Montana Sky: Laced By Love (Kindle Worlds) (Entertainers of The West Book 1) by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Author:Linda Carroll-Bradd [Carroll-Bradd, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier & Pioneer, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chances, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Kindle Worlds Novellas, Novella Length Story, Short Story, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, 19th Century, Montana Sky Series, Morgan's Crossing Montana Territory, Sweetwater Springs, Entertainers of The West Series
Publisher: Kindle Worlds
Published: 2016-02-08T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

Nicolai heard what the mayor said—those having an interest should stay. As sounds of benches moving and footsteps shuffling on the wooden floor filled the air, he settled back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. The only way he was leaving was if someone, more likely two someones, carried him out. An exchange of curt nods with Quaid assured him the new arrival shared his sentiments and would remain at his side.

Women without male relatives needed a man to stand nearby, ready to step into the forefront if their well-being—or their bodies—were threatened. In his book, that constituted an interest. This he could do for his auburn-haired Cinnia—in the same way he’d want an honorable man like himself to remain close by if either of his sisters, Katya or Orlenda, needed a guardian.

The previous night when he’d first heard the manager’s suggestion, he’d known this bride scheme was a foolish idea. Single women in a town of a couple dozen bachelors hungry for female attention were bound to cause problems. Guilt nagged at him that he hadn’t been more vocal in his opposition. Although he’d fully expected the manager to act out the role he announced—as a broker, he should have been the one to monitor how the “bought time” would be chaperoned. His newcomer status led Nicolai to doubt his words of opposition would have held much sway.

The discussion started, and he vaguely heard the mayor’s attempt to get more details. Nicolai didn’t envy the man who had the responsibility to arbitrate this mess. Instead, he occupied himself with watching Miss York’s profile, how her shoulders stiffened, and her chin jutted in reaction to what was being said.

Then the woman jumped up and said, “I object.”

What? With a single push, Nicolai came off the wall into a stiff stance. The lantern light shone right through the loose-fitting gown she wore, revealing her legs, showing each—Thank the saints, she’d regained the bench. He blew out a breath and unknotted his shoulders. Slowly, he leaned back against the wall and swallowed against his too-dry throat.

“What money?” Miss York was on her feet again.

Oh, sweet Sergius, this time she paced, displaying the silhouette of her shapely calves with each stride.

Nicolai bolted from the wall, yanking his jacket down his arms as he rounded the benches.

As she talked, she moved toward the area where the performers had been earlier.

Her march gave him enough time to shoot murderous glares at the miners who tracked her every step. He held out his jacket, fighting to control his shaking hands.

She turned and stumbled, giving him a wide-eyed look.

I won’t be sucked under by her luminous green eyes. The woman had no idea what she’d put on display. He stalked forward and swung his jacket around her, holding his hands on her shoulders in case she tried to shrug out of it. “For the love of Petya, stay seated on the danged bench. The lantern light shines right through your gown.” Even through the thickness of his leather jacket, he could feel that she wore no corset.

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