Free Archer's Lady: Bloodhounds, Book 3 by Moira Rogers Page A

put her hands on a man and bring him to his knees with pleasure. “Is that what it is?” she asked, stroking her fingers over his shaggy hair. “You hear stories, but always in whispers. Rumors and wild tales.”
    “That’s what it is.” Archer tilted his head back. “The wild tales are mostly true, excepting the ones that claim violence. It may be the one time in our lives when it’s not about hurting anyone.”
    “If you need—” No, that would make it sound like she’d offered out of obligation. A fine way to salvage her pride if he rejected her, but not in keeping with the spirit of perfect honesty. “If you want me to,” she started again, “I would be happy to see you through the new moon.”
    He blinked as he rose slowly, set her on her feet and stared down at her. “Are you sure?”
    “Yes.” Sure, though more nervous than she had been, with him studying her so intently. Perhaps it had been a naive offer. Perhaps he needed a woman with more professional experience, like one of the working girls downstairs. “Is there a reason I might not be…suitable?”
    He shook his head. “No. You’re perfect.”
    The word made her smile. “That’s something I’ve never heard spoken honestly before.”
    A frown darkened his features for a moment before smoothing, and he brushed her hair out of her eyes as he smiled. “Then I’ll say it often, how’s that?”
    Grace felt as if she’d stumbled over the edge of a cliff. A frown. A touch. A smile. Three little gestures, and they’d said so much. Protectiveness. Tenderness. Hope. She was falling, the wind a sweet warmth as it rushed by, and it felt so glorious that she could almost pretend she would never hit bottom.
    She was falling in love.

Chapter Six
    “We’re gonna need more boards.” Archer grabbed the last one from the boy at the base of the ladder. “Is there a lean-to around that hasn’t been busted apart yet, Jake?”
    “Behind the telegraph office, I think.” As hard as the kid tried to put on an adult face, he damn near vibrated with youthful energy. “You want I should go check?”
    “You’d best.” Getting the saloon ready for the new moon had to take priority. He hefted the leather pouch of nails and shook out a handful. “Run along, and let me know what you find.”
    The boy took off at a sprint, barely managing to sidestep Cecil when the old man limped into the street. Cecil watched Jake round the corner and laughed. “You’ve lit a fire under that one.”
    “Hopefully, it’s ’cause he understands the danger.”
    “I reckon he’s understood the danger a while now. He lost his pa and his older brother in one of the first attacks.” Cecil pulled off his hat and rested his weight against the side of the saloon. “You’ve given him a bit of hope back.”
    The reminder hit Archer like a sucker punch to the back. It wasn’t enough that he had to somehow find a way to guard folks’ safety even while he was out of his mind with lust, but he carried the burden of their hope too. “He needs a better hero.”
    “Don’t know as I agree.” The old man’s eyes narrowed. “Miss Linwood’s certainly taken a shine to you, after all, and she’s good, decent folk.”
    If only he knew the things Archer had done to the very proper Miss Linwood. “Cecil, I know what you’re trying to do.”
    “Oh you do, do you?”
    Archer waved the hammer. “You’re about to tell me to watch myself with Grace.”
    “Maybe.” Cecil met his gaze squarely. “I don’t think as slow as I move, you know, and I see plenty. I think Grace Linwood can handle you just fine, only I’m not supposed to know that.”
    Maybe the old coot wasn’t simple. “Because it’s none of our business.”
    “Only thing I care is how people act, and Miss Linwood acts like decent folk. Not that there are many left to notice.” Cecil turned his hat over in his hands. “Whatever happens during your time here, Cook and I will see that no one carries tales to