Read Beauty and the Beasts [Bride Train 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) for Free Online

an announcement about Miss Unsworth’s new bakery, which is in the old gold assay office next door,” said Sophie loudly. “The first thirty men waiting in line Monday morning will get a free fruit turnover.”
    “Jennet is going to have kittens over that when he gets back from Helena,” said Jack to Oz over the cheers.
    “Too bad. We need a bakery. And I’m going to be one of the first in line Monday morning,” declared Oz.
    “From the noise of this crowd, you’ll have competition. You’d better sleep on the boardwalk Sunday night.”
    “Won’t be the first time I’ve slept rough.”
    “Gentlemen!” Sophie waved her hands to quiet the hubbub. “I would like to thank Mr. Elliott and Mr. Cutler for being so quick to take care of that rude man. Miss Unsworth wishes to give her own thanks. Jack, Oz, could you come here, please?”
    They looked at each other, shrugged, and got to their feet.
    “Do we get a free pie to take home?” asked Jack as he ambled over with a lazy grin.
    “No, a kiss,” said Sophie.
    Groans and curses filled the room from jealous men who hadn’t moved fast enough. Jack beamed, rubbing his hands and cutting up for the jealous men. Oz walked quietly behind, though his heart thumped so hard he shook. This was his chance to show them that Miss Sarah Unsworth was claimed by the Circle C ranch, and everyone else better keep their filthy hands off her.
    He’d wait for Jack and then he’d kiss her so well, everyone would know not to touch. If they did, his fist would get in their face, or even better, his knee would end up in a more tender place. The only problem would be if she didn’t agree with his reasoning and fought his kiss. He’d have to explain the situation to her first. Fast.
    Jack turned sideways to the crowd and bent over, since Sarah only came up to his chin. He twisted his mouth to pull his cheek over. She held his arm for balance, went up on her toes, and kissed him. Whistles and catcalls erupted as Jack staggered back, grinning.
    “Wait’ll Beth hears about that!” yelled someone nearby.
    “I’ll give Beth a better one. That’ll make her happy,” replied Jack just as loud.
    While they laughed, Oz came close to Sarah. Her face was even pinker than before. Embarrassment, or something else? She looked straight at his eye. Hers were hazel with flecks of honey, green, and dark brown. Beautiful. He almost staggered at what he read in them. Did she really mean to send a message of such want ?
    “You’re a beautiful, single woman,” said Oz quietly. “Unless you want the attention of all these men, day after day, you need to show you already have a man’s protection. If I kiss you soundly, they’ll know you’re part of the Circle C. This doesn’t have to mean more than we give our protection to you. Luke and Gabe will back me up, all the way.”
    Her nostrils flared. “If I let you kiss me, these men won’t bother me?”
    “That’s right. But I won’t touch you after this.” He gave her the sensual smile that had worked so well before the war. “Unless you want me to…”
    She parted her lips and licked them. She did it as if unsure of herself rather than the practiced way of a professional. She nodded and his cock surged even as his heart leaped. He kept his back to the crowd and placed his hands on the narrow waist hidden by her loose dress. His fingers spread out, molding around her hips. He leaned over and inhaled. Cinnamon, peaches, stew, and something that was so wonderful it must be plain woman .
    He swept his lips past hers, just a small taste. He felt her smile, so he asked for more by nipping her bottom lip. She held his shirt and leaned against him. He groaned and wrapped his arms around her back. She opened her mouth, eager and experienced and so full of wanting that he couldn’t help giving her everything she asked for.
    The world faded. He kissed her as he had no other woman. None had responded as willingly, or demanded so much in return.