RattlingtheCage Read Online Free PDF

panther.
    Moments later she disappeared into the back. His patience
waned. Did she think he’d leave if she didn’t serve him?
    Tension trickled into his neck and shoulders. She took too
long. His urgency to see her turned obsessive. At least everyone had quit
staring.
    To his relief, she returned with a glass and bottle of
whiskey in hand.
    “Here.” She slammed the bottle down hard enough to shatter.
    “Thanks.”
    “Don’t talk to me,” she snapped.
    He didn’t recognize the hardened look on her face.
    She walked away and damn if she didn’t put an extra swish in
her sway.
    Montana. He’d never been to Montana, but suddenly he wanted
to visit. Explore the beautiful open range. Sink his teeth into the fine
foundation and tease his fingers through the dewy grass.
    Lawson poured another glass of whiskey. And another after
the second one slid down too easy. Tension drained from his muscles and he
nodded to the music. His intent to stay sharp dulled with each drink. He
drafted a new plan in his head. One he found feasible.
    Tonight he aimed to get Montana alone.

Chapter Six
     
    Montana bit back a string of harsh words. What did he want?
He’d stormed out, almost killed her and then returned to what, finish the job?
She hated the way he sat on the stool, gawking at her like a dog itching to
play ball. Now that she didn’t want to play, he did. Bastard.
    At midnight she ushered the locals out the door. Lawson
remained at the bar, smug and defiant.
    Irritated, she threw down the washcloth and stomped over.
    “I guess you didn’t hear. It’s closing time. That means
leave.”
    He smirked and pointed at his half-filled glass. “I’ll go
when I’m done with my drink.”
    She snatched the glass from his hands and splashed the
remaining whiskey in his face.
    “You’re finished.”
    His grin lessened. He grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled
her from around the bar into him. Montana sputtered words even she didn’t
understand. Pressed close to his chest, she didn’t know whether to be scared,
mad or privileged.
    “You’ve got a lot of sass for something so petite,” he
growled.
    A drop of whiskey slid down his cheek. She ached to catch it
with her tongue. With minimal effort, she half-struggled to get out of his
stronghold, more for show than want. She couldn’t deny the excitement of his
body, or seeing her reflection in his silvery eyes. Still, she didn’t want him
to know her level of enthusiasm.
    “You’ve been avoiding me,” he rasped.
    His potent aura of danger filled her senses.
    Montana worried her lip and wondered when she’d stopped
being mad at him.
    Heart racing, she asked, “Why did you come back?”
    “Couldn’t sleep.” He flashed a wry grin. “Not without knowing
how you taste.”
    “Words meant to flatter, I suppose.”
    “Honest words.”
    “Ha,” she scoffed.
    His voice lowered. “I believe me.”
    She groaned. “That’s because you’re a self-centered ass.”
    One thick brow rose, but he didn’t dispute her words.
    Chin high, she continued, “I won’t let you have your way.”
    “No?”
    Her pulse elevated. “I need you to go so I can close the
bar.”
    Lawson released her and walked with purpose toward the door.
Regret sank in. She stared after him, her arm extended, wishing she had a rod
to reel him back.
    At the door, he twisted the sign to read closed and flipped
the lock. “The bar is officially closed,” he announced.
    He strutted by her and kept going. With a wicked gleam, he
reached behind the bar and topped his glass from a new bottle of whiskey.
    Montana jerked her gaze away. Arms crossed, she circled the
bar. A sultry jazz song played on the jukebox. A song about a very hot, very
sticky need between two people. The singer crooned with a passion she longed to
know.
    With forced sweetness, she asked, “Would you mind leaving? I
have to finish cleaning up so I can go home.”
    “Then finish.” An arrogant smile tainted his handsome
features. “I’m not