Page 10 of Seized by the Lawman

“I can’t wait to hear why he’s here.” Melly pointed a finger at Nix.

“He’ll be partnering with you to show you the ropes of running Shy Brooke. Consider this a trial period and if after a month Cade sees that you’re ready we’ll go on with signing over the land. I’m sure you’ll want to get this started as soon as possible.”

The air crackled. She sat up quick, her hands holding the arms of the chair so tight Nix could see the white of her knuckles under her skin. “What? This wasn’t part of the deal,” she seethed.

Carson eased back into the leather of the chair, steepled his fingers, and looked at his daughter over the tips. “If you’d see things from my point of view, you’d understand.”

Melly jumped up and took the few steps to lean over his desk, planting her palms into the wood. From Nix’s standpoint he’d never seen anyone brave enough to stand up to Carson like this. Anyone else who would have taken this stance would have been knocked into yesterday, but what Nix could see caught him off guard. Carson loved his daughter, obviously. There was a new gentleness to his face, an expression that didn’t show up often on a man of his caliber. This made the scheme seem a little less crazy and more sympathetic. In fact, Nix saw a little bit of his mother, Beatrice Cade, in the man. She came off as suffocating at times, but in her mind, she was acting out of a caring position. It appeared Nix and Melly had even more in common through their parents.

“What I understand is that you’re using the ranch as leverage to get me to do what you want me to do. That’s unfair and underhanded. I wish you’d see my point.”

Carson leaned in and dropped his hands. “I don’t try and stop you from doing what you wish to do. Since you were a teen you’ve never listened to me. But in this, whether you see it or not, I’m looking out for your best interest. Your legacy. The ranch will be handed down from generation to generation, just as your mother wished. A young woman who wants to be a reality star and still can’t pick a good man is a risk.” Once he said the words it was clear he realized he’d made a mistake. “Melly—”

Too late. She pulled back. “No, Dad. Don’t explain. I’m your daughter and I’m a risk. I’ve always been a risk to you.” She folded her arms over her waist and Nix could see a slight tremble in her bottom lip. “That’s why you stopped coming to see me, and Mom, when she was alive. I was nothing more than a bastard child born to your mistress.”

He heard the tears in her voice and Nix wondered if she’d cry, but when she took a step back, turning so he could see her face, he saw the stubborn tilt of her jaw and realized she wasn’t about to let emotions become visible.

“That’s not true.” Carson stood so fast that the chair bounced off the wall. “There’s more to the story than you’ll ever know.”

“I’m sure there is,” she muttered. “You cheated both my moms. And now you’re trying to cheat me.”

“I’ve always wanted you to take over Shy Brooke. That’s why Patty and I moved there, to keep you where you belong. No one forced you to leave the ranch.”

At the emotion of it all, Melly dropped her arms to her sides, and her shoulders slumped. Nix almost felt sorry for her because he could read the frustration in her body language. “I left because I wanted away from you,” she said softly.

Something flashed across Carson’s face, but it didn’t last long. “Say what you will, but this isn’t up for debate.”

“You’ve already made your mind up so why bother trying to convince you of anything else.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Here’s your chance. It’s only one month, Melly. Cade will be alongside you, helping, and once he gives me the thumbs up that things are running smoothly, I’ll sign over the ranch without another word.”

“But what if I fail?” she asked. “I mean, you do believe I will.”

“Then I’m going to sell the ranch, get the most financial gain and give you the money. At least this way I know you’ll have a cushion once I’m—” He stopped and swiped a hand down his cheek. It didn’t take him long to recover. “I’m sorry.”

Nix stared as a pale Melly sat back down, her hands clasped in her lap. “Then tell me what you want me to do. At this point, I’ll show you how strong and capable I am at running Shy Brooke.”

Nix’s temples throbbed as he listened to Carson list his expectations. Melly sat quietly, then she stood and faced Nix, looking down at him with a blank expression. “Are you coming?”

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