Read Online The Private Stable [Iron Spur Ranch 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Stacey Espino - Free Book Online Page A

more confused than ever.
    He pushed off from the wall, suddenly gaining a few inches when he stood up straight. Wyatt entered through the ornate doorway without knocking. She followed behind him.
    “Is this his house?”
    “Yes, ma’am. He lives on-site. The ranch has been in his family for generations.”
    The wooden floors creaked as they walked. All the wood was stained a deep mahogany and the lighting was minimal in the hallway. The wainscoting covered half the walls and the upper section was painted a dark plum color. It was big and empty. Lonely.
    Wyatt stopped in front of double doors with stained-glass inserts. She couldn’t see anything through them besides the cast of light from a lone lamp to the right of the room.
    “Don’t look too happy. He’s not exactly playful.”
    Are you kidding me? If he wanted solemn, she’d pass with flying colors. Rachel was used to putting on a poker face when she wasn’t sure what mood Jason was in one day to the next. If he was angry for something, he was likely to slap her if he thought she was mocking him with a smile. If he was happy, he’d cuss at her for appearing depressed and ruining his good mood. She was so tired of walking on eggshells, her nerves exposed and vulnerable. Miles from home, she was reliving the same scenario now.
    He knocked on the door.
    “Come in.” The voice that came from within had a deep baritone. She clenched her fists and followed behind Wyatt.
    “Mornin’. This is Rachel Price. She’s applying for one of the handler positions.”
    Damien wasn’t what she’d envisioned as she played this moment over and over in her head. She’d pictured a much older man with mostly gray hair and a weathered face. He’d be sitting at a fancy desk in a pin-stripe suit, possibly smoking a cigar. Her imagination was usually quite vivid, especially when playing out her X-rated fantasies.
    This man, the owner of a billion-dollar equine empire, was very easy on the eyes. He had pitch-black hair and eyes as dark. Instead of a suit, he wore a navy T-shirt over a white long-sleeved shirt. He looked like he was one of the workers, not the owner. He had a strong jaw and narrowed eyes, no hint of expression.
    “She qualified?”
    “A regular handler. Ethan started showing her the ropes last night. If you give her the all clear, he’d like to take her on the roundup for those Arabians.”
    Damien stared at her, first raking his eyes up and down her body as if judging every inch of flesh, her clothes, and maybe what was beneath. Then he focused on her face. He had the most intimidating gaze, the kind that made her want to jump hoops just to avoid it.
    Wyatt continued. “I’m sure Bella would love another woman on staff.”
    “ Isabella ,” Damien corrected, not at all impressed.
    He threw up his hands and clapped them. “Right. Keep forgetting.”
    Damien shifted in his leather seat, rolling a pen back and forth atop his massive oak desk. “Tell me, Ms. Price, do you think you can handle the job?”
    “I love horses.”
    You fucking idiot. Had she really just said that? She might as well turn around and start hitching a ride back to the city.
    “That’s a good start,” he said, surprising her. “Wyatt, you said she arrived yesterday?”
    “I know you don’t like to be disturbed after dinner hour. I thought it best to bed her for the night and introduce you at first light.”
    Damien cocked a brow, looking to each of them with a suspicious glance. “You show her the private stable?”
    “No, sir. She’s looking for work, is all.”
    The owner nodded thoughtfully, now tapping the pen against his full lips. Her stomach cramped uncomfortably as her nerves took control.
    “Three days. Report back then.”
    She was rooted in place, unable to move or think with Damien continually assessing her. There was such a dominant aura surrounding him that she nearly forgot her name when in his presence. Wyatt grabbed her arm and started to lead her to the door as