Free The Lawman (Montana Men Book 1) by Vanessa Vale Page B

the likes of Baxter, I hoped that any love he felt would at least keep me from the gallows.
    ***
    "I'm not eager to leave you, but duty calls."
    Ryder leaned over me, I still abed. He'd woken me with a soft kiss to the forehead only to find him dressed for the day.
    He wore different clothes, but the same leather vest and star. His hair was damp and neat, although a lock fell over his forehead. Reaching up, I brushed it back, only for it to fall into place again.
    "Why didn't you wake me?"
    He smiled. "I enjoy looking at you. Besides, you were too peaceful to disturb and after last night, you needed your rest."
    I had no doubt he could see the flush on my cheeks. After church, Ryder had been occupied with a disagreement between two ranchers over a fence line and had been gone until sunset. I'd spent the day as a good wife should, unpacking my things and preparing the evening meal. After the supper dishes had been put away, Ryder had made up for lost time, pulling the ass plug free, then fucking my pussy not once, not twice, but three times during the night. I again felt sore in places I didn't know existed. A good sore that only Ryder could bring about.
    "I have to tend to Robert Dray this morning, then go out to the Todd ranch to discover if his cattle has been rustled or they just wandered off."
    "As long as no one is pointing a gun at you, I'll be fine."
    He ran a finger over my cheek, over my bare shoulder. "You care."
    My gaze lifted to his. He seemed pleased by his voiced thought, that he hoped I had feelings for him. "Of course, I do. Having you shot is going to do me no good."
    He heard the playfulness in my tone. "Oh, and why's that?"
    "Because I have plans for this fine body of yours, Mr. Graves." I ran my hand down the expanse of his chest and over the hard muscles of his abdomen.
    "Really, Mrs. Graves? What kind of plans?"
    I pushed up on my elbow, aware that the sheet that covered me had slipped down to expose my breasts.
    "I'm not telling. You can wonder all day."
    His gaze was not to be torn from my nipples. In fact, he appeared quite enthralled by them. "And you can wonder if you'll have your ass spanked before I fuck you or while I'm fucking you for your impudence." With that, he gave a nipple a little tug, then turned and left.
    I wasn't sure who was more aroused at the moment; he couldn't hide the bulge in his pants at his departure and I couldn't deny how wet I'd become from just the briefest of touches on my nipple.
     
     

CHAPTER SIX
     
    Ryder
     
    I dealt with Robert Dray, who cried like the little boy he was before I even shut the cell door behind him. Needless to say, he learned his lesson about petty larceny swiftly and I doubted I'd have any more problems with him, at least until he was old enough to shave. By then, the consequences would be greater and the duration behind bars would be lengthier. 
    By the time I reached the Todd ranch, the missing cattle had been found, so I was offered to share their lunchtime meal. In order to be hospitable, I couldn't refuse, even though I wanted to get back to Ellie as quickly as I could. I was confident she could adjust to life in August Point, and it was important that the transition was a smooth one. I didn't need to be married long to know a happy wife meant I was happy, too.
    She hadn't shared the exact reasons behind her registration with Mrs. Bidwell. She'd clearly been a virgin when I took her the first time, so her virtue hadn't been in question. She was refined, well educated and an exceptional prize for the man who claimed her. As that was me, I didn't want to think about a man who might have had her instead. Ellie had spoken of a suitor and her disinterest in his courting. The only likely explanation was that her interest in being a mail order bride was associated with that, but how? Why? In time, my bride would share.
    On the ride back into town, I realized I was smitten. Not only was she beautiful, she was passionate in bed, willful and fiery