Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Maverick Bargains for a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron

arms around his neck. “You will be careful?”
    “Always, darlin’. Got to go.” He pulled her up and held her against his long, hard frame for just a second, gave her another quick kiss, and strode out of her bedroom. She heard the screen shut behind him.
    “Lock the door, honey!” he yelled back.
    “Wait.” Angie pulled on her slacks and hurried to the kitchen. She grabbed the chest with the letters and key. “Take these, but I want the chest and letters back eventually.”
    Brent brushed a light kiss across her mouth. “Will do.” He strode across the lawn to the truck.
    She watched as he turned onto the road and disappeared. Fear and excitement filled her chest. Her heartbeat quickened. She tried to remain calm.
    Finally, twenty-one years later, all her secrets were coming out. Soon, she’d meet the baby sister they’d left behind. Would she hate Angie for being the one chosen to go with their mother? Angie tried to think how she’d feel. If she was Lily, she’d definitely resent Angie being taken along with Mother and Lily being left.
    Yannell might soon know where Angie was living, if he didn't already. She remembered his eyes that day he’d beat her mother. She had started in the room to speak with her mother and stopped and hid behind the door. When he rushed out, he’d never seen her. His eyes had blazed with anger and hate. Her mother was sobbing and covered in red marks, and places beginning to bruise.
    Angie had hated Yannell then, and still did. She hoped they put him in jail for the rest of his life. Still, he was her sister’s father. That was going to be another loss for Lily. What a tangled web.
    She pulled a suitcase out of her closet and threw in jeans, shirts, underwear, two sweaters, and shoes. She’d carry her jacket and wear another pair of jeans, a long-sleeve shirt, and her boots. A small makeup bag added on top, and she’d be ready when Brent called. She pushed back what Brent said about the change in their bargain. There’d be time enough to think about that in Montana. She’d meet the rest of his family. Maybe that would help her decide if she really did want to make their deal permanent. Her body was saying yes, yes, yes, but her mind was not quite ready.
     
    * * * *

    While driving back to Drake’s ranch, Brent called his brother. “Can you meet me at the ranch house, or are you too busy?”
    “I’ll be there.”
    Next, he contacted Mick. “How soon will the sister be here?”
    “According to Smithy, he's our guy who's following her, they’ll probably get into town in the late afternoon. I’m flying in. My flight leaves in thirty minutes. I’ll rent a car in San Antonio, and drive the rest of the way. The other men will all be there by tonight.”
    “Good. I’m pretty certain if Yannell has found out where his daughter is headed and has guessed the reason, he’ll come here. Maybe I'm wrong, but we'll be ready. See you soon.”
    Just as he’d parked the truck at Drake’s, Brent’s cell phone rang. It was Nate.
    “I’m at the rental car office in San Antonio airport. I’ve got directions to Saddle Creek.”
    “Don’t go into town.” Brent told him how to get to his ranch. “There’s nothing there, but it’s a good place to have everyone meet initially. I’ll call with further directions later.”
    “All right. See you soon, friend.” Nate clicked off. Drake met Brent at the door.
    “I need your help now, Drake. I want the jet to land at Jackson’s air strip, and be ready to leave for Montana at a moment’s notice.” Brent followed his brother into his office.
    “Have a cup of coffee. You look like you need it,” Drake said, and motioned Brent to sit in the chair across from his desk. “Now tell me all the plans.”
     
    * * * *

    Angie let Brent know Doris would leave her back door unlocked for them. Doris had questions, but had kept them to a minimum and agreed to help. She’d been a good friend to Angie and her mother.
    The clock hands