Chapter Eight
Josephine sat ramrod straight. Her lower back screamed in protest, but there was no way she’d seek relief by resting against the irritating man who had foiled her attempt for freedom. How dare he threaten her with a spanking? She was not a child to be dealt with in such a manner.
It’d sure be a lot easier to hate the man if he had no teeth in his head and stank. Instead, Logan West was breathtaking and strong. He had picked her up and placed her face down over his knee as if she had weighed no more than a feather. Despite her struggles she’d been well and truly bound to his muscular form.
Her cheeks heated. He had seen her naked bottom. No man had ever seen her naked before. Aside from being mortified she’d also been excited, which confused her. His rough handling had made her feel vulnerable and yet more aware of the difference between male and female.
As they drew closer to the ranch, Ella came running toward them, waving her hands frantically. “Thank goodness you’re back.”
Josephine felt a twinge of guilt. Judging from the sound of her voice the poor woman probably thought she had suffered some dire fate under Logan’s hand.
Without a word, Logan dismounted and reached up for her. His large hands settled on her waist. His touch was much gentler this time and lingered longer than necessary. Their gaze connected briefly before he set her on her feet. “Ella, Sully, may I present Josephine.”
Ella’s hands flew to her face in surprise. “What? Oh, my heavens, you’re a girl? How in the world did you find this out, Logan?”
Josephine darted Logan a horrified glance. If he described exactly how he’d discovered the truth, she’d be mortified. He met her expression with a wicked gleam in his eyes. Damn the man. He was thoroughly enjoying her angst. On impulse, she poked out her tongue. He arched a significant brow in return and Josephine quickly turned away.
“Ella, would you take our guest inside so she can clean up. Maybe you can find her something decent to wear. Is dinner ready?”
Josephine nearly fainted at the mention of food.
“Beef stew’s been simmering all morning,” Ella replied. “Come along, Josephine, I’m sure you’ll feel much better after you wash and get something hot inside you. There’s a spare room I can get ready for you while you dress.” She regarded her brother with a knowing glance. “I would assume she’ll be staying inside the house and not the bunkhouse?”
Logan nodded.
Josephine moved to follow Ella, but a pair of heavy hands descended upon her shoulders.
“Don’t even think of taking off again, understand?”
Josephine nodded. “I won’t.” She’d simply bide her time.
“Logan, please stop being such a bully. You’re scaring her.”
“Am I scaring you, Josephine?” His breath fanned her neck, sending goosebumps along her skin. She had no idea why her body reacted so strongly to this man. Her heart beat erratically and her pulse raced. Perhaps it was just a normal reaction to a handsome man. But if that was the case, then why hadn’t her body reacted this way to Jake? He was easy on the eyes as well.
Either way, she wasn’t prepared to accept it. She had her whole life planned. Move to the city, find a gentleman, and be pampered. At least that had been her plan until Logan West had entered the picture. He was rough. Uncouth and blatantly arrogant. Not her kind of man at all.
“Come with me, Josephine, and I’ll show you where you can get washed and change into some clean clothes.” Ella giggled as they made their way to the house and went inside. “I was a bit concerned at the way Logan took off after you even though I knew he wouldn’t hurt you. Coming back with a female was the last thing I expected.”
Josephine trailed behind Ella as they walked through the house. Everything looked so homey and very inviting. They passed by the cook stove and her stomach growled. The aroma of beef stew permeated the air.
“Here we are.” Ella opened a door and went directly to a closet in the far corner. “You sure had my brother running in circles.”
Josephine stood close to the door while Ella went to a closet and swept aside a variety of colorful garments. She selected a pretty blue muslin dress and held it up. “Is this one okay?”
Josephine nodded.
“Good.” She rummaged through a dresser drawer and pulled out a chemise and a pair of bloomers. “I think we’re about the same size. I have plenty of nightgowns with matching robes so feel free to choose whatever you like.” She flounced on the huge bed in the middle of the room amidst a variety of pillows. “Oh my, Josephine, you must have an interesting story to tell. I’m so full of questions I’m ready to burst at the seams.”
“You’re not the only one, I’m afraid.” Josephine shot a worried glance toward the kitchen.
Ella bit her lip. “Oh, you mean Logan?” She flipped her hand in indifference. “Don’t pay him any mind. He’s really a good man when you get to know him. He raised me after our parents died. I was eight years old at the time. He’s kind and loving and gentle.”
“And very stern,” Josephine added. “I never meant to be a problem for you or your brother. I’m hoping he’ll listen to reason and let me be on my way. Once I find a job I’ll pay him back the money I owe for the damage to the store.”
Her hopes vanished when Ella shook her head. “I wouldn’t count on going anywhere just yet. Logan’s really protective when it comes to females. It can be smothering at times, but it’s just his way. I doubt he’ll let you leave by yourself. But we won’t dwell on that right now. I’m sure he’ll come up with a plan.”
Ella slipped from the bed. “Let me show you where the water closet is. There are plenty of towels, washcloths, and scented soap for you to use. The room next to this one is where you’ll be sleeping. Now, I’ll leave you alone so you can freshen up. As soon as you’re finished, come to the kitchen and get something to eat.” She closed the door softly behind her.
Josephine stood in the middle of the room. If she wasn’t so worried about the future she could fully appreciate her surroundings. Regardless of what she had done, she couldn’t stay here no matter how much Logan threatened.
She went to one of the windows and surveyed the area below. The drop to the ground couldn’t be more than two feet. She could easily make her escape, but she had serious doubts about how far she’d get before Logan captured her again. Today had been the first time she’d been bent over a man’s knee with her pants bunched at the ankles. How mortifying.
With a heavy sigh, she filled a porcelain bowl with warm water and scrubbed her face and hands first before removing her shirt and pants. While she washed, her mind raced with thoughts of escape. She’d bide her time. Another opportunity would surely present itself.
Feeling much better, she went to the bed and put on the chemise and bloomers. The material felt soft against her skin and fit perfectly. While slipping on the dress she thought about how best to deal with the West family. She could confide in Ella and perhaps make a friend who’d have sympathy toward her situation, but the relationship between the two siblings was very open and affectionate. Ella may see it as her duty to tell her brother about any plans Josephine might come up with.
No, she’d have to plan her escape on her own. Of course that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy some female company for a while. As for Logan, she’d do best to stay out of his way.
Josephine studied her reflection in the mirror. Her hair poked out in all directions and her face bore a few scratches. She ran a brush through her hair to give it some semblance of order and left the room.
The house was fully furnished and more suitable than the shack she and her aunt had lived in. Josephine hadn’t given much attention to her surroundings earlier and now noticed several different passageways to choose from. She paid no mind to closed doors and simply followed her nose as the aroma of beef stew grew stronger.
Josephine hovered in the doorway of the kitchen and watched as Logan helped his sister set the table. A sight she never expected to see from a man.
Logan saw her first and motioned her forward.
“Don’t just stand there, Josephine, come on over and sit down.” He smiled widely, revealing even white teeth against a tanned face. Suddenly, Josephine felt giddy. “You look very nice.” The unexpected compliment heated her cheeks and she mumbled her thanks before taking her place at the table.
Logan set a full bowl of stew in front of her and a glass of milk. “Be careful, the stew’s very hot. Don’t expect to leave this table until you finished everything.”
Josephine didn’t need any further urging.
The stew consisted of chunks of beef with potatoes, carrots, and string beans. Ella offered her a biscuit and when Josephine took one, it slipped from her grasp and hit the table with a thump.
“I’m so sorry,” Ella remarked. “I stink at baking. I hope to get better before Brody and I get married.”
Josephine smiled and dunked the biscuit in the stew. “You’re marrying the sheriff, right?”
Ella nodded, her eyes shining with excitement.
“He’s very handsome.” She dismissed Logan’s sarcastic grunt. “My aunt taught me how to bake pies and cakes and things like that.”
“Oh, I’d be eternally grateful if you could teach me.”
“Sure.”
“Enough talking, girls, and finish eating before the stew gets cold. I don’t want to have to tell you again.”
What a bossy, controlling man. Josephine peered at him from beneath her lashes. To her surprise, he winked. Her breath hitched. He sure was a handsome devil and if she wasn’t careful she could easily look past his domineering character and fall head over heels in love.
Josephine concentrated on finishing the stew, but that didn’t stop her from stealing fleeting glances when he wasn’t looking.
“Would you like a second helping? We have plenty,” Ella asked.
Josephine dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “No, thank you.”
Logan pushed back his chair. “Good. I believe it’s time for that talk, wouldn’t you agree?”
Josephine wondered what he’d do if she said no. “I suppose.” She placed her napkin on the table and got to her feet.
“Logan, really, must you do this now? I’m sure Josephine is exhausted after such a day.”
“There’s no better time than the present.” Looking none too pleased, he eyed his sister sternly. “Ella, you will not interfere. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.” Without another word Ella began clearing the table.
Josephine remained quiet. Obviously Logan took his role as the man of the house very seriously, but in a much different way than Jed had.
Refusing to be intimidated by his massive size, she squared her shoulders and followed him through the living room down a narrow hallway and into a room with a huge desk and a variety of chairs. Hard-covered books sat on a shelf. A bottle and some glasses were on a small table along with a box of cigars. The room held a pleasant manly scent.
He motioned for her to sit in the chair closest to the desk. “You seem to have found a champion in Ella.” He rested one hip against the corner of the desk and crossed his arms.
Josephine folded her hands in her lap. He sounded quite courteous. This interrogation may not be as bad as she feared. “Your sister is very sweet and compassionate. She told me about your parents and how you raised her all by yourself.”
“Ella was almost nine when they passed,” he replied. “I can’t take much credit. She got to be more of a tomboy under my guidance. I let her rope and ride and shoot. Some of the women in town frowned upon the way she acted and dressed. They tried to convince me that I wasn’t being fair to her and I should send her off to a school for young ladies. I worried that I was being selfish by keeping her here, but when I suggested it to Ella, she cried and begged me to let her stay here.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged. “I couldn’t send her away. As she grew older, her interests changed. Pants and gun were set aside for dresses and other female trappings.”
“You’re a nice man and a good brother.”
* * *
Logan didn’t want her compliments. He wanted her in his bed. “I love my sister, Josephine, make no mistake about that, but I’m far from being a nice man.” His voice lowered to a whisper. “I’ve had a hard-on ever since I saw your gorgeous ass. Nothing would please me more than to fuck you right now. I’d strip you bare and put you over my knee. I’d spank your ass until you begged for mercy. Then I’d press my face between your legs and do things to you with my tongue that would make your hair curl. Does that sound like a nice man?”
Logan eagerly waited for her reaction. Would she crumble to the floor in a faint or make a run for the door? His heart pounded in his chest. He hoped she did neither.
Josephine’s full pink mouth formed an O. Clearly he had shocked her with his bawdy talk, but she remained seated. Little Miss Josephine was indeed an innocent, but not faint of heart. He admired her spirit.
Normally he stayed away from virgins, but Josephine had struck a possessive chord in him. He longed to be the first to explore her body and teach her all the delights her flesh had to offer.