Page 108 of Stockman's Stormcloud

‘Like Sophie was over Bree—I was jealous that you were always in Mum’s good books.’

‘What the hell for?’ Ryder scoffed.

‘I always copped thewhy can’t you be like Ryderspeech. And, you seemed to have it so good as a kid. It’s why I’m always challenging you, arguing with you.’ Why did this feel like his last confession?

Ryder arched an eyebrow. ‘You do realise that, as a kid, I was chief bottle scrubber and babysitter? I had to grow up so fast, to help our parents look after six kids, I never had time to be a kid. Back then I thought you had it better, being allowed to goof off in the junkyard and race cars and play like a kid. But you know what? Even now, as an adult, you’re the one who has it all, mate.’

‘Me?’

‘And Ash, Cap, and Jonathan,’ continued Ryder. ‘You’ve all got your acts together and are settling down. Jonathan has his partner and his own station. Ash practically grew up overnight, finally taking responsibility for himself to become a good father for Mason. With Harper’s help, Ash is growinginto a man with a big future, with his little family unit to support him. Cap has Mia, where they are so in sync with each other I don’t know how that pair ever existed apart.’

‘I know, it’s freaky. They’re as weird as each other.’

‘But they’re good for each other, and they do a lot of good together. Like Sophie is good for you.’

‘You think so?’

‘Sophie calms you down, and it’s good that you’re now seeing the bigger picture beyond that next fight.’

That was true. He just hadn’t realised that Ryder had noticed. ‘I’ve asked Sophie to stay. Are you going to be okay with that?’ Because Ryder had issues with both Harper and Mia, giving them the big brother talk.

‘Will Sophie be okay with Bree?’

‘Sophie said they’ve come to some sort of truce. Bree even gave Sophie a friendship bracelet or something.’ He shrugged.

Ryder gave another rare deep chuckle. ‘That woman is full of surprises.’ He then sobered up to give a quick scout through the window, before pulling out a handgun from under the passenger seat. He checked the gun’s clip and tucked it into the back of his belt under his shirt.

‘What are you doing?’

‘It might be just a fistfight, but I’m not taking any chances.’

‘Do Marcus and Finn know you’re packing?’

‘It was Marcus who suggested I gear up, in case they needed the backup. I am licensed to carry a concealed weapon.’

‘Where are the cops?’

‘Not far. But, as you know, if Marcus gets too close, he’ll spook the crowd. He’s only got a small crew to back him up, and none of them have been in a gunfight. Wait, I think Porter has.’

‘You?’

‘I was in far too many when I wore the uniform.’

It was rare for Ryder to mention anything about his time inthe military.

‘And who knows what Finn has? He’s strictly a need-to-know operative.’

‘What do you think of Finn?’

There was a tap on the driver’s window. It was Finn. ‘Are you chickening out?’

‘No.’ Dex scowled at Bree’s husband, who looked like someone who’d run a cartel. ‘I’m ready.’ Dex got out and grabbed his fight kit from the back tray, then locked up the ute.

‘Good. Get your game faces on, fellas, your rustlers are here.’

‘Where?’

‘Bree spotted Harry and Marla. They were arguing over him spending all their cash to fight you.’

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