His Most Wanted
“Cora—” his breath rushed across her ear, “—you’re a clever deceiver.”

Chapter Five
    â€œI am?” Cora blinked, feigning innocence as her body went suddenly brittle in Kit’s arms.
    He had always believed himself immune to the artifices of women, particularly prostitutes and mistresses, yet somehow this lady’s stunning verdant eyes staring up at him made him forget for a moment that she was a professional, her heart likely as hard as iron. He’d have to be more careful. However, he wasn’t ready to give in to her coy wishes so easily either. She wouldn’t kiss him like that, as if he were her first taste of cream candy, if she didn’t desire him, especially being as how she wasn’t even collecting a penny for it.
    â€œWe didn’t do a damned thing last night, Cora. If we had, I’d have kissed you several times, and—” he paused, giving in to the urge to nuzzle the silky gold hair tucked behind her ear, “—I’d remember a kiss like that.”
    She trembled in response, though he couldn’t be certain if his words or his touch caused the effect. He leaned back and watched her luminous eyes widen in uncertainty rather than her usual confidence. A moment ago, before they’d kissed, her gaze had been full of longing. He’d wanted a taste of her so badly that he’d stayed sober for the first night in two weeks, and now he wanted more. She’d melded to him, her feminine charms tempting enough to bring him to his knees. His hands longed to roam across her smooth ivory skin, past the demure neckline of her silk dress to knead her full breasts. Nothing could bring him greater pleasure tonight than holding her and burying himself in her sweet heat.
    â€œI talk too much. Kiss me again, and I’ll shut up.” He cupped the back of her neck and kissed the top of her head, breathing in the sunshine in her hair.
    She exhaled and tapped the metal star pinned to his vest. “Are you a man of your word, Kit?”
    He eased back, keeping her in the circle of his arms. “I am.”
    â€œI like to keep my word too. When I took over the Willows, I promised my ladies I wouldn’t share my bed here with any man. Besides, last night you were in no state to perform. I couldn’t take your money with a good conscience.”
    Ah. She still considered him a potential customer. Of course, she wouldn’t wish to steal money away from her employees, but he didn’t desire to share their beds. Oh, they were fetching enough. Especially the twins. But hell, right now all he could think of was the powerful pressure in his pants and the lovely blonde who’d caused it.
    Maybe he could get her to quit thinking of him as a customer and instead as a suitable lover…
    He traced her dewy cheekbone with his thumb until he reached the luscious, inviting swell of her bottom lip. Surely he could steal another kiss, and she would return the gesture. Even now, her eyelids fluttered for an instant, and her breathing stopped in anticipation. Unless he was grossly mistaken, she wanted him.
    He must find patience. Somehow.
    â€œAll right, Cora. You can have it your way.” He slid his arms from her, and her flushed face regained its normal color, seeming to find relief in his absence.
    She made a beeline to open the door and waited. “I hope you’re not angry at me, Sheriff. You were in no shape for business with any of my ladies last night.”
    He retrieved his bag, put his hat on and went to where she stood. “That’s probably true, and I should thank you for letting me stay under your roof.”
    Apprehension flickered across her upturned face before she recovered with a smile. “Of course, you’re welcome. We’re g-glad to have you in Fort McNamara.”
    Her fear, if that’s what he was witnessing, galled him to the core. “You know, just because I can shoot straight and

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