Demanding Satisfaction [Bride Train 9] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Reece Butler

lessons yourself.”
    “No time,” said Lily. “Sophie’s got to leave tomorrow.”
    “Tomorrow?” Sophie’s mind raced with all she had to do.
    “Are you sure you want to do this?” asked Lily. “You’ve hidden your femininity for years. Can you accept having men wanting you, and touching you?”
    Sophie could see her friends’ concern. But she had to do this, even if it was just to prove to herself that she could. Sam’s touch had ignited her. She wanted more, but he and Max were wrapped up in catching Smythe and Isaac. She was determined to do her part to get rid of Isaac forever so she could explore what she wanted from her life.
    Of course she didn’t want strangers touching her, but it was something she had to do. So she’d put on a brave front like all the other women had done at some point in their lives.
    “I’m only worried that someone will recognize me and ruin things,” she said.
    “When we’re finished with you, no one will connect you with the sober, modest hotelkeeper known as Mrs. Sophie McLeod,” said Lily. “Let your hair down, raise your skirts, expose the tops of your breasts, and no man will look at your face.”
    “What name should she use?” asked Rosa.
    Lily tapped her chin as she thought. “What about Queenie? Sophie speaks far better than most working girls, and she holds herself like a queen.” She nodded when Sophie shook her head to deny it. “You hold your head up and back straight. That means you’ve not been beaten down. That strength will attract certain kinds of men.”
    “Some because they like a strong woman, and some because they want to put you in your place,” said Rosa quietly.
    “Ruby will keep Sophie as safe as possible,” said Lily.

Chapter 10
     
    “You’re going to do what?”
    Sophie winced at the near shriek that came out of Victoria Adams’s mouth. She would understand the situation. Her mother and sister had been mistresses, kept by wealthy men and treated as property.
    “I’m going to Ruby’s Saloon in Bannack City to work as a dance girl. It’s the only way we can flush out Mr. Isaac.”
    Victoria looked at Beth Elliot. Twin faces of horror turned back. Lily, sitting in the corner quietly, said nothing. It was her parlor, and her plan, but she was letting Sophie explain.
    “Oh, Sophie, you can’t be serious.” Victoria bit her lip, frowning in worry. “The man is a monster, far worse than Frederick Smythe.”
    “I agree that Mr. Isaac is a monster,” said Sophie. “That’s why we need to stop him. My part will be to flush him out.”
    “You have no idea what it’s like to force yourself to smile and laugh at strangers,” said Victoria quietly. “To pretend their bodies and mouths don’t stink, or that their touch doesn’t make your skin crawl.” She shook her head, biting her lip. “I remember hearing my mother and sister laugh in the evening as if life was wonderful because that’s what their man wanted to hear. The next morning they’d need witch hazel for their bruises.” She held up her hand before Sophie could say that Miss Ruby would protect her. “Not that you are going to be harmed on purpose, but drunk men grab a woman too hard. Are you willing to put up with that?”
    Sophie saw Beth rest her hand protectively on her daughter, sleeping on her shoulder after feeding. She dropped her eyes before anyone would see her look of longing. Sophie was about four years older, yet Beth had three husbands, two healthy children, and a home filled with love. Sophie didn’t know what she wanted to do with the rest of her life, but at least she was finally taking charge of it.
    “What are you going to do about the hotel while you’re gone?” asked Victoria.
    “Sarah will live there, which means Gabe, Luke, and Oz will insist on doing everything that might cause her the least bit of strain.”
    They would do it because Sarah was in the family way. So were Victoria, Kate McInnes, and if the smug look on Cole Taylor’s