Page 27 of Eight Second Hearts

“She’s not staying in our hotel with us. For fuck’s sake?—”

“Ram, really. It’s okay,” I try again. “It’s not that bad.”

“Well, I’m here for it,” Beau says excitedly, patting the back seat. “Hop on in, little outsider?—”

“Put her back! Or so help me I—” Tripp snarls.

“Enough!” Ram growls, cutting everyone off. He holds the door open and gestures toward the truck. “Get in.”

I narrow my eyes on him. “You can’t just boss me around, Ram. I’m not one of your little club members— Hey!”

I don’t get a chance to finish what I’d been saying. One minute, I’m standing outside the truck, listening to them all argue. The next, Ram has his large arms around me and I’m up in the air. I shriek and grab at him, confused about why the fuck he’s picking me up right now. Still, despite his clear agitation, he’s gentle with me, careful not to hurt my hip worse than it already hurts. He sets me in the back seat of the truck.

“Ram!” I growl, but he slams the door on me. “What the actual fuck?” I try to open the door only to find it won’t open. I flip the lock and try again. Still nothing.

Ram hops in the passenger seat and slams the door. “Child lock. Keeps Beau from jumping out the truck while we’re moving.”

Beau grins sheepishly. “Yeah. I do that a lot.”

“This is bullshit,” I growl. “Unlock the door.”

“We don’t have time to run back to our hotel. We gotta be at the fairgrounds. You got everything you need?” he asks me.

I scowl at him. “This is ridiculous, Ram. Hell, this is kidnapping!”

“Good,” Ram says. “Think of us as your kidnappers then. Now be a good girl and sit back there and behave so we don’t have to tie you up.”

I clamp my lips shut, stunned, and glance at Beau as if he’ll help me.

“Don’t look at me,” he says with a grin. “I’d have kidnapped you days ago if they’d have let me.”

I scowl. “Where the fuck is Bilbo?” I could really use a cuddle right about now.

“Doggy day care,” Tripp snarls as he backs up the truck.

And somehow, despite the situation, the way he says those words makes me laugh. “He’s atwhat?”

Chapter 19

Indie

Ram was right. There was no time to go all the way to their hotel and then back to the fairgrounds. By the time we get there, the rodeo has already started, and Tripp is almost late for his ride. I don’t bother arguing with them this time as we get out. We all have a job to do, and though I’m mad about being essentially kidnapped, I’m not going to be the reason they don’t win their deserved prize pots. At least, that’s what I tell myself to distract from the numerous stares our way as I arrive with the Crimson Three.

Everyone takes notice. Every competitor. Every worker. Every journalist. They all look our way and take note that I stride in with them. The Crimson Three doesn’t do interviews, and they certainly don’t spend time with anyone besides each other. So I’m willing to bet everyone is wondering why the hell I’m walking in with them.

I’m careful not to walk too close to them, knowing they’ve got places to be and preparations to make. I’ve already held them up long enough.

“I’ll see you guys after,” I mumble.

“Ah, ah, ah,” Ram says, grabbing my sleeve when I try to leave them alone. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To the press box?” I say, confused. “Where else would I go?” He jerks his head to the prep area. “I’m not allowed back there.”

“You are if we say you are,” Ram counters.

Tripp scowls, but he doesn’t argue at least, clearly accepting that Ram is going to do what Ram wants to do. Of the three, he’s definitely the dad of the group more than anything else. Or at the very least, the big brother. What he decides, it’s hard to go against that.

I glance around, taking note of just how many people are watching Ram grab onto my sleeve. The rumors have already been flying, but this is certainly going to make them worse. Especially if they see me leave with them. “I don’t know if?—”

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