by KyAnn Waters
Marion walked up the stairs with a man following, his hand on her hip.
“I’m Cassie,” she said, handing him a tumbler of whiskey.
Train tipped his head back and drank greedily. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He could still see Marion on the stairs even though she had disappeared around the corner.
Cassie snuggled up next to Train on one of the small couches. “Are you new in town?”
“No, ma’am. Actually, I’m looking for my boss.”
“Oh,” she said as her lips drew into a pout. “I thought you were here to see me.” She clasped her hands in front, causing her already distended bosom to swell even further. When he didn’t respond, she said, “Fine, what does he look like.” Her shoulders visibly relaxed.
“TJ Bester.”
Her lips made a circle. “Oh,” she said as she raised her eyebrows. “He’d be with Sandy and…” she drawled. “I don’t know where they went off to. It’s a strict policy not to disturb Sandy when she’s entertaining.”
Train rolled his eyes. “Could you look around?” He smiled at her. “Please, for me?”
“I’d rather do something else for you.” She leaned in, her breast almost touching him, and kissed his cheek.
“I appreciate the offer, ma’am. But honestly, I didn’t come in tonight for the pleasure of your company. Perhaps another time?”
“Just let me know.” She slid off the couch and went toward the back of the building.
Train kept his eyes on the stairs. He wondered how long it took Marion to entertain. His stomach turned at the thought. He knew if he were taking her to bed, she wouldn’t be available to anyone ever again.
Men paraded up the stairs with a plethora of different girls. Eventually Cassie, too, went up, obviously forgetting that he waited for TJ. Deciding to have a look around for himself, he stood and walked toward the back of the building where he had seen Cassie go a few minutes before.
A short distance down the hall, he heard voices from behind a closed door. TJ’s laugh was unmistakable. Train knocked.
“Well, look who decided to mosey on in.” Sandy had a wide smile for Train as she stood with one hand on her hip and the other holding a drink. “Finally came to see one of my girls.”
“One in particular,” TJ said from behind her. He was lounging on a sofa built for two with his boots off and a drink in his hand.
“She’s indisposed at the moment,” Train said, plopping down in the chair next to TJ. “I can’t sit out there with everyone looking at me while I wait for her to finish with her business.”
Sandy’s throaty laugh filled the room. “You’re right,” she said looking at TJ. “He is suffering.”
Train looked from Sandy to TJ and glared. “I thought you appreciated privacy.”
TJ shrugged, and held his glass out to Sandy. Without delay, she refilled his drink. “We had a bet you couldn’t stay away from Marion. I won.”
Train groaned. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes but the image of Marion walking up the stairs remained burned into the back of his eyelids. “This was a mistake.” He stood abruptly and put his hat on.
TJ sat up. “Remember what you told me. You said it didn’t matter.”
Train thought of Marion upstairs in that room. “Maybe it does.”
“You better make damn sure because you can’t punish her for the rest of her life because of what she does today.”
“Wait a minute,” Sandy said with a piercing look at both of them. “We’re not talking about an evening of entertainment.”
“No.” TJ’s voice was stern. “He’s talking about a lot more than that.”
“Well, you can just forget about it. Even if Marion wanted out, she can’t leave. She has a contract with me.” She pointed her finger at TJ. “You know I love you, but I’m a business woman. Marion is an asset I’m not inclined to give away.”
TJ looked surprised. “Marion’s been with you a long time. Her contract’s been fulfilled ten times over.”
Sandy cocked her head to the side. “She signed a new one last week.”
“What?” Train sounded horrified.
“I’m getting old. Marion wants to make sure the girls still have this place once I’m gone. She bought in. She’s earning sweat equity.”
Train slammed the door as he left. His boots landed hard on the floor as he stomped down the hall. He’d almost made it outside when he heard her voice behind him.
“What are you doing here?” Marion stood on the bottom stair leading to the bedrooms.
“He’s here to see Mr. Bester,” Cassie said next to her. “Don’t bother with him, he doesn’t want company.” She looked sad, glancing at Train. “Damn shame isn’t it?”
Marion glared at Cassie. “Stay away from him,” she said under her breath. “He’s mine.”
Cassie looked like a cat about to eat the bowl of cream. “You know the rules. I saw him first. But I’m telling you, he’s not interested.”
“Obviously you didn’t get as far as his name.” Marion took Cassie by the wrist. “That’s Train.”
Cassie’s mouth fell open. A slow smile spread across her lips. “Well now, maybe you’ll quit being such a bitch. Appears as though he’s changed his mind.”
“I recognize the look, he’s mad. Do you know how long he’s been waiting?”
Cassie touched her shoulder. “A while.” Cassie went back upstairs.
Marion crossed the floor to Train. “Do you want to wipe the sour expression from your face and have a cup of coffee in the kitchen?” She pulled him away from the door and pushed it closed.
Train closed his eyes for a moment and let the bouquet of her powder fill his senses. Her long dark hair brushed against his arm as she moved around him. “Aren’t you supposed to ask me to go upstairs first? I just spoke to Sandy. She told me you have a debt to work off.”
“Great, I’m ready.” She splayed her arms wide. “But I doubt that’s why you’re here.”
“After I saw you with your last customer, you’re right, I’ll pass.”
“You can leave if you came to insult me.” She turned her back on him and walked away. He caught her by the arm and swung her around.
“I’m sorry. I’m angry and I want to take it out on you.”
“If you can be nice, I’ll get you a cup of coffee.”
He followed her to the kitchen. “It’s hot, not fresh,” she said, picking up the coffeepot.
“Why did you sign the contract, Marion? Was it because of me?”
It took her a moment to answer. “Partly, I suppose.” She sat across from him. “You once told me my secrets were safe with you. If I tell you what’s going on around here, you have to promise not to tell TJ. Sandy thinks he’ll try to interfere. She doesn’t want him involved now that he’s married. His name shouldn’t be linked to a brothel.”
She took a deep breath, blinked several times, and smiled. Train recognized stubbornness. He’d seen the same look numerous times at the ranch.
“Sandy’s not doing very well. The doctor has been coming by quite a bit. She’s told the girls it’s because he likes the service. He’s actually giving her injections to help with pain.” She looked into her cup of coffee. “She’s afraid she’s going to die before she has a chance to get her affairs in order. This is our home and most of us don’t have anywhere else to go.”
“You do.” He reached over and ran his finger along her knuckles.
“I can’t let anything happen to the girls.” She pulled her hand away. “Sandy has a brother. When he hears of her death, she thinks he’ll try to close us down. He’ll sell our contracts. I can stop him once I pay off Sandy. He’s one of those uncompromising preachers who believe women will be the destruction of mankind.”
“Well, I can’t argue with him on that one.”
“Your dimples aren’t going to work on me.” Marion’s lips tightened to keep from smiling. And neither was his crooked smile. She clasped her hands on top of the ta
ble. “This is no time for joking.”
Train leaned back in his chair. “There is another solution. You won’t like it.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’ll buy out your contract.”
She sat motionless. “I can’t let you do it. I’ve always taken care of myself.” She pushed away from the table and stood in front of the sink with her back to him.
“Something happened between us at the ranch,” Train said. “I’ll wager you can’t stop thinking about me anymore than I can get you off my mind.”
“I’ve tried,” she admitted, thinking about all the men in cowboy hats she’d taken to her room since meeting Train. None had made her feel as good as his kisses.
“I think you misunderstand.” He came to stand directly behind her. “Accept my offer now, or I’ll pay Sandy to own you twenty-four hours a day until your contract is fulfilled.”
She turned around, facing him. “And what would you do with me for twenty-four hours a day?”
“I’ll put you to work.” He took her by the chin and lifted her face. “Building my house.”
Train laughed when she looked like she could kick him in the knee.
“Train,” TJ said, coming into the kitchen. “I see you decided to stay.” He winked at Marion. “We miss you at the ranch. Allison enjoyed your company.”
“She won’t be missed for long. Marion has decided to come back with us.”
“I did not!” She glared at him.
“I’ll own you by the end of the night. In fact, go pack a bag while I settle your debt to Sandy.”
Marion stormed to the door. “I’ll talk to her right now. You’ll be going home alone, but I assure you, I won’t be lonely here.” Flipping her hair, she turned on her heel and disappeared down the hall.
He watched her ass as she stalked off, candlelight reflecting blue against her shiny black hair. His cock thickened. Soon, he’d have that hair spread on his pillow. But, first…
“I’ve got a small problem,” he said, turning back to TJ. “If I buy out her contract, I’m not going to have the money for the horses. I doubt I’ll have enough for lumber.”
TJ wrapped his arm around Train’s shoulder. “I’ve been softening Sandy. Marion will have her bags packed within the hour. Sandy’s very persuasive when she needs to be. How do you think I ended up bringing Allison home?”
“About the money--”
“The thing about money is you can always make more.” He slapped Train on the back as they went to find Marion.
Chapter Five
TJ yawned. “My backside is numb from sitting too long.”
Train kept his eyes on the stairs hesitant to climb them and see what kept Marion from joining them.
“Go get her,” TJ said, impatiently tapping his foot. “I’m tired.” He nodded toward the stairs. “You own her.” His mouth twitched with amusement.
Train wiped his hands on the front of his pants. “She didn’t look too happy after Sandy agreed to take the money. What if she pitches and moans the whole way?”
TJ smiled. “You’ll have to discover for yourself how to handle Marion. I’ll meet you at the hotel.”
Train climbed the foreboding stairs. Once at the top, he paused, unsure which door belonged to Marion.
He stopped and listened at the first door. Clearly, this was not her room judging by the laughter coming from inside. The next door proved impossible. He couldn’t hear anything. Breaking glass came from across the hall.
“Marion,” he said. The door swung open and Cassie stood nearly naked in front of him. “I’m sorry, which room is Marion’s?”
Cassie pointed across the hall.
He listened for a moment and then tested the doorknob. “Marion?” he asked, pushing the door open.
Chaos erupted. “Get out!” she screamed. “It doesn’t matter what I want, does it? Now I know how Allison felt when TJ ordered her around. Men are all the same, but you’re worse, Train. You think you bought me. Well, you’re wrong. You’ve actually done me a favor.” With angry movements, she gathered her hair and clipped it to the top of her head. “You just secured my future. I now have claim to this brothel free and clear. And better than that--” She seethed with anger as she stood toe-to-toe with him. “I’ll still climb into bed with whomever I want.”
Heat rose up the back of his neck. “It’ll be a cold day in hell. I own your contract.” He tried to keep his voice level.
“You don’t own me! I do what I want and you’re taking me to an endless supply of men.” She slipped the knot free holding the front of her camisole together. “I like a man in my bed, Train. Now you got the job.”
“You look like you’d rather see me dead.” He let her tug the belt from his trousers. “Are you going to work out your frustration on me?”
“I’m not going to kill you until you get your money’s worth. I’d always regret not having an opportunity to ride a Train.”
He pursed his lips trying to keep from smiling. “I enjoy a good skirmish, but we really need to get going.” He pushed her hands aside and picked up a few pieces of clothing off the floor. “Don’t you have anything decent to wear?”
“Don’t you like the burgundy? Most of my customers do.” She took the satin and lace top from his hand. It had a low scoop neckline and a matching skirt with a slit up the front to display an abundant amount of leg.
He could envision her wearing the outfit. “Yeah, bring it.” He tossed a few more articles of clothes on the bed. “Marion, you can’t bring all this stuff.” He looked around at the mountain of clothes and shoes laying on the floor, the dresser, and hanging in the closet. “We’re on horseback.”
“Get a wagon,” she demanded. “I’m not riding on a horse all the way to the ranch.”
“Not only will you be on a horse, but you’ll be riding astride with me. TJ and I just got back from taking the cattle to auction. We need to get going because we need sleep before heading out. TJ wants to get home to Allison.”
“Here.” He started shoving clothes into the closet. “Grab a few things and we’ll figure out the rest later. When I come back to town next week, I’ll bring you with me. We’ll pick it up then.”
“I do not aim to live with you. Train!” she yelled when he continued carelessly tossing her clothing. “Stop!” She yanked her dress from his fingers and pushed him onto the rumpled bed.
He felt sick to his stomach sitting where she had entertained countless men. He wanted the mattresses burned. “Be downstairs in five minutes.”
She stood with her hands on her hips. “Or what?” she asked, a petulant smile on her lips.
“I’ll drag you out of here with only the clothes on your back.” He stood in the doorjamb. “I’ve never been forceful with a woman, but you are the most vexing woman I’ve ever met. Five minutes,” he repeated.
Marion clenched her fists at her side. She was angry, yet hated to admit, energized in a way she had never been before. The young man she’d left at the ranch had pouted when he didn’t get his way. Train had transformed into a man to be reckoned with. Confidence emanated from him. Damn his dimples and crooked grin! She wanted him.
She decided on two outfits to take with her. Neither would meet with Train’s approval. She changed into the most comfortable dress she owned for the ride to the ranch. Finally, she grabbed her makeup, favorite bath powder and tucked them into her carpetbag. Then she went downstairs.
“Okay, master, I’m ready.”
Sitting across from Sandy at the kitchen table, Train looked back in her direction. Marion felt her cheeks flush. Even the stinging quality of her words couldn’t hide her anticipation.
Sandy pulled Marion into a hug. At first, Marion remained stiff and unyielding, but then she returned the embrace.
“Don’t be angry with me, darling. This is for you,” Sandy said with tears in her eyes and a hitch in her voice. “Please come home often.”
The meaning in her words was not lost on Marion. They both und
erstood Sandy’s limited time.
“It’ll only be a week. I promise.” They hugged again. “I left my things. Train said he’d bring me back.”
“It’s your room. Your belongings may stay there for when you return to take over for me. I don’t know how long you’ll have before you’re needed back. Don’t squander this opportunity,” she whispered. “I’ve decided I like him. And he loves you,” she said even quieter. “So don’t hurry.”
Marion looked at Train. “He’s too foolish to know better.”
Sandy patted her cheek. “Don’t be too sure he’s the one being foolish. A man would be lucky to have your love.”
Marion laughed. “I’ll see you in a week.” She handed her bag to Train. “I’m ready.”
They made their way to the hotel through the deserted streets. A full moon and millions of stars lit the night sky. Train kept glancing at her from the corner of his eye. She’d lost weight in the time they’d been apart. She also looked tired with dark circles under her eyes.
“If you’re hungry we can get dinner at the hotel.”
She shrugged with indifference and refused to look at him. He wanted to ask if it was really so horrible to consider life on the ranch, but was afraid of her answer. He’d just robbed her security. Taking her out of the brothel was risky. If she didn’t grow to love the serenity at the lake, she’d hate him until she was back in Copper City running her brothel.
Train opened the door to the suite.
Marion gasped.
TJ had left the lamps burning for them.
“Is this how you people live?”
Marion stepped into the room and spun in a slow circle, committing every detail to memory. Paintings of Paris hung on the wall. A giant stone fireplace filled the center of the room, banked by the most beautiful chairs Marion had ever seen or had the pleasure of sitting in. The carpets on the floor were so thick, she felt as if she were walking on clouds. She dropped to the floor and undid the laces on her boots. After ripping the stockings from her feet, she curled her toes into the soft fibers.
