Rustler's Heart (A Kinnison Legacy Novel) Read Online Free PDF Page A

the phone, she’d not expected a warm reception from anyone, least of all Wyatt. Not used to being nervous, she realized her hands were clammy. Looking to make conversation, she asked, “Where’s Dalton? Does he go by Dalton, or Dalt?” She shrugged.
    Rein ignored Wyatt’s displeased look. “Dalton’s not here right now. You’ll meet him tomorrow at breakfast.”
    Breakfast? After the night she’d had? “Maybe lunch.” She chuckled. Both men turned their stoic expressions on her. “Or breakfast and I bet it’s hearty.” She noted Aimee turning her head to cover a smile. She cleared her throat and straightened.
    “Well, it’s pretty late. I’d be happy to show you to your—”
    “She can stay in my room. I’m already halfway moved into the cabin.” Rein stepped around her. “I just need to pick up a few things,” he said.
    “Well, that’s right neighborly of you, Rein,” Aimee stated as he strode past her. He stopped, turning his blue-eyed gaze on Aimee. He had an ornery smirk on his face.
    “No trouble at all, ma’am” He tipped his head slightly and Liberty’s stomach did a little flip. His gaze rolled to hers. “Are you a light sleeper?” he asked.
    Aimee blushed, her eyes riveted to the floor.
    Liberty caught the steely look of warning Wyatt cast at Rein. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what he was talking about. It felt good to be included in the teasing. “I sleep like the dead,” she said, holding back a smile.
    The corner of Rein’s mouth lifted as they connected with the harmless joke. “Good thing,” he muttered and disappeared down the hallway.
    After Rein had graciously taken her bags to his room, Liberty sat on the edge of the massive king-size bed, while Aimee moved about the room, straightening up as she explained how she and Wyatt met. She couldn’t dismiss however, the fact that her step-brother had followed Rein out the door, claiming he’d help Rein with the horses. But she had a gut feeling they wanted to discuss her in private. Aimee, on the other hand, treated her like they were old friends.
    “I’m so glad you’re here before the wedding. I think it’s important to have your family near on the special moments in your life.” She stripped the bed and tossed Liberty a set of clean sheets. “This will go faster if I enlist your help. Do you mind?”
    “Not at all.” Liberty positioned herself on the other side of the bed, thinking how well it fit the rugged-looking man who slept in it. “So, what’s Rein’s story?” she asked casually. Though curious to find out what she knew about her brother’s upbringing, Liberty decided that topic they’d eventually tackle. Her mother always spoke lovingly about her sons, how Jed would have raised them like the gentleman he was. But given Wyatt’s hesitant welcome and Dalton’s marked absence, she surmised that the memories about the mother they shared were not nearly as poignant.
    Liberty snapped the sheet open, listening as Aimee told her about Rein.
    “Rein was young when his parents were killed in car accident. And his uncle, Jed Kinnison, the man who married your mom, had adopted Wyatt and Dalton. As it happened, the three boys were very close in age when life threw them together.” She paused, her gaze darting to Liberty. “I hope that doesn’t sound too insensitive. But I’m sure you can imagine how devastated they were.”
    “And probably angry. For what it’s worth, she never shared the details with me. But from what I know, I think there were many times she regretted her decision to leave here. My father can be…shall we say, very convincing when he wants something.” Liberty continued as she tucked in the corner of the sheet. “She often said that she knew Mr. Kinnison would raise the boys right.” She stood for a moment, seeing her mother’s face when she talked about the ranch. “I don’t think she felt she’d done well by them. She suffered from low self-esteem. My