Page 4 of Tangled Temptation

At nine the next morning, Angie walked into the dining room of the main house. Compared to the last few days, it was quiet. Almost too quiet. She paused. Since most of the staff were leaving for two weeks due to the renovations, the quiet made sense.

“Good morning, Angie,” Vic said.

“Morning, Vic.” She walked to the sideboard and poured herself a cup of coffee.

“Would you like me to fix you something to eat, or is the cold buffet, okay?”

“I’m fine with the buffet. Aren’t you leaving the ranch?”

“No. Kathy and I are staying. We do plan to enjoy ourselves while we’ve got some time off. Jared’s given any staff who stay free run of the ranch.”

“Oh.” Angie sipped her coffee and sat down. Did having some of the staff around make a difference in her staying? Good question. But before she could think of an answer, Jared walked in.

Her pussy tightened. He wore a black shirt that stretched the fabric to the limit, a pair of black jeans, and black cowboy boots, completing the look of bad boy extraordinaire or master of the ranch.

“Morning, boss.”

“Morning, Vic, Angie.” He nodded in her direction, but didn’t look at her.

“There are sandwiches in the fridge, and dinner is there too. All you have to do is put it in the microwave to heat up.”

“Don’t you know the meaning of the concept of ‘time off’?” Jared asked.

“No, and you don’t either.” Vic smiled. “But don’t worry, you won’t see a lot of me or Kathy.”

“I better not. Cabin two is all set up for the two of you. Let me know how the new items work out.”

Vic rubbed his hands together and called over his shoulder as he was leaving the room, “I can’t wait.”

While the conversation interested Angie, she kept her attention on her coffee cup. She wasn’t sure where this shyness was coming from. Being shy didn’t get her what she wanted, but with Jared…

Her stomach roiled. What was it about him that made her revert to that shy six-year-old?

“Angie.”

She looked up to find Jared’s piercing gaze focused on her.

“I’m having your clothing and belongings moved from your cabin to the third floor here in the main house.”

Angie almost spewed her coffee. “That’s a big assumption you’re making there.”

“You’re here.” He leaned against the sideboard, legs crossed, cradling a mug in his hands, watching her with those deep brown eyes. No one would ever accuse him of having puppy dog eyes. No, his were deep and mysterious.

“Maybe I wanted breakfast before I left.”

He shrugged. “Fine. You’ve got ten minutes.” His firm voice sent shivers up her spine.

“Ten minutes?”

“I’m going out onto the back porch. You have ten minutes to follow me. It’s up to you what you do, but know this: If you follow me, your actions will confirm your consent. If you don’t, no harm, no foul.” He drained his mug and set it down before leaving.

Her mouth fell open. He’d walked away from her again. She hated it when people walked away from her before she was finished with them. She wouldn’t allow it. If anyone left, it would be her. Andnoman walked away before she was finished.

Ever.

Rising, she fought her anger and followed him outside. Food could wait. “We still have things to discuss.” The tightness in her voice made her legs quiver.

“Right now, there’s nothing to discuss. That you’re here tells me you’ve made your decision.”

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