A Cowgirl's Pride Read online

  Evernight Publishing

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2012 Lorraine Nelson

  ISBN: 978-1-927368-84-8

  Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

  Editor: Dana Horbach

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  To my family and friends for their unconditional love and support.

  Love you all!

  xoxoxo

  Lorraine

  A COWGIRL’S PRIDE

  Thunder Creek Ranch, 4

  Lorraine Nelson

  Copyright © 2012

  Prologue

  Four years ago

  Leah Manning sat straight up in bed, listening intently, wondering what or who had awakened her. Roddy’s side of the king-sized bed was empty. Where was he?

  A fresh breeze blew in on the night air, causing her to hug herself and rub her arms to erase the chill. She pulled the blankets more securely around her nude form, but still she was cold. She rose to close the window, the autumn winds a bit too brisk for her liking. That’s when she heard it.

  Her hands paused on the frame as Roddy's cultured voice disturbed the night, anger and rage ringing in its depths.

  “Hey, man! I wasn’t coming onto your woman. You can have her. Leah’s a bit too scrawny for my taste.”

  Alex. Roddy was arguing with his best friend…about her.

  “Now you’re insulting her? If you’re not interested, why did you get so close when she danced? Why did you try to climb up on the stage?”

  “I do that with all the girls, Rod. You know that. I just try to encourage their dancing. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  “It does to me. You touched her…touched my woman, and I won’t have it.”

  “She flaunts herself in front of everybody in the club. Can I help it if her moves are drool worthy?”

  “Drool worthy? I’ll show you drool worthy.”

  She caught the sheen of metal as something flashed in the moonlight. A knife! Roddy held a lethal-looking knife.

  “You’re dog meat, Parker.” He plunged the knife into his friend then pushed him backward onto the ground.

  Leah gasped in shock, quickly covering her mouth, but he must have heard. His head jerked up and focused on her window—on her. Good Lord!

  “Roddy, help me,” Alex’s pain-filled voice begged, drawing her focus. “I thought we were friends.”

  “Hard to be friends with a dead man.” He stabbed him again then whistled for his dogs as he wiped the knife on Alex’s shirt.

  Jumping back from the window, horrified at the cold-blooded murder she’d just witnessed, she backed away ever so slowly, hoping he hadn’t seen her.

  She should run, far and fast. This was a side of Roddy she’d never known existed. Footsteps pounded up the stairs. Too late! She scuttled into bed, pulling the blankets tight, her entire body shaking in reaction. What kind of man had she gotten involved with that he could kill one of his best friends in cold blood?

  The bedroom door slammed open, and she cringed in fright. He yanked off the covers, grabbed her arm, and hauled her out of bed.

  “You fucking whore.”

  “Roddy, stop! You’re hurting me.” She fought against his hold, but it was no use. He half-lifted, half-dragged her to the window, where the sound of his dogs, snarling and growling, could easily be heard.

  “You bitch! See what you made me do? Look down there."

  She closed her eyes, not wanting to see what the growling, snarling wolfhounds were doing.

  "Open your eyes, damn it!”

  He jerked her hard against the sill, banging her head on the window. She straightened, felt the tip of the knife under her chin, and her eyelids flew open. A gory sight met her gaze. Roddy’s dogs, wolfhounds, were tearing poor Alex limb from limb. Bile formed in the pit of her stomach, threatening to erupt. She tried to look away, but the knife pierced her skin. A trickle of blood warmed a trail between her breasts. Terrified, she tilted her head back, squeezing her eyes shut against the horrid image. “Roddy, please….”

  “Please what?” he asked, skimming the blade from her throat to her ear.

  “Please, let me go,” she whimpered. She hated showing weakness of any kind, but she couldn’t stop herself.

  “Why? You don’t like the show?” he taunted.

  “No…no, I don’t.”

  “Maybe you’ll like this better.”

  One hand scraped the knife down over her shoulder and up again; the other he used to squeeze her right breast painfully hard while holding her tight against him. His erection poked into her backside. She couldn’t believe it. How could he kill a man and get off on it? She held her breath, not daring to breathe as the blade came under her breast.

  “I could rid you of these, then you wouldn’t be of any use as a topless dancer at Le Club Rouge Sang. What do you think?”

  His voice was low, evil with intent.

  She sucked in a breath, alarmed at his words. “If my dancing bothers you, why not just allow me to quit?” she asked, a measure of backbone finally coming to her aid.

  He flung the knife to the floor and spun her around to face him, his eyes fiery orbs in the glistening moonlight. “Oh, you’ll dance. But no more touching. Do you hear me? You’re mine! I own you, body and soul. You’d be nothing if not for me.” He shook her roughly, emphasizing his words.

  Before she could reply, he’d swung her up in his arms, carried her across the room and threw her down on the bed. She scampered backwards, pulling at the covers to hide her nakedness. His sinister laugh rang out followed by one quick tug wherein he removed all the blankets, only the fitted sheet remaining. His gaze locked on hers, challenging, almost daring her to protest as he kicked off his shoes and began removing his clothes.

  “You’re an accessory to murder. How does it feel?”

  “I’m not! I didn’t….”

  “You could’ve run for the phone, called it in, but you didn’t. That makes you an accessory.”

  “No!”

  “Yes,” he hissed. “And if I hear you breathe a word of what happened here tonight, your fate will be the same as dear Alex’s. Understand?”

  She nodded, afraid, truly terrified for the first time in her life. Without a doubt, he’d kill her and never suffer a moment’s remorse. Her lover was a monster, someone she didn’t even know, evincing a dark evil: the spawn of the devil.

  He grabbed her feet and yanked her to the edge of the bed, his hard cock pushing against her clit as he held her legs at his sides. “Understand? I want to hear the words.”

  “Yes, Roddy, I understand.”

  I understand that you are not the charming, debonair man I thought you were. She vowed to get away as soon as she could. But how?

  Chapter One

  Leah idled her silver Pontiac Sunfire in the driveway, exhaled a relieved breath at having arrived, and sat looking at the house she’d called home for the first nineteen years of her life. Memories, combined with different thoughts and feelings, rose to the forefront of her mind, but she tamped them down. It wouldn’t do to become all emotional. That wasn’t her style.

  Activity near the corral drew her attention. A rider was putting one of the horses through his paces. Some of the other wranglers stood nearby or leaned on the fence, watching the show.
Was one of them Luke? Was Cal still here? She squinted her eyes trying to see better. Was that Cal on the horse?

  Only one way to find out. She parked near the barn, turned off the engine, and pocketed the keys. When she alighted, she felt as if all eyes had focused on her and silence reigned supreme. The snorting of the horse broke the sudden quiet as the rider brought it to a halt and dismounted then did a one-handed vault over the fence.

  Her heart quickened at the sight of Brian Calhoun, Cal to his friends. My, oh my! He’d grown into one of the most gorgeous specimens of manhood she’d seen in years. Broad shoulders strained the seams and front zipper of his winter coat. His hat sat slightly askew, the rakish look fitting him exactly.

  He’d been her first love. Cal worked at the Thunder Creek Ranch all through high school, loved every part of it…and he’d obviously stayed on. Not her. No, she up and left with grand visions of dancing her way around the world. She loved the ranch, but she couldn’t get away fast enough. Now she was back. Would he be glad to see her?

  “Wooeee! Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

  She didn’t have time to say a word before Cal scooped her up and swung her in a circle to a round of applause, shrill whistles, and several loud greetings of “Welcome home, Leah” from the other cowpokes.

  “What brings you back this way? Vacation?” he asked. He set her on her feet, grinning from ear to ear.

  “Not exactly. I’m home to stay,” she said as she smiled and waved to the wranglers, most of whom she knew.

  “Did your family know you were coming?” he asked, guiding her away from the onlookers who were eagerly hanging on every word.

  “No, I thought I’d surprise them.”

  “Guaranteed, your turning up unannounced after all these years is bound to do that.” He stopped and held her at arm’s length, giving her a good once over. “You’re sure looking good.”

  “Thanks, Cal. You’ve gained some muscle while I was gone,” she said, doing her own furtive appraisal. “Lookin’ mighty fine, Calhoun.”

  “I’ve missed you, Leah,” he said in a low voice.

  “And I you, but let’s not go there right now. Okay?”

  He seemed to search for something in her face, her expression, before replying. “Sure, we have plenty of time to catch up now that you’re home.”

  “Where’s Luke?”

  “In the barn. I’m surprised he didn’t come out to greet you. Come on. I want to see the look on his face when he sees you.”

  They rounded the corner of the building, and she saw two little boys running toward the house. At sight of her, they ran back to the barn and came out dragging Luke behind them.

  “Leah! Welcome home, baby girl.”

  For the second time that day, she found herself lifted in strong arms and swung around in a circle. Laughter came to the surface as he set her down. “Howdy, big brother. Thanks for the enthusiastic welcome.”

  “Well, I’m sure glad to see you, but I guess you’re not much of a baby anymore.” Luke grinned. “Boys, come meet your Aunt Leah. Lee, these little rascals are Casey and Cammy, my sons.”

  “I didn’t know you had a family, but they sure are cute. Hi, boys!”

  “Hi,” said Casey and Cammy in unison, then ran to the house, slipping and sliding on the snowy path.

  Luke laughed. “Neither did I until a few months ago. Long story. How long can you stay?”

  She looked at Cal and then up at her big brother, hoping that he’d understand. “I’m back to stay, if it’s all right?”

  “Of course it’s all right. You do still own a portion of the ranch.”

  She let out a breath that she’d hadn’t been aware of holding. “There’s more to it than that, Luke. Wait until you hear it all, then if you still want me here, I’ll stay.”

  “Nothing can be that bad, Lee.” He swung an arm casually across her shoulders. “Come on in the house. We’ll get your bags later.”

  “Actually, I didn’t bring much. Can we take my stuff in now and put the car in the garage or somewhere out of sight?”

  Luke sent her a curious, concerned look but acceded to her wishes without asking awkward questions. He nodded. “Sure. Give me your keys.”

  “Cal,” he said.

  “Yeah, boss?”

  “Once we get Leah’s stuff unloaded, would you put her car in the garage out of the weather?”

  “Sure, boss.” Cal smiled and held out his hand for the keys, casting a concerned glance her way.

  Needing something to do at that precise moment, she reached inside to grab her purse and popped the trunk. Luke grabbed the two heavier cases, and she lifted the smaller carry-on, packed with her personal toiletries and stuff. They carried everything in through the back door leading to the kitchen, but Leah couldn’t help one last, longing look at the man she’d loved years ago. He was already behind the wheel of her car and driving away.

  Cal seemed glad to see her, but he didn’t know the truth of her return. Her heart filled with regret for the way she’d tossed his declaration of teenage love aside to head for the city years before. She straightened her shoulders and put on a brave front, then followed Luke into the house, and there at the counter stood Zakia. Her father told her Luke and Zakia had gotten back together. She hoped it worked out for them this time.

  “Leah, you remember Zakia?” he asked as his wife turned to greet them.

  “Yeah, sure, but it’s been a while. When are you due?” she asked, noticing the prominent baby bump.

  “April twenty-first. Welcome home, Leah.”

  “Thanks. A new baby come spring. How sweet.”

  “I need to finish up what I was doing in the barn. I’ll be right back,” said Luke as he went out and closed the door.

  “Have a seat and I’ll put coffee on,” said Zakia.

  “None for me, thanks, but I’d love a cup of tea if it’s not too much trouble.”

  “No trouble at all, but I remember you being quite the coffee addict in your teens.”

  “Yeah, I still love coffee,” Leah admitted, “but I drink mostly decaf these days.”

  “I have decaf,” said Zakia.

  “Oh, good! I didn’t like to ask.”

  “Luke doesn’t always appreciate it, but if I intend to drink any, that’s what I brew. You’ve given me an excuse to treat myself to a cup.” She smiled then set about making coffee and arranging a few homemade snacks on a plate.

  “Mmmm, this looks delicious!”

  “Have you had lunch? I could make you a sandwich.”

  “No, thanks. I stopped at a drive-thru on the way here.”

  Luke came back in, stomping the snow off his boots as he removed his jacket. “Zia, where are the boys?”

  “They said they were going upstairs to build a barn out of Lego. Why? Did you need them?”

  “No, just wanted to know where they were.” He poured himself a cup of coffee, leaned against the cupboard, and cast a questioning glance at his sister. “You mentioned you had a story to tell. Fill us in whenever you’re ready.”

  “Okay.” She wondered where to start. Zakia passed her a mug of coffee, and she stalled for a few minutes, adding cream and sugar, stirring thoughtfully. She picked up a date square and took a bite. “Oh! These are fantastic!”

  “Thanks. Help yourself,” said Zakia.

  She finished the square, wiped her fingers on a napkin, and took another sip of coffee. “I’m pregnant!” she blurted out.

  “Congratulations!” said Zakia, jumping up to give her a hug. “When are you due?”

  “I just found out a few weeks ago, so probably sometime in June. I’m not sure.”

  Luke bristled, his protective streak emerging. “Who’s the father?”

  “Someone I hope to never see again.”

  “Did he desert you?” he asked, an angry scowl distorting his good looks.

  “No, nothing like that, although it would have been easier if he did. He doesn’t know.”

  Luke blew
out a frustrated breath. “I think you’d better start at the beginning.”

  She nodded, taking another sip of coffee to wet her dry throat. “When I left after graduation, I had dreams, big dreams, of becoming a professional dancer, as you know. I soon found out it wasn’t that easy.”

  “Nothing ever is,” said Zakia. “What happened?”

  “I joined a small theatrical group in Vancouver, but I’m no actress. I only wanted to dance. Eventually, the troupe performed a musical, with me cast in the starring role because of my ability to dance and sing. It was a hit,” she said proudly. “I was so happy.”

  “Good for you. Did you go on to do other shows?” Zakia asked.

  “Not for them. At the last show, this man came to my dressing room and offered me a contract to dance full-time. He was so charming and handsome. I half fell for him at that first meeting, but I was so naive. He took me to dinner the following night, and I signed the contract right there and then. He wanted me to start work that weekend, and I was on cloud nine, both from the man’s attention and the contract to dance at Le Club Rouge Sang.”

  “What went wrong?” Zakia asked in a soft, low voice.

  “I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t read the contract. The place was an exclusive ‘members only’ club…for men. I’d signed a contract to dance topless.” Tears welled up in her eyes, and she angrily brushed them away.

  “What?” thundered Luke.

  “I screwed up, Luke, but I had signed the contract, so I saw it through. The tips were great and even better, or so I thought; the owner took a personal interest in me. He was gorgeous, tender, caring, well-respected, and rich.”

  “Is this the same guy who presented you with the contract?” asked Luke.

  “No, he wasn’t the man I signed with, and when I told him the story of how I came to be dancing in his club, he fired the guy.”