Read Online Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron - Free Book Online

not talk. Good night, Janice.” He put down the phone and sat on the bed in his hotel room. He’d get out of here tomorrow. He’d call Jackson to help with the deal on the land near his property. By tomorrow night, he’d be flying Janice to meet his parents and away from what was frightening her.

Chapter Six

    Janice went to the door and peeked out when she heard the knock. A tall man with a definite resemblance to Drake held up his ID. She read his name before unlocking the door.
    “Come in, Brent. I’m Janice.”
    “Nice to meet you, Janice.” His slow smile was almost as seductive as his brother’s. He was about the same height, but broader, and his eyes were a light blue.
    “What in the world did your mama feed you all to grow such big, handsome men?”
    He grinned. “She made us eat lots of meat and all our vegetables.”
    “Please sit.” Janice motioned to the large, leather lounge chair. “I’ll get us some iced tea.”
    “If you don’t mind, I’ll join you in the kitchen.”
    “Sure, if that’s what you want.”
    Brent stepped around her when they entered the other room. He pulled her curtains shut. “Doesn’t help much. But keep them shut, and all your other curtains. No sense in making yourself an easy target.”
    “A target?” Janice had opened the fridge to get the tea. She looked at him.
    “Yes, a man with a high-powered rifle in the right position can blow someone’s brains out from quite a distance.”
    Janice felt the blood leave her head. Brent jumped forward, grabbing her and the jug of tea.
    “Sit, put your head between your legs.”
    She collapsed into the nearest dining room chair and did as he said. Gradually, the darkness receded and her strength began to return.
    “You certainly are blunt in your descriptions,” Janice said.
    “Sorry. Mom always said I was too plainspoken.” He put her pitcher safely on the counter.
    “She was right.”
    “Look.” He knelt in front of her. “We know you’re frightened of someone. Your behavior today and the words on your car made it pretty obvious. And I suspect the message on your car wasn’t the first you’ve received from this person.”
    “No, it wasn’t. I’ve been to the police. There are no clues to his identity.”
    “You’re sure it’s a man?”
    “Yes.”
    “All right. I’m going to wait and ask you more questions after Drake gets here. He called me after speaking with you and said no matter what, he’d be here by tomorrow afternoon.”
    Relief washed over her. Brent looked to be competent and good at his job. Still she wanted Drake with her. She wanted him to wrap her in his arms. Maybe then she’d feel safe. Hopefully when this nightmare was finished, she’d be in good shape physically, and her heart wouldn’t be broken.
    Brent had straightened and searched her cabinets. He found glasses and put ice in them. “Do you take sugar?” he asked, holding up her sugar bowl.
    “No. Just a packet of the artificial sweetener on the counter, by the stove.”
    The man moved around the kitchen with ease. “Is your brother as comfortable in the kitchen as you?” she asked.
    “Mom made sure we’d never starve from not knowing how to cook.”
    “She’s a woman I have to meet. I’m not sure my father ever knew where the kitchen was in our house.”
    Brent shrugged. “Mom was a drill sergeant and taught us a lot of skills that have unexpectedly come in handy.” He sprawled his long frame in the chair opposite her. “I’m going to sleep on your couch in there.” He motioned his head toward the living room. “You’re tense, scared, and my guess is you’re not sleeping well. You can rest tonight. My man’s outside, and with me in here, he’d be a fool to come anywhere near you.”
    “Thanks, but it’s really not necessary.”
    “It is to Drake and me.”
    “All right. I’m too tired to argue.” She stood and waited a second to be sure her legs were going to hold her. “See you in the morning. Help