Page 78 of Buckled in Barbwire

The bartender falters, eyes bulging at the money on the counter. “I can’t close early.”

“You can, and will. Now,” I demand.

“What are you doing?” Paisley whispers.

My gaze heats on hers. “Getting you alone.”

“We can go somewhere else, like the park. That’ll cost less.”

I shake my head. “You chose to come here. This is where we’ll stay.”

My wife quirks a brow. “We? I asked for space, husband.”

“Want me to leave?” If she does, I’m not sure I can follow through.

“It’s for the best,” she murmurs.

“I dunno, Lee.” Bianca’s gaze shifts from her friend to me. “My brother is ruffled and riled. He might’ve caught real feelings. Damn, this is getting juicy.”

Paisley exhales a laugh as my sister resumes chomping on popcorn. Her eyes flick over me before she turns to the guy behind the counter. “Can you help us out, Ty?”

He gulps. “Uh, well… three servers and another bartender will be on the clock soon. Cooks are in the kitchen. The dinner shift starts in an hour.”

“Let me worry about them.” I push the cash toward him.

He nods and cups a palm around his mouth. “Everybody out! The Paddock is reserved for a private event starting now.”

A collective grumble rises from the crowd when they lose their free ticket to the shambles of my wedded bliss. Most are quick to exit, tossing a last look over their shoulder. Others drag their feet as if caught in mud on their way out. While waiting for the room to empty, I text the owner about my plans. He assures me that his staff won’t be an issue. The sound of pots and pans clanging from the back suggests a quick cleanup.

“Getting rid of the riffraff just to have a conversationwith your fake wife. Well played, brother.” Bianca makes no move to get off her stool.

“That includes you, Bee.”

Her mouth pops open. “You’re giving me the boot?”

“Take Colton with you.” I hitch a thumb at the man hovering on the sidelines, more than ready to whisk her away.

My sister wrinkles her nose. “I’d rather be saddled in secrets and spend eternity alone.”

Colt strides forward and sets her confiscated phone on the bar. “This belongs to you.”

Steam practically spews from her ears. “You’re such a twat waffle.”

“Just did what I was told.” His stoic expression doesn’t falter and demands respect.

Bianca has a very different reaction, shoving him away from her personal space. “Now I’m telling you to get lost. Permanently.”

He backs up but doesn’t leave her side. “Let’s go, princess.”

She gnashes her teeth. “You’re off duty, Colt. Go hound someone else.”

“Only care about hounding you,” he mumbles.

Bianca gives him a cold shoulder, turning her attention to Paisley. “I’m going to rip him a new one. Can you handle Brody on your own?”

My sparkly cowgirl rolls her lips between her teeth, gaze roaming over the determination in my wide stance. “Mhmm, he’s all mine.”

The rumble brewing in my chest makes my sister retch. “Ick, that sounds sexual.”

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