Read Online The Convict and the Cattleman by Allison Merritt - Free Book Online Page A

he couldn’t comprehend what they were doing.
    “Dammit. We shouldn’t get involved like this. You’re here to care for Olivia, not see to my needs.” He sprang from the bed. Deep shame replaced her desire. Her face burned with embarrassment and she was grateful for the darkness. Tugging her skirt into place, Bridgit sat up. She professed to be a lady, but a few randy touches and some kisses were almost her undoing. Could she claim to be any better than the women at the Factory who threw themselves at men?
    When she raised her eyes again, his back was turned and long fingers swept through his dark hair.
    “I’m going to bed now. Good night.” The words were short and his tone clipped. Heavy steps and a few quick strides took him out of the room.
    Mr. Andrus was as flustered as her, though she couldn’t imagine why. A man like him must have dozens of women at his beck and call when he visited town. Why did he feel guilty for something she’d willingly participated in?
    She pressed her fingers to her mouth, committing the taste of him to memory. As long as she lived, she’d never forget this night. She didn’t know how she’d face him tomorrow, not after admitting she’d let him have his way with her.
    Far away, thunder rumbled. The storm was nearly over, but something else was beginning.
     

 
    8
     
    Jonah hadn’t expected her to look so vulnerable. It was one thing to comfort her fears, help her get past them. It was another to savor her the way he would a sweet wine.
    He’d made mistakes concerning their brief relationship. He couldn’t have let the stranger on the road know she was a single convict woman. Protecting her had been the right thing, but laying with her hadn’t. Attending her injury was right, but dreaming about her body wasn’t. And spying on her at the Paynes’ was the biggest mistake he’d made yet.
    Without a shadow of a doubt he knew the matron’s plan: Send the pitiful young woman with a virile grazier. Bridgit was beautiful; she possessed manners and a soft-spoken way about her. She’d handled the scene in the kitchen without panic and she knew how to take care of children. What more could a man want in a wife when women were scarce?
    Not him. It had crossed his mind to marry, although he balked at the idea. His thirtieth birthday loomed, but why did it mean he needed to produce an heir right away? Nothing wrong with waiting a few more years.
    For now, he planned to stick it out as a bachelor. He wouldn’t return to Bridgit’s bedroom. He’d forget her silken skin, the way she yielded to his touch, and her moans of pleasure. It didn’t matter after he left her room, he’d lain awake half the night imagining those things.
    He worried she might seek out one of his hired hands to ease her needs. Would she heed his warnings about taking a lover? He wouldn’t stand for any of his men pursuing her. She was too delicate, too sensitive for them. They’d use her and throw her back to the slums of Parramatta before they did the honorable thing. The notion galled him.
    “Boss, Lucy threw a shoe last night. Should we let her rest today?”
    Jonah turned his head to acknowledge the speaker. Phillip Banner, one of the permanent jackaroos, held a chestnut mare’s lead shank.
    “Aye. Be sure you tell Rupe to put a new shoe on her and check the others.”
    Phil nodded. “Sure thing. How’s your new girl workin’ out?”
    The question sounded innocent enough. Jonah searched it for clues anyway. Phil was single, a few years Jonah’s senior, but young enough to find a missus and get started on a pack of brats.
    “She’ll do.”
    “Rupe said she’s pretty,” Phil continued, clearly fishing for information.
    “Did he?” He narrowed his eyes.
    “Yes.” Phil swallowed. “Will it be a problem if I introduced myself to her? I’m sure she was tired last night. I didn’t aim to be a bother.”
    Jonah bristled at the idea. “She’s off limits, if you must know. She isn’t here for