Free Cowboy Rescue [Men for Hire 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Jane Jamison

things. See? You got a stain on it.”
    “But I didn’t.” Maria shook her head, confusion etched in her forehead, then irritation. “You’re the one who takes things. You’re wearing my locket right now.”
    Sharron’s hand covered the heart-shaped locket that hung from her neck by a golden chain. “Don’t try and turn this around on me. You lied to me. I know you wore my blouse. You always took my things. Just like you took Richard.”
    Maria seemed to gather strength, and, instead of tossing Sharron out of the apartment on her ass like he wanted to, Brad waved Mike and Jack off, letting Maria take the lead. She needed to find her power again, and giving her ex-roomie a piece of her mind would help.
    Maria stood and went toe-to-toe with Sharron. “I never tried to take Richard away from you. You and your awful attitude ran him off. And even though he’s the one who came onto me, I shut him down because you were my roommate and friend.” She raked Sharron with a quick glance down and up. “Or so I thought.”
    “That’s bullshit and you know it. You probably spread your legs for him just like you’re doing for these manure jockeys.”
    Maria gasped, glanced at Mike, then came back at Sharron. “Get out. You’ve got your things, now get the hell out and never come back.” She thrust out her arm, pointing at the door. “Get out of my apartment!”
    “Fuck you, bitch.” Sharron hefted her bag into her other hand and stalked toward the door. “I hope you get an STD!”
    “Sharron. One more thing.”
    He had no right to feel that way, but pride surged through Brad as Sharron whirled to confront Maria.
    “What? Are you ready to confess your sins, bitch?”
    If she called Maria a bitch one more time, he wouldn’t be responsible for what he did to the horrible woman. He fisted his hands and shoved his anger back down.
    Maria opened her hand, palm up. “Give me your key to the apartment.”
    Sharron’s expectant look morphed in a mask of fury as she dug into her pocket. “Here. Take your fucking key. Keep your sad, old apartment so you can fuck all the men you want.” She hurled the key at Maria.
    Brad jumped up and caught it a second before it would’ve struck Maria in the face. He dropped it on the coffee table and watched Sharron storm out of the apartment.
    Maria sunk into the love seat. “I am so sorry that happened while you were here.”
    “I’m not. I wouldn’t want you alone with that hellcat.” Mike paced to the door and locked the door.
    Jack made a snorting noise. “Is it just me? Or did she smell?”
    “You mean like BO?” asked Maria.
    “Nope. Not that. Some people are just so rotten they’ll nasty away before they die.”
    Maria rolled her lips under, obviously trying not to laugh. “That’s not nice—”
    “Sorry,” added Jack.
    “You didn’t let me finish. That’s not nice, even if it is true.”
    They shared a laugh, lightening the atmosphere in the room. Her expression turned sad too soon afterward.
    “Maria, are you all right? Don’t let the e-mail bother you that much.” He gestured to his brothers. “Guys, I need to talk to you for a minute.”
    She’d regained the color in her cheeks as well as the strength in her body. “Yes, thanks. And again, I’m sorry you had to deal with her. I’ll give you guys some space and clean up the kitchen while you talk.”
    Brad caught the look she and Mike exchanged. Mike glanced at the counter then at him and grinned.
    Aw, hell, man. Not where we eat.
    Jack fell into the seat Maria vacated while Mike pulled the chair closer. Once again, Brad had to force his mind away from what had gone on between his brother and Maria and put it back on business.
    “I’ve given this a lot of thought while on guard outside.”
    “Me, too.” Jack kept his voice low. One leg bopped up and down with his usual frenetic energy. “There’s only one explanation for how that guy got away from you at the school.”
    “He knows the area