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

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 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?

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