Page 123 of Relentless

Big Slim launched violently into the arena. The beast’s hooves left the ground, his massive body furiously twisting and thrashing mercilessly.

Despite the abuse, Crew held strong.

Three seconds.

Big Slim kicked its hind legs, propelling Crew toward its horns.

Five seconds.

The beast pivoted sharply, causing Crew’s firm bicep to flex on the rope.

Seven seconds.

With one last leap, Big Slim contorted, pushing Crew’s strained grip to the limit. The rope slipped from his grasp, and he was sent high into the air, his legs and arms splayed like the night of the horrible accident.

Oakleigh’s eyes went wide as she turned away, burying her head in Maeve’s shoulder.

Maeve couldn’t look away, not for a second, as she watched him hit the ground with a sickening thud.

The crowd’s cheers turned to low gasps as the bull stomped and gored. The bullfighters put their best efforts into distracting the raging beast’s attention away from the lifeless cowboy. Big Slim had finally had enough with Crew, and made his way around the dirt arena. The bull chased anyone in its path, eventhrowing a sharp horn at the cameraman attempting to capture every harrowing moment. Finally, a cowboy on horseback rode out, swinging a rope high over his head. He caught the fierce animal around the horns, and led him back to the safety of the chutes.

The stadium fell silent.

Before the medic team rushed onto the dirt, Maeve and Oakleigh’s boots had already hit the metal staircase. Oakleigh arrived first, hitting her knees beside her injured cowboy. Maeve took Crew’s hand in hers while the medics worked.

The minutes ticked by before his bright blue eyes fluttered open, contrasting the purple bruises that were forming around them.

“Hey there, love,” he rasped, flashing his white grin that was noticeably now lacking a front tooth. “Did I do it?”

Oakleigh’s eyes filled with tears as she cried out in relief.

“Did you do what?”

“Eight seconds?” he asked, flipping his attention to Sawyer and Maeve.

Maeve looked to the judges huddled together, giving the footage of his ride a second glance.

With a thumbs up, Crew’s name flashed across the bright arena screens. The cheers rose as they replayed his successful ride from every angle.

“I can’t believe it,” Sawyer exclaimed. Pushing up the brim of his hat, he pulled his fingers across his brow.

Maeve’s proud smile traveled all the way to the corners of her eyes. “You did it, son,”

“I did?” Crew propped himself on his elbows with a groan. “I’m okay, help me up.”

The medics lifted the cowboy to his feet, and a roar of applause from his devoted fans echoed through the stadium.

“How bout we give it up for Crew Beckett,” the announcer called out through the speakers.

“I did it!” Crew shouted, bringing Oakleigh close, intending to plant a long kiss on her lips.

“Oh — love?” Oakleigh winced. Pulling away, she wrapped her arms tightly around his middle. “Not until we get this taken care of,” she said, gesturing to his battered face.

He grinned again, showing off his toothless smile.

“I love you,” she whispered. “And I’m so proud of you.”

Crew limped off the arena dirt with the Callaway Ranch team by his side.

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