Her Outlaw Cowboys: A Reverse Harem Romance (Cowboy Desires Book 2)

by Asha Daniels

  Shuddering, she tilted her head just enough that their lips touched. “Savage.”

  “Mmm… I love the way you say my name.” Capturing her mouth, he closed his eyes as a rush of testosterone kicked into overdrive. The taste of her was sweet, a hint of mint, the combination creating a pang of remorse straight into his heart. He could feel his muscles tensing, knew that this moment wasn’t real.

  The raw passion shared was intense, pushing hard at his boundaries. She was the kind of women who could break through his walls, shatter his resolve.

  Georgia pushed him back, breaking the kiss and licking her lips. She looked down for a split second before answering. “I’m fine and I didn’t see you. I was late and I’m sorry.”

  He nodded once. “Just learn to be more careful.”

  Snapping her head in order to look into his eyes, she huffed. “But you shouldn’t have been standing there!”

  Of course, her feistiness would return, the sparring almost as much fun. Savage inhaled, and her perfume created a second wave of longing. His cock was throbbing, aching like a son of a bitch. Leave it alone. She’s off limits. As if he’d ever followed his damn inner voice to any fruition. “Looks like we’re working together, sunshine so I suggest we figure out how to get along.” For a dozen reasons, he wanted her riled, the spitfire that drove him wild. He shifted his hips until his groin was touching her belly. Maybe she should hate him in order to keep her distance. They were both playing with fire.

  Blinking several times, she seemed to realize she was holding on and took a decided step backwards, tumbling back into the driver’s seat. “Damn it! I hate this place. I hate this day. Why did I come here?”

  This time the move very gentle, he held out his hand, taking hers and easing her out of the car. Her guard was down, showing the soft inner belly that created a pang in his heart. “You came here for a change in your life, just like I did. Give yourself a little credit. Going to take some time to get used to the cowboy way of life. Especially since you have no idea what you got yourself into.” If he didn’t walk away now, he wasn’t certain he would be able to. The effect this woman had on him was far too usurping. This, he didn’t need. “I’ll stay out of your way.” He gave her a respectful nod before hopping onto the porch, taking long strides toward the main entrance.

  “Wait. If I was your girlfriend. What would you give me?”

  He couldn’t have been more shocked that she was actually asking the question. His heart skipping several beats, he couldn’t look at her when he answered. But he did answer.

  “One. Long. Hard. Spanking.”

  Shit. Shit. Shit. The woman had gotten under his skin.

  She didn’t answer, nor did she race toward him, pummeling her fists into his back. When he was just inside the door, he dared a look out the window.

  Her expression was filled with desire.

  Yep. He was in deep shit. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he thought about purchasing a wooden hairbrush. The sizzling idea gave him a smile. She was a born submissive, he could tell without any problem. Things might get interesting. One day at a time. That’s all he could do.

  Unless he dragged her back to the cabin and shackled her to the bed.

  The thought, at least, gave him a needed smile.

  Savage acknowledged the few people who were already working at such an early hour before heading to Richard’s office, tapping lightly on the door. They’d established the crack of dawn time to meet, surprising the hell out of him.

  “Come in.”

  The voice coming from the other side of the door didn’t have the same verve as the day before. Savage walked inside and knew instantly something was off. Papers were scattered everywhere, files covering a good portion of Richard’s massive desk. Even file cabinet drawers were open, additional folders positioned on top. “Should I come back later?”

  Richard almost had a look of relief on his face as be beckoned with his arm. “Not at all. I was hoping you’d be on time. A lot of work to do. Close the door.”

  After closing and coming closer to the desk, Savage remained quiet, shifting from foot to foot. “Something wrong?”

  “I was called in early, an attempted break-in last night. The alarm went off. Nothing stolen, but my door was ajar.”

  “What?” Savage looked around the room.

  “Yeah. Not sure what to think or what they were looking for.” He slapped a file on his desk. “I can’t worry about it right now. Too much to do. I’m glad you’re here. Look, I wasn’t entirely honest with you yesterday and for that, I apologize,” Richard started, his eyes sweeping over Savage.

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning, I do want you to handle aspects of marketing. That is vital, but I also need you to handle certain aspects of accounting for me. After the break-in attempt, I wanted to get you involved.”

  Accounting? This was totally unexpected. He shoved his hands into his pockets as he moved closer, peering down at the few pieces of papers he could see. There were contracts mixed with sets of financials. Even from where he stood, the numbers appeared abysmal. “If you don’t mind me asking, Mr. Marshall, given you know I was in prison, why would you want me handling anything to do with your accounting?”

  “Fair question and I figured you’d ask, but please call me Richard. I know everything about what happened to put you and your friends into prison.” Richard moved closer, a kind smile on his face.

  As the man spouted off almost every detail of the entire case, some items that only the attorneys involved as well as the judge knew, a rift skittered down Savage’s spine. “I don’t understand.” He heard the gruffness in his voice but didn’t give a shit. This had to be some kind of set up.

  “I have very influential friends throughout several of the Western states, Savage. Do you honestly think I’d hire a group of ex-cons to work at my resort without learning every detail? I am many things, Savage, but I’m no fool. What happened to all three of you was for political gain only.”

  Political gain. Yes, he knew in his gut they’d been railroaded, but the reasons had never come to light. “Meaning what?”

  Richard smiled, his eyes flashing. “I think that’s something that you need to find out on your own. Rest assured, I’m not here to interfere in your life, merely give you a chance to heal.” He laughed. “I realize that might sound philanthropic or self-serving, but I’m not getting any younger. If I have to give this place up, it’ll be on my terms.”

  The statement was cryptic, creating a series of hard questions. “I don’t want a hand out.”

  “And you’re not getting one. I expect every one of you to perform to the utmost of your abilities and if you don’t, you will be fired. This is merely trying to turn a tide, nothing more. Are we clear?”

  There was a charismatic yet cavalier attribute that Savage was forced to admit he admired. “Crystal.” He thought about the break-in. Would the competition stoop so low? Perhaps. But now with Richard’s admission, he knew there was more to the story of Lone Wolf.

  “Excellent. I’ve cleared an office for you just down the hall. You can have any of the staff pick up whatever office supplies you feel you need. The computer is on an old network basis but works just fine, even though Shane is convinced we should move to the cloud.” Richard chuckled. “Shows how much older I am than my kid brother.”

  “I appreciate it, but what am I doing exactly, Mr. Marshall? I mean Richard.”

  Richard looked over his shoulder toward the door. “I need you to study the financials for me, analyze the last fifteen months. Up until then, we were balls to the walls with business as well as flush with cash. Yes, we lost our marketing director and in truth, I think there was some sabotage there. Dozens of our best clients were lured to one of the new posh resorts, including Rattlesnake Ranch as well as a smattering of a few others, but not enough to cut into Lone Wolf’s financial situation to the degree that it has.”

  “Don’t you have an accountant?”

  Richard
rubbed his jaw. “I have a CPA who handles the year-end audit, taxes, that kind of thing. I have bookkeepers, basic staff who do what you would call the grunt work. It’s been my responsibility to make certain the resort is fiscally sound.”

  “What aren’t you telling me?” The man was fearful of extortion or direct theft, money or intellectual property. He could smell it a mile away.

  “Let’s just say that I need a set of fresh eyes. I’m well aware of what you uncovered at your last position. You were tenacious in uncovering fraud. That’s exactly what I need.”

  Savage narrowed his eyes, the implications clear. The man had done more than just checking on his basic background. “You don’t want to highlight any of your employees to me or the other way around. You’d prefer that I come to my own conclusions.”

  “You’re an astute man, just as I believed you to be.”

  “What if you don’t like my findings?”

  Richard lifted a single eyebrow. “I have many enemies, Savage, for reasons that have nothing to do with this resort. I’ve learned to cut my losses when necessary without emotion; however, Lone Wolf is very special to me.”

  The words seemed to hang in the air, but Savage refused to ask why. This wasn’t about getting close to Richard, or anyone else for that matter. If he performed well, he might be on the road to some kind of professional recovery. “Understood.”

  “I want to be very clear about this. I don’t want anyone else to know what you’re working on. The official statement is that you’re here to provide marketing services, for example the rodeo. I think blending in with some of the staff is the best way to accomplish several tasks. I hired a new social director to kick some spark into our festivities. As you can imagine, this will play hand in hand with what and how you’re going to market. I’ll expect you to work with her very closely.”

  “Okay.” Great. Now he was going to be forced to work with some kid who had more energy than common sense.

  Richard moved around his desk, beginning to tidy up his papers. “I also heard that you were a damn good amateur photographer. That true?”

  “I’ve dabbled over the years,” Savage answered, concentrating on the concern remaining on Richard’s face. The man was terrified of losing everything.

  “Well, then by all means take pictures. Maybe you can get a handle on the website, upload a few, put together some brochures. Whatever you decide. Needless to say, keep the costs as low as you can.” Richard exhaled. “I hate this. I’d wanted to leave a legacy to my family, a special place that would be here for generations. That just isn’t going to happen.”

  The words were so sad, so debilitating that Savage had no idea what to say.

  “Anyway. I’ll grab the most pertinent sets of financials and bring them to your office. You should have access to the network on the computer. Here is your login information. Keep your password secret.” Richard half smiled as he handed Savage a sealed envelope. “There’s also a password for my files, which have the audits. Use at your discretion. You will find the social director likely in the kitchen facility to your left. She’s meeting with the catering director now. Later, I’m going to have one of the hands take you both on a tour of the facility. It’s important you know every inch of the land. My land.” He said the last two words with emphasis.

  “Yes, sir.” Savage folded and shoved the envelope in his back pocket and gathered a sense that Richard was finished with the conversation. He backed away and toward the door. “What is the social director’s name?”

  Richard eased a stack of files together before chuckling. “Georgia Taylor. Spitfire of a woman. I think you’ll like her. The girl’s in a bit over her head, but I have a good feeling about her as well as your partnership. I think she’ll do a lot around here. Why don’t you grab some coffee or breakfast from the dining room before you get started?”

  “Yes, sir.” Food was the absolute last thing on his mind. As he walked out of Richard’s office, he held his breath. Only when the door was closed did he issue a slight hiss. Georgia. Karma was definitely kicking him in the ass.

  Chapter 5

  One. Long. Hard. Spanking.

  Had he actually issued the words? Or was she dreaming? Or out of her mind? No, he’d said the words and that meant one thing.

  He’d seen right through every one of her defenses. How? Because you’re a lousy actress, sunshine. “Oh!” The way he’d used the words had been… caustic. That was the way to describe it. She had to shake this off. Unfortunately, all she could think about was his large hand coming down on her naked ass.

  You need a hard spanking. You deserve one for your nasty mouth.

  The words reminded her of the ones used by her father. Maybe she did. Maybe if Savage had taken her over his knee then she’d have an attitude adjustment. She certainly needed that. This is silly. Breathe and get control. She refused to allow any man to take control over her.

  Why was her little voice laughing her ass off?

  Infuriating. Everything about the man was infuriating. Georgia’s blood pressure sizzled as she made her way into the main lodge. Cursing a blue streak wasn’t her style and certainly wasn’t ladylike, but Savage What’s His Name certainly brought out every bad habit she could even think about forming. The nerve of the man was beyond reprehensible. He assumed he was all that and a bag of chips more than any other dude, guy, asshole she’d been with.

  Then why is your pussy quivering?

  And why did her little voice continue to nag her with the same question? She pushed back the giggle forming in her throat. As she waited in the reception area for anyone to make an appearance, she envisioned his face, barely illuminated by the morning light. She couldn’t help but imagine what he’d look like after an amazing night of steamy sex. She was turning into gutter trash, as her mother would say.

  “Morning. You’re Georgia. Right?” The girl’s voice was far too perky, the twang cute and sexy at the same time. Matched the rest of the young woman in her tight jeans and even tighter company t-shirt.

  “That’s me.”

  “I’m Sheila. Really nice to meet ya. Anything you need, you just ask me.” She rose onto her tiptoes, peering over the counter. “Girl, you are going to suffer in those boots. For what you’re going to be doing, you need tennis shoes.”

  “Tennis shoes, huh?” Georgia mumbled, embarrassment riding her like a bad hair day. “I thought everyone wore cowboy boots.” Tennis shoes she could handle, having brought her favorite and very broken in pair.

  Sheila laughed. “Trust me. That’s just for the brochures and of course the cowboys who take the guests out wear them. The rest of the staff wear shorts, comfy shoes and a required resort shirt. I’ll get you a few of those. I wouldn’t be in these boots if I didn’t have a ride in a few minutes.”

  “You do that too?”

  She walked around the reception desk, nodding toward a hallway. “I am the jack of all trades but since I grew up on a ranch, horses are my first love. I hear you have a meeting with the ice queen. Let’s get you there before she has a cow. I’ll grab a few shirts for you and leave them behind the counter. I think red and purple are your colors.”

  “Ice queen?” Georgia trailed behind her and into a very large dining area. Everything was just gorgeous with two stone fireplaces, floor to ceiling windows highlighting the mountains and art depicting resort living with a western appeal. The fragrance of fresh bread and coffee, bacon and sausage infused her senses. There were only a few guests at this early hour, but she knew a Bloody Mary when she saw one. Maybe one day she’d be able to afford coming to somewhere this beautiful on vacation. With a special man.

  Savage…

  No. No! She wasn’t going down this road again. Banishing the man from her mind, she turned her attention back to the spunky girl.

  Sheila stopped short, placing a finger over her lips and lowering her voice. “Zoe Stephens, the Chef and Catering Director. Not entirely certain how her head fits through any doorways. Watch out for
her. She’ll stab you in the back and serve you up for supper.”

  “I think I’m going to like you, Sheila.” Chuckling, Georgia steeled herself to be prepared for anything.

  After walking through a set of swinging doors, Sheila high fived several of the kitchen staff. “Our new social director, Georgia Taylor. This is Mickey, Fernando, Wally and Mike. Be nice to her. She’s one of the good ones.”

  “Not the ice queen so soon?” Wally shot off, shaking his head.

  Sheila gave him a harsh look. “Careful, boy toy. You don’t want her overhearing.”

  “Boy toy, huh? How about a drink later, and good to meet you, Georgia. Really glad you’re here.” Wally’s voice pattern went from total flirt to complete professional.

  “I hope she stays longer than the last one,” Fernando mumbled, giving Georgia a nod.

  Grousing, Sheila gave every male a heated look. “Wally, in your dreams and Fernando, quiet. No sense in shootin’ off gossip.”

  “Not gossip. Been through two social directors in six months,” Mickey teased, winking. “She’s the reason Lone Wolf is failing.” When everyone gave him an evil look, he shrugged. “I can have my opinion.”

  “Then not to worry. I’m only here for the summer,” Georgia answered, tension relieving. She adored the crew and especially Sheila. They all sensed the fact the ranch was in financial trouble.

  “Runnin’ you off already?” Mike leaned over the counter. “You’re a hot one yourself. We want you to stay. Don’t we, fellas?”

  Sheila let out a full growl. “Down boy or I’ll have to get out my whip.”

  “Oh, please do.”

  “You’re really only here for three months?” Sheila motioned her toward another set of doors.

  “I have another job. The ad said for the summer.”