Westin's Wyoming
It had been fifteen years since Pierce Westin stepped foot on the Open Sky Ranch. But after a mysterious phone call disrupted a life lived on the edge, the security expert agreed it was time to come home.And although his presence in Wyoming was only temporary, Pierce fell back into the easygoing lifestyle he'd once been desperate to escape. Unfortunately, that peace was shattered when gorgeous Princess Analise showed up, claiming she'd angered all the wrong people and needed his protection. As cases went, it certainly wasn't his most dangerous. But after a day spent looking into her crystal-blue eyes, and stealing breathtaking kisses, Pierce knew the outcome of this mission would change his life. Forever.
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Analise came to as a heavy weight lifted from her chest.
A scream died on her lips as the shadowy figure looming over her turned into a familiar one.
âPierce!â
âI thought you were dead,â he said, and then she was in his arms, tears sheâd fought for so long running freely down her face.
He held on to her as though she was a mirage and he was afraid if he let go sheâd disappear.
And then he was leaning back and she knew he was trying to see her through the dim light and she knew it didnât matter if they were blurs to each other. In the next instant, heâd pulled her back against him and, cupping her face in his hands, kissed her lips.
His face was rough with stubble and cold from the snow and it felt wonderful against her skin. He felt real, and his kiss was the fabric of fantasy. Happiness welled inside her like an untamed artisanal well, tickling her from the inside out with the delirious feeling of safety sheâd thought sheâd never again experience.
This book is dedicated to my daughter-in-law,
Becky Braun, with much love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alice Sharpe met her husband-to-be on a cold, foggy beach in Northern California. One year later they were married. Their union has survived the rearing of two children, a handful of earthquakes registering over 6.5, numerous cats and a few special dogs, the latest of which is a yellow Lab named Annie Rose. Alice and her husband now live in a small rural town in Oregon, where she devotes the majority of her time to pursuing her second love, writing.
Alice loves to hear from readers. You can write her at P.O. Box 755, Brownsville, OR 97327. SASE for reply is appreciated.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Pierce Westin âWhen he left the Open Sky Ranch, Pierce was a troublemaker whoâd had a falling-out with his father. Fifteen years have gone by and heâs back to mind the homestead for a while and maybe mend more than one kind of fence.
Princess Analise Elsbeth Emille âRaised in the small monarchy of Chatioux, this engaged to be married beauty never questioned her destinyâuntil now.
General Kaare âThe kingâs closest advisor and protocol expert, this old soldier is determined to monitor the princessâs behavior and safety whether she likes it or not.
Brad Harley âThe princessâs new bodyguard, hired after an attack on the original. Is he part of the solution or part of the problem?
Mr. Vaughn âTraveling with the princess, is he more than the meek little man he seems?
Bierta Gulden âThe mousy maid seems content to stay in the princessâs shadow, but that wonât protect her from a killerâ¦.
Lucas Garvey âThis ranch hand is sworn in to act as a backup bodyguard.
Darrell Cox âAnother ranch hand who signs on to help protect Princess Analiseâand soon regrets it.
Cody Westin âPierceâs brother who calls him home to fill in for him. He leaves in such a mysterious hurry that no one on the ranch even knows visitors are expected.
Birch Westin âPierce and Codyâs father.
Toby (aka Tex) âA little boy who gets a whole lot more Wild West than he ever bargained for.
Jamie Dirk âTwo generations of Westin ranchers have depended on Jamieâs knowledge and common sense, but never more than now.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Epilogue
Prologue
February
Cody Westin gripped the receiver in his left hand as he sat down at his desk.
âTell me exactly where you found her,â he said, pausing to listen as the detective rattled off rapid-fire details.
âYes, Iâll come,â Cody said at length, his dark gaze moving to the big window that overlooked the uncompromising Wyoming peaks. He glanced at the clock on the wall. âIâll leave within the hour. Iâll meet you there.â Brow furrowing, he added, âSmyth? Donât lose her, okay?â
He clicked off the phone and stood for a moment. Then he walked to the sideboard and poured himself a finger of whiskey, tossing it back in one swallow, closing his eyes as the liquor burned its way down his throat.
His brother Adam, who worked the ranch with Cody and their father, was off on a backcountry hike in Hawaii, unreachable by phone. That meant Cody would need to contact his other brother, Pierce. The detectiveâs call couldnât have come at a worse timeâthe ranch was gearing up for calving season, which was coming in a month or so.
âFamily comes first,â he muttered. It was an uneasy point in ranching life. The herd came first, too. Made things a juggling act.
Pierce was half owner of a business currently operating overseas. He could take time off for an emergency if he wanted to. That was the rub. Would he want to?
He had to. Someone had to be in charge since their father was laid up. The place couldnât run itself.
