Page 32 of The Cowboy's Justice

“Ah, I see what you mean. Where do you want to be? You can have your own space at the cabin, or you can hang out with me.”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Let’s see…would I mind havin’ your gorgeous body in my bed every night,” he murmured, feigning a frown. “Hmm, now that’s a tough decision.”

“You’re a beast,” she exclaimed, punching his arm.

“Guilty, and you don’t know just how much of a beast I can be.”

“Will I get lucky and find out?”

“You are one sassy girl. Come on. There’s a guest room with an empty closet and dresser. You can put your stuff in there.”

* * *

After Devlin had carried Portia’s bag inside and placed it on the bed, he kissed her lightly on the cheek then headed off. Moving to the window, Portia watched him march towards the barn. His shoulders were squared, and she could imagine him as a sheriff in the Wild West wearing a gun belt around his hips about to face down an outlaw. With the image making her grin she began to unpack. But it was only a few minutes later her cellphone chimed, and when she glanced at the screen she saw it was him.

“Hi, this is a surprise. Do you miss me already?”

“Of course, but that’s not why I’m callin’. I just spoke to Pete, my vet. Your coffee was spiked with Rohypnol, otherwise known as the date rape drug.”

“Oh, my gosh,” she muttered, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I knew he’d done it, but hearing that has made me feel a bit weird. What should we do?”

“I’m not sure. We can talk about it more tonight. Maybe we should let sleepin’ dogs lie, but I don’t like the idea of him on the loose. There are other vulnerable women out there.”

“Yeah, I know. But at least he can’t get to me here.”

“Not a chance. Now finish unpackin’ and get over here. I’m in the feed room and we have work to do.

CHAPTER TWENTY

As Devlin rose to his feet, Portia stared up at him and broke into a smile. He looked like Superman.

“Come with me,” he said taking her hand. “I’ll make you forget all about that weasel.”

Feeling butterflies springing to life in her stomach, she pushed back from the table and walked with him down to the bedroom.

“You’re right, this will take my mind off things,” she murmured as he started to peel off her clothes.

“You don’t know what I’m about to do yet.”

“Aren’t you going to jump on my bones?”

“Nope. Now lie on your stomach and relax.”

As she settled onto the bed she watched him kick off his boots, then abruptly climbing over her and straddling her waist, his large, rough hands began massaging her shoulders.

“Ooh, that’s amazing,” she groaned. “You’re so strong.”

“And you’re wound up like a corkscrew. No talkin’. Just sink into the mattress and let me work my magic.”

But as she surrendered to his artful prowess she experienced an unexpected wave of emotion.

“Sorry,” she sniffled, trying to fight back the tears.

“Hey, don’t be sorry, let it out,” he murmured, leaning over and placing his lips at her ear. “That’s part of the problem. You hold things in. Tell me what’s on your mind. Is it just William and what he did, or is there more?”

“There’s more,” she sputtered. “It’s my life. It’s been years since things took off and we started having money, but it still doesn’t feel right. I don’t care about all the parties and stuff. Idon’t even enjoy them. That’s why I decided to live out here near Helen. Not that I’ve seen much of her,” she finished with another sniffle.

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