Read Online Mustang Annie by Rachelle Morgan - Free Book Online Page B

won’t ride with you .”
    â€œAfraid?”
    â€œSelective.”
    A grin spread across his face, creating deep creases in his tanned cheeks and crinkles at the corners of his eyes, transforming him from arrogant commander to irresistible rogue. “Oh, but Annie, I could take you on a ride you’d never forget.”
    Somehow she didn’t doubt that. The gleam in his gray-green eyes promised no less.
    â€œCome on,” he cajoled. “It’s not far, I promise.”
    She felt herself weaken. What was this power he had over her? He was hard-hearted and pigheaded and quite the most conceited man she’d ever had the displeasure of associating with.
    He could also be quite disarming when he put his mind to it. No doubt women all over the territory had fallen victim to that grin he flashed with such ease.
    â€œWhat did you want to show me?” she asked irritably.
    â€œFollow me.” He clucked to the stallion.
    Annie reluctantly flicked Chance’s reins. She couldn’t quell the feeling that she was making a big mistake, letting Corrigan lead her away from the rest of the outfit. She bent low and patted her boot, comforted by the bulge of her pocket revolver.
    They rode for what seemed miles before Corrigan brought his horse to a stop and stared out across the land.
    â€œTake a good look.” He dismounted slowly, almost reverently.
    She followed the direction of his gaze. Summer had hit the plains with a vengeance, sending waves of shimmering heat hovering above the surrounding buffalo grass, giving it the appearance of flickering green fire. And in the midst of it, two dozen hump-backed beasts lumbered across the terrain.
    They were ugly, mangy creatures, yet there was something regal and awe inspiring about them.
    â€œYou’re seeing the last of a disappearing breed.”
    It was hard to fathom that one day buffalo would no longer roam the plains, but she knew he spoke the truth. Prices for bones and hides were skyrocketing across the country and people were cashing in on the profits by the hoards; she’d even heard of men shooting at the beasts from train windows.
    â€œWatch that bull. He’s found himself a lady.”
    Annie focused on the biggest bison, a thick shouldered male with short gray horns curving out from his shaggy black head. His glossy, deep-set eyes were trained on a cow standing apart from the rest of the herd.
    â€œLook at the way he preens in front of her,” Corrigan said as the bull circled the cow, head high. “He’s showing her his strength and prowess.”
    The cow retreated several paces.
    â€œDoesn’t look like she’s much interested.” Annie commented.
    â€œShe will be. He’s just got to be patient.”
    â€œHe’ll be waiting till hell freezes over. She won’t give in to him.”
    â€œCare to make a wager?”
    Annie narrowed her eyes. “What kind of wager?”
    His gaze dropped to her thigh, and she thought he was going to demand stakes that she’d not grant any man again for any price.
    â€œIf she submits, I’ll buy you a new saddle.”
    A new saddle? Lord, she needed one badly! She’d had this one for over ten years now. The latigos were stretched, the buckles worn. She’d planned on buying a new one with the wages from catching Corrigan’s horses, but if he wanted to purchase it and save her the money. . . .
    â€œAnd if she doesn’t submit?”
    â€œYou buy me a new saddle.”
    The image of a fancy new Mother Hubbard with Sam Stagg rigging was just too tempting to resist. “All right—it’s a deal.”
    They continued watching the mating ritual, Corrigan cock-sure the cow would submit to the bull, Annie just as certain she’d let him know where he could put his seed. Sure enough, each time the male got too close, the female backed off, forcing him to repeat his courtship all over again.
    Just when visions of