Wild Texas Rose by Martha Hix Read Free Book Online Page A

“I’ll have you know that I answer to no man–not until I reach my future husband. Furthermore, I am not your woman. And I feel certain Joseph wouldn’t appreciate your calling me such!”
    â€œProbably wouldn’t.” Whit ran his fingers across his lips. He admired her spirit, but ...
    â€œA man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do to keep a lady out of trouble.”
    â€œI’ve stayed ‘out of trouble’ all the way from Guernsey, and I don’t need a strapping brute to help me now!”
    â€œIs that so?”
    â€œYes, that’s so,” she spat, pulling herself upright.
    Now it was her bosom’s turn to look indignant, Whit thought as she shouted, “You’re no better than that odious Culpepper person! And I won’t put up with it! Understand? Now leave me alone, Mr. Reagor!”
    Her obvious agitation roused Whit’s gentler side, and he regretted his actions and words. She’d been right; he had acted as reprehensibly as Culpepper. But, Whit was pleased, for Mariah McGuire had passed the first test. Despite her questionable background, she wasn’t an out-and-out floozy.
    If there was ever a time to act the gentleman, now was it. “Mariah, I’m sorry. Could we call a truce?”
    â€œNevert”
    â€œPlease.”
    â€œNo!”
    He gave up gentlemanly behavior. “Have it your way. But you’re not getting rid of me.” He strode forward and, trying to ignore the sweet scent of roses, took her elbows. “It’s my duty to escort you to Trick’em. You see, I promised your man I’d look out for you in case something ever happened to him. He’s okay as far as I know, but–”
    She wrenched away and stepped back. “Joseph would never ask the likes of you to see after me!”
    â€œHe did. And you’re going to accompany me to my sister’s boardinghouse, where you’ll take a room until tomorrow. My niece is getting hitched tonight, and you’re invited to the wedding. We’ll strike out for Trick’em in the morning.”
    She retreated two steps. “I unequivocably refuse.”
    â€œDon’t be too sure of yourself. I intend to see you get to Joe Jaye in one piece.” Determined to use whatever force necessary, Whit would accompany her to Trick’em. “If I have to hogtie you and throw your pretty little butt over my saddle, I will see that Joe gets his woman. Unharmed.”
    â€œWhy, you overbearing–!”
    For the second time in one day, Whit Reagor got something thrown at him. This time it was Mariah McGuire’s reticule, and damned if the weight of it didn’t smart his chest.

Chapter Three
    The tapestry reticule bounced off the wall of Whit’s chest, then thunked to the brown earth. His eyes turned to blue ice, and Mariah stepped back as he advanced toward her.
    Fright tensed her muscles, sent her heart thumping. Would Whit Reagor strike her in retaliation for her actions? Well, if he did, she’d give as good as she took.
    She stood her ground in front of the Double Inn. “How dare you order me about as if I’m yours to obey?”
    â€œOrder you?” His voice held an even tone. “I prefer to call it strong suggestion.”
    â€œOrder isn’t even a strong enough word, Mr. Reagor. You threatened to bind me and throw my person over your saddle. No woman in her right mind would respond to that.”
    Contrary to what she had imagined he’d do, Whit took her hand between his callused palms, and after all that had been said between them during the past few minutes, she was astounded at his gentle touch.
    â€œMariah, you’re absolutely right.”
    Giving up an argument wasn’t her nature. “Of course I’m right. And I won’t stand for any more threats. If you–”
    â€œWhat’s the use of fighting?” One roughened hand exerted a slight pressure.