RattlingtheCage
Page 12
“Smart boy. Think I can have it?”
The boy’s mouth curled up in one corner. “Gonna have to pay for it, mister.”
Lawson chuckled. “Fair enough. Name your price.”
The boy shrugged. “I dunno. A dollar?”
A smile spread across Lawson’s face. He reached into his jeans and pulled out his silver dollar. “This here is special, you hear? Don’t ever let anyone tell you different.”
He ran the coin along his knuckles, kissed it and flipped it with his thumb to land in the boy’s palm.
“Thanks, mister.” On tiptoes he reached up and placed the lighter in Lawson’s hand.
“Now, I want you to stay back. There’s going to be noise and a lot of smoke.”
“Yes, sir.”
Lawson put the truck into reverse.
Montana grabbed his arm. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“It’s perfect.”
“Jesus, Lawson.”
“Do you trust me?”
She stared into his eyes. “Yes. You know I do.”
He stopped the truck, jumped out and flipped open the lighter. A trail of flames burst to life.
Lawson ran back and hopped into the driver’s seat. “Now hang on.”
“Wait,” she cried.
“There’s no time.”
“I said wait!”
Montana rolled the window down and pulled the horseshoe necklace from around her neck. “It’s bad enough I have his blood. I sure as hell don’t need any fucking mementos.” She tossed the necklace into the flames.
“I’m ready. Let’s go.”
Lawson slammed the pedal to the floor. With each thunderous boom, the darkness inside him faded.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Excitement coursed through her. She’d never expected to leave Rattler City. Hoped for it. Dreamed about it. Wished for it. But never believed it.
At the far edge of town, Stan Flogelman raised his hand and stepped out to the road.
Lawson slowed beside him. “Hey, partner.”
“Looks like justice got served.”
“Hope this new start will be what the town needs,” said Lawson.
“I know it will. Jake would’ve loved this.”
“Wish he was here to see it.”
Stan attached a shiny silver star to his vest. “He’s here. He’s watching.”
“Bet you’re right.”
“You know you’re welcome here anytime. Wouldn’t be the same without a Cage visiting once in a while.”
“I’ll consider it.”
Stan ducked down and nodded at her. “Take care, Montana.”
“You too, Stan. I always knew you were a good guy.”
“Glad someone did. Even I’d forgotten.”
“You’ve got all kinds of time to make things right.”
“I sure do.”
Lawson tipped his hat. “Take care of this town.”
“I will. Bye now.”
They drove on, passed the sign that now read Leaving Cage Crossing.
She glanced at Lawson.
“I’m sorry your original plans didn’t work out.”
“I’m not. Things ended up better for it.”
He turned to look at her and flashed a dimpled smile.
“You paying attention to the road over there, Mr. Cage?”
“Trying to. Got distracted for a minute.”
“You’ve been distracted ever since you got into town.”
“That’s your fault.” Their eyes met and he snorted. “What am I going to do with you?”
She shifted her body toward him, her hand propped on the seatback. “You’re going to love me, Cage. Against your own stubborn will you’re going to love me. And the day you do, I’ll be beside you, naked, and spent from riding your cock raw all night.”
“There’s one small problem,” he said.
“What’s that?”
“I already love you. Didn’t you figure that out? There’s no way you’d be sitting in this truck if I didn’t.”
Her face and body heated. “Well I-I’d hoped. I didn’t know.” Her nose tingled and her eyes welled with tears.
“You made sure of it,” he said and pointed his finger at her. “The way you swing those hips. The sparkle in your eye when you bitch me out. The sweet way you taste. You set out to snare me and you damn well succeeded.”
Montana glanced at her nails. “Now I did not.”
“You did too. Look at me and tell me to my face that I’m wrong.”
“Well. You know, it’s a wonder I fell in love with you at all. With your big ego and stubborn ways. And especially after you almost killed me with those stray bullets.”
Lawson swerved and pulled the truck over. He turned, his face flush. “That was you I shot at? Jesus. I’m sorry.”
“Someday I’ll forgive you.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t stay away. Not knowing what I might do.”
Shivers raced up her back at the way his eyes smoldered.
She ran her fingers along his forearm. “Guess I’m attracted to danger.”
“Guess I’m attracted to trouble.” He rested his hand against her cheek and leaned in. His lips burned. It seemed forever since they’d kissed.
“You’re my light,” he murmured. “You guided me from the darkness.”
“You’re taking me away from mine.” She caught his lower lip and kissed him deep.
“We make a good pair.”
“Yes, we do.”
Lawson pulled back onto the road, his arm holding her close. “I’m yours. I hope you don’t regret it. I’m not the easiest guy to love.”
“Good. I hate easy.”
Montana snuggled against him, ready for whatever dangers and adventure lay ahead. Maybe she couldn’t tame the rattling cage within him, but she’d love him through every sunset and sunrise for the rest of her life.
About the Author
Erotic romance author Ann Cory invites you to sample her literary offerings in the hope of leaving you with an acquired taste for sophisticated reading.
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Ellora’s Cave Publishing
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Rattling the Cage
ISBN 9781419941320
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Rattling the Cage Copyright © 2012 Ann Cory
Edited by April Chapman
Cover art by Kendra Egert
Photos: Gert Hochmuth, Nataliya Piechniakova and Scorpp/Shutterstock.com
Electronic book publication August 2012
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