Demanding Satisfaction [Bride Train 9] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Reece Butler

  So had his cock. Too darn much. Even the reminder had him hard again. He’d come twice in a few hours and couldn’t wait to plow into her willing mouth or pussy again. But what really had him throbbing was thinking of sinking into that tight little asshole. Watching his cock penetrate her flesh. Seeing that pink iris stretch around the head of his cock as he—

  A noise from behind had him whirling around, ready to attack. The door opened and Sam strolled in as if he owned the hotel. Max, fists tight and ready, almost punched him.

  “Where were you?” he demanded. Sam ignored him. He sauntered across the room, stopping at the table where Max kept a bottle of good brandy. It was for guests only. Sam reached out a hand.

  “Don’t touch that. It’s for—”

  “Emergencies,” said Sam, calmly.

  He poured a finger’s worth, lifted the glass, and swallowed the whole thing. He gasped, of course, then shook his head and shoulders like a wet dog. He set the glass down with a thunk and exhaled.

  “That woman will be the death of me.” He shuddered again, and then grinned. “What a way to go!”

  “I ordered you to stay away from her. She needs her rest.”

  “No,” said Sam, hauling the word out to three syllables. “You said to let her sleep. I did. Then she woke up.”

  Max growled at Sam’s attitude. “You bedded her against my orders?”

  Sam pursed his lips as if sucking the last taste of brandy off them. He slowly shook his head, showing far too much satisfaction. Sam looked relaxed and refreshed. Though Max had just had the two best orgasms of his life, he felt tighter than an overwound clock.

  “You’re denying you had sex with her?” added Max impatiently.

  “Heck, no!” A slow leer appeared. He leaned back and sighed. “That woman would wear a man out in a week!”

  Max grunted as if a horse had kicked him. He could accept Josh and Sophie enjoying each other’s company while they did what was necessary to fulfill the plan. Screams and fighting, and Josh’s obvious satisfaction, was part of it. Sam had been the first to bed Sophie, back in Tanner’s Ford. Max had now had his turn. Sam had no reason, beyond lust, to touch her. While Max admitted he wanted the woman again, the job was his first priority. His own desires were once more far down the list. Right at the bottom, in fact. Why couldn’t Sam do the same?

  Because, Max replied to himself, Sam always got what he wanted. He had the fun while Max did the work. He closed his eyes and counted to ten, twice, before the red haze drifted from his eyes.

  No, he admitted once his rage faded, Sam worked hard as well. Max was too good at denying himself anything that could interfere with his plans. The only way to get through life safely was by carefully constructing plans and following them all the way to their successful conclusion. Sam usually followed the plan, but he made sure he had some pleasure along the way.

  He was not jealous of his brothers bedding Sophie. It was the fact that Sam was playing when he should be working. He realized his teeth were jammed together so hard that his jaw hurt. That led to him discovering his hands were clenched into fists. When he released them he saw four crescents on each where his nails had dug in.

  Fine, Sam had seduced Sophie. Again. The deed was done. His plans could adjust as long as the final outcome was the same. He counted another set of ten while Sam helped himself to a second drink. Then it was time to work.

  “What did Josh report about Nathanial Potts? He did speak to you when he returned, right?”

  Sam stopped, lips still on the edge of the glass, and stared. Then he snorted a laugh, swallowed the rest of his drink, and set it down. He took a good look around the room and then stared at Max.

  “Care to tell me why my so-careful brother tossed his coat on the floor, has his sleeves shoved up rather than neatly folded, and kicked his boots across the room like a kid in a temper?” Sam tilted his head. “And it looks like you’ve been pulling at your hair again.” He made a tsking noise. “It’s all over the place.”

  Max glared, daring him to comment further. He yanked his sleeves down. His fingers shook so much it took his full concentration to button them. Sam coughed, but it didn’t cover his snicker. Max ignored it, though his face felt hot. So hot that if he stuck it in the ice cold bowl the water might turn to steam.

  “What did Josh say?” demanded Max.

  “Before or after he spent ten minutes kissing Sophie?”

  Max shot Sam a look that should have nailed him to the wall. “That’s enough! She’ll soon be going back to her hotel and you’ll never see her again.”

  Sam narrowed his eyes, returning the look. He shook his head, slowly and deliberately. “Josh said Sophie is his woman. There is no way he’ll let her go now. Neither will I.”

  Max jammed his teeth together to stop himself from saying something he might regret. Josh would not appreciate Max telling him that, as the first Gibson he would be the one marrying Sophie. Once Josh’s mind was made up, there was nothing Sam, Max, or even Sophie, could do about it.

  He pressed his hands over his face, scrubbed as if washing, and then dropped them. Fine. He’d recalculate and move on. Since he could do nothing about it, Max shoved Sophie out of his mind. It wasn’t as easy as it should have been.

  “Josh had a job to do. Did he find out about Potts, or not?”

  “Nathanial Potts used to be a gambler, a good one,” said Sam. He shoved himself off the wall and stood straight, finally concentrating on the job. “The drink got to him and he got the shakes. He can deal cards, but his days of pulling tricks are over. He finds the bully boys and passes them orders from people like Smythe.”

  “Any idea who Smythe’s after?”

  “Other than the entire town of Tanner’s Ford?” asked Sam sarcastically. “I suspect Smythe will send Potts after the two ranches highest on his annoyance list. That would be anyone from the Double Diamond or J Bar C. Sin is in town, and Jed is on the way. They’re targets.”

  “Annoy?” Max finally had something to go after Sam about. “A buzzing fly is annoying. You swat it with your hand. But Smythe said he’d destroy those two ranches. He’d kill the owners, take anything of value, and burn everything else.” Valuables included cattle, horses, possessions…and women. Jessie and Victoria, to be precise. “It would be Smythe’s last act since they’d never allow him to live if their women or children were harmed.” He shook his head. “The man might be crazy enough to do it, too.”

  “Sin’s got Trace, Ranger, Ross, and now Ben and Gillis to back him up,” said Sam. “They were on their way to have a quiet word with that railway big bug, Baird. They only told me about it so we’d know where they were in case something happens with Sophie.”

  Max nodded, relieved Sam had the situation under control after all. “Why didn’t you tell me you were working? You come in here like you’ve done nothing but—” He shut up before he could put his foot in it about Sophie. Sam smirked knowingly.

  “Because I’m your brother, Maxie. If I don’t shake you up, who will?”

  “I don’t need shaking up!” Max jammed his lips together, dismissing the conversation as he knew it would go nowhere. When Sam started calling him that hated nickname, he was too far gone to listen. “Do you know what the ranchers are doing with Baird?”

  “Didn’t you meet the man?”

  “We were talking about Smythe and Isaac,” replied Max.

  “Trace hinted about buying a large parcel of land without Smythe, or anyone else, knowing about it.”

  “Anyone else on their way?”

  “Jed, Luke, Cole, and Zach should be here tomorrow.”

  “What? They’ll only get in the way!”

  Sam held up his hands, denying he had anything to do with it.

  “Be glad it’s only one man from each ranch. Trace said it took a lot of convincing to keep the women away. They all wanted to be in on catching Isaac.” Sam snorted a laugh. “They told their husbands not to come back until Isaac was strung up or hauled East
for a trial. The more bloodthirsty ones said they wanted Ross to have a few hours alone with him before the law hanged what was left.”

  Max grunted in agreement. What Isaac had done to some of the women before killing them had turned his usually staunch stomach. His job was to catch the criminals and provide evidence for a trial, not seek vigilante justice. But how hard would he fight to stop a mob from breaking Isaac out of jail and hauling him away to be tortured and hanged? It wasn’t a question he wanted to answer, even to himself.

  “Our first priority must be Smythe. That’s who we were sent here to arrest. Isaac has to come second.”

  “Sophie will find out who Isaac is without getting hurt. It means a lot to her,” Sam added quietly.

  “She’ll have, what, twelve Tanner’s Ford ranchers in town to protect her?”

  “No, she won’t. If they go near her, someone might figure out who she is and ruin everything. But there’s another way to speed things up.”

  Max had seen that look on his brother’s face before. It meant that Sam had a plan he knew Max wouldn’t like. He impatiently motioned for Sam to speak.

  “Sophie, as Queenie, needs to rebel so strongly that Abby has a reason to send for Isaac right away.”

  “I thought Josh buying her was the reason to send for Isaac?”

  “Won’t work.” Sam rolled his eyes. “Sophie’s not good at the look of a well-contented cat who wants more cream. Abby wouldn’t believe Sophie would refuse Josh.”

  “So what plan did you come up with?”

  “Josh, who everyone saw hand over his gold poke for Sophie, can’t even buy good whiskey,” said Sam eagerly. “But he likes his drink. So he agrees to let someone else take her for the night in return for good drink.”

  “Why would a man do that when Queenie wants him?”

  “Because he’s had her already that day, is hung over, and wants whiskey. A drunk wouldn’t be able to get it up more than once a day. When the stranger buys him some of the good stuff, the idea sounds even better. Since he can’t use her that night except as a warm body to snore beside, why shouldn’t he get some money back?”

  “And Sophie? I mean, Queenie?”

  “She screams and complains, of course. Maybe she attacks Josh like she did the other men, making him angry. If this fight happens early enough in the day there’ll be time for Abby to get Isaac to visit as soon as it’s dark. They’d plan for the stranger to come after Sophie’s been shown she has no choice.”

  “And who would play this stranger?”

  Sam’s grin answered the question. Max stared at the floor as he thought it over. It was obvious that Sam wanted to “buy” Queenie from Josh. But Max was identical to Sam. Only one of them could be in the public view. Why couldn’t he get the benefit? Isaac would be arrested before he touched Sophie, but she might be suitably impressed with the Pinkerton agents for catching him. Maybe she’d want to celebrate. In bed.

  Why couldn’t it be Max who celebrated with her, instead of Sam or Josh? Given such a kick, Max’s cock jumped to life once more. Sam twitched, eager for an answer. Max shouldn’t take such enjoyment out of poking his brother. Shouldn’t, but did on the few occasions when it happened. So Max made Sam wait while he thought a few things out.

  “What about my plan?”

  “Smythe has to sell those shares tomorrow. He needs the money.”

  “So?” Sam shifted his feet impatiently.

  “What if Smythe is Isaac? The railroad wants him arrested for selling stolen shares.”

  “Baird said the railroad wants Smythe put away. He doesn’t care who does it, or the reasons why. If Smyth’s Isaac, then we’re to grab him when we can. So, my plan?”

  “Will only work if Hames keeps his mouth shut about who we are. Even better, if he doesn’t go near Ruby’s while one of us is there.”

  “We can ask Trace and the others to keep him occupied. So?”

  “The plan’s good,” said Max. Sam crowed. “I’ll arrange to buy Sophie, demanding that she be taught to behave first.”

  “What?” Sam shook his head. “No, I—”

  Max held up his hand, stopping Sam’s outburst. “If Josh is serious about marrying Sophie, I need a chance to talk openly with her.”

  “But you had an hour or more with her!”

  “I was soothing her, not talking.”

  Sam stopped. He stared at Max, mirror images both wanting the same thing.

  “Is that what you call it now? Well then.” Sam chuckled, low and knowing. “Sophie needed a fair bit of ‘soothing’ from me after you left her all alone.”

  “I didn’t leave her alone. I left her sleeping, with you in the chair.”

  “Chair?” asked Sam, acting the fool. “All I saw was a bed. A comfortable bed filled with an even more comfortable woman. One I want to keep.” Sam crossed his arms, set his feet, and glared at Max.

  “You’re itching to fight,” he replied. “There’s likely to be one in that saloon when Isaac shows up, so you might as well put your energy to good use.”

  “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” Sam glared at him.

  Max silently imitated his twin’s pose. He had Smythe cornered two ways, Isaac close to capture, and was going to protect Sophie, and hopefully enjoy her charms once more. Getting back at his brother was a bonus.

  “I am. Now, don’t you have a job to do, little brother?”

  Sam laughed. It sounded more sarcastic than anything.

  “Most of the time I was with Sophie I massaged her sore muscles.”

  Max narrowed his eyes at his twin, looking for signs that Sam was pulling his leg. Sam opened the door. He looked over his shoulder, grinning.

  “That’s all I did. Sophie’s got the mouth of an angel. And I don’t mean she can sing.”

  Max’s boot hit the door just as it closed. Laughter trailed down the hallway.

  Chapter 25

  “I can’t go downstairs. You ripped my only gown!”

  Josh grinned at Sophie’s complaint. She’d wrapped the sheet around herself while she slept. It hid her skin, but Josh had already seen, touched, tasted, smelled, kissed, and loved those curves. He wanted to nibble her again as he pulled the sheet from her body, then follow wherever his mouth took him.

  After Sam had left her as limp as a rag doll but no longer sore, Josh had snuggled close. He’d fallen asleep with his hand wrapped around her breast, her soft bottom snug against his groin. He didn’t think either of them moved all night. He woke first and went out to find a replacement for the dress he’d ruined. It took a bit of convincing, but he was pleased with what he found.

  He’d let her sleep late, but she had to work today, bringing drinks to customers. He was not looking forward to seeing other men touch her. And because he’d spent almost everything he had left on her dress, he only had enough coin for a couple of rotgut drinks. That was all he needed to play the part of a drunk. But it wouldn’t be easy to do with Sophie in the room, smiling at other men.

  “I got you another one.”

  He took the wrapped parcel from the floor by the end of the bed and held it out. She stared at the gift in wonder.

  “For me?” she whispered, eyes wide.

  “Baby, there’s nobody else I’d buy a dress for.”

  She worried her lip with her teeth. Josh realized she mustn’t have received many presents. He hadn’t either, but it was different with a woman. Sophie deserved to have pretty things. His brothers said the dresses she wore, other than at Christmas or weddings, were brown, dark blue, or gray. Because she had to hide her womanliness or lose her hotel, even when dressing up, she’d worn black with just a bit of lace. He bet she was eager for a touch of brightness. She’d better be, considering what was in the parcel.

  “If you don’t want it—”

  “No!”

  She dropped the sheet and scrambled toward him. He admired the way her breasts swayed. The cheeks of her ass parted, each begging for his kiss. His cock responded, but now was not
the time. Later, after she finished her work, he’d do everything he’d done before. Only he’d do it twice as well now that he’d learned about her body.

  He handed the parcel to her. She pulled the string and the bow opened. He waited, eager to hear her reaction. She pushed back the paper and stared.

  “Oh, Josh,” she whispered.

  The dress was so bright it almost glowed. He knew the flame-orange dress would go well with her dark hair.

  “Hold it up against you to see if it fits.”

  She leaped out of bed and tenderly lifted it from the brown paper wrapping. It had a high neck and long sleeves, just like he wanted. It was loose enough that she could move around easily, which hid her shape from curious eyes. Lace, which the woman who sold it to him said was two shades darker than the satin, edged each seam.

  He’d never given anyone a present before. Seeing the joy on her face, how she investigated every little bow and button, made his chest expand in pride.

  “Oh, Josh, thank you! I love it!”

  She laughed and held it against her front. She swirled around the room, her hair trailing behind to tickle her bottom. His heart soared at seeing her so happy. He would do anything to make her smile like that. She stopped, facing him. Her face glowed above the flame like a pixie or an angel.

  “What do you think?” she asked.

  He had to clear his throat to talk. “I think you look just fine without it, but I don’t want anyone else seeing you that way. You’d best put it on and get out to work before Abby pounds on the door.”

  He hated to see her smile fade with the cold dose of reality. But then she lifted her chin and narrowed her eyes.

  “Abby will be so jealous. I can’t wait to see her face!”

  A few hours later Josh slumped on a chair in the corner of the saloon. Acting totally soused, he watched Sophie flicker across the room like a firefly. He’d wanted her hair tied up where other men couldn’t see or touch it. Unfortunately that would make it easier to figure out who she was, and put her in danger. But once this was over, she wouldn’t let anyone else but the three Gibson men see her hair down. He’d have her sit naked in front of him by the fire after her bath and he’d brush it dry.