Free Cameron, Paige - Commando Cowboys Desire Their Queen [Wyoming Warriors 8] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) by Paige Cameron

pretty blonde with a nice smile. It was almost lunchtime. He’d ask her to dine with him.
    The bell over the door rang as he came in. Cindy had been dusting the large showroom. She turned and smiled when she saw him.
    “Welcome. You’re back. I bet you’ve come to buy the turquoise ring you were studying last week.”
    “You’re right. It’s lovely, and the ring will make a nice gift.”
    “Your girlfriend will be pleased.”
    “I don’t have a girlfriend. I like to treat my family.”
    “How nice.” She crossed the room and got the ring, then she went to the register. “Would you like it wrapped?”
    “Please.” He watched as she took out two rolls of paper.
    “Red or green?”
    “Red.”
    When she’d finished wrapping the jewelry box and rang it up, he deliberately glanced at his watch. “It’s lunchtime. Would you join me? I hate to eat alone. I thought I’d drive out of town to a small fish place I spotted the other day.”
    “You must mean Charlie’s restaurant. The food is good. I have to be back in an hour.”
    “We can make it.”
    “All right. I’ll close up, and put the gone to lunch sign in the window.”
    Pearce led her to his car. He had to move slow, but she’d do fine. He’d start working at getting into her head today. Such an open, unsuspecting person should be a piece of cake to turn to his way of thinking, especially if she thought he loved her.

    * * * *

    Kira walked to her car. Seeing Gala die had been unsettling. She’d smelled the scent of evil around her. Whoever her partner was, Gala had been correct in calling him the devil. Any innocent person would be vulnerable to him.
    She got into her new truck and headed out toward Sahale’s. She needed time to meditate and think. The prairie spread out wide around her, and the wildflowers of all colors made for a beautiful scene. Her radio was not on the level of Hakan’s sound system, but she found a station that played soft jazz. Gradually the tension in her body eased.
    As she drove across the bridge she saw Nanna’s little cabin and smoke was coming out of the chimney. On impulse, she slowed and parked in front of the porch.
    Nanna came to the door. “Come in, welcome to my home.”
    “I hope I’m not disturbing you. I’m on my way to Sahale’s cabin. I saw the smoke coming out of your chimney.”
    “I always love company. Will you join me for a cup of tea before you continue on your travels?”
    “Thank you, I’d love to.” When Kira entered the house, she noted it fit Nanna. The air smelled of cinnamon and spice. The polished wood floors glistened in the sunlight. Lace doilies covered the tops of tables. Nanna led her into a bright kitchen with yellow and white curtains. Outside the window a buck stood at the river, his head and antlers held high as he sniffed the wind for danger.
    “Your home is like a picture postcard.”
    “Many people say that. It is my home and reflects me. Sit, I’ll pour us a cup of tea and cut a slice of my just-baked orange bread.”
    “Sounds delicious. When did you come home? I thought you were still at the main ranch house.”
    “Mitch agreed to have me flown home yesterday on the helicopter. It’s such a thrill to ride on it.” Her aquamarine eyes sparkled like a child’s when they’d experienced a special treat. “And it makes coming and going so much easier for my old bones.”
    “Here’s your tea.” She handed Kira a yellow mug.
    “This smells like roses and a touch of lemon.”
    “You’re right. A new mixture I’ve concocted for relaxation and clearing the thoughts.”
    “You knew this was what I needed.”
    “I did.” She put a plate with a slice cake in front of Kira. “Enjoy. I’ll get mine and we’ll talk.”
    After Nanna had sat at the table, Kira told her about Gala. “It hurt to see her dying and to know the guilt and sadness Gala suffered for her deeds. We all believe Phillip preyed on her love for him and cast a spell on her as he had done on