Page 15 of Buckled in Barbwire

It doesn’t faze Bianca. “Unfortunately, a certain bodyguard stepped in before I had the chance. Colton totally blocked me from the cock.”

“Good grief.” My palm meets my forehead as several gasps claim offense.

“Where are you?”

“The farmer’s market,” I mumble.

My friend cringes. “Yikes. You should’ve censored me several sentences ago.”

“It’s fine. Most of them have heard worse.”

Bianca nods knowingly. “What are you doing at the store? I thought Gemma and Ryder were still in town.”

“They are, but I decided to stop by… just because.”

“Since when would you rather be anywhere other than the barn?”

A huff sends stray hairs off my forehead. “Ask your brother. He’s the one determined to be enemies.”

“You’re avoiding him?”

“Hardly,” I scoff again. “This is just a quick reprieve.”

“Are you sure about that?”

My brave face slips. “Not really. This might be above my pay grade, Bee. The constant tension is maddening. I’ve considered moving my horses back to Crooked Tree.”

Her jaw unhinges on a gasp. “Sounds like you’re admitting defeat.”

“Which will only encourage him.”

“We can’t allow that. Brody might be predicable, but he’s also stubborn and competitive. If he gains even the tiniest sliver, he’ll want to command the entire board. He’s ruthless like that.”

A shiver trickles along my spine as an explicit memoryrushes forward to captivate me. I recall how furious green eyes glared at the mess in the hayloft. The bales that had been neatly stacked were now strewn about. Just one more calamity to add to the growing list.

Large hands gripped the twine and muscles flexed while each square was tossed back into formation. How would it feel to be hoisted that effortlessly? Or pinned to the wall by such brutal strength. Too bad that long-sleeve button-down was obstructing my view. The desire to rip open those pearl snaps and get a peek at what’s hidden underneath had nearly consumed me.

I lick my lips, suddenly parched. Are enemies allowed to exchange sexual benefits? Not asking for a friend…

“What’s that look for?” Bianca’s voice barges into my lustful musings of Brody.

The misplaced hunger in my lower belly has me squirming. “Hmm?”

“You’re flushed.” She circles the remaining evidence of my debauchery. “What’s on your mind?”

“It’s… uh, nothing. Just the summer heat. I’m burning up.”

She squints. “Mhmm, better cool off. I should get going anyway. Colton is glaring at me. He probably has to poop but doesn’t want to leave me unsupervised.”

“Charming.”

“Welcome to my paradise. I’ll talk to you soon. Stay strong, Lee.”

“Same to you, Bee.”

Our mutual giggles ring out as the call ends. I’m still laughing when my mother sidles up beside me. The smilethat curls her lips has mine pinching shut. A neon sign advertising sex is more subtle than this woman.

“Hello, daughter.” Mama nudges me when I remain silent. “How’s Bianca?”

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