Read The Sextet Presents… By Male Order [In Days of Olde] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) for Free Online Page A

often wondered if she cheated customers and carefully watched to be sure the woman’s thumb wasn’t tilting the scale in her favor.
    Annabelle stepped up to the counter. “Mrs. Adams. I haven’t seen you in town for quite some time.”
    “I fear I’ve had my hands quite full keeping my farm running. It’s good to see you, Annabelle.”
    When the woman didn’t return the sentiment, it came as no surprise, especially since her gaze was fixed on Thomas and Alec as they searched through a stack of books.
    “Are they your… cousins? ” Annabelle snidely inquired.
    “They are my new farmhands.” Hope untied her bonnet, took it off, and set it on the counter. Then she pulled her list from her skirt pocket. “I’ll need salt and—”
    “Where are they from?”
    “—flour and—”
    “You mean to tell me they stay on the farm with you? In your house?”
    “Annabelle, I need to complete my shopping and pick up a crate that was dropped off by the last stage.”
    Annabelle frowned and folded her arms over her breasts. “Why won’t you answer my questions?”
    Because it’s none of your damn business… “Yes, they live on the farm with me. Now can you please—”
    The bell jingled, and a cold chill ran the length of Hope’s spine. She had no doubt who’d followed her in the store, and she had no desire to face him.
    “Good afternoon, Abe,” Annabelle called, waving her hand.
    Heavy boots worked across the wooden floor, drawing nearer. “Afternoon, Annabelle.”
    Hope had no chance of escape, and before she could even react, Abe Driscoll put his hand on her shoulder.
    “Hope Adams. You’re a sight for sore eyes. I was worried about you since you’d been away from town for so long. I was planning to ride out to see you on Sunday to check on your welfare.”
    “Mr. Driscoll.” Hope tried not to clench her jaw as she spoke, but seeing him again was enough to make her gnash her teeth in frustration. His concern wasn’t for her. No, all he wanted was her land. “Good afternoon to you. I’ll be finishing my business here so you can talk to Annabelle.”
    “Oh, I’m in no hurry, sweetheart. You go ahead and let Annabelle help you out.”
    A glance to Thomas and Alec only raised her worry. They’d put the books aside and were speaking softly to one another, eyeing Abe as though he were the enemy. Then they came up to the counter.
    Annabelle smoothed her hands down her stained apron. “Gentlemen. I’m Annabelle Wylie. I own this store.”
    “With her husband,” Hope added. Damn it all if there wasn’t a note of jealousy in her voice.
    Abe Driscoll held out his hand to Thomas. “Welcome to Clearbrook. I’m Abe Driscoll. You gentlemen traveling through our fair town on your way to the West?”
    Thomas shook Abe’s hand. “No, sir. We’re here to stay. I’m Thomas Cameron.”
    “Alec Buchanan.” Alec shook Abe’s hand as well, although the exchange seemed less than friendly. Both men narrowed their eyes, and the handshake lasted longer than most.
    A test of strength, perhaps?
    “Are you staying as well, Mr. Buchanan?” Abe asked.
    “Och, aye. For a good long while I hope.”
    “Well, then…” Abe looked at Hope. “Will you be needing help unloading supplies when you get them home? I could follow you out to—”
    “She’ll nae be needing you,” Alec interrupted. “Thomas and I will handle things.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “Thomas and I—”
    “They’re her new hired hands.” Annabelle sounded downright giddy. “They live out on the farm with her. All three of them. Together. In that tiny house. A bit too…cozy, if you want my opinion.”
     
    Alec hated the snide smile on Annabelle’s face. Hope’s face flamed red, and her hands shook. Was she angry at Annabelle’s insinuation, or did this Driscoll fellow frighten her?
    “Thomas and I have a nice loft in the barn,” Alec said, throwing daggers at Annabelle with his eyes. “Mrs. Adams sorely needed some good hands on