Smoldering Desire (Hellfire Series Book 3) Read online

  SMOLDERING DESIRE

  HELLFIRE BOOK #3

  ELLE JAMES

  TWISTED PAGE INC

  CONTENTS

  SMOLDERING DESIRE

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Epilogue

  Hellfire in High Heels

  Chapter 1

  About the Author

  Also by Elle James

  SMOLDERING DESIRE

  HELLFIRE SERIES BOOK #3

  New York Times & USA Today

  Bestselling Author

  ELLE JAMES

  Copyright © 2018 by Elle James

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is dedicated to first responders who risk their lives to save others’ lives. Their selflessness speaks of their desire to help others in their times of need.

  Escape with...

  Elle James

  aka Myla Jackson

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Enjoy other books in the HELLFIRE Series

  by Elle James

  Hellfire Series

  Hellfire, Texas (#1)

  Justice Burning (#2)

  Smoldering Desire (#3)

  Hellfire in High Heels (#4)

  Playing With Fire (#5) Jan 2019

  Up in Flames (#6) TBD

  Total Meltdown (#7) TBD

  Visit ellejames.com for more titles and release dates

  For hot cowboys, visit her alter ego Myla Jackson at mylajackson.com

  and join Elle James and Myla Jackson's Newsletter at Newsletter

  CHAPTER 1

  THE LONG RIDE in the country, on curvy roads with stunning views of the Texas blue bonnets in full bloom, did nothing to cool the anger burning in Rider Grayson’s gut. His ex-wife didn’t know when to quit. He’d given her everything in their divorce. The house, her car, their membership at the exclusive Dallas country club and the entire contents of their savings.

  And she wanted more.

  The letter he’d received in the mail that morning from her attorney had made him so mad he’d locked up his shop, hopped on his Harley and hit the road. The woman had taken everything in their marriage and had never contributed toward their happiness. Why should he give her anything else?

  Rider should have known better than to marry a Dallas debutante. He’d been so caught up in climbing the corporate ladder and making a name for himself in high finance, he’d lost himself. Marrying Lydia Farnsworth had ultimately reminded him of his roots and what was important. Not the fancy cars or hobnobbing in the wealthiest of social circles or kissing up to the most influential individuals in the state.

  Family was more important than any of that. And the ability to look in the mirror and like who he saw. Thus, his ultimatum and subsequent move back to Hellfire, Texas. In his heart, he’d known what Lydia would choose. She’d been the product of her upbringing. Private schools, the best of the best social circles and everything her daddy’s money could buy her. Why would she choose to move to his hometown of Hellfire when she had everything her heart desired in Dallas?

  When she’d refused to move with him, the decision to divorce had come easy. The reality of the legal ramifications had taken a lot longer. Over a year and tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and, finally, he was free. He’d purchased the garage he’d been leasing and started his life over. Then the letter from Lydia’s attorney had jerked him back into the nightmare.

  As he entered his hometown, he finally slowed, willing himself to relax. No one here had set out to make him mad. They didn’t deserve the brunt of his anger. Every street, every house and storefront was as familiar to Rider as the ranch he’d grown up on with his three brothers and sister. He let that feeling of home and belonging wash over him.

  Before he headed back to his shop, he needed to get fuel for his ride. He wondered if Selena was working the gas station and convenience store that day. She always had a smile on her face. He could use one right then. It might improve his mood.

  Rider pulled into the Gas-N-Go, the only station in town, and parked his motorcycle in front of one of the service pumps. When he swung his leg over the seat and stood, he was reminded of how long he’d been burning off steam and how many years it had been since he’d ridden anything, motorcycle or horse, for an extended period. The muscles of his inner thighs twinged. He took a moment to work out the kinks before unscrewing the cap off the tank and placing the pump nozzle inside.

  Once the gas started flowing into his tank, he glanced through the window of the store, his gaze going to the sable-haired beauty standing at the counter, her brown eyes shining, a smile spreading across her lush, full lips.

  He was still amazed at how much Selena Sanchez, the ranch foreman’s daughter, had grown up from the little girl with pigtails, who used to follow him and his brothers and sister around the ranch. In what seemed like an overnight transformation, she’d gone from a gangly teen to this well-rounded, confident young woman managing a store. Well, maybe not overnight. Rider had been in Dallas for a few years. But, damn.

  The woman was as different from Lydia as a jungle was to a dry, West Texas desert. Lydia was beautiful, but her lips were thin, like her model-thin figure. Her smile only seemed to turn on when a camera was pointed in her direction.

  Selena had lush written in every cell of her body, from her warm skin tones to her well-rounded curves. And it wasn’t as if she worked on being all that sexy. The woman just was. On top of that, she had a personality that lit up a room. Selena smiled for everyone, and even when no one else was around.

  And, at that moment, she was smiling at him.

  Her cheerfulness could have irritated him, but not today. He needed her little ray of sunshine to get him back on track, and on to the work he needed to accomplish that day.

  When the tank was full, he replaced the nozzle on the pump, screwed the cap on the tank and pushed the bike to a parking place in front of the store. He might as well grab a cup of coffee while he was there. Selena always had a fresh pot brewing with anything better than he could make on his own. His shop was across the street and less than a block away.

  A truckload of Hispanic construction workers pulled into the convenience store parking lot and six men clambered out, all speaking Spanish, laughing and joking.

  Rider gave them half a glance before pressing his hand to the glass door.

  Before he could open it, another truck screamed sideways into the parking lot.

  Rider cringed.

  Shane Fetterlein slipped down out of the driver’s seat and glared at the Hispanic men, muttering beneath his breath, something about going back to Mexico.

  Praying the man wasn’t out to pick a fight, Rider entered the store, hoping the ugliness would work itself out.

  “Hi, Rider.” Selena beamed at him as he entered the building.

  He gave her brief nod, not wanting to think of little Selena as anything other than the foreman’s daughter and hands-off. “Selena.”

  “What can I help you with today?” she asked, her smile bright, her enthusiasm ever-present.

  Her level of cheerfulness almost irritated Rider. “I’m here for a cup of coffee,” he said, his gaze returning to what might be trouble brewing outside.
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  Selena’s glance followed his. Her smile slipped, and a frown dented her smooth brow. But when she faced him again, the smile was back. “How’s work at your shop coming along today?”

  Rider didn’t want to admit he hadn’t touched a single vehicle that morning since he’d opened the letter. He shrugged. “It’s going.”

  “I was out at the ranch yesterday.” Selena rearranged the items on the counter in front of her as she spoke. “It’s good to see your mother and father back from all of their travels.”

  “Yes, it is.” Rider snagged a stick of beef jerky and a power drink from one of the coolers.

  “I’m going with Lily to the Ugly Stick Saloon Friday night for the Annual Cowboy Bachelor Auction. Are you putting your name in the hat as one of the bachelors to be auctioned this year?”

  “Hell—uh, no.” He shivered at the thought of putting himself up on the stage at the Ugly Stick Saloon to be sold like a steer at a cattle auction.

  Her smile twisted into a wry grin. “That’s a shame. I’m sure you’d bring quite a big price for the children’s charity.”

  He shook his head. “Sorry. Not my thing. Have you asked Chance?”

  Selena’s smile widened. “Oh, he’s already signed up.”

  Figured. Chance liked living in the fast lane. He was a sponge for attention and loved the women. “Good. He’ll represent the Graysons.”

  Selena sighed, her smile turning downward. “I would have bid on you, Rider, and saved you from all those hungry females.”

  He shot a glance at her. “You would have?”

  “Of course.” Her smile returned.

  His brow descended. “I wouldn’t want you to spend your hard-earned money on me.”

  She shrugged. “I’ve been saving, just in case.”

  “I’ve heard some of the guys at the auction go for a lot of money.” Rider gave her a narrow-eyed stare. “What if someone outbid you?”

  “Then I’d be disappointed. It’s not often I get Rider Grayson alone for a few minutes of his time.”

  He stared at her, his groin tightening unexpectedly. Shifting uncomfortably, he stared across the racks of candy and chips. “And what would you do with that few minutes of time?” As soon as he asked the question, he wished he hadn’t. A myriad of possibilities raced through his mind, none of them thoughts he should be having about her. Selena was the ranch foreman’s daughter, and because of that, off-limits. He didn’t live on the ranch anymore, but still…

  A rosy blush filled Selena’s cheeks. “Shoot, Rider. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone horseback riding, or even walking along the creek on the ranch. Or even dancing at the Ugly Stick. I wouldn’t take advantage of you. But it would be nice to spend a little time with you. You’re like a brother to me.” She flung a hand in the air. “It’s not like I’m going to ask you to marry me or be the father of my children. I consider you safe. Not husband material. Because, the Lord knows, I don’t need a husband right now.”

  When he should have felt relief, instead a stab of disappointment hit him square in the gut. Selena thought of him as a brother. Standing in the store, staring at the gorgeous, curvy figure of the foreman’s grown-up daughter, Rider wasn’t imagining anything brotherly about a date with Selena.

  “Right.” He cleared his throat and shifted his weight, hoping to relieve some of his body’s reaction to the woman in front of him. “You know, all you have to do is ask, and I’ll take you riding.”

  Her lips twisted, and she lowered her eyelids, staring down at the counter. “You’re a busy man.”

  “Never too busy for Little Selena.”

  She snorted. “I’m not so little anymore.”

  “I know.” Rider tore his gaze away from her curvy figure and stared out the window. He stiffened. Shane stood toe to toe with Raul Jemenez, the leader of the Hispanic group, glaring down his nose at the man who stood a few inches shorter. He yelled something, and the Hispanic man pushed Shane.

  “Oh no, you didn’t, Raul Jemenez!” Selena muttered.

  Before Rider knew what she was about, Little Selena vaulted the counter and ran out the door yelling, “Don’t do it, Raul! Don’t you dare start a fight.” Her English quickly switched to rapid-fire Spanish.

  Rider couldn’t begin to keep up with the woman’s movements, much less the translation. He’d meant to bone up on his Spanish skills. Now was too late. He ran out of the store after her.

  SELENA CHARGED toward Raul and Shane, her fists at the ready. Why did men have to be such dumbasses? All that posturing and strutting only led to anger and fistfights.

  Before Selena made it through the door, Shane swung with a left jab, catching Raul in the jaw. The man staggered backward a few steps, and then brought up his fists. He swung, his fist connecting with Shane’s gut.

  The redneck grunted, doubled over and plowed into Raul, driving him backward into his group of Hispanic cohorts and closer to the glass windows of the convenience store.

  Great. Their fight might end up breaking the window. If the store closed for repairs, she’d lose out on several days’ pay, and she wouldn’t be able to make her rent. Selena pushed up her sleeves and advanced on the fighting men.

  The two parted enough for Selena to get between them and plant a hand on each man’s chest. “Stop fighting!” she commanded.

  “Stay out of this, Selena,” Raul said in Spanish.

  “You’re in America,” Shane shouted. “Speak English.”

  Selena glared at Shane. “In America, we have the right to free speech.”

  “In English,” Shane insisted.

  “Nowhere in the constitution does it say, ‘in English’.” Selena shook her head. “But that’s not the point. If you two are going to fight, take it somewhere else besides in front of the store window.”

  “We have the right to fight any damn where we want,” Shane said.

  “Not in front of this store, you don’t,” Selena said.

  “Why don’t you and your boyfriend go back to where you came from?” Shane said.

  Anger burned low in Selena’s belly. She knew Shane was nothing but an overgrown playground bully, but his words hurt. “And where do you think I came from, Shane Fetterlein?”

  “Yeah, Fetterlein. Where do you think we came from?” Raul lifted his chin and glared at the big, white jerk.

  “Mexico,” Shane practically spat. “You and your kind need to go back, and take all your squalling brats with you.” He shoved Selena’s hand away from his chest and threw a punch at Raul.

  Raul ducked.

  The punch glanced off Selena’s temple and sent her stumbling backward.

  Anger burned so brightly, she couldn’t think of anything but planting her own fist in Shane’s nose. A growl rose up her throat and came out as a roar as she rushed toward Shane.

  She didn’t get two steps before strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against a solid wall of muscles. “Let go of me,” she demanded, struggling to free herself from the bands of steel around her middle.

  “Not until you promise you’ll go back into the store and call 911,” a familiar voice said into her ear.

  She craned her neck around to see Rider staring down at her. She wriggled, trying to free herself from his grip. “Let me down. Those two are going to kill each other.”

  Meanwhile, Raul and Shane were well into trading punches.

  “Make that call before the rest of their gangs join in.” Rider set her on her feet and gave her a gentle shove toward the store. “Hurry.”

  She started toward the door and stopped when she realized Rider wasn’t following her. “What are you going to do?”

  “I needed a little distraction.” He winked. “I’m going to stop this fight.” He turned and dove in between Shane and Raul.

  Within a second of butting in, Rider took a hit to his left cheek.

  Selena’s first instinct was to rush in and protect Rider, but she wasn’t big enough to stop three grown men from killing
each other. Instead, she ran into the store, reached over the counter and grabbed the telephone.

  The dispatcher answered on the first ring. “County sheriff emergency contact, what’s your emergency?”

  “Ava, it’s Selena. We’ve got a fight going at the Gas-N-Go.”

  “Got a unit coming your way. Who’s in it? Should I be jealous?”

  Selena smiled. Ava was one of her classmates from high school. “Shane Fetterlein and Raul Jemenez got into it, and Rider Grayson is trying to stop it.”

  “I’d pay money to see that one,” Ava said. “Is Rider going to be at the bachelor auction this Friday night?”

  Selena strained to see what was going on outside the store. “No way. Gotta go, Ava. Can’t see from where I am.”

  “Gotcha. See ya Friday.”

  Selena slammed the phone on the counter and ran back out in to the parking lot in time to see Rider wiping blood from his lip. Raul and Shane stood a few steps away, and a few steps apart, each bent over, breathing hard.

  One of Shane’s buddies took a step forward.

  Rider pointed at the man. “Bobby Joe Crane, you lift a fist to this fight, and I’ll tell your mother. I used to mow her lawn for her when you were too small to reach the mower handle. Just think how disappointed she’d be to hear what her son’s getting into trouble over.”

  Shane straightened. “Wouldn’t be no trouble if these damned Mexicans would go back home.”