Page 28 of Property of Rio

In fact, he now has gloves pulled on his hands and moves to take the piece of skin away to put into the glass cylinder alongside his former manhood. Four has once again passed out from the excruciating pain, which will make this next part a little bit easier.

“I’ll do this one,” I state. “Get him down and tethered onto the table in case he comes to.”

The brothers quickly lower him then release the chains before putting him on the table. He’s strapped down so his head is in a slight dip since this isn’t our first dance with beheading an enemy. A basket is underneath with a bag already inside as BamBam hands me the mini bone saw. We used to use chainsaws until Doc got his hands on a medical grade bone saw. Muchmucheasier to handle.

“See you in Hell, motherfucker,” I intone as I start the bone saw and slide it through his neck at the area Doc previously advised was easiest to go through and in less than five minutes, Four’s ugly mug is in the basket, Doc is cauterizing the neck wound to keep the blood from pouring from the beheading, and BamBam and Gopher are cleaning up the tools used.

“Let’s get his body wrapped up and into the trailer I’m taking with Gage’s,” Riptide instructs. “They’re going in the hidden compartments.”

“What about the parts?” Abyss asks.

“Eh, we’re putting that cylinder in a nice cardboard box that’s gonna sit on the passenger floorboard,” Riptide replies. Ballsyfucker isn’t worried about the law pulling him over and checking out the contents sitting on the passenger side.

I grab a shower in my room at the clubhouse, then Mongrel gathers all of our clothes which are now part of the roaring bonfire that’s blazing out back. With a fresh bottle of beer in hand, I sit around with my brothers, glad that this issue is technically resolved.

Granted, the Mojave Devils might try to strike back and take out what we did with Four on the other clubs interconnected to us, but Riptide’s already on notice and well-aware of the situation, and I’ll reach out to the New Mexico and Arizona chapters and apprise them so they can be aware as well.

Who knows? Maybe they’re already dealing with some of their shit that they haven’t put on notice. Still, I have a gut feeling they might still try and cause a problem for our chapter in specific, so I’ll make sure Pokey puts things in place to monitor their ongoing movements. Can’t trust a snake is dead unless you chop its head off and from what I’ve learned in regard to the Devils, they’re the same way. They may come at us to avenge one of their higher up members, but we’ll be ready for them.

Tonight, though, is about enjoying the last few hours of Riptide’s visit before I slip into bed next to my ol’ lady. Hopefully, that’ll happen sooner rather than later.

SIXTEEN

Isla

“C’mon, Stargazer, you can do this, girl,” I chant under my breath as we race around the track. Since Doc finally gave me the go-ahead to train again, I’m running Gazer through the barrels that Rafe has set up all year just for me.

“Luis has been working her for you,” Pancho tells me as I cool her down with a light trot. “He’s about the same weight as you, and I know you’ve got rodeos coming up. So, while you healed, he’s been running the barrels to keep her in shape and active.”

Another reason for me to adore the ranch hands here. They’ve ensured that my girl will be prepared when we head out in a few weeks to race. “Thanks, Pancho. I’ve been a bit worried that she wouldn’t be ready.”

“I also started adding to her feed and gave her some fatty food for the calories to keep her from losing weight during all the practices. The vet’s been out and given her a clean bill of health, and the farrier did her hooves last week.”

I grin, because all of these things were on my list to ramp up so that Stargazer is in peak physical health. “Y’all take good care of my girls,” I reply. “I need to figure out which routine to do with Starlight this time that’s a bit different than the last one. I do like the music, so I don’t think I’ll change it. What do you think, Pancho?”

“What if you use the one from two years ago?” he suggests. “It was popular with the judges and audience. Maybe tweak a few things, play the same music.”

“That might work,” I muse. “We’ve got the routine on video, so I’ll start watching it in order to get ready. Right now, I’m going to head back to the house unless you need me for something.”

“No, I’ve got it from here,” Pancho says, taking Stargazer’s reins.

“Don’t forget her apples,” I tease since he’s the one who helped spoil both of my horses with the treat.

“As if,” he scoffs, grinning at me. “Just got in two new bushels of what’s in season.”

I giggle. “Of course, you did. I think y’all spoil all the horses more than I spoil these two.”

“We’ve got the best lineage in the country,” he brags. “Part of that is how we care for them. Did you know all the mares are expecting? Gonna be a banner year for the ranch since most are already spoken for.”

“Can’t wait to help train them. I bet there’ll be some rodeo champions,” I say. “Gotta earn my keep somehow around here.”

Pancho chuckles as he shakes his head. “As if Rio would let you go. You’re one of the best advertisements for the ranch we’ve got, Issy. Starlight’s past race record, as well as how well Stargazer iscontinuing to do, ensures that the Triple R stays on everyone’s mind when they’re looking to expand their stock.”

Shrugging, I tell him, “But, if Paps hadn’t gotten me started all those years ago, I wouldn’t be where I am now. So, it’s a win-win, I guess.”

“Go on up to the house, Issy. I’m sure Constance has lunch ready by now,” Pancho instructs. “You might have the okay from Doc to resume normal activities, but you still need to take it easy.”

I perk up at his words because now Rafe can’t find any valid excuses and put me off any longer about taking our relationship to the next level. I mean, I’m not complaining about the heavy kissing sessions, but I’m to the point I feel like I’m going to explode if I have to wait much longer. With a new plan in mind, seduction in my head, with a skip in my step I jog toward the big house to eat, get cleaned up, maybe rest a bit, so I can seduce my man.

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