Harlot at the Homestead by Molly Ann Wishlade

man who knew this woman would want to serve and protect her, not force her into the life of a whore. What in hell had her uncle been thinking? Damn it! Kenan knew that he’d have sold his homestead, his animals, even the hair on his head to keep that from happening. If only she’d come to him, let him know, asked for his help!
    “God damn!” Kenan spat. “I tell you Catherine, I know you said that you don’t want me to speak to him but this is just unforgiveable. How the hell did he get himself into such a mess?”
    She shrugged. “My aunt was a fine looking woman in her youth. I think he went all out to get her then to keep her and it just spiraled out of control. When he couldn’t give her the child she craved, he developed a taste for drink and for gambling and…he just lost control.”
    “But to sell his own flesh and blood.”
    “He didn’t sell me!” Her voice trembled and his heart ached to see her try to hold on to some pride with the tilt of her chin. “I offered.”
    “You offered?” He frowned, the churning beginning afresh in his gut. “You…offered to leave me…to give yourself to…” He spat on the ground. “You went with that man voluntarily?”
    She raised tear-filled eyes to meet his. “I knew that it was what my uncle wanted…needed! They were going to lose everything. He wasn’t well and they weren’t getting any younger. They took me in…”
    Kenan reached out and took her hand. “We could have found another way to help them. You didn’t have to do that.”
    “You don’t understand. He…the man…he told my uncle that I had to decide then and there. He said that if I chose not to go with him that he would take all that he was owed immediately. I was put on the spot. I had no choice. What if you’d been too furious to help them out…what if…?”
    “Did you not know me at all?” He jumped to his feet, the blanket falling to the ground. “I loved you so much I’d have done anything for you, Catherine! Anything! It breaks my heart that you…that you doubted me.”
    She shook her head. “I didn’t doubt you. I just faltered, just for a moment was all. And all I had was a moment to decide, Kenan. Please understand me.”
    He stood in front of her, the breeze caressing his skin where just moments ago she had been pressed against him. His nipples tightened and goosebumps rose on his naked flesh. His balls pulled toward his body and he became suddenly aware that his cock was swinging free, still moist with their combined fluids, as exposed to the elements as his heart now was. He crouched down and pulled the blanket around his waist.
    “I’m trying to understand, Catherine, I promise.” He took her hand again. “Please, continue.”
    “So I offered and he burst into tears, said I’d saved his skin and he’d always be grateful. Then he said we’d have to go back into the saloon and let the man know.”
    Kenan ground his teeth together. William Montgomery had clearly been a chicken shit son of a bitch who’d exploited his beautiful niece to save his own skin. Kenan had no intention of letting the old man get away with his crimes.
    “When we returned to the saloon, we were directed to a room out the back. I was so afraid that I could barely put one foot in front of the other. My uncle had to guide me through the bar to the room at the back, drunk as he was.”
    “I swear, Catherine, I’ll…” Kenan choked down his angry words. What good would it do to let it all out? He needed to listen, then he’d decide what action to take.
    “He knocked on the heavy door then pushed me forwards and I swear I nearly swooned when we walked in. The man sat on a red mahogany couch, puffing on a fat cigar. When we entered he grinned like a hungry mountain lion that’s just seen a fattened calf. I would’ve turned and run if I’d not had my uncle’s hand in the small of my back.”
    Kenan squeezed her hand and felt the small bones shift beneath his fingers. “I wish I’d