Free Pinch of Naughty by Gem Sivad

maintain a reputation above reproach in order to be tolerated in town when I set up my shop. It will be hard enough keeping my presence here on your ranch a secret. Flaunting an illicit relationship is unthinkable.”
    “Your reputation is safe with me, Eleanor. Mable knew that when she sent you out here.” Cyrus shrugged and sent the swing gliding back and forth again.
    Since his fingers had resumed their slow crawl, towing her hand toward his shaft, Eleanor didn’t find his reassurance convincing.
    “We’re sitting here in a porch swing, you’re totally nude under this blanket and the men in the bunkhouse can surely see your intentions are not honorable.” She wasn’t stupid, just hopeful somehow the men would remain quiet.
    “You don’t need to worry about them talking. My men have sense enough to keep their gobs shut. If there’s gossip it won’t start here.” He squeezed her thigh and slid his hand upward again.
    “I expect Aunt Mildred will be instrumental in spreading the news if she finds out I’m here.” Eleanor turned her head and unintentionally rubbed her cheek against his chest. His warmth against her face made her want to purr. Instead she quelled the urge and sat up straighter.
    “Nope, that’s not going to happen either,” Cyrus told her. “That would be Henry’s wife, right?”
    “Yes,” Eleanor agreed. “But during my visit with them it was clear Aunt Mildred loved gossiping. I don’t think she can resist.” She didn’t tell him that Aunt Millie’s favorite topic was him.
    “Henry’s not likely to want his dirty laundry aired in public.” Cyrus made a disgusted noise, pulling her tighter into his embrace.
    “Uncle Henry is henpecked and Mildred doesn’t listen,” Eleanor explained.
    “She understands she likes to eat and they’ll be out on the street if she runs her mouth.” Cyrus interrupted.
    “Why?” Eleanor craned her head backward, trying to see his face in the dark.
    “Why do you think Mable sent you here?”
    “Well, because I needed a job and a place to stay.” Eleanor started to explain again.
    “Nope,” he said. “Because Mable knows when Henry can’t stifle his wife, I can.”
    “How?”
    “I own the bank.” Cyrus said calmly.
    “You are in banking, like Grandfather?” Was this yet another manipulation on the part of her family to conduct a business transaction? Eleanor froze.
    “Nope,” he drawled. “I just don’t trust others to manage my money so I built my own, got a state charter and set up a bank close to home. I hired your uncle away from the bank in Paris.”
    Eleanor didn’t know whether to warn him or not. It was common knowledge in the family that Uncle Henry had been sent to Texas to expand the family’s banking interests.
    Cyrus’ laughter rumbled under her ear, changing the direction of her thoughts.
    “You’re enjoying this. Aren’t you?”
    “Yep.”
    His callous enjoyment of her ordeal made her stiffen, wiggling to get free from his embrace. Her inclination to caution him evaporated. If the Alcotts gobble you up, so be it, Mr. Cyrus Burke.
    “The way I see it,” he drawled, “you’re a respectable woman who fell from grace while doing right. Now you’re reclaiming your place in society by doing wrong with me. If you consider it that way, it all seems pretty damn laughable.” He pulled her back down, adjusting her body against his side, her head again resting on his chest. “You worry too much, Ellie.
    “Eleanor,” she corrected him.
    “Ellie, we’ve got six weeks to have some fun and I’m all for enjoying your stay while you’re here.” His fingers stroked her thigh, leaving a trail of heat there. His soft laughter brushed across her senses.
    “Bet I can make you scream again.” He smoothed the folds of her dress, his caress lighting a torch in the flesh beneath.
    “You are shameless.” Eleanor flushed with embarrassment at his reference to their coupling the previous night. She’d been unable to