By Eugenia Riley

An Excerpt from
BUSHWHACKED BRIDE by Eugenia Riley

Jessica could not believe she was having this absurd conversation with this infuriating man . . . while sitting in a bathtub!

In the tense silence, Cole strode back toward Jessica. Then he stared again. Long and hard. Much as Jessica was outraged, she also felt extremely vulnerable, totally exposed to the whims of this powerful man. She knew he couldn't really see much of her body, not with her legs folded up against her chest as they were. But the fact that they both were well-aware of her nakedness put her at a distinct disadvantage. Especially since she sensed Cole was at last gearing up to give her that promised piece of his mind.
But again, he surprised her, murmuring, "You know, you make a pretty picture sitting there, your hair all bunched up on your head and your cheeks all rosy."
At last righteous indignation overcame Jessica's fear. "Don't you dare try to compliment me, you snake. State your business."
His gaze hardened. "All right, lady, I will."
"Well?"
He shifted from boot to boot. "The truth is, I don't like you being here, even though Ma's taken a shine to you--"
"You don't like?" she mocked. "You and your brothers are the bullies who brought me here against my will. In fact, you're the jackass who threw me across his horse."
Cole was scowling at her ill-advised epithet. "That was a mistake."
She made a sound of disbelief. "Your humility astounds me."
"Yeah, and if it were up to me, I'd pitch your butt right back into the nearest arroyo," he shot back. "But the boys and Ma want you here, so I reckon I'll allow you stay awhile."
"How generous of you. But actually, I'd much prefer to leave."
"So you can turn us over to the law?" he scoffed. "Sorry, sugar, but you don't have a say about that right now."
She glared.
He cast her a stern look. "Don't you go putting on airs and acting peeved. We both know you've got yourself a sweet deal here."
"A sweet deal?" she repeated.
"Yeah. All you have to do is to bat those big green eyes of yours, and you'll have yourself a husband and home for the taking."
Jessica was incredulous. "What gives with you people? Why do you assume every woman wants a husband and a home?"
He shook a finger at her. "You just hush up and listen. I want you to know I'm wise to you and your feminine wiles, and I don't trust you. If I get any hint you're playing loose with my brothers' affections, or giving them over to the law, I'll shoot you in your tracks. So I'm warning you to mind your p's and q's while you're here."
Jessica was fed up with him. "Thanks so much for the lovely lecture. Now go to hell."
He lunged closer, hovering over her, and spoke in a harsh whisper. "I'm warning you. And I've had about all the lip from you I can abide. Any more sass, and I'm gonna haul you up out of that tub and blister your butt, naked or not. You got that straight, lady?"
"You wouldn't dare," she raged.
"Wouldn't I?"
"Your ma would kill you."
He straightened and assumed a defiant stance. "I'm not afraid of her."
"Tell that to her broom," Jessica retorted. "Much as you and your brothers try to act like he-men, I've already learned that in the Reklaw household, 'Ma' is the law."
He fought a grudging smile. "Maybe I just don't cotton to shooting ladies."
"I'm so relieved to hear it."
"Don't be."
"Why not?"
His handsome, arrogant face again loomed close to her. "'Cause I'm not convinced you're a lady, for all your stuck-up sass. I think maybe you really are some line gal, down on your luck and putting on airs. I'm not even sure you're good enough for my baby brothers."
"Oh!" Furious, Jessica slapped him.
Cole caught her wrist. Too late, she watched the anger flare in his dark eyes. Oh, Lord. He would kill her now!
Instead, he leaned over and boldly captured her lips. Jessica's strangled protest died away in her throat. Cole's kiss was hard and hot, unexpectedly provocative. And sexy as hell. When she tried to pull away, he simply caught her nape with a strong hand and continued the sensual punishment. The beast. He knew she couldn't really fight him, naked as she was.
Then abruptly he changed tactics and gentled his kiss, teasing her tongue with his own. Heavens, this was worse. A helpless shudder seized Jessica, and she clenched and unclenched her fists. His tongue pushed deeper, mating with her own, and she was left reeling.
Oh, he was ruthless, brazenly arousing her with his kiss. She hated him, but hated her traitorous body's response even more. She could feel the ecstatic singing in her blood, the painful tautening of her nipples, and the way desire flooded deep inside her belly. He left her no pride.
Then, just as abruptly as he had begun, he pulled away, and stared into her dazed face, his own eyes dark with desire. "Who knows, lady? I might just keep you for myself."

Copyright 1999 by Eugenia Riley. 

June 1999 * Love Spell Lead Time Travel * ISBN 0-505-52320-5 * $5.99 U.S.