Free Stolen Little Thing (Little Thing Series Book 1) by Sasha Gold Page A

forbidden to him would be returning to Honey Creek, and would be living next to him, just out of his reach, was more than he could bear. Now, thanks to Randolph, it all worked out better than Luke could have hoped.
    Luke folded his hands behind his head and smiled. He would marry today at noon, share a wedding night with his sweet Esme, the only one he’d dreamed of, and in a day or two, set off for San Antonio to pay a visit to Randolph Duval. The bastard wouldn’t know what hit him when Luke Crosby strolled into town offering him a deal.

Chapter Six
    The sun settled on the horizon and a cooling wind skimmed through the oaks, making the late winter afternoon take on a sudden chill. In the twilight, Luke and Esme danced, the only couple still swaying as the band played the last song of the night.
    The ground under the low-hanging tree limbs had been tamped hard by the boots and slippers of at least a hundred wedding guests, most of whom Esme did not know but who greeted her with the affection of long-held friends. Each of the ladies had complimented her dress, expressed excitement and even wonder that Esme had managed to lasso the elusive Luke Crosby. Her new husband, Esme gathered, had been in the sights of several matrons wishing to see their daughters in the Crosby home.
    Esme couldn’t help casting nervous glances, searching for signs of her father, her brothers, or any of the Duval henchmen, but her concerns were for naught, and the afternoon passed without incident. The vows were said, guests toasted the couple, and the evening drew to a close without incident. It was done.
    The fiddle player drew out the last plaintive note and the few remaining guests clapped as the band took a final bow and began packing their equipment in cases and boxes.
    Luke kept Esme in his embrace. He kissed her temple and stroked his hands down her back. His touch made her weaken and she drew closer, reveling in his embrace. Underneath Luke’s wool vest, Esme could feel thick bands of muscles flex. She inhaled his scent, an agreeable smell of leather and soap.
    Since the vows were said, they had only danced twice. Luke had been busy talking to other men about ranching business. Esme tried moping, but he’d hardly noticed. There had been few glances from him in her direction, and no kisses other than the one in front of the minister. If she hadn’t been wearing a wedding ring, one picked out by Nolan, she remembered, the whole evening might have passed like a party instead of a wedding reception.
    “You’re all mine now, Esme.” He pulled her close as he whispered to her.
    She drew a deep sigh. “It’s true. I’m all yours. But don’t forget the two springs, a half-mile of Honey Creek river-front, and four hundred eighteen acres that I bring with me.”
    “And a house.” Luke’s hands drifted down to the small of her back. “Don’t forget the house with a new roof. I’m going to make that land profitable for us. Your uncle was a brilliant man, an intellectual, but not the best rancher.” He nuzzled her neck, nipping the tender skin playfully.
    “Everybody wants that ranch. You’re not the only cowboy around interested in my land. I had several gentlemen in San Antonio on the string. Gentlemen too,” she teased, “Not rogues who stoop to practically stealing me.”
    Luke frowned. “You’re talking about those friends of your father’s?”
    Esme nodded. She bit her lip in an effort to repress her amusement. Always, she had been on the receiving end of his teasing, and she enjoyed the glint of jealousy she saw in his eyes. He hadn’t professed his love to her, not when he proposed or at any time today, and as a result she found herself seeking some sign of affection from him, even if it was only jealousy.
    He twirled her around as though music still played, pulled her back into his arms, and pressed a firm kiss on her mouth. He narrowed his eyes. “You and I belong together. That’s why I stole you. I should have