Read Online Bride Gone Bad by Sabine Starr - Free Book Online

downstairs.”
    He clasped her upper arm, glad that he had a reason to touch her. “Not so fast. I prefer to keep you in my sight till this job is done.”
    â€œI insist on some privacy.”
    â€œNot this morning.”
    He heard footsteps coming up the stairs and glanced down the hall. Big Jim and Saul came into view, looking like trouble.

Chapter 10
    â€œTemperance Tempest,” Big Jim called. “You’re just the gal we want to see.”
    â€œWe’ve got big plans,” Saul added.
    When they stopped in front of Tempest, she put her hands on her hips, ready to dissuade them from whatever they had in mind for her.
    â€œSeeing as how you chopped Lulu in half and got my saloon in an uproar—” Big Jim started.
    â€œAnd gave both your businesses a boost,” Lucky said.
    â€œBe that as it may,” Big Jim continued, “Tempest still owes me. She agreed to spend a night in jail and here she is in the Lone Star’s best room.”
    â€œI didn’t ask for it,” Tempest said.
    â€œThat don’t make no never-mind,” Big Jim added. “The fine patrons of the Red River Saloon have taken a vote.”
    â€œOn what?” she asked.
    â€œWe agreed that you’ll be forgiven your rash behavior if you’ll find the bar’s artist and get him to repair Lulu.”
    Tempest cast a quick glance at Lucky to see how he was reacting to this outrageous statement.
    â€œShe has no way to find the artist and you know it,” Lucky said. “What do you really want?”
    â€œNobody can settle down until the artist fixes Lulu,” Saul said.
    â€œHe could be anywhere,” Tempest said. “California. Back East.”
    â€œNope.” Big Jim puffed out his chest, appearing pleased. “He’s in Indian Territory.”
    â€œHow do you know?” Tempest asked.
    â€œMan came in last night and drank at the bar. He said he’d seen some art like it in Burnt Boggy Saloon. Not as good, mind you, but the artist is swilling whiskey north of the Red River. It’s your duty to get him back here.”
    â€œIf I did find him,” Tempest said, “how could I persuade him?”
    â€œOffer him something,” Saul said.
    â€œTempest is famous now.” Big Jim glanced around at the group. “She could offer to pose for him.”
    â€œWhat?” Tempest cried out.
    â€œNot in the altogether,” Saul quickly explained. “We’d never ask that of a lady.”
    â€œWe decided that a color painting of you in a fancy red gown in a big gold frame would look right proper above the bar. Course, he’d fix Lulu, too,” Big Jim said.
    â€œForget it,” Lucky said. “She’s too busy.”
    â€œThat would be expensive.” Tempest didn’t look at Lucky, knowing he wouldn’t want any part of this scheme. But Elmira and Lamira needed help. Up to this point in life, she had always been good. She’d been a lovely bride and a respectable lady, but Haig and Mrs. Bartholomew had set her on a new path. Now she felt as if she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
    â€œWe took up a collection.” Big Jim pulled a leather pouch out of his pocket and held it out to her. “If they come from miles around to see the bar, they’ll come clear from Dallas or Paris to see a painting of you.”
    â€œAnd I’m hoping he’ll paint a small portrait for the Temperance Tempest Room,” Saul added.
    Tempest couldn’t imagine anybody riding any distance to see her. She wasn’t famous. She was just a discarded bride. Yet she couldn’t turn down the money. “I suppose you’ve included a model fee, the costume price, and the artist’s payment.”
    Big Jim frowned.
    â€œAdd this to the pot.” Saul pulled out an eagle.
    â€œYou sure?” Big Jim pulled open the drawstring pouch.
    â€œThere’s only one Temperance Tempest and the