Chapter 31
“Hey, cowboy. It’s time to wake up.”
Cal turned at the sound of Dillon’s voice. He reached for her, pulling her body against his. He ached for her, and only her. She was the other half of his soul, the missing part he’d never thought to find.
Her arms wound around him as their lips met. The kiss inflamed his already heated body until he thought he might burst. He ground against her and rolled her onto her back. She parted her legs and tugged on his hips, urging him to fill her.
Cal guided himself to her entrance and began slowly pushing inside just as the sudden sound of chirping of birds grew progressively louder.
Instantly, his eyes flew open, the dream fading like smoke.
Cal turned and punched the pillow before he turned off his alarm and flopped onto his back with a loud sigh.
It was the second night without Dillon, and the second time he’d dreamed of her.
His cock was rock-hard, but he didn’t bother to relieve himself.
He’d attempted it the previous morning without any luck.
He swung his legs over the bed and stood.
Cal took a cold shower that eventually eased his body, but not his heart.
He was in a foul mood when he dressed and left the motel for Ivy Ridge.
Hank had wanted him to stay there, but he’d refused.
Cal also sent Chet a text so the ranger didn’t come knocking on his door.
Cal had no doubt that he was being watched, especially after everything he’d learned yesterday.
Even with the new information, he suspected that Hank hadn’t told him everything.
But what he had revealed was a doozy. Enough that Cal was truly concerned about Dillon’s welfare.
At a stoplight, Cal glanced at his phone, hoping he had a response from Chet regarding his question about Dolly.
Hank hadn’t come out and said that Dolly had been killed, but something in his words hadn’t sat right with Cal.
Since he couldn’t dig around, he sent the question to the only person he knew could.
Even with everything Hank had shared the previous day, there were a few subjects he hadn’t wanted to talk about.
Dillon’s stallion was one of them. When Cal arrived at Ivy Ridge, he could barely control his rage.
He stalked into the house in search of Hank.
When the maid pointed to the barn, Cal nodded and walked outside.
On his way down the hill, Cal spotted Hank standing in the large entrance to the stables.
Hank waved, and Cal forced himself to return the gesture.
“You look like hell,” Hank said when Cal reached him. “I have great beds. You should’ve stayed here.”
Cal held his gaze. “Where’s the stallion?”
Hank’s face mottled with rage as he grabbed Cal’s arm and yanked him away from the nearby employees. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Answer me,” Cal said as he jerked his arm away. “I know you have the animal. I also know how much it’s worth.”
A vein ticked in Hank’s temple. “Cal, you’re already in too deep.”
“Exactly. I’m in. If something goes wrong, I’m going to be charged anyway. If I’m in, then I’m all in. Or I’m gone.” When Hank hesitated, Cal pushed even harder. “I have nothing to lose. I need this.”
“If you need money, I can give you—”
Cal sliced his hand through the air. “You know what I mean. I’m up to my neck in this shit.
I agreed because of you. I was drunk, and I could’ve gone to the authorities and told them I was coerced.
I didn’t. That should say everything that needs to be said.
You told me yesterday that my word was my bond.
I gave it, and you still didn’t tell me everything. ”
“Okay, okay,” Hank said softly and held up his hands. He dropped them to his sides and sighed. “You made your point. I’ll say again that I didn’t want you involved at all.”
“Too late. Your buddy brought me in.”
“There’s still time for you to get out.”
Cal shot him a flat look. “Maybe before you told me your plan yesterday.”
“Fuck,” Hank said as he ran a hand down his face and turned to the nearby fence of a corral. He rested his arms on the top rung. “If Gomez can make decisions like he has, then so can I.”
Cal held his breath, hoping that his words had convinced Hank of his loyalty. If he couldn’t get Hank to tell him every detail, then Cal wouldn’t be able to stop the plan. He had a few names, but he knew there were more. He wasn’t going to stop until he had them all.
Hank blew out a loud breath. “I have the stallion.”
Cal forced his hands to remain unclenched and loose at his sides when all he wanted to do was pummel Hank.
“But it wasn’t my idea,” Hank said as he faced him.
“Do you still have the animal?”
“Yeah. Gomez wanted me to kill him, but I couldn’t. That horse is a stunner. He’s got an amazing disposition, too. If I’d known about him, I would’ve bought him.”
Could Hank not let anyone else have anything? The more Cal learned about him, the more he wondered how his father could’ve been friends with such a man. “Show me,” Cal demanded.
“It’s better if I don’t.”
“That horse is part of my payout. Show me,” he said again, this time in a deeper voice.
Hank stared at him for a long moment. “I didn’t believe you at first about your relationship with Dillon, but I think something developed between the two of you.”
“What does she have to do with this? We’re talking about a horse.”
“Her stallion.”
“I played a part, Hank. I did it well enough that I fooled you and her.”
“And maybe yourself, as well?”
Cal swallowed, wondering if he had pushed too hard about Legacy. “I’m putting my neck on the line for you. I’m not asking for much.”
Hank blew out a breath and turned to the stables. “Fine.”
In short order, they were on horses and riding out.
Cal no longer saw the beauty of the ranch.
The greed and self-indulgence of a man he had once looked up to tainted it all.
Meeting Hank’s gaze was becoming harder and harder, especially after Hank had discovered that Gomez sent someone to kill Dillon and did nothing to stop it.
Hank’s excuse? That it would have allowed the plan to move faster if Dillon were out of the way.
Of everything Hank had acquired—land, wealth, cars, women—nothing gave him peace.
He wanted more and more and more. He could have the entire planet, and Hank would want the universe.
Cal’s anger churned viciously. He’d had something beautiful with Dillon, something special.
A once in a lifetime something. Hank and Isaac Gomez had ruined that. Possibly forever.
But Cal would get his revenge thanks to Chet Thompson.
Hank looked over at Cal. “You sure have a bee in your bonnet this morning.”
“I’m pissed because you kept things from me. Even after yesterday.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
Cal cut him a side-eye. “I gave you time to correct your mistake. The fact that you didn’t trust me causes me a great deal of concern.”
“I intended to do all of this on my own. I had a plan.”
“You?” Cal said with a laugh. “Everyone knows your face. There’s no way you could’ve done it alone.”
Hank flashed him a grin. “Well, not everyone I employ is an upstanding citizen. Some will do anything for a price.”
Cal’s blood went cold as he thought of the accidents at the Bar 4. “Who did you hire?”
“You really want to know the details, don’t you?”
“I had one of Gomez’s goons approach me yesterday. Two of his men took me from Ike’s when I was so drunk I could barely remember my name. Pardon me if I demand details.”
Hank’s lips twisted. “You have a point. Earl Watters is his name. He spent some time in prison. I give him a place to stay in exchange for him doing whatever I want. He doesn’t ask questions, which works perfectly because I won’t tell him anything.”
“What has he done for you?”
“I’m not going to tell you all of my sins, son.”
Cal wasn’t deterred. “Who shot at Dillon?”
“And this is why I didn’t tell you everything yesterday. You care for her. Hell, you might even love her.”
“I made my decision.”
“Have you?” Hank asked, his brows raised. “I’m beginning to wonder.”
Cal pulled up on the reins to halt the horse. He might have overplayed his hand, but there was no turning back now. “I gave you my word. I don’t go back on it.”
“That’s the only reason you’re here now,” Hank replied as his horse turned in a tight circle of agitation. Hank quickly got him under control. “Do you want to see the stallion or not?”
As much as it pained Cal, he refrained from pushing about who had shot at Dillon. He’d find out in time. He needed to be patient. Unfortunately, that wasn’t a quality he had in great supply at the moment.
They rode on, Hank talking nonstop about his plans for the ranch.
Cal listened with half an ear. They stopped near a creek, the same one that ran through the Bar 4, and let the horses drink.
Cal feigned interest in Hank’s conversation, though he didn’t give a rat’s ass about how much land Hank would need to acquire to be the largest ranch in Texas.
They rode for another hour, up and down hills.
The horses knew the land well since they navigated down the steep inclines with ease.
Then, finally, Cal spotted the panels of a mobile corral that encompassed a covered shelter.
Standing beneath the protection was none other than a champagne-colored stallion.
Cal nudged his horse into a gallop and quickly closed the distance. He pulled up on the reins and dismounted before his mare came to a complete stop. Cal held out his hand to Legacy, but the stallion ignored him and trotted over to the mare. Thankfully, the horse looked well taken care of.
“What are you going to do with him?”
“Keep him,” Hank said with a smile.
Cal couldn’t believe Hank’s audacity. “Even though he’s been tagged as stolen?”
“I’ve always found it fascinating how money can buy anything.”
Cal bit back his retort as Hank answered a call. The conversation lasted only a few minutes before Hank hung up and turned his horse around.
“There’s an issue. Come on,” Hank said before his horse leapt into a canter.
With one last look at Legacy, Cal mounted his mare. He clicked to the horse, who launched into a gallop until he caught up with Hank. Once they were even, Hank gave his mount her head, and she broke out into a run. Cal leaned lower over his horse as they gained ground quickly.
They raced over the land, maneuvering around clusters of trees and onto well-worn game paths. Ahead, Cal spotted two men near a fence with another on the other side and realized they were at the junction of Ivy Ridge and Bar 4.
When Cal spotted Emmett, elation filled him. He hoped that he’d be able to talk to him privately and see how Dillon was. Cal had to know something.
“This couldn’t wait?” Hank demanded as they slowed their horses to a stop.
Emmett’s gaze moved from Hank to Cal. “I had to know if the rumors were true.”
“What?” Hank asked with a grin before he reached over and slapped Cal on the back. “I told you Cal’s loyalty was with me. He’s always been on our side.”