Compromised Cowgirl by Reece Butler Read Free Book Online

kept them in the latest style.
    But that was his old life. It already felt like a bad dream. In front of him was the future. Gold on the hoof. Ranger held up a tin cup of coffee, toasting him on the day’s activities. He nodded back. Life was damn good. Jessie crossed to get a second plateful. His eyes tracked the boy’s back end until he caught himself. He turned away in disgust, both at the boy and his body’s ridiculous reaction.
    Though the brat was useful, once they got rid of him, life would be perfect.

    * * * *

    Sin stretched his aching back and sat tall as he rode into the Rocking E yard. He didn’t think he’d ever been so damn tired. Every muscle, including many he’d never even noticed, hurt. But every time a momma cow and her branded calf went into the Double Diamond herd, the pain went away for a few minutes. They were building their future, and nothing was going to stop him, especially a ferocious pixie cowgirl who knew far more about ranching than he did.
    Trace came out of the barn as Sin brought Emperor to a halt. Eighteen hands tall, the Friesian stallion he brought from England was a magnificent horse. Emperor was far more suited to pleasure riding than ranching. One of the first things he’d had to do was trim the animal’s flowing mane and tail. It destroyed the look of the breed but was better than having it catch on everything.
    Others scoffed at him bringing the horse west when he could have sold him for a huge profit. But the stallion was part of his breeding plan. Let him cover a few prize mares, and their offspring would be even better. Emperor was eager to do his best but hadn’t yet had a chance to cover a mare. In that, they were alike.
    Bridie and Meggie came out of the barn carrying pails of milk. He smiled and tipped his hat pleasantly. He made Emperor bow, one leg out and head down. The girls laughed and giggled at the trick. Trace cleared his throat in warning. They hurried into the large two-story house, turning to wave at the last moment.
    Other than a hat, Trace was naked above the waist. For the first time, Sin saw the white line of corded scars circling his neck. Other scars touched his arms and chest. He barely glanced at Sin but took a long look at Emperor.
    “May I have a word with you, Mr. Elliott?”
    “I’ve got a foal on the way.”
    A horse whinnied and stomped in the barn. Trace jerked his head in welcome, turned his back, and strode into the barn. Sin watered Emperor and tied him loosely in the shade. Though the stallion was upwind of the corral, if he smelled a mare in heat nothing would keep him away.
    Sin stepped inside the cool, dim barn and stopped. Trace leaned against a restless horse in a loose box. He massaged her swollen belly and scratched what must be her favorite spots.
    “You coming in or not?”
    “Wanted to make sure the lady was comfortable with strangers. She’s a beauty. Got a bit of Morgan in her?” Sin stepped forward, walking quietly but making sure the horse knew he approached. She lifted her head and looked him over.
    “Yep, but the rest of her is pure cow pony. Sapphire can work all day and be ready to go the next morning. Can’t you, girl?”
    The horse nodded her head as Sin approached. When Trace moved back, Sin leaned down, nose to nose. He rubbed her nose and told her what a wonderful momma she’d be and how he was there to help her. She shivered her flanks, blew out, and seemed to relax.
    “You trying to take my best girl?”
    Sin could tell he was only half joking. A cross between this horse and Emperor would be a fine animal.
    “Yep, but not this one.” He ignored Trace’s frown, continuing to soothe and talk with Sapphire.
    “Bridie and Meggie are children, and you’d have to kill half this valley to touch my Beth,” said Trace in a low, threatening growl. “What’s your game, Statham? Or should I call you ‘Sin’?”
    “It’s short for St. John , which we pronounce ‘Sinjin.’ Nothing to do with what’s