Page 64 of Some Cowboys Fight for Love

No, upon closer inspection, the man actually looked worried.

“I knew it,” Daniel said. “Something’s going on, isn’t it?”

His friend lifted a shoulder. He glanced into the building briefly before giving Daniel a little shove farther out into the cold. They both leaned against the railing for a few moments as Mateo seemed to gather his thoughts.

Daniel grew restless. His whole body itched to march right back into that room, clock Cayden into unconsciousness, and then throw Aria’s body over his shoulder so he could whisk her to safety.

A sigh burst from Mateo’s mouth, white puff clouds spilling from his lips. He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not going to tell you that the guy isn’t bad news—because clearly he is. I wish I knew what it was that I hate so much about him.”

“Maybe it’s the fact that your cousin looks like death warmed over whenever you see her,” Daniel said.

Mateo shot him a flat look. “Aria has the right to choose what she wants for herself.”

“And if she was choosing to waste away until she was a whisp of nothing? You’re telling me you wouldn’t intervene and take her to get help?”

“That’s different.”

“Is it, though? She sure looks like she’s not taking care of herself. You can’t tell me that you don’t see it.”

Mateo turned to face him, an edge to his voice. “Of course I do. No one knows better than me what she’s gone through in her life.” He was referring to the abuse her father had rained down on their family—probably keeping it vague in case Aria hadn’t shared that part of her life with him.

“Yeah, well, there are more than two ways to skin a dog.”

Mateo made a face. “Geez, dude. Don’t say it like that. I’m pretty sure the saying is about a cat.”

“Whatever.” Daniel flung a hand in the air and turned toward the property that stretched out behind the club. “But you know what I mean. Just because she’s not getting physically roughed up doesn’t mean he’s not doing something as heinous. Have you managed to talk to her about it?”

“And what would I say?” Mateo scoffed.

“You could tell her she’s not looking too good. Drill her and find out what it is he’s holding over her head.Anything!” He sent a withering look in Mateo’s direction. “What if yoursisterwas dating a monster and started looking?—”

“Don’t even finish that sentence. She’s family, Daniel. All I can do is sit back and wait until I figure out what he’s up to.”

Daniel groaned and threw his head back with frustration. “Clearly, he’s up to something. Just because Aria won’t talk about it doesn’t mean?—”

“Is this about the way things ended with the two of you? I know you’re hurting after she broke up with you?—”

“She didn’t break up with me,” Daniel insisted.

Why did Mateo have to look at him like he’d lost his mind?

Daniel could have said he wasn’t sure they were even together, but that would only make the situation worse. Mateo wouldn’t understand the connection Daniel had developed with Aria from the very beginning.

He worked his jaw, gritting it harder with each passing second. “We… I… something happened after Cayden showed up. She changed.” He pointed at the open doorway. “You can’t tell me she’s the same person you left here when you went to Georgia.”

Mateo looked away. That was all Daniel needed to confirm what he was saying was the truth. No one thought this relationship she had with Cayden was a good idea. The problem was no one would do anything about it.

A heavy sigh burst from Daniel’s lips and he dragged a hand down his face. “Please,” he whispered. “We can’t let him suck the life out of her.”

“I’m sorry, man. There’s nothing I can?—”

Something like a growl escaped Daniel’s throat as he pushed past his friend with a vengeance. If her own family wasn’t willing to help her out of the mess she’d put herself into, then he’d have to figure out a way to do it himself.

It was clear he wouldn’t be able to get her alone while they were at the country club. He’d have to ambush her after their date. Chances were slim that she’d be alone for long, so he’d have to time his move right.

The cold fromthe fall night air bit into his skin, seeping deep into his bones. The numbing effect it had on his body was a welcome distraction to the ache that had become rooted in his chest.

Daniel rubbed at the spot, wondering if it would ever start to feel normal again. Something told him that even if Aria wanted him back, he’d be scarred by this experience. No amount of joy would completely erase this feeling of loss he’d endured since Cayden had come to town.

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