Taming of Jessi Rose by Beverly Jenkins Read Free Book Online Page A

to know his true identity, but that did not appear to be the case. Word was bound to get out sooner or later, and he decided sooner suited him just fine. Maybe his reputation alone would make Darcy lower the guns drawn on the Claytons.
    The clerk’s greeting seemed to kindle the interest of some of the store’s other patrons. Griff could both see and feel their eyes. One particular young woman, a brown-skinned beauty in a yellow silk dress that seemed far too costly for such a backwater town, made no effort to hide her smiling gaze. The well-dressed man on her arm viewed Griff coolly.
    The clerk behind the counter asked, “What brings you to Vale?”
    â€œBusiness.”
    â€œWhat type of business?”
    â€œI need supplies.”
    Griff handed over his list and the clerk’s eyes widened. “All this?”
    Griff nodded beneath the brim of his hat.
    The clerk began filling the large order, saying, “This is an awful lot of stuff for a traveling man. You plan on staying around a while?”
    Griff knew the nosy clerk was fishing for answers. “Possibly.”
    Griff sensed the ear of everyone in the store waiting for more details. The clerk piled up tarps, a rain slicker, jerky, canteens and a blanket or two, while Griff took a stroll over to the firearms available for purchase. The Winchesters interested him the most. He saw two that would be needed additions to the Clayton defenses, so he walked them back to the counter. The clerk blinked. “You’re not planning on robbing the bank here, are you, Kid?”
    â€œIf I were, do you think I’d tell you?” Griff asked softly.
    The clerk sputtered, “No—no, of course not. Let me get the rest or your order, sir.”
    While the clerk totaled up the bill, Griff took a discreet look around and saw the other customers frozen in place, staring his way. He touched his hat politely at a few of the ladies, especially the one in yellow silk, before returning his attention to the clerk.
    He and the clerk were just about done when the scent of gardenias floated across his senses. Griff turned to see Miss Yellow Silk and her escort standing nearby. Mr. Escort did not seem pleased, but spoke, “My wife insisted we come over and introduce ourselves. I’m Roscoe Darcy. This is my wife, Minerva.” His voice was a bit slurred. Griff wondered if he’d been drinking.
    â€œPleased to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Are you the Darcys on all the buildings?”
    Minerva replied with a smile, “They’re named for my husband’s father and grandfather.” She then said, “My husband tells me you are a dangerous outlaw. What brings you to Vale?”
    Griff didn’t miss the steel behind the velvet voice. She would be one to watch. “Business.”
    â€œAnd you’re staying where?”
    â€œI’m out at the Clayton place.”
    The alarm that flashed across her face made Griff curious about her reaction.
    â€œJessi Clayton?” she choked out.
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    â€œHow do you know Jessi Clayton?”
    â€œThrough a friend.”
    â€œOutlaws say that about her all the time. Did you know that?”
    Griff was a bit taken aback by Minerva’s venomous tone. “Meaning what?”
    â€œJessi Clayton is a whore.”
    Griff found the description angering. He looked around at the other people in the store. They all dropped their eyes under his direct stare. He turned back to Minerva. “Is that how Miss Clayton is known around here?”
    She trilled a little laugh. “Of course. The good women in this town cross the street rather than walk near her.”
    Griff looked at Roscoe Darcy. He wouldn’t meet Griff’s eyes either.
    Minerva then informed him, “You’re keeping company with a fairly sordid woman, Mr. Blake. Her mother was an adulteress, her sister a whore. The Clayton women have bad blood I’m guessing, but let’s