Page 92 of My Cowboy Freedom
“His mother hasn’t spoken to him since the night it happened.”
I swallowed my bitterness.
“In fact, you could say I’m all he has right now.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?” Sterling stood. “Say Skyler takes a job in Austin. Where’s he going to live? How’s he going to get around? There’s a ton of people and things that can get him into trouble in Austin. His temper’s a little hot. And he’s been inside since he was a kid. You think he’s ready for that?”
My mouth went dry. “Please.”
“Then let’s go over the rules again, all right?” He singsonged the words—as if he saw me the same way Lefty did. “While you’re here, you’ll work. You’ll attend worship, and you’ll have a certain amount of freedom. If you engage in any behavior I deem harmful to your health or emotional well-being, I will put a stop to it. And if I can’t, I’ll call in your family. And unfortunately, they will come and get you. If that happens you will lose any freedom you have.”
I glared at him.
He sighed, long and loud.
“I’m on your side.” He went to the liquor cabinet. “Whiskey?”
“No.”Hard to say through clenched teeth.
He rubbed his temple again before he poured himself a drink. “Christ, when is this headache going to let up?”
I didn’t know what to do with my hands so I clenched the arms of the chair.
“I only want what’s best for you.” He took a sip of whiskey and bared his teeth. “I want you to get past all this and come out healthy and happy with your family on the other side. That’s why you’re here. It’s not to escape your family.”
I found it irresistible to look out the window. Did my life at the Rocking C hang in the balance? Or did Sky’s?
Was the plan to pit us against each other? Or—
“Sky really needs his job,” I said.
“I’m aware of that.”
Through clenched teeth, I asked, “What’s that going to cost me?”
“Nothing, hardly anything at all. You go to the specialists your parents picked out in Austin, and you keep things with Skyler professional.”
“And what? He keeps his job?”
“I’ll give him a raise.” He grinned, like that was a joke. Of course he could be bountiful too. He could afford it.
“Okay. Only if he drives me to my appointments.” We could be alone for hours. And what the boss didn’t know—
“No.”
“Why not?” My knuckles paled against the dark fabric.
“The deal is predicated on you avoiding Skyler from now on.”
“But—”
“That’s it. Take it or leave it.” Ah. There he goes. All in.
I’d never had a hand and we both knew it.
I needed time to think. My upper lip still tingled from Sky’s kiss.
