Raven's Revenge: Lawman in Charge, #3

By Blushing Books

Someone back east is trying to ruin Elizabeth's new life with her husband, Clint. Is it her manipulative father or the man he tried to arrange a marriage for her with instead of Clint?

Either way, things are getting dangerous for Elizabeth and Clint. Will they get to the bottom of it before it's too late and someone gets hurt? Or will Elizabeth finally get her much-deserved revenge?

Publisher's Note: Book three in the Lawman in Charge series can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more if the stories are read in order. This steamy historical western contains elements of power exchange, action and sensual scenes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blushing Books
• Release date: Nov 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9781639545148

Book preview

Chapter 1

Elizabeth held her cup between the fingers of both hands as she sipped her coffee, letting pleasant memories distract her from the slight but definite discomfort of sitting on the hard wooden chair. She and Clint had just finished breakfast in the dining room of the hotel where they were staying, in the town of Louton. She didn't yet know when she and Clint would be heading back to River Bend, but considering how incredible their time together last night had been, she was in no hurry to leave.

It wasn't necessary to glance up to know that Clint was looking at her, the same look he'd been giving her since he woke her this morning in the best way possible. The look held his awareness that they were husband and wife again, that they belonged to each other once more, without an argument threatening to keep them apart in spite of the way they loved each other.

And when Clint had made love to her that morning, it had been just as good as their lovemaking last night. Elizabeth had only been the least bit tender from the spanking she'd gotten last night, but the passion and strength of her husband's lovemaking had almost reawakened the ache in her bottom. For some reason, getting spanked before they made love made the time even more incredible for Elizabeth than just the lovemaking alone, but this morning… This morning, Clint seemed to be saying without words that he was the boss, and that was delicious all by itself.

He'd awakened her with a kiss, then rolled her to her back and climbed on top of her. After that, he proceeded to kiss her all over her body, awakening the desire again with his lips and tongue. He'd used that experienced tongue in all the right places, and soon, she was begging for him to take her, fill her with his cock instead of his tongue. He'd only relented when he was good and ready, and that wasn't until he'd made her come at least three times. Then he entered her and began thrusting, hard, claiming her once again as his own. When she came the fourth time, it was in a fury of heat, only matched by his own cries of pleasure as he called out, My Raven, my little witch. God, I love you.

Now, they were washed and dressed and enjoying breakfast. Is that a smile I see on your face? Clint asked abruptly, his hand coming to touch her arm. "If it is a smile, I'm hoping I know the reason for it."

You'd better know the reason for it, Elizabeth answered with a mock growl. If you don't, you might not do the same again and then I'll have no reason to smile.

Yes, ma'am, I surely do know the reason now, Clint said with a smile of his own as his hand moved to her face. And don't you worry about me doing the same again. I'll be doing the same for the rest of our lives.

You'd better mean that, because I intend to hold you to the promise, she said, looking into his beautiful brown eyes. For the rest of our lives.

Clint took her hand then, the most he could do with them sitting in the middle of a restaurant, but that was quite a lot as far as Elizabeth was concerned. Holding hands with the man she loved, sent a thrill all through Elizabeth's body and mind, the kind of thrill that would hopefully last a lifetime.

I hope I get a real quick answer to that telegram I sent this morning, Clint said after a moment, his thumb caressing the fingers of her hand. I won't feel safe taking you back to River Bend until that man Arnold is behind bars where he can't make any more trouble.

If they drag their feet because Webster Arnold is a powerful senator, I swear, I'll travel back to D.C. and shoot him myself, Elizabeth stated, all happiness suddenly drained out of her. He's the one who paid Marcus Engleman to have you killed and me kidnapped, and he's not going to get away with it.

We've got to give the law a chance to do the right thing, Elizabeth, Clint said, no happier than she was. I know how you feel, but we do have to give them that chance. If Arnold finds a way around the law, then I'll be the one to take care of it.

And set yourself up to be hanged? Elizabeth said with a snort. I don't think so, not when they won't be as quick to put me on trial. I'm the widow of a man from a very wealthy family, not to mention the daughter of a senator. I've had enough grief from those two things, so if I use them now to my own benefit, no one can complain.

We'll talk about it if and when the need arises, Clint said, his expression now closed down. Elizabeth could see that he didn't agree with her, but he also didn't want to start another argument. Their last fight had ended with her riding out of his life, so Elizabeth just squeezed his hand and let the matter lie. She wasn't particularly eager for a repeat, either.

They still had coffee in their cups, so they sat in silence while they drank. Elizabeth was considering asking for another refill when a boy came hurrying up to their table.

Marshal Garmen, the sheriff asks could ya come over t' his office, the boy said in a rush to Clint. He says it's 'portant.

Tell the sheriff I'm on my way, Clint said as he got to his feet. Elizabeth, you want to get your saddlebags out of that other room and into mine now?

I did that while you were at the telegraph office, Elizabeth answered as she also stood. The boy had nodded and run out again, so it was just the two of them. I'd rather go with you to the sheriff's office if you don't mind.

She had spoken as neutrally as she could manage, but her half-question hadn't been idle. She wasn't asking to join Clint on a manhunt, just on a visit to the sheriff's office. If the request turned out to be more than he could handle, then the problem between them that was supposed to be solved was no such thing.

The only time I'd mind your company would be during a gunfight, Clint said after only the smallest hesitation, his smile looking almost real as he held out his arm to her. Would you do me the honor of walking with me, Mrs. Garmen?

It would be my pleasure, Mr. Garmen, Elizabeth answered with a better smile as she took his arm. Clint still wasn't happy about the understanding they'd come to, but he was trying. No one could ask for fairer than that.

Elizabeth felt the least bit silly holding to a man's arm while she was dressed in pants and boots, but that didn't make her let go of Clint's arm. It was his left arm, after all, so there was no reason for her not to hold him as tight as her love for him made her want to do. They left the hotel and crossed the street to the sheriff's office, and when they got there, Clint opened the door and urged her inside first.

Clint, I'm glad you got here so fast, Sheriff Barnes said from where he stood behind his desk. Good morning to you, Mrs. Garmen.

What's up, Thad? Clint asked as Elizabeth nodded to the sheriff's greeting. The boy said you needed me for something important.

I heard something this morning I don't much like, Barnes answered. You remember me telling you about the biggest spread in this area, a ranch that belongs to a group from back east? Well, I heard that one of the owners got to the ranch late last night, using a private coach so they didn't have to come through town. The name of the owner is one we heard about yesterday.

Webster Arnold, Elizabeth stated while Clint said things under his breath that sounded like cursing. Do you know if his son Dallas was with him?

Arnold wasn't alone, so it's possible his son is also here, Barnes said with a shrug. What I need to know is where we stand with Arnold and bringing charges against him. Do we go out and arrest him, or what?

I'm going to have to send another telegram to my headquarters, Clint said, rubbing his face with one hand. We don't want to do this the wrong way and lose the man once it gets into court. I'll—

Elizabeth was about to say there was no wrong way to stop a man like Webster Arnold, but her intention was interrupted the same way Clint's words were. The door to the office opened behind them and two men walked in, one of them much too familiar.

Ah, you must be the sheriff, the first of the men said to Barnes as he ignored Elizabeth and Clint to stop in front of the sheriff's desk. The man acted as if his very expensive suit made up for the size difference between him and the two much larger lawmen, and his smile was greasily professional. I'm Lawrence Wagner, an attorney, and I represent Mr. Marcus Engleman, Sheriff. I also have an order for his release.

Elizabeth, how delightful to see you again, the second man said with his usual sleazy smile while the lawyer handed a piece of paper to Barnes. You'll dine with us at the ranch tonight, of course. I'll send a buggy.

The second man was Dallas Arnold, son of Webster Arnold, and he hadn't changed a bit. His slacks, shirt, boots and hat were all very expensive, not quite doing the job of making him look more like the men who lived in the area all the time. He also wore a gun belt, and unsurprisingly, he wore the gun tied down as if he were a professional gunfighter.

Dallas Arnold was also very handsome, with dark blond hair and blue eyes, his height almost the same as Clint's. Dallas' smile was that of a man who knew exactly how attractive he was, a smile that said he always got whatever he wanted. But he was also a man who tended to want what he was told he couldn't have, and when he reached for Elizabeth's hand, she deliberately pulled away.

No, Dallas, it isn't a delight to see you again, and I certainly won't be anywhere near you or your disgusting father, Elizabeth stated as she met the man's stare. You and your father are fools to think I'd marry you, even if I was a widow again, but neither of you is bright enough to understand that. Go away and bother someone else.

And with that, Elizabeth turned from Dallas and the flash of anger in his eyes to step closer to the sheriff's desk.

Sheriff, may I see whatever it is Mr. Wagner just gave you? Elizabeth asked. Barnes stood staring at the official-looking piece of paper, his jaw tight with anger, but he still handed her the paper without hesitation.

You're now required to release my client, Sheriff, the lawyer said as Elizabeth looked over what she held. I'll appreciate your doing it at once, so that Mr. Engleman can leave with Mr. Arnold and myself.

Just a minute, Elizabeth said before Barnes could move. She hadn't been feeling any kind of delight, but now that state of affairs had changed. This order of release is signed by a judge in Washington, D.C.

Elizabeth hadn't been completely sure of that, but the assurance in her voice had taken the smile from the lawyer's face.

What difference does it make which judge signed the order? Wagner said, absolute confidence in the question. It's still a legal order and has to be obeyed.

Not in this state, it doesn't, Elizabeth said, letting the paper fall to the floor as she released it. "Your order of release is worthless, Mr. Wagner, and if you try something like this again, I think the sheriff will