Rocky Mountain Ride (Rocky Mountain Bride Series Book 7) by Lee Savino Read Free Book Online Page A

point?”
    “They sometimes do, when searching for food or shade.” Juan frowned.
    “Yes, but that particular spot had neither.”
    “What are you saying, Englishman?” Francesca’s dark eyes swept up and down Sebastian’s face.
    “Only that, if it were my ranch, I’d suspect foul play.”
    Juan gasped, but Francesca only gave a sharp nod. “My lord Chivington, it is late. Perhaps you are ready to go back to the ranch?” I don’t need you meddling, her arched eyebrow said.
    “I can stay as long as needed.” Sebastian made his gaze like a gauntlet thrown. You won’t get rid of me that easily.
    Juan looked from one stone face to the other, then cleared his throat. “My lady, I will check the rest of the fences and set a schedule to repair any broken ones. You can escort señor Chivington back and get him settled as our guest.”
    Francesca’s lips tightened, and for a moment, Sebastian wondered if she’d curse both him and her man. Despite his best efforts, she still didn’t want to have anything to do with him.
    Of course, he had bared her bottom and birched her within an hour of meeting her. He expected it would take a while before she enthusiastically invited him to tea.
    “Come,” Francesca said, wheeling her horse around without another word.
    Again Sebastian found himself chasing his dark lady over the fields.
    “Rough afternoon,” he said when he caught up. “Those crops looked healthy. It’s a damned shame.”
    “It never should’ve happened,” Francesca said. “The vaqueros should be more vigilant. If my husband was alive—” she broke off.
    “Juan says you’ve had some trouble,” he said.
    Francesca cursed under her breath. Sebastian thought of how much fun it would be to train her to be respectful, and had to hide his smile.
    “Juan needs to hold his tongue,” she bit out. “But yes. The ranch has been in trouble for a while. Cyro’s death did not help.”
    Sebastian started to ask another question, but she kicked her mount to ride faster.
    They arrived at the hacienda in a cloud of dust. A round-faced woman was straining to pull a white goat out of a garden bed, but as they rode up to the gate, she gave up and ran to greet them, wiping her hands on her apron. “Señora, you have returned. We were so worried.”
    “I am fine, Ana.” Francesca dismounted before Sebastian could come around and help her. “You have met our guests?”
    “Yes, they are settled in the barracks.” There was a long, low outbuilding that Sebastian guessed was the barracks.
    “This is Lord Chivington.” Francesca nodded to him. “He is to have the General’s room.”
    Ana blinked. “That is our finest room, my lord. Welcome.” She curtsied. “If you will leave your horse for the boy and follow me.”
    “Please,” Sebastian said. “I can take care of my stallion. And the barracks will be quite sufficient for me.”
    “It is not too much trouble,” Francesca said. “You are our guest. I have not forgotten hospitality, not even with everything that has happened.” She turned to Ana. “A short meal, only, Ana, please. Our guests must be tired.” She spun on her heel and marched away.
    “Señora De La Vega,” Sebastian called. “Thank you.”
    The dark haired mistress threw up a hand to acknowledge his gratitude, but didn’t slow or turn around.
    Ana’s eyes widened. “My lord, please forgive her rudeness, the señora is very busy…”
    “No need to apologize, madame. I can tell she is under a lot of strain. I mean to be of service, if I can.”
    “I am sure she will appreciate that.”
    Watching the beautiful widow stride across the field to a low outbuilding, Sebastian wasn’t so sure.
    *
    Damned fool. Francesca wasn’t sure who she despised more: the foppish Englishman who’d followed her from the saloon and stuck to her side, or herself. His very presence made her grit her teeth, even as her body remained aware of where he was at all times. She both hated his attention, and