Running Wild Read Online Free

Sometimes women were their own worst
enemy.
    “Well, that is quite a story,” Melinda said, at last. “And
now you’ll be moving on to the Rocking R to explain it to them in person? Nick
mentioned that we might travel together.”
    Together? Star thought. Oh no, but she didn’t want to join
Marvelous Melinda! She wanted to stay here with Melinda’s brother-in-law and
learn what lurked behind the devilry in those lovely blue eyes. Perhaps they
could telegraph Lee and ask him to join them here. No, Father would never agree
to that. Foisting themselves upon perfect strangers would be indescribably
rude, and, drat the man, he never did anything rude.
    “Yes, ma’am,” Father said. “Nick and I discussed it and we
would be honored to join you, if you’re quite certain we won’t be an
inconvenience?”
    “Oh no, I’d love the company! It would be best to let us
guide you anyway, so as not to get lost.”
    Port let out a low, defeated sigh. “Is it rough travel,
ma’am?”
    “Not so very much,” she answered a trifle warily, and
Nicholas grinned behind his drink. Mischief danced in his eyes again, flashing
across the room when he caught Star’s gaze. “A little more difficult then I
expect you’re used to,” Melinda soothed, “but we’ll take it slowly enough that
you won’t suffer too terribly.”
    “I appreciate that, Mrs. McGraw,” Father answered. “And now,
I’m certain you’ll understand that it has been quite a long day. . .”
    “Oh of course!” Melinda said jumping up. “Right this way.”
    Port rose, and Father graciously held his hand out to
Nicholas. “Again, I cannot properly express my appreciation. It’s a great
relief to know that my son is safe and that we shall see him at last.”
    “Our pleasure, sir. Lee is—” Nicholas’s lips twitched
slightly, as his eyes flicked over hers in silent, amused communication,
“entertaining.”
    Star laughed. “Yes, he is that, isn’t he?” she said. “And
Miss Sullivan? Is she entertaining as well?”
    She felt Father stiffen. He had developed a hearty dislike
of Jess, whom he’d determined had seduced his son and then led him on a merry
goose chase.
    “Oh, she’s wonderful,” Melinda said, her eyes sparkling with
excitement. “She is an actress you know!”
    “Yes,” Father said dryly, “we know.”
    It hardly recommended Jess to Father.
    “And now,” Star said hastily, “if you would lead the way?”
    “Yes! Follow me, up the stairs. You might not expect it out
West, but we have a bathroom for you to freshen up in and plenty of room for
guests. . . .” Melinda chatted as she climbed the stairs. Father and Port
ushered Star on ahead, and followed behind. Right before reaching the top
stair, Star looked down to see Nicholas’s eyes upon her. Her heart took another
leap, she flashed him her most enticing smile, and then followed Melinda down a
corridor.

CHAPTER THREE
O! thou hast damnable iteration, and art indeed able to corrupt a saint.
    Shakespeare, King Henry IV

There’s nothing worse in the world than shameless woman—save some other
woman.
    Aristophanes, Thesmophoriazusae
    Nick, drink tight in his fist, watched Miz Montgomery climb
the stairs. His blood raced through his veins and his male regions fought to
come to life. Damn, but he hadn’t felt like this in a long, long time. Ah hell,
he’d never felt like this. But he’d never met a woman like her, all cool,
poised lady on the outside, but all simmering fire underneath. The sleek,
graceful way she moved reminded him of a wildcat, an amber-eyed mountain lion.
    Her father reminded him of Pa.
    Nick’s heart clenched and he ground his teeth against a
sudden stabbing.
    At the top of the stairs, she halted to look down at him.
She gave him her slow, bewitching smile, and her eyes shone with more promise
than any “lady” ought to give: of touch and taste and whispers in the dark. He
lost the fight on the fire down below.
    She turned and moved down the