Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE
DANIELLA
C urrent Day
It was an early, nippy morning drive to our Colorado ranch after picking up a horse near Casper, Wyoming. My second to oldest brother, Ian, and I drove my truck, which was hooked to a horse trailer for the five and half hour trip.
Ian and I had always been close. It was probably because we were so similar to one another. I looked up to him when I was little and that hadn’t changed throughout the years.
Today, it was our turn to fetch the horse. We all took turns when we usually had to travel to retrieve a horse.
I decided to take the back roads home to avoid the ruckus. Like most all country roads, there were no red lights or people driving crazy.
We only made one stop for breakfast and fuel, then we were on the road again. The sooner we got back, the better for the horse we were transporting.
We were about fifteen minutes away from the ranch when Ian asked, “So when are you and the boy gonna stop the make-out sessions in the stables after hours?”
“It's over, big brother,” I replied.
“You're of age now, but one day,” he shook a finger, “I may be beating the shit out of a guy that’s preying on you.” He stretched his arms out, knuckles cracking.
“You are absolutely right. I am of age. Get over that whole protect my little sister nonsense,” I countered.
“Daniella,” he scolded.
“I'm nineteen, Ian. There is only so much I’ll tolerate from my brothers now.” I tossed a glare his way.
“Would you like me to tell our father you're fucking the ranch hand?” he dared to ask.
“You wouldn't. I have so much shit on you, it's pathetic. Besides, I said it was over.” I was tired, dammit.
How dare he.
“Touchy.” He chuckled.
I hated being the youngest. To make things worse, I was the only girl.
I wished my actual age was the one on the fake ID I carried that said I was twenty-one.
“Oh hush,” I snarled.
As we drove down the road that led to the ranch, a black, shiny SUV drove dang near on our bumper. Any closer and the damn thing would be inside the trailer with the horse.
I glanced at the speedometer to see how fast I was going. Only fifty-five. The speed limit was forty-five down this road.
I looked over at Ian and he knew what I was about to do.
He shook his head no, but it was too late.
“Hold on.”
“Shit, Dani,” he warned.
I tapped my boot clad foot on the break. It wasn't enough to hurt us or our horse. I barely touched the pedal. It was just to illuminate the trailer’s lights— to remind the bastard up my ass that I was hauling a heavy load.
“Did he just flash his lights at me?” I questioned. “Does he think I can actually move out of his way? Where would I go?” I waved a hand in the air in frustration. “I should make a citizen’s arrest.”
“They aren’t from around here. The driver is alone in the front and there are two men in the back seat.” Ian peered out the side mirror. “Must be a rental. The car has Colorado plates.”
“So, it must be somebody important, huh? Is that what you’re saying?”
“No. I’m saying that I can see three men in the SUV, two of which are in the backseat.”
“That’s not just some rental, Ian. It’s an expensive one.” I gathered my thoughts, lifted my drink from the center cup holder, and took a sip of coffee. “Rich assholes,” I mumbled as I put the cup down.
“Agreed,” Ian said, munching from a bag of chips.
I hoped they were getting a good whiff of the trailer. By now I was sure Tilly had made her morning and afternoon dump.
Once the traffic cleared from the oncoming lane, the SUV passed us at an accelerated speed. I think the moron even waved at me as they flew by.
“What an asshole,” I scoffed.
“Don't worry about it. Brush it off. About two more blocks to go, and we're home,” Ian said.
“You're right. Whoever was driving was in a hurry. What a prick. You meet one of those every day. We have other things to deal with. Our girl will need to settle in when we get home. I'll unload her and bring her around to the stables. Will you unload the truck?”
“It's a deal.” My brother nodded.
Taking the hidden entrance to our ranch to get there quicker, I drove straight to the back of our home. It felt as if we’d been on the road for a week.
Out of the truck, I put my hair up, opened the trailer, grabbed the bridle from the hook on the side wall, and hooked it to Tilly, then helped her walk out calmly.
“You've had such a rough morning haven't you, sweet girl? Let's stretch those legs and get you settled in,” I said, coaxing her forward. “Such a good girl. I have a treat waiting for you,” I added when she followed easily.