Capturing Our Lady's Heart [Commando Cowboys and Renegade Texans Unite 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Read Online Free Page B

door stopped him. “My appointment. Get out of here.”
    “You can’t order me around, Alan. Part of this ranch and house belongs to me. Or have you forgotten?”
    “Dad wrote his will so I have control of the ranch. If I want to tell you to move, I can. You’re under my control.”
    Anger whipped through Bliss. She stepped closer to Alan. “No, I am not.”
    “Hello, is anyone home?”
    Her head jerked around toward the backdoor. “Who is that?”
    “None of your business. Go.”
    “It’s the new man, Quinlain, isn’t it? What business would you have with him?”
    “We’re talking men’s business.”
    “Alan, this isn’t the dark ages. Women have equal rights.”
    Before she could change her mind, Bliss went and opened the door. “Come in, Mr. Quinlain.”
    In her anger and frustration with her brother, she’d forgotten she was still in her nightgown and housecoat, until Lann Quinlain stepped inside and his eyes roamed from the top of her head to her feet. His gaze sent heat to her face. Darn, she blushed every time she was around this particular man.
    His height and broad chest and shoulders towered over her. Bliss moved back and motioned for him to join her brother at the table.
    “There’s coffee in the pot. Excuse me.” She rushed out and up the stairs. What does he want to discuss with Alan? She hurriedly dressed in black slacks, a purple blouse, and black flats. Then she brushed her hair and pulled it up into a twist. A little light makeup and she was ready. She checked the spot on her cheek. No one would look close enough to notice.
    There she looked more herself than she had in the past two years. She wasn’t sure why she’d let her brother dictate to her. Sunn was right, at first she’d felt sorry for him and the children. But after living in the same house with him, her sympathy went to his ex-wife.
    Bliss had been away from home for a number of years. She’d attended college, and then she’d worked in the city to save the money to come home and open her shop.
    When they were younger, Bliss hadn’t realized how much Alan resembled her father and not just in looks. But she remembered her mother being worn down over the years by her father’s attitude. Marriage was definitely not for her. She’d seen enough of the problems in her own home when she was growing up. Then Alan’s behavior had been an eye-opener.
    I think I’ll tiptoe downstairs and find out why Alan and Mr. Quinlain are meeting. She didn’t want to think of him as Lann. It was too casual and did funny things to her insides. She was not attracted to him or Bern. I refuse to be.
    Bliss heard them still talking in the kitchen. Her brother raised his voice.
    “I appreciate your offer, Quinlain. But I’d want more money before I’d consider selling my ranch.”
    “I checked around and was assured my offer was more than generous.”
    “Not to me. I have work to do. Come back when you’re serious about doing business.”
    Bliss slammed the swinging kitchen door open. “Like hell! The ranch is part mine. If it’s to be sold, I have a say in this.”
    Alan jumped up from his chair and frowned at her. “No, you do not. As I told you before, Dad wrote his will so I’d be able to make all the decisions.” He glanced at Lann. “My father believed, as do I, that women should not be involved in making important legal decisions.”
    Lann glanced from her brother to her. His laser-sharp study had her feeling hot and quivery inside. He stood and walked to her. Gently, his fingers took hold of her chin, and he turned her cheek where he had a better view.
    “How did you get that bruise?” His deep voice hinted of anger.
    “She fell on the stairs last night,” Alan said.
    “A familiar excuse for a battered woman.” Now his attention swung to Alan, and the anger in his voice was unmistakable. “Did you hit her?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Don’t lie. I see it in your eyes.” He walked toward Alan, who backed up against the