Page 22 of Wyoming Cowboy Undercover

Was this yet another case of weapons for them when they already had enough to arm every man, woman and child here twice over? Or was this case meant to be shipped?

Percy had told him that they’d gotten it wrong. Maybe the Shining Light didn’t have a weapons supplier. Maybe they were the arms dealers.

He got up and hurried through the rows of weapons to the door. But when he opened it, Alex was standing on the other side, grinning, with three more guards for backup.

MARSHALLLAYINBED, his need thoroughly sated, his body agreeably tumbled and lazy from his afternoon delight with Sophia.

The shower stopped in the en suite. Once she dressed and he sent Sophia on her way, he’d clean up. Go for a long ride on his stallion, Zeppelin.

There was a light rap on the door.

He groaned, hating to be disturbed when he was in his private quarters. “One minute.”

Rolling out of bed, he grabbed his white silk robe and slipped it on, tying it closed. He checked his face in the mirror, brushed his hair in place. His gaze fell to his tattoo of the Shining Light on his chest.

All he had to do was stay the course and his empire would keep growing, expanding. Twenty novices would be reborn during the next ceremony. The most they’ve ever had at one time.

Nothing—and no one—was going to get in his way.

He went to the door and opened it.

“Empyrean.” Alex bowed his head. “I’m sorry to disturb you.”

Better now than twenty minutes ago. “What is it?”

His gaze lifted and a smile spread across his face. “You were right. Rocco broke into the restricted area in the security building. I found this on him.” Alex held up a lock-picking kit.

The cowboy came prepared. “That didn’t take long. I would’ve given him a week. Did anything turn up on him under the name Kekoa?”

“Nothing.”

“No matter. This transgression will be enough. Where is he now?”

“Handcuffed in one of the unburdening rooms.”

“Perfect. Dose his dinner with ayahuasca. Once it kicks in, we’ll get to the bottom of whatever he’s up to.” He wouldn’t be able to hide anything while he was drugged.

“Then what?” Alex asked.

Marshall needed to get rid of that agent of chaos. This was his chance, but it had to be done right. “Depends on what he says.” His thoughts careened to his daughter. “Tonight, you and Mercy should try bundling,” he said, referring to the practice of sleeping fully clothed with another person during courtship. The point was to create a strong, intimate bond before marriage. “She needs more encouragement to see you as her future husband. To take this process seriously.”

“Yes, sir. I look forward to it.”

“Of course you do.” Marshall closed the door and turned around.

Sophia came out of the bathroom dressed, and a thought occurred to him.

“Were you listening?” he asked, striding toward her, already knowing the answer. He merely wanted to see if she’d lie.

She hesitated, debating. “Yes. I didn’t mean to. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.”

Not this time.He slid a hand around the nape of her neck and tugged her to him. “Do you remember the lesson I taught you about discretion and loyalty?”

Sophia stiffened, her face flushing.

He’d taken a riding crop to her bare bottom. He made certain all his lessons were unforgettable.

“Yes.” She trembled. “I won’t say anything.”

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