Read Online Beauty and the Beasts [Bride Train 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Reece Butler - Free Book Online Page B

of her grave, switch in hand, if he put a finger on a woman without her demanding it.
    Hearing that Sarah was beautiful would bring men eager to see her even if they knew they couldn’t touch her. Miners were the type to live on dreams, but most weren’t dangerous. He was more worried about men like Sheldrake, an out-and-out brute who rarely came to town now that the Elliotts put him in his place.
    Gabe’s fingers clutched his knees so hard they dug deep. One boy, no matter how well-intentioned, could not protect Sarah. He’d have a word with the new sheriff right after dinner. Owen Barstow, about half Frank Chambers’ age, would be able to stop men like Sheldrake at lot easier than the older man. But he didn’t know the people, or their pasts.
    A rumble of deep voices and stomping boots approached the dining room. Gabe sat up and pushed his chair even further into the gloom. A big, rough man lumbered in first, as if he owned the place. He slouched at the best table, by the window and near the door to the kitchen. He’d barely set his ass on the chair when Nettie Crabbe rushed out of the kitchen with a tray, all smiles. She flashed her eyes and brushed against his shoulder with her breasts when she leaned over. He must have pinched her because she squeaked, “Mr. Sheldrake!” She laughed and shook her finger at him.
    Gabe narrowed his eyes to get a better look. He’d heard a lot about the curly wolf but hadn’t yet had the pleasure of his fist meeting Sheldrake’s nose. He stifled a snort of amusement. From the shape of his face many other fists, and likely a few boots, had landed.
    Sarah came in from the kitchen. Gabe sat up, ready to move.
    Sheldrake pushed Nettie out of the way so he could see better. Gabe growled and tensed, ready to spring. He relaxed somewhat when Sarah headed to the back of the room. She kept her eyes on the tray she held out. Hungry men took a plate of stew and biscuits and eagerly dug in.
    He watched her deliver four more trays, all to men at the back. Only when she came out with the last tray and looked for stragglers did she see him. He knew the instant, because she smiled as she approached. He warmed as if the sun broke through and shone right on him.
    “I didn’t see you there.”
    She held out the tray to him. He lifted off the heaping bowl of stew. He liked the way her eyes were different colors, honey, brown, and green, all at once. He hadn’t seen them clearly at Christmas, the wedding, or yesterday morning in her dim bakery. He thrust the thought of that morning out of his mind. It didn’t work.
    “That’s the idea, Miss Unsworth. No one will know I’m here unless I’m needed.” He kept his voice low, even though the room was loud with other men.
    “You won’t be. I can take care of myself.”
    He admired her confidence, but didn’t believe it, in spite of her fiery words. “I hear a man bothered you yesterday.”
    “Do you mean the one I rapped on the knuckles, or your partner, who I mistakenly kissed?”
    “Mistake? Oz said you enjoyed his kiss, even though it was just to prove the Circle C would protect you.”
    A flush rose up her neck to her face. “This morning I realized I don’t need protection,” she said. “I have everything under control.”
    He could tell she wanted to believe she was safe. If they did their job, she would never need to learn otherwise. As to the kisses, she’d certainly hinted she wanted more. He shoved that thought deep.
    “I believe you, Miss Unsworth,” he said, his voice rough.
    “Hey!” The yell came from the front of the room. “Where’s my pie?”
    Gabe tilted his head toward the noise. “Watch out for Joe Sheldrake. He’s bad news, but he thinks he’s a woman’s dream.”
    She looked over and sniffed. “Nettie can have him. She’s so excited at seeing a halfway handsome man that she’s actually working hard, just to stay in the dining room.”
    “You think he’s handsome?”
    Sarah shrugged. “He thinks so.