Page 36 of Buckled in Barbwire

Meanwhile, Brody looks bored while I fight tears. “Contrary to what you think, I’m not a total monster. I’llonly consider reputable buyers who treat their herd like royalty.”

My brain scrambles as I try to quickly calculate how much money I have to my name. “I’ll take her.”

“Doubt you can afford the asking price,” he deadpans. “Unless…”

When his pause hangs in the balance, I roll my wrist to spur him on. “Good grief, spit it out and put me out of my misery.”

“Marry me,” he drawls.

It feels like all the air is sucked from my lungs. “Excuse me?” I wheeze.

“Forget the fake dating. Agree to be my wife and the mare stays put.”

Clarity slams into me while I stare at him. I barely recognize this man looming over me like a vengeful rival. His judgment is clouded by the desperation to rule his cowboy kingdom. Or I’ve given him more grace than he ever deserved.

“Holy shit.” I lift a shaky hand to my lips. “You’re using Echo as a bargaining chip?”

Brody’s face resembles a stony mask, reflecting indifference and ruthless determination. “If that’s what you’d like to call it. Doesn’t matter to me. I just need a bribed bride to secure the business.”

A hot lash strikes against my chest and I rub at the burn. I’m not sure how I didn’t catch on sooner. This man’s main currency is ulterior motives. My bottom lip wobbles when I ask, “Do you feel good about yourself?”

“As I’ve already said, I’ll do what’s necessary to guarantee that Benson Farmstead is mine.”

“You’re actually willing to sell your soul?” I slap a palm against his chest that might as well be an icy rock. “This horse is your mother’s trusted partner. She meant more to her than money or getting ahead. You should preserve every piece of her memory. They can’t be replaced. Hold those treasures tight. Don’t sell them off for the sake of a business transaction.”

“Lovely speech. I told you at the beginning that this deal would cost me.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “What’s your decision?”

My jaw hangs loose on a hollow whistle. “You can’t do this.”

“Trust me when I tell you that I can,” he challenges.

“But it’s blackmail, or coercion.” I’m not sure which one is correct for this crime he’s trying to commit.

His jaw clenches. “And?”

“It’s wrong to put me in this position.”

“Tell that to my father,” he mutters. “Trust me, this isn’t how I would choose to do things.”

“Then why are you going along with it? You can refuse.”

Brody’s exhale is weary, sinking down to his bones. “Dad won’t see reason.”

“Must run in the family.”

“Clever.” He tugs at the cuffs of his Western shirt. The long sleeves are almost appropriate for the weather as autumn creeps closer. “I’m just following through on what’s required of me. That’s the way business goes.”

“But this isn’t some simple transaction. You’re asking me to forfeit my beliefs in what marriage represents. I want my vows to be real.”

“Which is why I’ve added more incentive for you tooverlook that moral high ground.” A pinch tightens the space between his brows.

“No, she’s not yours to sell. Please reconsider. Your mother loved this horse.” My voice borders on a plea.

“Why does everyone insist on giving me too much credit?” He rephrases my earlier thoughts too precisely. “It turns out that I’m not the good guy. The sooner you realize that, the faster we can finalize our arrangement.”

“I’ll never agree to your terms.” I tug on the reins until Echo is shielded behind me. “Once Bianca and your father hear about this, you’ll be rethinking your strategy real quick.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Twinkles.”

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