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

if a timer had been set to detonation.
    She didn’t regain her composure until they were back in the crisp morning air. She sank against the brick wall and exhaled the breath she didn’t realize she held.
    “Told you I’d get you the job,” said Wyatt.
    “What do you mean? He didn’t say anything.”
    “Of course he did, darlin’. Didn’t you hear him?”
    He’d said something about three days. What did it signify? She shook her head, certain she’d missed the important parts.
    “I have three days to prove you’re an asset to the ranch.”
    “Or else I’ll be fired?”
    “Well, we both will. Damien doesn’t give second chances. I gave my word you were a good fit, so he’ll hold me to it.”
    Rachel didn’t like being responsible for someone else’s fate, especially when her so-called experience was all a ruse. Why would a complete stranger vouch for her? Did he feel guilty for using her last night?
    All that mattered now was helping to fulfill Wyatt’s promise to Damien, but how when she truly wasn’t qualified? How hard can it be to shovel horseshit and hose down a horse? If Ethan was as accommodating today as yesterday, maybe she’d get through the training period in one piece.
    “You really shouldn’t have done that. You don’t even know me.”
    “I think I do,” he whispered. He reached out and braced an arm at the side of her head, leaning in to keep their conversation private. Since they’d come back out, the ranch was coming to life. She could feel the earth tremble from stampeding horses and heard truck engines and cowboys calling in the distance.
    “I don’t want you to lose your job because of me.”
    His nearness was distracting. Did he realize what an effect he had on the opposite sex? Even his smell, one unique to him, made her stomach flutter.
    “Why would I? Ethan says you’re quite good at your job. But it’s cute that you’re worried about me.”
    She couldn’t even unfasten a saddle, never mind carry one. Would both men be out of work if she failed miserably? Oh, what a tangled web I’ve weaved. “I may not be as qualified for the position as I thought. The ad was very unclear.” She desperately needed to squeeze in a liability clause before she got in too deep. The constant lying was making her nauseous.
    “Then we’ll teach you everything you need to know.” His word seemed to hold secret meaning as if he’d meant it as a double entendre. At least she could hope.

Chapter Six
     
    Ethan saddled his gelding in preparation for the roundup. Trevor and Jesse had just arrived to help.
    “I hear we’re taking the new girl with us. I haven’t even seen her yet,” said Trevor. He braced a boot against the split-rail fence to secure his spurs.
    Ethan knew what the other man implied. Most women came to the Iron Spur Ranch for one reason—to live out a sexual fantasy in their private stable. Trevor was one of the regular Doms, always eager for fresh meat.
    “It ain’t what you’re thinking. Holt advertised for new handlers, and she’s qualified for the job.” After spending an intimate night alone with Rachel, he didn’t like the thought of the other cowboys sniffing around her. She was unlike the other women who passed through. There was an innocent air surrounding her, one full of life and possibilities. He certainly hadn’t had his fill.
    Working day in, day out on the ranch slowly sucked the life out of him. Although he loved this line of work, there was an unspoken rift between Ethan and the other men. It forced him to stay secluded, to exist rather than enjoy each day.
    “So you’ve seen her.”
    Ethan bridled his horse, reaching up to adjust the reins. He didn’t want to be put on the hot seat, expected to give any juicy details about the new girl. It didn’t feel right to reveal she had a body to die for—tits to drown in and soft curves that could no doubt take a hard fucking. She was his type of woman, a real woman. They seemed a rarity these days,