Page 24 of Rival Heart
“Gimme a break. She’s a kid,” he snorts. “She thought she heard somebody scream but it was cut off and when she walked out the door, a car tore out of the parking spot next to your truck and her order is lying there all busted up.”
“Oh fuck! Her dad…”
“It’s not him. I’ve already called to talk to him and he’s fucking frantic. Doesn’t know what the hell happened.”
“And you believed him?” I snap, tearing through the house and grabbing my jeans, tugging them on, not even bothering with my fucking boxers. Then I tear a T-shirt over my head and sit down to pull on my boots.
“Dude, I’ve been a Sheriff for a long fucking time. He’s not lying. He’s really upset. I can tell.”
Dragging in a breath, I stop and think. “The only other person I can think of that she’s had a problem with is Jefferson.” My heart jumps into my throat when I think about that desperate look in his blue eyes. “I don’t know what’s going on but he’s desperate for money and Rebel is his biggest chance at a huge chunk of change. Find out where he is. I bet you anything that cocksucker has her. I’m gonna fucking kill him,” I growl under my breath.”
“How about you not tell the law enforcement officer that you’re planning to commit murder.”
“If he’s touched her…” I can’t even finish that thought. I close my eyes and leash the desperate need to find the asshole and beat the truth out of him.
“I’ll help you get in a hit or two, but the law will take care of the rest,” he says, the iron in his voice rock solid. He’s not gonna budge on this and I sigh and nod my head, forgetting that I’m on the phone.
“I want to hear you say that you won’t kill him, Jace. I’m not even sure your money can buy you out of murder.”
“You’d be surprised. Fine,” I huff. “But if he’s hurt her or…”
“I know where to bury a body. Just let me lead.”
I hang up the phone and grab my truck keys off the counter only to remember that she has my truck.
Now what?
I could call for a ride. But that will take too long. I stomp my way out to the stable and over to Rebel’s horse. I grab the bridle and quickly put it on him. “I need to get to Rebel, buddy. You think you can get me there as fast as possible. Get me to town so that we can find your mistress.”
The palomino nods his head and his muzzle bumps into my belly as I reach for a saddle. “I hope she’s alright too. I need to get to her so run like you’ve never run before.”
I swing up into the saddle and turn the reins, heading for the road into town. The wind pulls at my hat, and I crouch down lower over the straining horse’s neck. Dust bites at my face and I’m choking on it but I don’t give a damn. Just as long as I get to my girl. I close my eyes and pray under my breath. I need her more than I need anything else on this earth. My heart leaps in my chest and tears sting my eyes.
Fuck, what if something’s happened to her. I can’t go on without her this time. The hole in my heart will never mend. Might as well crawl into the earth with her.
We’re almost to town when a plume of dust leaving the road on the other side of town draws my eye. I don’t know why but my gut tells me that I need to follow, and I jerk the reins leading Raphael away from town. I’m not sure if I’m right or not but my heart is telling me that I need to follow it this time.
The horse and I race towards the vehicle and I fight to keep from losing all hope.
Surely, God wouldn’t take away my Reb just after I found her. No entity could be that cruel.
EIGHTEEN
Rebel
I clench my teeth,the pain in my head makes my stomach turn. I try to reach up to press against the pain, but I can’t lift my arms. My eyes fly open, and I strain against the bonds that wrap around my wrists. My gaze darts around the room and I swear under my breath.
That slimy son of a bitch!
As soon as I think about him, he pops up in front of me, his handsome face twisted and sweat popping out on his forehead.
“What the hell are you doing, Jefferson? Have you lost your mind? Let me go right now!”
He shakes his head and there’s a look in his eyes that I don’t like one bit. “I don’t think so, Rebel. I need this. Need you.”
“What idiotic plan do you have for this? You surely don’t think that you’re gonna be able to hold me here forever. I’m married. Eventually my hubby is going to find you and then he’s gonna kick your fucking ass.”
He shakes his head again and the smirk on his creepy lips makes me want to throw up. “I don’t think so. Jace Henry’s a pretty proud guy. If he thinks that his bride up and left the night after y’all got married, I can see him running out of town.”
