Saved by the Rancher

chapter Fifty-Four


DAVID STOOD IN the moonlit room, staring down at the wrong woman sleeping in his bed. Despite her protests, he’d exhausted her with his ferocious lovemaking, punishing her in his own way for taking a place in his life that he’d given Jenna even before they’d said their vows. Vows he considered sacred and unbreakable. A promise he might have spoken twice, but only held credence the first time. After all, you only had one soul mate.

Patricia was nothing more than a placeholder. She served a purpose. At times, she was even a pleasant distraction. Like tonight.

His family thought he’d moved on, forgotten about Jenna and his love for her. Never.

David entered his study and sat behind his desk. He pulled the left side drawer open and took out the framed photo of him and Jenna on their wedding day. She smiled brightly up at him and he traced a finger over her lovely face.

“You’re so beautiful. We were so happy.”

He thought of the last time he’d seen her. Not so pretty after she’d shot off her mouth and made him put her in her place. Still, her strength and determination shined when she threatened to destroy him. He had to admit, her conviction gave him pause. He dismissed the threat then and now. He was David Merrick. No one could touch him. No one said no to him. She knew that. Perhaps she needed reminding. Again.

He knew just where to find her this time. No way would she leave her new protector, that stupid rancher. A smile spread across his face as he planned his next move.