little ones. But he couldn’t see Sarah allowing anyone to beat a child. Her fighting attitude was a big mark in her favor.
“Does the Circle C want Sarah just because she’s the only single, pretty woman within a day’s ride?” asked Jack, leaning forward to speak quietly. “Or is there more to it? Luke complained when Amelia and Florence arrived already married, and when Jessie got hitched to Ace. But he said nothing about Victoria marrying Jed yesterday. He kept his eyes on Sarah unless he was glaring to keep the unmarried men away from her.”
“Gabe said that when he picked Sarah up in that damn whorehouse, she smiled, sighed, and curled against his chest,” said Oz quietly. “I think one reason Gabe wants her is because she’s not scared of him. It means a lot that she trusted him to carry her, after whatever other men had done to her. Luke was shocked that she didn’t flinch when she looked him in the face. That grabbed his attention like nothing else.”
“What about you?”
Oz scratched at a chunk of mud on his sleeve.
“If this was the East, she’d never look at me or Gabe, even without this.” He waved his hand over the black patch covering his right eye. “Luke’s from a high-society family, so she might consider him, though that bayonet scar would turn most women away. Gabe’s been called an animal mor
e than once because of his size.” He shrugged. “We might not have a chance with her, but I like her spirit.”
“She certainly showed some when she whacked that miner,” said Jack with a grin. “But it’s been a long winter, and you’ve gone without for how long?”
Oz squirmed. His cock wouldn’t have been the only one that went hard the moment Sarah walked into the room. That bugged the hell out of him because, while he liked Sarah for herself, the others just wanted a woman. They’d be just as happy with one of the women working out of Baldy’s Saloon.
“That’s not a question a well-married man ought to ask a bachelor.”
Jack laughed when Oz shifted in his hard seat to find a comfortable position. There wasn’t one in tight pants with a hard cock, and Jack knew it.
“I’ve seen lots of pretty women,” said Oz. “Bedded a few of them before my eye was wrecked. But I never felt like this before.”
“And how is that, my friend?”
Oz licked his finger and picked up the last crumbs from his plate. The woman was a damn good cook, in addition to everything else.
“I want to protect her from harm and throw her naked on a bed, at the same time.”
“Sounds like what I feel for Beth.” Jack cocked an eyebrow. “You’d better state your intentions loud and clear, right now, because every man in this room wants her.”
“Luke and Gabe saw her first. They staked their claim when they rescued her. Everyone in town and the valley knows that.”
It bugged the hell out of him that he hadn’t been in on little Molly Sinclair’s rescue, when they also found Sarah. He wanted to help, but he only had one good eye. The plan needed just a few men, ones who could see perfectly at night. It burned his britches, but that was life. You take what you’re dealt and play the game the best you can. That was partly why he liked Sarah so much. She’d been dealt a raw deal but was still in the game. He couldn’t wait to see her go nose-to-chest with that damn banker over her bakery.
