The Rancher Takes A Bride (The Burnett Brides Book 1)

whether you like it or not."
    ***
    "You're not going to let her audition, are you?" Eugenia asked the next morning over breakfast. Rose had yet to make an appearance this morning.
    Travis couldn't help but wonder about his mother. She was obviously taking that little liar's side once again. "Nope. Not till I get your ring back."
    The thought of letting Rose go into town alone made him feel anxious, and that frightened him. He didn't need to start caring what Rose did, except returning the ring. It could lead to nothing but trouble.
    "Why not?" Eugenia asked, exasperated.
    He raised his eyebrows at his mother. "You think I should let her go audition for a play? Where she would have the chance to meet up with all kinds of ruffians? Sell your wedding ring, her body, or anything else she might take from the house? Even skip town if she wanted."
    "She's not going to sell anything to anyone. You're overreacting."
    "You know, Mother, for someone whose most precious possession was stolen by Rose, you seem mighty cozy with her. You're not angry, and you almost seem to enjoy her company."
    "What do you want me to do? Flog her? Rose is a delightful girl, who just happened to be the last person I was with when my ring disappeared. It's most likely her, but I can't prove it."
    "Mother, I've basically kidnapped this woman, held her hostage to retrieve your ring. I'd be very upset if I found out she didn't steal your ring."
    Eugenia swallowed. "Who else could it be?"
    "Then I see no reason to let her go audition to be in a play. That will only put her in touch with other questionable characters and give her a chance to escape."
    The thought of never seeing Rose again was disturbing, way too disturbing. It had to be because of his mother's ring. That's all it could be.
    "But she has nothing to do. And this has always been an interest of hers. I even suggested she try acting before going to New York."
    He shrugged his shoulders. "Too bad."
    Eugenia threw down her napkin. "Travis, you're being unreasonable. Let the poor girl audition."
    "No. Rose or Desirée or whatever name she's going by today will remain here on the ranch until the ring is returned."
    Eugenia shook her head. "Sometimes I think you're more difficult than your father."
    Why was his mother defending the girl? She'd always been a strong defender of their family. She had instilled in him his sense of duty and honor. So why this time was she so eager to absolve this woman?
    "I'll take that as a compliment, Mother."
    ***
    Travis spent the day riding the range, checking out the herd, seeing to the new calves, and examining the cows that had yet to deliver their calves. It'd been a long, hot, dusty day spent in the saddle and he could hardly wait to reach the house and relax a couple of hours before turning in for the night.
    Yet all day long his thoughts had repeatedly turned to Rose. All he could think about was the feel of her soft, satiny skin beneath his fingers. The way she smiled up at him, teasing him about something. The way she tasted when he kissed her. The way she passionately argued with him.
    What would she be like in bed if she were naturally this ardent?
    He shook himself. He couldn't think those kinds of thoughts. She was everything he despised in a woman. But if he felt nothing but disdain, why did he want to carry her upstairs, consequences be damned? Why did the woman have the ability to make him feel more alive than he'd felt in his entire life?
    With determination he pushed the disturbing questions out of his mind.
    As the barn came into sight, the sun slid below the western sky, creating an amber glow. Travis was suddenly eager to get to the house and see what kind of mischief Rose had been up to today.
    Since she'd come into his life, it certainly was not dull.
    He pulled on the reins, bringing his horse to a halt in front of the building. From inside came a strange sound, almost like a wailing noise, that caused him to shudder. Swinging his leg over the saddle, he dropped down to the ground and tugged on the reins of his horse. Opening the barn door, he glanced inside and felt like someone had punched him in the gut.
    Some of his workers were gathered in a circle, along with his mother, who had her head bowed as if she were in prayer.
    He wanted to rant and rave. He wanted to scream and shout. He wanted to pick Rose up and carry her from the barn and make love to her until she never thought about holding another séance.
    A candle flame burned on