Page 5 of Brutal Heir

“Son of a…” I drag in a breath. It almost hurts to have to admit it, but it’s not the kid’s fault. And I won’t take a man’s livelihood away from him. “No.”

“Ah…” Sage cocks her head.

“This is what’s gonna happen.” I turn to the kid, whose back straightens as he listens. “You’re going to get your ass in the truck, but you’re not driving.”

The kid nods, his face pale. “Yes, sir,” he replies.

“And if I ever catch you behind the wheel, I’ll make sure you never set foot on this ranch again. Am I clear?”

He looks from me to Sage then back again. “Yes, sir,” he repeats, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Good,” I growl. “Now get the hell outta my sight.”

He hauls ass back to the safety of the truck, while the others are quick to follow.

“Guys, head to the gate and wait there for me so we can get details for the report.”

The new driver nods as they climb into the truck. “Yes, ma’am.”

Sage reaches to her side, unclipping the two-way radio and bringing it to her lips. Her hand trembles as she clears her throat before speaking. “Gate five, come in.” She releases the button, keeping her gaze unfocused as the crew pulls away.

Seconds tick by with no answer. She sucks in the corner of her lips, wetting them then swallowing nervously. Her gaze goes to the tailgate on the work truck. I bet a month’s pay she wishes she’d cut out along with the crew.

It’s clear she’s not happy to be here. I bet Bill sent her over, since he’s at the office on the other side of the ranch. He’s a wily old buzzard, always trying to keep a step ahead of whatever’s going on.

“Gate five?” she says with concern.

Her pulse is stampeding at her throat. Those few seconds must have felt like a lifetime. Her gaze flashes toward me, one eyebrow twitching in annoyance.

There’s a crackle of static. “Gate five,” a man’s voice comes through the speaker.

She turns her attention to the truck in that way women have when they’re done with you.

Hmm. I fold my arms across my chest. She has no idea who she’s dealing with.

“I have Bagley Services heading your way,” she says. “Park them. I’ll be there to take a report.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She brings the radio down.

“The gate.”

She cocks her head, that eyebrow showing how she really feels. “Excuse me?”

“Tell him about the gate that was left open,” I instruct, as if she needs to hear it said slowly.

“I’d rather have the conversation face-to-face,” she replies, dismissing me.

“I’d rather you do it now.”

Her lips go flat. “Do you think I don’t know how to do my job?” Her temper’s starting to show.

“What I think is that you don’t belong out here.” I drop it like a hot coal. She sucks in a breath making her chest rise enough to tempt me to look, but that would ruin my fun. “Not without a weapon. Not with you not watching where you’re going.” She squares her shoulders, the color shooting back into her cheeks. “There’s shit out here that’ll kill you if you’re not careful.”

Her expression sours, then she runs the tip of her tongue along her bottom lip.

Fuck. It’s enough to break my concentration.

“Bill will be by to talk to you.” With that, she all but stomps past me, heading to her truck.

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