Page 38 of Stone Cold Savage

“Security?” Coy raised his brow and scanned the perimeter.

Owen smiled. “Put in enough time on the job, and everyone owes you a favor or two.”

“That’s a pretty big favor,” Coy said over his shoulder as they walked toward the tree line where they hid their vehicles.

“Lucky guy, I guess,” Owen said before turning and going back inside his home. “Oh, and there’s a rig waiting out on the road to pick up your tail to the ranch. Figured you lead, put that hair-brained brother and my daughter in the middle, and let my guys cover their backside? They’re trained. Vetted, of course.”

“And if I say no?” Coy asked.

“They’ll follow you anyway. Have a good night.” Owen left before Coy could further protest.

No sooner did he disappear inside than a crew pulled up with a brand-new window — in the middle of the night, no less — ready to replace the one a common enemy had broken earlier that evening.

“Shit. He wasn’t kidding.” Kenzie said quietly to Coy. “Look around. He has people everywhere.”

“That old man isn’t a retired Border Chief. He ain’t retired at all.” Coy snickered. “We need to do another deep dive on Owen Bridges.”

“What are you thinking?” Kenzie asked. “Friend or foe?”

Coy opened Kenzie’s car door for her and hesitated for a moment as he looked back at the security crawling all over Owen Bridges ranch, “My money is on… friend… with a foe in common.”

11

“There you are,” Devyn said as she approached Rip, sitting outside by the fire pit. “Have you seen…”

Rip didn’t even turn around. He just held up his hands, kitten in one, a tiny empty bottle in the other.

“On kitten duty, huh? Okay then. I can get used to this.” Devyn said, taking a seat next to him, Diesel lying at her feet.

“You stole my dog. It’s only fair I steal your cat,” Rip said, handing her the kitten.

“Clarification: I didn’t steal your dog. He chose me. I can’t help it if he loves me.” Devyn shrugged.

“Touché.”

“I uh. I think maybe we got off on the wrong foot.” Devyn said.

“You don’t say,” Rip replied sarcastically.

Devyn huffed. “I’m being serious. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s been insanely chaotic around here as of late, and, well, I haven’t entirely been myself.”

“Are you sure about that? Seems to come pretty naturally to you.” He smirked.

“Very funny. You know, I was actually going to apologize, but––”

“Oh no. Don’t let me stop you.” Rip continued. “I can’t wait to hear this.”

“I’ve changed my mind. I’m keeping your apology and your dog.”

“Diesel, heel,” Rip said. Diesel rose and moved to sit at Rip’s side and watched him, waiting for the next command.

“You play dirty.”

“Diesel, work,” Rip commanded next, and Diesel stood again, moving back to Devyn’s side.

“Wow. So, I’m just a job to him, huh? Is that what you’re trying to say?”

“Yes and no. His job, amongst other things, is to guard, and he chose you as the one he was to guard. So, technically…”

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