Free Espino, Stacey - Hogtying the Cowgirl [Ride 'em Hard 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Stacey Espino Page A

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.”
    “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 done. The place needed a fresh coat of paint.