CHAPTER TWELVE
A fter wrapping the third and final barrel, I steer Echo straight for home. Her hooves pound into the dirt as the wind whips at my cheeks. She’s so fast, the ground blurs beneath us. Emotions rise when we gain more speed.
“We’re flying,” I murmur into the breeze.
My blood sings from the adrenaline rush of running on a horse. It’s a natural high and I’m addicted, chasing this sensation through each cloverleaf pattern. I surrender myself to the thrill thrumming through my veins.
But those fifteen seconds are over all too soon. I pull lightly on the reins after we cross the imaginary finish line. Echo slows and curves into a swift loop near the fence to complete our ride. My palm flattens on her neck, patting softly in gratitude. She ran with her whole heart and I’m grateful.
This buckskin mare is— or was —Marion’s favorite. I feel connected to the wonderful woman whenever I’m near Echo. It’s another phenomenon entirely when I’m in the saddle, soaring astride her back. Or maybe I’m extra sensitive after recent events.
I stretch my arms out and tip my face to the sky. “Miss you, lady.”
Slow applause startles me from the serene moment. Brody saunters to the arena gate in his lethal prowl that immediately sets me on edge. I force my stiff posture to relax and dismount in a fluid motion, putting us on even ground. Or that’s my intention. His smirk disarms my attempt at a confident approach. A clump of dirt almost trips me while I become captivated by that uncharacteristic expression.
But then Echo bumps my elbow with her nose and the nudge gets me back on track. For the assist, I smooth a hand along her bronze face. My chin lifts as I pin Brody with a much-deserved glare.
“Hey, boss.”
Brody tips the brim of his hat. “Twinkles.”
I lean against the buckskin mare for moral support. “Miss me?”
His eyes flash, the green sparking into flames. “Hard not to after that delightful care package you sent me.”
Laughter bubbles up my throat just picturing him opening the gift. “Same day delivery for a direct impact.”
“If you wanted to surprise me, I could offer more fulfilling suggestions.” The gritty rasp in his tone curls my toes.
I avert my gaze before accidentally stumbling into his provocation. “You got what you deserved.”
“Message received,” he rumbles. “And now I get to return the favor. ”
The swoop in my belly is completely uncalled for. “How might you do that?”
Brody slips through the fence and moves to stand within my personal bubble. I almost retreat, but refuse to give him the satisfaction. A hint of his crisp scent teases my nostrils and I inhale discreetly for another whiff. The wiggle on his lips reveals that I failed at subtlety.
I flash back to when he initially tried scaring me off the compound. The scales have tipped back and forth since then. It would appear that we’re developing somewhat of a pattern. I find myself wondering what direction this confrontation will slide.
Brody’s intense stare blazes a trail straight to my lower belly. “I’ll start by thanking you.” The response is staggering.
“Thank me?” My mind goes blank and I forget what we’re talking about. “For what?”
“Your glitter bomb gave me a fresh outlook. The Bag of Dicks provided an insightful reflection on my behavior too.”
I blink at him and his shocking admission. He tilts his head while studying my reaction. The mid-morning sun catches a few sparkles in his stubble. A giggle springs free before I realize what I’m seeing.
His scowl tries to dull my joy. “Is my revelation amusing?”
My smile stretches wider while I point at the decorated spot. “You’re still bright and shiny.”
“Clings worse than a needy girlfriend.” He scrubs at his jaw. “Speaking of, ready to fake date me yet?”
Disbelief clogs my throat and I scoff. But it backfires into a wretched gasp. I choke, begin coughing, and fold myself in half to recover. “Not even a little bit,” I croak .
Brody pats my back like a concerned humanitarian. “Do you want more money? I’ll give you a raise.”
I straighten in a hurry. It’s like destiny is set on me starring in a reenactment of Pretty Woman . “I don’t need your riches, boss.”
“But you could be dripping in diamonds instead of rhinestones.”
The sun chooses that moment to reflect my encrusted belt. “I’d choose being buckled in barbwire over getting into bed with you.”
“Are you sure?” His voice is silk sliding across bare flesh. “I’ve never had any complaints.”
A tremble threatens to quake my knees. “Positive.”
“That’s a shame.”
“As if you expected my answer to change.”
“Sure would make this process easier,” he drawls.
A shadow stretches over me from his towering height. It’s only then I realize just how close we’re standing. At this distance, I notice the complex landscape in his eyes. The darker rim fences in a much lighter shade of green, which fades into gold near the pupil. I’m mesmerized by the hypnotic impact of the colors swirling together.
Once again, Echo saves me from becoming a mindless mess who will do whatever this man says. A gentle shove alerts me to stay strong. Supportive solidarity at its finest. Her jab also reminds my scattered wits that it’s my turn to speak.
“Um,” I mutter eloquently. “This is a dead end, boss. Turn around and set your sights elsewhere.”
“Nah, you’re the one I need. Nobody else is too much, which is just right for this situation. ”
“I still don’t understand how that’s possible. You hate me.”
“Hate is such a strong word,” he murmurs.
My breath hitches when he tucks hair behind my ear. “What are you doing?”
His eyes become bottomless pools that threaten to drown me. “Have you thought about our kiss?”
“No,” I blurt.
“Why don’t I believe you?”
Probably because I’m lying my blingy-butt jeans right off. “Not sure, but you should. There’s no spark between us. The leftover glitter on your face doesn’t count. Better luck with the next gal.”
Low thunder booms from his chest and sends a burst of static across my skin. “Should I try again? To prove you’re full of shit.”
I feign nonchalance with a shrug. Meanwhile, my pulse is a stampede of wild mustangs. “It’s your pride on the line.”
His mouth flattens into a hard line. “Do you regret not pushing me away? Maybe I shouldn’t have been spontaneous.”
I consider feeding into his misplaced guilt. The pinch in my gut scolds me. My conscience won’t allow foul play. “You would’ve known if I wanted you to stop.”
That devilish smirk reappears. “Does that mean you like me, Twinkles?”
“Don’t press your luck.”
“Unfortunately for you, I’m going to do just that.”
I brace myself for his underlying meaning to lunge at me. Brody bends slightly, the brim of his hat bumping my high ponytail. Silence crackles between us and I’m frozen within the static. All I can do is breathe, which is a mistake. He smells too good. The woodsy musk is intoxicating my common sense. I’m liable to fall for his nonsense scheme if I don’t get some space.
Before I can move, he lifts his hand and I anticipate his touch. Just before making contact with my cheek, his palm shifts to land on Echo’s head. A whoosh escapes me. Flutters erupt in my stomach as heat sizzles across my face. This man has me rattled. Again.
“It’s interesting that you chose to ride this one today,” he muses while petting the mare’s forelock.
“Why’s that?” The husky notes in my voice betray me.
But Brody doesn’t seem to notice, or pretends to be consumed in stroking Echo’s black mane. “I just talked to my uncle about adding her to the upcoming auction.”
That sobers me immediately. The warmth traveling through my veins gets snuffed as I replay his words. But the message still doesn’t compute. “What did you just say?”
“Not sure if I’m ready to sell her, but she deserves more than sitting around the compound. Mom would agree.” The briefest flash of a grimace is his only sign of remorse.
I laugh. The sound is choppy and unhinged. “Wow, that’s a good one. You’ve pulled some pranks, but joking about getting rid of your mom’s favorite horse isn’t funny.”
“Which is why I’m taking this very seriously.”
“You can’t just… get rid of her. She belongs to your mom. How could you even suggest that as an option?” An emotional tidal wave crashes over me and my vision blurs against the onslaught.
Meanwhile, Brody looks bored while I fight tears. “Contrary to what you think, I’m not a total monster. I’ll only consider reputable buyers who treat their herd like royalty.”
My brain scrambles as I try to quickly calculate how much money I have to my name. “I’ll take her.”
“Doubt you can afford the asking price,” he deadpans. “Unless…”
When his pause hangs in the balance, I roll my wrist to spur him on. “Good grief, spit it out and put me out of my misery.”
“Marry me,” he drawls.
It feels like all the air is sucked from my lungs. “Excuse me?” I wheeze.
“Forget the fake dating. Agree to be my wife and the mare stays put.”
Clarity slams into me while I stare at him. I barely recognize this man looming over me like a vengeful rival. His judgment is clouded by the desperation to rule his cowboy kingdom. Or I’ve given him more grace than he ever deserved.
“Holy shit.” I lift a shaky hand to my lips. “You’re using Echo as a bargaining chip?”
Brody’s face resembles a stony mask, reflecting indifference and ruthless determination. “If that’s what you’d like to call it. Doesn’t matter to me. I just need a bribed bride to secure the business.”
A hot lash strikes against my chest and I rub at the burn. I’m not sure how I didn’t catch on sooner. This man’s main currency is ulterior motives. My bottom lip wobbles when I ask, “Do you feel good about yourself?”
“As I’ve already said, I’ll do what’s necessary to guarantee that Benson Farmstead is mine. ”
“You’re actually willing to sell your soul?” I slap a palm against his chest that might as well be an icy rock. “This horse is your mother’s trusted partner. She meant more to her than money or getting ahead. You should preserve every piece of her memory. They can’t be replaced. Hold those treasures tight. Don’t sell them off for the sake of a business transaction.”
“Lovely speech. I told you at the beginning that this deal would cost me.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “What’s your decision?”
My jaw hangs loose on a hollow whistle. “You can’t do this.”
“Trust me when I tell you that I can,” he challenges.
“But it’s blackmail, or coercion.” I’m not sure which one is correct for this crime he’s trying to commit.
His jaw clenches. “And?”
“It’s wrong to put me in this position.”
“Tell that to my father,” he mutters. “Trust me, this isn’t how I would choose to do things.”
“Then why are you going along with it? You can refuse.”
Brody’s exhale is weary, sinking down to his bones. “Dad won’t see reason.”
“Must run in the family.”
“Clever.” He tugs at the cuffs of his Western shirt. The long sleeves are almost appropriate for the weather as autumn creeps closer. “I’m just following through on what’s required of me. That’s the way business goes.”
“But this isn’t some simple transaction. You’re asking me to forfeit my beliefs in what marriage represents. I want my vows to be real.”
“Which is why I’ve added more incentive for you to overlook that moral high ground.” A pinch tightens the space between his brows.
“No, she’s not yours to sell. Please reconsider. Your mother loved this horse.” My voice borders on a plea.
“Why does everyone insist on giving me too much credit?” He rephrases my earlier thoughts too precisely. “It turns out that I’m not the good guy. The sooner you realize that, the faster we can finalize our arrangement.”
“I’ll never agree to your terms.” I tug on the reins until Echo is shielded behind me. “Once Bianca and your father hear about this, you’ll be rethinking your strategy real quick.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Twinkles.”
“Have you always been this…?”
“Calculating?”
That’s far too complimentary.” I analyze his features, searching for a crack that reveals the truth. “This isn’t you. Why are you going to such extremes?”
“My mother died. Our family is fractured. The weight of our empire now rests on my shoulders. That about sums it up, yeah?”
“Don’t use your grief as an excuse to be an asshole.”
“You have no idea what I’m feeling.”
My gaze scans his frigid demeanor again. “I’m beginning to believe you feel nothing at all.”
“Now you’re finally getting it.” He chuckles but the dark noise is something from a nightmare. “Rest assured, I’m fulfilling my promise to her by ensuring our legacy continues to thrive.”
“She wouldn’t approve of this. ”
His expression goes arctic and I almost shiver. “You have no idea what she wanted.”
My gulp is audible, but I don’t waver. “I know she wouldn’t have wanted this. She wouldn’t want you stooping to such levels.”
“There you go again, sticking your assumptions where they don’t belong.” He dips until our noses almost touch. “Haven’t you learned by now that you’re not part of our family?”
“But aren’t you trying to force me to be just that?”
“In name only.”
“Not interested.” I shove past him and whip out my phone. “Bianca will never believe what you’re trying to do.”
“And she won’t until it’s too late,” Brody calls after me.
But I barely hear him over the outgoing call ringing in my ear.