Page 40 of Destry

“Good.” I hooked a finger under her chin, making her look at me. “Then just take the damn gift, Rebel. The horse is yours and you’re mine. I consider that a decent trade but I’m the one who came up.”

She bit her lip, but her eyes were softer now. I ran my hand down her thigh, squeezing lightly. “You deserve it.”

She searched my face for a moment, like she was trying to figure out what to do with me, then finally sighed. “Thank you.”

I grinned. “You’re welcome.”

I pulled her closer, letting the quiet of the barn settle around us. She shifted against me, her arms still around my neck and her knees pressed into the hay on either side of my thighs.

I leaned back slightly, resting my hands on her hips, watching her carefully. Her eyes were serious but her expression was a little hesitant, like she was sorting through something in her head. “This feels serious.”

I nodded, brushing my thumb over her hip bone. “That’s because it is.”

She swallowed and her fingers moved over my shoulders, like she needed something to focus on. “I wasn’t expecting this.”

“Me either but I’m not mad at it.”

She nodded. “So what does this mean?”

I smirked, tipping my head. “What do you want it to mean?”

“That’s not fair. I asked first.”

I tugged her a little closer, my fingers pressing into the small of her back. “I don’t play games, Rebel. If I’m with you, I’m with youandI want to be with you.”

She stared at me, studying my face like she was trying to find a catch or a way out, but there wouldn’t be one. I was so fucking serious about this and us.

“I know you’re used to doing things your way, and I damn sure got my own ways too, but I’m here. If you want this, I’m all in.”

She nodded. “Okay,” she said softly.

I tilted my head. “Okay?”

She smiled. “Yeah. Okay.”

“That mean I get to call you mine now?”

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “I don’t know. Do I get to call you mine?”

“I thought that was already understood.” I smirked, letting my hands drift lower. “But if I need to convince you…”

“You say that like I didn’t just agree to it.”

“You did and I guess that means you’re stuck with me now.”

“I should’ve thought this through more.”

I grinned. “Too late.”

She arched a brow, tilting her head slightly. “What if I change my mind?”

“You won’t.”

She squinted, pretending to consider it. “I don’t know...”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You could try to run, but we both know you wouldn’t get very far.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re awfully cocky, cowboy.”

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