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

moved slowly. Restless and scared, Angie went back to the kitchen, iced her cake, and made two dozen brownies. She’d take them with her as a thank-you to Brent’s parents for having them.
    She had to admit to being curious about the rest of Brent’s family. She’d always liked Drake and had met, very briefly, the younger brother and their parents at Drake and Janice’s home several years ago. At least they wouldn’t be complete strangers.
    Still, she had difficulty leaving Brent behind to clean up her and her mother’s problem. In a way, she wanted to face Yannell. She’d tell him how much she hated him for what he did to her mother and her life.
    He wouldn’t care. He’d probably laugh. Brent was right to get her and her sister out of sight. But closure wouldn’t come for her until she did face him here or in court.
    She licked a dollop of chocolate frosting off her big spoon. It was good. Glancing around the room, she wondered how her life would have changed by the time she returned to her little house. And would she stay here, or take the leap and marry Brent for real? She had better stop thinking about Brent and get her shower and dress. That way she’d be ready whenever he got back.
    The cool water helped take away some of her tiredness. She dressed in comfortable jeans and a blue top. She’d just started to brush her hair when she thought she’d heard a noise.
    What was that ? She raised her head. She’d locked the door, but—she’d left the kitchen window open. She started toward her closet where she kept her rifle.
    “I wouldn’t do that if I was you.”
    A voice from her past sent chills down her spine. When she turned, Yannell stood in her bedroom doorway. He held a large black gun pointed at her.
    “I’ve missed my lovely stepdaughter.” He moved into the room. “You’ve grown into a beauty like your mother.” He glanced around. “Where is she?”
    “Out of your reach forever.”
    “Ah, then she must be dead. This makes my work so much easier. Harold,” he called out. A tall, stocky man came into the room. “Tie her hands. We’ll tape her mouth after I get some answers. Where are the papers your bitch of a mother stole from me?”
    His florid face had gone bright red, and the hand holding the gun trembled. Her worse nightmare was happening, and she didn’t see any way to save herself. Brent had the chest and key. She knew nothing to satisfy the monster in front of her. He walked up almost against her and bent down.
    “I’m going to enjoy killing you. First though, you will give me the answers I want.” He nodded to the hulk behind him. “Tape her mouth. We’ll get her on the plane and then work on her. Let’s get out of here.” He turned and led the way. The hulk threw her over his shoulder and followed.
    Brent, please come after me . She feared her hope for a rescue was futile. Yannell had a head start, and all the men gathering here today wouldn’t stop him from destroying her.
    As though he sensed her desire to get away, the man holding her tightened his grip. They went out the back door, and slipped between the trees to a nondescript car parked on the back street. He threw her in the back, and her stepfather got in beside her. The hulk drove the car to the nearest highway and headed out of town.
     
    * * * *

    Lily Yannell drove into Saddle Creek at noon. She was tired, but excited. Her whole goal had been to find her mother and sister. She was good at computers and had finally discovered where she thought they’d gone. It had taken two years of tracing their movements, checking, rechecking. She might be wrong, but this was her best bet.
    She wasn’t sure what to do now. Maybe just go to the local bank and ask where they lived, or that restaurant she just drove by. She parked her car and got out to stretch. Several people had entered the diner since she’d parked. One woman glanced back at her.
    Yes, she’d start her search there. After all, she did look a lot like