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“The sa nice to ht lower the price for you”

Rose swore under her breath She had no intention of being “nice” to this foul ht take so

She was bending in for a closer look at the engine when she heard the rasp of deep breathing behind her A hard ridge pressed against the seat of her jeans, butting and rubbing At the saed at the envelope of bills she’d stuffed into her hip pocket

A runt of fury, she twisted out froth into one desperate, upward-swinging blow

She was less than half the ed to hit hiered back, bellowing in surprise and pain, she charged in and landed a kick to his groin

He doubled over, cursing, but didn’t go down Rose stuainst the truck as he lumbered toward her “You little bitch!” he snarled “I’ll show you!”

Rose glanced around for any kind of weapon she could use A length of rusty pipe lay nearby, half buried in the greasy dirt Snatching it up, she braced herself to fight for her life

CHAPTER FIVE

“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, MISTER BACK OFF, NICE AND SLOW”

Tanner stood frae, an icy scowl on his face and a revolver in his hand Startled, Rose stared at hiotten he was outside

“Are you all right?” he asked Rose

Rose gripped the pipe she’d found Her pulse was still racing, pued to nod

“You” Tanner’s eyes were riveted on the et down on your knees”

The man did as he was told “Don’t hurt me,” he blubbered “I was only havin’ a little fun with the lady”

“Shut up!” Tanner snapped “Rose, do you want o?”