Page 47 of Wrangled Up

The growl of ATV engines made Christian’s head snap up. He dropped the shovel he was using to even out a bit of churned earth in the paddock and started toward the sound.

There was no reason he should feel alarm bells gonging in his mind, but he was on high alert. Lengthening his strides, he looked around for Claire. She was several yards away, doting on Boom Boom. The animal preened under the brush Claire was using, extending its neck like a cat rubbed a palm.

Don’t blame you a bit, Boom Boom.

Claire looked up as he approached. A smile graced her lips even as a worry line took up residence between her long brows. “What is that? Hunters?”

“Nah, too early.” He had a gut instinct about who was coming right for the house, but he didn’t want to frighten her. If only she were working at the diner today, but dammit, she had wrangled another day off. The last time Tucker’s relatives had shown up uninvited, Claire had been on edge for days.

Christian would keep by her and make sure they didn’t bring her distress.

The black vehicles popped over the ridge like two hounds of hell. Christian scuffed a hand through the perspiration by his ear. “Come on, you sons of a bitches,” he said under his breath.

He walked out to meet the riders. Sure enough, it was Tucker’s uncle and cousin. They rode top-of-the-line ATVs, tricked out with winches and warm seats, shovels strapped to the back. Why they were carrying shovels was anyone’s guess.

Leon stopped abruptly and cut the engine of his four-wheeler.

Christian lowered his head and gave him a long, assessing look. Tucker’s cousin drew up beside his father and turned off the engine too.

“What can I help you gentlemen with this evening?”

Leon’s false grin widened. “A man who gets right to the point. I admire that, son.”

“I’m not your son.”

The smile turned wolfish. “I see I’m up against a loyal recruit of Tucker’s.”

Christian might have been forced into taking over the ranch for Tucker, but now he couldn’t imagine getting up in the morning and not going out to take care of the animals.

“What do you need?” Christian asked.

“Had word from Tucker the other day,” Dale said.

Christian’s heart dropped to the pit of his stomach at the news. So Tucker couldn’t accept his or Claire’s calls, but he got in touch with these assholes?

From behind him, he felt Claire drift forward to stand at the fence corralling Boom Boom. He didn’t want to turn and see her expression.

“Yeah?” Christian tried to keep his tone nonchalant, but his heart was about to slam out of his chest. It beat heavily in his ears.

Leon stared at him. Did he detect the pitch and heave of Christian’s emotions? He felt as ifhe was riding a sharp wave down into blackened waters, never to resurface.

“Tucker and I have unfinished business. He left before he could sign a contract, and that bit of ink is holding up a large sum of money, which should have long ago been deposited into my bank account.”

“Mister, I don’t know anything about your money troubles. I’m here as a ranch hand until Tucker returns. Nothing more.” His gritty tone betrayed him.

Leon’s eyes sparked. “Are you able to get in touch with Tucker?”

“No,” Claire answered before Christian could.

Dale turned his lascivious gaze on Claire. His lip curled as he took in her curves and beauty. Christian’s muscles hardened, ready to pounce.One word. Say one motherfucking word to her that’s out of line, and I’ll smash your teeth down your throat.

Christian shifted, trying to shield her from the guy’s view, but it was no good. He heard Claire’s boots hit the ground right behind him, indicating that she’d jumped the fence and stood in the yard with him.

“You’re operating this ranch without direction from the owner?” Leon pushed.

“We’ve got plenty of experience,” Christian challenged, though it was a total lie. “And when Tucker left, he gave us instruction. Look, we don’t want trouble. Whatever bone you’re fighting over with Tucker’s got nothing to do with us.”

Leon folded his arms. “You ever hear of a little company called Bradley Coal?”

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