High-Stakes Passion by Juliet Burns Read Free Book Online Page A

the men except Dalt hurried for the bunkhouse, leaving Mark to stare after her retreating figure.
    And what a figure it was. He couldn’t decide if he wanted to wring her neck or throw her on the ground, strip her naked and take her right there in the yard. She wouldn’t give him the time of day, yet here she was, flirting with every cowhand in sight.
    â€œYou’re making a big mistake, Malone.”
    Mark glanced at Dalt. “What the hell do you know about it?”
    Dalt put his hands on his hips and shook his head. “When you want a woman, you sweet-talk her, you don’t growl at her.”
    Mark narrowed his eyes, warning him with a look.
    Dalt shrugged and walked away.
    Was Audrey sleeping with Dalt? He’d only been here a few weeks, but according to the guys at the poker table, his exploits with women were legendary. Why would Audrey be immune?
    Except, all week he’d watched her smile and hum while she cleaned. He’d seen her sneak leftovers to Curley, and even hug John. Stupid to feel a spark of envy toward John. She’d seemed so innocent. She’d transformed the house from a dark, gloomy wreck to a warm, glowing haven. As if all was right with the world.
    He wanted that feeling. He wanted her to smile at him as she had that morning in the kitchen.
    He wanted her.
    Â 
    â€œAre you sure you won’t come with us?” Ruth asked Audrey one more time. It was Friday night, and all the hands were going into Quitman for dancing.
    â€œI’m sure. I don’t know how you do it. I’m exhausted. Besides, I’ve got a good book I want to finish.” Audrey loved to dance, but it’d been a long time since she’d been to a club. And in the past, she always ended up standing around watching everyone else dance.
    Ruth hesitated, leaning against the door frame with her arms folded. “A bit of advice, girl to girl.” She turned and waved at Dalt to go on, then looked back at Audrey. “Stay away from—”
    â€œYou know, I was just kidding about saving myself for Mark,” Audrey cut her off.
    A crease appeared between Ruth’s brows.
    Audrey cringed. She’d just made a monumental idiot of herself.
    Pushing off the door frame, Ruth finger-combed her bangs back and put on her tan cowboy hat. “I was talking about Pete. He’s slime. Don’t let him get you alone.”
    Audrey’s skin chilled. “Why do you say that? Did he hurt you?”
    â€œHah!” Ruth laughed. “Don’t worry about me. Pete won’t bother me anymore. Just wanted to warn you while we had a minute alone. Be careful.”
    With a sick stomach, Audrey nodded and waved her off. Was Pete really dangerous? She went to the kitchen and opened a window, breathing deeply to calm her shaken nerves. A cool breeze carried the sweet smell of grass, pine and wildflowers. The fresh air soothed her.
    She turned on the radio while she washed the dinner dishes. As she dried the last pot, one of her favorite songs came on. The words always made her a little misty-eyed, but it had a perfect two-step beat. She cranked up the volume and danced around the kitchen.
    How her heart ached to have a man who loved her so much he’d do anything just to see her smile. The way her sister, Claire, had with her husband, Danny. Someone to dance with and hold at night. They’d have a few babies and grow old together.
    She remembered the beautiful smile Mark had flashed that long-ago night at Cowtown Coliseum. He never smiled now. It was as if that smile had vanished with his rodeo career. What would it take to make him smile again?
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    Mark heard the music and found himself drawn to the kitchen. He thought Audrey had gone dancing with everyone else. But here she was, dancing around the kitchen, adorable in her jeans and bare feet. Her blond ponytail swayed back and forth, and her arms were held out, embracing a phantom partner.
    Damn his useless leg! He